Pre-Retrograde Shadow Oct 4-Dec 5, 2024
It dawned on me that this past weekend’s post might reflect the fact that we’ve entered the shadow period for Mars. The actual retrograde is scheduled to occur on December 6–just in time for the holidays, thank you very much. You might already feel the stirrings of dissent in certain relationships, particularly those with unresolved wounds or ongoing family drama. Some of the traumas that are set to be activated connect to restrictive or childhood experiences that have instilled a fear of rejection, inferiority complexes, or the vulnerability of being too trusting.
As you might guess, when the planet of conflict moves backward, you’ll be forced to review the dynamics of confrontation, anger issues, and situations that trigger intense reactions. As frustration and hostility rises to the surface, you may feel prompted to declare war on oppressive situations. In the broader scheme, this can be an attempt is to manipulate the social order for better or worse and the call for volunteers. Events tend to underscore a lack of cooperation triggered by defiance, aggressiveness, or argumentative responses by the parties involved. The greater purpose is to pinpoint where you have difficulty asserting yourself or avoiding conflict.
Mars also reflects the will, energy, and passion and this cycle will cover how you deal with desire, sexuality, ambition, and drive, especially in any areas where these have been suppressed. This can cause you to question the validity of your goals, and in some cases, you may decide to postpone or cancel an endeavor. If you’re not a self-directed individual, motivation can be a real challenge during the retrograde lasting all the way until Mars goes direct and reaches the initial shadow degree. However, for those inclined to self-discipline, the influence can be a productive period for working on long-term projects.
But the pre-shadow sets the stage for events to come and this is just the kickoff before the real games begin. Mars rewinds his passage in the sector ruling value systems and personal resources and this will tend to be at the crux of disagreements. Aside from the more personal meaning indicated in your natal chart, there are general concerns related to motivation and satisfaction tied to income, career rewards, self-employment, group involvement, and the impact these have on your overall sense of self-worth.
At the beginning of this journey, Mercury is applying a tense aspect to a Mars with a strained link to retrograde Chiron. This might indicate a conflict with a child or problems surrounding contracts, documents, or pertinent information. It’s highly probable that the thought process is at odds with the impulse to act which could prompt you to exaggerate, argue your view, or accept challenges beyond your capacity. Good judgment can be lacking and you shouldn’t make hasty decisions.
If you feel especially willful in the pursuit of absolute independence, you may be stimulated to defy rules or regulations sparking impulsive or rash behavior that results in accidents or disputes. It stands to reason that shifting moods coupled with an explosive temper can exacerbate the situation. In the extreme, the lack of forethought causes trouble with the police or through lawsuits. Serious confrontation is most likely with a male individual (men in general, father, husband, male child), or a family member, or sibling. If you’re a parent, you may need to be more stringent in oversight. Your child could get involved with the wrong crowd or friends who bring trouble with law enforcement agencies.
When criticized for failing to meet expectations or because of cavalier behaviors, the response may be combative or defensive over the non-conformance. That approach creates tension within close associations and family gatherings or social activities can suddenly derail due to an unfortunate change caused by emotional upset. With misunderstandings and emotions running high you’re susceptible to possible litigation surrounding property or family members. Perhaps you’re fighting over an inheritance, undergoing a divorce, or battling over custody. The tendency is a brutally frank or outspoken manner with little regard for tact or hurting others, or understanding. The end result can be family estrangement.
For some, the overstimulation puts the mind in constant overdrive making it difficult to get proper rest. If so, sleepless nights are spent mulling over the day’s events. Eventually, that lack of proper rest contributes to health problems that can manifest as an increase in reflex-action and nervous irritability. In fact, with Mars in the main, surgery, cuts and burns, and inflammatory diseases and infections are possible. The instability of Mars when retro is a warning that fast cars, motorcycles, and a dangerous love of speed could be a lethal combination conducive to a dangerous accident. The caution is also to be aware of the environment or crime-ridden areas that pose a threat.
But it’s not all bad—Venus is reaching out to Mars to offer her support, and this combo could lead to an increase in social, romantic and sexual activities. In some cases, the attraction is toward a relationship with people from a minority group or situations that involve migration, immigration or new beginnings.
Alternatively, this pair supports energy that can be applied to a new line of endeavors, or creative ideas and artistic pursuits with the potential to enhance personal income. Those with magnetic appeal can have a powerful influence on large groups through the spoken or written word, and poets, artists, or talented musicians are also highlighted.
Whatever the aim, despite the lack of support from family members, you may decide to go it alone and the link to Asteroid Knight suggests you’re on a mission motivated by the fanatical pursuit of a personal objective.
Image: Mars Asleep, Hendrick Ter Brugghen