Mars Retrograde 2025 in Zodiac Signs Leo and Cancer
Mars is the go-getter planet of war, aggression, force, action, energy, and masculinity. In astrology, the planet Mars transits into different signs every six or seven weeks. The planet of power, Mars also goes retrograde every two years usually for about 2 - 2.5 months. Mars retrograde begins in fixed fire sign Leo and then Mars backs up into cardinal water cancer from December 6, 2024 to February 23, 2025. Additionally, there is also a pre-shadow period commencing October 4, 2024 and a post-shadow period until May 2, 2025. During these shadow periods, there may be some slight retrograde affect.
Table of Contents for Mars Retrograde in Leo and Cancer
- Mars Retrograde 2024-2025: A Quieter Red Planet
- The Fundamental Nature of Mars Retrograde and it's Roman Roots
- Mars Retrograde 2025 in the Zodiac Signs of Leo and Cancer
- The Sex Effects of Mars Retrograde
- Relationships and Your Sex Life
- Mars Retrograde for Your Astrological Sign
- Triple Retrograde - Mars, Jupiter and Uranus
- Mars is a Planet of Action
- Be ‘Present’
- Unresolved Conflicts
- Self-Care Is the Answer!
Mars Retrograde 2025
During this planetary retrograde, there could be more arguments and forceful communications than usual. Alternatively, you could internalise your feelings, sitting on your anger or frustration and generally not allow your feelings to show to the outside world. When Mars moves backward, it could be quite an emotional time whether you suppress those emotions or vent them to the outside world.
Mars has an affinity with the masculine yang energy, and things can get tense or aggressive when Mars is retrograde. These masculine energies can play up, strut about, and generally show how big and powerful they are. We can also witness the Mars energy manifested in the actions of leaders, both in national politics and corporate governance.
At the very least, astrologically speaking, these planetary movements induce internalised changes. You may need to find a different way of dealing with difficult people during the backspin period. Many people are affected to some extent, but you could be more strongly affected if you have the following planets in your chart:
- Cardinal Signs | Aries (especially as Mars rules Aries), Cancer, Libra or Capricorn
- Fixed Signs | Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius
The Sex Effects of Mars Retrograde 2025 in Leo and Cancer
Relationships and Your Sex Life
Under Mars's Retrograde, there may be changes regarding your sex drive! Either things go quiet, or there’s too much passion on offer! Your thinking could become confused or muddled on intimate matters, and it could be ‘feast or famine’ or there's a slowdown in your vitality levels. You could tend to feel uncertain or tired. Plain and simple - you just don't feel like under the cover activities now. It's quite normal sometimes not to be interested because you don't have the drive or pent-up energy, especially during this planet's backward motion.
Additionally, it’s not the best time to sleepwalk into some kind of sexual liaison thing. Perhaps the other party is pressing you with passionate desires? Be assertive and stand your ground while respecting the other person.
If you're feeling doubt, slow things down or stop and remember that the relationship could dramatically change when Mars turns direct. People do change their minds sometimes when planets move forward again.
When Mars and Venus both are both in retrograde motion at the same time, it can be very full on sexually and emotionally. However, this year Venus will not turn retrograde at the same time as Mars as it is retrograde March 1 to April 12 in Aries and Pisces.
The Fundamental Nature of Mars Retrograde and its Roman Roots
Mars, named after the Roman god of war, was the son of Jupiter and Juno. The ancient Greeks knew him as Ares (Mars is the planetary ruler of Aries), a fierce and often impulsive deity associated with combat, courage, and military prowess. Unlike his Greek counterpart who was often portrayed as brutal and somewhat disliked, the Romans revered Mars as a protective father figure and considered him one of their most important deities - second only to Jupiter. Mars was not just associated with war, but also with agriculture and the protection of land, earning him the role of guardian of the Roman people.
The planet Mars was named after this god due to its distinctive red colour, reminiscent of blood on the battlefield. In astrology, Mars represents our drive, ambition, passion, and how we assert ourselves. When Mars goes retrograde, as it is doing in early 2025, this warrior energy turns inward which might hinder self-assertion and personal power. Just as the god Mars would sometimes retreat to recharge himself and strategise before battle, Mars retrograde represents a time when our usual forward-charging energy becomes more reflective. This celestial phenomenon asks us to realign how we assert ourselves, manage our anger and drive including channelling our passions. Like the dual nature of Mars himself - both warrior and protector of agriculture - this retrograde period invites us to balance our aggressive impulses with more nurturing, growth-oriented approaches.
Mars Retrograde for Your Astrological Sign
Aries
You may feel a dip in your usual drive, especially when it comes to creative projects, your appearance or your identity. During this time, you may need to reassess your priorities rather than forcing progress.
Taurus
Your sense of stability may be challenged, particularly regarding material resources such as personal finances and possessions. Reflect on what truly adds value to your life and consider redefining your priorities.
Gemini
Communication hiccups and misunderstandings could slow down plans, particularly involving travel or learning. Focus on refining your message and approach during this period.
Cancer
This retrograde in your sign could bring emotional and physical exhaustion. Take things slow and nurture yourself instead of pushing through.
Leo
Challenges with creativity, self-expression or unresolved past issues might surface. Use this as a chance to reflect and refine your passions align with your activity.
Virgo
Health routines or work tasks could feel harder to manage...the best-laid plans may go awry. Find clarity by prioritising rest and reconsidering how you structure your daily life.
Libra
Within your closest relationships and partnerships, personal or professional, you might face tension or frustration. Focus resolving underlying issues rather than rushing decisions.
Scorpio
Shared resources or debts might require renegotiation. Use this period to dive deep into financial or emotional entanglements for clarity.
Sagittarius
Spirituality, travel plans or higher education goals may stall, urging you to rethink your broader vision and ensure it aligns with your values.
Capricorn
Career ambitions and professional aspirations may feel stuck or unclear. Reflect on your career path and relationships with authority figures. Use this pause in activity to review your direction.
Aquarius
Friendships or group projects could hit a roadblock. Take this time to evaluate who supports your goals and where to invest your energy.
Pisces
Physical activity may seem challenging now, so spend more time resting and considering your spiritual options. You might feel unmotivated and it's ok to relax sometimes.
Note: The above interpretations reflect the natural house associations for each zodiac sign. Individual experiences may vary based on the specific position of Jupiter in your personal birth chart. For tailored insights, consult your own chart using your birth date, time, and location.
Triple Retrograde - Mars, Jupiter and Uranus
Simultaneously retrograde this year are Mars (6.12.24 to 23.2.25), Jupiter (9.10.24 to 4.2.25) and Uranus (1.9.24 to 30.1.25) so January this year is likely to be intense, internalising the energy of these three planets. With Mars in backward motion potentially slowing down our drive and actions, Jupiter retrograde encouraging deep internal reflection on our beliefs and personal growth, and Uranus retrograde prompting us to review our need for change and independence, this triple retrograde period may bring a powerful time of reassessment and internal transformation. This combo strongly encourages you to have some time out, be quiet and listen to yourself and plan rather than taking major external action. It's like a cosmic double take on how we express ourselves, our ambitions and our beliefs about relationships.
Mars retrograde nudges us to rethink our actions and desires. In fire sign of the lion, it's about self-expression and confidence, while in cardinal water sign Cancer, it's more about our emotional security and family bonds. This astrological placement gives us a chance to dive deep into our emotions, ambitions, and beliefs. It's a time to turn inward for some self-reflection. It's a chance to align what we want with what we truly believe and feel. Just take it easy, stay flexible, and be ready for some cosmic inward reflection!
Mars is a Planet of Action
Mars in the sign of the lion and the sign of the moon can cause us to act on our fiery motivations and watery emotions. However, when it becomes retrograde, then actions and emotions are more internalised. We may think and feel but not necessarily do anything about a situation at that point. There may not be a physical manifestation then. It’s time to reflect, review and reassess the situation when Mars is in the retrograde zone. However later astrological placements may spur us into action and the situation might change quite quickly.
Mar's retrograde motion can slow down the energy, which isn’t a bad thing as it gives us more time to deal with life's challenges. This could mean overthinking almost anything and problems sleeping or relaxing. It might seem as though you just can’t turn off your mind or you have little physical energy.
Be ‘Present’
If you experience the presence of Mars Retrograde as life slowing down, it may be that you feel less powerful. Or it may feel difficult to assert yourself in a certain situation. Unconscious energies could be expressed as ‘peevishness’ or perhaps ‘frustrated desire’. Do watch for unnecessary arguments, impatience and accidents. When Mars goes retrograde, it’s very important to be totally present in the physical world by paying attention now and not rush ahead over-thinking the future. Also, be cautious with knives as Mars is associated with sharp, cutting objects. It’s not the best time to have surgery including cosmetic surgery during Mars retrograde.
Unresolved Conflicts
If you haven’t been dealing with unresolved conflicts, they could burst forward now into the open for release. Your inner child or any children around you may also become more difficult during Mars Retrograde. If you become aware of a smouldering emotional volcano, you will need to find a healthy way to deal with this. Stress held down in your body, could eventually cause ill health, so do try movement such as dance or walking, writing in a journal, breath work, cry, scream or talk to a trusted confidante. Give us a call for a psychic reading if you want to talk. On the upside, these challenges and growth assist your spiritual development.
Self-Care Is the Answer!
During Mars Retrograde, take special care of yourself and your family. It’s probably time to slow down in some way or not take on any additional responsibility or work at this time. Do practise being mindful and pay attention to where your body is in space. This is called ‘proprioception’, and it basically relates to awareness of your physical body in space. This awareness will help you to avoid potential accidents and incidents.
If you feel unmotivated or depressed, firstly, know this time will not last forever… it’s only about 10 weeks. Rearrange your life to do less during this time if you can. Clear away any duties, additional things, or people that suck up your energy. Avoid energy vampires and take care of yourself! Spend time alone in nature to rejuvenate and treat yourself to special things. See if you can find a good tonic or use Australian Bush Flower essences for a ‘pick me up’ to help restore your energy levels. You should always consult a medical professional if you feel off or out of kilter for a long period of time.
Use this time to reflect on your life and make suitable changes this year!
All the best,
Rose Smith, Psychic Astrologer 🙂
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