Love Letters from Mars in Cancer
To the Rising Signs
Astrum Opus invites you aboard the Love Boat, setting sail through the intuitive waters of Cancer. More than a romantic voyage, with Mars in the mix, it’s more like navigating the depths in a military submarine. To keep things playful, we’ve sent a message in a bottle—personal love letters from Mars’s epic adventure through the sign of the Crab, tailored for each rising sign. We hope you enjoy the ride! – The AO Team
First, the Facts!
We’re already getting a taste of what Mars may offer, having taken a bold dive into Cancer on September 4. Ruler of tropical Aries and solid Scorpio, Mars is not only familiar with the Sun and Moon’s sign modalities but also with their respective elements, Fire and Water. Teaching us new and laser-efficient ways of examining, strategizing, competing, fighting, defending, and asserting ourselves, Mars expects us to get involved and make a significant effort.
Now, with Ares as our travel guide taking us to explore uncharted territory, let's take a closer look at his itinerary, including a retrograde that will have Mars swimming for five-plus months.
Most notably, Mars and powerhouse Pluto will clash three times. The first encounter by opposition is set for November 3 at 29°45’ Cancer, while Pluto, still in Capricorn, is getting ready to make his final entrance into Aquarius on November 19. Mars folds up his swimming gear and leaves Cancer for Leo that same day, gradually slowing down to make a U-turn on December 6 at 6°10’ Leo.
As Ares retraces his steps, he’ll lock horns with Pluto again at 1°08’ Leo on January 2, only to reverse back into Cancer on January 6 for an extended stay. This is where Mars takes us on a deep dive into our emotions, home life, and inner world, guiding us down memory lane to reexamine past choices and make way for fresh beginnings.
Inspired by a serious whole sign trine to Saturn in Pisces, Mars will persevere for 101 days, ensuring no seashell is left unturned before moving on.
As the final touch to his epic journey, Mars will have one last standoff with the God of the Underworld, Pluto, at 3°48’ Leo on April 26, signaling his mission is complete. Leaving behind a trail of renewal and transformation, Mars finally exits the shadow period on May 2.
Dates for the Mars Cycle in Cancer/Leo
Sep 4, 2024 00°00’ Cancer: Ingress into Cancer
Oct 4, 2024 17°00’ Cancer: Enters shadow period
Dec 6, 2024 06°10’ Leo: Retrograde Station
Feb 24, 2025 17°00’ Cancer: Direct Station
Apr 18, 2025 00°00’ Leo: Ingress into Leo
May 2, 2025 6°11’ Leo: Leaves shadow period
Mars and the Eclipse Season
Let’s not forget the eclipses that will pop up during Mars’s grand tour! This is essential because Mars will be staying in the homes of both Sol and Luna, shaking up their daily routines in the process. The lunar eclipses, in particular, will be infused with a fiery, spicy intensity.
September 18, 2024: Lunar eclipse at 25°40’ Pisces. Mars makes a sign-based trine from 7°47’ Cancer.
October 2, 2024: Solar eclipse at 10°03’ Libra. Mars makes a whole-sign superior square from 15°46’ Cancer.
March 14, 2025: Lunar eclipse at 23°56’ Virgo. Mars makes a sign-based sextile from 18°53’ Cancer.
March 29, 2025: Solar eclipse at 9°00’ Aries. Mars makes a whole-sign inferior square from 22° Cancer.
Mars will be cruising in a direct motion during all four eclipses, emphasizing his commitment to the future. Your future!
When you cut into the present the future leaks out. - William S. Burroughs (Retrograde Mars in Cancer)
OUR LOVE LETTERS FROM MARS
Dearest Aries Warrior,
As your domicile ruler, I know you depend on me to assert my strength and vigor on your behalf, courageously unsheathing my manly sword at will. Without question, I’d rather be at your side motivating and protecting your headstrong ways, but you should know that I’ve recently fallen on hard times.
Be patient with me now, Ares! Buried with those pesky Crabs in the salty sands of your fourth house, I’m limited to bowing to the Moon’s sensitive needs, protecting your inner sanctum and the lives of those you love.
Loath to assert direct action, I’m more apt to lean laterally with only two measly front claws to help protect your home, family, and private feelings. Let’s avoid side-swiping perceived predators, especially when I start crabbing backward in Cancer (after a brief charge in Leo). Instead, may I offer the powerful option of shedding the shells of false pride and falling, at last, into the heart’s ocean of belonging.
These next two and a half months will expose the soft underbelly of your being. Dare to reveal your vulnerability when I oppose Pluto three times, once in November, again in January, and lastly in April. Remember, strong one, retreating from tidal waves is a worthy battle plan when the outside world is too much to navigate.
Old memories and stories are apt to surface during my extended stay in Cancer—a call to heal deeply-rooted wounds. Your vulnerability is your strength now, especially when you are willing to fight, albeit tenderly, for what you want and need most.
Love from your dull crab cracker,
Mars
Woa Wooly Bully Taurus Rising,
I love how your persistent stubbornness meets the emotional waves of Cancer’s third house, the Joy of the Moon. How do you do it? Do you let the current take you instead of paddling hard to change your circumstances? Do you bake cookies for your neighbors, even the pesky ones, knowing it opens doors of opportunity? I bet you do.
The fates suggest I have much to learn from your indulgent tenacity, steadfastly grazing while I stomp around like a mad cow forward and backward through your surroundings. Between now and the end of April, I’ll strive to quiet my shrill battle cry so you can use your earthy talents to be a voice for the voiceless.
Though you’re no stranger to working hard, I suspect my subtle and not-so-subtle drive will supercharge your desire to broadcast your strident belief systems via heartfelt communication, research, writing, and even a bit of door-to-door canvasing for the elections nearest you. Your confidence to swim long-distance may ebb and flow, but if you keep bringing your nurturing ways to what you care most about, you’ll be just fine.
Once I raise my water-logged sword to oppose Pluto three times, you may uncover structural beliefs that no longer align with your core values. Now is the time to deal with incongruent actions and inhibitions that separate the head and the heart. Fortunately, when I dip into your Leo fourth house for a two-month reprieve, you can pound your chest and lick your wounds in the privacy of our own home. Self-preservation is mandatory.
In Awe of You,
Mars-e
Dear Gemini Rising Twinzies,
Oh, how I wish I had two swords to loan you while I spend time in your second house of values, priorities, talents, resources, and self-nurturance. But I don’t. One of my trusty blades has fallen into deep waters, leaving us more vulnerable to fluctuating emotional needs and desires in your Cancer house.
Nevertheless, allow me to offer a somewhat dull knife that is still good enough to crack open a sumptuous cooked crab--a bounty of ocean delight. Please enjoy the delicate white meat dipped in lemon butter. A few more calories won’t kill ya.
So many delicacies, so much time, I know. But don’t be surprised if your emotions, more than your clever thoughts, dictate your actions when negotiating financial matters. And beware of overspending. Once I tread backward from January through mid-April, you may wind up with a classic case of buyer’s remorse. Consider using my drive for nurturing and protection to create a budget that keeps you in calmer waters.
Even a mutable person like yourself may struggle to bob up and down with my indirect, moody emotions. I implore you not to get overly attached to expectations, or my time in Cancer may have you running for the cookie jar when your desires are thwarted. A sugar balm for a wrought moment.
Listen to your gut, dear Gemini, and use your goddess-given talents to develop new skills, communicate your priorities, and negotiate win-win contracts. Remember, my covert foe, Pluto, will oppose me from your eighth house in November, January, and April. Your ability to bridge between this and that will be tested. How about you and I use willpower to strike an intriguing balance between your financial needs and others?
Piece Out,
Mars
Dear Watery Cancer Rising,
I didn’t show up to drift along with the tide. Since I cannonballed into your first house on September 4th, I’ve been tearing up that soft “live, laugh, love” mat at your front door. No more letting the waves carry you where they will—it’s time to seize the current and swim purposefully.
You might be the crab, but I’m not here to let you hide in your shell. It’s time to feel every ripple in your emotional waters and use them to fuel your actions. Passive aggression? Let’s turn that into an art form—direct, bold, and unapologetic. Your feelings are a force of nature, and I’m here to help you channel that into real, assertive action. Protect your boundaries like the armored chariot you are, but do it with intention, not fear.
When I shift into Leo, your second house of inner and outer resources, I’ll push you to fight for your worth and stake your claim. No more second-guessing yourself—it's time to see what treasures the tide has left for you and own them. But before we bask at the bank, I’ll pull you back into Cancer during my retrograde phase, where we will dive deep, overturning every net and untangling emotional knots you’ve been avoiding.
And Pluto? He’s coming in like a storm, and we’ll clash three times. It’ll be intense, but by the end of it, you’ll have shed your old shell and emerged stronger and sharper. This isn’t about being swept away by emotion—it’s about riding the waves and surfing your course.
When I’m done, you’ll know what it means to survive a riptide, your heart anchored, and your eyes on the horizon.
Let’s get to work,
Your Gritty Pearl
Dearest Leo Roarsing,
Let’s cut to the climax—I know you’re used to being front and center, but right now, I’m backstage in your hidden twelfth house. In Cancer, I’m working behind the scenes, stirring up the hidden, the unspoken, the emotional undercurrents that even you, in all your fiery glory, might not always acknowledge.
I get it, Leo. You live to shine, but first, we’ve got some soul-level housekeeping to do. I’m loaning you my courage and confidence, albeit wavering at times, to guide you through your inner ocean—those places where old memories, fears, and doubts still lurk. In my not-so-humble opinion, you can’t lead others effectively if you don’t know how to lead yourself. So, allow me to push you to confront what’s sunken, clearing the way for my grand entrance into your first house (November 3 - January 6 and April 18 - June 17).
And when I do enter your first house? Everything changes. My presence in Leo means you’ll feel the heat of the spotlight and the drive to step up and take charge. If you do your inner work, you’ll own the stage like never before, unapologetically taking space. The audience awaits your stellar performance, dear Lion. Will you be ready to play your big part?
But let’s not swim forward too quickly here. I am slower in Cancer, after all. I’ll pull you back via retrograde between Leo engagements taking us behind the curtain again, where we’ll revisit those deeper emotional layers. It might not be glamorous, but it’s necessary. You’ll come out of this knowing yourself inside and out, stronger for having faced what’s beneath the surface.
And then there’s Pluto. We’ll face him together three times, and each time you’ll grow stronger, tougher, and more prepared for what’s next. This isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving and shining even brighter.
Let’s ignite this,
Red
Dearest Virgo, Ready to Rise,
Let’s not pretend I’ve been subtle since crashing into Cancer and your eleventh house. Your social life, your vision for the future—none of it’s untouched. I’m stirring the cauldron, pushing you to step out of the background. No more analyzing from the sidelines. It’s time to assert your purpose, stand your ground within your community, and discern who are your true allies.
I suspect living into your truth will be significantly impacted when I shift into Leo, dragging all that hidden stuff from your twelfth house into the light to be healed. Fire doesn’t let anything stay hidden for long, and I’m happy to help you face your shadow with courage. You know what I mean—those old patterns, the ones that keep you from genuinely contributing your gifts. Yeah, it’s time to release those emotional complexes.
In the process, you might feel your drive flicker, like you’re losing steam. That’s the sublimation point. You’ve got to sit with what comes up, even when it’s uncomfortable. This isn’t about rushing ahead—it’s about letting the deep work happen.
And Pluto? He’s in the background, challenging every step, stripping away the old structures and routines you’ve built in your sixth house of obligation and well-being. When we clash, it’ll be intense but necessary. It’s prime time to uncover your true wealth to perfect your need for solitude and self-care with service to others.
Remember, I’ll backtrack into Cancer from January 6 - February 23. Let’s use that time to cut through any vestiges of self-transgression that keep you from giving and receiving freely. Once I move forward again and revisit Leo, I hope you’ll have a clear sense of what it means to nurture both yourself and your community.
I’m not here to let you play small, Virgo. Get ready to rise.
Your Precise Blade
Dear Libra Rising,
I know you have a “maximum results with minimal effort” lifestyle. But let’s do something else you value so much; let’s be entirely fair. You understand that nothing changes unless you change it, don’t you? Luckily, I'm stopping by your 10th house to spice things up. Trust me, follow my lead (I know I’m not the most reputable person, but stay with me.)
You’re all about good vibes and pleasure, so I’m about to hit you with an uncomfortable question: “How much joy are you really getting from your job right now?” If I had to guess, your answer is, “Not nearly enough.” That’s where I come in. It’s time to swap out that trendy necklace for some hard-earned sweat pearls. Grab this metaphorical knife, and let's start slicing through the layers of boredom at work. “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy!” I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to help you cut ties with that coworker who makes you want to bang your head on the desk. Also, those mind-numbing responsibilities that are dragging you down? Snip, snip! You can thank me later.
Since I know you’re not the type to sprint toward change, I decided to stick around for the long haul. After a first assessment, I’m moving into your 11th house of Leo to search for some real ride-or-die allies who can help you in this grand work-life revolution. Then, we’ll head back to the 10th with a bag full of fresh ideas.
Did I tell you we’re meeting up with Pluto? He’s lurking around your 5th house cusp, supervising and making sure tensions don’t bubble over into a full-blown soap opera. Fun is a serious business! Together, we’re here to breathe new life into your social circle and inject creativity into your career. Let’s enjoy the ride!
Snipper-dee-snip,
Your partner in crime, Mars
Dear Scorpio Rising,
Obviously, this whole adventure I’m taking you on is your VIP experience. For you, who knows me like the back of your hand, I will do my very best. In the Moon’s sign, your relationship with the divine has known a lot of highs, some loop-de-loops, and the occasional plunge into an existential crisis. So, I’m here to cut to the chase and get to the heart of your beliefs because what’s the point in believing if you’re not going to walk your talk?
You know that brutal honesty is my specialty. Well, it’s time for some spiritual spring cleaning, and I’m about to go in full DIY mode and do some serious redecorating in your 9th house of higher learning. Before we ascend to those philosophical heights, I’m going to ask you to do a little heavy lifting and spend time with the hard questions. Are you really living your beliefs? Does the term “spiritual bypassing” sound familiar? And, more importantly, do you truly know what you believe?
If you're stuck cramming for some course that bores you to tears, I’ll fix that for you. I prefer hands-on learning because wisdom doesn’t come from textbooks. You’ve got to roll up your sleeves and live it!
Pluto will help us tackle this to prepare you to withstand the fiery test of your career choices. Let’s get to work!
Fist bump,
Marsie Kondo
Dear Sagittarius Rising,
Surfing through your 8th house, I’m probably poking at a part of you that’s a bit unfamiliar. Can you feel it? A slight tingle of anxiety? Maybe a cold, awkward sweat? Don’t worry; I’m not here to mess with you. My mission is to toughen you up. After all, learning and gaining wisdom and self-confidence are admirable goals in your personal self-help bestseller.
Let’s talk about your candidness and how you always let people in. While I’m over here, side-eyeing everyone and checking for hidden agendas, you keep your arms wide open. Can I please sprinkle a bit of healthy suspicion in your life? Maybe you’ve got some social contracts that might need a little editing. Some folks are not worth your energy. Let my buddy Pluto be your private investigator, uncovering truths you might not want to hear. Your generosity is certainly commendable, but not everyone is ready to bask in its glow.
Because I know you love to travel, why don’t we turn this journey into a scenic cruise? We’ll glide into your 9th house and sip something refreshing while tweaking your fixed philosophical framework. How can we get rid of outdated beliefs? Let me walk you through it, step by step, before sorting out your 8th house commitments for good.
My gregarious friend, by the time I’m done with you, your new social contracts will be worth their weight in gold. You’ll be able to spot the difference between someone who truly nourishes your soul and someone who’s just here to empty your fridge.
Ready to roll,
Marzy
Dear Cap Climber,
You’ve always kept your eyes on the summit, one steady, disciplined, hairy hoof after the next. Well, pardon me for dousing your reverie with a swoosh of cold salt water to the face, but my thrashing crabby claws in your seventh house of marriage and partnership will be a startling reminder that no climb is ever achieved solo. About face soldier! It's time to see who you’re climbing with.
Apathy has a funny way in Cancer. The quiet urge to retreat into safety and let things coast. Well, I’m here to disrupt the status quo. Whether it’s the emotional currents in your closest partnerships or a quiet dissatisfaction, it’s time to fight your way into deeper intimacy or swim free of the tepid, boggy waters that keep your heart adrift.
Once I pivot into your eighth house, Leo, you might feel the tug-of-war inherent in the drama of vulnerability and strength regarding shared resources, power, and trust. When I face off with Pluto, three times, be wary of sneaky manipulations and hidden assets. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill or vice versa.
Eventually, we'll be toppling backward for a repeat skirmish at sea. Watery passions threaten to make or break at the shore of your most profound bonds. Once again, you or your partners need to peel back the crusty layers of what it means to be a "we" and beg the question, "Is it worth going on like this?"
Your goaty lusts and love for the sanctity of family and convention could rouse a sexy resolution that enlivens you and your nearest and dearest, but only after a thorough irrigation. Once the stagnation has been flushed, feel free to proceed to the top.
The Hard-shelled Coach,
Mars
Dear Aquarian Distant Lover,
Crabbing sideways into your sixth house of work and daily routines, I’ve no qualms separating your head from the clouds. Listen up, visionary; the grind needs to feel you. I know it’s not your favorite place to be, but I thrive here, and it will be my joy to tear you away from stale repetition. If you feel detached from meaning and purpose, I’m here to clip the ties that bind you.
Let's shine your dulling spark with uncharacteristic emotionality. “One - more - time - with feeling!” as the refrain goes. This is not a job of solemn observation from 10,000 feet. Sacrifice your cool veneer and admit to necessary emotional desires. Chop wood, carry water, and show us how much you really want what you want!
As I claw my way into your seventh house, bold as a lion, a royal palace of partnership gleams in promise and throwing heat. The flames around your closest bonds begin to singe your comfortable detachment. New-found yearnings continue to show up, even in the face of competition. Whether it’s romantic partnerships, business allies, or close connections, I’m upping the intensity.
My final swim through Cancer will have you circling back to your routines with new eyes. What have you been building in your daily life? Are these routines serving you, or have they become burdens you’re carrying out of habit? This isn’t just about productivity—it’s about creating a life that supports eccentric luxury. I’ll push you deeper to break through the indifference in your work chores.
To do so, let’s face the tensions simmering beneath the surface. How do you know the difference between service and sacrifice? What internal battles have you been avoiding? With Pluto opposing from the twelfth house three times, this is your moment to step into a more empowered way of living. This arena of mastery is not about winning but finding cooperation and connection.
One thing’s for sure—I’m not here to let you go through the motions. I’m here to make sure you engage.
Let’s get to work,
The Emotional Swordsman
Hello Pisces Rising,
Swim, little fishy, swim if you can. If I catch you in my claw, I’ll turn you into jam. Nothing’s more delicious than a fishy quite propitious, and imagination isn’t your only talent.
Cozy in your dreams but hidden by the crust of sleep, I’m here to rouse you, wake you, and strike fear into your wanderlust heart. Childlike wonder is all well and good, but you seem to need some goading from my barnacled claws. Don’t just float there; make something! I’ve brought my urgency to your fifth house of creativity and je ne sais quoi. No more sad-soaked lost soul nonsense; you have a rainbow to express and the time for you has come to penetrate the world with your light.
I’m sure you like the sound of that but that doesn’t mean go fill a bathtub in the fields of your emotional longing. It means you’ve been challenged to a duel of doing, and I’ve got a real hot ticket for you to ride. After Cancer, I strut into your Leo sixth house of work and daily routines, and guess what, scaly one? It's time to work! Take those sketchbooks and fantasies and do something every liver-loving day. Make it your medicine.
And just to be sure you don’t let moss grow over your castles of cleverness, I’ll be heading back to your fifth house art studio for an inspection and review. And Pluto, the Lord of the Underworld, will push to uncover your hidden treasures in January, November, and April. There’s no time to let the dust settle on this ship, dear Pisces. The good times require your total commitment, your enthusiasm, your attention, and bold action.
Your Swashbuckling Sea Captain of Imagination and Get-er-done!
LOL! (many times). Enjoyed every rising sign roll out, so spot on yet pure fun.
Epic!