Strength in Tenderness: A Mars Retrograde Journey

As the year winds down, we are met with one of the most potent astrological invitations of the season: Mars retrograde, a journey from Leo’s bold confidence to Cancer’s tender introspection. As the planet of action, passion, and drive, slows its forward momentum it invites us into a space of reflection and transformation, encouraging us to turn inward and reexamine how we show up for ourselves, our desires, and the world around us.

This celestial pivot mirrors a movement from the external to the internal, from courageous expression to intimate self-awareness, asking us to reconsider what it means to act, pursue, and protect—and how tenderness can coexist with strength.

It’s time to make space for recalibration, transformation, and ultimately, reconnection—with our motivations, our emotions, and the tender courage that lives at the core of our being.

What Happens During Mars Retrograde?

Mars is often seen as a warrior—direct, fiery, and unapologetically bold. When it retrogrades, however, that energy turns inward. Instead of confidently charging ahead, we’re called to reexamine the motivations behind our actions, the boundaries we set, and how we respond to challenges.

In its journey, Mars retrograde can teach us how to navigate the nonlinear paths of growth, allowing the messiness of life to guide us toward deeper alignment.

In Leo, Mars asks us to reflect on our bold moves and creative risks. Are we acting from a place of joy and authenticity, or are we chasing external validation? By January, as Mars backtracks into Cancer, the focus shifts to emotional safety and connection. What nurtures you? What makes you feel at home—in your body, your relationships, your choices?

Mars retrograde isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing differently. The instinctual impulses that once felt automatic—go here, do this, want that—become tangled in second-guessing and emotional processing. While this can feel like wading through molasses, it’s also an opportunity to reorient and clarify what truly drives you.

Themes to Explore During This Retrograde

The Courage to Pause Mars in Leo shines brightly, encouraging boldness and creative expression. But as it shifts into retrograde, we’re challenged to slow down and sit with what’s beneath the surface. This isn’t about losing momentum; it’s about recalibrating. Can you hold space for your feelings and the vulnerability of realignment?

Revisiting Desires Retrogrades are a chance to rework and refine. Projects or ideas initiated during Mars’ shadow period (beginning October 5, 2024) may come back for another look. Are your pursuits aligned with your truest values, or are they fueled by ego or fear?

Anger as a Guide Mars rules anger, and retrograde periods often amplify frustrations. Instead of suppressing anger or acting impulsively, can you allow it to guide you? Anger reveals where boundaries are needed, where desires are unmet, and where transformation is calling.

The Power of Tenderness Mars in Cancer challenges us to redefine strength. True strength is not about control or dominance—it’s about tenderness, care, and the courage to act with vulnerability. To be tender is to take risks, to open yourself to being seen, to navigate the discomfort of uncertainty with grace. As Mars retraces its steps from Leo’s confident roar to Cancer’s nurturing embrace, it asks us to examine where in our lives we can embody this strength-through-softness.

Key Dates to Note

December 6, 2024: Mars stations retrograde in Leo.
Reflect on your creative expression and pursuit of recognition. What drives you?

January 6, 2025: Mars retrogrades into Cancer.
Shift focus to emotional safety and connection. What needs nurturing?

January 15, 2025: Mars conjunct the Sun (Cazimi).
A flash of clarity during the retrograde. What truths are emerging?

February 23, 2025: Mars stations direct in Cancer.
Begin moving forward with emotional clarity and renewed determination.

March 16, 2025: Mars exits its shadow phase.
Retrograde lessons fully integrate. New momentum emerges.

Reflection Prompts for Mars Retrograde

In Leo: What creative risks have I avoided? Where am I chasing approval instead of authentic fulfillment?

In Cancer: What makes me feel emotionally safe? Where am I holding back vulnerability, and how can I nurture myself more deeply?

On Anger: What frustrations are surfacing? What are they pointing me toward, and how can I use them constructively?

On Drive: Am I acting from fear, love, or alignment? What motivates my actions right now?

How to Navigate This Retrograde With Grace

Let Progress Be Messy: Linear growth is overrated. Mistakes, pivots, and pauses are where the magic happens.

Tend to Your Body: Retrogrades often stir inner tension. Ground yourself with walks, deep breaths, and movement that feels good.

Embrace Tenderness: Being tender with yourself and others isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a courageous act of care.

Revisit and Refine: Use this time to reflect on what truly matters. What needs to shift in your life to create more alignment and joy?

Wisdom for the Journey

Mars retrograde is a lesson in rewriting your relationship with desire and strength. It’s a reminder that pausing isn’t failure—it’s where recalibration begins. As you navigate these nine weeks, give yourself permission to slow down, feel deeply, and rebuild with intention.

You’re not defined by how quickly you move or how loudly you roar. Strength lives in how you care for yourself and others, how you embrace the mess, and how you turn discomfort into clarity and wisdom.

Tenderness, after all, is its own kind of power.

Ready to Navigate Mars Retrograde With Intention?

Mars retrograde isn’t just about slowing down—it’s about leaning into the balance between courage and care. This is your invitation to move through this transit with clarity and purpose, supported every step of the way.

Join me for the Strength in Tenderness: a three-session journey designed to help you align with the energy of Mars retrograde and uncover its unique opportunities for growth in your life.

Click here to learn more and reserve your spot.

Spaces are limited to ensure a personal and impactful experience. Let’s step into this together. ✨