MARS RETROGRADE IN CANCER
Past and Present
Mars retrograde in Cancer is a time of emotional intensity, revisiting unresolved conflicts, and focusing on themes related to home, security, and national identity. Mars, the planet of action and drive slows down in Cancer – a sign known for its protective and nurturing energy – bringing attention to personal and collective vulnerabilities. This retrograde period often coincides with significant global events that reflect its energetic influence, particularly in politics, natural disasters, and emotional turning points.
Mars entered its retrograde phase in Cancer on January 6, 2025, and is expected to continue this motion until February 23, 2025. During this period, several significant events have occurred that resonate with the astrological themes associated with Mars retrograde in Cancer.
Political Developments
- Donald Trump’s Second Term Initiatives
- In his initial days as the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump implemented several controversial policies:
- Imposed tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China.
- Conducted military strikes against ISIS targets in Somalia.
- Terminated temporary protected status for over 300,000 Venezuelans.
- Reduced Justice Department Resources related to January 6 investigations.
- Eliminated diversity, equity, and inclusion programs from federal agencies and the military.
- Ended remote work for federal employees.
- Proposed shutting down FEMA
- Attempted to end birthright citizenship.
- Reversed policies allowing transgender individuals to serve in the military.
These actions have faced legal challenges and opposition from various quarters, reflecting Mar’s assertive energy and Cancer’s focus on national identity and security. (theguardian.com)
2. International Diplomacy
- President Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, making Netanyahu’s first international visit since an arrest warrant was issued against him. Their discussions centered on the Gaza ceasefire, the Iranian nuclear threat, and Israeli-Saudi relations.(ft.com)
- In Brussels, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met with EU leaders to discuss post-Brexit defense and security cooperation, highlighting ongoing concerns about national security and alliances.(ft.com)
Natural Disasters
- Palisades and Eaton Fire in Los Angeles, California
- These fires began January 7, 2025, shortly after Mars entered its retrograde phase in Cancer (theguardian.com)
Cultural Events
- Super Bowl 2025 Preparations
- As New Orleans prepares to host Super Bowl LIX, the city is abuzz with numerous events, concerts, and parties leading up to the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. The festivities include star-studded parties, concerts, and shopping experiences, reflecting a collective focus on community and celebration. (pagesix.com)
These events during Mars’ retrograde in Cancer highlight themes of national identity, security, and emotional intensity, aligning with the astrological interpretations of this period.
Mars was last retrograde in Cancer from November 15, 2007, to January 30, 2008 (it retrograded back into Gemini for part of that time but started and ended in Cancer). This period had several significant world events, particularly related to themes tied to Mars and Cancer: conflict, security, home, national identity, and emotional tension. Here are some highlights:
Political & Social Events
1. 2007–2008 Global Financial Crisis Began
- The U.S. subprime mortgage crisis deepened, setting the stage for the global recession.
- Housing and security themes (Cancer) aligned with financial instability (Mars’ disruptive energy).
2. Benazir Bhutto Assassination (December 27, 2007)
- Former Prime Minister of Pakistan and a symbol of democracy, Benazir Bhutto was assassinated, triggering political turmoil in Pakistan. This event reflected Mars in Cancer’s energy related to protection, homeland, and vulnerability.
3. Post-election Violence in Kenya (December 2007–February 2008)
- Disputed elections led to ethnic violence and chaos, with over 1,000 deaths and mass displacements.
4. Tensions in the Middle East
- Ongoing conflict in Iraq and escalating tensions between Israel and Gaza.
Natural Disasters & Environmental Events
1. Cyclone Sidr (November 15, 2007, Bangladesh)
- A powerful cyclone hit Bangladesh, killing over 3,000 people and displacing millions. This was one of the deadliest storms in years, highlighting Mars’ destructive force in a water sign.
2. Severe Winter Storms in China (January 2008)
- A series of brutal snowstorms caused chaos, with widespread power outages, destruction, and transportation shutdowns.
3. Economic & Oil Price Surges
- Oil prices hit $100 per barrel for the first time, signaling global economic shifts.
Going back a little further, Mars was retrograde in Cancer during the following periods:
- March 10 – May 24, 1993
- December 26, 1979 – February 13, 1980
- January 5 – February 22, 1965
Here are some major events during these retrograde periods, focusing on how they reflect themes of conflict (Mars), home/family, national identity, security, and emotional intensity (Cancer).
March 10 – May 24, 1993
1. Waco Siege (February 28 – April 19, 1993)
A deadly standoff between U.S. federal agents and the Branch Davidian sect in Texas, ending in tragedy with 76 deaths. This reflects Cancer’s themes of protection and home (the compound) combined with Mars’ violent energy.
2. World Trade Center Bombing (February 26, 1993)
Just before Mars stationed retrograde, a terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York City foreshadowed later global security crises.
3. Bosnian War Escalates
The conflict in the Balkans worsened, with widespread atrocities and humanitarian crises, reflecting Mars’ aggressive energy in a sign linked to home and national identity.
December 26, 1979 – February 13, 1980
1. Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan (December 1979)
The invasion marked the beginning of a long, brutal conflict that reshaped global politics. Cancer’s protective energy clashed with Mars’ warlike force, symbolizing the defense of ideological “homeland” interests.
2. Iran Hostage Crisis (Ongoing, began November 1979)
American hostages were held at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, heightening tensions and triggering intense emotional reactions in the U.S.
3. Mount Erebus Disaster Investigation (January 1980)
The investigation into the crash of Air New Zealand Flight 901 in Antarctica brought grief and public scrutiny to issues of safety and accountability (Cancer themes of loss and protection).
January 5 – February 22, 1965
1. Civil Rights Movement Peaks
The Selma to Montgomery marches, including “Bloody Sunday” (March 7, 1965), highlighted Mars’ combative energy and Cancer’s connection to emotional protection and home (the fight for civil rights and equality in the U.S.).
2. Vietnam War Escalation
The U.S. began Operation Rolling Thunder (March 1965), an intense bombing campaign in Vietnam, as involvement in the war escalated significantly.
3. Malcolm X Assassinated (February 21, 1965)
His assassination reflected rising tensions within the civil rights movement and ongoing conflicts over ideology and identity.
These periods often highlight themes of emotional turmoil, protection of home or homeland, conflicts driven by deep-rooted security issues, and intense public emotions.
During Mars retrograde in Cancer, the world has seen a mix of upheaval, reflection, and recalibration, with events that underscore the delicate balance between security and conflict, tradition and change. From controversial political moves to intense diplomatic negotiations, this period has amplified issues tied to national identity and protection. Natural disasters like the Palisades Fire, highlighted the vulnerability of home and community, while cultural moments such as the lead-up to Super Bowl LIX offered an opportunity for collective connection and celebration. As Mars completes its retrograde journey, it leaves behind lessons on emotional resilience, the importance of redefining boundaries, and the power of revisiting the past to reshape the future.
It is important to note that while these events coincided with Mars retrograde in Cancer, establishing a direct causal relationship between astrological events and terrestrial occurrences remains speculative. Astrology offers symbolic insights, but its interpretations should be considered alongside historical and scientific analyses.