A gradual build-up of energy begins right at the start of the year as the planet Mars stations direct in the sign of Gemini on January 13, where it has been retrograde since October 2022.
All the planets in our solar system do what’s called, “retrograde,” with Mercury being the planet that retrogrades most frequently throughout the calendar year. A retrograde planet gives the optical illusion of orbiting the almighty Sun backwards, which can be symbolized as a nudge from the Universe to pause and reroute where necessary, based on where the planet is affecting us in our natal charts.
Now, Mars in Astrology connects us to how we initiate our deepest passions. But while retrograde, assertive efforts feel blocked. Such blocks and thwarted motivation can be frustrating for us down below. So, as the Warrior planet gets back to its regular pace and orbit, you can anticipate that the affairs of life will amplify, a momentum that continues through the spring and summer seasons.
Inner dialogues, sleepless nights, internalized anxiety, and other activities behind the scenes will begin to find clarity, Cancer. Perspective can be found. Depression can now be overcome. Solitude that brings focus will soon be available. If navigating a health matter, you’ll soon be on the mend.
This is especially true as it relates to important partners and significant others; Mercury will also station direct in the sign of Capricorn on January 19, where it has been retrograde since December 2022 bringing hiccups on the relationship front.
In fact, all relationships are highlighted throughout the months of January and February (close friends, family and relatives, spouse, romantic or business partner, etc.). If you are working through grief, difficult emotions, or moving forward as it relates to close ties and connections (one way or the other) the direct stations of Mercury and Mars may very well be connected.
This could also impact certain commitments and contract agreements if dissolving a business, experiencing increased intimacy, or merging in a union. Interestingly, by the time we enter the spring months, energy connected to such intimate matters will undergo a major shift as two momentous cosmic events develop above: Saturn will ingress (enter) the sign of Pisces on March 8, and Pluto will ingress the sign of Aquarius on March 24.
Both these planetary shifts are set to bring important lessons to humanity below, especially in the way of social unrest, spiritual growth, and revolutionary coups. For you, Cancer, all entanglements may be transformed, restructured, or discarded entirely, and what follows will inspire you to venture into new territory broadening your own personal beliefs and philosophies. Whether ending a career contract to go back to school, or selling your property to travel the world, you will be unmooring yourself from ongoing investments that keep you from soaring high and reaching for the stars.
Spring will be the time to direct your energy in both assertive and entrepreneurial ways. You will feel quite driven and determined as Mars continues to move in forward motion, waking you from a fog. Opportunities during this first quarter or 2023 may beg the need for you to get clear on your overall direction in life. This will be amplified on April 20 when a solar eclipse peaks, inviting you to consider a new vocational path and legacy as you pursue professional goals that give you meaning and purpose.
However, Mercury will station retrograde again the day after the eclipse on April 21, which brings delays around new career chapters. This is especially true if launching a business that requires you to network, or moving through an intensive interview process that sees you connecting with potential colleagues. It will feel like you’re taking two steps forward and two steps back as you consider your options. But these things will resolve when the Messenger planet stations direct on May 15, and most likely in your favor.
The lunar eclipse peaks on May 5, meanwhile, wrapping up activities centering children and creative aims. You may be launching an artistic collaboration that leads to professional success, going back to work after some time as a stay-at-home parent, or leaving behind an education setting to embark upon a different vocational path.
Of course, with Mercury retrograde, there will still be delays. But as Jupiter shifts into the sign of Taurus on May 17, you may be joining with others who support these new chapter beginnings. Networking and social engagements will follow as you begin to align with like minds and shared causes that further both personal and professional aims.
In the meantime, a surge of energy continues as we reach the summer solstice and your birthday season! This year is fast and furious! Personal goals, financial dealings, learning curves and short trips feature.
That said, the close of July sees Venus stationing retrograde on the 23rd, bringing a financial assessment or property negotiation. A salary adjustment, asset division review, or a need to simply self-advocate for your worth and value are just a few examples of how Venus – the planet that connects us to love, beauty, money, and personal aesthetics – will be of impact while retrograde.
This gets a little dicey as Mercury stations retrograde once more just a month later on August 24. At this point of the year, education, correspondence, and communication feature. You (or even a child) may be under consideration for a scholarship to an academic program, or you may enter talks/discussions around real-estate investments with loved ones. These things will undergo delay courtesy of Venus and Mercury retrograde.
Such matters will resolve in September when Venus stations direct on the 4th and Mercury stations direct on the 16th. A home settlement, for example, will be completed. An online store can now be launched. What may feel like a suspenseful holding pattern finally lifts!
October sees two more eclipses, meanwhile. A solar event on the 14th brings a new start on the home and family fronts, and the lunar eclipse on the 28th wraps up activities within a certain group or affiliation. FYI, these eclipses are connected to the spring pair of eclipses. You may be saying goodbye to certain connections and/or professional associates if relocating.
As the groups and organizations where you are aligned undergo a period of closure, you will be planting seeds that serve as your anchor when it come to your physical space and emotional home. Remember, much of 2023 sees you aligning with right tribe and community – those who support your evolution. What’s more, as we close out the year, the pace of life will expand with creative projects, time centering children, love, affection, and of course, busy days as we enter the holidays!
November through December sees a surge of energy building as it relates to fun and daily affairs – you may thoroughly enjoy this time of year, Cancer. That said, Mercury retrogrades one last time on December 13, which could derail your plans and interrupt your regular routines. But not to worry – these matters will resolve in the new year. Aside from Mercury’s backward spin, Cancer, 2023 ends on a rather hopeful note!
Your horoscope was a labor of love, Cancer! If it resonated and you found it to be of value, please pay it forward by considering a donation to the Equal Justice Initiative.
Meanwhile, keep in mind that your 2023 forecast is general to all Gemini/Gemini Ascendants. For an in depth look at your year ahead with information that is specific to you, click here to schedule an annual forecast reading.