Mars takes approximately two years to orbit the sun (twice as long as the Earth), and he only turns retrograde about once every two years for about 80 days. The last time Mars was retrograde was October and November 2005. During that time Mars was retrograde in the methodical sign of Taurus, which generated some "bullheaded" behavior. This time he will be traveling in the sensitive sign of Cancer and then back into the scattered sign of Gemini.

Mars is the warrior and rules our energy and our sex drives, so while he is retrograde we may find that our goals and determination become a bit more ambiguous. New projects that require perseverance are likely to fail, because we may find we just don't have the stamina. Also, we may find it difficult to work with others. During Mars retrograde we often get to witness our own self sabotage. We may find that we subconsciously prevent ourselves from achieving what we desire to do. We will also probably find that our willpower is low. Mars is not a patient planet, and he has a tendency to lose his temper.

Some may think that Mars in Cancer would be weak, because Cancer is such a feminine and emotional sign, but that is not the case. The energy goes to the emotions, and this can lead to arguments, disputes, and fights. While Mars is moving backwards through Cancer, we can expect our energy (and sex drives) will move like the tides, slowly ebbing in and out.

Mars will enter Gemini on New Years Day, January 1, 2008, and we may be thinking of making some New Year's changes. But, we will hesitate, and vacillate, and think of reasons to delay. Write down your New Year's resolutions, but don't expect any progress before Groundhog's Day. Mar retrograde in Gemini may add some zest to our sex drives, though, and it will be an excellent time to speak and communicate especially for our soldiers who died in the war. (Mars is the warrior and the veteran.)

The most difficult times will be 2 or 3 days before and after the stations. Retrograde station will be on November 15, 2007 and direct station will be on January 30, 2008. Mars retrograde will be from 13 degrees Cancer to 24 degrees Gemini. Check your natal chart to see which houses Mars will be affecting for you. Where Mar's retrograde transit occurs in your houses determine what areas of your life that will be affected.

Also, check to see if Mar's stations may be aspecting any of your natal planets. If you have any natal planets between 11 and 15 degrees Cancer, Libra, Capricorn, or Aries, the few days around Mar's retrograde station (November 15) may be especially difficult for you. If you have any natal planets between 22 and 26 degrees Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Pisces, the few days around the direct station (January 30) could bring problems.

About the Author

Janet (Sparrow) Moon is a professional psychic and astrologer. You can visit her web site for more articles about upcoming events in astrology, and to read her daily astrology general tendencies forecast. (This article can be reprinted freely online, as long as the entire article and this bio is included.) http://www.sparrowmoon.com/