Yolanda McAdam
Mars Retrograde

The planet of desire and drive turns retrograde today and for the next two months most of us will be trying our best to work through feelings of sluggishness and frustration.
Mars is at home in Aries. Here he is free to develop all his qualities - good and bad - to their fullest extent. When Mars moved into Aries in late June, he “fired us up” and encouraged us to go after what we desire most; freedom, love, peace, status…If you used the last two months to do things that make your heart sing, you have honoured Mars.
Imagine for a moment the planets as crew members aboard a glittering ship. Mars would be the captain because Mars wants each and every one of us to claim our destiny. Destiny is not something we wait for, it’s something we work towards but destiny is rarely a clearly laid path or a storm-free route. It often entails stopping long enough to look back in order to move forward. This is what retrograde periods are all about.
Now in retrograde until November 13th, Mars calls for careful consideration, bold clarity and calculated precision. Do you still want what you thought you wanted? If so, what needs to happen and how are you going to make it happen?
We are invited to revisit old or abandoned projects, renew acquaintances, review goals. This is a good time for deep work. Cal Newport defines deep work as “professional activities performed in a state of distraction- free concentration that push your cognitive capabilities to their limit. These efforts create new value, improve your skill, and are hard to replicate”.
But, because it’s Mars we’re talking about, expect some kickback because he is travelling through fiery, impatient Aries after all and doesn’t like to sit still for too long. You may be chomping at the bit but the next two months are not for rushing into things or launching products. You don’t want to launch a business for example with Mars going backwards because you need Mars’ courage and energetic commitment. So during the next few weeks, if you start to feel all hot and bothered go for a run or to the gym. Exercise is one of several ways we honor our bodies as well as Mars.
Read this on Mars Remediation.
Areas or topics that will require review or reassessment for your AC/Rising Sign during Mars’ retrograde period:
Aries Rising
Self-worth, Self-identity, Anger management
Taurus Rising
Hidden matters/secrets including hidden enemies
Gemini Rising
Friendships, groups
Cancer Rising
Career, reputation
Leo Rising
Travel, Spirituality/Religion, Belief systems. Higher Education
Virgo Rising
Shared resources, finances, inheritances
Libra Rising
Partnerships (personal and professional), Open enemies
Scorpio Rising
Health matters, Workload, Pets
Sagittarius Rising
Creativity, Children, Self-expression,
Capricorn Rising
Home, Parents, Family
Aquarius Rising
Communication, siblings, neighbours, transport
Pisces Rising
Income, finances
xo
Yolanda