How Mars Retrograde in Leo & Cancer 2024 Will Affect Each Zodiac Sign

All is fair in love and war. Right? As Mars retrograde 2024 approaches, you might be apprehensive about how this cosmic event will affect each zodiac sign. Surprisingly, Mars retrograde might not be as bad as you think.

Mars is known as a minor malefic planet in astrology, suggesting that the red planet will bestow tough lessons. Unlike Saturn, lessons that planet Mars teaches are not as karmic or severe by nature. However, Mars does deliver wisdom about anger, ambition, and attraction. As you work with Mars, you will understand the depth of your power. Your rage can destroy everything in your path, or confront problems to pave the way for something better. Your motivation could lead to immense advancement if you maintain your stamina. Your passion could amplify romantic attraction, even creating the gift of life. Although Mars can assist with your progress, it can be an intense energy to work with. 

Typically, Mars stations retrograde every two years. Mars retrograde can last anywhere from 58 to 81 days, which might feel like a lifetime. Since retrogrades thwart planetary energy, you may feel like you have reached a screeching halt during Mars retrograde. You may feel low-energy, which will stall your plans for progress. A lack of motivation might be what you need to reassess how you will achieve your ambitions. However, your low energy could translate as a lack of passion. Don’t expect to have a high libido. Although the lackluster feelings aren’t ideal for your goals or passion, Mars retrograde could deter you from engaging in unnecessary discourse. You won’t show up for every fight, but you will make your arguments count for something. 

Part one of Mars retrograde will begin on December 6, 2024, since Mars will station retrograde in Leo at 6:33 p.m. ET, which will occur at 6 degrees. From now until January 6, 2025, Mars retrograde in Leo could lead to a few issues. 

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.

Mars retrograde begins on December 6 and ends on February 23, 2025.

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.

Part two will commence once Mars retrograde slides back into Cancer on January 6, 2025, at 5:44 a.m. ET. Unfortunately, part two might be more challenging than part one, because Mars is weakened in the sign of Cancer. Fallen Mars already struggles, so being retrograde will feel like the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Passive-aggressiveness will undoubtedly increase during Mars retrograde in Cancer. You might even wonder if everyone suddenly reverted to their middle school-esque tendencies, because the drama will be so petty and childish. Forget about addressing something head-on, since Mars retrograde in Cancer will cause everyone to scurry if someone is brave enough to confront a problem. Not only will you feel unsure navigating these rocky waters, you might struggle to decide on any course of action. Plus, any act of sensual passion could feel like a ticking time bomb. Since emotions will run high, you may want to duck for cover until this blows over.

Throughout part two, Mars retrograde in Cancer will make a few interesting aspect to other transiting planets. An unexpected reality check might occur, as Mars retrograde in Cancer meets with Uranus retrograde in Taurus and Mercury in Capricorn on January 23, 2025. Unprecedented comments might fly off the handle. The realistic commentary might initially sound out of touch, but it might be necessary to ground your conversation. In the end, you or someone else might be thankful for having such an abruptly discerning discussion.  

Luckily, there might be a chance to rectify a relationship, because Mars retrograde in Cancer will cohere with Venus in Pisces on January 25, 2025. Whatever was said days before could help you patch things up in a connection. You could have a thoughtful, productive conversation about what you and the other party can do to improve your relationship. 

Don’t shirk from responsibility and accountability when Mars retrograde in Cancer balances Saturn in Pisces on February 9, 2025. This is the perfect opportunity to reflect on what you can take away from the entirety of Mars retrograde before it’s over. Better yet, it might be time to begin making amends to end this retrograde on the best note possible.

Eventually, Mars will station direct in Cancer on February 23, 2025 at 8:59 p.m. ET, which will occur at 17 degrees. Despite the retrograde ending, the post-shadow period will last until May 2, 2025. Consider this your wind-down period. You can use this time to reflect on what occurred throughout the retrograde. There might be some residual chaos, but nothing you cannot handle. More importantly, the post-shadow period can be the perfect time to apply what you have learned and experienced. Don’t make the same mistake twice.

How Mars retrograde 2024 will affect each zodiac sign

Here’s what you can expect from Mars retrograde in Leo and Cancer, according to your sun and/or rising sign (and seriously, you’re missing out if you don’t read these horoscopes for your rising sign):