Mars in Cancer Direct
February 24 - April 18
Mars out of bounds is DISRUPTIVE. That’s what happens during a year when Mars goes retrograde. It spends a looooong time in a sign or two, and it is FELT. Mercury in retrograde is trendy, probably because it happens so often—three times per year. But Mars only goes retrograde once every two years, so we don’t talk about it (we leave the talking to Mercury). And Mars is one of the most challenging retrogrades—Mars and Saturn go all in on the lessons.
Mars has been rolling between Leo and Cancer since September. The planet of war, aggression, courage, and getting-all-the-things-done started out in Cancer, bolted over to Leo November 4, then went retrograde December 6 and continued moving backwards into cancer on January 6, where it’s been ever since. Now retrograde is over, and Mars is moving forward in the sign of the crab until April 18, when he transits into Leo—again—until June. Exhale.
Mars is here to get to the heart of the matter. Cancer, ruled by the moon, is the seat of emotion and nurturing. Mars is all about drive. Cancer tries to create bonds and safety and family; Mars courts independence. But Mars in Cancer is also fiercely protective. That energy is on blast. Connecting with empathy, compassion, and self-awareness is the best of this transit. Cancer's vibe is security—it's the base of Maslow's Hierarchy. Cancer is also about belonging. How can we re-parent ourselves so we can grow into the next iteration?
In its fall in Cancer, Mars gets stuck. It’s phlegmy. Quicksand, if you remember. The challenge: Cancer = water, Mars = heat. During the retrograde, did you observe inflammation? What was congested? This was most highlighted by the Cancer full moon in January. Did you notice? For the remainder of Mars in Cancer direct, you’ll be working out whatever you learned and was highlighted then.
Mars asks: where's your courage? What do you need to move towards? The sword is here to sever what’s not working. Where do you need to cut ties? It’s sticky, so tough, but not impossible. What stories impede you from being able to make a decision and act? Sort through complex emotions; rally the courage to work through them. Don't disturb what does not need to be disturbed, but get things done. Hold on to your boundaries; say no; whittle things down to the essentials. We can't get complacent in what makes us comfy.
BUT—blessings are coming. Because of the work we're asked to do through April, we’ll be offered growth opportunities. In June, Jupiter moves into Cancer, its area of exaltation, coming to fill us up. THIS IS THE ENERGY! September, October, November, and December, Jupiter can do some of its best work, bringing through its gifts. It will help us expand. We want to have space so the goodies have space to land.