It’s safe to say that the 2020 retrograde season has been a hell ride for each of us. Depending on how you roll, it’s either been enthralling or overwhelming. Pretty much all planets will finally end their retrograde course by the end of September. YAAAS!

The explosive and fiery Mars, however, has a firework finale in store for us when it stations retrograde on September 9 at 28° Aries until November 13.

Mars rules our physical energy, sexual drive, impulses, desire, motivation, and ultimately self-determination. Given that Mars retrograde only occurs every two years, this hell-bent energy shift is most definitely noticeable. Unlike the scatterbrained and nuisance energy of Mercury retrograde, Mars retrograde sets fire to the rain. In turn, we can channel this newfound determination into something that’ll produce results. But first, we must use the reflective energy of this retrograde to check in with our bodies and overall energy.

Exhaustion, fatigue, overreaction, and a lack of motivation are the general side effects of Mars Rx. Our unconscious minds heavily weigh on our bodies, which tells us where we’re experiencing energy blockages. Medical astrology considers the malefic planets to have the most influence on our health and bodies. Mars, nonetheless, is considered a malefic.

The cardinal t-squares whipping our butts into shape throughout the rest of 2020, nonetheless, involve the full throttle of Mars in Aries. Venus retrograde back in June required us to reconsider what we truly value in ourselves and others. The push and pull of Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto retrogrades in Capricorn coming to an end means the social world has been playing a major role in the personal obstacles we’ve been experiencing.

Keep in mind it’s not about charging forward— 28° Aries is a culmination point for this Mars cycle. It’s about releasing so we can recharge. Mars retrograde reveals what our trigger is. How we initiate change because of how we overreact physically and emotionally. Mercury Rx in Scorpio coinciding with Mars Rx will make our trigger points extra sensitive. This is so we can better understand where we’re burying our unsolved trauma and how to cope with it. The goal is to let life flow through us however it needs to. Each of us at some point needs a good laugh, cry, scream, workout, or thrust. Anything that lets us physically and emotionally release.

Everything we experience during Mars retrograde will be our call to action for how we move forward after everything that 2020 has put us through. The house Mars is transiting will determine where these blockages are for you personally.

It’s best that you check your ascendant sign and Sun sign for the most detailed insight. You can generate your natal chart here or here.

Here’s your Mars 2020 retroscope:

Aries + Aries Rising

Mars backtracks in your 1st house of self and appearance. Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto in your 10th house of career and public image all year has been pushing you to change how you look, dress, or simply how you present yourself overall. You’ve been experimenting with a new creative interest that’s brought you both fulfillment and positive feedback. On the other hand, this retrograde may intensify the sense of inadequacy you feel regarding how you look or dress— namely with how authority of any kind perceives you.

While Aries has a strong physical constitution, they’re also predisposed to ‘late bloomer syndrome’ with their appearance. Perhaps you feel as if authority in your career sector doesn’t take you as seriously because of any of your physical attributes— as it may pertain to your sex, age, or experience level. It’s easy for you to take anything personally that happens in your career for this reason. You may not realize it, but your frustrations to make progress can in turn lead to accidents or illness given that you project or harbor what you’re feeling. Your root chakra needs balancing— which can be done through activities such as high energy workouts, breathing exercises, meditation, and facial yoga.

Taurus + Taurus Rising

Mars backtracks through your 12th house of spirituality and self-undoing. Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto in your 9th house of long distances and higher education indicate that you have been questioning the belief systems that drive what you do daily. Perhaps painful revelations around your faith and worldview are contributing to an overwhelming sense of anxiety that is taking a toll on both your physical and mental well-being. Nonetheless, you’re looking towards new means of spiritual guidance to cope.

From nightmares, insomnia, to panic attacks, you haven’t fully processed your emotions regarding a recent loss or trauma in your life. Emotional sickness could manifest as illness or accidents. Your anxiety may simply show up as minor ailments in your appearance such as dark under eye circles or weight fluctuations. Meanwhile, new creative inspiration— whether it be children, love, or a general passion of yours— has been the staple keeping you together. Crying is one of the most powerful detoxes at your disposal at the moment. Tantric meditation is also a way to reconnect with your highest self.

Gemini + Gemini Rising

Mars backtracks in your 11th house of social media and contribution. Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto have been in your 8th house of long term commitments. This summer has been a whirlwind of change for you, as Venus retrograde and the True Node shift both happened in your sign. You feel as if you’re at a crossroads in your life. Confused on where exactly you should go from here— with whom and when.

Perhaps you have a new crush or potential love interest you met over the summer. Maybe you’re in a relationship. Either way, you may have no choice but to be distanced from someone you genuinely enjoy spending time with. The reason is likely related to traveling or relocating for your education or career. Do your best not to distract yourself from any tough emotions you experience at this time. Buried trauma regarding a past relationship is disturbing your inner peace. Even if you’ve tried your hardest to stay optimistic, it’s getting in the way of allowing yourself to feel your own emotions. Meditate on self-forgiveness and find positive affirmations or mantras to practice. You may find the small issues in your love life heal when you start allowing yourself to.

Cancer + Cancer Rising

Mars backtracks in your 10th house of career and achievement. Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto are all jam packed in your 7th house of relationships and partnerships. The cardinal t-squares over the last few months could have played a role in any recent breakups or sudden changes in your living situation. You may feel too exhausted to pursue new love, though it’s definitely been on your mind. Your energy blockage stems from a fear of being alone or repeating the cycle as the main ‘participant’ in a relationship, if you will.

Mercury Rx in Scorpio in your 5th house of creativity and casual romance can bring a past love interest back. Do your best to practice detachment in this area for the time being. It likely won’t be permanent. Your root chakra is likely out of balance, meaning your diet and therefore energy are off. Eat red foods— especially fruit— to include dabbling into any creative exercises or activities at the local rec. Also a good time for dabbling into an old creative interest.

Leo + Leo Rising

Mars backtracks in your 9th house of relocation and higher education. Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto are packed in your 6th house of health and lifestyle. You’ve been working hard towards your career and/or refining your creative talent. You’ve shown a lot of progress in this area— such as planning the financial and geographic details to make everything happen. Then again, you feel as if you still don’t have it together.

The stress and ‘brain fog’ around how you should expand yourself, in turn, is creating imbalance with your solar plexus chakra. This can show up as minor health ailments— namely with the digestive system, bladder, or kidneys. Mercury Rx in Scorpio also impacts your 4th house of home and family life. Adjust your health routine so it includes exercise and high energy foods. Decluttering your living space and releasing any unhealthy beliefs you’ve internalized over the years is necessary for your physical and spiritual well being.

Virgo + Virgo Rising

Mars backtracks in your 8th house of long term commitments. Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto are in your 5th house of creativity and children. Your career and home life have been a focus in recent months. From redecorating your personal space to receiving more career related opportunities, movement has been quite steady for you. This retrograde, however, may bring a sudden onset of creative blocks and minor health ailments that can set you back for the time being. A strong possibility that you’ve been forgetting to check in with your body and emotions. Of course, there’s plenty you can do to rebalance your health and creative inspiration to avoid setbacks.

Remember the 8th house also rules your sexual desires. Perhaps you’ve been on workaholic mode and haven’t been as attentive to your intimate life, diet, or both. Depending on your chart, your libido may go into overdrive or feel burnt out. Whatever it is, let yourself experience intimacy with your partner or yourself to the fullest. Just be mindful of conceiving after Mars retrograde is over, as conceiving during Mars Rx is a big no-no in medical astrology. If not unexpected or complicated pregnancies, then be extra diligent about your sex hygiene to prevent any pesky infections.

Libra + Libra Rising

Mars backtracks in your 7th house of relationships and partnerships. Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto are in your 4th house of family and home life. “Should I stay or should I go?” is the central question you must sort out with yourself. Whether you ask this about a partner, love interest, or where you live— perhaps somewhere you moved in recent months or a legal agreement of any kind. This retrograde is triggering your heart chakra. Issues around forgiveness, betrayal, creative expression, heartbreak, or trauma with a past relationship may resurface.

Cry, scream, and go off a little if you need to. Remember there’s no “correct” way to express how you feel. Anyone who says your feelings or concerns are invalid because of “how you expressed it” is probably gaslighting you. Emotional release is rarely graceful— that’s what makes emotions what they are. How others respond when you set boundaries will tell you what you need to make your decision.

Scorpio + Scorpio Rising

Mars backtracks in your 6th house of health and lifestyles. Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto have been in your 3rd house of communication and education. Whether you’ve been traveling to different localities or working hard on your goals, the mundane will begin wearing on you with each passing day. You may be exhausted, annoyed, or just flat out ‘blah’.

Perhaps you feel you don’t have it together the way you should. Your sense of security and need for contentment are imbalanced, as you’ve been attending to your career, travel, or love life. You may need to retreat into nature, do yoga, or meditate to recharge your chakras. Experiment with a new high energy diet and workout. Vocal exercises can also aid in opening your throat chakra.

Sagittarius + Sagittarius Rising

Mars backtracks in your 5th house of creativity and casual romance. Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto have been in your 2nd house of finances and self-esteem. Recent upgrades in your financial and home sectors is finally allowing you more play time. However, this retrograde may buzzkill your happy-go-lucky energy for the time being.

Your solar plexus chakra is likely imbalanced. For this reason, you may experience irritability, exhaustion, or creative blocks. Do your best to get as much sunshine as you can before the equinox. Perhaps you’re deficient in vitamin D or need more yellow and green foods in your diet. A detox sauna session or high intensity workout may also help open your chakras. Deal with your frustration from the source. Don’t sweat on it— sweat it out. You’ll not only feel much better physically but will receive the creative boost you’re looking for.

Capricorn + Capricorn Rising

Mars backtracks in your 4th house of family and home life. Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto have been in your 1st house of self and appearance. As the Sun focuses on your 10th and 11th houses during this retrograde period, you’re reconsidering how you can upgrade your career sector. On the other hand, you may feel as if you don’t have a secure space to ground yourself in. Whether it’s family, roommates, or a partner.

Perhaps long distance or excessive traveling is another source of your frustration. You’re moving a lot yet feel as if you’re not getting much done. Your root chakra is likely imbalanced, meaning you need to go back to the basics with your physical and emotional health. Confronting emotions you’ve tried avoiding can be overwhelming at first. Give yourself the space you need. Nature retreats, breathing exercises, or even yoga can help. It’s okay to feel how you feel and to release how you need to.

Aquarius + Aquarius Rising

Mars backtracks in your 3rd house of communication and education. Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto have been in your 12th house of spirituality and self-undoing. You may feel an opportunity to advance your career is around the corner. However, this retrograde is putting how you pursue what you want to the test. The recent Node shift into Gemini/Sagittarius into your sector of creative contributions is bringing your attention where it needs to be.

You must effectively channel your creative power to overcome blockages in your throat and third eye chakras. You exceed what it takes to seize any dream opportunity heading your way. Perhaps a promotion or creative career is on the horizon. You must also believe in it yourself first for it to happen. You may have trauma around how you express your thoughts or dreams, which has fostered a sense of discouragement over the last few years. Automatic writing exercises, practicing gratitude, and mindfulness meditation can help stimulate your creativity. Watch your breathing, in addition to finding a playlist that raises your vibration.

Pisces + Pisces Rising

Mars backtracks in your 2nd house of finances and self-esteem. Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto have been in your 11th house of career contributions. The recent Node shift into Gemini/Sagittarius are now concentrating on your career and family sectors. Perhaps you’ve upgraded in areas of your living space and expanding your family, but now you’re strongly considering how you can advance your career as well.

You’re content with life for the most part; however, you may feel emotionally unsteady. This anxiety will in turn express itself through the root and crown chakras. Migraines, nightmares, gut problems, or brain fog can slow you down. Allow yourself more rest. Gentle exercises such as yoga or water aerobics are healthy outlets that will benefit you long term. Acupressure or other massage techniques can also offer additional relief for any physical ailments. Be extra mindful of what you consume both physically and mentally.