Mars in Astrology

Mars is the planet of energy and aggression. It is the fire that fuels you in pursuit of your passions and ambitions.

Unsurprisingly, the “planet of war” may reveal how you fight for what you want – or defend what you love.

Your Mars sign can determine how you handle challenges, conflicts, and sexual energy. It’s also how you handle yourself in anger or in desire.

Glyph: A circle with an arrow pointing outward, symbolizing action
Rulership: Aries and Scorpio
Detriment: Libra and Taurus
Exaltation: Capricorn
Fall: Cancer
Retrograde Period: About every 26 months for around 2 months

Mars in Your Birth Chart

The house Mars is in reveals which area of life you approach with the most energy and drive.

Aries and Scorpio are Mars’ domicile, where its bold and direct energy thrives. Action feels natural and immediate here.

Capricorn, the sign of ambition, exalts Mars. Through Capricorn’s discipline and focused energy, Mars’ raw drive is channeled into long-term success.

It is also able to ground some of the more explosive aspects of Mars, preventing any unnecessary aggression that could distract from the goal.

On the other hand, Mars is in detriment in the signs of Libra and Taurus, where it struggles to act freely.

In Libra, Mars is not only subdued, but repressed. In order to keep the peace, those with Mars in Libra tend to let their anger build in the background. However, that much energy, when bottled up for too long, can manifest in destructive ways.

In Taurus, Mars is forced to slow down, as this sign desires stability. Having Mars in Taurus can mean that finding comfort in anything can be difficult – a challenge, sometimes.

This can manifest in being on your guard all the time – against situations that will push your limits, people who will take what’s yours, or thoughts that disrupt your peace.

In Cancer, where Mars is in fall, its fire is subdued—but only to a point. This sign allows emotional expression, but only when it feels safe enough to do so.

Until then, anger, frustration, and passion simmer beneath the surface, sometimes bubbling out in indirect ways. Left unchecked, this bottled-up energy can build, leading to emotional outbursts or resentment down the line.

Signs Ruled by Mars

Since Mars governs action, drive, and ambition, the signs it rules tend to be bold, determined, and naturally competitive.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Mars thrives in Aries, where its fiery energy is direct and unfiltered.

If your Mars is in Aries, you’re quick to act and love a challenge.

Confidence and courage come naturally, but impulsiveness can lead to trouble if you don’t think things through.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Mars in Scorpio brings intense energy and strategic focus.

If your Mars is in Scorpio, you’re not one to act on impulse—you play the long game.

Passion and desire run deep, and you know how to keep your cool even in high-stakes situations.

Mars Retrograde

Every two years, Mars appears to move backward in the sky, throwing a wrench in momentum and stirring up buried frustrations.

When Mars is retrograde, energy feels sluggish or misdirected. Conflicts simmer beneath the surface, and old resentments have a way of creeping back in.

It’s not the best time to pick fights—but it is the perfect time to reassess your goals, rethink your approach, and figure out what battles are really worth fighting.

The Last Mars Retrograde (2024–2025)

Mars kicked off its retrograde in fiery Leo on December 6, 2024, before retreating into Cancer on January 6, 2025. This shift was particularly emotionally charged, making this retrograde especially intense.

By the time Mars finally stationed direct on February 23, 2025, at 17° Cancer, we’re all left with the overwhelming need to carve out safe spaces, especially in our homes and closest relationships.

Mars then fully cleared its retrograde shadow on May 2, 2025, at 6° Leo—marking the official end of this cycle.

Mars won’t go retrograde at all in 2026, giving us a break from this cosmic slow-down.

But come December 6, 2026, it’ll be back—this time setting the stage for a new cycle of challenges, growth, and opportunities to rise to the occasion.

📌 Next Mars Retrograde: December 6, 2026 – February 24, 2027