What does it mean for a planet to be in retrograde?
Mars is the red planet or at least appears as a red star. Mars is called the ‘bushwacker’. Mars operates like Venus when retrograde. It shows one who desires but who does not have Mars’ bravery; one who tries to appear just peachy to everyone but who snipes from a hidden position. Mars is not always dangerous to others , but is one who holds back angers and fears.. It depends how far is is from the Sun as this would indicate how the energy is used. People with this have to dig deeper to find their sense of individual superiority and frequently find themselves at a loss as to how to go about this task. House position is important as well as planets in aspect to Mars.
Mars retrograde natives are born with the innate belief of healthy competition but when it comes down to the real test or challenge, they are likely to subconsciously engage in self-sabotage tendencies as the energies turn inwards, directed at themselves. There is an inner awareness of frustration that the end results don’t come as easily to them as for others, especially at the last hurdle. But keep that steely determination running and at the last minute when others burn or drop out, you will find that you have the will to succeed. It is a tall order but good things don’t come easy or, early in this case. At the pinnacle moment, your personal drive can take you all the way to the top from behind. Slow and steady wins the race after all, much like the tortoise which eventually catches up with the hare.
