Mars, astrological planet of energy, passion, obstacles and war, is still retrograde and also very close to aphelion. When a planet is at aphelion it moves more slowly than normal. This makes its essence more pronounced, though it is more internalized because it is retrograde. On March 3, 2012, the Earth will pass between the Sun and Mars, bringing Mars to exact opposition with the Sun, further intensifying the essence of Mars. Continue reading →