Mars + Mercury Retrograde Survival Guide

Mars + Mercury Retrograde Survival Guide

If things have felt slower than usual or like an impending shift is incoming, this might be why. We are in the middle of Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius and Mars is about to station retrograde.

Retrograde periods are invitations to slow down, recalibrate, and adjust our strategies. With Mercury and Mars both retrograding at the same time, themes around communication (Mercury) and action or energy (Mars) may feel intensified.

Retrogrades, particularly of Mercury and Mars, can feel like navigating through molasses—communication stalls, frustrations bubble, and progress demands patience. However, with awareness and intentionality, these transits can be powerful periods for reassessment, recalibration, and growth.

Here’s a breakdown of the key transits to watch during this period:

🌟 November 25: Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius (Opposing Jupiter, Squaring Saturn)

  • Themes: Miscommunication and overcommitment. Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius can overpromise while underdelivering. The opposition to Jupiter exaggerates this tendency, while the square to Saturn adds a sobering dose of reality.
  • What to Watch For: Confusion in plans, unrealistic expectations, and tension between expansion and limitations.
  • Advice: Be discerning with commitments. Double-check all communications and contracts. Focus on honesty and integrity to sidestep drama.

🔥 December 6: Mars Retrograde in Leo (Opposing Pluto & Venus in Aquarius, Trining Mercury)

  • Themes: Reignited conflicts in relationships and power dynamics. The opposition to Venus and Pluto stirs up intense emotions and unresolved issues, while the trine to Mercury sparks sharp, creative problem-solving.
  • What to Watch For: Power struggles, drama in partnerships, and ego clashes.
  • Advice: Lean into self-expression but avoid impulsive decisions. Channel energy into revisiting past creative projects.

🔄 December 7: Mercury Rx Trines Mars in Leo

This transit offers a brief reprieve, blending mental agility with bold action. It’s an ideal day for reworking stalled plans or brainstorming solutions to lingering problems.


📈 December 15: Mercury Direct in Sagittarius

The fog begins to lift, but shadow period vibes linger. Reflect on insights gained during the retrograde—what new truths have emerged? Proceed with caution as momentum builds.


✨ December 17: Mars No Longer Opposing Venus

Tensions in relationships ease, creating space for reconciliation and renewed collaboration. Use this time to mend bridges and foster mutual understanding.


🌕 December 18: Mars Rx Conjunct Moon

Emotions run high with this transit, heightening sensitivity and reactivity. It’s a powerful day for self-reflection, especially around lingering frustrations or unmet needs.


♑ December 21: Capricorn Season Begins

The shift into Capricorn season grounds the fiery, unpredictable energy of Sagittarius. Focus on practicality and long-term goals. Use Capricorn’s disciplined energy to create structure around the lessons of the retrogrades.


🌊 December 24: Mars Rx Trining Neptune in Pisces

This transit softens the combative energy of Mars retrograde, encouraging a more intuitive and compassionate approach to challenges. Ideal for creative problem-solving or spiritual practices.


🦀 January 5: Mars Retrograde in Cancer

Mars retrogrades into Cancer, shifting the focus to emotional resilience and boundaries. Cancer’s nurturing energy might make conflict avoidance tempting, but unresolved tensions could boil over unexpectedly.


🌞 January 10–20: Mars Rx Opposing the Sun

This intense transit highlights the tension between your willpower (Sun) and the need for restraint (Mars Rx). It’s a turning point in the retrograde journey, where the past informs present struggles.

  • What to Watch For: Exhaustion or burnout from trying to push through obstacles.
  • Advice: Lean into introspection and strategic action. Avoid overextending yourself.

💡 February 23: Mars Direct in Cancer

Finally! Mars stations direct, releasing the tension of stalled action. Progress becomes smoother, especially in emotional and home-related matters. This is a time to integrate the lessons of the retrograde and move forward with clarity and renewed strength.


As the year winds down, the pressure to "close out the year strong" can feel overwhelming in business, especially with Mercury and Mars both retrograde.

Deadlines loom, year-end goals demand attention, and the desire to push through can clash with the retrograde call to slow down and reassess.

Miscommunications and delays may test patience, while heightened emotions or power struggles could complicate collaborations.

It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind, but these retrogrades offer a crucial reminder: meaningful progress often requires reflection and refinement.

By stepping back, prioritizing what truly matters, and letting go of unnecessary urgency, you can align your actions with a more sustainable and intentional approach to success.

Work with these transits in your own calendar and planning!

The 2025 AstroBiz Calendar is a tool for entrepreneurs who want to work smarter, align with cosmic timing, and make decisions with precision. Because when you’re in sync with the stars, every step forward feels like it’s meant to be. Use the code “BGGMBR” at checkout for your 20% off!

Get the Calendar

What does this mean for you?

This is an overview of where these retrogrades are activating your chart based on your rising sign.

♈ Aries Rising ♈

Revisiting your big-picture goals (9th house) and managing emotional undercurrents in your home or family (4th house) may challenge your usual go-getter style.

♉ Taurus Rising ♉

Shared resources and financial planning (8th house) require extra attention, while you're called to strengthen communication within partnerships (3rd house).

♊ Gemini Rising ♊

Expect reevaluations in your closest relationships (7th house) and a deeper look at how your values align with your career income (2nd house).

♋ Cancer Rising ♋

Your day-to-day routines and health (6th house) may feel in flux, while Mars in your sign (1st house) heightens the pressure to act but insists on strategic pauses.

♌ Leo Rising ♌

Creative projects (5th house) and emotional healing (12th house) are front and center, pushing you to resolve lingering blocks and reignite your passions.

♍ Virgo Rising ♍

Home life and foundational stability (4th house) demand attention, while social circles (11th house) may bring clarity on who truly supports your growth.

♎ Libra Rising ♎

Your communication style (3rd house) and long-term career plans (10th house) could feel stalled, but this is a chance to refine your messaging and strategy.

♏ Scorpio Rising ♏

Financial planning (2nd house) and personal belief systems (9th house) are undergoing a rethink, prompting a more intentional approach to investments and growth.

♐ Sagittarius Rising ♐

Your sense of self and personal goals (1st house) are under the microscope, while relationship dynamics (8th house) call for deeper emotional introspection.

♑ Capricorn Rising ♑

Rest and inner work (12th house) may feel unavoidable as you’re pushed to clarify your vision for partnerships (7th house) and long-term commitments.

♒ Aquarius Rising ♒

Friendships and social networks (11th house) may require boundary setting, while your daily routines (6th house) call for a healthier, more balanced rhythm.

♓ Pisces Rising ♓

Career ambitions (10th house) and creative pursuits (5th house) feel in flux, inviting you to refine your goals and lean into aligned opportunities for self-expression.

Overall Tips for Surviving Mercury & Mars Retrogrades:

  • Reflect, Don’t React: Retrogrades are for reviewing, reassessing, and reworking—not forcing action.
  • Practice Patience: Delays and frustrations are inevitable. Trust the timing and focus on inner work.
  • Embrace Second Chances: Revisit old projects, conversations, or unresolved conflicts with fresh eyes.
  • Keep Communication Clear: Avoid misunderstandings by slowing down and ensuring clarity in all communications.
  • Rest & Recharge: Retrogrades often demand rest and reflection. Honor your energy levels and avoid pushing too hard.

This retrograde season may feel like a slow climb, but it’s preparing you for sustainable progress in the months ahead. Lean into the lessons and use this time to cultivate resilience and clarity!