Anne Massey’s astrology blog

Mars Story 2009-2010

Thursday, October 15th, 2009 | Astrology for You, Current Planetary trends

Timeline: October 16, 2009-June 6, 2010

“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third, by experience, which is the bitterest.”—Confucius, philosopher and teacher

Mars overview

Some years bring many unusual planetary events, others less so. We now have a year of Pluto in Capricorn under our belts and know that these are exceptional times. This energy stays with us until 2023 (and a little while as a rerun in 2024). Just in case we missed something the first go around. Everything repeats in some form in our lifetime and there are eras that played out with similar themes, our recollection of these is naturally limited. It would be difficult to live our lives if we recalled everything from this one. It would be almost impossible if we recalled previous lives in detail.

“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” — Albert Einstein. That quote contains the essence of the Mars-energy, we need to find new ways to do things and eliminate the ones that have not yielded the desired results. With Mars in Leo, we have the opportunity to connect with our personal creative spark, think ‘outside the box’—to be innovative.

Mars typically spends approximately six weeks in a sign and has a retrograde period once every 26 months. Mars will be in Leo October 16, 2009-June 6, 2010. The last time Mars spent this long in Leo was October 1962-June 1963. Those of us older are able to reflect on what was going on in the world during that time and also what was going on in our personal lives. The themes tend to play out again and again, but no astrological configuration repeats in exactly the same form ever; thus there are changes. We also learn something during each period and have new lessons the next time. (technical data at the end of this posting). Late 1994-through May 1995 Mars was in Leo for about six months, which provides us with a more recent walk down memory lane. The point I am making is that this is 15-year cycle and the exceptional length of time repeats seldom.

Mars is now moving closer to us. When something is closer to us, we are less able to avoid the energy it represents. Mars is about our motivation and our actions. The fact that something takes place less often adds to the intensity of the energy. And because we no longer really recall how it felt, we can only remember events; we don’t quite have the insights…

The slow-moving planets relate to bigger changes and events—Mars joined that group for the next eight months. I think of the planets as characters in our life’s play; and the transiting planets, which is what each horoscope column talks about I aliken to houseguests. When we get a houseguest, who stays on longer than planned, we get to know that person far too well. We learn about their flaws in addition to the nice characteristics that initially attracted us to them. Astrologically speaking, consider Mars, an aggressive, probing guest, who will continuously tell you what you ought to be doing. This houseguest will stay in one area ensuring that you figure out a different way to handle the associated issues.

During October 2009-May 2010 Mars will move through the first 20 degrees of Leo three times. First forward to the almost the 20th degree from October 16-December 20 and then backward or in reverse gear from December 20-March 10. Think of driving your car in reverse all the way to work or to the grocery store. Not as easy and driving forward right; we would have to pay more attention and have so many hazards along the way. Mars then moves forward the second time through the same stretch of zodiacal terrain from March 10-May 16. This one qualifies for the most déjà vu moments-knowing that you have done this before and with a more fated feeling.

Leos born before August 13 will experience Mars on their natal Sun degree three times. This can be both an energizing and frustrating experience. During the first period things might be moving along with a hectic pace; you might have collected a long list of things you want to accomplish. Beware of traffic rules and stick to those speed limits—why collect speeding tickets when you don’t have to.

About the rewind period

Mars will be retrograde from December 20, 2009 until March 10, 2010. Mars is retrograde once every two years or so. This is a time when we take two steps forward and three steps back, while we seek new ways of tackling specific issues in life. I will talk about the issues in this column; these issues will be under ‘construction’ until June 2010. I always find Martian type activity to help use the energy constructively during that period. There were the years when I knitted three sweaters, not having held knitting needles in a decade or more. In 2003 I fell in love with the pressure washer and cleaned everything in site with it. It was like holding a gun but producing positive results. Last time in 2007, I signed up for a quilting class. Those of you who quilt can instantly think of the many metal implements used in the process. Those tools are Mars ruled. I still quilt, just bought a Serger, yes, while Mercury was retrograde-it was a bargain due to bankruptcy liquidation. It has a knife that cuts fabric in addition to the needles; I will learn to use it during the long Mars period. Mars is about physical activity, sports, martial arts, using tools (made of metal) and of course engines and anything with a motor. I find it is a perfect time to learn something new or pick up on a hobby or activity you used to enjoy.

It will be interesting to watch the 2010 Winter Olympics hosted by Vancouver, Canada. Competitions fall under Mars in astrology. The speculation might be that there will be many surprises when the results of events are shown. Back when Vancouver won the bid to host these games, I ‘predicted’ that in my column based on the amount of construction I envisioned on our roads. With Mars retrograde during the games and leading up to them, I expect that traffic issues will cause many headaches.

Natal charts, however, are unique to individuals. In a natal chart Mars retrograde for example describes inherent behaviour and the way the person does things. With a retrograde Mars we expect hesitation, caution and reluctance to act in haste to be a part of the person’s make up. The environment and upbringing of the person would have helped mould this type of behaviour.

About each year and energy shifts

Each year, the Sun travels through all of the Zodiacal signs. Your own sign marks your birthday, and the one month each year when you are likely to make fresh new choices and resolutions for yourself. During that month people around you pay you extra attention. It is our ‘what do I want’-month. The month that follows brings the attention on your money and values, it is the natural time to create a budget, balance what you bring in with what goes out. If you know your ascending sign you can look at that as the first month to get more clues. The third month is about our daily life, schedules, cars, dealings with neighbours and communication; thus we tend to spend more time on these issues during the month the Sun is in the third sign after your own. That own sign is number 1. The fourth month is about family and home. The fifth is about month about children, romance and creative endeavours-things seem to flow with ease, regardless of what is going on. The sixth month following your month of birth brings work and health matters to the forefront-it’s all in the details at that time. The seventh month, which begins six months after your birthday, is about relating and relationships. The eighth month is about shared resources and shared issues-an ideal time for investigating the means to accomplish something. The ninth month is about travel, exploration and finding ways to expand your horizons; relatives might factor in prominently during that time. The tenth month is about career and your accomplishments; bosses, parents and other authority figures may play an active role. The eleventh month is about friends, groups and about your wishes and aspirations-excellent time to make plans for your new year around the corner. The twelfth month, the month prior to your next birthday is a time to rest, to finish projects and find new activities in order to recharge your internal batteries.
Those themes play out many different ways in the course of our lives. One of those themes will now play out with Mars staying in one sector for close to eight months. Each sign is broken down to overview, preview, rewind and repeat. The horoscopes are available on my website: www.astrologicallyspeaking.com/Mars2009-10.htm

In the image for the period I have accented the areas of activity during the time Mars is in Leo. Saturn will be in Libra for part of the time and Jupiter will move into Pisces for most of the first half of 2010. During this time I expect unique opportunities and most of the issues will centre around work and healthcare, our ability to negotiate and compromise and naturally the affairs of children.

US president, Obama, is a Leo and he will face many battles during this time particularly while Mars is retrograde—I am sure he knew it would not be a cakewalk to bring in the health care reform. I would be very surprised if he succeeded in bringing in his plan as outlined during the Summer of 2009.

Technical Data:

• Mars retrograde December 20, 2009-March 10, 2010
• Mars retrograde station December 20, 2010 at 19° Leo 48′ (5:27 PST; December 19, 2009 at 21:27 GMT)
• Mars at 9°Leo 47′ opposite the Sun at 9° Aquarius 47′ January 29, 2010 (11:43 PST or 3:43 GMT)
• Mars direct station at 0° Leo 18′ March 10, 2010 (10:09 PDT or 3:09 GMT)
• Mars at the 19°48′ Leo for the third time May 17, 2010.
• Mars hardly moves around the stations for well over 10 days.
• October 4, 1994-December 12, 1994 and January 22, 1995-May 25 1995 Mars was in Leo. The second period in 1995, Mars returned to Leo. Mars also spent extra time in Virgo.

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