Mars is the fiery planet of action (karma) and is connected to the Vedic god Agni and transformation.

He is a powerful warrior, always ready to fight, but only carries out the orders of the general (the Sun); he doesn’t think much for himself. Because of his action-oriented energy, he can get us into trouble if we allow him to tell us to leap before looking.

The anger and rage that he brings us are proof of his power, but going more deeply into the emotional outburst will give us food for thought and deeper insights into our needs and wants that have gone unmet.

Normally, Mars moves through a sign in roughly two months time which takes him through all twelves signs in about 24 months or two years. That is a rough estimate because his retrograde motion throughout his transits may or may not prolong his time in any given sign.

Currently Mars is in Virgo—a sign ruled by Mercury, who he is not friendly with. (Mercury is the thinker, and Mars is the doer). Soon Mars will move into Libra (on February 4th) where he will be moving forward for several weeks until he begins his retrograde motion (March 1st) when he has only just passed the three degree range.

Saturn then begins to retrograde through Libra on March 2nd while Jupiter goes direct on March 6th in Gemini. Since there will be a lot of retrograde activity (including multiple retrograde planets simultaneously) it is important to know that certain past desires will intensify as a result at these times.

The indications of the planet will determine which cravings will strengthen during these periods.

(Note: retrograde planets are acting like the nodes, Rahu and Ketu, who always move in retrograde motion and indicate our worldly cravings and desires of various kinds).

Mars slides back into Virgo on March 25th. He continues his dance backwards through Virgo until May 19th when he goes direct and then begins to move forward once again—retracing his steps all the way back through Virgo. Mars enters Libra yet again on July 13th where he continues to move in forward motion until September 4th when he enters Scorpio.

Incidentally, Mars will be in exact degrees with transiting Rahu/Ketu on July 12th as the nodes move into Virgo and Pisces respectively. Mars and Rahu will be crossing each other in exact conjunction at this time.

This is not a time to be foolish.

Actions will be shadowed and the forces of Rudra (chaos/storms/calamities/power) will likely be at an all time high.  Be cautious at this time and in the weeks/days before and after these transits. Remember Saturn will also be retrograde at this time, bringing an emphasis to Libra as well and all things Venus. Expect chaos during these planetary shifts.

What does all this “action” of Mars in and out of Virgo and Libra mean? What can we expect from these transits?

Mars is the “doer” and pushes us to act. He won’t take “no” for an answer. When in balance he provides our momentum—helping us reach goals, productive outcomes and nurturing our path with progress.

When out of balance, Mars brings forced action, anger (because healthy boundaries have likely been crossed), aggressive agendas, and not being in tune with the need to slow down (Saturn). This will be an important time to notice where we are forcing rather than allowing.

The tendency with these upcoming Mars transits will be to push our goals and agendas to a fault, causing imbalances, frustrations and disappointments ultimately. The mental body and emotional body may be imbalanced as a result. (The mental body always has an agenda and likes to remind us of it constantly!)

This can bring “upset” to the emotional body.

Listen and stay alert to the fluctuations of these two. They will bring clues if you are self-tracking your experiences and can offer insights into what shifts are necessary in order for more balance.

Being able to surrender and let go will be an important part of the process during Mar’s transit through Virgo as well as in Libra. Putting action towards only what is absolutely necessary will ease some of the tension. Watching for the “critic” and its judgement is also necessary. This will be especially important within our relationships—both personal and business.

Being aware of anger and frustration will be paramount as these emotions are the “red flag” that we have pushed too hard, or are feeling that a need or boundary has been over-stepped or somehow unmet.

This Mars cycle will give us a good chance to evaluate and re-evalute our personal actions.

What actions were previously unable to manifest? What tasks previously went unaccomplished or unfinished? Themes may surface around “being in step” or “out of step” with life and what we need to shift in order to find more balance on the mental/emotional levels of our lives.

This may bring up issues with boundaries and speaking needs/wants clearly within our relationships. We may also feel anxious and hyper critical of ourselves and others, this can also help us self-track where needs are not being met. Movement is inevitable with these transits as the nakshatras will enliven Vayu’s winds of change, Vishvakarma’s building/planning and Indragni’s transformational qualities.

Use this time for personal progress and conscious action steps. Surrender to the chaos rather than resist it.

Take one step at a time and prepare to work with Mars and your karmas in ways that will help you awaken mentally and creatively as you relate to Self and others in new ways. We are each getting an opportunity to retrace our steps thanks to Mars, which can bring us an opportunity for healthy growth and positive change that moves us in a forward direction.

Use this time of action wisely and track your emotions for best results. Mars is insistent and persistent, so try not to be a bull in a china shop as you take action.

Here are possible themes for this Mars transit based on each rising sign.

Remember that these trends are meant to be used as a broad overview of the current transits and obviously do not address the specifics of an individual’s unique chart.

For a jyotish Moon-centered approach to your day, follow my daily Moon Mind posts via Face Book.

Aries: Healing relationships and bad habits. Expand your courage and creativity. Allow your Self to be nurtured and ask for support.

Taurus: Educate your Self and trust your gut instincts. Use your inner awareness as a tool of service and healing. Mind your health. Meditate.

Gemini: Your heart and intuitive intelligence are deeply valuable to listen to and follow. You must listen to them in new ways and start trusting your emotions more than your head.  The mental/emotional bodies will offer great insights, so be vigilant with them.

Cancer: Use courage to work on heart and emotions and expand your emotional work in bold ways. Love in bigger ways and use it to inform your actions and artistry.

Leo: Say what you mean and mean what you say. Your words will take you places so be intentional with them. Create and step into your creation process boldly. Let your Self be surprised.

Virgo: It’s time to take bold action for your Self, regardless of relationships or past experiences. Start trusting your Self and your needs as valuable. Seek comfort, support and nourishment.

Libra: Take necessary time for meditation and rejuvenation; your Self work and Self care are essential. Find your balance as you surrender to the flux and flow of expand/contract energy.

Scorpio: Your metamorphosis is working its magic on you. Gains will be healing but don’t let the losses keep you in the dark. Use it for inspired creative action. Grow from your depths and stand tall.

Sagittarius: Take action with career but use your inner guidance for checks and balances. Work with a clear agenda and take methodical action. Use money as incentive for your action steps and follow through.

Capricorn: What you offer, how you offer and who you offer to are paramount. You are in a bold career transformation. Be powerful and take a stand for your gifts.

Aquarius: Take what you are learning from your depths and transform it into a dharmic offering. Use your vulnerability as a strength and listen to your intuition more closely- it will inform your process.

Pisces: Relationships are transforming and transforming you. The past is dictating a lot of your responses so be aware that personal clean up is in order. Work with vulnerability in new ways. Seek emotional comfort and support.

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Editor: Catherine Monkman

Photos: Wikimedia Commons,  NASA Goddard Photo and Video/Flickr,  Hubble Heritage/Flickr