♂︎ Mars retrograde
Mars retrograde: every date, 2025–2030
Mars rules drive, courage, conflict and desire. Every 26 months, for about ten weeks.
Is Mars retrograde right now?
No
Mars is moving forward. The next retrograde starts on Sun 10 Jan 2027, in Virgo and Leo.
It lasts until Thu 1 Apr 2027. The shadow before it begins on Thu 5 Nov 2026.
The dates
All Mars retrogrades
Times shown in UTC
2027
| Pre-shadow | Retrograde | Direct | Post-shadow ends | Signs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
10°26′ Virgo | 20°56′ Leo | Virgo → Leo · 81 days |
2029
| Pre-shadow | Retrograde | Direct | Post-shadow ends | Signs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
13°55′ Libra | 24°56′ Virgo | Libra → Virgo · 80 days |
What it means
Mars retrograde, plainly
Mars is retrograde for about ten weeks, every two years or so. Tradition sees it as a time when drive is lower. Projects slow down, people get angry more easily and old conflicts return. It is a time to change your plan, not to rush ahead.
Its shadow lasts about two months before and after the retrograde. The problems of the retrograde often start during the shadow.
Traditionally avoid
- Starting an argument or a hard negotiation
- Launching a big, fast project or campaign
- Taking big physical risks
Good for
- Thinking again about how you use your time and effort
- Finishing projects that stopped
- Building strength slowly instead of fast
- Settling old conflicts
Timing something? Find the best days around this retrograde. Other retrogrades: Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto.
Questions
Is Mars retrograde right now?
No. Mars is moving forward. The next retrograde starts on Sun 10 Jan 2027, in Virgo and Leo.
When is Mars retrograde in 2026?
Mars has no retrograde station in 2026.
When is Mars retrograde in 2027?
From Sun 10 Jan 2027 to Thu 1 Apr 2027, in Virgo and Leo (UTC).
How long does Mars retrograde last?
Every 26 months, for about ten weeks. Between 2025 and 2030 its retrogrades average 80 days, not counting the shadow.
What should I avoid during Mars retrograde?
Tradition advises against the following. Starting an argument or a hard negotiation. Launching a big, fast project or campaign. Taking big physical risks.
What is Mars retrograde good for?
Tradition sees it as a good time for the following. Thinking again about how you use your time and effort. Finishing projects that stopped. Building strength slowly instead of fast. Settling old conflicts.