December 6th, 2024: Mars Goes Retrograde
Mars, the planet of action, drive, and ambition, begins its retrograde cycle on December 6th, 2024, at 6° Leo. This marks the start of a period where the usual forward momentum associated with Mars slows down, inviting us to pause and reconsider our approach to challenges, goals, and the ways we assert ourselves. Retrogrades can feel frustrating for a planet like Mars, which thrives on movement and decisiveness, but they also bring opportunities for meaningful growth and realignment.
This particular retrograde spans two signs: Leo and Cancer. As Mars begins its retrograde in bold, expressive Leo, it will dip back into sensitive, reflective Cancer on January 6th, 2025. This transition from fire to water shifts the focus from outward expression and creativity to inward reflection and emotional processing. Mars will finally station direct on February 23rd, 2025, at 17° Cancer, but the effects of the retrograde will linger as Mars slowly regains its usual speed and energy. By April 17th, Mars reenters Leo, and by May 3rd, it will be fully out of the retrograde shadow, signaling a return to direct, confident action.
The retrograde asks us to reflect on key areas of life governed by Leo and Cancer in our charts. In Leo, Mars retrograde challenges us to reevaluate how we pursue recognition, express our individuality, and lead with confidence. It may highlight moments where ego, pride, or an overreliance on external validation have driven our actions. This is an opportunity to reconnect with our authentic passions and shed any performative tendencies that don’t align with our true selves. As Mars moves back into Cancer, the emphasis shifts to emotional security, boundaries, and the ways we respond to emotional triggers. Cancer’s nurturing yet protective energy encourages us to reassess how we manage conflicts that stem from vulnerability or familial ties.
Mars stations retrograde on December 6th, but its journey through Cancer from January 6th to February 23rd will bring deeply emotional themes to the surface. When Mars finally stations direct, we may feel a sense of clarity about the adjustments we need to make, though it will take until May for us to see the full effects of the recalibration. The culmination of this retrograde process will align with the new Mars cycle, which begins on June 8th, 2025, when Mars conjoins the Sun at 29° Gemini. This marks a fresh chapter in how we assert ourselves and pursue goals.
Mars retrograde is often associated with frustration or delays, as the fiery planet’s usual momentum slows down. You may feel drained, as though your energy isn’t flowing as freely as usual. This is especially true during the Cancer portion of the retrograde, where Mars’ assertive nature feels somewhat at odds with Cancer’s emotional depth. However, this isn’t a time to push forward blindly. It’s a time to pause, reassess, and let go of patterns or behaviors that no longer serve you. If you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself what truly drives your actions and whether those motivations align with your long-term goals.
The retrograde period also provides a chance to reevaluate how you handle conflict. Mars governs how we assert ourselves and deal with challenges, so unresolved tensions may resurface now. Use this as an opportunity to approach conflict differently – perhaps with more patience, understanding, or strategy. Remember, retrogrades are not about immediate resolution but about gaining insight into what needs to shift.
As Mars reenters Leo in April 2025 and clears its shadow by May, we’ll feel a renewed sense of purpose and confidence. This retrograde process may temporarily slow us down, but it’s laying the groundwork for deeper alignment with our true passions and a more authentic approach to pursuing our goals. By the time the retrograde cycle concludes fully in June, you’ll be ready to take bold, intentional action, backed by the clarity and wisdom gained during this reflective period.