Have you heard about Mars retrograde and don’t know what it’s all about or how to protect yourself against wild Martian energies? This article will shed light on how to stay mentally fit and avoid going crazy during this challenging two-month period, which may feel like a roller coaster ride.
People are starting to talk more and more about Mars retrograde. And no wonder. Unlike Mercury, which is retrograde four times a year, Mars stations retrograde every two years, making it more interesting and mysterious.
While Retrograde planets are not considered negative, they do have more challenging and intensive energy than other planets. The retrograde period (when a planet appears to move backward in its orbit) is the most challenging of all for any planet.
For example, when Mercury is retrograde, communication, transportation, and technology seem stagnant. This is because Mercury rules communication (both verbal and digital) and transportation. Delayed flights, misunderstandings between people, and people from the past returning are all common with Mercury retrograde.
On October 30, 2022, Mars begins retrograde and will remain so until January 12, 2023.
Mars is the planet of action, aggression, anger, power, wars, fights, and animal instincts. So, all this is amplified when the planet is in its retrograde movement. Mars retrograde creates difficulties in our emotional lives, including the capacity to relate to others and build healthy relationships. We are likely to act impulsively, resulting in bad decisions that can lead to disasters at work and at home.
Mars retrograde may also cause:
Emotional reactivity – A person’s tendency to quickly feel and act on emotions at the moment without critical reflection or without considering possible consequences.
Irritability – An emotional state of being easily annoyed and irritated. You are more likely to get temperamental or angry, and you may find that you are easily frustrated or impatient.
An increased temper – Increased temper in people is when they become furious and easily irritated. You can feel like a ‘ticking time bomb during Mars retrograde.’
The desire for solitude – Mars Retrograde is about learning how to be alone and at peace with yourself. It’s about tapping into our inner strength and allowing ourselves to reflect on the deeper issues in our lives.
Reduced drive and productivity – Mars is all about our masculine energy and drive. When Mars is retrograde, we have less drive and are less productive. We may also be less motivated to follow our dreams.
Procrastination – We don’t have the energy to do important things, and we tend to put everything off until later. It may not always be good because some things need to be done or solved now and not later.
Feeling like you have no control over your life – It is not uncommon to feel like we have no control over our lives during Mars retrograde. It turns everything in our life upside-down, and it seems like none of our projects is moving forward at that time. As a result, things may get out of control, and we may even feel like we have a life out of our hands.
Physical weakness – Although Mars is not the planet of health, its retrograde motion can affect our physical health and well-being. Mars rules all things related to our physical strength, including our muscular system and even our ability to stand up straight. Feeling weak or lazy is typical during this retrograde phase.
How To Stay Mentally Fit During Mars Retrograde
Mars Retrograde affects people in many ways, and not all of them may be easy to notice right away. Some people feel fine and don’t notice any changes, while others feel it from the first day of the retrograde phase. Some people suddenly start feeling negative, aggressive, or moody and blame it on ‘something bad in the air.‘ What they don’t know is that Mars is most likely the culprit.
Scream Therapy
As Mars retrograde is a time of aggression and an emotional rollercoaster, it is common for people to use more vulgar or aggressive language. Even those with a selected vocabulary observe themselves using more aggressive expressions. While negative words can have a negative impact on us, we can also use them to our advantage. And Mars retrograde is the best time to do it!
What am I talking about? Scream therapy! This type of ‘therapy’ is beneficial when you need to vent whatever is bothering you or release inner tension. And how to do that? Go to a place where there are no people, such as a high rock, a forest, or on a boat in the middle of a river. Or even at home if you don’t have thin walls! Then shout whatever is on your mind. It can be rude words, names, places—anything.
- I can achieve A-NY-THING I set my mind to!
- I am f*****g strong and beautiful as I am!
- I am a bad**s, and I’ve got this!
Say Positive Affirmations
Affirmations are not a magical cure-all for any negative feelings or emotions, but they are a means to help you achieve your desired goals and dreams. Just like the car that gets you from point a to point b, you are the one who has to drive safely and trust that you will get to point B.
If you use the car correctly, you will get where you want to be. And if you use positive affirmations correctly and believe in them, you will achieve your dream goal. I have been using positive affirmations for many years, and they are one of the things that help me the most, especially during retrograde (both Mars and Mercury) phases. Below are some examples of Mars retrograde affirmations:
- I am at peace with myself and the world.
- I let go of all anger and resentment. I release all negative thoughts and feelings.
- I forgive myself for past mistakes and release any shame or guilt I hold onto.
- I am gentle and tough, soft and strong.
- I am open to receiving love, trust, and forgiveness in my life.
- All my cells are filled with love and healing energy that my higher Self is constantly replenishing.
Check also these Letting Go Affirmations to free yourself.
Think Twice
No one knows the consequences of action until it is done. Therefore, it is best to think twice before speaking, for we may hurt someone with our words or make a mistake that we will later regret.
Remember that people are more emotional during this period, and it is easier to be irritated. So, think twice, and if something is unnecessary to say, just don’t say it. When it comes to investments or purchases, take your time to think it through. Do I really need to buy that new TV? Is now really the best time to buy this stock or property? Am I buying it because I need it or because I just want it right now?
Avoid Discussing Sensitive Topics
The world is not the best place to live now. Wars, financial crisis, and, to make matters worse, winter is coming. Social media is flooded with posts on this topic, and the discussion below sometimes looks like a war between two wolves that would eat each other.
Since this period makes people more aggressive and hot-blooded, try to avoid any discussions on sensitive topics, both online and in real life. Everyone’s opinion is important, no doubt about that. However, isn’t it better to avoid such discussions and instead focus on something more positive that will raise your vibration and make you feel better?
Slow Down
Life is a beautiful journey; it is never too late to slow down. In fact, Mars retrograde is the ideal time to slow down. This is the only way to avoid aggressive people, arguments, and mistakes that we would otherwise make.
- Take time to breathe: As we constantly rush from one place to another, it is easy to forget to breathe. Take some time out every day and sit in silence. Close your eyes and take deep breaths – this will help you feel rejuvenated and refreshed.
- Spend time with loved ones: Spending time with your loved ones – talking over lunch or chatting over a cup of coffee – will help strengthen your relationship. It will also help you realize that even though we are going through difficult times, there are people who care about you no matter what. It can be hard to find love and peace in a chaotic and aggressive time, but as Misty Copeland once said, “Anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you.”
- Turn off technology: With our phones always by our side, it’s difficult not to look at the screen every few minutes. Plus, with what’s going on right now, it’s tempting to be online all the time on Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok to see what’s new. Learn how to disconnect from technology and enjoy real-life moments instead. Make it a goal, for example, not to go on any social media between 9 AM and 3 PM. It can be challenging, no doubt about it, but it’s worth a try. You will see that you will feel better.
Interesting Fact About Mars Retrograde
Before we wrap this up, let’s look at one interesting fact about Mars Retrograde. And while I wish that history doesn’t repeat itself, I don’t believe in coincidences.
Do you remember when the two biggest financial crises happened? Yes, it was 1991 and 2008, and in those years, Mars was in its retrograde phase. Looking at the current year of 2022 and everything happening right now, from wars to a volatile stock market and signs of a financial crisis, chills run down my spine.
Final Words
Mars retrograde can be merciless, no doubt about it. However, if we are prepared enough and aware of its consequences, we can keep ourselves mentally healthy and sane and will consciously avoid things that could lead to arguments or aggressive behavior. No matter how you feel, remember that every small step you take, no matter how big or small, is a step forward. So don’t stop!
