Anonymous Flammarion woodcut (1888). (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Anonymous Flammarion woodcut (1888). (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Hello, everyone.

This is a question from a reader in Texas.  Concerning the current Mars retrograde period until March 10, she asks:

I have several clients where we are presenting our 2010 plans. They are existing clients and in one way it is a continuation of what we’ve been doing, but it is also a new year and new plans. Any suggestions on how to handle?

Her question stems from our advice in a couple of recent posts that during a Mars retrograde period it is best not to commence anything new.  Mars rules beginnings of activities and projects, and when it is in retrograde motion, its energy is diminished and not actively supporting new endeavors.  Mars also rules new ideas, productivity, and will power.  It’s hard to move forward when these are missing.

When Mars is retrograde our drive is backtracking, stepping into the shadows.  We continue to stay alert but our will to move forward is arrested.  Our inclination is to silently watch as matters unfold, without our reaction or participation. 

Of course, there is no standing still.  As I said in a recent post, the other planets continue to move forward; life goes on!  And in business you have to strike while the iron’s hot, or even lukewarm.  Especially now, it is important to offer existing clients the consistent service they have come to expect.

In light of this, I have several suggestions:

  1. Especially with existing clients, revisit projects or campaigns you conducted from October 15 to December 20, when Mars was covering this ground the first time.  See if there is something to finish, something you were perhaps too busy to complete last fall.  Mine that period for ideas to bring into this year. 
  2. Know what you’re bringing to the table and what you’re not.  There are other planets, energies, available.  Just because Mars is retrograde doesn’t mean your other faculties aren’t working.   Venus, for example, is very useful in client presentations.  In Aquarius, she brings sociability, innovation, and inclusion.  Perhaps an innovative setting or unique use of technology can support your work.   Jupiter in Pisces makes us all more open to images, music, color, and sensation.  Perhaps working in highly creative or artistic content will fuel your imagination and gain the client’s appreciation. 
  3. Take the support of the Moon.  The Moon in Aries and the other Fire signs can help mitigate the missing spark.  Upcoming Fire sign Moons are January 29-31, February 7-9, February 17-19, February 26-27, March 6-8. 
  4. Pitch projects with shorter timelines and wait until Mars turns direct to begin longer-term projects. 
  5. Put a lot of space into your timelines.  Projects may take longer than you expect until Mars resumes direct motion. 
  6. Remember that the clients, too, are experiencing the retrograde motion.  Expect delays in decision-making and approvals. 

Do any readers have additional suggestions?  Please post them in the comments section.

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!