Mars Retrograde in Leo 2024

With any retrograde, it’s a period of introspection. It’s time to reassess, revise, and realign. Mars retrograde in Leo can feel like frustration around self-expression, creativity and personal desires. However, Mars retrograde in Leo is ultimately a period of empowerment.

Mars:

• Bold and action-oriented

• Our driving energy

• What gets us going

Leo: 

• Ruled by the Sun - The Ego

• Thrives on recognition and self-assurance

• Natural flair for creativity

• Loves to lead

• Passionate by nature

Shadow Side:

1. Blocked Confidence: You may experience self-doubt or feel as though your efforts to shine are overlooked or misunderstood.

2. Creative Frustration: Creativity and self-expression might feel stifled. Projects or ideas you’re passionate about could stall, leading to feelings of stagnation or lack of inspiration.

3. Reassessing Ambitions: This retrograde encourages you to reflect on your motivations. Are your goals truly aligned with your heart’s desires, or are they driven by external validation?

4. Conflicts in Leadership: can bring challenges in asserting authority or feeling confident in leadership roles. Others might challenge your decisions, or you could second-guess yourself.

5. Intense Emotional Responses: Emotions may heighten during, leading to moments of exaggerated emotional reactions, especially when the ego feels wounded.

6. Slower Momentum: The bold, action-oriented energy of Mars in Leo might feel dulled, making it harder to push forward with usual enthusiasm.

Light Side:

1. Rediscovering Authentic Passion: Mars retrograde in Leo encourages a deep dive into your heart’s desires. It’s an opportunity to strip away pursuits motivated by external validation and reconnect with the activities and passions that truly bring you joy and fulfillment.

2. Creative Realignment: This period is ideal for revisiting creative projects or exploring new avenues of self-expression. Slowing down allows you to refine your vision and create from a place of authenticity and love, rather than obligation or performance.

3. Strengthening Inner Confidence: Instead of seeking recognition from others, this retrograde helps you cultivate a sense of inner pride and self-assurance. You can learn to shine from within, independent of external applause or approval.

4. Reassessing Leadership Style: If you’re in a position of leadership, this retrograde offers a chance to reflect on how you lead. You can refine your approach to be more inspiring, inclusive, and aligned with your values, fostering deeper respect and connections.

5. Healing the Ego: Mars retrograde in Leo provides a unique opportunity to address areas where ego may be overactive or undernourished. By facing any insecurities, you can emerge with a healthier, more balanced sense of self-worth.

6. Rekindling Joy and Playfulness: Leo is the sign of joy and play, and while retrograde energy is introspective, it invites you to slow down and reconnect with your inner child. It’s a chance to rediscover the lighthearted, fun-loving side of life.

7. Reigniting the Inner Flame: Mars retrograde helps you re-evaluate what fuels your energy and passion. By taking a step back, you can clarify what truly excites and motivates you, setting the stage for a powerful resurgence once the retrograde ends.

How to Work with This Energy:

• Reflect, Don’t Rush: Use this time to reassess your desires and creative goals. Ask yourself if they reflect your authentic self.

• Channel Energy Inward: Focus on personal growth and reconnecting with your inner sense of joy and creativity. Journaling, art, or playful activities can help.

• Be Patient with Yourself and Others: Recognize that frustrations may arise but resist the urge to act impulsively or dramatically.

• Heal Ego Wounds: This is a powerful opportunity to examine where pride might be holding you back and to develop a deeper sense of self-worth beyond external validation.

Use this time to reassess your desires and creative goals and ask yourself if they reflect your authentic self. Focus on personal growth and reconnection with your inner sense of joy and creativity and recognize that frustrations may arise. Resist the urge to act impulsively. This is a powerful opportunity to examine where your ego might be holding you back, and reconnect with the things that bring joy and light into your heart. Allow yourself to pause, reflect, and realign with your truest self so you can emerge stronger, more radiant, and deeply connected to your purpose.