The Astrology Newsletter - Mars in Gemini Edition, August 2022

Darlings, 

In true Mars fashion, I'm getting straight to the point: astrological Mars tends to get a bad rap.  

Known as the God of War, the ancients referred to Mars as the lesser malefic (since Saturn is the greater malefic). Malefic planets have 'the power to negate, destabilise, or corrupt the significtion of other planets in the chart...[they] have the special power to say "no'' to things', writes Chris Brennan in his tome, Hellenistic Astrology - The Study of Fate and Fortune.  Of course, the benefic/malefic binary exists on a spectrum so that even a malefic planet - in a certain position in the sky, at a certain time of day or night - could offer benefits, or have its malefic nature modified.  But like I said: Mars gets a bad rap. 

BAD BOY, BAD BOY, WHATCHA GONNA DO?

By nature, Mars is masculine, hot and dry. The Babylonians referred to him* as Pyroeis, 'The Fiery One'. He rules the zodiac signs of Aries and Scorpio. Mars signifies violence, conflict, rage and rebellion. Mars represents our drives, sexual desire, competition and battle. Mars brings fever, inflammation, agitation and irritation.  Mars also corresponds with soldiers, snipers, murderers and leaders. Surgeons and their instruments, metal workers and sharp objects and sports people are all the domain of Mars. 

Mars is red, Mars is blood. Mars is virile. If we understand Venus as feminine - representing the principles of attraction, receptivity, relationship and union - Mars is the opposite. Mars likes to initiate and act. He defaults to severing, cutting away at whatever may obstruct his target. Mars is an independent agent. It takes Mars - generally speaking - about two years to complete his cycle around the zodiac. Which roughly means that when we turn two years old, Mars gets to about the same place in the sky that he was when we were born. Anyone want to guess then why they call it 'the terrible twos'?  It's easy to malign Mars, but let's remember Mars' virtues: valour, protection, defence, decisiveness, passion, willpower and athleticism. There are circumstances in life that call on martian qualities and behaviours, often linked to our very survival. Engaging Mars brings us very close to our primal, wild natures. This can be for better or for worse, of course.

*I refer to Mars as 'him' (and I tend to refer to Venus as 'her' - my gendering of the planets a topic for conversation perhaps another time). 

A WARRIOR IN THE TEMPLE OF HERMES

Mars enters air sign Gemini on 20 August 2022 at 9.56am SAST.  In Mercury's domain - Gemini - he brings speed to thoughts, ignites ideas, warms confidence - or arrogance - and animates expression. Gemini, as a double-bodied sign, will always offer multiple options - infecting Mars with choice and encouraging Mars' sharp discernment.  When Mars is in Gemini, we expect our concepts to get a burst of action behind them. We also expect arguments, tongue lashings with words-as-weapons and deadly wit.  It's a season for ruthless dealmaking, for spontaneity, for winning, for going with your gut. We can move on impulse with this placement.  We have intellectual muscle. Brawn with brains.  

THE NOT-SO-SECRET 7-MONTH RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MARS & MERCURY

Mars spends the next seven months in Gemini! This is an unusually long transit in one sign for Mars. It's because Mars goes retrograde in Gemini, that this sojourn is lengthy. Mars' retrogrades are not as common as, say, Mercury's which occur between three to four times per year. We take note of what Mercury, ruler of the sign Gemini is doing while our ruddy rabble rouser cuts a path through Gemini, because this is the planet to whom Mars answers while in the sign of the twins. Let's take a minute to track the movements of Mars and Mercury over the next few months. From this we will get a more nuanced feel for the shifting quality of this entire period. 

MARS IN GEMINI, MERCURY IN VIRGO - The itchy and scratchy show

Mars begins its ingress into Gemini boosted by a strong Mercury in Virgo. Mercury, ruler of Gemini, is in Virgo from 4 August 2022 until 26 August 2022.  In Virgo, Mercury is super-strong, it being the sign it both rules and exalts in. Here, Mercury can be thorough, detailed, precise and organised at full volume. Mercury can craft, communicate and calculate LIKE.A.BOSS when in Virgo. While the planets are far apart by degree, they witness each other because of the 90 degree angle between the signs they occupy. Expect six days of nit-picking, sharp opinions and heated words. Insults could fly, for sure. The air is charged with determination and the potential for disagreements. 

MARS IN GEMINI, MERCURY IN LIBRA - Inhale, exhale: you cannot breathe deeply and worry at the same time

The minute Mercury enters Libra, there is a possible vibe shift. The first few days of Mercury's stint here, there is a supportive trine between it and Mars. Both planets are now in air signs and there is a resonance as a result.  What you may see, is a detente in relations; a cooling down; a willingness to negotiate. But it won't last. Why? Because Mercury will turn retrograde in Libra and travel back into Virgo. Retrogrades delay and make us course correct.  They force us to go back to the beginning. Retrogrades can reverse things. Mercury retrograde may destabilise the tenuous peace.  What was feeling stable, gets a ripple of uncertainty as Mercury travels backwards and reminds us of the importance of taking things slowly, not acting on impulse and reviewing accords, deals, contracts. I feel this is also a foreshadowing of Mars' own retrograde in Gemini coming in October. 

MARS IN GEMINI, MERCURY IN SCORPIO - What goes around comes around, baby

On 29 October 2022, at 3.25pm SAST, Mars in Gemini stations retrograde at 23'36 degrees.  Just hours later, Mercury ingresses into the sign of Scorpio. What we now have is Mercury in a sign Mars rules, and Mars in a sign Mercury rules. This, friends, is called mutual reception, and tends to strengthen each planet. During the Astrology Podcast (Ep 70), Chris Brennan, Austin Coppock and Nick Dagan Best discuss the Mars retrograde periods saying the cycles are 'an anomaly'. Unlike other planets whose retrograde cycles are predictable, symmetrical and pattern-like - Mars' is not. Austin Coppock explains how, in alignment with Mars' very nature to disrupt and bring discomfort, Mars retrograde 'ain't pretty...it's a rupture with normal'  I feel that this early moment in the Mars retrograde saga will feel pronounced**: Expect the uncovering of cover-ups, digging deep for information, wounding with words and brutal honesty that brings catharsis. It's a time for mental resilience coupled with authentic expression as a way to resolve conflict.  We will be reminded that we can, and must, do hard things. 

**(Just as an aside, put a sticky note on your calendar to mark the date of the New Moon in Scorpio on 24 October 2022, which our soldier, Mars, rules. It's a solar eclipse, with Venus cazimi the Sun. Mars in Gemini, just before he stations retrograde, is running the show.)

MARS IN GEMINI, MERCURY IN SAGITTARIUS - Bi-polarisation disorder

Mercury's entry into Sagittarius,  may complicate the backstory on 17 November 2022. Now Mars' landlord is in detriment, in the sign of its exile and opposing Mars in the sky. Basically, it's not a good look for Mercury. During these weeks of the retrograde, mental stress could intensify. Rivalries mahy come to the fore. Actions will speak louder than words. Ideas will  require effort and differences of opinions should be expected.  The impulse to see things one way will be tempting, but the opposition between these two planets suggest that as hard as it may be, compromise should be the goal: cultivating the holding of all possibilities as opposed to a tug-of-war of opinions and ideologies. In short, use all your strength to integrate perspectives before making decisions or taking action.

MARS IN GEMINI, MERCURY IN CAPRICORN - Mental muscle is patience's reward

When Mercury crosses into Capricorn on 7 December 2022, things turn serious.  Capricorn is the sign of Mars' exaltation - and with this reception between Mars and Mercury again, this could be a time where we can tap into the more beneficial qualities of Mars in Gemini.  Depending on where your Gemini house is, you may find you can confront the affairs of this house with stamina and persistence. Battling with impatience is likely to be a signature of the Mars retrograde, but this is a moment when we can start to access endurance, patience, and resilience. We may also experience the consequences of our words and deeds. It's during Mercury's stay in Capricorn that Mars stations direct, on 11 January 2023 at 11.56am SAST at 8'08 degrees Gemini.  During the Mars retrograde, we delved into the past, reviewing, recovering, discerning, cutting through. We're about to get an opportunity to take all we have experienced over the almost three month retrograde period and integrate it. It's an important moment for future orientation.  When Mercury goes direct on 17 January 2023 at 3.11pm SAST at 8'12 degrees Capricorn we can expect more clarity and forward momentum.  

MARS IN GEMINI, MERCURY IN AQUARIUS - Thinking, and acting, out the box

Mercury enters Aquarius on 11 February 2023 at 1.22pm SAST. Once again both Mars and Mercury are in the same element, providing support between the planets. Even though Mars is in its post-retrograde shadow, there is a hint that the pace may be picking up; innovation is top of the agenda, thinking out of the proverbial box; finding solutions in off-beat or unexpected places. A great time to engage stamina and forge ahead expressing your individuality. 

MARS IN GEMINI, MERCURY IN PISCES/ARIES - There's no logic to finishing strong

As Mars clears its shadow on 16 March 2023, Mercury is now in Pisces. In fact, the two planets are applying a square aspect, which means that things may turn tense.  Mars in Gemini wants sharp one-liners - and fast! Mercury in Pisces is giving poetry in its own dream time. Frustration is the result of working at cross purposes. Effort must be applied to find the middle ground. Just days later, when Mercury enters Aries on 19 March 2023, Mars is supported to access his mojo, as Mercury must answer to him as ruler of Aries.  Mars' final week in Gemini therefore oozes verbosity, confidence, swagaliciousness and large-and-in-charge actions showcasing boldness. There is energy and an appetite for achievement.  This is a good week to plump up your feathers, gather your data, go for what you've been aiming at, take a calculated leap, spit your truth and maintain a sense of humour all the while. 

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LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!

Need to know in what area of your life this transit may manifest?  Read for your Rising Sign

ARIES RISING - Animating the local circuit

As someone ruled by Mars, working with this planet's energy is familiar to you.  Matters of communication and all forms of exchanges go into overdrive - until they don't. Trading, deal-making, delivering sales pitches, giving presentations, learning and teaching are all accelerated or emphasised during this transit.  You may find yourself zigzagging across your neighbourhood, seeing friends, having dealings with siblings and extended family too. Your mind is on the accelerator until the retrograde reminds you: life is a marathon, not a sprint. Stops and starts are par for the course, u-turns and roadblocks too. In the end, you have an innate ability to always bring yourself back on track and cross the finish line. Enjoy a meander once in a while. 

TAURUS RISING - Animating resources

You work hard for the money, so hard for it, honey! Taurus Rising, you're scheming big-time to reach your financial goals. You may be willing to work hard and put the energy in, but don't be surprised when delays hit. You may feel like making maverick money moves, but be wary of impulse investments, schemes or spending. Rather, put your enthusiasm into drafting realistic budgets and trust you have resilience to push through obstacles, setbacks and worry. Brave conversations about your wealth - or lack of it - will either bring clarity or conflict.  You may juggle various types of work or income streams, fuelled by sheer determination. In the end, remember that your mind is your biggest resource.

GEMINI RISING - Animating your whole damn self

The good news is that you may get a huge burst of energy.  The bad news is that you may get a huge burst of energy.  You see, Gemini Rising, It's tempting to over-exert yourself when you feel invincible. Such is the double edged sword of the Mars transit to the place in the sky that signifies YOU, your physical body and your attitudes. Mars' transit amplifies your wit and drives you to win every argument. Others may perceive you as extra Extra. Be aware of how frustration and anger are experienced in the body, and find ways to assert yourself or stand your ground. You're going to be learning about how to harness your power. Take care of your mental health; find ways to ground your excess energy and practice presence techniques  - moving mediations like tai chi may appeal, otherwise some weight lifting may do the trick!  

CANCER RISING - Animating the unconscious

It's not always obvious to you the depths at which you are stirred. This transit may deliver vivid dreams that pierce the veil bringing messages from distant realms, awakening an impulse to heal. You may cloister yourself, hermit-like, away from the social buzz so that you may access what's bubbling up to consciousness.  As someone who is anyway highly sensitive, this transit will enable you to cut a path to the root of the things that trip you up. You are loaded with courage to stare into the abyss and do battle with the shadows. Strategies for dealing with unexpressed rage may get a revision as challenging thoughts and emotions come up for air. You are well poised to make breakthroughs and find just the right words to say things that have long been unsaid. No stranger to crabbiness, you may find yourself feeling restless, reactive and agitated. Armed with awareness, intentionally unplugging from your triggers will do wonders to reset your mind and mood. 

LEO RISING - Animating good fortune

Not that you need much encouragement to win friends and influence people, this transit really puts the pep in your social step. You're a fast mover when it comes to networking and you have ample vigour to get out there and fetch your life. You will experience waves of confidence in setting goals for the future, however you may quickly realise that certain surgeries may need to be performed in order to prune the action plan. Certain allies can become thorns in your side and honest communication may be required to iron out differences. You're about big boss energy and this transit may be teaching you a thing or two about the leadership roles you fulfil in your communities. This is not a time for gossip or playing any part in malicious rumour-mongering. Instead, cultivate your dazzling wit to endear others to you and stay curious. If a competitive spirit fuels you to reach for your dreams, go for it, remembering that ambition doesn't need to be ruthless nor driven by temper tantrums.  

VIRGO RISING - Animating your mission

Vocational pursuits are turbo charged, as your determination grows to attain your highest goals and potential. You're wired for wizardry as you conjure strategies and winning ideas to move you forward on your path. The wind is in your sails as you power forward. Your mind is agile, able to hold multiple ideas, business plans, facts and figures. The pressure may feel invigorating, but it's all eyes on you, so don't lose your cool. Your reputation is at stake, so angry outbursts and extreme displays of passion may invite others to start throwing their toys. You want to lead by example and that doesn't mean being infallible, but it does mean knowing when to apply the brakes. This is the invitation. Blazing a trail is not about being popular, but about being authentic and being able to make tough calls. Winning at life means having the grace to learn from a fall from grace.

LIBRA RISING - Animating faith

As a dilettante of spiritual philosophies, you are vigorously flirting with ideals that give your life meaning. It's a season of study and apprenticeship, taking on new information, challenging old beliefs, cutting a new faith path. Noticing your hunger to broaden your horizons, this could manifest in becoming impatient with HERE as you desire to be THERE. Your appetite for adventure is piqued, and jumping on the next flight out may seem like the quick fix for your burning restlessness that will make everything make sense. Everything will come under scrutiny - teachers, philosophies and world views. As you power forward, you may become evangelical about whatever truth you slice deeply into. You may ruffle some feathers as you begin to express your higher mind and principles to live by. This transit is here to remind you that the journey of faith and meaning making requires travelling inner space. No guru or exotic environment - while obviously nice to have - is the replacement for wisdom and faith cultivated over time. 

SCORPIO RISING - Animating shared resources

There is a growing desire to benefit from resources shared with others. You may feel the urgency growing along with a sense of entitlement to your share of the bounty. Confronting these issues may be exhilarating or anxiety inducing. Either way, you're compelled to assess your indebtedness to others and what the impacts are of your legal and contractual entanglements. Collaboration always comes with the potential to do more together, but also requires deft negotiation and conflict resolution skills. It's quite the double edged sword that requires dexterity, maturity, intelligence and confidence to handle. If you suspect someone is keeping secrets, this is the time to gather all the data and piece together the true story. It may save you from explosive arguments down the line. Receiving support is wonderful, but often comes with Ts and Cs. Read the small print and don't be impulsive. 

SAGITTARIUS RISING - Animating partnerships

It takes two to tango, they say - and what a dance of passion this season hosts. Asserting yourself in a relationship can oftentimes shake up the status quo. You and your partner may find yourselves going in different directions or bumping up too close to each other, as you each vye to get needs met or express your opinions. Speak your truth with confidence and intent about the direction you want your relationship to go, without being ruthless or overbearing. Misunderstandings happen, and this transit is going to see you pivot from pillar to post as you refine the art of compromise and healthy disagreement. Don't allow your communication toolbox to become an arsenal. The temptation to resort to sarcasm and insults may be great. Just don't do it. The upside is that on the other side of conflict is the ability to start again, and collaborate with new understanding and renewed passion. Lean into that.    

CAPRICORN RISING - Animating hard work

It's all systems go! You're plugged into effective structures that keep you organised and allow you to dive into multiple work pursuits. The trick is to merge speed with efficiency as the duties and commitments double. Your worker-bee work ethic is second nature and you expect those working with and for you to bring their A-game. But you need to pace yourself. Overzealousness to attack the to-do list may land up draining you physically and mentally. While you're generally competent at juggling tasks, this transit cautions against it.  Also, it may take others some time to catch up to your rhythm, so try not to be impatient. It may frustrate the **** out of you that no one on your team is thinking as fast as you'd like. Get used to stop-start motion and enjoy the pauses. You can't be of service when you're burnt out. 

AQUARIUS RISING - Animating pleasure

Passion projects are multiple as your creative juices spike. It may be hard for lovers and loved ones to keep up with you and you may butt heads on the playground, so to speak. Manifesting your creative ideas is a driving force and a way to channel pent up anger. Dance furiously, paint if feeling provoked, connect with your inner child and transmute tantrums into glee. Acknowledge that the energy that moves through you needs constructive expression and form, it's part of your vital life force. You may experience a creative block and while this may feel urgent and desperate, the Muse won't be forced. Set attainable goals only if this helps you gather momentum for creative output. It's not a competition to design your masterpiece, even if the energy feels urgent. Remember to have fun. Experiment with joy. 

PISCES RISING - Animating roots

Clean house comes clean!  Clean those cupboards, repurpose old furniture, donate a bunch of unused items to charity. Nothing like a home detox to jig you into feeling organised and clear headed. But you won't want to stop there. You will avidly want to dust residues of any toxic family fallouts that are keeping you stuck in old dynamics. Sutures may come undone, exposing generational wounds. Find the support to hold you as you process difficult emotions like grief or rage that may stem from your origin story. Perhaps no-one can vex you quite like blood family, despite your loving them fiercely. For home and family to be the sanctuary that it promises, you will need to learn to become protective of your inner and outer space: saying NO can be an act of kindness.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Darlings, may this Mars in Gemini transit bring you energy, passion and determination to bravely confront any resentments that may be poisoning your vision. May you meet set-backs with Grace, understanding that delays and redirects are part of the cosmic plan. May you grow confident in protecting your boundaries and limits in all situations. May calm endurance find you on the other side of impatience and may you - throughout this transit - find the best words and ways to self-express. I wish you peace of mind.