Mars is not at home in the sign Virgo. Mars is the planet of competition, aggression, assertion and initiative. Virgo is the sign of the humble servant and the patient craftsman. Sometimes it is helpful to reflect back to the last time Mars was retrograde in Virgo. It was from February 6th 1997 (stationed at 5° 55’ Libra) and turned direct on April 27th at 16+° Virgo. What were you doing the spring of 1997? How might that be reoccurring this year?
According to astrologer Barbara Watters, “Retrogradation lessens the power of a planet for constructive or beneficial action. When retrograde, a planet becomes a passive, rather than an active, force. It becomes a victim of circumstance…” She goes on to say, “For some strange reason, most people feel almost uncontrollable urges to start important ventures when Mars is retrograde. Since all action is delayed then, or hampered, tempers grow short, people become impatient, resentments deepen… [However, do not:] Buy a car. Undergo other than emergency surgery. Have sex with someone you want to build a relationship with. Get married. Start a law suit. Start a new job. Begin a long or dangerous journey. Hire a new employee, sign a contract, move into a new house.” In other words, do not take bold new actions with the expectation that you will achieve lasting good results. When Mars is retrograde, new initiatives should be postponed. Use your Mars energy fixing up what needs remedial action.
The effects of this Mars retrograde will most impact the house of your horoscope that contains Virgo (3°-23°), and the house of your horoscope with Aries on the cusp. People with Aries Sun, Aries rising, and possibly Aries Moon, will feel especially disempowered. People with Virgo Sun, Virgo Ascendant and/or Virgo Moon will be angry and assertive, wanting to be much more aggressive than usual. For Virgos, aggression usually is not a good strategy but let’s look more deeply. Virgos can certainly use this energy constructively for all manner of physical work endeavors—all those projects that need doing, like organizing the garage, cleaning closets, repainting the house… But, even though you have been ill-treated by the powers that be, this is not a good time to fire your boss. To some extent this advice applies to everyone, not just Virgos. You have Virgo somewhere in your horoscope. Especially in that area of life, now is not the time to demand compensation for a lifetime of insults and invisibility!
Briefly, other than the innate incompatibility between the sign Virgo, and Aries (the sign Mars rules), you also have a difficult 150° aspect between the two signs. Basically this increases the lack of understanding between them. Let’s briefly look at the different rising signs and see which houses are impacted. (Note that this table uses an equal house model, consult your personal astrologer to fine tune the details.)
Ascendants with Aries and Virgo Houses
For Taurus Rising, Aries is the 12th House of the subconscious, isolation, hospitals, jails, caring for the unfortunate, homeless, abandoned, children, and disabled. Virgo rules the 5th House of creativity, the arts, children and lovers, plus our passions in life.
For Gemini Ascendants, Aries rules the 11th House of organizations and friends: collections of people with similar aims: political parties, unions, consumer groups. Virgo rules the 4th House of home, real estate, heritage and end of life, personal security and emotional security.
For Cancer rising, Aries rules the 10th House of public reputation, your career, your place in the hierarchy, your niche in the community. Virgo rules the 3rd House of siblings, cousins, communication, routine travel and neighbors.
For Leo rising, Aries rules the 9th House of law, higher education, religion, foreign travel, generally attention to global and universal matters. Virgo rules the 2nd House of talents, possessions, personal income. What you “hold dear,” in Kim Rogers-Gallagher's words.
For Virgo rising, Aries rules the 8th House of intense emotions, sex, death, joint finances, debts, crises. Virgo rules the 1st House of self presentation, vitality, charisma, first impressions.
For Libra Ascendants, Aries rules the 7th House of spouse, counselor, intimate relationships. Virgo rules the 12th House of the subconscious, isolation, hospitals, jails, caring for the unfortunate, homeless, abandoned, children, and disabled.
For Scorpio rising, Aries rules the 6th House of daily home and work routine, health and service to others, your job and any employees. Virgo rules the 11th House of organizations and friends, including collections of people with similar aims: political parties, unions, consumer groups.
For Sagittarius rising, Aries rules the 5th House of creativity, the arts, children and lovers, our passions in life. Virgo rules the 10th House of public reputation, your career, your place in the hierarchy and in the community.
For Capricorn Ascendants, Aries rules the 4th House of home, real estate, heritage and end of life, personal security, and emotional security. Virgo rules the 9th House of law, higher education, religion, foreign travel, and all attention to global and universal matters.
For Aquarius rising, Aries rules the 3rd House of siblings, cousins, communication, routine travel and neighbors. Virgo rules the 8th House of intense emotions, sex, death, joint finances, debts, crises.
For Pisces rising, Aries rules the 2nd House of talents, possessions, personal income. What you “hold dear,” in the words of Kim Rogers-Gallagher. Virgo rules the 7th House of spouse, counselor, intimate relationships.
Making the best of this Mars Retrograde Period
Strategies to use the Mars energy: take up some sensible (Virgo) exercise class, do chores, paint something red, do some target shooting, try barbequing, go see a bunch of action movies! Do one of these each day during Mars retrograde to really work through your Mars issues. Good luck to you.
Lalia Wilson
