Mercury Opposite Mars - through the signs
Without doubt, we’re all feeling tension and frustration in the air. A sort of indescribable standoff between what was and what is yet to come. This very much echo’s last week’s energy between the Sun and Mars when they were in opposition. Our heads and our hearts feel at odds with one another, which continues as a theme in Aquarius season.
Anytime we have Mars opposite Mercury the tension between communication (Mercury) and action/assertiveness (Mars) creates a tense energy that can either bring challenges or opportunities for growth. Remember the planets aren’t here to punish us, they’re neutral in this whole thing! But, they do spotlight areas that are beneficial for us to pay attention to. For instance:
Heated Communication - Words may come out sharper or harsher than intended.
Mental and Physical Tension - Hello restlessness, overthinking and feeling mentally “on edge.
Impatience in Decision Making - Who need details? I’ll act now and try to understand it later.
Passion vs Logic - Rational choices may take a back seat to instinctive desires.
Physical Manifestation of Stress: Headaches? Muscle tension? My husband literally passed a kidney stone yesterday…
This particular energy has some added twists though. (because of course, it’s 2025) Mars is currently retrograde in Cancer and Mercury is in Capricorn. Mars retrograde in Cancer shifts the usual bold, action-oriented energy of Mars, inward. Instead of direct action, there’s a tendency to process emotions more deeply and feel defensive instead of assertive. Cancer is a nurturing and protective sign and with Mars challenging that, we find ourselves hesitating, procrastinating or becoming passive aggressive. Suddenly all your motivation feels tied to your emotional security making it very difficult to push forward with any sort of clarity. Retrogrades also encourage reflection, and in Cancer, this energy energy pulls attention to family, roots and old emotional patterns. Unresolved issues may resurface!
Now Mercury in Capricorn comes with it’s own set of dynamics like a supreme focus on logical and strategic thinking. Surely we can “logic” our way out of this with some long term planning and grounded communication. The drive to stick with tradition and fear anything coming from “outside” of the norm.
We also have the added energy of Uranus (rebellious change) in trine to Mercury and sextile to Mars creating harmonious connection to both ends of the opposition. While it can “charge up” the opposition and intensify the conflicts, this Uranian touch also introduces the potential for unexpected insights, innovation, and creative solutions. This is a heightened sense of emotional needs vs practical responsibilities. Emotions seep into every conversation and we feel frustrated with our perceived lack of progress.
Okay so we feel it, but what do we do with it?!
This is an opportunity for growth, but it only comes when we balance our own emotional self-reflection with practical communication. Listen to those feelings! Let them rant, cry, over-explain and tantrum BUT don’t let them overwhelm the structure and boundaries you have to keep moving forward. I know, this can sound like “but Emily, I’ve got to stay informed and I’m not going to look away from those that are being marginalized! I’ve got to do something!” Yes, it is important to stay informed and it is also important to take care of your physical body, your literal home. Many of us want to be on the bathroom floor, a puddle of despair, but we also can’t give up week one.
Friends, there is still SO much that will be revealed and we have to take this journey one-day-at-a-time. If you can take care of the themes and lessons that are coming up specifically for you, then you can release the patterns and step into a more empowered version of yourself. Sometimes the emotions are meant to be felt, like a rain, bringing nourishment to our roots. And sometimes the emotions are meant to blow your house down, forcing you to rebuild. It’s important to know the difference! You don’t have to rebuild your house everyday.
I want to support you and this is where Astrology is incredibly useful. How can you look at these emotions from a practical place, and sort through what needs attention? Below is a list of what could be rising to the surface for you.
This information is based on your RISING SIGN, not your Sun sign. If you’re not sure why, let me know and I’ll look at offering a little teaching about that. But for today, trust me, I’m a real astrologer. If you aren’t sure it feels accurate for you, then by al-means read for your Sun. As always, take what resonates and leave the rest. Without looking at each of your charts individually, the best we can do is offer an overview.
Aries Rising
Opposition between the 10th House (career/public life) and the 4th House (home/private life).
Focus on balancing public responsibilities and private family matters.
Mars retrograde in the 4th emphasizes emotional and domestic challenges, including family dynamics or the need for safety at home.
Tensions may arise from feeling pulled in two directions: work and home.
Taurus Rising
Opposition between the 9th House (philosophy, travel) and the 3rd House (communication, local environment).
Emphasis on spiritual beliefs, education, or long-term goals (Mars retrograde in the 9th).
Possible shifts in personal philosophies, travel plans, or relationships with teachers and mentors.
Conflicts may emerge around local or daily concerns versus broader life perspectives.
Gemini Rising
Opposition between the 8th House (shared resources, transformation) and the 2nd House (personal finances, self-worth).
Mars retrograde in the 8th highlights financial obligations, inheritances, or emotional entanglements.
Tensions could involve shared resources or karmic debts.
Focus on finding balance between giving and receiving, as well as personal versus shared values.
Cancer Rising
Opposition between the 7th House (relationships) and the 1st House (self, identity).
Mars retrograde in the 1st House encourages self-discovery and individuation.
Relationship dynamics may feel tense or confrontational, requiring open communication.
A time to re-define personal needs and boundaries in partnerships.
Leo Rising
Opposition between the 6th House (work, health) and the 12th House (subconscious, rest).
Mars retrograde in the 6th brings challenges with work routines, health habits, or toxic influences.
The 12th House focus may reveal hidden issues or unconscious patterns that need addressing.
Emphasis on eliminating unhealthy influences and managing stress.
Virgo Rising
Opposition between the 11th House (community, social groups) and the 5th House (creativity, self-expression).
Mars retrograde in the 11th may bring tensions with friends, group affiliations, or social dynamics.
Balancing personal creative expression and the need to conform to group expectations.
Reflecting on how social circles influence your authenticity and happiness.
Libra Rising
Opposition between the 10th House (career) and the 4th House (home).
Mars retrograde in the 10th highlights career tensions or shifts in professional direction.
Balancing public responsibilities with personal or familial needs.
Conflicts may emerge around work-life balance or value-driven decisions in both spheres.
Scorpio Rising
Opposition between the 9th House (higher learning, beliefs) and the 3rd House (daily communication, local environment).
Mars retrograde in the 9th may challenge spiritual beliefs, education paths, or travel plans.
Exploring how past influences shape current beliefs and spiritual practices.
Emphasis on thoughtful communication and balancing practicality with intuition.
Sagittarius Rising
Opposition between the 8th House (shared resources) and the 2nd House (personal finances).
Mars retrograde in the 8th emphasizes emotional and financial dependencies, as well as karmic exchanges.
Reflection on financial agreements, debts, or inheritances.
Navigating emotionally charged situations around giving and receiving within partnerships.
Capricorn Rising
Opposition between the 7th House (relationships) and the 1st House (self).
Mars retrograde in the 7th highlights shifts in relationships, including tensions or transformative dynamics.
Focus on balancing practical needs with emotional depth in partnerships.
Potential for healing and mediating misunderstandings in relationships.
Aquarius Rising
Opposition between the 6th House (work, health) and the 12th House (subconscious, rest).
Mars retrograde in the 6th emphasizes frustrations or challenges at work or with health routines.
Mercury in the 12th brings awareness to hidden influences or unconscious patterns.
A time for self-reflection and eliminating toxic influences from your environment.
Pisces Rising
Opposition between the 5th House (creativity, self-expression) and the 11th House (social networks).
Mars retrograde in the 5th highlights emotional or creative blocks and the need for self-expression.
Tensions may arise between personal desires and social expectations.
Encouragement to find the right balance between being authentic and navigating group dynamics.
This is a big year friends! Be kind to yourself. Be kind to one another. If there is one thing that history can teach us, it’s that love conquers all.
xoxo - emily + her stars
