When Mars transits through Cancer on September 4th, 2024 until November 4th, 2024, and we have an intense desire to protect and preserve. During this cycle, Mars will retrograde back into Cancer on January 6th, 2025. Mars will turn direct in Cancer on February 23rd, 2025 and be in Cancer until April 17th, 2025.

Security becomes a very important issue, whether that’s the physical security of our homes, the safety of our families, or the emotional security of knowing where we are and what to expect next.

Astrologers say that Mars is “in fall” in Cancer, which means that of all the zodiac signs, Mars struggles to reach its fullest potential in this one.

However, that’s slightly misleading. It’s true that Mars’ vitality, passion and fire can be somewhat dampened by the watery depths of Cancer, but Cancer is a cardinal sign, always pushing for action, which does sit well with Mars energy.

When Mars transits this cardinal water sign, what we really get is a mixture of aggression and moodiness, which can often translate into passive-aggressive behavior.

Mood swings may become extreme, and we feel very easily threatened, which leads to a defensive frame of mind.

Mars’ transits through Cancer is like pulling up a drawbridge to defend a castle. It works well, in theory – but in practice, you’re stuck inside, unable to get supplies, unable to leave, unable to escape.

So it is with Mars’ influence on the emotions during its Cancer transit. It’s very easy at this time to get bogged down in sensitivities or overwhelmed by worries.

Cancer as a zodiac sign is strongly associated with the home and family, and one positive aspect of this Mars transit is that it can be very helpful for driving forwards change within the family environment.

There may be a lot of sulking involved, but ultimately this cardinal energy will bring results.

Cancer is also associated with memories and with the past. We can use the energy of Mars in Cancer to delve into our family trees and our roots, getting a greater understanding of who we are and where we’ve come from. A sudden passion for genealogy is a typical side effect of this transit.

Above all, however, it’s Cancer’s nurturing and protective instincts that are most expressed via Mars at this time. We will be extraordinarily brave if called upon to defend people or things we love, so in this essence, this is a very selfless transit.

The drive and motivation to nurture are also strong, making this a very good transit for adopting a new pet, fostering disadvantaged children or mentoring a young person in some way.

Transit Mars in Cancer for Each of the Zodiac Signs

Each zodiac sign will experience the Mars in Cancer transit slightly differently, but the key element will be this exceptional desire to protect and to nourish.

Mars in Cancer for an Aries (Aries dates: March 20 – April 19)

Your family is your primary focus during the Mars in Cancer transit – but you must learn not to smother them with love to such an extent that they cannot breathe. The gentle art of letting go is a tough lesson to learn but learn it you must if you don’t want this Mars transit to provoke anger and frustrations at home.

Mars in Cancer for a Taurus (Taurus dates: April 20 – May 20)

You’ll have a much stronger urge to communicate with others during this transit – but you’ll also want to protect your own intellectual property and ideas, so be cautious in how much you reveal, especially in business. Be circumspect on social media too – protect yourself from others twisting your words.

Mars in Cancer for a Gemini (Gemini dates: May 21 – June 20)

Shoring up your finances and protecting your material security are big issues for you during this Mars transit. It’s a good time to look at insurance deals, or to get expert advice on some careful investments. The urge to comfort spend may be strong, but it will be tempered by your desire to avoid the emotional insecurity of financial loss.

Mars in Cancer for a Cancer (Cancer dates: June 21 – July 21)

Mars transiting your own sign energizes you and brings out both the best and not-so-best in your character. You can lead others from the heart now and show off your exceptional imagination and intuition – but be prepared to give up more of your privacy than you would like if you truly seek to connect with someone.

Mars in Cancer for a Leo (Leo dates: July 22 – August 21)

It’s your peace and privacy you strive to protect above all else during this Mars in Cancer transit. The drive to sign out, unplug and simply be is very strong, and you should heed it. By getting enough downtime, you’ll soon start to feel refreshed and rejuvenated, and ready to take on the world once more.

Mars in Cancer for a Virgo (Virgo dates: August 22 – September 21)

Your idealism is key to your very being during this Mars transit of Cancer, and you’ll feel driven to campaign for or to otherwise pursue your visions of a better world. You’ll probably feel very defensive if your worldview is challenged in any way, however; likewise, you should be careful to avoid trying to force your ideas onto others.

Mars in Cancer for a Libra (Libra dates: September 22 – October 22)

Protecting your career reputation or your social status is on your mind during this Mars transit, and you will certainly want to put your best foot forwards at work. A bit of image management may be needed if you have struggled professionally in the past, but don’t be afraid to be upfront and honest about it – everyone loves someone who is willing to own their mistakes.

Mars in Cancer for a Scorpio (Scorpio dates: October 23 – November 21)

Your challenge during this Mars transit is to protect the status quo, which as a fixed sign you are heavily invested in, while remaining open to exciting new possibilities. Try to blend gradually stepping out of your comfort zone with enough time retreating to your place of safety. Not always easy, but if you can get the balance right, you’ll thrive.

Mars in Cancer for a Sagittarius (Sagittarius dates: November 22 – December 20)

Emotional security is your uppermost priority during this Mars transit. You will want to shield yourself from the possibility of others hurting you, but that does mean shutting yourself off from the world somewhat. Your challenge is to remain open and available while protecting your own inner fragility. Not an easy ask.

Mars in Cancer for a Capricorn (Capricorn dates: December 21 – January 18)

Mars transits your love zone now, and you will strive to protect an existing relationship at all costs. This can be very endearing if things are happy, but there is a danger that you may be deceiving yourself. It’s important to realize that any relationship is not necessarily better than no relationship. Pursue only true passion.

Mars in Cancer for an Aquarius (Aquarius dates: January 19 – February 17)

With Mars now transiting your health zone, your focus is on preserving and protecting your own physical and emotional wellbeing. Efforts to exercise and eat well are likely to be successful. Don’t neglect your mental health though; it’s not always easy for you to open up emotionally but talking therapies could be of benefit right now.

Mars in Cancer for a Pisces (Pisces dates: February 18 – March 19)

Mars surges through your creativity zone now, bringing you a lot of joy, especially if you love arts or crafts for emotional release. You may feel overly protective of a child, however, and you should try to allow others the freedom you want for yourself. Overall, this is a feel-good transit, with lots of potential for fun.