Mars enters Aquarius on 13 February (06:05:23 UT) and stays there until March 22nd, 2024. The sign of the outsider and the future will be energised with the action planet. And (true to Aquarian nature) possibilities are difficult to predict, creating a unique astrological backdrop for our personal and collective experiences.
During this period we normally find ourselves driven by the common good, humanitarian needs, and the desire to benefit humanity. The urge to create solutions is strong, and with Mars providing drive and tenacity, this transit is excellent astrological energy for anyone who is trying to make a difference.
The Mars transit in Aquarius emphasises the themes of individuality, innovation, transformation, and healing. It invites us to assert our independence and take bold actions while also being mindful of the need for balance and alignment with our life's purpose. As with any astrological aspect, it's essential to consider your own natal chart and personal circumstances to gain a more accurate understanding of how these energies may manifest in your life.
Be aware that Mars-in-Aquarius could lead to mental unease, anxiety, and fixation on personal issues. Aquarius is a cerebral air sign, it is “in-its-head” by nature. With caffeinated Mars transiting the Waterbearer, we could very well find ourselves ruminating late into the evening on problems both real and imagined. In air signs, Mars gets more flammable, there’s too much oxygen around, so to speak. Water and earth signs can ground or neutralise Mars, but Aquarius can’t as much.
On the other hand, this transit can help you carve a unique path, but only if you act consciously. Strength lies in fresh ideas and original plans during this transit. Traditional ways of thinking will only lead to more of the same.
If there is any silver lining in this Mars red sky, it is that Planet War provides, on some level, drive and lust for life. It’s a kind of cosmic triple espresso shot that we might need to finish a project, memo, or home renovation. Mars also provides courage, ambition, and zeal for things you believe in. You may be more prone to stand your ground during this transit–or fight for friends, family, and/or causes you believe in.
Issues can play out in a few different ways. Aquarius' detachment and Fixed nature may cool Mars down. Actions and initiative might be delayed, because the urge to make it happen becomes theoretical. But this is also the sign of trauma and liberation. If Mars triggers a hot spot where anger about rules or repression has been simmering - look out. Reactions can be sharp, sudden and total.
The best use of this transit would be to liberate yourself from unproductive conditioning. But consider Aquarius' contradictory nature. If you're supposed to turn right, Mars in Aquarius might push you to turn left, just because. Are you breaking away from something that's outdated? Or are you just breaking away? If you run away from the pack (or the commitment/structure) solely as a knee-jerk reaction, you've come full circle. You're being controlled by what you're trying to escape.
On 14 February, Mars and Pluto align in the early degrees of Aquarius. This conjunction signifies a potent combination of Martian energy (action, determination) and Plutonian power (transformation, rebirth). It can be a time when we feel compelled to take bold actions to assert our individuality and make significant changes in our lives. The energy of this aspect can be intense and may lead to power struggles or deep internal transformations.
As Mars squares off with Jupiter in Taurus on 27 February, there's a potential for tension between expansion and limitation. Mars in Aquarius seeks freedom and innovation, while Jupiter in Taurus is concerned with stability and material matters. This square aspect may challenge us to find a balance between our desires for growth and our need for security. It's important to avoid overextending ourselves during this time.
When Mars forms a sextile with the True Node in Aries (4 March), there's an opportunity for positive growth and alignment with our life's path. This aspect can bring a sense of ease and support to our actions, helping us move in the direction of our true purpose and desires. It's a good time for taking initiative and pursuing new opportunities that resonate with our authentic selves.
On 6 March, the sextile between Mars and Chiron can be healing and transformative. Chiron represents our wounds and vulnerabilities, and when combined with Mars in Aquarius, it encourages us to take unique and innovative approaches to healing and self-improvement. This aspect may bring opportunities for personal growth through unconventional means or therapies.
Each zodiac sign will find that this transit plays out slightly differently, according to where exactly Mars falls in each individual birth chart. However, all signs will feel the need to make a difference in some way.
ARIES ♈
The humanitarian in you emerges when Mars, your ruling planet, transits Aquarius. Take care that your desire to make a difference in the world doesn’t overwhelm everything else, however. You may struggle to focus on other areas of your life just now, which could leave, for example, your love life in trouble. Don’t neglect the people you love the most, Aries.
TAURUS ♉
Mars transit through Aquarius brings power and force to your career zone, Taurus, and you’ll feel even more driven and ambitious than normal. You may resent having to toe the line or conform, though, as Aquarian energy is very individualistic. Find a way to play your career in your way – think beyond the box.
GEMINI ♊
Mars is in your travel zone during this transit, Gemini, so it’s an ideal time to plan a holiday – and the more adventurous the better! If you can’t travel during this period, look into taking up a new sport or active hobby, as you’ll have way too much excess energy on your hands otherwise.
CANCER ♋
During this Mars transit, you’re driven to discover what makes yourself tick – and indeed what makes others tick as well. Mars brings you penetrating insight, which might be quite uncomfortable for those around you. If you’re dealing with past traumas, learn the power of forgiveness – both for yourself and others.
LEO ♌
Mars transits your love zone, Leo, so you can expect some extra passion and dynamism in your closest relationship. It's a fine line between passion and anger, however, so do be careful that you’re not winding one another up. If you’re single, or perhaps even if you aren’t, reckless decisions in love could come back to haunt you.
VIRGO ♍
You’re driven to even higher levels of efficiency and hard work during this Mars transit, Virgo, so it’s a fabulous time for getting ahead of the competition. Keep your head down and focus on the task in hand, as you’ll be surprisingly easily distracted, especially by friends. The time for play will come later – for now, concentrate!
LIBRA ♎
This is an interesting Mars transit if you’re single and looking for love, Libra – but some of the risks you might want to take are borderline scary. Look after yourself and stay safe – there are exciting encounters ahead, but approach all of this with your trademark level headedness. Have fun!
SCORPIO ♏
This Mars transit focuses its energy on your family life, Scorpio. Mars can bring arguments, but it can also bring a drive to improve family relationships. Roughly this means things may get briefly worse at home, but they’ll quickly get better. Be patient if you can and allow people to express their feelings in whatever way they need.
SAGITTARIUS ♐
Mars highlights your intellect and your philosophical approach to life, Sagittarius. This is a good period for tackling difficult tasks and things where you need to focus and concentrate. However, be aware that you may find it hard to remain patient. Give yourself time to do things well, rather than rushing through them. It’s not a race.
CAPRICORN ♑
Mars transits your money zone now, Capricorn, so this is a good period for looking at increasing your income in some way. You’ll be driven to forge ahead in your career, so a promotion is certainly possible. But with the energy of Aquarius being so independent, this would also be a good time to fly solo by launching your own business or going freelance.
AQUARIUS ♒
When Mars transits your own sign, Aquarius, you’ll feel confident and secure in your own skin. However, you’ll probably also feel restless and there’s a definite urge here to ring the changes or to get moving in some way. If you want to create a fresh start in your life, you have all the tools you need right now. What are you waiting for?
PISCES ♓
This Mars transit activates your spiritual zone, Pisces. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself getting into arguments around faith or religion, even though you normally try to keep these things private. If you do feel backed into a corner, stand your ground and speak up for what you believe – now is the time to be truthful about who you are.
➩➩➩ Read about Mars in the Signs HERE
