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

by Robert Wilkinson

Today we continue exploring Mars retrograde and the meaning of where it's at and some ways it could show in our lives. Mars goes stationary retrograde at 13 Cancer, a degree indicating we must be strong and flexible as we cultivate our individuality based in decisions made in late September and early October. This time will help us strengthen our determination, steadfastness, and sense of responsibility so we can strengthen the results of those decisions.

As I explained in yesterday's article, we were given a heads up about this time last Summer, when Mercury crossed this span of degrees. When you're done reading this article, please refer to How Astrology Works - Mercury Retrograde in Cancer Heralding Mars Retrograde 2007-2008 to see how this period is related directly to last Summer. Also refer to the information Mercury retrograde brought us then by going to the links in yesterday's article that will take you directly to the Mercury retrograde articles explaining more about the qualities of that period.

From Rudhyar's Astrological Mandala, we find the keynote of this degree to be "The power of the will in shaping character," where we can "see how a personal characteristic reveals what is behind it psychologically and spiritually." We are also told that it will take a strong will for us "to face the issue at stake."

Furthermore, this degree is one of "freedom from soft illusions," where we will find a "strong, active, and self-certain will, or persistent yet blind plunging ahead into reality." It falls in the individual-mental-spiritual section of "Decision," in the "Span of Expansion." It will retrograde back through the emotional, social, cultural, and actional phases of this sign until it again moves into Gemini to the Scene of "Exteriorization" and the Span of "Restlessness" on the emotional, social, and cultural level of existence. I'll elaborate more on the Mars retrograde in late Gemini in a few weeks.

Dr. Jones, creator of the Sabian Symbols, writes that this degree symbolizes our human belief in our "supremacy over nature" and our confidence in dealing with eventualities in our day to day activities so that we "rule our environment" or surrender our potentials. He goes on to say "Here is practicality brought to the point of ruthlessness.

The keyword is DETERMINATION. When positive, the degree is exceptional steadiness and a high sense of self-responsibility in every issue of the moment." Just beware of "an unnecessary aggressiveness and a self-defeating shortsightedness." He goes on to describe the formula of this degree as "Sustaining-Critical-Universal-Specializing-Spiritual-Receptive."

So I suppose that a positive response would be to be caring, kind, and patient in dealing with others who are hassled by not feeling like their needs are fulfilled, and slow down any aggressive tendencies in self or others, blunting the swords of war. Target the inner need, or the need that wasn't taken care of in the past.

If you're in an energetic tug of war, refuse to crater to passive aggressive people, ruthless people, shortsighted people, or people who care only for their needs and not yours. Examining family systems patterns, our own and others, will provide useful information as to what to take care of and how.

Part 4 of this series will explore the implications for each of the signs of the zodiac.

© Copyright 2007 Robert Wilkinson

Comments

[donna notmany]

WOW!
I got to stop getting up first thing and Coming here to see what you have written UP!
My brain is not working fast enough and I sit and read and reread the same sentence Over and over ...best wait a few hours.
Then again maybe it jump starts the slow brain...either way you are brillant and appreciated......

Carry on....
Peace

[Popplagid]

Hey Robert,

this is a bit off-topic, but what be your best advice for my approaching transiting neptune coming to my last degrees aquarius rising?
I shall be feeling lots of spiritual issues, conections, some confusions, yes, all the neptunian stuff, but what else?
Neptune calls for my best dreams to come true.. My life seems that is reading for that, after the transiting Uranus in my rising Aquarius liberation

[Jay]

Robert,
Re Mars going retrograde: Today I was planning to go out to do some errands, then felt really tired - I could feel the energy flowing through my body and out of my feet -like it was draining away. This happens from time to time. Could it be the Mars going retrograde today in Cancer, the same sign as my natal Mars and Venus (asc. ruler)?

Do these natal placements make me more sensitive to daily moon aspects?(I think I am.) I also have Sun/Mercury conjunction opposite moon, Pluto Trine Moon.

[ann]

Hi. I submitted a question in response to another post so not sure if you will see it. First, I am impressed with your generous responses to personal questions. I have tried to grasp the nuances of astrology, without luck. So, may I ask you: Should I be aware of any major planetary weather? Virgo/Sag; 1:36PM, Eastern PA; 9/16/53.
10,000 bows
Ann

[Valerie]

This is for Popplagid about Neptune... just to give you my experience to compare notes. When Uranus crossed my Aquarius Asc. (8 deg.) I got divorced, got my freedom back and I felt fantastic. Now that Neptune has been cruising through my 1st house for about 7 years, I've been alone and had some false starts in the romance dept. But it hasn't been a bad time. I think I've been alone for a good reason, and even though I feel vague and confused some of the time, I've done a lot of thinking and reflecting on things. This is coming at my middle age so I'm handling it differently than other people. I've been doing yoga. Writing alot in my journal. And having LOTS of dreams every night! You can expect that, so make use of it. Dreams give you great ideas, you'd be surprised. Since Neptune will be hanging around in your 1st for a long time, take advantage of these positive things. You might feel as if it is a wasted period but it really isn't. Reflect, meditate, play music, do creative things and don't get discouraged (a Neptune tendency.) Have faith!

Sorry Robert, for the segue away from Mars... looking forward to Pt. 4 tomorrow! I've got a son who's a Sag and boy, does he have a situation in his life! Thanks for all your helpful remarks so far.

[Jessi]

Thank you Robert for your articles as always. They are always much appreciated and help me in accelerating my astrology learning! :)

[mary]

Dear Robert,
Many thanks for preparing us especially via your above article for the likely emotional vicissitudes of Mars Retro in Cancer.
Actually today I had a very similar experience to Poppligaid who wrote above. I too was preparing to go and and do many things, but felt the energy physically draining out of me. I experienced this in London about 9am this morning, and the exact station of Mars here was I believe at 8am. I have spent the day 'taking care' of me on a primal and very basic level in very un-arien fashion (as I have sun and mercury in Aries, and this has led to me feeling very calm, centred and going with the retro flow,
thanks again for this most supportive article,
mary

[dottie]

weird, it's mars retro and i feel at home rather than disrupted. yes, there's a big project i'm working on - and i'm steeling myself for delays - but things are looking better than they have in a while.

maybe it's because my own mars is in cancer and i'm a female in a male-dominated environment? i've sometimes felt not 'assertive enough' but i think my chance to show them that there are different kinds of 'assertion' may be coming up. i hope.

[DEBORAH]

Robert,
Your insights are very helpful. You let us know that we are all in "this" together. Thank you for your insights and information, in helping me understand the unfolding of our Earth Universe. You are a big ray of sunshine. I feel like you are putting a great deal of Love & Light energy out. That is a nice way of giving to the collective consciousness. I must say that I know of no other astrologer's site that gives so much information in such a loving way. I just have to visit your site everyday. It is like gourmet "food for thought".
Wishing you a Great Thanksgiving!!! Deborah

[Molly]

Mars in Cancer just past Midheaven and conjunct my natal moon. Today was shortsidedness and defensive aggressiveness, and I decided I wasn't going to feel intimidated, allowing calm to flow through me and helping me concentrate on the issues. Then I said let's revisit this work in December... so I made plans for reviewing work at a time when we'll be passing over the place when we planned the initial work! Curious to see how the Mars works out in 10th house, in Cancer, conjunct natal moon this time around.

[Popplagid]

Hi Valerie!
Txs for your kind reply :)
I am just 25. When Uranus crossed my 27º ASC I went abroad for a while and a all new world of spirituality, metaphysics, theater and astrology open up for me. I changed myself completely for beng a more open and unique person.
Now just when Neptune is at 4º from ASC, I am in a serious relationships and in a settle job. Together with my mate, we've been thinking, as tipically Uranus, of living a very different lifestyle. We think of building a natural home in a rural place with a sustainable living. And with that Neptune flavour of turning our souls into nature.
But of course, although rose-colored, it seems a hard road ahead. We want to devote our hearts for the planet but I do not know what to make of a job by then. I had a offer to continue my urban job for more 4 years, and have been undecided what to do. As you guess my job my much less nature you could imagine, its more on the scientific chemical-driven conventional side. And I dont want to live my Neptune dreaming away while doing this same job! But surely as we plan having childreen it is a hard choice.

[Robert]

Hi all - More brief answers due to overwhelming work load.

Hi Donna - Well, life is a bit complex with lots of nuances. Thanks for your appreciation. Maybe more Jamaican Blue Mountain in the morning could jump start the synapses....

Hi Popplagid - It's a long term aspect. Stay grounded while opening to the highest broadest inspiration you can. Examine higher values and embrace them. Pay attention to transiting aspects to Neptune, as they'll show you what's up with your shifting and somewhat nebulous self image in the coming few years. Go for your greatest dreams and ideals, since what was awakened by Uranus becomes part of your spiritual holographic pattern with Neptune.

Hi Jay - Yes, Mars on its station could create energy fluxes, especially if you have planets anywhere near that point. Anyone with strong Cancer planets is very sensitive to the Moon's transits.

Hi ann - Yes, we should ALL be aware of planetary weather, since it's an influence all the time, and the more aware we are the more we can see all the interrelated factors and not fall into confusion. You're making major decisions the next couple of years, so be discerning and of as good a humor as you can be. This is the seed of all that will follow a couple of years down the line. 2008 should be very good to you.

Hi Valerie - Definitely anyone with Neptune transiting the Asc should go deeply into music and art for inspiration and calming the nerves. As you now can figure, you'll get part 4 on Sunday, with even more to come next week! And tell the Sag to enjoy the wild ride without going over the edge!

Hi Jessi - Excellent. You're most welcome.

Hi Mary - Yes, well, we can all expect some interesting reversals and returns during the next few weeks, with LOTS of oppositions from mid-Dec through early Jan! The stationary point is like a tidal change, so of course there would be internal shifts as well. And you're welcome.

Hi dottie - Things should be looking fairly well for many since we do have a grand Water trine at work! And yes, you should be able to hold your own in a very natural way without needing to play to the weirdness your coworkers may be feelings. Of course, do nothing to make yourself a target for their internal turmoil.

Hi Deborah - Sure. We ARE all in this together. Maybe I'm just an angel with sparklers? ;-) And thanks for the gourmet analogy, since I am a vegetarian chef and love to cook and serve nourishing food.

Hi Molly - Good that you could detach somewhat and not go with the negatives of Mars in Cancer. Great way to see the larger process at work!

[Valerie]

Thanks Robert for all your wise replies...

Popplagid, regard what Robert says, his is excellent advice. Go with the flow, heve faith in what you are doing. Read The Game of Life by Florence Scovel Shinn. Robert introduced me to her material (find on the internet- Google.) And your job sounds very interesting! If it has anything to do with helping the earth, you go girl!

Today I'm feeling some Mars Rx nonsense. Late for work, sad news from afar, very emotional about things, forgetful and quite scatterbrained. Must be since my natal Mercury is Rx 17 deg. Cancer LOL... I'll have to write myself lots of notes, try not get distracted and so forth! Right now I'm laughing it off.

Till Sunday, namaste......

[Teresa]

Hello Robert,

My Sun is in Virgo, Asc Scorpio, Moon Cancer and Saturn in Capricorn.

What does this mean for me? How will Saturn in Virgo effect me? In what area?

Thank you.
Teresa

[robyn]

regressing into gemini huh...

i just lost/had stolen... my wallet..
its a mystery. i want it back.

[Diane]

Hello Robert,
Following the posts on Mars retrograde, there is an upcoming conjunction of Jupiter and Pluto in December that I am sure will be far-reaching. Will you be doing an article? In my own chart Pluto and Jupiter will be conjunct my natal Moon opposite natal Uranus, so I have a personal interest in your reply. I love your insights, your integrity, and your sense of humanity. Peace.

[Larissa]

Hi Robert - I sense I became an introvert lately and sort of enjoying this quiet and passive/aggressive state of mind. My good friend Scorpio is getting frustrated with the world, while I feel entertained. I guess it affects people differently depending on many things. So Mars Rx is not that bad. Nice for relaxation. What do you think? What do you feel now? Do you feel the same?

[Canadian Astrologer]

Awesome Robert! Thank you for your insights.

[Popplagid]

Txs a lot both Robert and Valerie.
Furthermore, I've been under a powerful Pluto conjuncting natal Mercury. I thought it could be my current studies, but it is even causing me also very big migraines. I suspect is tension but even more something more my body or my mind is trying to tell me.
Does anyone suggest me ways of relaxing the mind and connecting with this Pluto-Mercury power?
Last night I even got to the hospital so strong was the pain and I should be going to a neuro-doctor.
I guess I will get much more enpowered, less talkative, maybe find a less mind-straining job and get more serious/calm after this plutonic transit and health complication.
Certainly Yoga and meditation although helpful are not enough. Pluto is also squaring (from the 10th) my nearly 8thhouse Mars at same time.
When pain comes it seems like fighting inner demons and getting aware of all heavy survival urges and primal strenght inside! And it has not even make its first contact!
This makes me see that definitely some astrological transits, specially those involving Pluto and Mars and rather hard to deal of.

[Popplagid]

Hello Diane,

I will try to give you a help.
Jupiter will certainly give us a aiding help or opportunity on our plutonic transformtions, turning the issue much bigger and possibly brining us a solution ahead.
So, I am currently having also a Uranus-Moon oposition. I am quite aware of what that natal aspect may mean: freedom, novelty, importance and originality of relationships or house issues.
Pluto is bringing you forward whatever issue concerning that changing nature about women, relationship, nurturing and the house that could mean. It could also mean something with the mother.
If you had already some event of felt something it is approaching, it may occur around the jupiter conjuntion. I feel in your case It could be a move (of house or job), some kind of big change or some novel relationship coming?
Please tell me your houses where the moon and uranus are to try to tell you further information. You should be able to tell by what is jupiter and pluto brining transiting that/those house!

Peace and all positive be with you.

[Robert]

Hi Valerie - Well, so far Mars RX is about lots of traffic delays!

Hi Teresa - A thousand ways, restructuring your life, bringing you long term results while probably making you more touchy than usual. It's a long term pressure helping you let go of much while preparing for new duties in January.

Hi robyn - Sorry your wallet was stolen. That's one of the reasons why I don't carry one.

Hi Diane - Will definitely do an article on Jupiter conjunct Pluto in a couple of weeks. And thanks for your kind words.

Hi Larissa - I cannot relax until I finish this life-altering move across country. But I do feel like it's a time of completion, grounding, and beginning of deeper rootedness than I've known in many years.

Hi Canadian Astrologer - You're most welcome. Enjoy today's and those to come.

Hi Popplagid - Go deeper to relax the base of the neck and find a focus that can help you get deeply connected with the Source, grounding with the Earth. Find a one-pointed concentration that helps you release the sense of body tension arising from your attachment to the sensations. Actually, Yoga and meditation ARE enough, but either you need to go deeper into the practice or find another set of asanas. Uranus opposed Moon also induces constant tension, so examine your habits of doing and feeling, what you're eating, what you may be clutching at or holding on to.

[Diane]

Hi Robert and Popplagid,I'm looking towards the upcoming conjunction of Jupiter and Pluto both with anticipation and trepidation! They will conjunct my natal moon in Sag in the 5th in direct opposition to my natal Uranus in the 11th. I hope I can stand the expansion. I think I'll actually implode. Plus, I'm in the middle of my second Saturn return! I don't think I should be too optimistic about my immediate future. But for some reason, I am! Thank you both for your thoughts. And a Happy Thanksgiving, too.

[popplagid]

Hi Diane...
Well, a Moon in fifth house would sound to me like emotional responses to issues involving children, way we express ourselves, through arts or love affairs, and in general the way we feel and express ourselves
Uranus in 11th would mean you are an active humanitarian and idealistic, forward looking person, possibly in close contact with groups which represent these activities
So, with this transit, I think Pluto was redefining all activities concerning the fifth house (it is being possibly a more introspective period for you, and in a big way we are changing radically in the way you express your emotions, and this could come particularly through a new way of approching love affairs, having a child or get involved with some group activity which would involve artistic expression)
well, I am just guessing

Jupiter would trigger and amplify that effect this next month.
Since you are in second saturn return, you are in the end of a second cycle and starting a third and new one.
A plausible scenario would mean, for example, going on a new adventure concerning a ideal (11th house) that would change completely your affairs of fifth house (such as being with your children or moving home), or an event in these 5th house issues that would change dramatically (possibly awake) new ideals and visions about life, on you.
Look also to your children, for novel things through them, if you have them..
Peace,

[Diane]

Thank you, Popplagid; you have given me much to think about! I'll let you know what comes about.