From September 4th to November 3rd, Mars — the planet of action, vitality, and motivation — crawls through emotionally protective Cancer. This cardinal water sign’s crustacean mascot offers clues to Cancer’s temperament: Its hard shell conceals a soft belly. When the warrior planet enters this moody sign, it becomes concerned with donning its favorite armor and shoring up its fortresses.

At its best, this placement is brave and direct about revealing — and fighting for — the truths in its heart. Courage and compassion go claw in claw. But at its worst, Mars in Cancer avoids vulnerability in favor of pouting, throwing tantrums, or getting passive-aggressive. If you find yourself stewing over resentments or irritations and then lashing out, practice identifying the genuine needs beneath the angst. Softening your defenses and gently tending to what hurts will, paradoxically, reconnect you to your power — and activate your ability to scuttle after your desires with greater confidence.

From July 20th to September 4th, Mars — the planet of action and drive — moves through chatty, flexible, and inquisitive Gemini. During this time, we get a little more oomph to follow through on our intentions and inspirations. That being said, Mars in Gemini can run hot, and it can stir up urges to jump into social media dumpster fires, to debate for debate’s sake, and to insist on having the last word.

Communication can build bridges of understanding — or it can devolve into an empty echo chamber of anger. Over the next few weeks, our job is to spot the difference. When we do, Mars in Gemini reminds us just how powerful our words and ideas can be — not as abstractions or virtue signals, but as tangible tools to help us solve problems and create something new.

From April 30th to June 8th, Mars zooms through Aries. The planet of action is at home in this fire sign. It’s daring, fast, and ready to go — with or without the green light. Here, Mars is all about an “act now, think later” attitude. For the next few weeks, you’re invited to stoke your own flames, get a bit bolder and braver, and be your own biggest hype person. That being said, if you feel an urge to win at all costs, check it at the door. It helps to clarify the whys behind your choices, and extra reflection time will allow you to cool off as needed. No matter what, Mars in Aries reminds us that we’re active participants in our own lives. If decisiveness unnerves you, great — try it out anyway. Live a little.