Mars Retrogrades in Puṣyā
मंगल वक्री
December 6th - February 24th
On December 6/7th mars (maṅgal) retrograded in the Vedic Lunar Mansion of Puṣyā पुष्या (Cancer), the Star of Nourishment. Retrograde season is in full effect with mars, mercury and jupiter in vakrī. The energies have elevated to the next level with Sun passing through the karmic gaṇḍānta point (between fire and water - Scorpio) through the 18th.
Mars retrogrades approximately every two years, marking a significant phase where its influence on our actions and motivations is notably altered. The Sanskrit word for retrograde planets is vakrī—meaning twisted or crooked, symbolizing a planet’s altered energy flow as it appears to move backward in the sky. Puṣyā is where maṅgal becomes nīca (debilitated), and its energies, often misunderstood, can manifest as a delicate dance between emotional nourishment and assertive action.
During this cycle you may experience waning motivation, making even simple tasks feel burdensome, accompanied by emotional fluctuations that swing between bursts of energy and lethargy. This period invites us to manage our energy and reactions carefully, as impulsivity may increase, leading to quicker responses and burnout. Practice regulating your nervous system and prioritize rest.
Allegedly born from the sweat of Lord Śiva during his tapas, maṅgal graha is said to be associated with the Mahāvidyā, Bagalāmukhi. She is said to embody the power of speech, is often associated with the ability to silence enemies and protect devotees from harm.
Mars is known as Deha Karaka — the significator of the body, the heart, and the immune system, as he is the defense system within our bodies. He is the carrier of Agni (fire) tattva, the indicator of one-pointed focus, the lord of logic, power, preservation, and violence. He represents protection, particularly the protection of innocence.
The wealth we seek here isthe spiritual energy or puṇya (merit), accumulated through tapasya and graced by divine guidance. Drinking from this reservoir empowers us to protect our nervous system, home, and community while channeling nourishment to sustain material abundance—avoiding distraction and burnout.
The śhakti of this nakṣatra holds the energy of invocation—initiating the ability to harness creative and spiritual energy, which provides the wisdom and abundance to nourish both the spiritual and material worlds. This lunar mansion is symbolized by the milk-yielding udder of the cow, which is impartial to all that she nourishes.
Just as the mother gives love unconditionally, without question or thought of return, the same food or knowledge that assimilates experience into wisdom and transmutes nourishment into usable energy can also manifest as indigestion when consumed thoughtlessly or in excess.
Much like the goat, the animal medicine for this Nakṣatra, which consumes without regard for the consequences and is later confronted with all that it has ingested, you may find yourself in a situation that compels you to confront certain truths about what you've been 'taking in'—be it experiences, habits, or emotional baggage.
As the retrograde unfolds, Mars reenters the constellation of Punarvasu on January 13th, and into Gemini on the 21st—offering us a chance to revisit energies from the fall. With heightened intensity during retrogrades, it’s essential to slow down, process information thoughtfully, and remain present and patient with your goals. Embrace this time as an opportunity for a potent course correction, transformation, and renewal, allowing the wisdom of past lessons to inform your path forward.
This retrograde invites a reflective pause to nourish both body and spirit with intention. Use this time to reassess your actions, cultivate patience, and align your efforts with clarity. By slowing down and revisiting past lessons, you can emerge renewed, with a deeper understanding of how to protect and channel your energy toward lasting growth and abundance.
ॐ ह्रीं बगलामुखी देव्यै नमः
“Having never left the house you are looking for the way home.” Nisargadatta Maharaj
NOTEWORTHY DATES:
January 13th: Mars re-enters Punarvasu
January 21st: Mars re-enters Gemini
February 23/24: Mars stations direct in Punarvasu (Gemini)
March 29: Mars re-enters Cancer