2025 opens with Mars retrograde in Leo, reversing back into Cancer on January 6. The fire dies down but the embers are still hot hot hot. Your Mars retrograde horoscope can help you tame it.

The Mars retrograde began on December 6, 2024—its first rollback in nearly two years—in lavish Leo. While that backspin put a damper on typical Leo decadence, we hope you found ways during the holiday season to not feel deprived and to avoid invaders of your holiday cheer.

On January 6, the passionate planet falls back into the plush pillows of Cancer for the remainder of its retrograde, until February 23. Mars then continues its transit through the sign of the Crab, in direct motion, until April 18.

In comfort-loving Cancer, the red planet goes into “silent simmer” mode. Sensitivities are heightened and you may feel like you’re wading through a minefield of mixed messages. Try not to say the quiet part out loud if you know it’s going to offend.

While firecracker Mars retrograde in ferocious Leo made everyone’s roar a little (or a lot) more intense, Mars retrograde in Cancer makes moods contagious and easy to get passive-aggressive instead of being direct.

Cut stressful people a wide berth and bring awareness to the emotional energy you bring into a room. Strong emotions could surge up around family, especially if you’re processing generational trauma or navigating complex dynamics that reared up over the holidays.

If you’re planning to move or renovate, try to wait until Mars is direct in Cancer after February 23. Not an option? Do everything you can to eliminate stress from the process.

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Pro tips for Mars retrograde

The red planet flips into reverse every other year, and when it does, it can turn us into unnecessary daredevils. Deprioritizing personal safety? Bad idea. This is not the time to take uncalculated risks.

About your New Year’s resolutions

Since go-getter Mars begins 2025 in full retrograde mode, you might even wait until Mars completes its reverse commute on February 23 to settle on your resolutions.Take more time to detail your goals (you’re welcome!) to make sure they aren’t coming from a place of stress or misguided competition. If you began your resolutions on January 1, don’t let us stop you. But be kind to yourself if things don’t go exactly to plan until Mars corrects course.

Why all this fuss about the feisty red planet in reverse?

While Mars typically fires us up for bold moves and dramatic action, the retrograde cools that energy, asking us to hold back on launching any major initiatives.

With Mars slipping into emo, domestic Cancer on January 6, it could be hard to tear yourself out of your hibernation station until the planet resumes direct motion on February 23. Cozy up, but try not to isolate. With this rabble-rousing energy focused on home and family life, you may need to sort out some post-holiday feelings and set firmer boundaries with your inner circle.

Your Mars Retrograde (In Cancer) Horoscope

Every two years, Mars pivots retrograde, which keeps it locked in one or two signs for several months. The Mars retrograde began on December 6, 2024 (in Leo), then shifts to Cancer on January 5, 2025. The Mars retrograde ends on February 23, 2025 (and Mars continues to transit Cancer until April 18).

Below are horoscopes for every zodiac sign for the Mars retrograde that begins in Cancer on January 6. You can read for your Sun sign or your rising sign (ascendant). Visit our Cosmic Calculators if you want to calculate your rising sign or discover more about your personal astrology.

It’s getting spicy in your space! Passionate Mars, who’s been retrograde in Leo since December 6, backs into Cancer and your domestic fourth house on January 6. Easy now, Ram. While the backspin lasts through February 23, the heat that you emanates could reignite the spark in the bedroom or fuel family feuds. Stress levels could reach new heights, making you desperate for “a room of one’s own” a la Virgina Woolf. Get creative with the space at Chateau Ram, and carve out a corner just for you. Scope out quiet cafes to work at or even rent out a small studio.

Aries horoscopes, read more!

Taurus (April 19-May 20) Mars retrograde horoscope

Watch your words! After retrograding through Leo and your family zone since December 6, brash Mars backs up through Cancer and your third house communication sector from January 6 until February 23, drawing out your fiery side. You could easily cross a line with those clever one-liners or cheeky commentaries.

You won’t have any problem defending yourself, but rein in the combativeness. If not, you could end up doing real harm to your relationships. There will be a lot of activity on the friend front too, but you’ll quickly draw a line between those pals you resonate with and those who get under your skin. Should your inner circle become more intimate, it’s not the end of the world. Authentic amigos are what count.

Taurus horoscopes, read more!

Gemini (May 20-June 20) Mars retrograde horoscope

The path to prosperity awaits, Gemini—as long as you clean up your act. Motivator Mars, who’s been retrograde in Leo since December 6, backs up into Cancer, your second house of work and finances from January 6 to February 23. While this could arouse some moneymaking mojo, watch how much you take on since work-related tension shoots through the roof.

Clock in extra OT during Mars retrograde, assume the lead on projects, take more risks on the job, but all within moderation. While you adore your fine treasures and designer labels, relationships are what feed your Twin soul. Why not whip up a plan that can also be lucrative for your friends?

Gemini horoscopes, read more!

Cancer (June 20-July 22) Mars retrograde horoscope

Too hot to handle? Passionate Mars returns to your sign on January 6, turning up the temperature on your trademark magnetism. This sizzling cycle lasts until April 18, but it could get off to a bumpy start, as the red planet is retrograde until February 23. Temper tantrums, impatience and diva antics could get out of hand. Coming off as coy or playing hard-to-get ain’t the way to go—but neither is an overly aggressive approach. Pace yourself. Channel some of this mojo into a personal endeavor. When opportunity comes knocking, jump on it—even if it means flying solo at first.

Cancer horoscopes, read more!

Leo (July 22-August 22) Mars retrograde horoscope

Three, two, one, detox! And we’re not talking about cleansing your liver, Leo. Get-down-to-business Mars ends a fast-paced (and exhausting) stint in your sign, where it’s been since November 3—and retrograde since December 6. With Mars reversing into Cancer and your twelfth house of transitions from January 6 until February 23, clean your slate.

From going on a massive decluttering mission to cutting ties with that ex who’s been stringing you along, you now have zero tolerance for toxic vibes. Just proceed with caution. Brazen Mars could cause you to act before thinking things through. If you really have reached the end of the road, close the door thoughtfully and compassionately during Mars retrograde.

Leo horoscopes, read more!

Virgo (August 22-September 22) Mars retrograde horoscope

All for one and one for all? Make-it-happen Mars, who’s been retrograde in Leo and your transitional twelfth house since December 6, slips back one spot on the zodiac wheel on January 6. Until February 23, the spicy planet makes waves in Cancer and your communal eleventh house. With all the projects that have piled up on your plate over the last several months, this is still good timing. Be strategic about who you bring on board during Mars retrograde (the next six weeks). It might be wiser to reconnect with a group that you collab’d with successfully in the past.

Virgo horoscopes, read more!

Libra (September 23-October 22) Mars retrograde horoscope

Up, up, and away? Motivator Mars blasts into Cancer and your ambitious tenth house from January 6 until April 18. You’ve got your sights set super-high, and you might even snag the brass ring during this Mars spell. But pace yourself until February 23, because Mars is lingering in a retrograde that began (in Leo) on December 6. If you have unfinished business to complete, focus on that first. If you haven’t yet uncovered a path that resonates with you, tune into that skill or gift that brings you joy when you share it with others. It could become your ticket to prosperity.

Libra horoscopes, read more!

Scorpio (October 22-November 21) Mars retrograde horoscope

Your Q4 career goals hit a snag back on December 6, when make-it-happen Mars turned retrograde in Leo, but starting January 6, you can make up for lost time and regain professional traction. The red planet will still be in reverse until February 23, but it’s moving back into Cancer and your ninth house of travel. Winter vacation plans could get a little stressful, so avoid biting off more than you can chew. Watch your tone, too! With fierce Mars in this outspoken zone, your words could carry that infamous Scorpio sting, even when you’re simply trying to be helpful. Live and let live!

Scorpio horoscopes, read more!

Sagittarius (November 21-December 21) Mars retrograde horoscope

Sultry Mars decamps into sexy Cancer and your erotic eighth house from January 6 until April 18, maxing out your mojo and magnetism. The downside? Mars retrograde lasts until February 23, which could rile up buried feelings like jealousy and resentment. Be judicious in where you direct your seductive allure, or you could leave a trail of broken hearts. You’ll be on the lookout for passionate souls to connect with, but don’t settle for a simple winter warmer. Hold out for someone who can go the distance with you. As the eighth house also rules investments, finances could flow in from a lucrative source that you tapped in the past.

Sagittarius horoscopes, read more!

Capricorn (December 21-January 19) Mars retrograde horoscope

Your motto for the next couple months? It takes two to make a thing go right—as long as you handle dynamic duos with care. Motivator Mars, who’s been retrograde in Leo since December 6, reverses into Cancer and your seventh house partnership sector from January 6 until February 23, making you anxious to seal the deal.

As with any retrograde, you’ll need to proceed judiciously during Mars retrograde. Joining forces could work to your advantage, but hotheaded Mars can make tempers especially short. There’s a fine line between being assertive and aggressive, Express your needs confidently without getting bossy.

Capricorn horoscopes, read more!

Aquarius (January 19-February 18) Mars retrograde horoscope

Lifehack alert! Energizer Mars, who’s been retrograde in Leo and your partnership house since December 6, backs into Cancer and your sixth house of daily routines from January 6 until February 23. While this will be a huge relief in your love life, you may find yourself drowning in admin work for the next few weeks. Before you take on any big projects, stop, drop and systematize. Ease into workouts slowly and opt for longer “lifestyle changes” over “extreme challenges” that feel like a fad.

Aquarius horoscopes, read more!

Pisces (February 18-March 20) Mars retrograde horoscope

Peek on out from that coral reef, Pisces. Sizzling Mars backstrokes into Cancer on January 6, charging up your fifth house of fame, romance and creative expression until April 18. The only plot twist? The red planet is still winding through a retrograde that began in Leo on December 6. Shine bright like a diamond, and enjoy the attention that comes with it.

But during Mars retrograde in Cancer until February 23, be careful that you don’t come on too strong. An ex or old drama could also resurface now. For some Fish, babymaking (or another co-created love goal) may become the focus over the next couple months. Don’t push your agenda, but be sure to express your desires.

Pisces horoscopes, read more!

More about Mars in astrology

Mars is the planet of action, drive, and ambition. The red planet brings a burst of energy when it transits through a zodiac sign, for six to eight weeks on average, and supports you tackling big projects or asserting yourself in key areas of life.

Knowing when to harness Mars’ dynamic influence helps you plan for periods of high motivation, but be mindful—Mars can also stir up conflict if not channeled wisely.

Mars is the last of the personal inner planets (the planets before Jupiter, which are closest to the Sun). This might explain its protective, and sometimes combative, stance. Like a celestial sentry, Mars readies us to fight for what we hold dear. Tactics change depending on the sign Mars occupies.

Lusty Mars is the forthright companion to seductive Venus and can bring out the “cosmic cave(wo)man” in us all. Our raw desire is on display during certain Mars cycles, while other zodiac signs provoke a more discreet style of pursuit.

A few recent Mars retrogrades demonstrate their power

Mars retrograde in Gemini

Mars was in dualistic, fast-talking Gemini from August 20, 2022 to March 25, 2023, retrograde from October 30, 2022 to January 12, 2023. During that Mars retrograde, it was almost impossible to decipher fact from fiction while the multi-ringed media circus made heads spin with fake news, conspiracy theories and righteous anger.

While Mars was retrograde in tea-spilling Gemini, if you didn’t have at least one day a week that you swore off your newsfeed, we’d be shocked! One nasty tweet or snarky comment could have torched a bridge to the ground. You may have got involved in gossip or trusting the wrong people. Protecting your name— and your identity—is crucial during a Mars retrograde in Gemini.

Mars retrograde in Aries

Renegade Mars was last retrograde in its home sign of Aries from September 9 to November 13, 2020. (The red planet had an extended circuit through fire sign Aries from July 27, 2020 to January 6, 2021. )

With the brashness and anarchy of warrior Aries, rebellion became street theater. Civilians clashed with law enforcement throughout the entire Mars cycle. Crowds toppled statues of controversial historical figures. Gun-toting citizens attempted to obstruct registered voters from casting their ballots during the 2020 U.S. Presidential election and tempers generally flared. In the final hours of Mars in Aries (the tide-turning anaretic 29°), the U.S. Capitol was stormed by insurrectionists, the fallout of which we’re still feeling.

Where is Mars in 2025?

Mars is the planet of action, drive and ambition, pushing you to take bold steps toward your goals. Mars brings a burst of energy when it transits through a zodiac sign for six to eight weeks, on average, and supports tackling big projects or asserting yourself in key areas of life. Knowing when to harness Mars’ dynamic influence helps you plan for periods of high motivation, but be mindful—Mars can also stir up conflict if not channeled wisely.

The 2025 Mars transit dates and zodiac signs are:

Mars in LEO (until Jan 6; transit began Dec 6, 2024)
Mars in CANCER (Jan 6-April 11; Rx Jan 6-Feb 23) you are here!
Mars in VIRGO (Jun 17–Aug 6)
Mars in LIBRA (Aug 6–Sep 22)
Mars in SCORPIO (Sep 22–Nov 4)
Mars in SAGITTARIUS (Nov 4–Dec 15)
Mars in CAPRICORN (Dec 15–Jan 13, 2026)

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