Mars retrograde in Leo: Enough Already?

A funny thing about goals, especially when associated with New Years resolutions is that they generally involve the replacement of an old habit with a new one- and that, by definition, is a difficult thing to do. The reason habits are habits is because they become easy and familiar and comforting. The thing about new habits is that they usually aren’t. The other thing about new habits is that we actually have to do them over and over and flipping over in order to make a change...but I’m sure you know that. Another thing about new habits is that you need to be motivated to stick to it...and motivation is Mars’ territory.

Mars has taken up residence in Leo for 6 months this stay, including the retrograde period. With all due respect to Leo, this is a fixed sign, and fixed signs by their very nature don’t tend to like change unless there is an extremely good reason for making that change. Mars in Leo has a lot of pride and likes to look good and be seen to succeed. Mars in Leo doesn’t really like to go out on a limb for something new unless the chances of success are pretty good.

All of us in some way have been feeling this frustration- whether directly or indirectly through those who have been directly impacted. Mars ruled signs (Aries and Scorpio), in particular, have been having a rough time, but also Fire signs in general with this transit. Also heavily frustrated have been people with a lot of planets in the 1^st house, ie a strong Aries signature to the chart. Mars’ retrograde period has supposedly been an opportunity to look closely at where we invest our energy, what our motivations and drivers are, and where our passions really lie. This whole transit has been giving us a chance to think about what (or who) we want.

Mars natural mode of progress is fast and forward, so all this backwards and slowing down stuff just breeds annoyance. Tempers are welling up, and we just want to get things started. Whilst the last few months (in my workplace at least) has been about “hurry up and wait”, people are now getting tetchy and restless for something to happen- anything that might indicate some action. There have certainly been times over the last week or so when I have been sorely tempted to hurl my shoe through the air. Discussions with friends have revealed similar stories. We have an idea that we know the answers to the questions that Mars has asked and now we just want to get on with it.

Mars in Leo is all about me, and you know what? Even this little fishie has had enough already. Mars will now hang around the 1^st degree of Leo for the next few weeks, but does start to move forward again from March 10- and I know many astrologers who are counting down to this. Real initiative probably won’t start back up until Mars gets off his butt and moves out of the 1^st degree in Leo- and that won’t be until 22 March, coincidentally making an exact trine to the Sun in go for it Aries. Until then try your best to keep a lid on your temper wherever possible and (in my case) keep your shoes firmly on your feet.