Mars entered sidereal Gemini on August 26, and will be in Gemini or Cancer until June 7th, 2025. This is a challenging time for Mars, because it will be debilitated while in Cancer and also retrograde from December 7th – February 23rd. Each person will be impacted differently from Mars’ long, rare sojourn in these two signs. Some people will experience more anger and/or confusion than they are used to, which may be painful for them and those close to them. People who are used to being active, decisive, and highly courageous may feel frustrated or concerned about experiencing hesitation or fear. People who usually come up with innovative solutions to problems may draw a blank instead. Nine months of difficulty when we are used to being skillful could be challenging.

So what should we do about this? If you have a spiritual practice and/or a spiritual guide, ask them for guidance and devote yourself to regular, daily practice. Daily physical activity is highly recommended, too, especially if you practice yoga, tai chi, qi gong, or martial arts. Please start slowly if you’re getting back into a physical practice, or learning something new. Approach any new routine with discipline AND respect for your health–this is not the time to rush into things or ignore your safety. If you are not in good health, or are new to an activity, please get expert advice and take it slow!

This is not a good time to begin an extreme sport/activity unless you have expert guidance. It is not a good time to push yourself physically if you are ill or healing from an injury, etc….

If you love yoga, treat yourself to a regular practice and some classes with your favorite teacher, but remember to be mindful and stay with your breath.

This could be a great time to begin walking daily, but consult an expert you trust before rushing into any new physical routine.

If you practice mantras, this would be a wonderful time to learn and practice the Hanuman Chalisa. There is also an ancient mantra dedicated to Mars, but remember that planetary mantras must be offered with full attention from a seated position. The classic mantra for Mars is: OM kram kreem kroum sah bhaumaya namaha, 7000 repetitions in 40 days. (You may choose to offer two malas per day, but if you finish the 7000 repetitions before the 40 days are finished, I recommend continuing to offer a mala per day until the 40 days are completed.) Please consult your teacher/spiritual guide about this practice.

Gemini and Cancer are different houses for each of us, depending on our Ascendant. I particularly recommend practice and spiritual guidance for Cancer, Gemini, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces ascendants.

It’s my understanding that Sam Sadasiva Geppi is offering a free class about this transit. You can find him on FB or on YouTube. (If you miss the class, he usually has it posted on his site for awhile.) https://www.facebook.com