Peak Mars in Cancer/Full Moon Cancer

January 11-17

Remember, we’re in the fire swamp. We are in the quick-sandy, gooey, phlegmy height of Mars RX in Cancer. Mars is in its detriment where it struggles. 

The week of January 12 was the peak of Mars Rx. (It started out retrograde December 6 in Leo, then moved into Cancer on January 6). Mars in Cancer is a waterlogged warrior. It can’t do its job on the battlefield (see the Mars Rx scroll if you haven’t already).

Here’s what you need to know to get you through to the end of April and Mars in Cancer:

Reflect on that week—the peak week for this transit. Mars Rx was conjunct the full moon in Cancer. A full moon is a moon in opposition to the sun. There’s conflict. A full moon shines a light—a glaring light in this case—on whatever the irritation and aggravation is related to Mars in Cancer. Whatever house Cancer occupies for you, that’s the area you will feel this most in your personal life.

Another aspect of Mars in Cancer is the fiercely protective Mama Bear (Cancer is the nurturer, maternal energy). The moon and Mars there together amplify this energy. It’s a hot spot. It may be prickly. How do you protect the life you’re fostering? 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 version?

On Wednesday of that week, January 15, the sun and Mars were in opposition. This is highly significant. Are you able to move in the direction you need to? What was the full moon and sun opposition Mars highlighting in terms of courage and aggression?

For the remainder of Mars in Cancer, once it’s out of retrograde and stationing direct starting February 23, you will be working out whatever you learned and whatever was highlighted mid-January. 

AND Mars will be hanging out at the same degree, 17th degree of Cancer, for the next four weeks. This is the time for excavation and poking around. Meditate. We are being held in place so that we can dig deeply here. We need to understand what it is we’re supposed to be transforming and alchemizing. A difficult jawn that will be really good when it’s done.

Remember, at the beginning of November, as Mars was leaving Cancer it was opposition to Pluto in Capricorn. That began a big battle that will continue until its final sequence in April. We talked about strategy and chess moves and preparing for a long conflict. The second move in that series occurred at the beginning of January, with Mars in Cancer in opposition to Pluto in Aquarius. That means we are still, as a society (Pluto is a societal planet, and Aquarius is the sign of the collective), in the midst of that story. 

Remember, the work we're asked to do through April will provide us with growth opportunities. Whatever we cut, leaves space for Jupiter to move in (Cancer is its area of exaltation) and bring us goodies.