Why Are We All So Reactive Lately?

The other day, my husband turned to me and asked, “Has something shifted in the astrology? People seem… nicer.”

This is a man who doesn’t usually track planetary shifts — but he does spend time on social media, and he follows politics. So when he noticed a collective tone shift, I paid attention.

He wasn’t wrong.

During the few days he was referring to, the Moon had moved from fiery Aries into steady Taurus, and then into curious Gemini. With that shift, it felt like the digital outrage machine took a breather. People seemed a little less agitated. A little less reactive.

What’s Going On with Mars Right Now?

Normally, the Moon’s sign change isn’t enough to cause a collective shift in mood. But lately, it’s been different — because Mars, the planet that rules action, aggression, and drive, is in the emotionally-driven sign of Cancer.

And that changes everything.

Instead of bold action, we’re seeing knee-jerk reactions. Instead of pushing forward, we side-step, simmer, and stew. Mars in Cancer doesn’t rush into battle — it pulls the emotional fire alarm and then hides behind the curtain. It’s protective, sensitive, and moody as hell.

Mars Reporting to the Moon = Emotional Whiplash

Cancer is ruled by the Moon, and that means Mars has been reporting to it. And the Moon changes signs every two and a half days — so Mars has basically been taking direction from a different boss every couple of days.

One day it’s grounded (Moon in Taurus). The next, it’s all about overthinking (Moon in Gemini). Then it shifts to Aries and suddenly, we’re all raw and reactive. With the Moon calling the shots, Mars has been all over the place — and so have we.

Why It’s Not Landing Clearly (Thanks, Retrogrades)

Now add in this: Venus and Mercury have both been retrograde. There’s not a lot of air or earth energy in the sky either — meaning logic and practicality aren’t exactly holding the wheel.

That’s why conversations have felt off, emails have been misunderstood, and small comments have hit like emotional landmines. It’s not that anyone’s trying to be difficult — we’re just navigating murky emotional waters, and Mars is flailing around with us.

So… What Can We Do with Mars in Cancer?

Here’s the good news: we don’t need to fix it, we just need to work with it.

• Track the Moon’s sign every few days — it helps you understand what emotional current you’re swimming in.
• Hit pause before reacting — especially if you’re feeling unusually defensive.
• Reflect on your part in any tension. Mars in Cancer gives us a chance to act from emotional intelligence instead of impulse.
• Don’t make bold declarations unless you’re ready to back them up.

Give Yourself—and Others—More Grace

This isn’t “bad Mars.” It’s just Mars being filtered through a different lens. One that asks us to slow down, feel things fully, and choose our reactions more consciously.

When we meet this energy with awareness, something kind of beautiful happens — even the comment sections get kinder.

Mars Moves into Leo April 17th, 2025 – You can read about it here.

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