This Is How Mars Retrograde’s ‘Shadow Period’ Is Affecting Each Zodiac Sign

Mercury isn’t the only planet to go into retrograde! At the end of this month, Mars will begin its own retrograde from October 30, 2022 until January 12, 2023. Astrologically speaking, Mars is the planet of energy, action, and sex. During Mars retrograde, low sex drive, motivation, and energy are to be expected. Mars retrograde occurs every two years or so. This time, Mars will be retrograding in Gemini meaning communication will be at the forefront.

At the moment, we are in the midst of Mars retrograde’s shadow period. A shadow period is a particular time period either before or after a planet’s retrograde. Essentially, shadow periods extend the effects of a planet’s retrograde. Currently, we are in Mar’s pre-retrograde shadow period, so the effects of Mars’ impending retrograde are already being felt.

Here is how Mars’ pre-retrograde shadow period is affecting each zodiac sign.

Aries (March 21st to April 19th)

During Mars’ pre-retrograde shadow period, Aries will begin to notice a pull to slow down and self-reflect.

Aries is ruled by Mars, so the impact of Mars’ retrograde will be felt heavily by this cardinal fire sign. During the pre-retrograde shadow period, Aries will begin noticing a desire to take a step back and reflect on the way they’ve been communicating. When Mars finally enters retrograde on October 30, 2022, Aries will fully embrace this time as a self-reflection period as well as a time to heal their relationships.

Taurus (April 20th to May 21st)

During Mars’ pre-retrograde shadow period, Taurus will begin to notice a pull to reevaluate their budget.

Taurus is a fixed earth sign and will be positively impacted by Mars’ retrograde. During the pre-retrograde shadow period, Taurus is already beginning to reflect on their financial goals and whether or not they are on track to meet them. When Mars finally enters retrograde on October 30, 2022, Taurus will be all about budgeting, saving, and investing so they can enjoy the finer things in life.

Gemini (May 22nd to June 21st)

During Mars’ pre-retrograde shadow period, Gemini will begin to notice a desire to withdraw.

Gemini is a mutable air sign and will feel the effects strongly of Mars’ impending retrograde, especially given the fact it this particular Mars retrograde is directly connected to Gemini. During this pre-retrograde shadow period, Gemini will have the desire to withdraw socially and go inward emotionally. When Mars finally enters retrograde on October 30, 2022, Gemini will enter their Hermit Era.

Cancer (June 22nd to July 22nd)

During Mars’ pre-retrograde shadow period, Cancer will begin to notice a desire to be more intentional.

Cancer is a cardinal water sign and will be positively impacted by this Mars retrograde. During this pre-retrograde shadow period, Cancer will begin to flounder in their decision-making but only because they understand that their choices carry weight. When Mars finally enters retrograde on October 30, 2022, Cancer will be mindful of how they spend their time (and with whom).

Leo (July 23rd to August 22nd)

During Mars’ pre-retrograde shadow period, Leo will begin to feel extra impatient.

Leo is a fixed fire sign and will be feeling particularly antsy during the impending Mars retrograde. During this pre-retrograde shadow period, Leo will already begin feeling more restless and impatient than usual. By the time Mars enters retrograde on October 30, 2022, Leo will be incredibly frustrated, impatient, and desperate for things to speed up.

Virgo (August 23rd to September 22nd)

During Mars’ pre-retrograde shadow period, Virgo will begin to notice a desire for more control over their lives.

Virgo is a mutable earth sign and incredibly driven. During this pre-retrograde shadow period, Virgo will notice even more urges to start taking more control of their lives, particularly in their relationships. Virgos has plenty of opinions and wants them to be heard (and followed). By the time Mars enters retrograde on October 30, 2022, Virgo will be in full throttle of their pursuit of control and unsolicited advice.

Libra (September 23rd to October 22nd)

During Mars’ pre-retrograde shadow period, Libra will feel anxious.

Libra is a cardinal air sign and will notice anxieties crop up during the impending Mars retrograde. During this pre-retrograde shadow period, Libra is already feeling the effects and is overthinking pretty much everything. By the time Mars enters retrograde on October 30, 2022, Libra will be deep inside their mind and stressing over every little thing.

Scorpio (October 23rd to November 22nd)

During Mars’ pre-retrograde shadow period, Scorpio will begin to focus on budgeting.

Scorpio is a fixed water sign and will notice the positive effects of Mars’ impending retrograde, particularly financially. During this pre-retrograde shadow period, Scorpio is beginning to rein in the spending and focusing on building a better financial foundation. By the time Mars enters retrograde on October 30, 2022, Scorpio will be in a great position to make changes based on their newfound financial freedom.

Sagittarius (November 23rd to December 21st)

During Mars’ pre-retrograde shadow period, Sagittarius will begin to notice repressed emotions coming out of hiding.

Sagittarius is a mutable fire sign and will greatly struggle during Mars’ impending retrograde. During this pre-retrograde shadow period, repressed emotions will already begin demanding attention from Sagittarius. By the time Mars enters retrograde on October 30, 2022, Sagittarius will have no choice but to face their internalized emotions lest they swallow them whole.

Capricorn (December 22nd to January 20th)

During Mars’ pre-retrograde shadow period, Capricorn will begin to notice a desire to implement more self-care.

Capricorn is a cardinal earth sign and as ambitious as they come. That said, during Mars’ impending retrograde, Capricorn will feel depleted and realize you can only burn the candle at both ends for so long before you eventually burn out entirely. During this pre-retrograde shadow period, Capricorn is already feeling the effects of burnout. By the time Mars enters retrograde on October 30, 2022, Capricorn will begin to implement all the self-care because they will finally understand that they need to take care of themselves first in order to reach their goals and take care of others.

Aquarius (January 21st to February 18th)

During Mars’ pre-retrograde shadow period, Aquarius will begin to notice a ton of creative ideas (but without the motivation to see them through).

Aquarius is a fixed air sign and probably the most unconventional and creative of the zodiac. During this pre-retrograde shadow period, Aquarius will have an influx of creative ideas but will notice they feel too drained to see any of them through. By the time Mars enters retrograde on October 30, 2022, Aquarius will be even more creative (and even more tired).

Pisces (February 19th to March 20th)

During Mars’ pre-retrograde shadow period, Pisces will begin to notice the negativity of others more.

Pisces is a mutable water sign and will feel the effects of Mars’ retrograde deeply. Pisces is sensitive enough as it is, but during this pre-retrograde shadow period, Pisces will begin to feel the emotions of others even more intensely, especially negative ones. By the time Mars enters retrograde on October 30, 2022, Pisces will be fully cognizant of everyone’s feelings at all times (and will begin to spend more time solo as a result to preserve their energy).

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