Mars Retrograde 2001

On May 11, 2001, Mars reaches his retrograde station, in preparation for a period of retrograde motion which will last until July 18th. On top of that, the effects of the retrograde period will continue to be felt until he returns in direct motion on September 6 to the degree where he first made his station.

Mars turns retrograde only once every two years and two months, but the effects of each period differ, according to the sign in which it happens (see box for Mars Retrograde 2001).

A planet is described as retrograde when it appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac.

This traditional concept arises in the illusory planetary motion created by the orbital rotation of the earth, with relation to other planets in our solar system. Planets are never actually retrograde or stationary, they just seem that way, due to this illusion.

Retrograde periods, although often problematic for us earthlings, are not particularly uncommon. Each planet retrogrades, except the Sun and Moon.

Fated Events

As a rule, retrograde planets presage a period of seemingly inevitable or fated events, which relate to their sphere of influence. They present us with a series of events over which we seem to have little or no control, relating especially to the sign in which the retrogradation occurs. For example, Mars retrograde in Aries presents quite different sets of circumstances from those generated when he retrogrades into Pisces.

A retrograde period is best seen as a cycle, beginning when the planet begins to slow to a halt before travelling backwards through the zodiac and ending when the planet returns to the point where it first paused. However, during the cycle, the planet's energy is most powerful (and more likely to generate critical events of universal importance) when the planet makes a station, appearing motionless in the sky. These stationary periods occur at the beginning of the cycle (when the planet first halts as it prepares to move backwards) and midway through the cycle when the retrograde planet slows to a stop before moving forward again.

What does Mars affect?

In general, Mars, the god of warriors, rules physical energy and efforts. His placement in your chart expresses the strength and direction of the physical force that drives your ego. Mars fires your emotions, but also powers your mental endeavours and communicative skills.

Mars describes male relationships and associations, risk-taking inclinations, and the physical challenges you are likely to encounter. Well-placed, Mars endows powerful energy and an indomitable will to succeed, but when poorly placed can mean accidents, injuries, warfare or other forms of violence, according to the inclinations of the sign and house concerned.

Mars retrograde gives rise to introspection; depression and self-assessment; relationship conflicts; major rethinks and reorientation of current projects are also often required.

When Mars is retrograde, everyone's thinking is more introspective and we tend to think about issues and concerns which relate to the sign involved. With Mars retrograde in Sagittarius, people with Sun in Sagittarius, or Sagittarius rising, will be especially prone to such introspection. There is little choice but to reconsider personal views and opinions about life, for it presents an opportunity to gain insight into unconscious motivations.

Mars retro in Sagittarius generates a confused emotional state, placing those most affected at the mercy of the environment. Enthusiasm and inspiration seem muted. Spurred on by the excitement of a given moment, the urge to act quickly and decisively must be controlled, for Mars retrograde adds an element of fate to the mix, which must be factored in. Do not fall for the temptation to lose interest and head off in a different direction, leaving others to finish your work.

The need to develop patience and organization is emphasised, so you must be cautious under this aspect that the facts do not become disconnected and you wind up repeating yourself. You will accomplish more if given a certain amount of latitude and independence in which to perform your tasks. Talents and skills need a good push to get started under this transit, so artists, clerics, academics, publishers and those in legal or cultural occupations, such as publishing, need to be extra careful. The temptation to engage in risky activities is strong and such adventures, especially if undertaken for the sake of showing off or proving oneself, must be controlled.