Mars has been retrograde in Leo since December 6th of the newly last year. Now that same retrograde will be entering Cancer for a bit. Does this mean that old flames will suddenly have a change in heart? Not really…and this wouldn’t be Thru The Dark Tarot if that’s what I tried to lean into. It does mean that we will be tested on our emotional maturity, our determination, and our resilience.
Mars is associated with The Tower card of the Major Arcana in Tarot. Since Mars is a planet, Mars will be our teacher doing this time. Cancer is associated with The Chariot card in the Major Arcana. With Cancer being the sign, this is the life lesson we are working on during this time. If this was just merely Tarot, we would say that both cards are the life lesson…which is kind of true in Astrology. However, in Astrology The Tower is how we will be taught and The Chariot is the lesson we will be taught. Let’s add a little extra flavor into this mix – there is also an overall ruler Tarot card that rules over most of Cancer and the first decan of Leo…The King of Wands.
“The Tower is how we’ll be taught and The Chariot is the lesson we will be taught”
The Tower as our Teacher…aka Mars
Upright, The Tower card is about a sudden change that is going to test your foundations. Anything that hasn’t really been fortified is coming down. You can say you’re putting the work in, but the God of War doesn’t want mere words. He demands that you show proof. More importantly, if there are any ideas or relationships or life paths that you have outgrown but refuse to let go of, well that’s exactly what Mars is going to bring to light. Mars signifies a time of testing to see if you really have been putting the work in or putting it off for later. Although there may be changes, it’s structured chaos with passion and fire that gives you the drive to succeed.
When The Tower card is reversed (or Mars goes Retrograde), structured chaos devolves into just chaos. Things you already thought you had worked on are being brought back up. Can you say “Hello, unresolved issues”? Mars is a personal planet, meaning each of us will really feel the effects individually even though it’s happening to everyone. That’s because the orbit of Mars (or any of the inner planets) are much less than what we consider the outer or generational planets. This means the effects are felt more personally than just an overall theme we’re all dealing with. This retrograde is the God of War asking you to prove you are doing what you say you are doing before you level up to the next stage.
“When The Tower card is reversed (or Mars goes Retrograde), structured chaos delves into just chaos.”
The Chariot as our lesson…aka Cancer
Cancer is associated with The Chariot card in Tarot, which I got to be honest kind of surprised me. I was sure The Moon card was going to be associated with Cancer. Once I really started learning about Astrology and Tarot, it suddenly made so much more sense. As a sign, this is the lesson we attain to learning. While some characteristics are there, most characteristics need to be worked on and honed over time. This is the potential that someone has. And for The Chariot, it’s about pure will and determination. This is all about ruling over yourself regardless of the obstacles you find along your journey. It doesn’t matter that it feels like people are getting a little more short with you. Are you putting in the work, staying emotionally intelligent, and setting clear boundaries? The Chariot is about you being victorious in every outcome, it’s about striving to stay in control of yourself even when it’s hard.
Anyone who is a Cancer sun will tell you how they feel things so deeply, almost like their empathic. They tend to be a little more on the emotional side, and although they have emotional intelligence, they’ve had a lot of hard knocks to get it. Not every Cancer starts out understanding the in’s and out’s of the human emotions. And quite frankly, not every Cancerian is emotionally intelligent. However, someone who is a Sun Cancer is more adept at being emotionally intelligent if they put the work in and be their own masters.
When a planet goes into the sign of Cancer, that planet has it’s own way of teaching you resilience, determination, and emotional intelligence. Some will do it with situations where you are given opportunities to shine, while others will put you on a battle field to put up or shut up. Either way, the end lesson of Cancer being taught by any planet is that internally you can master yourself and guide your Chariot without needing reins but by pure determination and mental will.
The Extra flavor of this Retrograde…aka The King of Wands
When Court Cards appear, they symbolize the energy that we should strive to embody during a period of time. The King of Wands rules over the last two decans of Cancer and the first decan of Leo. As a King, he rules. He hasn’t just learned about his inspirations and actions, nor has he just mastered it. He embodies what it means to rule, meaning that he sees the bigger picture and is not easily swayed by things outside of his kingdom (in this instance, that means you ruling over yourself).
During this upcoming transit, it’s important to mind your actions and how you react to things. Remember, the God of War isn’t going to throw a fluffy situation here. He’s represented by The Tower because he rules the battlefield and the life decisions that have major impact.
To see where this transit will affect you personally, grab your birth chart and look for the house ruled by Cancer. Mars will be making some waves in that house during this transit. As long as you keep your head and actions under control, things will turn out okay. It may not feel like it while it’s happening, but when you look back you will see how much you grew during this time.
As always, be safe and stay aware. If you’ve found this post insightful, follow on Facebook or Instagram so you’ll know when the latest posts come out.
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