Showdown Energy
Here’s what to do and not do when you have a Mars opposite Mars transit. Below that are some interesting things about this transit.
Avoid During This Transit
- Don’t rush into arguments. Everything feels more intense, and it’s easy to snap or overreact. Try not to pick fights over little stuff.
- Avoid risky actions. Impulsive moves and taking big chances- especially with sports, driving, or even spending- can backfire now.
- Hold off on big confrontations. If you’re thinking about confronting someone, it’s probably not the best time because tempers flare fast. Wait until things calm down if you can.
- Don’t bottle up your anger. It’ll just explode later. Find a way to let it out safely, like going for a run or writing things down.
- Try not to start new projects (especially competitive ones). You might feel super ambitious, but you might also butt heads with others or lose patience quickly.
- Avoid overexerting yourself. It’s easy to get hurt if you push your body too hard at the gym or doing physical work.
- Don’t ignore warning signs in conflicts. If something’s about to escalate, step back instead of pushing it further.
- Stay away from power struggles. Competing too hard or trying to control others can just lead to frustration.
- Don’t act out of spite or revenge. You might feel like showing someone up, but it’s best to let that go- for now, at least.
- Try not to make major life decisions while fired up. Cool off before you make any calls that could impact your future.
Do During This Transit
- Channel your energy into physical activity: Go for a run, try a new workout, or tackle some chores. Moving your body helps burn off any extra tension.
- Stand up for yourself (wisely): This is a good time to assert your needs, just try not to come off too aggressive. Practice speaking your truth clearly.
- Face challenges head-on: If something’s been bugging you, deal with it. You’ll have extra courage now to handle things you’ve been avoiding.
- Work on self-discipline: Use that punchy Mars energy to set goals and stick to them, especially around fitness, habits, or personal projects.
- Set healthy boundaries: If someone’s been crossing the line or draining your energy, now’s the time to make those boundaries clear.
- Start a competition: Whether it’s sports, games, or just some friendly rivalry, turn up the competitive spirit in a positive way.
- Practice constructive conflict: If an argument pops up, see it as a chance to understand each other better. Try to listen as much as you talk.
- Tackle tough tasks you’ve put off: Use this burst of drive to finish something that usually requires a lot of energy or guts.
- Focus on self-improvement: Think about what fires you up and see how you can use it to improve yourself or your situation.
What’s interesting about this transit?
When Mars in the sky makes an exact opposition to your natal Mars, it’s not just about feeling fired up or having more energy. Old astrology books and texts, some dating back to the Medieval and Hellenistic eras, actually had some pretty interesting takes on this transit:
- Knights and Duels: Some ancient astrologers thought Mars opposite Mars signaled a time when disputes escalate quickly, especially between people of equal strength or power- think old-fashioned duels or competition between knights! It was considered one of the most likely times for literal or figurative “battle.”
- “Leaping Before Looking” Risk: There’s an old idea called the “reckless leap” associated with this aspect. People under this transit were said to be more likely to take a sudden risk without thinking, like crossing a river without checking the depth, just to prove their courage.
- Enemies Revealed: Some ancient Persian and Arabic astrologers wrote that Mars opposite Mars can “reveal the face of the hidden enemy.” That doesn’t have to mean you have a secret nemesis, but you might suddenly realize who (or what) is working against you in your life or within yourself.
- Danger to Metal Objects: Medieval sources literally mention accidents involving metal! Because Mars rules sharp things, blacksmiths, soldiers, even cooks were advised to use extra care. Old texts even warned of damaged swords or knives at this time.
- Test of the Warrior Spirit: There’s an obscure Renaissance idea that this transit “tests the steel of the soul”: you’re put into situations that push you to prove your bravery or stand up for yourself in a way you might not expect.
- Burnout and Exhaustion: An old-school (17th-century) medical astrology warning says that during this opposition, the “humours” might be over-heated, making headaches or fevers more likely, and that people should beware over-exertion and hot tempers!
Experiencing This Transit
When transiting Mars opposes your natal Mars, you might feel like everything’s coming at you fast. Your energy could spike, but it doesn’t always show up in a smooth way. It’s more of a push-pull feeling- part of you wants to charge ahead, and part of you feels like everyone else is pushing back just as hard. It’s a bit like driving with your foot on the gas and the brake at the same time.
Challenges during this transit
- Arguments and Conflict: You’re likely to get frustrated more easily, and others around you might, too. Simple conversations can flare up into heated debates or even full-on fights. This isn’t just random- people might test your boundaries or challenge your decisions.
- Accidents and Injuries: Impulsiveness is super common now. You might stub your toe because you’re moving too fast, or get a minor cut or scrape from not paying attention. Old advice about metal? Still good- watch out with sharp tools or even kitchen accidents.
- Bottled Up Anger: Sometimes, instead of blowing up, you hold it all inside. That can make you feel tense, restless, or just downright irritated at yourself or others without knowing why.
- Battling Old Habits: Stuff you thought you’d already dealt with- like competitiveness, jealousy, or short tempers- can show up again so you have to face them head-on.
- Physical Burnout: If you push yourself too hard because you feel “wired,” you might end up totally exhausted- or catch a cold from getting run down.
Opportunities during this transit
- Standing Up For Yourself: This is your chance to defend your ideas and boundaries. If you’re usually shy about speaking out, you might actually surprise yourself- and others- by saying what you really think.
- Channeling Energy Into Sports or Movement: Moving your body is a great way to burn off that extra Mars energy. Go for a run, try a new sport, or dance it out. It’ll help you clear your head and use your energy positively.
- Breaking Through Stalemates: If you’ve been stuck in a situation where nothing was budging- like negotiating a raise or confronting a roommate about chores- now the tension can finally push things to the next step. It’s not always comfortable, but it gets things out in the open.
- Learning Self-Control: Just because the energy’s high doesn’t mean you have to explode. Practicing patience or taking a time-out before reacting helps you build real self-mastery, like a tempered sword.
- Old Issues Surface For a Reason: If old anger or issues pop up, it’s not random- it’s a chance to face them honestly and move past them, so you’re not dragging them with you anymore.
- Discovering Unexpected Strength: When you’re challenged or put on the spot, you might find an inner strength or courage you didn’t realize you had. Sometimes this is the moment you finally say “enough is enough” and set things right in your life.
How the Sign of Transiting Mars Modifies This Transit Opposite to Natal Mars
Read the one for the current sign of transiting Mars.
- Transiting Mars in Aries: Everything feels extra fiery and urgent. Your energy’s high, but so are your chances of acting impulsively or starting pointless arguments.
- Transiting Mars in Taurus: Frustration might simmer till it explodes. You could be super stubborn during this transit, wanting things to go your way and not backing down easily.
- Transiting Mars in Gemini: Arguments might turn verbal. There’s a tendency to get into debates, say things quickly (sometimes too quickly), and get mentally restless.
- Transiting Mars in Cancer: Emotions are running the show. Defensiveness is high- you might react instinctively if you feel threatened or misunderstood.
- Transiting Mars in Leo: Drama, pride, and wanting to prove yourself become bigger themes. If someone challenges you, it can turn into a battle for respect or attention.
- Transiting Mars in Virgo: You could get irritated by all the little things. Nitpicking or getting overly worried about details can fuel conflicts, especially about routines or work.
- Transiting Mars in Libra: You might really try to keep the peace, but passive-aggressive stuff can slip out. Conflicts could center around fairness or feeling like you’re not being heard.
- Transiting Mars in Scorpio: Intensity goes up- old grudges or secrets might come to the surface. This transit can make you more strategic (or even vengeful) in conflicts.
- Transiting Mars in Sagittarius: You’ll want to win every debate and might push your opinions even harder. There’s restlessness and a need for more space or adventure.
- Transiting Mars in Capricorn: You could butt heads about ambitions, goals, or authority. Conflicts are often practical, and you’ll want to “win” with strategy, not just sheer force.
- Transiting Mars in Aquarius: Rebellion shows up. You might resist rules, crave more freedom, and find yourself clashing over ideas or group situations.
- Transiting Mars in Pisces: Passive-aggressive stuff is more likely. There’s also a chance for confusion in fights, and you might feel more drained, not sure what you’re really fighting for.