Mars Enters Leo: Be the Hero You Want to See in the World

On Thursday night, April 17-18, Mars, the planet of will, drive, courage, and action, goes into fiery Leo. Leo is ruled by the Sun, and has to do with being the brightest star in the room.

Being the brightest star in the room can speak to the ego's need to dominate, pushing others out.

But it can also awaken the need to shine our light unapologetically, sharing what we have and who we are so it may be a benefit to others.

Both options are available, and it is up to us to choose how to embody these energies.

Mars is the Warrior Planet

Mars is about kinetic energy--energy in motion--but it's also about the source of that energy: our will, drive, and ability to act decisively.

If we can't move, we feel restless, stifled, or trapped. Mars has the power to bring about change through our actions and our ability to consciously activate movement in our physical bodies.

When Mars is channeled positively, it shows up as the warrior who fights for what they believe in and care about. It arouses action to defend and protect what matters most.

When Mars expresses more negatively, it can bring the energy of using power to control others through cruelty, violence, or bullying.

Mars in Cancer: Action that Honors Needs

Mars in Cancer September 4 - November 3, 2024, January 5 - April 17, 2025

Mars has been in Cancer since September 4, 2025. That is, except for about two months when it was in Leo before it went retrograde (backward through the zodiac) back into Cancer.

Mars in Cancer symbolizes the need to move, act, and react based on emotions. Cancer brings a nurturing instinct, and with Mars in Cancer, the impulse to defend and protect the vulnerable drives us to take action and risks to resist attack or preserve something of value.

Mars in Cancer also brings about irrational actions based on primal instinct or fear. Think of Cancer as the crab, with its hard shell and sharp claws. It needs to defend and protect its soft inside parts.

Mars in Leo: Time to Be a Hero

Mars in Leo November 3, 2024 - January 5, 2025, April 18 - June 17, 2025

Unlike Mars in Cancer, which takes action to hide or protect something from the light of day, Mars in Leo thrives on expressing something outwardly, the way the Sun shines at the center of the solar system.

Rather than retreating to the safety of the familiar comfort zone, Mars in Leo is ready to come into the light of day and be seen.

When Mars is in Leo, some will be more emboldened to take decisive action, disregard constraints, and cross lines to try to grab what they want, even if that is to be the all-powerful ruler and monarch, not just the center of attention but the center of the universe.

However, unbridled overreach is counterbalanced by the other side of Mars in Leo: courageous action that leads to empowerment. Mars in Leo is the energetic matrix that creates everyday heroes willing to take personal risks to bring attention to important issues.

The 3 Mars-Pluto Oppositions: Revelations of Change

3 Exact Oppositions: November 3, 2024, January 2, 2025, and April 26, 2025

Every two years, Mars goes retrograde. During its recent retrograde period from December 6, 2024, to February 23, 2025, Mars slowed down to form three exact oppositions to Pluto.

Any aspect between Mars and Pluto has the potential to be explosive (Mars is decisive movement of energy, while Pluto is nuclear-level power and truths), and the opposition reveals something about what needs to change at profound levels. It is confrontational energy that reveals (or threatens to reveal) deep or hidden truths.

Pluto in Aquarius brings awareness to hidden truths related to advanced technologies and unconventional thinking. It also transforms ideas about freedom and equality, and empowers revolutionary thinking and rebellion against the status quo.

On November 3, 2024, the first exact opposition occurred with Mars in Cancer and Pluto in Capricorn. This opposition coincided with the United States presidential election, which shocked many and raised the possibility of radical change to the old Capricorn systems of government and institutional practices. It raised emotions individually and collectively that ranged from fear and despondency to joyful celebration that embraced the prospect of change.

On January 2, 2025, the second exact opposition occurred with Mars retrograde (in a review period) in Leo and Pluto in Aquarius. Because Mars was retrograde, actions and bold moves took place internally for individuals and groups, but they were not ready to move outward. Many were waiting to see what the future would bring as alliances formed and strategies developed.

The third opposition is exact on April 26, 2025, with Mars direct in Leo and Pluto in Aquarius. Mars is now direct in Leo. Actions will be (and already are) much bolder and clearer than the events of the past two oppositions.

It is already evident that we are leaving behind the world of the past. But it is not yet apparent what the future world will look like.

We are the heroes who will shape this future, and rather than being intimidated by such a daunting task, it is time to embrace this important moment to step into authenticity, courage, and decisions to shine your light in the world. What does that look like for you?

Where is Mars in Your Chart?

Mars is entering Leo and will oppose Pluto at three degrees Leo on April 26th, 2025. Where does this fall in your chart?

1st House: Opportunities to step into new identities and take on leadership roles.

2nd House: Taking action to secure values and possessions, focusing on land and resources.

3rd House: Finding the courage to protect and share information, educate yourself, or communicate in new ways.

4th House: Taking risks to protect families, family members, homeland, or group identities.

5th House: Advocating courageously for the arts, individual voices, and expression.

6th House: Outwardly seeking opportunities to be of service, such as in technical or support roles that honor freedom of expression and individuality.

7th House: Finding courage to speak up for the value of relationships, balance between the sexes, and the freedom to love who one loves.

8th House: Defending and protecting truth, carrying out hidden missions, and valuing individual pathways to transformation.

9th House: Advocating courageously for travel, higher education, journalism, or freedom of religion.

10th House: Finding courage to be seen in your career, stepping into leadership roles and responsibilities.

11th House: Working toward causes that focus on the future and solve problems through innovation and new thinking.

12th House: Stepping out to be seen in one's intuitive abilities, as an energy healer, or as an advocate for compassion.

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