Mars Retrograde in Leo + Horoscopes

If you noticed last week was, uh, a little bit, uh.....slow.... you weren’t the only one...

Mars, the planet of action, arrived at 6 degrees Leo on Monday, December 2nd. It moved forward SUPER slowly but still remained at 6 degrees until Friday, December 6th when it stationed. When a planet stations, it pauses before either moving forward or backward. In this case, Mars was preparing to move backward—something it only does once every two years. (Not as often as Mercury, which retrogrades three times a year—though, of course, we also have one week left of Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius layered beneath all of this--communication and tech and transit and movement in general all SLOWED DOWN or was weird! I can't tell you how many issues I had with transit last week! ) Anyways, Mars was roughly at 6 Leo all of last week and stationed on Friday, December 6th where it didn't move, which might explain why many of us felt stuck, tired, or unmotivated. I noticed people around me either struggling to rest or oversleeping. I overslept on Friday morning—the day the retrograde began—which is something I literally never do. Mars will move backward slowly and won’t even leave 6 degrees until next Thursday, December 12th.

Like any retrograde, but especially for faster-moving planets like Mercury, Mars, and Venus, retrogrades often activate a need to slow down or revisit themes connected to what that planet rules. Mars retrograde, in particular, may push us to physically slow down, making rest a necessity. This retrograde might also highlight themes tied to masculinity, such as men, fathers, or brothers, as Mars rules these aspects. It also governs drive, assertiveness, anger, and literal movement. When we’re in a healthy place, our Mars energy helps us show up with courage and take action in our life with integrity. When we’re not, Mars can manifest as fear, avoidance, or unnecessary aggression and power plays.

With Mars slowing down and moving backward, consider: what themes related to drive, assertion, anything goal-related or actual movement in your world need to be revisited? Where does anger resurface for you around something you thought you had long resolved and what might it be trying to tell you that needs tending? Tending might mean holding space for your feelings or literally a calling for you to take action! When something doesn't move forward the way you expect, where might there be space for you to reconsider your goals or at the very least your approach? Mars will continue retrograding through Leo until January 6th, then move into Cancer. The full retrograde will last through February.

Check out the horoscopes below for your Sun and rising signs to explore themes you might encounter through January 6th. Patience is key as things likely won’t move quickly.

This is my first time giving horoscopes a try. Let me know if any of it resonates and/or also feel free to let me know how you are impacted! I am not an oracle and learn by living the astrology too! Rooting for you all!

Aries Rising You may revisit the goals of a creative project or perhaps a past romance will resurface. There might be tension between your creative pursuits and your community.

Taurus Rising Home life may demand attention creating tension between your domestic responsibilities and your public or professional life.

Gemini Rising An old argument with a sibling or someone in your daily life might resurface. Perhaps you have to fight for something by writing about it. Tension may arise between your daily responsibilities and an external institution.

Cancer Rising Questions of self-worth could arise. Reflect on the personal value you offer the world and how it connects to your legacy. This might also be a good time to revisit your budget.

Leo Rising You might reevaluate your physical health and routines. This could be an ideal time to reinvest in exercise or follow up on doctor’s appointments. Tension may surface between focusing on yourself and tending to a significant other, bestie, or business partner.

Virgo Rising Self-care is key! Listen to what your soul craves. Pay attention to dreams and meditations, as they might offer insights for restructuring your daily life and health routines.

Libra Rising Friendships may need revisiting. Don’t shy away from rehashing old arguments with friends—it may help you move forward.

Scorpio Rising Watch for themes connected to your career or marriage. You may need to revisit a project with a superior or colleague. Tension could arise from balancing these demands with your home life.

Sagittarius Rising Travel, whether physical or through ideas and spiritual exploration, may inspire you to reorient your values. Consider how this integrates with your daily life.

Capricorn Rising Themes of legacy might resurface, possibly involving a partner or family. Someone from the past might return, raising questions about money or larger goals.

Aquarius Rising Your close one-on-one relationships and partnerships, especially serious ones, might require attention. Reflect on what resurfaces and how it relates to your physicality and sense of self.

Pisces Rising Focus on your physical and mental well-being. What routines need reworking to better serve yourself and others?