Mars stands on the verge of Sagittarius. At least as we see it from the Earth’s point of view. It will not be long before the second least likely planet to retrograde, turns about for fair play and heads back into Scorpio.
Early on March 6th, Mars enters Sagittarius. On April 17th, Mars pivots out of prograde motion, preferring back steps until June 29th. Finally on August 2nd, Mars resumes travel plans in Sagittarius. This is all as an inhabitant or observer on Earth sees it.
Stepping back and looking at things from the Sun’s point of view a different time line for Mars in Sagittarius... and Scorpio emerges. In fact, Mars is still in Libra. To boot, during the Mars in Scorpio era, some critical and important interplanetary connections result.
From the Sun’s perspective (heliocentric), Mars enters Scorpio on March 19th. His trek through the sign he co-rules lasts only until May 18th, when he enters Sagittarius, where he remains until mid-July.
When considering planets from the Sun’s scene, examining the transits of a planet to the heliocentric nodes and perihelia (the closest point to the Sun within a revolution) makes a heap of sense. The node offers up a larger mission statement for a planet. Perihelion, where a planet moves the fastest while receiving solar energy through the shortest distance, marks a sense of urgency and shifts considerations to the top of the list for priority treatment.
On April 16th Mars matches degrees with the perihelion of Pluto, the other co-ruler of Scorpio. Will the U.S. Department of Justice and Apple work out an agreement for unencrypting the San Bernardino shooter’s phone and can its data be extracted by then? Will those manipulating markets from plutocratic positions be called on the carpet? Personally, will a person realize that there’s only one option... go for it with full gusto, unlimited passion all in the interest of fulfilling the deepest urges of spirit? Will a person realize that without a dream life is an episode of some low rated zombie show? Will a complete sense of personal resources render a perception of abundance and prosperity instead of projecting the desire for richness onto the material world? Will patience, with the self and others, be the primary psychic attribute while persisting on the path of purpose?
Following the above conjunction, Mars aligns with the south node of Mercury on April 25th. Yes, pretty much everything ever said since the innovation of smart phones has been recorded. Should your memory fail regarding declarations made, vows taken, and promises promised, no doubt a screen tap or two should refresh the memory. Also on point, if someone asks for honest feedback, what will you do? Can the truth be declared without emotional charge? Can a person say bottom line honest assessments and remain free of motives to maim or scar the psyches of others? Where in the world did you put the gizmo on which all your memory cues are stored? Is it time to refresh passwords or finally invest in a password generator? Or is it time to redefine the importance of everything you really, really have always wanted to do?
Almost immediately, Mars meets up with his own south node. No skipping steps. However, actions to edit, modify, correct, enhance and improve can more easily be negotiated and more swiftly implemented than usual. This is the “be in the moment and go for it as if there is no tomorrow” effect. Full passion dedicated to all the skills and assets one holds in the back pocket punches the ticket. Take nothing for granted. Perceive everything as a blessing. Hold nothing back... that is, once all checklists for departure have been thoroughly completed.
During the above helio transits Mars maintains retrograde motion, which he does for only about 9 percent of the time. Mars retrograde requires overcoming trepidation and fighting the urge to dismiss, delay, postpone and/or justify the need for action into oblivion. While the “now or never” syndrome contains some trace elements of impulsiveness, when the time for intended action appears, it is felt and felt in the deepest part of ones fibrous core. There’s no denying that. The course of life action then becomes an array of justifications as to why now is the time or why the feeling that this is the time might be in error muddles the mind.
Astrologers habitually seem too quick to wave off any forward action during retrogrades. Often, greater transits are subverted because of this literally backward thinking. Regardless, during any planet retrograde, at its physical midpoint, the planet directly aligns with the Earth and the Sun at the same time. These alignments are powerful and offer a brief interval of receptivity despite the logic of retrograde thinking.
Get keyed. Mars and Earth and the Sun align on May 22nd. On that day massive movement forward can be made. In some places a corporation can be filed online. Better on Sunday, than Monday in this case. Plan on seeking opportunities and pursuing aspirations even if, especially if, they eluded you in the past. Consider that the Mars in Sagittarius opposition to the Sun requires a righteous, well-guided platform that works on the principle of inclusion, personal and collective cooperation and in a “for the good of all” vibe. Days after this alignment, Mars returns to Scorpio where he’s all about richness of intention and fullness of passion.
While Mars bears the dubious reputation for having an extra-honed edge, his weapon tends to remain sheathed if he perceives no threats, no encroachment upon his turf and believes that fair rules of engagement are in play by all parties.
More, the meaning of Mars is do it, and do it with dedication, thoroughness and persistence. If a redo is required, a retooling order issued, take it on with glee. The end result likely exceeds the original expectations of effort. Can you think of anything that would please Mars more (rhetorical question)?
More soon.