An Overview of Mars Retrograde in Cancer in November-December 2007

by Robert Wilkinson

We've covered a lot of ground on how this Mars retrograde could and will manifest. Today I pull together some key points, and elaborate on some others that were not fully explored before now.

We know it is a time of potential energetic tugs of war we should avoid. These are the circumstances that drain us and turn ordinary interactions into goopy emotional bogs. In those circumstances, it's better to refuse the reflection or projection, and be caring while showing strength of character. We get to care about what we care about, and if it's not good enough for another, then maybe it's time to agree to disagree.

We know there could be many old feelings and perhaps hurts come up from subconsciousness, whether ours, another's, or even from the collective unconscious. That's why it's important to slow things down as we examine how we do or do not want to respond. We know there could be over-reactions from that which has not been allowed to express itself in our lives, and also how important it will be not to take things too personally or negatively.

We know not to get too crabby or defensive, and whenever possible be nurturing and caring in ways that alleviate these in ourselves and others. This is about recognizing what needs strengthening inwardly, and taking care of old needs that haven't been taken care of in our lives up to now. Definitely don't internalize any new hurts, and readdress old ones when appropriate to come out of those old reactive patterns.

There could be old hurts or concerns expressed by others due to prior defensive stances, and if we are feeling drained, it is most important to be open and above board in targeting specific needs in the moment while not getting deflected into what was, or should have been, or old stuck emotional turf battles.

We know we will have to reconsider the mental attitudes and perceptions that created recent decisions or old hurts. We will re-trace the ground we've covered the past 2 1/2 months but with an eye to redoing or undoing or getting clear about how to be strong, flexible, and courageous as we review and rethink recent beginnings. Relax, don't get wired by the reversals and slowing and generic touchiness, and see it as a chance to redo and rethink some things, preparing for a whole new life to come in 2008 when Mars goes direct.

We are learning to slow down and rework whatever needs caring for in order to strengthen recent life decisions. This can help us strengthen our determination, steadfastness, and sense of responsibility, securing past and future expansions. Sidestep passive-aggressive, selfish, petulant, immature, or short-sighted people, or if you must confront them, defend your need to care for yourself while guarding against useless or petty shots.

We are told the power of the SRX point is in the qualities of being sustaining, critical, universal, specializing, and spiritually receptive. Be caring and kind, slow things down to blunt uselessly aggressive people, and care for yourself and those you feel close to. Examine the family systems or other relevant habit patterns and assumptions to see what you do and do not need to address. Remember that another's limitations, fears, and concerns may or may not be any of your concern.

This is a time when a thorough look back at events transpiring since June 2007 can show us where the inner or outer resistances and resentments first showed themselves. If you must revisit some stuff from this period, have your armor on as you wade through what may get bogged down before there is any flow, if any is to be had. And remember, playing defense is better than playing offense through the end of the year.

For a one-stop shop on prior articles about Mars retrograde, here they are so far:

How Astrology Works - Mercury Retrograde in Cancer Heralding Mars Retrograde 2007-2008

Mars Retrograde in Cancer and Gemini in November, December 2007 and January 2008 - Pt. 1

How Will Mars Retrograde in Cancer and Gemini in November, December 2007 and January 2008 Affect Everyone - Pt. 2

What is the Quality of the Mars Retrograde in Cancer and Gemini in November - December 2007 and January 2008? - Pt. 3

How Will Mars Retrograde in November-December 2007 Affect Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces?

A Cosmic Perspective on Mars' 2007 Retrograde Station Conjunct the Star Sirius - The Sun of our Sun

© Copyright 2007 Robert Wilkinson

Comments

[Larissa]

Hi Robert - Uranus turns direct on November 24, tomorrow. What does it change? Thank you

[Felita]

Hi Robert Would Mars in Cancer Retro activate other planets in water signs i.e pisces and scorpio in a persons natal chart as well as effect how Mars plays out? Mars is on my ascendent line in Taurus as MARS continues through the various signs does that relay my response to the outside world?
Hope the questions are not too of track.
I also have Merc in Cancer, Mars in My MIND at the moment. Thanking You Felita

[d3mill]

Hi Robert,
Hope you are enjoying your own 'time out'. Just a few reflectionbs on Mars retro. Have been crossing paths with people I previously would have described as being crabby, petulant etc. and finding different people underneath. Even more telling, they acknowledged their own character traits, which opened up all sorts of discussion and new possibilities. Have also been contacted by people that I chose let go of, without regret,and have found no desire to renew acquaintance. I am continuing to examine "old friendships",Natal saturn, Cap 6 degrees (11th)(trans Pluto creeping up!) and am left wondering, once again, why I bothered holding on for so long..Trans Nept(12th) opps Moon Leo (6th) - Trans Saturn Virgo conjunct natal Dsc. and Pluto (6th) Trans. Mars 5th house... still detoxing..no cigarettes!!
Dianne

[Melody]

Dear Robert and everyone

Happy belated Thanksgiving and a early happy
holidays.

Yes I have to make a comment about this post of mars retrograde.

This energy has thrown me personally face to face with old (and still healing hurts)about certain people, relationship patterns and resentments and how destructive and unfulfilling they were in my life.

It's almost like the energy draws you to play it out one more time but in a retrograde way ... as you say to do, redo or even undo certain views, assumptions or to even reaffirm previous assumptions and not give way to sentimentality which may be why you got into trouble in the past continually in the first place.

As you have always said be clear on your needs and your intentions.

But it is also reaffirming because as this energy readdresses old hurts or things it also provides the
energy to see them clearly ( at least I think so ) and when you used the word ' specializing ' I didn't understand how that could play out but it has ...most definitely.

In the situation I have found myself in ... I have also been somewhat more emotionally removed from it, able to define it better, put it in order in my heart and head and act on it with conviction to move forward in positive intention and action towards what it is I want and I need in my life. I tried to walk the higher ground but realized that that was the problem entirely for this person never does so and never wanted to do so and my position in this persons life had been a total lie.

The specializing part kicked in when I realized that this energy while making me redo things or come face to face with previous things ..it was specializing in myself certain traits and talents that apparently I was unaware I had, unclear what they were about and how to use them and they needed to be reinforced in this new way as a talent in myself with confidence for a successful future and to release the past cycles.

If you don't play then theres no drama, right ? Set your intentions, rules, values and boundaries straight from the start and work all else outwards in circles to create harmony and success in your life around you to be more fulfilling.

One of those gifts from spirit you have talked about in other articles, right ?

But one has the right to state and request thier needs, boundaries and to remove all the negatives from ones life that are draining and destructive.

Even by force ( though in fairness and with kindness ) if one needs too for compassion for another is not to be allowed to be used by another or considered a weakness. Thats what you've told me in the past.

Anyways thats just my observations of this energy in my current life at the moment ... I hope it helps others with it. Sorry if this is long winded Robert ~ there just have been so many epiphanies of late.

I find the energy doesn't necessarily regress you as much as provides you another look back and look over to make sure that you are and have chosen the right intentions, the right path, the right actions from certain situations in the past and when the 'REVIEW' time is over ... one gets to move forward with the more refined and finished products in your life.

[Henry]

Hi Robert.

Added to Mars retrograde, last Full Moon was a real tense one in Gemini, squaring Saturn/South Node position, that at the same time squared the Sagitarian Sun, as well as Saturn is going uneasy with Uranus, and there we have the beginning of that Jupiter/Pluto conjunction that will culminate Sagitarius to shake the Earth entering Capricorn -we already start to see real state and construction area problems-.

Does the Full Moon scenario affect until the next one?...or is it just...a second in eternity?. If it's really meaningful...any comments?.

Thanks.

[LB]

Robert - These Mars Retro series of articles is like reading my own diary of late - It's right on. Thanks for the interpretations of this phase - they have really helped me understand my feelings and a lot of things that are happening in my life. For the last month, I have been in total introspection mode and decided to put my needs first, which means letting go of some people and old patterns (like realizing the law of attraction, and that I need to be sending out different signals so that I can draw more lovely people and things into my life). It's definitely not a breezy transition, but this is some powerful stuff, so I'm going to 'keep on truckin' while (as goofy as it sounds) keeping the faith that the caterpillar will soon turn into the butterfly. Thanks again, LB

[Robert]

Hi all - Most of your comments inspired long answers on specific astrological factors, so I'll be addressing them in articles I'm publishing over the next week. Please stay tuned, as I'm sure you'll recognize which answers which comment in this stream. However there is one comment here that requires a specific answer.

LB - Glad you've begun to examine how to take care of your needs by letting go of forms of mental inertia so you can choose different attractions. Sometimes creating space allows other events to occur. I also had to decide I wanted better friends a few years ago, and all of a sudden I found myself virtually alone. Then some good ones came in, some of whom actually stayed good friends, while others who became not such good friends due to their choices found themselves also out of the picture in due time, sort of like great food that soured past their shelf date. Keepin' on keepin' on is a good thang, since to quote Saint George the Beatle, "If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there." Perhaps the cocooning nears its end, since you're already striving for the change.

[Helen]

Hi Robert,

Interesting MANifestation. All of a sudden, I am reliving old BS, that I thought I had resolved with my Father, (A Cap). Here are the aspects going on in my natal. The natal position of my Chiron is 7 degrees of Cap. I know that MarsRX in Cancer is probably in opposition to the Chiron. But also Saturn in Virgo is trining my Chiron now. I thought I was going to get a great healing out of this.

What gives?

Peace,

Helen

By the way, my father’s sun is right on my Chiron.

[LB]

Robert - I appreciate your feedback to my comment. I recently had a similar conversation with someone I met regarding how my quest for a better life via searching in the realms of new age, metaphysical, astrology, etc seems to be alien to most of my long time friends who love to make fun of me for being so 'kooky'. My new acquaintance said "sounds like you need new friends!" It really got me thinking.
Your comment hit home - I sometimes do feel alone and that no one gets me, but thankfully I always find a way to adapt and move forward. I have faith that I will find those new friends who I can exchange/share ideas, positive energy & true value. It's nice to know that someone can relate, so thanks.
LB

[Robert]

Hi Helen - Isn't it just great when you peel the onion back yet another layer to find even more that you thought was already resolved? ;-) You could get a great healing out of this, but with both Mars and Saturn RX you may want to take a long view and know that this isn't going to work itself out in a day, but by next Spring it should have resolved to a large degree. Plus remember that YOU are the healer of his light and heart, just as his heart and light calls you to your highest Self. Use logic, ethics, metaphysics, and the other Chironic tools in your healing experiment.

Hi LB - Yes, well, I also am often known for resembling something alien to form bound inside-the-box clutching creatures of modern non-civilization. That's why this forum exists, and is a healthy alternative to the deadened thinking of modern usualness. I definitely agree that when we're among those who don't recognize us or bring forth our heart or playfulness, then it's time to find new people to hang with. We can affirm that we will meet 10 new people in the next three months some of whom could wind up our close friends, and they WILL show up. Of course, then we each make choices along the way that bring us closer or make us distant. The former will be our friends, the latter probably someone we will have to let go of at some point down the road due to dissimilarities. I have no doubt that you can find new people to play and create with who won't be afraid to discuss things outside the box of mind-numbing conventional thinking.

[LB]

Robert - I got a good giggle from your terminology. I like to call them 'sheeple' ;^)
Take care & talk soon.
Lisa
PS - I am taking you up on the affirmations

[Larissa]

Hi Robert - Uranus turns direct on November 24, tomorrow. What does it change?

[Helen]

Hi Robert,

Thanks for always being there. I was quite surprised at all this stuff resurfacing.

Also, what would be the effect of the Mars RX when it is right on a man's Venus?

Again, thanks for your help.

Peace,

Helen

[Robert]

Hi LB - Good. If you want more, read (or re-read) "The Game of Life" by Florence Scovel Shinn, clean out obsolete relationships, and see who shows up.

Hi Larissa - I told you an article would be coming. Please be patient, as I only have so much time, given how many comments I must answer and emails I've neglected to answer. And I have just completed a huge life move spanning 800 miles in the past week. Uranus on its station is a broad based influence, and not personal for most.

Hi Helen - You're welcome. It could mean he would be projecting old responses on new relations, or that he would be reminded of old sensitivities and find new ways to respond, or that he's getting in touch with some needs never fulfilled before now. Much depends on where it falls and what it rules in his chart.

[Larisa]

Hi Robert - do what you have to do first, of course, however I do not remember you adressing me before on that.

[Robert]

HI Larissa - It was in the "hi all" comment where I said articles would be coming on your questions.

[Larissa]

Fine.