Mars in Gemini...forever

On August 19/20 Mars entered Gemini where he will stay, well, kind of forever – at least it might feel like it!

Mars normally spend about 57 days in a sign, but he will be in Gemini until March 25/26, 2023, so eight months altogether. This is because the planet will be going retrograde in the middle. But more on that later.

Some notes on Mars and Gemini:

Mars is the planet of action, heat, conflict, aggression and sometimes violence. It can bring irritability, rage and impulsiveness, a real act before you think (if you ever think) kind of energy.

An air sign, Mercury-ruled Gemini is all about communication. It also stand for things like technology, business and markets.

The combination can bring energy, forward-moving action and conflict to any of these areas, either in your personal life or the world at large. In general, this is a time when you should watch out (or prepare yourself) for an increase in aggressive speech and words and be careful that you don’t blurt things out in the heat of the moment that you’ll later regret.

Mars retrograde:

Although pretty much everyone has heard of Mercury retrograde, not everyone is aware that all planets other than the sun and moon go retrograde. While Mercury goes retrograde three times a year (hence its infamy), Mars goes retrograde only every two years and two months, which means it’s a fairly rare occurrence.

Mars retrograde in Gemini is even rarer: the last time this happened was at the end of 2007 and the beginning of 2008 during the onset of the global financial crisis.

In general, retrograde cycles come in three stages: the first stage is before the planet goes retrograde, the next stage is the retrograde period, and third stage is when it goes direct again until it finally changes signs.

The retrograde stage is the period when you revisit topics that came up during the first stage. It is also often a period when these topics involving the planet and its house feel “stuck,” like you can’t move forward or nothing is working as it should.

When the planet goes direct again, the wheels are greased and forward motion – and the chance to make changes – is once again possible.

Dates to keep in mind:

• Mars is in Gemini from August 19/20, 2022 until March 24/25, 2023

• Mars goes retrograde on October 30, 2022 and remains retrograde until January 12, 2023.

• Mars stations direct on January 12, 2023 and stays in Gemini until March24/25, 2023, when it moves into Cancer.

Pay special attention to anything that comes up regarding your house placement of Mars in Gemini (see blow) around September 3 - 4. On this day, Mars will be at a little over 8 degrees, which is the degree it will be at when it stations direct again on January 12. That means any Mars in Gemini topics that come up between September 3 - 4 until October 25 are likely ones you will be revisiting again (or experience gridlock around) during the retrograde period.

Photo by SIMON LEE on Unsplash

Mars in Gemini through the houses

How Mars in Gemini affects you personally will depend on your personal natal chart. In general, this transit will likely be felt the most by anyone who has their rising sign on personal planets in one of the mutable signs, Pisces, Gemini, Virgo or Sagittarius. This is because Mars will either be falling into one of the powerful angular houses (1, 4, 7, 10) or making challenging aspects to your personal planets, which heightens the effect.

In general, no matter what your rising sign is, the topics that may come up will depend on which house has Gemini on the cusp in your birth chart. Here are a few ideas for you to check out.

Mars in Gemini in the 1st House

If you have Gemini rising, Mars in Gemini will be in your first house. The first house has to do with your physical body and vitality, so this period could leave you feeling more irritable than usual (especially during the retrograde period) and more likely to say things you might regret. On the more positive side, you may have a lot more energy than usual. However, be careful you don’t burn yourself out, as Mars tends to like to burn the candle at both ends. This may also be a time that is more challenging health-wise. Mars can cause things like rashes, wounds and inflammation, especially in the shoulders/arms since it’s in Gemini. Be extra gentle with these parts of your body during this time.

Mars in Gemini in the 2nd House

If you have Taurus rising, Mars in Gemini will be in your 2nd house. This will bring extra heat, energy and possibly conflict around your finances and resources. On a positive note, this could spur you into action and bring a greater focus on earning the bucks – with a possible hiccup or rethink on these matters when Mars goes retrograde. Remember, Mars is an impulsive, rash planet, so be careful you don’t fall into careless spending over these next eight months.

Mars in Gemini in the 3rd House

If you have Aries rising, Mars in Gemini will be in your 3rd house. This will bring extra heat, energy and possibly conflict in your neighborhood/place where you live, with siblings and in communication in general. Whether this means fights with annoying neighbors, a higher degree of irritation on how your city is run or sibling rivalry on steroids, be sure to watch your words. Asserting yourself and engaging in healthy conflict is one thing, but make sure you don’t blurt out things in anger that you can’t take back later.

Mars in Gemini in the 4th House

If you have Pisces rising, Mars in Gemini will be in your 4th house. This will bring extra heat, energy and possibly conflict in your home, family, parents or with your father in particular. This could everything from a wasp nest you discover in the attic – wasps are very Mars in Gemini animals! – you only discover after being stung a couple of time, fights with your landlord over home repairs or conflict with mom and dad. As before, be careful with words said rashly in anger. On a more positive note, this would be a good time to put some energy into upgrading the technology in your home – but not when Mercury is retrograde from September 9 to October 1! – or frankly discussing home repair/renovation ideas with your partner.

Mars in Gemini in the 5th House

If you have Aquarius rising, Mars in Gemini will be in your 5th house. This will bring extra heat, energy and possibly conflict with lovers or with children. Whether you see an increase in lover’s quarrels or your patience with your kids is even thinner than usual, try to be mindful of holding your tongue when needed: assertive communication, yes, hurtful words, no. On a more positive note, this could bring in a lot of energy to creative projects, especially writing projects – so get cracking on that novel!

Mars in Gemini in the 6th House

If you have Capricorn rising, Mars in Gemini will be in your 6th house. This will bring extra heat, energy and possibly conflict in health matters. The first house is the house of vitality and the body, while the 6th house is the house of disease. This means you need to be extra careful about any health concerns concerning rashes or inflammation, especially in your shoulders and arms. Having Mars here in the rational sign of Gemini would be a great time to consider making changes to your diet if these health issues come up for you at this time. The 6th house also rules pets, so this would be a great time to get a Mars in Gemini-type pet, like a very energetic, somewhat high-strung dog (Jack Russells come to mind) a snake or a red, and perhaps somewhat cranky, talking parrot. Oh yeah, and watch out for wasp stings.

Mars in Gemini in the 7th House

If you have Sagittarius rising, Mars in Gemini will be in your 7th house. This will bring extra heat, energy and possibly conflict in your relationship with your significant other. If things have been simmering for a while below the surface, this can be a good time to finally have the assertiveness to talk about what’s going on. However, as before, you have to be careful that you watch your tone and don’t try to air your dirty laundry with a blow torch. Besides romantic partners of the more serious, settled kind (again, lovers, love interests or love affairs would be more 5th house) the 7th house can also signify business partners, in which case the same advice applies.

Mars in Gemini in the 8th House

If you have Scorpio rising, Mars in Gemini will be in your 8th house. This will bring extra heat, energy and possibly conflict to debts and what you owe other people both karmically and financially. This house also stands for wills, and if you have a ongoing settlement during this time from a departed loved one, things might get heated between you and any other person involved. Again, try not to give in to expressing your anger and frustration in ways that are ultimately not productive. This house also stands for our fears and that which we choose not to face, so don’t be surprised if anger erupts around these topics from time to time – if it does, try to keep your cool.

Mars in Gemini in the 9th House

If you have Libra rising, Mars in Gemini will be in your 9th house. This will bring extra heat, energy and possibly conflict around higher learning and spiritual pursuits. Whether you’re putting more energy into your college courses, getting in shouting matches with other students on campus or having disputes with a spiritual leader, make sure you embrace the energy and forward motion without giving into impulsive behavior or overly aggressive communication.

Mars in Gemini in the 10th House

If you have Virgo rising, Mars in Gemini will be in your 10th. This will bring extra heat, energy and possibly conflict in your career or with your mother. This could be a time where you’re particularly busy at work or throwing yourself into new work projects with gusto. However, the potential for squabbles with co-workers, heated discussions with your boss or arguing with dad is also particularly high. State your mind and hold your ground, yes, but be careful you don’t give in to your frustrations and blurt out hurtful words that you can’t take back later.

Mars in Gemini in the 11th House

If you have Leo rising, Mars in Gemini will be in your 11th house. This will bring extra heat, energy and possibly conflict in your networks and circle of friends. As before, enjoy the positive burst of action your may get from this transit, but if you’re angry or annoyed, take extra time to cool off before confronting someone or pressing send on a message. The 11th house can also signify popularity and fans, so if this applies to you, the hateful words of Internet trolls might pop up even more than usual. Remember: haters gonna hate, but that doesn’t mean you have to flame the flames by getting involved or letting it get to you.

Mars in Gemini in the 12th House

If you have Cancer rising, Mars in Gemini will be in your 12th house. This will bring extra heat, energy and possibly conflict in the ways you undermine yourself. If you find yourself getting angry or impulsive during this time, either towards yourself and others, try to take a step back. The 12th house can also signify retreats, hospitals and prisons, so if you’re spending time in any of these places for the next month, then be careful with your communication. If you’re angry or frustrated, make sure you take the time to think before you speak.