I come correct with good news and glad tidings, my dudes. Mars — our planet of will, energy, sexuality, and action, getting it done and getting it on — is at long last going direct.
Named for the god of war, Mars has been in a retrograde cycle since Dec. 6, 2024, putting a real hitch in the holidays and a real damper on the initiatory energy of the new year.
Mars is considered a personal planet, meaning it’s relatively close to Earth — so its transits affect us intimately and often, and this forward momentum signals a significant shift.
Meaning of Mars in astrology
When Mars is direct, the energy of the planet naturally lends itself to actionable advancement, coming in hot, horny and ready for action in all its myriad forms.
However, when the planet downshifts, so too does the actionable adrenaline and vital pulse of our life force, as our energy is directed internally rather than externally.
Brilliant astrologer Tiffany Leonardo of Curl Crush Yoga told The Post, “Mars began its retrograde in the midst of the holiday season. This explains the lack of motivation many of us have had since the holidays until now. Since then, the cosmos have given us a permission slip to slow down and reflect, to notice where our energy needs to be redirected.”
Mars is responsible for how we make our way in the world and differentiate ourselves from comrades and competitors. Because the realms that Mars rules are so integral to our daily routines and essential sense of power, we feel the effects of the planet’s retrograde more acutely.
Mars direct in Cancer
Now that the planet is at long last going direct and erect, we’ll collectively feel a boost in energy, immunity, confidence and efficacy.
“A wave of energy comes with Mars in this forward motion – making it the optimal time to take action on your 2025 intentions and beyond. Some might even feel like the New Year has finally begun,” noted Leonardo.
While Mars will end its retrograde, the planet will still be in Cancer, the cardinal water sign where it is said to be in its fall, aka functions at its lowest capacity, meaning things will improve. But we won’t get the full force of our energy back until the planet moves into Leo in mid-April.
Meaning of Mars in Cancer
Leonardo notes that Mars direct in Cancer “reminds us this is a marathon, not a sprint. After all, we can’t run through water. Mars in Cancer reminds us that sometimes inaction is still an action; it’s the action of letting go and trusting, which can be more challenging than staying busy.”
Now that the planet of action and advancement is at long last going direct and erect, we’ll collectively feel a boost in energy, immunity and efficacy.
Mars in Cancer calls us to apply our energy to matters close to home and in alignment with our emotional well-being. This is the transit of the tender warrior.
Go in, go deep, build defenses for the defenseless, plant gardens for the rootless, dissent from toxic tradition, and, for God’s sake, avoid the impetus to act like a weening baby, teething child, petulant teenager or unhinged adult in a knife fight with the world.
How to work with the energy of Mars direct in Cancer
As Leonardo shares, action in this stage of the game looks like letting go.
“The action of softening through nurturing yourself, your loved ones and your dreams, especially before Mars enters Leo,” according to Leonardo. “This is the catalyst of change that Mars is bringing, rewriting our outdated approach to muscle through things, choosing instead to take aligned action.”
Mars also rules the physical body, so if you’ve been run down, laid low or beset upon by pestilence, you’re in for a comeuppance.
According to Leonardo, the move with Mars going direct in Cancer is to take action but be mindful of burnout and scale effort according to emotional importance.
“Energy management is key, as it’ll allow you to make an effort with the people and things that deserve your undivided attention. We can never take our time or energy back, so how we spend it is precious.
“Take notice of the energy vampires in your life, and use the fire of Mars to set boundaries,” Leonardo declared.
Astrology 101: Your guide to the star
Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
