♂ Retrograde dates
Mars retrograde 2026 & 2027
Mars is direct today. Next retrograde: January 10, 2027 in Virgo.
Mars retrograde dates
Station dates are calculated from planetary positions and shown in UTC. A planet “stations” when it appears to stop before changing direction.
| Starts | Ends | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Virgo | Leo | 81 |
| Libra | Virgo | 80 |
What Mars retrograde means
Mars retrogrades are long and infrequent, so they stand out as a stretch of slower, more deliberate effort. In astrology Mars is linked with drive, anger, motivation and how you take action, so a retrograde is read as a stretch for reviewing those areas rather than pushing ahead. It happens about every two years, for around two months.
A practical approach: Pace yourself, finish what is half done and watch for impatience: forcing a push tends to cost more energy than it returns.
Astrology is for reflection and entertainment, not a prediction of events.
Mars retrograde: questions
Is Mars retrograde right now?
No. Mars is moving direct today. Its next retrograde begins on January 10, 2027 in Virgo.
When is the next Mars retrograde?
The next Mars retrograde starts on January 10, 2027 in Virgo and ends on April 1, 2027 in Leo, about 81 days later.
How often does Mars go retrograde?
Mars goes retrograde about every two years, for around two months.
How long does Mars retrograde last?
Over the windows listed on this page it lasts about 81 days on average, counted from the retrograde station to the direct station.
Does Mars really move backwards?
No. Retrograde motion is an optical effect: as Earth overtakes or is overtaken by Mars in its orbit, Mars appears to slow, stop and drift backwards against the stars for a while before moving forward again.
Other retrogrades
Which planets were retrograde when you were born?
See my birth chartAstrology is offered for reflection and entertainment. It is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, financial or psychological advice.