Mars Retrograde: From Leo’s Fire to Cancer’s Waters
On January 6th, Mars moves out of Leo and into Cancer, which shifts how you’ll feel this retrograde energy. When Mars is in Leo, it’s all about being bold, creative, and driven, even during retrograde. But as it moves into Cancer, the energy becomes more emotional and less direct. Cancer is a sign where Mars doesn’t feel as strong, so you might notice yourself feeling less confident or more reactive. This could lead to passive-aggressive behavior or emotional outbursts, much like the crab’s sideways movements. You may feel a stronger need to protect those you care about and focus on what feels safe and familiar.
Mars retrograde in Cancer can slow things down, but it’s a good time for you to look back at old projects and assess if they still make sense. It’s also a great moment to focus on things like physical therapy, self-care, or home improvements. Just keep in mind that frustration might build up, so it’s important to find ways to release that energy—like journaling, meditating, or exercising—to keep your emotions in check.
Two important dates to remember in January are January 3rd and January 15th.
On January 3rd, Mars in Leo opposes Pluto in Aquarius, bringing tension between your personal power and the influence of the group. This is the first time these two planets clash in the fixed signs, and it could cause struggles over leadership and recognition. You might feel frustrated if others get credit for your hard work. On a larger scale, this energy may bring up power struggles in politics or world events.
By January 15th, Mars will be at the halfway point of its retrograde, and you’ll be able to spot it easily. His ruddy ruby hue will stand out in the night sky. This is a great time for you to reflect on your stress levels, burnout, and emotional health. It also lines up with the Full Moon in Cancer on January 13th, which could make emotional stress feel physical—like causing inflammation or fatigue. Now isn’t the time to push yourself too hard. Instead, focus on resting, processing your emotions, and prioritizing healing over action.
Lunar Nodes Shift: Virgo’s Order and Pisces Flow
On January 11th, the lunar nodes shift into Pisces and Virgo, marking a new eclipse cycle. When there is a New or Full Moon within 17 degrees of the lunar nodes, we experience an eclipse. Generally speaking, eclipses mark great beginnings and endings. They can be catalysts for change.
Since 2023, the nodes have been in the Aries/Libra axis. This has brought upon a global emphasis on independence, conflicts, and pioneering adventures. The wars in the middle east and Ukraine, and the launching of missions to Jupiter’s moons as prime examples.
However, now the nodes are now calling our attention to the axis of service and faith. With the north node in Pisces, the energy invites us to embrace the qualities of compassion, intuition, and emotional flexibility, while moving away from the Virgoan tendencies of perfectionism, overanalysis, and rigid control. Notice what houses are occupied by these two signs in your own birth chart to see how the eclipses will call upon bigger endings and beginnings to the topics of these houses. I did a larger video about this shift and you can watch it here.
In 2025, there will be 4 eclipses in March and September: two lunar and two solar. As the nodes are so close to each sign cusp in spring, we will have one out of sign eclipse with a solar eclipse in Aries on March 29th. This will be the last hurrah for Aries/Libra eclipse cycle until 2032.
Wet Embers: Lack of Fire Aspects
January brings a strong focus on earth and water energies, elements that are receptive, grounding, and introspective. Outside of a few lunar transits in fire, this energy will feel especially noticeable from January 8 onward. These slower, self-contained forces can create a sense of emotional heaviness and caution, making the month feel like trudging through the deep end of a pool. You might notice yourself feeling drained, uninspired, or hesitant to step out of your comfort zone. Emotional spirals, low moods, or fear-driven behaviors could resonate under these aspects.
When fire is absent in the sky, you may need to consciously ignite your own spark consciously. Fire represents vitality, passion, and creativity—qualities that help counteract emotional stagnation and depression. Consciously add bursts of brightness by staying active, setting small but energizing goals into your daily routine, or finding moments of playful joy. Incorporate warm colors into your wardrobe to channel happiness. A bright red lip or a pop of pink uplifts everyone’s spirits. And when the weight of isolation creeps in, seek connection with others. You never know when you will be the spark in someone else’s day.
Dates of Note:
January 2: Venus ingresses into Pisces. The planet of love and connection moves into the dreamy waters of Pisces today. In this sign, Venus is in her exaltation. Compassion, forgiveness, and emotional authenticity take the helm over the next 4 weeks. In this sign, Venus gives the benefit of the doubt easily to preserve relationships. This is a good time to dive into creative projects that heal your heart.
January 3: Mars opposes Pluto. This is the second pass of this transit, but the first time Mars faces Pluto in Aquarius. The battle between the individual and the collective goes toe to toe today. The urge to assert dominance meets an equally strong resistance. Ego battles can be contagious today. Avoid reacting out of fear or anger and instead channel the energy into creative pursuits or leadership development.
January 4: Sun sextiles Saturn. The Sun in Capricorn harmonizes with Saturn in Pisces, bringing grounded focus and emotional clarity. It is a perfect day to tackle responsibilities or set realistic goals. Discipline meets intuition today; don’t rush the process.
January 6: Mars retrogrades into Cancer + Mercury squares Neptune. Mars retreats into Cancer, turning the energy inward toward home, family, and emotional needs. This can be the most challenging part of the Mars retrograde, as it encourages you to reassess your approach to home life, emotional stress, and personal security. It’s a good time to rethink how to protect your own interests and adjust your goals. At the same time, Mercury’s clash with Neptune in Sagittarius creates mental confusion, making miscommunication more likely. Double-check your plans and trust your intuition more than logic.
January 8: Mercury enters Capricorn. Clear and practical thinking returns as Mercury grounds itself in Capricorn. In cardinal earth, the planet of communication is making sure that words have weight. This is about long term strategy based on realistic projections. Over the next 19 days, use this transit to organize, plan, and communicate with authority and precision.
January 11: Nodes move into Virgo/Pisces. The North Node moves into Pisces and the South Node moves into Virgo today. These placements will dictate the eclipse cycles for the next two years. When the North Node is in Pisces, there is an emphasis in the collective to embrace themes of emotional flexibility, spiritual growth, and surrender the illusion of control. It can be difficult releasing the need to fix and instead let life unfold in its own rhythm and pace. Think back to the last time the North Node was in Pisces from 2006 to 2008 when “Eat, Pray, Love” became a global sensation, “An Inconvenient Truth” won an Academy Award, and there was renewed interest in psychedelics for PTSD treatment.
January 12: Mars trines Neptune. Trust your intuition to guide your actions. Compassionate acts get a spotlight. Make use of the Mars retrograde in Cancer and donate any extra house goods to charities or tune back into your inner motivation.
January 13: Full Moon in Cancer + Sun trines Uranus. The Full Moon in Cancer, aligned with Mars retrograde, brings heightened emotions and an opportunity to release old grudges with friends or family. The trine to Uranus sparks sudden insights and fresh ideas, offering a chance to break free from routine. Embrace change and new opportunities that align with your personal growth. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re part of the process.
January 15: Sun opposes Mars. Today marks the halfway point of the Mars retrograde where the red planet rises as the Sun simultaneously sets. Egos and self-assertion challenges can create tension in your work/life balance today. This can manifest as inner conflict or external frustration. Channel this energy into balancing personal needs with professional responsibilities.
January 17: Sun sextiles Neptune. Today’s energy harmonizes your ideals with your sense of purpose. It’s a great day to set visionary goals or initiate spiritual practices. Take time to meditate and connect with your higher self.
January 18: Venus conjoins Saturn. Today highlights commitment and responsibility in relationships. You may feel the weight of what’s truly important in your connections, with an emphasis on depth and longevity. This aspect encourages letting go of relationships or attachments that no longer align with your values. Invest your time and energy in what brings lasting fulfillment.
January 19: Mercury sextiles Saturn + Mercury sextiles Venus + Sun enters Aquarius. Mercury in Capricorn forms harmonious sextiles with both Saturn and Venus, allowing for clear, practical communication in both work and relationships. The Sun’s transit through Aquarius encourages a detachment from the past and a focus on the future, prompting you to align your personal goals with larger societal changes. This is a time to strengthen connections within communities or groups, especially those that share your vision for the future. While Aquarius values freedom, the Sun in this Saturn ruled sign reminds everyone that true innovation often comes with discipline and dedication.
January 21: Sun conjoins Pluto. Power and purpose align today, bringing a powerful moment of transformation. Confront deep-rooted patterns and embrace change, especially in areas where you’ve felt stuck. Be aware, this key energy will dominate the US Presidential inauguration. While it goes exact on today, it will build from Sunday onwards. This is the consolidation of power in the new age. On a personal level, the focus is on letting go of outdated structures and stepping into a difference locus of control. Be mindful of fear influencing your perspective. Tap into the detached nature of Aquarius’ air element and take a long-term, objective view of the situation.
January 23: Mars sextiles Uranus + Mercury opposes Mars + Mercury trines Uranus. This is an extremely fast-paced day. Mars and Uranus spark bold, innovative action, but Mercury’s opposition to Mars warns of hasty words. Think before you speak and try not to take things personally. Take extra care while using transportation and be mindful of your surroundings.
January 25: Venus trines Mars. Passion and creativity flow easily as Venus in Pisces harmonizes with Mars in Cancer. With this aspect happening in water signs, healing or reconnecting with someone from your past feels promising. A wonderful day for heartfelt connections and pursuing artistic or romantic endeavors. However, keep nostalgia in check as the Moon in Sagittarius squares Neptune tonight. Fantasies get a boost as you dream of what is possible vs. what is reality.
January 26: Mercury sextiles Neptune + Venus sextiles Uranus. Clever answers and vague details benefit you today. Unconventional approaches in relationships actually sweeten the stability. Do something fresh to keep the intrigue alive.
January 27: Mercury enters Aquarius. The planet of communication and thinking moves into brainstorming Aquarius. Mercury does very well in fixed air, where he can remain emotionally detached during hard conversations and utilize technology with ease. Over the next 3 weeks, it’s a great time to collaborate with others, let your questions do more work than opinions, and focus on the larger trends at play.
January 29: New Moon in Aquarius + Mercury conjoins Pluto. Innovative vision is grounded by spiritual focus under this lunation. This New Moon encourages setting intentions for community, future goals, or breaking free from limiting patterns, but it also asks for accountability. Saturn’s influence reminds you that lasting change requires commitment and discipline, even when navigating the emotional or intuitive waters of Pisces. Dream big, but be ready to put in the work to make it real. Conversations take a deeper turn as Mercury meets Pluto in the sign of the water bearer. Secrets may surface, or you might uncover powerful insights. If you need to launch a research project, this is the day to do it. The power of persuasion gets an extra boost this afternoon as the Moon also joins this aspect to lend emotional conviction.
January 30: Uranus stations direct + Sun trines Jupiter. The energy today is self-affirming as the planet of individuality stations direct. The topics governed by Taurus in your birth chart get a boost forward. This energy invites change and encourages you to break out of old habits. In the meantime, Jupiter lends support to your evolving identity. Self-confidence and goals are highlighted today.