Here we are, on the cusp of one of the signature astrological events of 2018: this Tuesday, Mars stations retrograde in Aquarius at 5:04 pm EDT (21:04:21 UTC). You might be feeling very curious about what you can (or want to) do right now, or too overwhelmed to take action on certain current issues; or maybe you desire to act but feel confused or frustrated in how to do so best in your particular social circles. Mars stationing retrograde in Aquarius can be seen to symbolize any of these possible states.

The August 2003 Mars retrograde, captured in a composite photo (digitally stacked images) to show the path Mars traces. The short dotted line just above the Mars loop is Uranus doing the same thing. Photo by Tunc Tezel via NASA/APOD.

Eric has written extensively about Mars’ impending journey backwards through early Aquarius and into late Capricorn, which will last for about two months.

You can read two of those essays here for in-depth discussions: Mars and Society: Retrograde in Aquarius, and Mars Retrograde: Background, and Deep Background.

Without trying to cover all of that ground again, I want to mention some of the big themes you’ll probably want to track in your life during these two months. These may include things like: your experience of asserting yourself socially; the ways in which you discover who you are through conflict with others; how you respond when your individuality runs counter to prevailing social rules, patterns and expectations; how you perceive and engage your sexual desire, especially related to shifting cultural norms and the ‘consent’ conversation; where you locate your creative will and sexual agency (do you claim it? Do you place that power in others?).

Insofar as the volition needed to make money relates to Mars, you might also pay attention to your motivation and sense of empowerment around your finances.

However your path of discovery unfolds this season, it’s possible this week could feel particularly edgy. Part of that is due to the Mars station (not to mention certain current events, such as the horrific separation of children at U.S. border ports of entry). Mars as an energy type likes to push forward; being stationary and then appearing to move backwards seems counter to the essence of Mars on a very foundational level.

One facet of the Mars station chart worth noting is that the Sun will be opposite Saturn in Capricorn (exact the next day, June 27). This is a reminder not to get overwhelmed by the limitations others try to set on you. If you find yourself encountering ‘difficult’ people this week, it might take more understanding and empathy on your part to bridge that conflict and find a meeting place.

Chart for Mars stationing retrograde Tuesday. Mars is the red circle with the upward arrow, with a bold “09” next to it, at the bottom of the chart. The Moon is in late Sagittarius at the lower left, moving toward Capricorn. Saturn is the gold cross-and-squiggle at the lower left, with a bold “05” next to it; the Cancer Sun is the yellow circle exactly opposite, in the upper-right corner, also with a bold “05.” View glyph key here.

You also may need to explore the delicate balance between expressing your needs and fulfilling your obligations to others. That’s not always easy, and can become even more difficult if you’re feeling emotionally worn out, lonely, or outranked/outnumbered. Being honest in communicating your needs and asking the other person do the same should help, though that does take more effort than many people care (or dare) to expend.

Finally, along with Mars stationing retrograde, we’re also building to a Full Moon this week. That takes place Thursday, June 28, at 12:53 am EDT (4:52:53 UTC) — also along the Cancer-Capricorn axis. The Sun will be in the Moon’s sign — sensitive, emotional, fluid Cancer — opposed by the Moon in Capricorn (a more emotionally rigid placement, and the sign of government).

This would seem to be a reminder that no matter how much your emotions may threaten to run away with things, an effort to stay in touch with your mind, your physical senses, and verifiable facts will serve you well. You can afford to take some time to question your perceptions — and to notice the ways that you are actually safe — before responding to anything that feels especially triggering, particularly in online interactions.

With the energy of Mars kind of in limbo, and the energy of the Full Moon building to a head, it could feel like constructive releases are harder to find. But that does not mean you’re stuck, even if it looks like you are.

There’s always something you can do to blow off steam safely, though you might need to get a little creative — and be willing to own your needs, desires and reactions — to figure out what will work for you. When in doubt, helping someone else who needs a hand can at least shift your focus long enough to come back into your center. I see real opportunity this week to understand something better (perhaps yourself, if not a situation or another person). Stay curious, and see where that leads you.