Mars Ingress – Let’s Have Some Fun!

The month of July will include two ingress changes: Mars leaving Cancer and entering Leo and Venus leaving Cancer and entering Leo. Ingress results in a change in tone and meaning for a point, which is an energy shift designed to promote and continue growth, as well as change, on a regular and ongoing basis.  Each point moves at a different speed, so the ingress for Mercury, which is faster than Mars, happens more frequently and is part of a recurring cycle in which every point eventually “returns” to the same degree as part of its elliptical cycle around the Sun.  This article will look at Mars ingress from Cancer to Leo.

Changing the Tone, Changing the Meaning

On July 2 at 7:20 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) Mars will leave Cancer and enter Leo.  Mars is the point associated with our desire, passion, aggression, and action.  In Cancer the “tone” is tied to how we feel about ourselves and our family; we all feel a bit more defensive emotionally, especially where we feel vulnerable.  It started out in Cancer on May 16 and did not go retrograde, so its movement through this sign was its usual approximate 1 ½ month time frame.

In Leo, Mars, a fire point finds itself in the creative and performing fire energy that rules the Sun, and the masculine divine.  As the point of masculinity, this journey through the sign of the father can be very energizing, energetically speaking.  In Leo, the focus is on who we need to lead, what actions we need to take, and how we need to show “off” our abilities through excellent and high-level performance.  Including retrograde motion, Mars takes roughly two years to return to a degree as it makes its way around the chart.  When I was born, my Mars was at 11 degrees 47 minutes (11d47m) of Taurus and every other year Mars will “return” to my natal degree and “trigger” that point in some profound way for me.

Mars in Leo

After Cancer “feeling and emotions”, the move into Leo can put us in an extroverted and competitive mode.  The symbol of the lion is telling; the powerful body, dramatic mane, and thunderous roar all indicate a commanding presence as the peak of the animal food chain.  Leo energy is playful, creative, and rambunctious, and the Mars point is about taking action and asserting oneself; so, this combination is outstanding.  I often think of Mars in Leo, at its best, as the idea of the peak performer, whether an athlete, actor/actress, or politician.  All eyes are on them and they are “in the zone”.   For the period between July 2 and August 17, it is a powerful time shine and have some fun.

As with any material I write about regarding astrology, it is most useful if you know your own chart.  In my case, Leo rules my 10^th House of Prosperity (Career) and will have the strongest impact on my business.  I have Jupiter in this area of my chart, which is a fortunate placement.  Jupiter was retrograde when I was born, so its energy is muted somewhat.  I am what you would call a “situational extrovert”.  When working, especially in public settings doing readings for people at events, I am extremely extroverted.  But once the event is over, I leave for home immediately.

The period from July 2 to August 17 will have me “amped” up even more and will be a great time to promote my business and really “put myself out there”.  The last time Mars was in Leo I did one of my regular local events and had nearly my best weekend, business-wise, at the show, which I have been doing since 2007.

Generally speaking, Mars in Leo is about the assertion of creativity and the self, making it one of the most “selfish” placements for Mars, which suits Mars just fine.  For this reason, it can be a wise idea to plan some downtime between activities; otherwise, you can easily burn out and up with this energy combination.  One of the best opportunities that can appear during this period would be the chance to take center stage and “knock one out of the park”.  It’s also a great time to take a vacation and really turn loose and enjoy yourself.  If you have earned “it”, then take advantage.  But be careful not to think some fun is owed to you under this transit; otherwise, you might find yourself with some nasty debt when Mars enters Virgo.

Mars in Leo and Its Rulerships

Leo, as the ruler of the 5^th House, has an odd combination of human activity that it rules.  Said to be the sign of the father or, in more modern parlance, the sign of the leader of the household, Leo rules over the creative and worldly guidance of children.  Children learn mostly through play and it is fairly common for the primary breadwinner, still most often the father, to be the “playful” parent who engages the children during “not work” time to teach them about life “out in the world”.  Leo also rules love affairs and play”mates”, strutting about to be attractive to potential “mates” who could possibly become long-term partners.  This energy is also tied to the performing arts: acting, music, and art.  Hello everyone, look at me shine!

Lastly, the transition from Mars in Cancer to Mars in Leo can feel like climbing out of a pool or lake into a blazing hot sun.  Cancer energy with Mars enjoys protecting the home and one’s emotions, while Leo energy with Mars enjoys a good party.  The last time Mars was in Leo was between July 20, 2017, to September 5, 2017.  It was absolutely the most lucrative time of the year for my business.  I was able to put a fair amount in savings and expand my contact list significantly.  I hope to take advantage again this year.