Mars Square Retrograde Neptune...

starts on June 21 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on June 22 at 4.44pm in Kilmore, leaves on June 24.  Mars at 00 degrees and 49 minutes of Gemini, retrograde Neptune at 00 degrees and 49 minutes of Pisces.

Fogs and mists are what I think of when I see this combination... because that is what happens when you mix heat (Mars) with water (Neptune)!

Mars is the planet of action, direction and energy and the connection with Neptune - a bit of a contrast to Mars - represents being lost at sea, cloudiness and being blown around on the currents of life, suggests that the relationships and areas of life being affected by this transit will tend to become confused.

Because the square aspect is so powerful, it tends to exaggerate these qualities... the square also suggests a clash or challenge to the way we usually handle situations... in this case a tricky character may make us feel unsure of what we are doing, or perhaps a general lack of energy or sense of purpose may temporarily plague us?

As usual, look at which houses this transit falls in to get a feel for what or who may pose a confusing challenge, and also which houses are ruled by Mars (ones with Aries or Scorpio on the cusp) and Neptune (one with Pisces on the cusp).

If you have personal planets and/or points in Gemini or Pisces you may be especially sensitive to this transit.

Mars enters Gemini...

on June 21 at 12.50pm in Kilmore.

The planet of action, direction, passion and energy moving from a fixed earth sign into a mutable air sign suggests that the way we work towards what we want will move from being slow and steady towards a faster pace that is more flexible than it has been while Mars was travelling through Taurus.

This move also suggests that the areas and people represented by Mars in our birth chart will become more flexible and open to trying new approaches to old situations. For example, if you have Aries on your 2nd House cusp, the opportunity to earn your income from more than one source may be possible (Gemini is a 'dual' sign), or perhaps you will have the opportunity earn your income from a 'Gemini' themed job... writing, speaking, travelling, etc.

Mars tends to energies whatever it touches on, so you can expect a lot more activity in the areas of life represented by the house that this planet is moving through.

If you have personal planets and/or points in Gemini, then you can expect things to 'heat up'!

Venus Conjunct Mars...

starts on May 21 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on May 23 at 6.25pm in Kilmore, leaves on May 25.  Both at 9 degrees and 1 minutes of Taurus.

Even though Venus and Mars are technically only conjunct for a few days, they are travelling through the same sign for the next couple of weeks, making this an important time for our desires and wants to be united.

Mars is an assertive energy that is related to our ego, while Venus is a passive energy related to our desires... a conjunction represents the end of an old way of doing things and the beginning of a new way, a new project, idea, etc.  Every couple of years we get this conjunction of the two planets that represents the masculine (Mars) and feminine (Venus) which gives us all a chance for a fresh start: in this case Venus is in a better position because it likes being in Taurus, while Mars isn't so happy about the situation!

Symbolically this can mean that the people and situations represented by Venus in your birth chart will be in a stronger position than the Mars ones that are ending/starting around this time in your life.  For example, I have Taurus Rising so I am likely to be in a better position than a competitor (Mars rules my Scorpio 7th house cusp).

If you have personal planets and/or points in Taurus then you may feel this opportunity for a fresh start more strongly than others.

Mercury Conjunct Mars...

starts on May 20 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on May 21 at 11.20am in Kilmore, leaves on May 22.  Both at 7 degrees and 18 minutes of Taurus.

The first thing that comes to mind with this combination is that we all have to make sure we don't become too quick to open our mouths before thinking!  Perhaps we will be feeling a bit smug or have become too fixed or attached (Taurus) to our way of thinking. 

Mercury represents our thinking and the way we communicate with the people and world around us... while Mars is a pretty fiery and impulsive character.  Although irritating or upsetting, however, sometimes things need to be said!  The conjunction offers the opportunity for a fresh start in the areas affected by these planets and to make this fresh start we may all need to clear the air and make sure matters are clear to everyone involved.

As usual look at which house this conjunction is falling in and which houses are ruled by the planets involved (Mercury = house cusps with Gemini or Virgo on them, Mars = house cusps with Aries or Scorpio on them).

If you have personal planets and/or points in Taurus then you may feel this aspect more strongly than others.

Mars Trine Retrograde Pluto...

starts on May 19 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on May 21 at 4.22am in Kilmore, leaves on May 22. Mars at 7 degrees and 5 minutes of Taurus, retrograde Pluto at 7 degrees and 5 minutes of Capricorn.

People and situations represents by Pluto in our birth charts can do with the some help, and this trine from Mars is likely to be a lifeline!

These are both quite powerful planets in different ways and working together through this aspect gives us all an opportunity to make progress, particularly with our Pluto themes.  By looking at where this aspect is falling in your birth chart you can get a feel for where you can expect to make headway and to gain support.  Also look to see which houses are ruled by Mars (house cusp with Aries on it), and Pluto (cusp with Scorpio on it).

If you have personal planets and/or points in Taurus and/or Capricorn then you are likely to feel this aspect more strongly than others.

Mars enters Taurus...

on May 11 at 5.04pm in Kilmore.

Giddyup horsey! (Probably more along the lines of move your bloomin' arse actually!) Anyway, Mars moving into Taurus brings a more mellow approach to self-assertion and energy in general (compared to the boisterous Aries anyway).

If you're a Bull then get ready for life to move into warp speed. Wherever and whatever is touched by this move of Mars into Taurus in your birth chart, get ready for those aspects of your life to be energised and expect a lot of activity there.

Mars Conjunct Jupiter...

starts on April 29 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on May 1 at 2.26pm in Kilmore, leaves on May 3.  Both at 22 degrees and 20 minutes of Aries.

Mars can act like a trigger for long-standing energies, like Jupiter, and give it a kick start into action: the conjunction of these two planets suggest to me that we will all have a better idea of where and how the transiting Jupiter will work for us through developments that come up now.

Conjunctions are something or someone new, so a new project, person or life situation is likely to be embodied by this energy. Looking at how and where these energies are playing out in your own chart will give you some clues as to where to look for this opportunity for a fresh and powerful new start.

Look at the house where this conjunction is happening, and also which house are ruled by Mars (ones with Aries and Scorpio on the cusp) and Jupiter (ones with Sagittarius and Pisces on the cusp), to get a feel for what or who may be part of an exciting new start for you.

Retrograde Mercury Conjunct Mars...

starts on April 19 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on April 20 at 12.58am in Kilmore, leaves on April 20.  Both at 13 degrees and 29 minutes of Aries.

The first thing that comes to mind with this combination is that we all have to make sure we don't become too quick to open our mouths before thinking!  This is especially true since the conjunction happens in the fiery and impulsive Aries.

Mercury represents our thinking and the way we communicate with the people and world around us... while Mars is a pretty fiery and impulsive character.  Although irritating or upsetting, however, sometimes things need to be said!  The conjunction offers the opportunity for a fresh start in the areas affected by these planets and to make this fresh start we may all need to clear the air and make sure matters are clear to everyone involved.

As usual look at which house this conjunction is falling in and which houses are ruled by the planets involved (Mercury = house cusps with Gemini or Virgo on them, Mars = house cusps with Aries or Scorpio on them).

If you have personal planets and/or points in Aries then you may feel this aspect more strongly than others.

Mars Opposing Retrograde Saturn...

starts on April 17 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on April 19 at 2.02am in Kilmore, leaves on April 20.  Mars at 12 degrees and 45 minutes of Aries, retrograde Saturn at 12 degrees and 45 minutes of Libra.

Mars likes action and to be able to push ahead at whatever it is working on... while Saturn prefers to move along slowly and steadily... more like a snails pace but very thorough. Oppositions relate to awareness and a turning point being reached.


If you look to where this opposition is happening in your birth chart you are likely to see where you are facing intense frustration as you try to push ahead in a certain direction... this frustration is likely to stem from a person or situation that you feel is holding you back or blocking your path.  This is also an opportunity to gain awareness (opposition) of whether or not what you are pushing for, is still valid in your life.

Although obviously frustrating, it is important to take a look at why this happening, perhaps the path you have chosen is not right for you, or perhaps you should slow down and pay attention to the details and facts before rushing along on assumptions - especially with Mercury currently being retrograde.

As usual, look at where this opposition is happening in your birth chart, and which houses are ruled by Mars and Saturn (ones with Aries, Scorpio, Capricorn and/or Aquarius on the cusps) to get a feel for what or who may be involved.

If you have personal planets and/or points in Aries or Libra then you may be especially sensitive to this transit.

Mars Square Retrograde Pluto...

starts on April 10 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on April 12 at 6.41am in Kilmore, leaves on April 13. Mars at 7 degrees and 30 minutes of Aries, retrograde Pluto at 7 degrees and 30 minutes of Capricorn.

Looking at this aspect on its own, it suggests a pretty serious clash of energies that will test the way we use power, and also show us just how far others are will to go in using theirs.  It is important to keep your own actions honourable during this time, regardless of what others chose to do, particularly since it may feel as though you are being provoked in certain areas of your life!


It is also important to remember that Mercury is also involved, since it is travelling the same sign as Mars, making communication/thinking more impulsive than usual.  Mercury is also retrograde adding confusion and easy misunderstandings to the mixture, so you can see that it may be best to avoid making quick/harsh judgements until another time!

As is usually the case look to see where this aspect is falling to get an idea for what or who may be at cross-purposes in your life, and where power issues will need to be handled with care.  Also look to see which houses are ruled by Mars (one with Aries on the cusp) and Pluto (one with Scorpio on the cusp).

If you have personal planets and/or points in Aries or Capricorn you may feel this energy more strongly than others.

Mars Conjuct Uranus...

starts on April 2 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on April 4 at 6.52am in Kilmore, leaves on April 5.  Both at 1 degree and 17 minutes of Aries.

What a combination... both of these energies tend to be impatient and sometimes unpredictable and with them both in the fiery and impulsive sign of Aries suggest a pretty volatile time.  This is the first aspect that Mars makes as it comes into Aries so suggests a bit of a baptism of fire as it makes it's entrance... the visual image I get is fireworks!

The conjunction in a generic sense is the start of new cycle, and with the symbolism of this one it seems that we all have the opportunity to make a fresh start that represents something that we identify with strongly (Mars) that is truly something that is individual and unique to each of us (Uranus).  Because of the nature of these planets combined, particularly in the fiery Aries, it seems that this new start will be quite quick, sudden and/or unusual.

As usual, look at where this conjunction is falling to get a feel for where an explosive new start is likely, and also which house cusp has Aries on it.  Also look at which houses are ruled by Mars (in this case Aries, plus Scorpio) and Uranus (house cusp with Aquarius on it), to get a feel for what or who may be involved.

Mars enters Aries...

on April 2 at 3.51pm in Kilmore.

With Mars moving from the gentle Pisces into the fiery Aries sign, I think we will all be in a better position to work on the areas of our life that need energy, drive, enthusiasm and passion. Mars is very comfortable in this sign, so it's easier for him to be his natural, assertive self.

Look to where Mars is travelling through in your birth chart (also to which house cusp has Aries on it) to see where it is likely to boost your energy levels and give you the strength that you need. 

Also, keep in mind that there is quite a focus on Aries at the moment, and that Mars is likely to trigger the current Uranus, Sun, Jupiter and Mercury in Aries combination. 

If you have personal planets and/or points in Aries then this is likely to be a very busy time for you and important in terms of setting the scene for the next 2 years (the Mars cycle runs for about this length of time).

Mars enters Pisces...

on February 23 at 12.06pm in Kilmore.

Mars moving from Aquarius into the gentle Pisces may feel like a bit of fizzler in comparison to the previous sign!

Mars being the planet of how we get what we want and how we deal with energy and Pisces being a watery and changeable energy suggests that the way ahead is a gentle one that requires flexbility. I keep on getting the visual image of a gentle steam coming out of kettle spout!

Keep in mind though, that the current planetary lineup in Pisces is quite powerful, and there will be a New Moon coming shortly that will energise this sign even more.  So, wherever Pisces is in your birth chart in terms of the house position, is likely to be a hot spot for all of us over the next few weeks.

If you have personal planets and/or points in Pisces then you are likely to feel this energy shift more than others.

Mars Conjunct Neptune...

starts on February 20 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on February 21 at 3.17pm in Kilmore, leaves on February 22.  Both at 28 degrees and 31 minutes of Aquarius.

Mars represents and energy, drive and direction whilst Neptune is about being nebulous, foggy and/or spiritual. Combining these two energies can be expressed in a lot of different ways but the first mix that I get a feel for is being confused about which direction to take on an issue represented by where this conjunction occurs in your natal chart.

I think that one of the most constructive ways to utilise this energy is through working on something or with someone where there is an altruistic element to the activity. Artistic endeavours are also good.

Being a conjunction, this energy gives us the chance to make a fresh start.

Mars Trine Retrograde Saturn...

starts on February 5 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on February 7 at 4.16am in Kilmore, leaves on February 8.  Mars at 17 degrees and 6 minutes of Aquarius, retrograde Saturn at 17 degrees and 6 minutes of Libra.

Mars and Saturn don't usually work well together because of their differing natures, however, the trine is a great way for the energy of Mars to connect with the Saturn energy. Mars is about passion, drive, ego and energy - Saturn is about control, being methodical, precise and adds structure/boundaries. Combining the two through this trine, suggests that we all have the chance to build something in our lives succesfully... it's as though Saturn will be given a positive nudge (forget about a shove - Saturn isn't that quick!), that will help us all to achieve solid progress.  Clear communication may be part of the picture because of the air sign involvement.

As usual look to your own chart to see which areas of life or people are represented by these energies.

Sun Conjunct Mars...

starts on January 31 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on February 5 at 3.40am in Kilmore, leaves on February 9.  Both at 15 degrees and 30 minutes of Aquarius.

A conjunction generally brings the opportunity for a fresh start, so this is the chance to let go of old ways of approaching the people and situations represented by this conjunction.

The involvement of both the Sun and Mars in this conjunction is likely to be a bit fiery, since both planets are ones associated with ego stuff... they are also both masculine planets so issues involving men may be more prominent than usual.  This conjunction between the Sun and Mars happens about every two years.

By looking at which house this conjunction falls in, and which house has Aquarius on the cusp, you can get a feel for where you have a major opportunity to make a fresh start and to let go of old ways of approaching situations/relationships.  You can also look to see which houses are ruled by the two planets involved (Sun = Leo on the cusp, Mars = Aries/Scorpio on the cusp) to get more detailed information about what or who is likely to be part of the story.

If you have personal planets and/or points in Aquarius then you are likely to be more sensitive than others to this fiery combination!

Mars enters Aquarius...

on January 16 at 9.41am in Kilmore.


Mars changing signs is always important because it means that our energy levels will change (and where we focus our energy on also changes).

The move from Capricorn to Aquarius means that the fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius) will be given a boost of energy that can be quite powerful and will need to be handled consciously. Aggression vs assertion will be a fine line for the fixed people!

By looking at which house Mars is travelling through and which house has Aquarius on the cusp, you can get a feel for which areas of life, and which relationships, are about to be given an energy shot.  You may also notice that the themes represented by the houses ruled by Mars (ones with Aries or Scorpio on the cusp), may also shift gears from being 'Capricorn' in flavour, more to being 'Aquarian'.

Those of you with personal planets and/or points in Aquarius are likely to find this to be an important time in redefining where you will focus your energy.

Mars Square Saturn...

starts on December 29 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on December 30 at 2.29am in Kilmore, leaves on December 31.  Mars at 16 degrees and 33 minutes of Capricorn, Saturn at 16 degrees and 33 minutes of Libra.


Mars is the planet of action, passion, getting things done, acting before thinking, drive, direction, etc and gives us the direction we need in life to focus our energies. Saturn is often associated with responsibility, slowing down, thinking before acting, and structure.

These two planets like to get things done but have a very different approach to each other, making the connection between them frustrating - especially through the square which suggests that they will be working at cross-purposes to each other. This is likely to be an extremely frustrating and irritating period of time for everyone when we will probably feel blocked and unable to move ahead on our current path.

By looking at which houses Mars and Saturn are in you can get a feel for where you can expect this tension to be experienced.  Also look at which houses have Aries, Scorpio, Capricorn and Aquarius on the cusps for more information if you need it.

If you have personal planets and/or points in Capricorn and/or Aries then you may feel this transit more keenly than others.

Retrograde Mercury Conjunct Mars...

starts on December 13 (using a one degree orb), is exact on December 14 at 3.10pm in Kilmore, leaves on December 15.  Both at 4 degrees and 41 minutes of Capricorn.


The first thing that comes to mind with this combination is that we all have to make sure we don't become too quick to open our mouths before thinking!  However, being in Capricorn we at least are likely to have at least a millisecond to think before opening our mouths!

Mercury represents our thinking and the way we communicate with the people and world around us... while Mars is a pretty fiery and impulsive character.  Although irritating or upsetting, however, sometimes things need to be said!  The conjunction offers the opportunity for a fresh start in the areas affected by these planets and to make this fresh start we may all need to clear the air and make sure matters are clear to everyone involved.

As usual look at which house this conjunction is falling in and which houses are ruled by the planets involved (Mercury = house cusps with Gemini or Virgo on them, Mars = house cusps with Aries or Scorpio on them).

If you have personal planets and/or points in Capricorn then you may feel this aspect more strongly than others.  Also, keep in mind that this aspect joins forces with the current Mars/Pluto conjunction that I just posted about!  What a combination!!!

Mars Conjunct Pluto...

starts on December 13 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on December 14 at 3.10pm in Kilmore, leaves on December 16.  Both at 4 degrees and 41 minutes of Capricorn.

Mars and  Pluto joining forces is a bit like leaving a pressure cooker alone unattended for too long... you must keep an eye on it and allow some pressure to release so it doesn't explode!

Both planets are pretty 'energetic' but in different ways... Mars tends to be 'in your face', while Pluto is more subtle, but deeply powerful.  The combination of the two suggests a powerful new start (conjunction) somewhere in your life - most likely as represented by the house position of this meeting of Mars/Pluto.  Obviously, the more conscious and understanding you can be with this energy, the more you will get out of it.
You may also want to look at which houses are ruled by these planets (ones with Aries or Scorpio on the cusp) in order to get a feel for what or who holds the chance for a powerful new start.

If you have personal planets and/or points in Capricorn, this is an especially powerful time for you.