This isn’t your average retrograde—it’s a cosmic reckoning that will force you to confront your confidence, passions, and emotional depths in ways you didn’t see coming. The passionate planet’s retrograde begins in lavish Leo on December 6 (until January 6, 2025), then in comfort-loving Cancer for the remainder of its backspin, until February 23, 2025. You’re used to moving full steam ahead, chasing goals with fiery determination, but now the universe demands you slow down. Frustrating? Sure. But it’s also an opportunity to step back and rethink what’s driving you. Is it pride? Ego? Or something more meaningful?
Mars retrograde isn’t about rushing forward—it’s about stepping back and recalibrating. Use this time to pause and reflect on your goals and desires. What truly drives you? Are you chasing ambitions that align with your core values, or are you stuck in a cycle of external validation? This retrograde invites you to let go of what no longer serves you. It’s a perfect time to journal, meditate, or have honest conversations with yourself about what matters most. When Mars moves into Cancer, the emotional intensity might feel overwhelming, but leaning into that vulnerability can be transformative. Don’t run from your feelings; instead, use them as a guide to make more authentic decisions.
There might be more ego clashes than usual, leading to unnecessary drama and deadlocks. Agreeing to disagree won’t be possible, because pride and control issues could deter armistice. You may think that your libido or physical vitality wouldn’t be affected, since Mars retrograde in Leo is packing some heat. However, you could feel low energy. Your lack of passion might damper your sex life, or even cause you to temporarily fall out of love with your hobbies. Not to mention that you may drag your feet to do literally anything. Starting something new may feel excruciating unless you were already in motion before the retrograde began. If not, you may want to put a pin in any new plans until Mars stations direct.
By January 6, 2025, Mars retreats into Cancer, and the focus shifts from external validation to internal emotions. This is where things get real. Leo’s bold, look-at-me energy gives way to Cancer’s sensitive, nurturing vibe. You might find yourself feeling more introspective, maybe even a little raw. Old wounds could resurface, asking for your attention and care. It’s not easy work, but it’s necessary. Think of it as a deep emotional cleanse.
When Mars stations direct on February 23, 2025, you’ll feel a subtle shift. The pause is over, and it’s time to move forward—but not recklessly. This retrograde has taught you to approach life with more intention. By the time Mars roars back into Leo on April 18, 2025, you’ll be ready to shine again, but this time with a grounded sense of purpose.
Dates to Watch (and What They Mean for You)
While Mars retrograde is occurring in Leo, there will be a few major transits to keep an eye out for. Destined lessons will align with the beginning and end of this portion of retrograde. Mars retrograde in Leo will aspect the North Node of Fate and the South Node of Karma on December 6, 2024, and again on January 5, 2025. What stokes your fire? The fateful cosmic energy will encourage you to revisit your hobbies and passion projects. Figuring out what you enjoy will become your number one priority. You may also want to pump the breaks on sexual interactions, especially if you are not getting what you need in the bedroom. Engaging in flings, ignoring your urges, and more are worth exploring. Give yourself time to consider what you desire, and who could meet your sexual needs. For some, this might be the time to re-evaluate if you want a child, and if so, what you would do to achieve this wish.
In between these fateful aspects, Mars retrograde in Leo will oppose Pluto in Aquarius on January 3, 2025. Your lack of power and control will deter you from living your best life. It could be scary to get out of your comfort zone. But something you may love dearly could be on the other side of doing something daunting. Overcome your fear of being seen as a raw, authentic individual, so you can feel more secure embracing what you truly want.
Aries (March 19-April 19) Mars retrograde horoscope
Do you have billionaire baller dreams on a starter-kit budget? Even if you ARE flush with cash, you need to be smarter about how you spend it. Your ruler, passionate Mars, turns retrograde in Leo and your hedonistic fifth house, insisting that you dial back the decadence starting December 6. You don’t need to live like an ascetic, Aries. Just second-guess any tempting purchases. Take the same approach with your love life. With Mars retrograde in Leo (your romance zone), take your time before you rush into something.
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Taurus (April 19-May 20) Mars retrograde horoscope
Get your house in order! Chaotic Mars retrograde in your fourth house domestic zone, starting December 6, turns your focus to Chateau Toro. While this isn’t the best time for doing any major renovations, it is a powerful period for deep cleaning your space, then setting it up for maximum privacy and productivity. How about a meditation corner and a great new desk? Reconnect with relatives you love but avoid the triggering ones. Mars’ backspin could make the tension especially volcanic now. A woman in your life could become “extra” between now and February 23. Don’t force togetherness when you actually need space. Instead, utilise the opportunity to foster friendships elsewhere.
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Gemini (May 20-June 20) Mars retrograde horoscope
Approaching social overload! As fire-spinner Mars turns retrograde in Leo and your third house of friends, you’ll want to reserve quality time for your core squad. Engaging newcomers will leave you spread too thin—and your true friends could get the short end of the stick. If you simply can’t stop yourself, make sure you seriously screen people before entrusting them with confidential info. That friendly acquaintance could turn out to be a full-on Gossip Girl—or not. Keep your guard up until the retrograde ends on February 23 and let people earn their loyalty points.
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Cancer (June 20-July 22) Mars retrograde horoscope
Does your plate runneth over, Cancer? With energiser Mars retrograde in Leo and your second house of work and finances starting December 6, you may need to scale back a few professional obligations. Stop saying yes to more (and more) work—or you might have to say no to a much-needed holiday vacation. Be wise, and only commit to the most essential projects for the rest of the year. Set realistic timelines, and manage the expectations of those around you. On January 6, the red planet will retrograde through Cancer until February 23, which can ratchet up your temper. Plan ahead by pulling back from stressful situations NOW and making sure you have plenty of personal space at home.
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Leo (July 22-August 22) Mars retrograde horoscope
Slow your roll! Motivator Mars, who’s been supercharging your sign since November 3, turns retrograde in Leo from December 6 to January 6 (and then backtracks through Cancer until February 23). Dig deep for patience during Mars retrograde. During this time, you may have to put a few of your most precious, personal projects on the backburner so you can focus on more urgent priorities. Frustrating, yes, but there are silver linings: You might actually benefit from stepping away and gaining some perspective. Focus on restoring balance to your life. A little break could recharge your batteries, and lead to unexpected inspiration before 2025 rolls in.
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Virgo (August 22-September 22) Mars retrograde horoscope
Should you rev your engine or hit the brakes? Get ready: Life could feel like a game of “Red Light Green Light” with firecracker Mars retrograde in your introspective and transitional twelfth house until January 6, then through your collaboration zone until February 23. During this hazy phase, situations that seemed like a sure thing could be delayed, while new opportunities may appear out of nowhere. The best way to weather this chaotic time is to stay flexible and go with the flow. Mars’ cool-down can also help you reflect and get inspired, so give yourself that end of year breather you deserve.
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Libra (September 23-October 22) Mars retrograde horoscope
Group dynamics could shift on December 6 as feisty Mars turns retrograde in Leo and your eleventh house of teamwork and technology. If you’re working on a collaborative project or engaging with a larger institution, do everything in your power to keep it peaceful. And think before you bail on any slower-moving (but promising) ventures. While the fiery planet is in reverse until February 23, reconfiguring your team can get things back on track. If someone isn’t pulling their weight after copious warnings, you may have to revoke their membership in the Libra squad. Are you spending way too much time on social media? Wean yourself off those addictive apps so you can be present with live humans.
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Scorpio (October 22-November 21) Mars retrograde horoscope
Pump the brakes, Scorpio! Your co-ruler, fast-and-furious Mars, turns retrograde in Leo and your tenth house of career on December 6. Professional progress could slow. Don’t freak! This is a sign from the universe that you need to enjoy a holiday break. And when you are at your desk, focus on finding ways to work smarter instead of harder. Warning: a difficult colleague may complicate your plan. Instead of battling it out, let the issue rest. Mars resumes forward motion on February 23, and you’ll be in a much better headspace to handle the situation then. For now, the biggest thing you should worry about is whether to spend New Year's Eve at a house party or sunning yourself on a tropical beach.
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Sagittarius (November 21-December 21) Mars retrograde horoscope
You’re juggling a ton of great projects, Sagittarius, but are you in danger of dropping a few of those balls? Fast-moving Mars retrograde in your expansive ninth house on December 6 forces you to evaluate your workload with a critical eye. If you’ve overcommitted yourself, downsize where you can—and disengage from risky or resource-guzzling ventures between now and February 23. ‘Tis the season where you love expanding your horizons, but your globe-trotting instincts could be out of whack as the red planet retreats through your worldly ninth house. Make sure any winter getaways are tightly planned (but not over-packed). Since retrogrades rule the past, consider revisiting a favourite location that you already know like the back of your hand.
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Capricorn (December 21-January 19) Mars retrograde horoscope
Host ‘em or ghost ‘em? Passionate Mars retrograde in your erotic eighth house may give you second thoughts about someone in your life. But there IS a silver lining to this hesitation, which could last until February 23. A little space gives you a chance to sort out your priorities and truly discover if your values and lifestyles gel. Already committed? You may need more private time this winter, so pull into your shell as needed. A bit of space can amp up desire. This forced slowdown can help coupled Caps work through deep-seated relationship problems. Just be warned: with the warrior planet off-course, these conversations could get pretty intense!
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Aquarius (January 19-February 18) Mars retrograde horoscope
Fiery Mars retrograde in Leo and your partnership (seventh house) on December 6 revs up your confrontational side. It may be hard to keep perspective in certain partnerships—and, if you let things escalate, you could erupt with angry outbursts or jealous rants. Since that’s no way for your fair-minded sign to represent, start deploying some anger management techniques, like taking timeouts when conversations get heated and dialling back stimulants like sugar and coffee. Evaluate any new relationships with a keen eye and don’t rush to forge a connection. While Mars is in reverse until February 23, pace yourself in all realms. If you dive into something too quickly, you could wind up regretting it.
Don't forget to read your Weekly or your Monthly Horoscope.
Pisces (February 18-March 20) Mars retrograde horoscope
You almost can’t help but take charge of every plan, Pisces, but are you losing your mind in the process? Mars retrograde in Leo and your sixth house of service begins December 6. Take stock of everything on your plate. Have you over-committed yourself? Don’t let your personal projects take a backseat to busywork. Reorganise your schedule to prioritise the most rewarding missions, financially and otherwise. Delegate where possible, and consider pulling the plug on a non-essential obligation. Then, find trusted collaborators to help lighten your load and make work fun again! While Mars is in reverse until February 23, reserve regular windows for self-care. Massages and meditations aren’t optional this winter, they are essential!
