ret·ro·grade
/ˈretrəˌɡrād/
adjective directed or moving backward
verb go back in position or time
Regardless of whether you believe in or understand astrology, I’m pretty sure everyone can admit to feeling the pain of Mars in retrograde right now.
Let’s see if any of this resonates:
Decreased overall energy levels
Fatigue or lethargy
Need for more rest or sleep
Increased frustration and impatience
Lack of clarity in direction
Difficulty making progress or decisions
Increased self-reflection and introspection
Questioning motivations and actions
Reevaluating personal goals and desires
Increased tension in relationships
It’s a list that AI created for me. In fact, the list was actually much longer, but I just went for the 10 that seemed like the most likely based on what I have been noticing inside and out. The bots and I took things a step further, evaluating how the Mars retrograde impacts me based on the specific details of my natal chart.
“You might experience periods of intense focus followed by a lack of energy or direction.”
That pretty much sums up the past couple of months.
I finished my dissertation months ahead of schedule, including building the presentation that I don’t have to give until later this spring. Before that, I made and decorated more than 500 Christmas cookies.
And that’s it. There was a whole lot of not a whole lot in between.
And for what may be the first time in my entire life, I learned to appreciate the calm and quiet.
I spent time watching the shows I love and reading about things that interest me.
I used to despise my son’s YouTube addiction, but I have a newfound appreciation for it. I’ve discovered so many fascinating channels that have expanded the depths of random things I’ve always wanted to know more about.
Noticeably, I found YouTube to be a place of incredible positivity in a world that otherwise has felt very dark at times. Facebook has become a trough filled with the ugly side of humanity - where hate, conspiracy theories, and intolerance have become the norm (where did all the cute cat videos go?!).
We are also clearly living through an era of disruption when it comes to the media. Sensationalism really isn’t my thing (personal bias), so watching televised media locally or nationally doesn’t have alot of upside at this point. I appreciate that the national ‘print’ media that I follow has done a respectable job of distributing quality journalism in an era where it feels like a remnant.
If what’s happening in the world around us leaves you with an uneasy feeling, it’s fair to say it's probably about more than Mars being in retrograde. So, if you need some suggestions for things to discover while you are in hermit mode and maybe add some context to the era we are entering, here are a few recommendations:
The Fourth Turning Is Here: What the Seasons of History Tell Us About How and When This Crisis Will End by Neil Howe (cliff notes: history repeats itself, and where we are at in the cycle is mildly terrifying).
Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions by Dan Ariely (cliff notes: people are predictable; also the inspiration for the show The Irrational on ABC).
The End of the World Is Just the Beginning: Mapping the Collapse of Globalization by Peter Ziehan (cliff notes: the title sums it up).
World Astrology Report on YouTube. Dan Waites weaves astrology, history, and geopolitics into the most fascinating content. No cliff notes needed; the planets are lining up in some crazy ways this year, and history repeats itself…
February 3, 2025
Mercury trines Jupiter today, and the app I use said it’s a good day for communication, intellectual pursuits, and planning.
