Mars is closest to the earth when he goes retrograde. So his influence on us increases in this time. Mars is the energy of violence, competition, pioneering spirit, conquest, invasions, militant spirit etc. So everyone will feel this explosive energy more strongly in this time. Mars goes retrograde once in about 2yrs 2 months and remains retrograde for about 2-3 months. But his entire retrograde cycle extends to about 5-6 months. (YouTube video link here)
Mars becomes stationary / stambit for about 3-4 days before he changes his direction. When a planet is stationary, he triggers intense karmic effects which cannot be avoided. So be alert from 4th – 7th Dec and then from 20th-24th Feb for any unexpected events connected to your Mars as per your horoscope. The effect of this Mars retrograde cycle will be broadly applicable from 4th Dec 2024 to 2nd May 2025. And strongly applicable from 7th Dec 2024 to 24th Feb 2025.
- Mars will be going retrograde from 7th Dec 2024. He will be at 12deg Cancer on this day, and he is debilitated in Cancer.
- Mars will enter Gemini on 21st Jan 2025.
- Then he will go forwards in Gemini on 24th Feb 2025.
- He will again enter Cancer on 2nd Apr 2025.
- And finally Mars will cross 12deg Cancer on 2nd May 2025, thus completing his retrograde cycle.
During this time he will be going through all the eight types of movements, ie forward, then moving very slowly forwards, then stationary, then retrograde then again slow retrograde, then stationary then slowly forwards and finally rapidly forwards. The results that a planet gives is dependant on its speed. So Mars results in this time will be inconsistent. Note his power in your chart and be prepared accordingly. Eg if he is connected to your 10th house your office work may see ups and downs. If he is linked to your 2nd house then monetary matters may be confused etc. Be more careful especially if he is a significant force in your chart, in charge of important houses eg as Lagnesh, Yogesh, Rogesh etc.
Normally Mars travels through the 30deg of one sign in about 45 days. This is his average speed. But during this time of about 5 months, he will be moving three times and very intensely over a very small, about 32deg, arc length of the zodiac. from the 20deg Gemini to 12deg Cancer. If you have any birth planets or your ascendant degree in this area of the zodiac then be prepared for this intense release of Mars’ energy in your life in this time.

One important point here is that during this Mars retrograde period, Jupiter is also retrograde. Jupiter is the Jivkarak, he supports life on this earth. And Retrograde Jupiter has lesser power to support. So one tip is to avoid taking any risks related to finances and health in this time. Also in this time, Saturn will be rapidly getting closer to Rahu in Pisces. This will trigger instability in various forms. Thus this Mars retrograde period will see political changes, administration and governance related issues. Military engagements and civil disturbances will continue. Spies, covert operatives, terrorist outfits, cyber criminals will be more active.
In Sanskrit, the word ‘rashi’ literally means – a collection of attributes. And ‘graha’ means force. So when a graha transits in a rashi, he uses the attributes of that sign release his energy. And Mars transiting in Cancer is debilitated. In this time, everyone is a potential underwater volcano. And retrograde means that rather than exploding outwards, Mars will implode inwards, people will create problems to their own selves. So in this time be careful of misplaced aggression. Be alert about others trying to manipulate you emotionally. And do not try psychological tactics on others. There may be some simmering issues with the mother or maternal side of the family. If you suffer from any blood related medical issues, BP, anaemia or heart related things then do not ignore any symptoms. Mars in Cancer will aspect Saturn in Aquarius, so in this time will be turbulent. Mishaps in transport and industrial sectors are possible. Wind direction will be unpredictable, intense weather is possible and winters will be cold, winter rains can be torrential. Then misguided mob energy and public movements can cause long term problems.
Mars in Gemini is comparatively better as he is better able to use the environment of this sign to express himself. However in this time do be careful when interacting with your siblings, neighbours, office teammates etc. People might be more two faced, may say one thing and do something else. False information, fake news, rumours, gossip can be a cause of stress and financial damage.
During this Mars retrograde,
- Birth Moons – Aries, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Scorpio should be alert on what is going in in their lives. There will be intense events in their life, which may be favourable or unfavourable, depending on their birth charts
- Also those who have their Ascendant/ Lagna nakshatra or the Moon/ Janma nakshatra as Punarvasu or Pushya will also see an excessive burst of energy.
- Those who are in the Vimshottari Mars Mahadasha or Mars Antardasha in any other planet’s Mahadasha should also be careful.
People working in the fitness industry, sportspersons, courts, governance, water/sea based industries, oil rigs, military, soldiers, policemen, firemen etc may see some issues in this time. So be prepared for unexpected events and be ready to act. As some of us will be able to use these events to gain in life. If you get opportunities, think everything twice and then act. Do not take risks in this time unless you have all the data with you.
Generally for everyone, during this time, Mars related keywords and projects in life may not give expected results. There may be delays or you may be required to redo, revise these projects. Be adaptable, try some creative solutions and yet be prepared for all possible outcomes. Do not stick to only one approach or be dependant only one one thing. Focus on the final outcome and be prepared to work in any way to get it. Do not take up more than you realistically can. In the current times at least, the purpose is important, so be ready to change the method if you need to. And most important, be positive, things will work out eventually. Mars retrograde cycle will be complete by early May 2025.
During the retrograde, avoid getting into unnecessary arguments with the people signified by Gemini/ Cancer. If you feel your temper rising, take a step back and take a few deep breaths with your chosen mantra. Then once you in balance again, put your point forward, politely yet, firmly. For all of us, Mars will give mood swings and cycles of melt-downs and rage. Generally you may not feel confident enough to assert yourself or act decisively. So not lose your temper, especially while dealing with the opposite sex. Also do not take unnecessary risks and be careful while driving etc. and going to the gym regularly helps in giving the aggression a safe outlet.
If you have Mars retrograde in your birth chart then you are generally not very sure about yourself. You may be very talented but you do get opportunities to display your talents. You do not feel confident and are uncertain about your own self. You think 10 times before taking up a task. You tend to suppress your own feelings, emotions, passions, and this causes you damage on the psychological levels. Medical issues related to digestive system, blood and other body fluids, acidity and heat are possible. In relationships you are cold, do not express yourself and expect betrayal from others. So when Mars goes retrograde you might get some good opportunities which you must capitalise on. Eg you might get projects which require planning, or you may be required to organise a big event. Or if you are in the research, chemicals, medical etc field then you can get some path breaking results. If you are an occult practitioner or a spiritual aspirant then this retrograde should give you some desired siddhi/ realisations.

Now these are the general predictions for the Mars retrograde for the Birth Moon signs. The personal readings will depend on the power of your birth chart and the transit effect of the other planets on you.
For Aries Birth Moons this Mars retrograde is not favourable. Think back to Oct – Nov, if you have taken any major decisions, then you might have to review the details now. There will be overwork in office and you might neglect your home, rest, and diet. So take only those projects which you can realistically work on. Take long term decisions only after rechecking everything. And do not get diverted from your chosen goals in your life.
For Taurus birth Moons, this Mars retrograde is average to good. You can expect some financial benefits in this time. And you can take some bold decisions in this time, but as usual apply your common sense and check everything first. Minor expenditure on health issues is possible which you will easily handle.
For Gemini birth Moons there is going to be some confusion as he will be retrograde in your sign. You might feel unsure about your future. Choosing the right option may be difficult as you may not feel confident. Depending in your age and stage in life this may be your education or career or marriage or job choices. So do your research, find more information on all options before choosing one. Be adaptable in this time frame.
Cancer birth Moons will also feel the confusion as he is retrograde in your sign. In addition to the uncertainty you might feel randomly emotional about random things. You might feel aggressive one minute and tired the next. You may need to spend money on your residence and properties, eg for repairs or construction work which may overshoot the budget. Spouse can have minor health issues so pay attention to this.
For Leo birth Moons, Mars in Gemini will be comparatively better. He can bring some unexpected opportunities which you can choose to capitalise on. But be careful when signing the final contracts and agreements, read everything twice. But Mars in Cancer can trigger some minor health issues issues, general tiredness and overwork. Pay attention to your rest and diet in this time. Overall this time is average to good.
Virgo birth Moons have a generally good time. Minor hiccups aside, you will be able to continue with business as usual. One tip is to maintain positive interactions in your office and with your boss. You might get one good project in this time which will improve your image in the office. But gossip about you can cause some issues so be alert in the office. Minor arguments with friends are possible but nothing very serious. It is overall a good time.
Libra birth Moons, might see a temporary change in the job. You may be sent for a short on-site posting or some field assignment. Or you might have to redo some ongoing major project. A temporary reassignment in your job is possible. But you should be able to handle it. Then a sudden pilgrimage tour is possible, if this happens make the most of the positive energy. Overall Mars retrograde is average to good for you.
Then for Scorpio birth Moons this Mars retrograde is going to be challenging. Think back if you taken any major decision in Oct – Nov 2024, as you might need to review these. Life will seem unsettled as Mars goes through all the 8 types of movements, till he again settles down in early May 2025. There will be ups and downs and at least one unexpected event in this time.
For the Sagittarius birth Moons, you might feel stressed out for no real reason. You might simply imagine things and feel worried. So first cross check things before feeling upset. Rest may be affected as you might see nightmares or be restless at night. So do your Pranayam, your mantra and keep your emotional mind under control. If you can do this, then this period will be good, else it will be average.
Capricorn birth Moons have an average time. Mars related things will cause those routine type of minor issues which you will easily handle. Quarrels with the spouse can make you unhappy, so avoid getting into arguments at home. One tip for business people is, ensure that you get paid in time for the projects you take up. Do not work for others in good faith as you may not get your due. Also do not trust your partners more than necessary. But overall things will continue to improve.
For Aquarius birth Moons, your Mars related things can increase stress. Keep your financial situation under control, avoid getting into debts. Do not ignore any health issues. and legal issues are possible in this time so be alert.
Pisces birth Moons have an average time. Home life can be a bit worrying. So avoid creating issues with your mother. Keep an eye on your children and maintain harmonious relationship with your spouse. Also avoid trying out things randomly, always take decisions after checking everything.
And the remedies are ..
- Mantra – Do the mantra of Mars on Tuesdays and on the day he changes direction
- Daana – you can give the items connected to Mars on Tuesdays and especially on the day he changes direction
- Students of Jyotish can predict events and be prepared to handle the issues by intelligently modulating their behaviour.
Dr. Tejaswini Arvind Patil


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