Now, I don’t know about you, but my get-up-and-go has felt a tad cbf (can’t be faffed) of late. Sure, I’ve had ideas and intentions, but they’ve been peppered with anxieties and maybe-not-yets. While Mars has been in Cancer, it’s felt like treading water – especially if you’re a Mars ruled sign (I’m looking at you Aries and Scorpio).
Mars is a hot and dry planet, so it likes to create energy and activity. In Cancer (a cold and wet sign), it felt like it was trying to push through mud. Quite frankly, that’s what many of us did feel like – particularly if you are a Fire sign, or have a strong Martian presence (e.g. Aries Rising or Scorpio Rising).
Leo, ruled by the Sun, is a Fire sign – and the longest, strongest burn-iest (I just made that word up) of the fire signs. Mars in Leo is very like the Sun itself and generally has a following within his orbit to prove it. Mars in Leo very much relishes the hotter conditions, and the opportunity to shine.
In Aries, Mars’ energy is used to spark creative and physical energy. In Leo, it is all about the follow-through – in more ways than one. His energy lasts longer, creates excitement, and ensures admiration. Mars in Leo is exciting, passionate, charismatic and committed.
OK, Mars in Leo can be egotistical and sometimes arrogant, but seriously, what’s not to like? The energy, excitement and sheer romance of Mars in Leo draws admirers into the flame despite their own better judgment. Sure, there’s a shadow side – Mars in Leo can build up and maintain a pretty good sulk if he feels he isn’t being appreciated and as for the temper? If you know, you know.
Mars in Leo is supremely proud. Even when things don’t look as bright as they could be and he is staring down the barrel of uncertainty, he will cover insecurities with an admirable bravado. He will always have a few more irons in the fire, so to speak. He goes after what he wants with what is almost a dramatic arrogance, pride and a need for recognition.
I’ve mentioned Laurence Hillman’s brilliant book Planets in Play before. Seriously, if you are a visual person, his premise of popping the planets on a stage and draping them in costumes is a revelation when it comes to understanding how the planets may play out in your chart. In any case, this is what he has to say about Mars in Leo:
“This warrior goes into war with the blessings of his king. He wears the finest uniform you can imagine, with colours and medals galore. He carries the king’s flag in his hand & the royal insignia on his saddlebags. He rides the finest and most powerful horse. He leads the way proudly into battle and will gladly die a hero, if he is just memorialized.”
I love this.
Doing it for yourself…
Mars is in Leo from November 4 – and will be on and off until June 18, 2025. No, that’s not a typo – Mars, you see, is slowing down and preparing to turn retrograde in early December. More on that closer to the time.
We all have Leo somewhere in our chart, and it’s this part of life that’s about to get an energy hit from Mars.
What sort of energy? Leo represents creativity, self-expression and play. Leo is also associated with the 5th house and identity security – and the more secure we are in our identity, the more prepared we are to take the risk to express ourselves fully. This is the Leo challenge and Mars, sick of treading water, just might give you the courage to do that.
As for me? Leo is 6th house for me and I’m embarking on Project Excess Baggage – and hoping to channel a little of that Mars in Leo staying power and last week’s Scorpio New Moon to set some health goals, eliminate some bad habits, and shed some of the layers that have been protecting me.