Mars retrograde in Libra [3]
March 1 – May 18, 2014
Every 2 years, Mars appears to slow down in the sky, then move backwards for about 80 days. Mars by nature moves forward and takes action. That’s why Mars retrograde, when he appears not only to slow down and stop, but to move backwards, is so stressful. The Mars impulse is dampened, thwarted, forced to retreat. The one who initiates a conflict tends to lose when Mars is retrograde. Backfires, accidents, explosions, and injuries are more likely. Old arguments loop through our minds like bad pop songs. We are cranky, impatient, and easily frustrated. Projects tend to drag, and machines break down.
Our physical energy is lower when Mars is retrograde. It can be especially difficult for people who have chronic illness or injury. Mars in Libra suggests inflammation and flare-ups affecting the skin, kidneys, and hips.
New initiatives are tricky. The better plan is to accept delays and compromises, and use the time to shore up weak areas for the future. Delays and detours may turn out to be valuable, as you discover something of importance along the way. Everyone will have less energy to work with until the retrograde ends on May 18. Anything new that is postponed until May or later is probably for the best.
Mars usually spends no more than 60 days in each sign, but when Mars retrograde occurs, he can stay in one sign for the better part of a year. Mars has been in Libra since December 2013, and doesn’t leave the sign until July.
Mars in Libra: When “Nice” has a sharp edge
There’s not much good to say about this Mars retrograde time. Mars backs into some bad aspects, and Libra is not a strong sign for Mars in the first place. The technical term is “detriment,” and it describes a condition where the sign energy doesn’t match the planetary energy. Kind of like G.I. Joe playing the role of Cinderella at the ball– it’s an uncomfortable fit. Libra is not widely reputed to be a confrontational sign, but it is indeed that. And Mars is a confrontational planet. At its worst, Mars in Libra shows up as passive-aggression, blaming others, holding others responsible for maintaining harmony in your world, and playing “judge,” blaming or even attacking them when it does not work. (“Look what you made me do.”) Libra also tends to triangulate. For example, if you have a problem with me, you aggressively “team up” with others against me instead of bringing the problem to me, giving it a chance to resolve.
But there are times when you cannot safely bring a problem to its source. Don’t initiate a confrontation if doing so will result in danger or abuse. Instead, use the resilience of Mars retrograde to do what you must to survive, gather strength, and get into a safe situation.
