MARS in Gemini

In August 2022, Mars entered Gemini and would stay there for seven months. On October 30th, the planet stationed Retrograde for two and a half months until January 13th. This planet's motion and interactions with other transiting planets can tell us a lot about how 2022 prepares us for actions we need to take in 2023. 
W​e can see the horoscope of when Mars entered Gemini below. What strikes me as most interesting is that there was a Grand Square in the sky. This occurs when at least four celestial points are square to each other in different element-ruled signs. Some astrologers consider a grand square only to be true if it involves planets; however, below the square is completed but the South Node Squaring to Saturn in Aquarius and the Sun in Leo. I want to examine this as valid energy because this transit occurs throughout the cycle of the eclipses along the north and south node axis. 

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​When Mars entered Gemini, Uranus began its descent from its conjunction with the North Node in Taurus, creating loose squares to Venus and the Sun in Leo, who generate a Square to the South Node, which Squares Saturn retrograding in Aquarius. 
Additionally, the Moon was also in Gemini during Mars transit. 
These significant astrological points offer details about how Mars' station in Gemini will influence us. 
The Grand Square indicates ups and downs, consistent struggles or obstacles we need to overcome and smooth out. Mar's time in Gemini will prolong these hurdles and ask us to examine them more. Instead of reviewing them with tenderness like one might choose to in the name of self-care, Mars' influence forces us to look at them and handle our issues wildly and more head-on. This can be uncomfortable for some people. With the transits' chart having Venus and the Sun in Leo square to the nodes and Uranus, our EGO will get in the way. Our want for ease, special treatment, or to exercise our authority will be less likely to achieve than we would like. Our expectations can get in our way. Think back to August 21st. Have any specific troubles or personal anxieties been following you? Over the past months, how have these progressed and begun to be solved in different ways?
 

​N​ow let us take a look at when Mars' Retrograde began. On the morning of October 30th, Mars stationed retrograde while Uranus and the North Node were still in conjunction by four degrees, creating oppositions to the Sun and Venus and the South Node, of course. The Sun and Venus also played a part in the Mar's transition into Gemini. Here we see their story progress from square to the opposition. Venus is ease, and the Sun is the ego. This opposition occurring in the sky while Mars stations retrograde furthers the narrative of Mars' time in Gemini, asking us to confront our comfort levels and ego!
Furthermore, this positioning of the planets and celestial points like the nodes confirms that change is imminent. The North Node and South node are activated by planets here, simultaneously drawing us back into old habits and out into the great unknown. This means that we are simultaneously being drawn back into the old and glimpsing the new, the possibilities of our life if we can let go of the old and step into a bit of discomfort for a while.

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​The next most significant aspect Mars Retrograde makes in its journey is a month later when the Full Moon in Gemini occurs at the exact degree of Mars Rx. 
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A Full Moon is always representing the culmination. This could mean heightened drama and busyness or full-circle moments that offer closure and endings to emotional cycles. With the Full Moon influencing Mars' transit (and vice versa), we can expect aggression in the drama or end of a cycle. It is essential to see how Gemini shows up in your chart. For example, Gemini rules my 4th house, and at this time, I received closure on some emotional situations thanks to some advice I received from my mom. However, the issues I was dealing with were my foundational beliefs around my ability to communicate. I aggressively resisted some feedback before I let myself understand what was going on. (Emotions, Mothers, and foundational beliefs are all 4th house themes, and Gemini indicates communication and knowledge). 
 
Additional to the Full Moon, the Moon and Mars are making a close trine to Saturn, the planet of Karma and Structures. This Trine gives us a little hope because it symbolizes support coming to us, likely disguised as discomfort. After all, we are being told to take action toward changing our structures which will provide us with more support and ease in the coming weeks. 

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​After the rush of the holidays, on January 13th, Mars finally ends it's retrograde but still transits through Gemini. This is a time to compare your current emotions, routine and goals to what they were in August -October. Did the period provide you with the disruptions to get yourself on track to solve your August - October problems? Or are your goals completely different, as if you snapped out of some strange, unfamiliar mindset? Before Mars moves out of Gemini, we move through Aquarius and Pisces Season and experience Full Moons in Leo and Virgo. These 60 days will be filled with Mar's forward motion helping us process and move forward while the Sun and the Moon Cycles allow us to examine where we can look at things differently, innovate ourselves, have fun with it, and extend more compassion and love to ourselves. 
W​hen Mars stations Direct it Trines to the Moon in Libra, this suggests that the Direct transit provides us with emotional balance or justice in some way - likely because the changes we made or were forced to make are working and providing us with what we need. At the same time, we see Venus approaching Saturn, which indicates harmony coming into our life structures and Karma working its magic. 
Finally, let us examine the astrology of when Mars exits Gemini and Moves into Cancer after seven months. The image below shows a clear Trine (the triangle in blue lines) between Mars in Cancer, Saturn in Pisces and the South node in Scorpio. Saturn and the South Node have been part of the energies we discussed above, so this is no coincidence that this Trine in water signs helps us emotionally process this new energy. 

​Before Mars moves into Cancer, Saturn will transition into Pisces on March 8th. Saturn represents Karma and Structure in our lives. Saturn's placement indicates new energies in our workplaces, governments, schools - any institution you may assign authority to. With Saturn moving into Pisces, we begin a phase of more compassionate energy regarding these authorities. With Mars following suit two weeks later and moving into a water sign, there could be an emphasis on compassion and emotional support. On the other hand, we may also act according to our emotions after the intense ups and downs of Mars in Gemini. Mark, your calendar to slow down in March and think through decisions a few times before you act on them to ensure they are not coming from pure emotion and reactions. 
With Saturn and Mars connecting with the South Node, we have another warning - you may be drawn back into the past, into comfort and familiar experiences. This is the usual way we process the energy of the South Node; we feel like we should go back to old things because it is where we "belong." The South Nodes' indication here actually has an important message when we examine the energies of water signs closer. The south node in this Trine with Mars and Saturn represents that your past has PREPARED you for your future. You can move forward and are SUPPORTED by your previous experiences. Knowing this, you need to choose between returning to the old comfortable place or sticking it out in some new energy for a while, even though you feel a little uncomfortable and unsure. What will you choose? Come back to this article in March 2023 and let me know how it turned out! 
M​ars in Gemini Horoscopes 
I​ recommend reading the horoscopes for your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs. If you are focused on how your motivation and action may be influenced, read the horoscope for the sign that your natal Mars is in. 

Mars in Gemini Horoscopes 
August 2022 - January 2023

​A​ries 
H​ey Aries, you've been busy - or at least your brain has. It is expected that you will have multiple projects on the go until March - be careful not to wear yourself out! With Mars being your ruling planet and Gemini energy not being as direct as you'd like, the past few months are likely to be full of ups and downs and twists and turns. When you think a problem is solved, another issue comes up. At this time, you are being directed to connect with others - lean on your community for assistance or ask people what they need instead of just trying to help and being shot down. You are learning an important lesson when it comes to communication and connection. Have you been too busy with the hustle and mundane stuff to connect with people or to your personal beliefs? 
W​hen Mars exits Gemini and enters Cancer; you will be hit with an important lesson about processing your emotions and re-establishing your roots. Consider how you can tune into this now. 
 
Taurus 
B​onjour Taurus! I wrote "Bonjour" because the energy coming for you feels pretty fancy and prestigious. You are being directed to learn more about your values. Consider this - Are you holding yourself to a standard that is too high? Are you holding other people to unfair standards? Mars in Gemini and its Rx have brought a lot of energy into your life that focuses on income, material items and anything else you may relate to wealth. It is a challenge for you to re-examine your definition of wealth and whether it aligns with your desires or needs tweaked and changed. This could also help relieve some pressure you put on yourself or others. 
W​hen Mars exits Gemini and enters Cancer; you will work through an experience of re-communicating your needs and expectations.

 Gemini 
O​h Gemini! The Seven months that Mars is stationed n your sign will be pretty significant for you. There is an emphasis on self-reflection. Notice how conversations with others prompt you to reflect on your past, present and future. You are likely to spend a lot of time considering where your motivation comes from and if you have been selfish or Self-preserving in the past. Do you still need to act out of this need of self-preservation? If you think you do, ask yourself why and if you can reach out for help - from others or the universe. If you realize that you no longer need to act out of self-preservation, you will be able to snap out of it soon and be open to so many new possibilities of showing up in the world. You will recognize that when you stop acting out of this survival mode, you can choose how to show up and may struggle with this choice and go into default mode. Start showing up out of a place of love and curiosity. Explore new experiences instead of approaching them with the assumption that survival comes first. 

Cancer
Mars' has been spending time in your 12th house, prompting many subconscious messages and sensory overload. You may have noticed that it is harder to get quiet or meditate during these months - that is, Mars wants to buzz around and take action in Gemini instead of staying still and examining the multiple thoughts in your head. This is when you are encouraged to lean on your spiritual support system (guides, angels, other belief systems) and trust. If you have yet to dabble in the spiritual, this is the time to explore your intuition and have a little fun. An excellent thing for Cancers to practice now is taking a thought (Pick a positive one, not a fearful idea that comes from a place of anxiety) and noticing if it comes true. For example, think of the colour shirt your co-worker or best friend might be wearing today and see if you're right! These are the lighthearted exercises your intuitive body needs right now while Mars influences its dramatic side.
T​his strange intuitive and subconscious busyness is because you will be entering a new phase comes Mars' transit into Cancer. You do not need to prepare yourself but only enjoy the moment of trust and just being until Mars moves and you are launched into a new energy physically and spiritually. 

Leo 
M​ars' movements influence your relationships, specifically, your friendships and community. Allow yourself to reach out and explore new connections, and take note of what communities you are drawn to that help elevate your energy. Throughout the period, you are likely to feel like you should hide or make yourself small, especially if you are pressured to act a certain way by the surrounding people. This cycle is a more powerful lesson in understanding how you interact with people in your life and where you need to set energetic boundaries or open yourself up more compassionately. 
The energy here is scattered. Don't be ashamed of doing less or putting your mental and physical health first. Gemini's power can be stimulating but overwhelming when Leo does not balance it with quiet time. 

V​irgo 
The seven-month period of Mars in Gemini hits your Career Zone. Throughout this time, you will likely reevaluate how you respond to stress and prioritize your ambitions. Be careful not to put too much pressure on yourself during this time. It is natural for your Virgo energy to want to step in and organize everything; notice if you are taking on too much responsibility and where you can practice trusting others to get the job done. Saturn's influence connects this energy to your house of Health and Routine, which doubles down on the message of "Are you doing TOO much?." Break free of old belief systems regarding your work behaviours and responsibilities. What type of responsibilities do you want to take on? 

L​ibra 
W​ith Mars being in a fellow Air sign, Libras receive a little mental boost. This hike-up in energy can be creative and productive while also putting your mind into overdrive. Practice using this time to create and expand your mind rather than overanalyze your current situation. Remember, Mars is in Gemini, and its retrograde keeps us from moving correctly, so if you feel stuck, it is not you. Allow yourself to take this time to build on your creative projects or educate yourself. This is what you need to begin seeing new perspectives, which will help your next step launch you into entirely new energy. Ultimately focus on Fun over Facts, Joy vs Analysis. 

S​corpio 
I​ feel like Scorpios have it a little rough with Mar's current positioning. Mars is a ruler of Scorpio and where it is at in Gemini activates your 8th house - a house associated with the mental intensity of Mars. You could be having an experience where your mental Self is challenged in new ways. Mars' journey throughout Gemini asks you to go through hardships only to come out on top and transform. When you are reading these horoscopes, you may already be on the other side of the tribulation. What have you overcome since August 2022? Whatever you went through will significantly impact your future stability (emotionally and financially). Keep pushing through any self-doubt and allow yourself to transform. Scorpio will go through the most obvious journey of being pulled back into old habits or self-doubts - don't let yourself get tricked into making yourself small! 

S​agittarius
F​or Sagittarians, Mars is hanging out in your opposing sign for seven months! This can be challenging because it immediately brings some harsher energy to the Self. Think about how you may have been battling yourself or old versions of yourself over the past few months. Have any insecurities or fears been eating at you? This is likely the influence of Mars. With its aggressive and go-getter energy opposing the first house of Self, it may feel like your progress is at a standstill or that you are too far away from some goals. With Mars directly in your house of relationships and pleasure, you could be overdoing it when indulging or putting other people first. These seven months are a lesson in balance; for you, it is anchored in communication. Are you expressing yourself appropriately? Are you listening to your inner thoughts and desires? Do your best to pay more attention to this as Mars exits Gemini in March. 

C​apricorn
Despite Mars being in an Air Sign, Capricorns will be given a boost when it comes to ground down. The Energy of Mars in Gemini allows you to multitask like a boss and get things in order in your daily life. There is also likely to be a surge in your physical activity over this time. Something to look out for here is neglecting parts of your mundane life. Think - Clean home, Organized Pockets, Active Body. You may prioritize one of these over the other - Mars in Gemini is helping you tune into the importance of everyday things you may not typically put a lot of value in. Don't be afraid to explore new ways of feeling grounded. 
Saturn's influence is hitting your second house of values and finances, so there could be a specific theme of money woes or significant investments coming to disrupt your daily health. Pay attention to whatever rocks your energetic boat, and you can find balance by shifting your focus to another part of your everyday needs. 

Aquarius
​Aquarians have a tricky message to unpack with Mars' journey throughout Gemini. Mars' position is pushing aggressive energy toward Joy and New Ideas. Are you resisting Joy? Are you reluctant to participate in conversations that ask you to think about yourself in a new way? With Mars in a fellow Air sign, you may overthink things and resist self-analysis. Lean into FUN here, and worry about the analysis and reflection later (I mean months later, like April). August to - March is a great time to use your creative energy and allow yourself to see life with a child-like eye. This is not a time to take yourself too seriously. Mars might bring drama into your life if you resist taking on a more carefree point of view. 

Pisces
M​ars is set to rattle your spiritual cage Pisces. From August to March, you are examining your foundation beliefs and your emotional Self to properly rid yourself of what no longer serves you. Saturn making connections with Mars furthers the narrative of spiritual structures changing. How have the past few months been for you emotionally? Have you learned anything about changing the way you react to disruptions? 
Pisceans seem susceptible to more discomfort due to these changes in beliefs or routines that ground you. The key is to recognize how you are moving forward and not back into those old habits, even if you participated in those habits yesterday.