Hello, everyone.

Two clients recently called, one to ask a date about incorporating a business; another wanted to discuss whether or not to transition to a joint medical practice from her independent practice.  Both cases reminded me of something I want to pass on to you.

Unmistakable warning of difficulties

We’ve spoken in these posts about the current Mars retrograde period, from December 20, 2009 to March 10, 2010.   Mars, as the ruler of Aries, the first sign, is the planet that rules the beginnings of things.  It’s important to pay attention to the position of Mars when we initiate anything new.  And a retrograde Mars should certainly bring us pause.  As Karen Hamaker-Zondag states in her excellent Horary Astrology,

If we wish to undertake a really important activity, then a retrograde Mars should be seen as an unmistakable warning of difficulties, certainly when the chart is for the commencement itself.  What retrograde Mars is saying is, “Finish what you are already doing, and begin nothing new until I turn direct.”

Mars is retrograde every two years for 2-3 months so most of the time we don’t have to worry about the motion of Mars.  However if an opportunity arises during those bi-annual retrograde periods, it may seem foolish to let it go by.  And given that all the other planets are in direct motion, life doesn’t just stand still.  Sometimes circumstances force us to act now, unable to wait for a better moment. 

Waiting or wasting time?

In other cases it can be completely clear to an objective observer why we should wait before initiating an activity, but not to us.  We can’t see the wisdom of waiting, feeling instead like we are wasting time.  Mars retrograde tells us there are very productive ways to spend time not acting, but rather planning, networking, researching and studying, letting ourselves come into synch with the right moment.

But what if you’re like a reader of this blog who teaches at a university and must begin classes during a retrograde Mars, or another reader whose start date for a new job included a retrograde Mars?  What if you just must act?  Here are a few suggestions if you can’t wait:

  • Work with the Mars retrograde energy by only beginning projects you expect to be short-term
  • Work on projects that require a long review or preparation period which you will complete during the retrograde period
  • Assign only short-term goals until Mars resumes direct motion
  • Take an attitude of experimentation and learning since the endeavor may or may not survive
  • Invest as little time and money as possible until Mars resumes direct motion
  • Take the support of the Moon and initiate the project only when the Moon is waxing, between the New and Full Moon.

On Another Note

Don’t forget.  If you have an astrology-related business question (or a business-related astrology question) send it to me at ellen@astro4business.com.  I’ll answer it in these posts, anonymously of course, and we can all learn from each other’s experiences.  I look forward to it!  Got a question now?  Email it and let’s get started!