For retrograde Mars in Gemini for your sign and natal house (if you know it):
Aries
(3rd House) Aries rarely has patience for ambiguity. And this would be all the more so with Mars spending an inordinate amount of time in the sign of Gemini. And especially so as it stations for its retrograde phase which lasts until January. There is no beating around the bush for Aries. So when others appear vague, or just don’t seem as committed as they should be, your inclination is to become impatient. And if people are insensitive, rude, or just plain awful, even though a kick in the pants may be called for, it probably will only ricochet. What we say and do has a way of coming back to us when Mars is retrograde. It might be better to step away and allow people to be hoisted by their own petard, without you having to do anything. In everyday encounters look for ways to deescalate situations through some sort of skillful means. Mars in Gemini is known for its lack of restraint with words. And during the Mars/Neptune retrograde period words are more likely to be regrettable. Perhaps a good mantra for the duration of the retrograde phase of Mars (which unfortunately extends over the winter holidays) might be “Discretion is the better part of valor.”
Taurus
(2nd House) It can happen for Taurus, when Mars is in Gemini that conflicts can arise over money. Perhaps there are disagreements about how you spend your money, or what you spend it on. Or perhaps you may be feeling a bit taken for granted, now that Mars is appearing to shift into retrograde gear. If you don’t have full control over your own funds (a rare thing for Taurus), this could feel intolerable right now. One thing to watch during the retrograde phase of Mars (that lasts until January!) is the tendency to spend impulsively. This is not something a Taurus is normally inclined to do, however Mars in Gemini can have an inclination towards impulse buying, and you won’t want to look about yourself in January wondering what on earth you were thinking. But perhaps more telling with the retrograde phase of Mars, could be the need to address any lingering feelings of unworthiness. This would be especially so in light of the current series of eclipses falling in Taurus/Scorpio, which could be asking you to step up to the plate in some way. In this way, Mars retrograde is asking you to reevaluate your skills and talents, and perhaps show you the value of certain skills that you might have previously taken for granted.
Gemini
(1st House) With Mars in your sign, you may be feeling like you need to take action, and be proactive. However, when Mars is in its retrograde phase, much of that will feel deflated, as it could feel like your hands are tied, and there really isn’t that much you can effectively do. Mars traveling in your sign can imply conflict. And with the retrograde and a Mars/Neptune square this conflict can be both confounding and confusing, perhaps even undermining your authority in some way. Your ability to handle conflict in a skillful manner is being tested. Therefore go slow, and remind yourself that anger has this way of ricocheting during the retrograde phase of Mars. Instead of engaging conflict, retreat from it. Gather your forces, and get all the information and resources you will need when Mars is direct again in January. It is difficult to make headway while Mars is retrograde. Listen to his cues when he prompts you to slow down or back off. And avoid jumping into situations unprepared. Do create a plan. Do become informed. But do not commit to any action until you are fully equipped with all the tools at your disposal.
Cancer
(12th House) For Cancer, the retrograde phase of Mars is best used for activities that require a certain amount of stealth. Like creating some sort of secret plan behind the scenes, or quietly considering all of your options. In the process, you may need to go back over some old territory, or dig up some old ghosts. That’s actually okay. Just know you probably won’t want to divulge anything until you’ve got it sorted out first. It’s not really a pro-active time, when the lord of action is in retreat. Better to go on retreat yourself. Build up your strength and reserve your resources for the time of action, which will come later (most likely in the Spring). In the mean time, use the lengthy Mars in Gemini transit to purge yourself of past resentments, send the old ghosts back to their time and place, and release any old anger that you’ve been lugging around with you. Mars in Gemini can overstimulate the psyche if left unchecked. In order to counteract this make room for some serious mental health and self-care retreats: walks in nature, mind/body retreats, self-care and opportunities for mindful reflection and meditative repose.
Leo
(11th House) It can be a struggle when Mars spends an inordinate amount of time in a single sign as it is right now in Gemini. And this can be especially so when it is in its retrograde phase. Mars can be great for getting us motivated. It invigorates us, and fills us with the courage to overcome even the most challenging of circumstances. Under a good Mars transit we feel like we can accomplish almost anything. However, when Mars is retrograde as it will be until January, we feel our energy lag, and we could even feel stopped in our tracks. People could also be contrary and difficult to deal with as the Martian energy is directed within. As a result you could find yourself reevaluating who your true friends are, and who you can truly rely on, when push comes to shove. Best not to engage in any lingering resentments or passive aggressive behaviors that people might be engaging in. And it may even be wise to avoid certain groups as you reassess your relationship to them. What you can positively use the next few months for, is not only reevaluating your associations with others, but also revising your hopes and dreams for the future. If these seem to be taking a bit of a U-turn, that’s okay. The detours we take while Mars is retrograde can show us these hopes and dreams from another perspective.
Virgo
(10th House) As Mars is poised to station for its retrograde phase, you could find yourself reassessing what you do. This could be what you do for a living. You may even find yourself revisiting a previous occupation, or reconsidering a current obligation. It could even happen that what you were previously hoping to achieve is no longer available. One thing that a retrograde Mars period could ask of you, is to be aware of what your limitations are, and to be willing to work within those parameters. There is an element of uncertainty with this retrograde phase. Especially through the month of November as Mars will continue to square elusive Neptune until then. Sometimes all we can do is to take one day at a time, while allowing ourselves to go with the retrograde phase of Mars, trusting that it will bring you where you need to go. Trying to force things to go in a specific direction, or where you think you want them to go will only leave you feeling exhausted and spent. Therefore step back, reassess, and reevaluate. This may take you over some old ground before you can fully make up your mind. And ask yourself in the process, how do you really wish to be seen by others? And what do you really want most to be known for?
Libra
(9th House) You are probably already pretty confident about your own beliefs and where you stand. But know that these are likely to be challenged during this critical retrograde phase of Mars that lasts through January. People could be rather testy and argumentative, and it will be all you can do to employ your diplomatic skills in dealing with others who may hold very different views. If you feel the necessity to defend yourself or your ideas, make sure that you are well informed. If your ideas are sound, they should be able to stand up against even the most challenging arguments. And if you are confronted with an ethical conflict be very clear with yourself how you stand on these issues. Fairness and justice are themes that are important to Libra who will make sure that they are prepared for any kind of debate so long as it is fair. You would probably want to avoid long distance travel for the next few months. However, what this time is good for is reevaluating your own motives, beliefs and ideas. This is a time for introspective reasoning and internal debate. Doing so will reconfirm where and how you stand on issues, and will help to fortify your confidence in yourself.
Scorpio
(8th House) It is not easy when Mars spends an inordinate amount of time in one sign. For Scorpio, having Mars in Gemini from last August thru March 2023 can lead to disputes or even arguments over money or investments. These may be shared resources with others, or perhaps money that is owed you, or vice versa. Perhaps you are denied a loan, there is a mix up with taxes, there is some sort of bank fraud. Or someone tries to use manipulative or deceptive means to influence or get their way with you. Getting caught up in any schemes at this time could be difficult to undo, but not impossible. Use your sharp powers of discrimination to avoid getting caught up in any manipulative schemes, and keep a sharp eye out for fraud. This is a particularly tricky retrograde phase for Mars which lasts until January. What it can positively be used for is to connect with your own motives and subconscious urges, through some sort of challenging situation. It can help you to put your priorities in order. Use the internalized Mars energy to purge yourself of any old resentments or anger, and to harness your courage in order to look at all situations with utter honesty and fortitude. Doing so will allow you to move forward carrying a much lighter load.
Sagittarius
(7th House) Having Mars in Gemini for an unusually lengthy stay can be challenging for Sagittarius. All the more so when it is retrograde. People can seem testy and challenging when in your opposite sign. But what happens when Mars is in its retrograde phase is that you will find your hands tied, and unable to address confrontations head on. Look for ways to just hand the victory over to others, and try to avoid getting into verbal conflicts. What is even more confusing and perhaps annoying is when people are not directly confrontational but more passively aggressive, or they are just not available to you, which kind of leaves you guessing. On top of which you just don’t have the energy, will or resources to fight the good fight. Know that actions against others, whether in a court of law or otherwise, are more likely to lose when Mars is retrograde. Therefore retreat, gather your allies and whatever resources you need for later on down the road, when Mars is direct again. And know that patience is not only a virtue, but your ally. Taking things slowly and not reacting to thoughtless actions can go a long way right now.
Capricorn
(6th House) The Mars retrograde phase which lasts until January, can incline us to procrastination, or to take no action at all. The laundry piles up, papers are stacked willy nilly, all that is unpleasant or requires a little extra effort will likely be avoided. Having to deal with difficult co-workers, or an unpleasant work environment? Chores piling up to the ceiling and getting beyond you? And what about that health condition that you’ve been trying to ignore? A retrograde Mars in Gemini could point to some sort of injury, or inflammation that can no longer be avoided or ignored. If you are needing to get something fixed, pay attention to whatever recovery time is being required of you. It is always much easier when we work with the Mars retrograde phase, rather than trying to work against it. If you are feeling overwhelmed by chores or responsibilities, handle them one day at a time. If you try to do everything all at once you will only be drained and overwhelmed. Let some things go that are not that important. And focus on one thing at a time. And before you know it, what had previously seemed like an insurmountable task, will soon be accomplished.
Aquarius
(5th House) What you might want to watch for with Mars entering its retrograde phase, is pushing yourself beyond your physical endurance. A positive way to use Mars in Gemini, might be to look for more skillful means of doing things that will avoid stress or injury. Mars retrograde can have this capacity to literally stop us in our tracks! So know your limits and avoid going beyond them. Re-think any urges to win at all costs, or to bask in the spotlight. Not only could we be physically stuck with a retrograde Mars, but we could also get creatively stuck. Sometimes it is best to go where retrograde Mars is trying to take you. Go where the energy wants to go, and it will restore your energy. Trying to force it in another direction will just feel frustrating and draining. Likewise with children, who might be requiring a little extra patience for now. Be patient with yourself as well. As Mars moves through this retrograde phase it can internalize anger and frustration, which can come out in unforeseen and confusing ways. Use the Martian energy brewing beneath the surface to defuse what could otherwise be a challenging situation.
Pisces
(4th House) Before we even discuss the Mars retrograde phase, let us celebrate the return of Jupiter to Pisces. Your ruling orb has come home to tie up some loose ends, as well as to re-inspire you. Jupiter represents our Big Vision for the future. And when Jupiter is in your sign, as it was earlier this year, and will be now until the Solstice on December 20th, he is urging you to grow beyond your previous expectations of yourself. The seeds that are being planted from now until the end of November are key for your own growth and understanding. Meanwhile, ever since Mars first entered Gemini on August 20th, he has been upending things in the most personal areas of your life. That can include things like renovations or changes on the home front. But it can also stir up some inner conflict, or perhaps a conflict with someone very close to you, either within the home or family. Mars seethes when in its retrograde phase. Try to understand where some of this seething fire is coming from, and take note as to whether or not it is worth holding on to. Use this time to release any old resentments, and look for positive ways to defuse any festering situation. This may continue to be a lingering issue thru January, but the understanding that can be achieved during these crucial months could be enlightening.