Mars Retrograde

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=175 BGCOLOR="#003333" TEXT="#F7F7FF" background="447bbc00dduajq.jpg"> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="70" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 76 WIDTH="66"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="76" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="66" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Joanne Wickenburg, Astrologer"><U><B>Home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="joanne_wickenburg__astrologer.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About Joanne"><U><B>About Joanne</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Correspondence Courses in Astrology"><U><B>Correspondence Courses</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="books_by_joanne_wickenburg.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Books by Joanne"><U><B>Books by Joanne</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id20.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="TAPED LECTURES"><U><B>Lectures by Joanne</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id21.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Articles by Joanne"><U><B>Articles by Joanne</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id85.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Astrology Software"><U><B>Astrological Software</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id67.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Book Store"><U><B>Book Store</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id26.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Free Resources"><U><B>Free Resources</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id79.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="_"><U><B>"Learning" Links</B></U></A></div> <div> <B>Great </B><A HREF="id27.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Great Links"><U><B>Links</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id29.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Order Form"><U><B>ORDER FORM</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="_"><U><B>E-mail Joanne</B></U></A></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" BGCOLOR="#FFFBF0" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Joanne Wickenburg, Astrologer</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#333399" FACE="Arial" >   </FONT> |   <B> HOME</B></div> <div> <B>Mars Retrograde</B><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id74.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Astrology and the Seasons"><U>Astrology and the Seasons</U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id76.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Are You Compatible with Where You Live?"><U>Are You Compatible with Where You Live?</U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="UranusAn Experience of a Lifetime"><U>Uranus-An Experience of a Lifetime</U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Neptune: Your NemesisYour Bliss"><U>Neptune: Your Nemesis-Your Bliss</U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id25.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Moon her Nodes"><U>The Moon & her Nodes</U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id84.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Chinese Zodiac"><U>Chinese Zodiac</U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id41.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Kepler College"><U>Kepler College</U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id53.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="_"><U>--Type Title Here--</U></A></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Mars Retrograde</B></div> <div> by Joanne Wickenburg</div> <bR> <div> We often hear about Mercury retrograde, but what about Mars? How are our lives affected when Mars appears, from the Earth's perspective, to move backward through the zodiac? Before addressing that question, first consider what is actually happening in the heavens when Mars (or any planet) is traveling in retrograde motion. By understanding the mechanics of what is occurring "up there", it is easier to comprehend the significance of retrograde transits in our lives.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>A planet when retrograde is CLOSER to the Earth than at any </B></div> <div> <B>other time in its cycle</B>. </div> <bR> <div> When we look up at the nighttime sky and see Mars retrograde, it appears much brighter than it does when it is direct. This is because Mars is at its closest point to our planet when retrograde, suggesting that it is attempting to call our attention to something important by making its appearance more visible.</div> <bR> <div> While the illustration below is not to scale (and won't win any prizes for graphic artistry), it clearly shows how close Mars is to our planet when retrograde as opposed to its distance from the Earth when it is direct. </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B><IMG SRC="3759dca0.png" border=0 width="413" height="202" ALT="Microsoft Word Picture" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">View the illustration as if you were standing on the surface of Earth (the circle with the horizontal line through the middle).</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Now look to the planet Mars when retrograde. Notice how much closer it is to Earth when retrograde than it is when it's transiting direct.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Amazing, isn't it?</B></div> <bR> <div> When viewed from this perspective, it seems only logical that planets operate with greater strength when retrograde than they do when direct, and yet many astrologers have been led to believe that retrograde planets are weak... that their energies are suppressed and not easily externalized. Perhaps it's time for astrologers to take a "closer" look at the significance of the retrograde phenomenon.</div> <bR> <div> I believe that Mars retrograde operates with greater power than when it is direct. In fact, I would argue that all retrograde planets, both in a natal horoscope and in transit,  represent powerful urges or energies that cannot be ignored. We could go so far as to say that retrogrades are "in your face" to the degree they can easily obscure other functions of personality (planets) from getting the attention they want, causing frustration until you get the message and acknowledge and direct the power they represent. In other words.....</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>.....retrograde planets can indicate obsessions regarding the expression and manifestation of the energy they represent.</B></div> <bR> <div> To demonstrate this theory, place your hand directly in front of your face. What do you see around you? Not much. A significant part of your vision and attention is obscured by your hand. Similarly, if there is an "issue" in your life that is "in your face", it tends to dominate and distract you from getting other things done. This is what happens when Mars is retrograde. It is making a statement that something in your life needs your full attention. It is time to take a good look at what motivates or provokes you to take action. It is time to examine how you have, in the past, gone about getting what you want. Are your old Mars-strategies still working? Or do you need to make some changes in order to continue to evolve?</div> <bR> <div> Mars rules aggression, passion, and even warlike behavior. Its retrograde condition will challenge you to take a close look at how you are asserting yourself.  Have you developed habitual ways of going after what you want? How do you demonstrate your aggression, and for what purpose? </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Any planet in opposition to the Sun, IS retrograde</B></div> <bR> <div> The opposition between Sun and Mars that occurs at the midpoint of the retrograde phase suggests the need to "think before you act", to consider the <I>potential outcome</I> of your actions before you initiate anything new.</div> <bR> <div> Any opposition suggests the need to function with full consciousness because others will be affected by what you do. Could the message be any more clear? Mars retrograde requires us all, collectively and individually, to take responsibility for our actions. If we fail to do so, things will begin to fall apart. The "enemy" will make itself known. Confrontation becomes unavoidable. </div> <bR> <div> To confront your own passion can be a wonderful thing. To confront your enemies (whether the enemy is another person or yourself) can lead to greater self-understanding, depending on how the process unfolds. This is the test of Mars retrograde. Be aware; take responsibility for your actions; acknowledge your passion; realign yourself with your spirit. </div> <bR> <div> It is important to pay attention to what has been occurring in your life (and in the world) just prior to Mars' retrogradation. There is a tendency to get "ahead of yourself" or overextend yourself in some way. When Mars turns retrograde things happen that alert you to the fact that you need to put the breaks on and take a closer look at what you are doing. Examine your inner motives regarding why you are acting in a certain way. Are you functioning consciously or are you letting primitive impulses dominate your life?</div> <bR> <div> Taking on new ventures while Mars is retrograde is not your best course of action. There is an element of prematurity whenever you start something new when  inner planets (Mercury, Venus and Mars) are retrograde. These are times when you need to reevaluate, reflect and catch up with yourself. If you use these periods constructively you will develop fresh, more objective strategies for moving forward with your life once the planet(s) has turned direct.</div> <bR> <div> As the Earth moves toward Mars retrogradation begins and you are challenged to address the following questions:</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Are your actions supporting growth? Or are they prohibiting or even destroying it?</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Have you become swept up in passion or adrenaline to the degree you are no longer in control of your power?</div> <div>  </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Have you gone too far in your attempt to get what you want? </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Are you overwhelmed by social pressures that have caused you excessive anxiety? If so, could it be that you are pursuing desires defined by society that are incongruent with your own values?</div> <bR> <div> If you have overextended yourself, you will reap the results when Mars begins its retrograde motion. Its energy will come to the foreground of your life to be confronted, redirected, integrated or exorcised. Any pent-up frustrations must now be examined. Face your anger, confront your passion, acknowledge your instincts and become more conscious of what provokes or motivates you. Rather than functioning spontaneously while Mars is retrograde, use this time to develop new strategies for getting what you want; old ones may no longer work. This is a time for objectivity; it requires you to stand back to examine your life and design strategies that will take you where you ultimately want to go. </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Are you piloting your own ship, or have outside forces taken control of the helm?</B> </div> <bR> <div> Planets actually enter their retrograde "zones" prior to the time they begin their retrograde motion. During our most recent Mars retrograde cycle (May 12-July 20, 2001), it entered this zone on March 17th, marking an important transition or shift in energy. Once the retrograde zone is penetrated, there is a  tendency to go too far, to take on too much to the degree we are unable to fully assimilate or find meaning in our experiences. </div> <bR> <div> The house through which Mars will retrograde in your chart describes an area of life where you may have overextended yourself in some way. You need to go back and catch up with what has been left undone. Reexamine your past actions and the motives that stand behind them. Become more conscious of how your actions, passions and personal power have influenced the degree of success or failure you have experienced of late.  Have you been focussing energy here because it seemed like the "thing to do"? Or are you owning your power and directing it from your own center of consciousness (Sun)?</div> <bR> <div> Do you really want what you have been striving toward in this area of life? Make sure that the future destination you are moving toward, and the passion or power that you are using to propel you, are in harmony with where you really want to go. This can be a time of empowerment, providing an opportunity to meet your power, regenerate your life and realign your identity.</div> <bR> <div> Certain social issues must also be confronted while Mars is retrograde. This year Mars retrograded in the sign of <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF9900" FACE="Arial" ><B>Sagittarius</B></FONT>, advising everyone to:</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Stop and examine what you are willing to fight for. Are you fighting for a principle or for the sake of argument only?</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Confront your prejudices. How do you react to issues and ideas that are "foreign" or alien to your way of thinking? Redefine what "foreign" really means.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Reexamine the basis of your philosophy and ethics. Aggressive fanaticism is not constructive.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Is the battle you are fighting really worth it? If so, are you equipped with what you need to win the fight? What objective evidence do you have to prove that you are right?</div> <bR> <div> For more information on retrograde planets and intercepted signs refer to Joanne's book, <A HREF="books_by_joanne_wickenburg.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Books by Joanne"><U>Your Hidden Powers</U></A>.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Copyright (c) by Joanne Wickenburg, 2001. All rights reserved.</B></div> <bR> <div> Return to <A HREF="id21.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Articles by Joanne"><U><B>Articles</B></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div>   <a href="http://s13.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s13astrologer" target="_top"> <img src="http://s13.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s13astrologer" alt="Site Meter" border=0></a>   </div> <bR> <div>   <script language="JavaScript" src="http://www.ytrack.com/cgi/main.cgi?2455"></script>   </div> </td> </tr></table></body>