Mars Retrograde And What It Means For Each Zodiac Sign (12/6 – 2/23)

Your legs feel like lead. Just thinking about the gym is exhausting. You’ve been waiting all year for the holidays, and now you can barely manage to eat a cookie, let alone bake one. The weird thing is you’re not depressed, you just have zero mojo. So, what’s the deal?

Mars is retrograde — that’s the deal. The planet of energy, passion, and action is taking a break from December 6, 2024, to February 23, 2025. When Mars steps back, so do we. It’s like running a marathon in cosmic quicksand. 

Mars retrograde isn’t your run-of-the-mill Mercury retrograde. Sure, Mercury’s miscommunications and tech hiccups are annoying, but we’ve learned to roll with them since they come around three times a year. Mars retrograde, on the other hand, only happens once every two years. It lasts longer and hits differently. Mars is the planet that pushes us to act, chase our goals, and take risks. It’s the spark that lights the fire under your dreams. When it’s in retrograde, though, that fire is reduced to barely a flicker.

Mars rules Aries and co-rules Scorpio, so its retrograde vibes hit hardest for people with these signs prominent in their charts. Normally, Mars is all about bold moves and taking charge, but when it’s retrograde, it’s more of a cosmic nap. Instead of charging forward, it’s a time to slow down, reflect, and reassess. Think of it as a chance to declutter your life—not just physically, but emotionally and energetically too. Mars rules knives, so this is literally about cutting things out! Be cautious with sharp objects, fire, or impulsive decisions – they’re not your friend during this time.

This particular retrograde kicks off in Leo, revisiting themes around creativity, joy, and self-expression. The stuff that used to get you out of bed in the morning might not spark the same enthusiasm, urging you to figure out what truly fulfills you. By January 6, Mars moves back into Cancer, shifting focus to family, emotional security, and self-care. This period could stir up some deep feelings, but it’s a great opportunity to nurture yourself and strengthen connections with loved ones.

From December 6 to December 15, we’ll also have Mercury retrograde overlapping Mars retrograde. That’s a cosmic double-whammy of slowed-down energy. Expect some frustrations but also potential revelations. It’s an opportunity to observe how you’re living your life and where you can make adjustments.

No one gets a free pass from Mars retrograde, but if you’ve got Aries, Scorpio, Leo, or Cancer in your Sun or Ascendant, you’ll feel this the most. And yes, every sign will experience its own version of this cosmic slowdown. Here’s a breakdown of what each zodiac sign can expect during the Mars retrograde:

Aries:

Mars retrograde kicks off in your 5th house, which means your creative fire might feel more like a flicker. Consider this a cosmic nudge to revisit those creative projects you’ve been ignoring, connect with your inner child, and rediscover what lights you up. Play is key. Avoid diving into a new relationship right now — it’s not the time. When Mars shifts into your 4th house in Cancer, the focus moves homeward: Think family tension, unresolved childhood wounds, and delays on house projects. Frustrating? Sure. But it’s also a chance to clear out emotional clutter, strengthen family bonds, and figure out what “home” really means to you. Take it slow, watch out for accidents around the house, and skip major moves or vehicle purchases for now.

Taurus:

Mars retrograde begins in your 4th house, stirring up family drama and making home life feel a little… off. Renovation plans? Delayed. That sense of security you crave? Shaky. But there’s a silver lining: This is a great time to revisit unresolved family stuff and reimagine your home space. When Mars moves into your 3rd house, the focus shifts to communication, travel, and your local connections. Neighbors might get on your nerves, coworkers may test your patience, and travel plans could go haywire. Don’t be surprised if your peace of mind is hijacked by your monkey brain.

Gemini:

Mars retrograde kicks off in your 3rd house, putting communication, travel, and sibling relationships under the microscope. Conversations might feel awkward, travel plans might implode, and old ways of expressing yourself just don’t cut it anymore. Use this time to refine your message and reconnect with your community. When Mars slips into your 2nd house, it’s all about money — where it’s going, how you’re earning it, and whether it aligns with your values. Financial frustrations could pop up, but this is your moment to reassess spending habits and cut out anything that isn’t adding to your bottom line or peace of mind.

Cancer:

Mars begins in your 2nd house, which means it’s time to take a long, hard look at your money situation. Are your financial goals working for you? Are your resources in line with your values? This retrograde is your chance to refine your strategy and eliminate unnecessary expenses. Then Mars moves into your 1st house, bringing the focus directly onto you. Energy might dip, and old insecurities could surface, but this is a chance to reevaluate how you’re showing up in the world. Avoid big makeovers or surgeries and focus on taking care of yourself in ways that truly matter.

Leo:

This retrograde starts in your 1st house, making it all about you. Goals might feel stalled, self-doubt could creep in, and your usual fiery confidence might feel more like a flicker. But don’t panic: This is your chance to reassess your priorities and rediscover what really drives you. When Mars dips into your 12th house, things get a little more introspective. Think emotional turbulence, karmic themes, and a chance to heal those pesky subconscious fears. Sure, it might feel heavy, but this is prime time for some soul-searching. Meditation, journaling, or even a daily walk in nature can work wonders.

Virgo:

Mars retrograde kicks off in your 12th house, which means all those hidden fears and subconscious patterns you’ve been ignoring are stepping into the spotlight. Don’t fight it: This is your chance to dive deep and clear out what’s been holding you back. When Mars moves into your 11th house, friendships and group dynamics take center stage. Misunderstandings may arise, and social energy might feel nonexistent. This is the perfect time to reflect on your goals and whether your social circles are truly supporting them. You might even decide it’s time to step away from certain groups or projects that no longer align with your vision.

Libra:

With Mars retrograde in your 11th house, you might find yourself rethinking your goals and social connections. Friendships could feel strained, or tensions might pop up in group dynamics. It’s all part of the cosmic plan to help you reassess what – and who – you want in your life. When Mars moves into your 10th house, career issues take the spotlight. Ambition might waver, and challenges with authority figures could test your patience. But don’t let it get you down. This is your moment to fine-tune your professional goals and make sure your path aligns with your long-term vision.

Scorpio:

Mars starts its retrograde in your 10th house, throwing a wrench into your career plans. Feeling stuck or unappreciated? It’s time to reassess your professional trajectory and make sure it aligns with your long-term goals. When Mars moves into your 9th house, the focus shifts to higher learning, travel, and big-picture beliefs. You might find yourself questioning your philosophies or revisiting a spiritual practice that once inspired you. Travel plans could hit snags, so pack light and stay flexible. This is all about shedding outdated perspectives and stepping into a more authentic version of yourself.

Sagittarius:

Mars kicks off in your 9th house, which means travel, education, and personal beliefs are up for review. Your sense of purpose might feel a little wobbly, but it’s all part of the process. Use this time to revisit long-term goals and refine your vision for the future. When Mars moves into your 8th house, things get deeper: Shared resources, sex and intimacy, as well as emotional transformation come into play. It’s intense, sure, but it’s also an opportunity to build trust, heal old wounds, and let go of what’s no longer serving you.

Capricorn:

Mars retrograde starts in your 8th house, highlighting shared resources, financial issues, and deep emotional work. It might feel heavy, but this is your chance to let go of baggage and rebuild stronger connections. When Mars shifts into your 7th house, relationships take center stage. Past issues may resurface, and dynamics with partners – personal or professional – might feel strained. Instead of powering through, take a step back and focus on clarity. This is a time to strengthen your bonds or recognize where adjustments need to be made.

Aquarius:

Mars begins its retrograde in your 7th house, making relationships feel a little tricky. Harmony may feel out of reach, but this is your chance to reflect on what you truly need from partnerships, both personal or professional. When Mars moves into your 6th house, the focus shifts to health, work, and daily routines. Old habits or workplace frustrations may resurface, giving you the opportunity to reassess and realign. Prioritize self-care, simplify your schedule, and let go of anything that isn’t contributing to your well-being.

Pisces:

Mars retrograde starts in your 6th house, bringing health issues and work frustrations to the surface. Daily routines may feel overwhelming, but this is a golden opportunity to reassess your habits and create a healthier balance. When Mars moves into your 5th house, creative blocks and romantic challenges take the stage. Don’t sweat it: This is your time to reconnect with what brings you joy. Dust off old creative projects, spend time with your inner child, and rediscover the magic of play. Romance may feel off, but remember, it’s a temporary slowdown, not a permanent roadblock.