Mars took large strides through the last degree of Leo, squaring Ceres and opposing Jupiter from 29 degrees of the sign of the lion. In the anaretic degree of a Fire sign, Mars was intent on stoking up controversy on the collective and personal levels.

But on 29 July, the Cosmic Warrior has to take off his combat boots and wear protective slippers as he tiptoes through fastidious Virgo. In general, Mars isn’t too thrilled to be in Virgo, as he prefers bold strokes to delicate precision. Still, there’s an upside – for us, if not for Mars – in that he can help us to focus our energies while at the same time multitasking. It’s not ideal for major undertakings, but very good for cleaning up, clearing out, and getting ready to take on the last part of 2021.

Mars won’t make too many major aspects while in the sign, which will help him (us) to stay focused. However, the aspects he does make are quite powerful and will spark up Virgo season this year. One relevant image might be of someone absorbed in the delicate work of rewiring a lamp – only to glance over and see that it’s still plugged in. Try to use the surprises that emerge constructively, bending around obstacles rather than pushing through.

Mars’ first major aspect will be a square to partnership asteroid Juno on August 12th. For those in relationships, this aspect could indicate a degree of conflict around sexuality. Much or all of that conflict is likely to be felt within, although it’s always possible to project it onto partners. Juno in Sagittarius is ‘all in’ on committed relationships, while Mars in Virgo is more hesitant and wants to understand the situation before acting. For single folks, there could be doubts if you think that passion and commitment are implying each other. As we’re approaching the first quarter moon in Scorpio, there may be a tendency to resolve inner tensions with action.

Mars next meets with his Virgoan host, Mercury, on the 18th. With a Sun/Jupiter opposition and a Uranus station to retrograde just a day away, we can expect that communication and actions will both be fast, powerful… and subject to revision. In fact, it may take until Mercury and Mars trine Uranus on the 20th and 21st to get our wires uncrossed. From the 18th through the 21st, look for brilliant new ideas to emerge, and expect that they will be implemented quickly. With the second Aquarius full moon (at 29 degrees and 37 minutes) of the season on the 22nd, it’s all systems go through the third week in August. It’s an amazing opportunity period, if you can keep up with the rapid changes.

We enter a more Neptunian phase in the last week in August, as Mercury forms oppositions to Neptune and Pallas Athene while the latter two meet in Pisces. There’s a strong urge to speak the truth, but perhaps a lack of clarity about what that is. A good story might trump facts, and it could be too easy to bend data to fit an ideal. On the other hand, some people will be willing to risk everything in order to expose injustices or open up skeleton-filled closets. On September 1st and 2nd, Mars steps in to make the oppositions, adding action to words. What was discussed in late August can be acted upon as September begins.

For the next two weeks, Mars treads carefully through the last degrees of Virgo. He helps us to prepare for the Virgo new moon, which is on the 6th of September, and is always a time to consider what has been and still needs to be accomplished this year. With the new moon closely trine to Uranus, once again we find that innovation and change happen unexpectedly, so stay flexible.

As Mars enters Libra on September 14th, the Sun is just past an opposition to Neptune, potentially creating conflicts based unrealistic expectations and assumptions. Mars takes off his spectacles and, looking up to see the conflict underway, finds himself in the uncomfortable role of diplomat.