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It’s jingle hell, my dudes.
The holiday season is coming in hot with wounded pride, trauma triggers, flaccid feels and misplaced aggression.
From early December straight on through to February, Mars — our big-D energy planet of will and desire, drive and rage, conflict and coitus — will be retrograding.
The first part of this retrograde, which extends through Jan. 6, will take place in the perennial pick-me frontman sign of Leo.
Mars retrograde in Leo
Because the realms that Mars rules are so integral to our daily routines and essential sense of power, we experience the effects of the planet’s retrograde more acutely.
If you’ve been feeling restless and reactive, stifled and stunted, the red planet’s retrograde may be partially to blame.
The rest is probably your dad’s fault.
It ain’t easy but it ain’t all bad, either.
As Sunaree Ko, tarot and astrology expert at TarotCards.io, tells The Post, “Mars retrograde in Leo is not just a pause in forward momentum; it is a deep call to examine the energy we pour into our ambitions, relationships and creative endeavors.
“While it can feel frustrating, it is ultimately a gift for self-discovery.”
What Is Mars retrograde and why does it matter?
Mars is named for the god of war and oversees our ability to assert ourselves, push through and push our agendas forward.
When the planet stations retrograde, this power is compromised, and so, too, is our confidence and competence. This transit can activate a fight or flight response or a heavy dose of introspection that can teeter into an existential crisis — just a little yuletide despair to pepper your December.
“When Mars retrogrades in Leo, a sign associated with confidence, creativity, and leadership, it activates something deeply personal. Leo is all about how we shine in the world,” Ko shared. “When Mars retrogrades here, it challenges us to ask: Am I pursuing what truly lights me up, or am I just going through the motions? This transit stirs restlessness because it is pushing us to confront that question.”
Emotional effects of Mars retrograde in Leo
Ko said the emo effects of this transit can manifest as the following:
Inner turmoil
“Many people feel a clash between their need to move forward and the pull to slow down and reflect. This creates restlessness, but it is really the universe telling you to pause and recalibrate.”
Heightened self-doubt
Leo’s natural boldness can feel muted under this transit: a lion without a mane, a ringleader without a top hat or toupée, if you will. “You might find yourself second-guessing your talents or feeling uncertain about the direction you are heading in,” Ko added.
Creative frustration
Leo thrives on expression, but Mars retrograde can put a hitch in the flow.
Ko maintains, “It is not about losing your creativity — it is about finding new ways to channel it that are more aligned with who you are now.”
Remember, sometimes the fields must lay fallow before the good can bloom again. Say nice things to yourself in the mirror. Muses don’t like whiners.
Emotional Agitation
Old wounds or unresolved desires may bubble up during this time, perhaps especially if/when you find yourself in the company of trying relatives.
“This is not happening to overwhelm you,” she says. “It is a chance to heal and let go of what no longer serves you.”
Resist the urge to revert to the version of yourself that played into toxic family dynamics. Even at half-mast, Leo bows to no one. Keep your head high, cut your losses, and remember that you are worthy of real love and true respect.
If you don’t feel either of those things from your family of origin, now is the time to make like Simba and start your own damn lion pride out of the assorted spare parts and true hearts of chosen friends.
How to navigate this retrograde
While Mars retrograde can feel challenging and triggering, Ko emphasized that it is also an opportunity for growth.
Here are her tips for working with this energy:
Reflect, do not react: “If you feel restless or frustrated, try not to act impulsively. Instead, ask yourself what those feelings are trying to reveal.”
Revisit your goals: “Use this time to evaluate whether your ambitions still align with your passions. If something feels off, trust that instinct.”
Tap into quiet creativity: “You do not have to create for an audience right now. Experiment with journaling, painting, or any outlet that lets you express yourself freely.”
Practice patience: “This is a time to trust the process. By February, you will have a clearer sense of where to direct your energy.”
Ko assures that Mars retrograde is not trying to hinder or hold us back but rather guide us inward and, eventually, forward — an ideal kind of personal audit before we begin the new year.
“This transit asks us to peel back the layers of who we think we are and reconnect with who we truly are. It is not always easy, but it is always worth it.”
Like organ donation and telling the truth, here’s to the hard road that leads to the green grass.
Astrology 101: Your guide to the star
Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports back on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience.
