“I fearlessly and joyously surrender my life to spirit within, knowing it desires only the best for me.” ~ Ester Nicholson

Mars will begin its retrograde cycle on April 17 in the sign of Sagittarius. And, on May 27 it will dip its fiery toes back into the hot waters of Scorpio before it goes direct on Jun 29. Mars in Sagittarius is on a pioneering quest for focused action, higher truth, and spiritual attainment while in Scorpio it’s courageously diving into the realm of clear perception, the shadowy depths of all that is hidden, and our deepest desires.

Aries, the ruling sign of Mars, is the initiatory phase of the fire element, Leo is the culmination or height of fire’s expression, and Sagittarius is the upward soaring flames; the ideal outcome of that which was initiated. With Mars retrograde in Sagittarius, we strive to understand the initial expression and seed of our desire, along with the awareness and vision of its outcome. In doing so we are able to fully embrace the benefits of this period.

Mars, as a symbol of our identity and personality, is reflecting back on our ego needs to protect our vulnerabilities or perceived weaknesses and to clear away anything unresolved or come to terms with the truth of who we are as individuals in relationship to Life and all that is.

This period offers an opportunity to journey inward reflecting more deeply on our Divine Impulses and the true source of our souls call to unite with life and the spirit of our integrity. Our relationships will serve as the mirror reflecting the truth of our willful ways… of resentment, selfishness, frustration, anger, vengeance, or competition. This mirror reveals the inner depths of our soul’s call to soar to greater heights. It also shows us what action (a release or resolution) is necessary to take flight!

Notice if this is a time of inner/outer conflict, turmoil or stress and remember that times of stress are often times of growth. Self-realization and acceptance arise as we release denial and resistance. Times of adversity lead us to change. Adversity is by nature a threshold upon which we transform our lives. Whatsoever we find to be adverse is the portal to our greater evolution and becomes the key to determining the next action upon our Divine Impulse!

Impulses arise first through feeling, then through thoughts (reason), which are necessary to judge our feelings and it is through our reasoning power that we are moved to action (which can also be an inaction). May all our impulses be aligned with good, for it is human natures inclination to do good and be good, and thus, all impulses are Divine Impulses.  Is it happiness we seek or power? Seek to act in alignment with the needs of life and our soul’s evolution; in doing so, happiness will arise.

“Happiness comes, not by aimlessly thinking about it, but by living in all the moods and actions of life.” ~ Paramahansa Yogananda