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Mars Retrograde ~ The Cosmic Chill Pill

Mars Retrograde

The Benefits of Slowing Down . . . . 

It's that time again folks. Once every two years Mars, the planet that rules our motivation and ambition, turns retrograde for about a 2 1/2 month stretch. On March 1, 2014, Mars began this retrograde phase in partnership-oriented Libra, and will remain backpedaling until May 19. You have undoubtedly read all of the warnings about Mars Retrograde by now, and they are indeed accurate. Since Mars is the planet of initiation, you must have a strong and direct Mars if you ever want your endeavor to succeed. This is why astrologers advise against starting vital projects during this phase.

The "oomph" factor is missing or lessened somehow when Mars is retrograde. Often, we feel a sense of frustration during Mars Retrograde because we want to press forward in a certain area of our lives but feel as if our efforts to progress are futile. The Universe demands that we fortify what's happening in that area already rather than break new ground.  As long as you remember that simple rule you'll be fine. Mars Retrograde will not be your downfall.


When Mars is Your Ruler . . . . 

If you are ruled by Mars however, either by having the Sun or Ascendant in Aries or Scorpio, then you belong to the VIP Mars club. Mars, as our ruling planet, has a special emphasis in our lives. When this planet moves direct we are enlivened and embroiled. We are full of vim and vigor. When retrograde however, we are forced into a cosmic time out. The Universe does not ask, but rather orders us to take a chill pill.

To be honest, I am somewhat relieved!

Why is that, you might ask?! When Mars turns retrograde I know that for at least a few weeks I will have time to fully inhale and exhale.  I have always been someone who feels the need to be constantly "doing" something and being productive . . . . especially lately.  I have become so busy that I rarely give myself any down time. So when Mars turns retrograde every couple of years I might experience a bout of frustration if I am trying to get something off the ground, but even so, I tend to be secretly thankful. Why? Because at the very least, I can take a bit of a break and allow things to develop, as opposed to starting anything new!

As soon as Mars enters his cave for hibernation I definitely feel the shift, however I then realize that I can take my foot off the proverbial gas pedal. There is a genuine "get it all done now" vibration in my energy field that is with me most of the time, but the Mars retrograde period allows me to slow down a bit, sit down and take some much needed "me" time.

Mars in Libra

Mars Retrograde in Libra

During this particular retrograde in Libra, Mars Retrograde urges us to revise our current strategy of how we use our energy to pursue and cultivate close partnerships. It will help us to stop pushing so hard and learn to let our relationships proceed organically for once, the way they are meant to. As a result, this retrograde may give you a reprieve from any of the usual partnership anxieties. Trying to make a relationship into what it isn't, pushing for a certain collaboration when someone isn't ready . . . . all of these partnership themes now have a giant "pause" button on them.

Be grateful. For the next couple of months, we get to simply BE in our relationships rather than try to direct them. What a refreshing change of pace!  And an opportunity to learn how to truly relate.

As you can see, Mars Retrograde does not have to be an endless cycle of frustration. It can actually be an invitation to reduce a great deal of your everyday anxiety and frustration. So go ahead and swallow the cosmic chill pill instead of fighting it. You will be glad you did!

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Raven is a professional intuitive, spiritual advisor, Reiki practitioner & writer, who works with the Angels, Archangels, Ascended Masters, Spirit Guides, and Animal Spirit realms in her readings, coaching, Reiki energy healing, writing, and consulting. 

For more information, and for your own personalized reading, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/GiftedGuidance), or email her at Raven@Gifted-Guidance.com.