For many people, Mars retrograde is a time of lowered vitality and decreased energy.  In general, it is also a time where it does NOT pay to be overly-assertive or take the initiative.  It is best to stick with current projects & current plans rather than trying to strike out with something radically new at this time.

     Although everyone will feel the effects of this shift in some way or the other, those with strong Aries, Scorpio, or Capricorn in their charts are usually more affected by Mars retrograde than any other signs (this is due to Mars being the ruler of Aries, co-ruler of Scorpio, and exalted ruler of Capricorn).  Since Mars is moving through Virgo during this retrograde, all people with sun, moon, or rising in any Virgo, plus any of the other "mutable" signs, are also likely to be more affected by the energies of this eleven-week period.

         For more info about the significance of Mars retrograde, its effects, and who is most likely to be most affected, please see the "retrogrades" chapter in my new "Cosmic Almanac" (chapter 4), as well as the forecast info for January.

By the way, since Mars rules "action" and where you focus your energy, and since it is now in retrograde (signaling a time to "go back" and "re-do" or "re-visit" something), it might be a very good time to look at your life, and see if there is something you need to get "back on track" with.

For example, is there an area of study or development that you used to be really excited about but you had put it aside for awhile?  If so, perhaps it is time to take that interest back "down off the shelf" (so to speak) and start getting involved again.  Although Mars retrograde is not a good time to go after new desires, or to start new paths of actions, it can certainly be a good time for reviving old passions, and getting going again with something you had once set aside.

Particularly favored right now are bringing back patterns & interests that you used to have that relate to the positive development of health & beauty, job skills, spirituality, and self-improvement.  Take a good long look at your life, do a review, and ask yourself, "Is there anything that I used to do in my life that supported my health & well-being (on a physical, spiritual, or emotional level) that I am no longer doing?  If so, how can I get "back on track" with this positive habit or activity?"