The Year Begins With Mars In Retrograde — Here's What Your Sign Needs To Know

If you've been feeling like the year is off to a wonky start, you can thank Mars retrograde for that. The planet of action and energy has been retrograde since December 6, and just a few days ago, it slid back into the sign of Cancer.

Naturally, having the planet of action and motivation in retrograde isn't exactly, well, motivating. It's not unlikely that we might feel a bit low energy like we just aren't up for much. We could also feel more impatient and impulsive, as things might not move forward at the speed we're looking for.

Mars will remain retrograde in Cancer until February 23, but depending on where Cancer lands in your birth chart, we all have something different to expect. Here's what to know.

With your ruling planet retrograde, Aries, you could be feeling especially testy lately. You're already known for being an admittedly impatient and aggressive sign, so with Mars backspinning, you might feel even more on edge than usual.

Feeling tongue-tied, Taurus? As Mars retrograde moves through your third house of communication and local networks, you could feel like you just don't know what to say these days. Or, when you do try to speak up, you aren't saying the right thing, or your words aren't well received.

How are things looking on the financial front for you, Gemini? This Mars retrograde is traversing your second house of money and material security, encouraging you to take a closer look at your finances.

With Mars in your sign, Cancer, that means this retrograde is majorly impacting your first house of self and identity. And in just a few days, you'll have a full moon in your sign too, encouraging you to release so you can make room for what's to come.

Mars' current retrograde cycle began in your sign (and your first house of self and identity) last month, Leo, so if your holiday season was anything but cheery, you're hopefully feeling a little relief now. That said, Mars is still retrograde, but now it's in your 12th house of closure and endings.

With Mars retrograde moving through your 11th house of networks and the larger community, Virgo, you could feel extremely frustrated around the state of the world and humanity at large. The 11th house is associated with friendships, networks, teams, and collectives, as well, so teamwork might feel a little more challenging right now.

How are things going in your career, Libra? You could be feeling the pressure now, as Mars retrograde traverses your 10th house of career and public image. Gunning for a promotion? Don't hold your breath. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't try!

If the first half of Mars retrograde was all too much to handle, Scorpio, you'll be happy to know the second half should be a bit easier on you. When Mars was in Leo, it impacted your career and public image, but now that it's in Cancer, it's moving through your ninth house of travel and expansion.

Watch out for aggressive tendencies in your closest relationships, Sagittarius. This Mars retrograde is moving through your eighth house of intimacy—and shared resources—so it could impact everything from your sex life to your wallet. The eighth house rules investments as well, so best to avoid any big financial risks right now.

With this Mars retrograde activating your seventh house of partnership and long-term commitments, Capricorn, get ready to rumble. Whether with your romantic partner or a business partner, your closest relationships will be under a microscope.

How are you feeling, Aquarius? This Mars retrograde in Cancer is impacting your sixth house of self-care and routine, so it's entirely possible you're feeling burnt out and exhausted right now. It could feel like no matter what you do, you're just not able to get a good routine going in the new year.

Feeling passionate, Pisces? Just don't put your foot in your mouth! With Mars retrograde amping up your fifth house of creativity and expression, you could feel especially inclined to make yourself heard. Just remember, we're all a bit less receptive—and a lot more aggressive—when Mars is retrograde.