Repair work begins: After spinning back through Leo since December 6 and Cancer since January 6, combative, aggressive Mars turns direct on February 23. This is going to be a big cleanup, but phew, Mars retrograde is over!

Is your head spinning yet? It began with Luigi’s shotgun in December, throwing the sharp divide of the Leo-ruled “haves” and the “have nots” into stark relief. Then, it turned into Los Angeles fires in January, as the red planet tore back through home-and-family-ruled Cancer. Planes fell out of skies. Hostages and displaced victims returned to destroyed homes. Cancer Elon Musk began to gut the protective systems of the Unites States (also a Cancer).

It’s been so much pain and even more to process. Which is why Mars could not turn direct a minute too soon. There’s no denying that this Mars retrograde was ROUGH. One of our astrologer friends called it “literal” and we can’t stop nodding in agreement.

So here it goes: On February 23 (9PM EST), adulting becomes on-trend again, as Mars spins forward in Cancer, the sign of the mother. The maze of moods we’ve all felt could at least feel a little less like an endless labyrinth—and more like a lesson delivered with shock waves that we need to come back from immediately.

It’s an understatement to say that this Mars retrograde—a transit that only occurs about every two years—punctuated an already tense beginning to 2025.

As the red planet resumes forward motion, you can expect the frenetic energy to dial down (phew). The next Mars retrograde isn’t until 2027!

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What to do when the Mars retrograde is over

Here are some quick ideas to dial it back when Mars retrograde is over on February 23.

Make sure you have safe spaces set up for yourself and the people who you love who might be under fire from extreme right-wing policies now. Create a sanctuary city under your own roof!

Make sure home is a sacred oasis for YOU, too. With so much intensity being hurled from every direction, it’s important to relax and take a pause from media after a certain hour (or while you’re eating) so you can actually sleep.
For the final stretch of winter, prioritize soothing activities that keep your nervous system balanced. Set up the craft table and invite friends get into the spirit of cold-weather communing. Stream yoga classes in your living room or join a studio with a vibe you love.
Vanquish the tension under your roof by decluttering, redecorating and making sure everyone has enough space to do their thing.
The red planet’s motivational influence may inspire a home-based business or a pre-spring fitness challenge with roommates and relatives.
If cabin fever has fanned the flames of conflict, here’s your cue to take a vacation somewhere warm or where the winter activities are fun and lively. Après-ski cuteness, approved!

Got a ‘My Bad’ on your mind?

Dig your way through the data and figure out who deserves forgiveness (and who perhaps needs an apology)? After eleven weeks of backing up through Leo and Cancer, Mars retrograde is over and the planet known for aggressive tactics fortunately moves forward (direct) through the water sign until April 18, when it takes another tour of Leo (but also direct). Getting realigned could take a minute this February, so give yourself (and others) some grace, and extend it to others.

While Mars hovers in Cancer for awhile, it sets a table for healing—and frank communication that can help us all depolarize. We REALLY need that rn.

Mars direct in Cancer: Home is where the heat is

With hot-blooded Mars in homey Cancer, however, hibernation vibes will blend with some stressful feelings.

There’s a fundamental mismatch between brash, outgoing Mars and nurturing, introverted Cancer. Mars is said to be in “fall” in the sign of Cancer, meaning this is one of the more challenging signs for the red planet to be housed in. Warning: with aggro Mars in  this emo water sign and house, you can be moodier than most, with a tendency to tear up at the drop of a dime.

Don’t get us wrong. Mars in Cancer likes it when you hang out at home. But this action-star planet has zero tolerance for slothlike behavior. You may feel like an HGTV star, ready to sledgehammer through drywall to create an open-concept kitchen. Mars in ANY sign is rash. There’s a reason people work with contractors on large-scale projects, so maybe put down the sledgehammer, k? Manageable DIY magic is preferable now.

Mars in Cancer comes with a trigger alert and a warning label on the emotional front. Sensitivities are heightened during this cycle. Which means that yes, you’ll probably take things that family and friends say very personally. We recommend nursing wounds privately and with neutral third parties before you reach out with a metaphoric crab claw and pinch back.

Your Mars Direct in Cancer Horoscope

Below are horoscopes for every zodiac sign for when the Mars retrograde ends on February 23 and moves direct in Cancer, until April 18. You can read for your Sun sign or your rising sign (ascendant). Visit our Cosmic Calculator section if you want to calculate your Rising sign or discover more about your personal astrology.

You can restore the peace and tranquility on the home front starting February 23, as your pugnacious ruler, Mars ends a retrograde that began in drama-elevating Leo on December 6, then slipped back into Cancer and your fourth house domestic quarters on January 6. If a relative or roomie has been difficult (and yes, Aries, that’s a euphemism), you might be able to reason with them now. Leave your own anger or resentment at the door and see if you can’t smooth out the kinks. With Mars barreling forward through Cancer until April 18, the time is ripe for a redecorating—or major decluttering—mission. Aries who are ready to relocate could find a new space fast.

Aries horoscopes, read more

Taurus (April 19-May 20)

The best news of the weekend arrives on February 23 as agitator Mars ends a two-and-a-half-month retrograde. A slew of silly miscommunications and WTF blowups could soon be a thing of the past, now that Mars retrograde is over. With the red planet powering forward in Cancer and your cooperative third house until April 18, you’ll be able to redirect debates into negotiations like the pro you are. Refocus to be an agent of change, one who spreads a positive message that brings people together, instead of driving them apart!

Taurus horoscopes, read more!

Gemini (May 20-June 20)

If funds have been slipping between your fingers and friendships have been fraught this winter, you can flip that script starting February 23! Forceful Mars has been retrograde since December 6, driving up tension in your day-to-day life. And since January 6, it’s been backing through Cancer and your second house of money and work, which might have made it hard for you to gain traction. But now that Mars retrograde is over and the planet resumes forward motion, so can you! Set a couple ambitious yet inspiring goals and craft a game plan to achieve them. You’ve got until April 18 to make headway!

Gemini horoscopes, read more!

Cancer (June 20-July 22)

On February 23, you can finally figure out whether to stop, go or hang on a sec. If confusion has been your speed pattern for the past two and a half months, you can blame it on (normally) driven Mars, which has been retrograde since December 6. And then when the pugnacious planet backed into your sign on January 6, you may have felt either frozen with indecision or unable to advance to the next step of the game. And hey, Cancer, maybe you needed a break! Forward momentum returns as Mars corrects course and speeds forward through your sign until April 18, bringing major get-up-and-go energy for you to utilize!

Cancer horoscopes, read more!

Leo (July 22-August 22)

You might want to send the universe a thank-you note on February 23 as energizing Mars wraps up a retrograde that began in Leo on December 6, then slipped back into Cancer and your twelfth house of hidden agendas on January 6. If you’ve felt out-of-step for the past two and a half months, we would not be surprised. The silver lining? You may have seen someone for who they truly are, and while you might not like what you learned, it’s a valuable piece of knowledge now that the Mars retrograde is over. Before Mars returns to Leo on April 18, proactively apply those lessons, even if that means clearing the decks of people and duties that no longer resonate.

Leo horoscopes, read more!

Virgo (August 22-September 22)

February 23 brings some order to the Virgo court, at last! You’ve had one stressful winter thanks to intensifier Mars, which has been retrograde since December 6, backing through your twelfth house of hidden agendas and confusion and your eleventh house of community. But now, the fog begins to lift as Mars resumes forward motion. Has a frenemy in supporter’s clothing infiltrated Team Virgo? Competitive Mars has been in your collaborative corner since January 6, making group dynamics a source of stress. Time to turn that around! The red planet will stay in this social sector until April 18, giving you one opportunity after another to find your people or reconnect to a trustworthy group that has your back.

Virgo horoscopes, read more!

Libra (September 23-October 22)

Your ambition will be restored on February 23! Driven Mars, resumes forward motion after being retrograde since December 6 (in Leo), and since January 6, in Cancer and your tenth house career corner. If you’ve felt thwarted or overlooked at work for the past few months, you’ll be thrilled by this cosmic news alert. Now that the Mars retrograde is over, you should feel your professional mojo returning, and opportunities that seemed blocked will open once again. Pro tip: With the red planet here until April 18, pace yourself so you don’t burn out!

Libra horoscopes, read more!

Scorpio (October 22-November 21)

If your life has felt like it was in slow-mo (and certain things have been a no-go), that’ll all start to change on February 23, as eager-beaver Mars wraps up a stultifying retrograde that began December 6, ending up in your ninth house of travel, adventure and expansion. If you started developing big plans that went nowhere, you can safely resume them and expect better results while Mars revs its engines (sans retrograde) in Cancer until April 18. This course correction could inspire you to book an overseas trip, sign up for a workshop or launch your own business idea.

Scorpio horoscopes, read more!

Sagittarius (November 21-December 21)

How deep is your love? You might find out starting February 23, as red-blooded Mars FINALLY wraps up a two-and-a-half month retrograde, which will end in your passionate eighth house. While the pugnacious planet was spinning backward since December 6, you may have dealt with some on-again, off-again energy with a love interest, or perhaps some heavy emotions flooded up and confused matters. But things should return to an even keel when the Mars retrograde is over. And since both Mars and your eighth house tend to intensify things, your erotic life could go from mild to wild in a heartbeat. Financially, this could bring a greenlight to pursue a lucrative deal, but that’s no excuse to NOT review the fine print.

Sagittarius horoscopes, read more!

Capricorn (December 21-January 19)

If there’s been trouble in paradise—or just constant bickering with a key connection—the clouds begin to part February 23. The past two and a half months have been something less than easy-breezy in your close relationships, but if you need to point the finger, you can blame belligerent Mars, which has been retrograde since December 6 in your seventh house of partnerships. As the rambunctious red planet makes a long-awaited about-face, which should restore the peace and good vibes. If there are apologies to be made (or requested), waste no time once the Mars retrograde is over. With Mars back on track, these next several weeks hold the promise of deeper bonding and steamier passion!

Capricorn horoscopes, read more!

Aquarius (January 19-February 18)

If motivation around work and wellness has been lacking since the year began, momentum could return with a superpowered jolt on February 23. Motivational Mars ends a winter-long retrograde that began on December 6, ending in your sixth house of wellness and organization. Resume the health-supporting habits that might have slipped away over the past two and a half months. Purge the junk food from your kitchen, and reload with nutritious goodies. Commit to regular exercise that is fun and challenging. At work, you’ll be ready to put smarter systems in place, ones that can help you speed through your gym and make it to 7PM kickboxing on time!

Aquarius horoscopes, read more!

Pisces (February 18-March 20)

A positive pivot for partnerships arrives February 23. Has your love life felt more like a telenovela than reality for the past few months? (Or are you shaking your head and thinking “What love life?”) No matter what your complaints, they could soon feel like ancient history. Energizing Mars is resuming forward motion after a two-and-a-half month retrograde that ends in your passionate, dramatic fifth house. The lusty planet will be heating things up in this area until April 18, so throw yourself back into the romance game now that the Mars retrograde is over. If you put a creative project on hold this winter, unearth it now!

Pisces horoscopes, read more!

When is the next Mars retrograde?

The next Mars retrograde is January 10 to April 1, 2027, in Virgo.

Mars is one of the inner planets, along with Venus and Mercury. Because of its closer proximity to the Sun, it moves through all 12 zodiac signs in 687 days, spending an average of 6-8 weeks in each. We all feel the effects of its transit through the signs.

Every two years, Mars pivots retrograde for several months, which keeps it locked in one or two signs for about 7 months. Mars typically cruises direct through the zodiac signs, spending about eight weeks in each.

When Mars flips into reverse every other year, it can turn us into unnecessary daredevils. Deprioritizing personal safety? Bad idea. This is not the time to take uncalculated risks.

The power of Mars retrograde: Receipts

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.) We felt the combative effects of Mars double-strength then! Clashes between police and statue-toppling protestors became heated and violent during that period. The very last day of that Mars in Aries is now the infamous insurrection of the U.S. Capitol, aka, January 6th.

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Feature art by Rosie Dienhart