Mars’ upcoming retrograde in Gemini is gathering a lot of press lately. As we bite our lip in anticipation for the red planet’s retreat from October 30th, 2022 – January 12th, 2023, it might be helpful to take a step back and contextualize the demolition.

Since 2020, abundant retrograde action has reworked the Gemini framework in our charts. Eclipses along the Gemini-Sagittarius axis (2020-2021) ushered pivotal shifts in consciousness, sudden twists of events and unexpected revelations. Meanwhile, a Venus retrograde in Gemini (May/June 2020) brought into question social norms and rituals, inspiring us to do the witty-inventive Gemini improv as we rebounded from lock-down. In our personal lives, this Venus retrograde initiated us into deeper contemplation regarding our relationships, finances and how we prioritize our time and energy. Due to the external circumstances, that Venus retrograde in Gemini seemed to be uber-impactful for folks.

In 2021, Mercury devoted an entire retrograde to their home sign of Gemini, while in 2022, Mercury split their retrograde evenly with Taurus. Nonetheless, Mercury retrogrades in Gemini tend to be robust with technological flares, do-over’s and last-minute troubleshooting thanks to the infinite mischievousness of the Trickster. We can all learn something new. Mercury’s retrograde in Gemini chides us to entertain a multiplicity of fresh perspectives, scattering our focus beyond the one-track tunnel vision some of us tend to enjoy. Playful and lighthearted, but curious to see where the rabbit holes lead, Mercury’s retrograde in Gemini assists us to uncover hidden portals, meaning and possibilities we hadn’t previously considered.

Mars enters Gemini on August 20th, 2022, and will stay for solid 7 months, exiting Twin Haven on March 25th, 2023. Indeed, this is a much longer stay than usual. Mars will energize the Gemini sector of our charts, and then slowly pull back like a sling-shot preparing to take aim. While this is happening, it’s easy to feel frustrated that we aren’t “moving forward.” In a capitalist society which values productivety above anything else, we are conditioned to feel uncomfortable when we are not actively “doing.” Thus, Mars retrogrades often feel stifling. Facing a sudden lack of motivation or clarity of direction can feel confusing. While it may not feel like it, this period of pulling back the slingshot is vital for ultimately reenergizing our passion toward this particular area of our life (note where Gemini falls in your chart). As we know, refueling the tank requires a pit-stop. Mars retrogrades help us get in touch with what we are truly motivated by and which desires stir us the most.

Speaking of confusion, it’s worth noting that three of the four of the retrogrades I’ve mentioned here involve repetitive squares to Neptune in Pisces.

Interestingly, Venus retrogrades can make us more standoffish (hello 2020), while Mars retrogrades call the swords back to their sheaths. As my teacher John Marchesella once said, Mars retrogrades act more like Venus and Venus retrogrades behave more like Mars. This makes a lot of sense. When Venus retrogrades, she is reborn in the cosmic heart-fire of Sol, emerging as a morning star. Morning star Venus has historically been recognized as a warrior placement. The Mayan astrologers observed that the world tended toward more conflict with morning star Venus. In her morning phase, Venus tends to be more opinionated and willing to fight for what she wants.

Conversely, the celestial mechanics of Mars’ retrograde operate differently. Mars stations retrograde in trine to the Sun, only reaching the synodic full moon phase of the cycle during its retrograde, stationing direct in another trine to the Sun. In other words, the warrior only reaches his prime when he takes a moment to refuel. Like the halftime portion of a game, or like the 20 second rest periods in a HIIT workout, rest is an integral piece for gathering strength and strategizing our next moves. This is perhaps why the astrological legend portends: “He who throws the first stone during Mars retrograde shall lose.” Indeed, Wikipedia cites many unsuccessful sieges during Mars retrograde periods. Oddly, it also features what seems like an increased portion of peace treaties, draws, and oddly, the recovery of ancient artifacts. (Mars, the pre-Plutonian excavator??)  

Anyhow, what to make of all of these retrogrades in the Gemini sector of our charts? If you’re in the business of reading charts for clients, you’ll automatically assume that this area of life is under renovation. Like the remodeling of a house room by room, it’s as if we are continuously demolishing and redesigning. Inherently, Gemini is a sign which likes to keep things fresh. Gemini is a sign that bores easily, asks a million questions and is geared toward continuous learning. Gemini doesn’t care much for stability, after-all. The Gemini sector of our chart is where we are eternal students, eager for the bell to ring and move on to the next classroom. This period from 2020 to early 2023 marks a concentrated period of mixing things up, diversifying and scattering seeds of possibility in our Gemini sector.

As if four personal planetary retrogrades and eclipses weren’t enough, Uranus emerges on the Gemini scene to illuminate and liberate from July 9th, 2025 – May 22, 2033. Yup, there will be another round of Gemini eclipses in there too. Never a dull moment with Gemini, is there?!

Here’s what Mars Retrograde has in store for your sign!

Read for Sun + Rising:

Aries: Your intellectual intake has been shifting like a seasonal menu. The 3H is where all the retrograde action is going down in your chart, impacting your relationship with media, technology, news and communication. Your involvement with your local community or siblings may also be in flux. Mars retrograde is here to help you navigate technological tools and rediscover your love of learning. 

Taurus: Over the past few years, your financial sector has entered the mixing bowl. Perhaps you took a pay cut to prioritize presence, or maybe you finally secured the promotion. You like to treat yourself Taurus, however, the ways in which you do so have shifted. Mars retrograde presents another period of financial troubleshooting and reassessing the value of your energetic exchange in the workplace.

Gemini: Keeping life exciting has never been an issue for you, juggling Gemini, however this upcoming Mars retrograde presents the conundrum of direction. What are you passionate about? Indeed, your life has been shuffled and reshuffled quite a bit over the last few years. Now that the cards have landed, it’s time to choose the path most aligned with your desires.

Cancer: Dear crab, you’ve become quite the hermit over the past few years. With so much action in your 12H, you’ve been busy reframing your relationship with solitude. Chances are, you’ve become more self-aware of all the ways you get in your own way. Mars retrograde presents an opportunity to release inner anger and to spotlight hidden passions. 

Leo: Luminous Leo, a sense of belonging is vital to your being. Likely, the framework of your social life has shifted quite a bit over the past few years. If you’ve been feeling disconnected from your groups, the upcoming Mars retrograde will help you identify what motivates and excites you when it comes to building connections in your community and with the world at large.

Virgo: Your gears are always churning— and lately, your professional direction has been the major puzzle cube you’ve been trying to crack. You aim to make the best use of your skill set and your time. Helping others is important to you, but it must also pique your interest. With Mars’ upcoming retrograde in your 10th house, remember that it’s ok to pull back and reassess what lights you up – and to prioritize this passion moving forward. 

Libra: Lovely airy Libra, your love of knowledge fuels your drive to understand the workings of the world. Arts, culture, language, music— you love it all, but the last few years has placed your global framework in the pressure cooker. You’ve already been challenged in your political and philosophical views, but Mars’ upcoming retrograde in your 9H may reinforce what’s worth fighting for. 

Scorpio: Ever observant of the subtle webs of human interaction, these last few years have felt like a dystopian social experiment. With so much action in your 8H, it’s also been a period of reworking your financial investments and shifting your relationship with debt. Mars’ retrograde will highlight a new plan of attack in financial collaboration with others. 

Sagittarius: Relationships have been in flux for you, fun-loving Sag. Unexpected developments in the lives of your loved ones have challenged you in news ways— from the way you communicate, to how you prioritize those closest to you. Mars’ upcoming retrograde is a continuation of shifting relationship dynamics, and ideally, it can help you to discover new ways to resolve conflict and love more fiercely. 

Capricorn: Health, work and routine are connected within the shifty mosaic of your 6H. Maybe you’ve been focused on finding the right balance between work and well-being, or maybe you’ve been on a mission to find the right practitioner or magical tincture to eliminate discomfort. Either way, Mars retrograde is here to supply a new set of jumper cables to energize this area of your life. Likely, a new or current issue motivates you to find new modus of holistic spearheading. 

Aquarius: Objective Aquarius, the main question of Mars retrograde in your 5H asks “what are you passionate about?” You may be struggling to connect with your creative or playful side. Mars retrograde initiates you on a journey to feel joy in a higher capacity. With Saturn in your sign for the past few years, you’ve been forced to table playtime when duty calls. Now is your chance to rediscover what ignites your heart. 

Pisces: Your private world has been a bit of a rollercoaster these past few years. As the 4H functions as a foundational safety net for us all, it can feel especially unsettling for a sensitive fishy such as yourself. Mars retrograde can highlight a stalled renovation project, or complex familial dynamics, and help you temper the flames and redirect your energy. 

***This article was orginally published in NCGR’s Memberletter, Midsummer 2022 Edition

Catherine Urban (NCGR-PAA IV, ISAR-CAP) With over 12 years of astrological immersion, Catherine’s practice is steeped classical, humanistic, mundane, and horary technique. Specializing in forecasting, Catherine empowers her clients to become alchemists of their own charts, while gaining confidence and clarity on their path. Catherine is a mama, mage and author of Your Astrological Cookbook: The Perfect Recipe for Every Sign. Read more of Catherine’s writings on all platforms @astrocatherine or www.CatherineUrban.com