Mars Retrograde: Courage, Cowardice, and the Lessons of the Cowardly Lion

Mars retrograde is that astrological phenomenon we love to hate. The planet of action, energy, and courage appears to backtrack in the sky, turning our usual “go, go, go” into a hesitant “wait, what?” It’s like you’re revving the engine of your life, only to realize you’re stuck in neutral. Frustrating? Absolutely. But what if I told you Mars retrograde isn’t here to ruin your life—it’s here to help you find your courage? Enter the Cowardly Lion.

If Dorothy’s furry companion from The Wizard of Oz and Gregory Maguire’s Wicked is just a faint memory from childhood, let me refresh you. The Cowardly Lion is the quintessential metaphor for Mars retrograde. He’s strong, capable, and well, a lion, but plagued with doubt, fear, and a touch of overthinking—sound familiar? Whether it’s the bright, Technicolor version in The Wizard of Oz or the more nuanced and brooding Brrr in Wicked, the Lion’s journey is all about reclaiming inner power, even when everything in life feels backward. So let’s dive in and explore Mars retrograde through the lens of our furry philosopher.

What Is Mars Retrograde?

Mars, astrologically speaking, rules how we act, assert ourselves, and handle conflict. It’s the planet of “get it done,” your inner warrior ready to fight for what matters most. But when Mars goes retrograde, it’s as if that warrior decides to call a timeout. Your usual confidence in action might waver, and energy levels could feel as low as the Lion’s morale after being called a coward. It’s a time when the external world of action turns inward, asking you to reflect, recalibrate, and reconsider your motivations.

In practical terms? Think delays, frustrations, and a sense of spinning your wheels. But here’s the catch—Mars retrograde isn’t a punishment. It’s an invitation to look at what courage really means. And this is where our Cowardly Lion comes in.

The Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz

In The Wizard of Oz, the Cowardly Lion joins Dorothy, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow on their journey to see the Wizard. His goal? To gain courage. Seems simple, right? Except, like Mars retrograde, his journey is anything but straightforward.

The Lion starts as a classic Mars gone awry. He’s all bark (or roar) and no bite. He acts tough, but crumbles under pressure, which is a hallmark of Mars energy turned inward. During Mars retrograde, we often feel a similar disconnect between what we think we should be doing and what we’re actually capable of. The Lion’s fear is symbolic of how we face our own insecurities during this transit.

But here’s the twist: The Lion already has courage. He doesn’t need the Wizard to give him anything external—he needs to realize it’s been inside him all along. This is Mars retrograde in a nutshell. It’s not about external victories, it’s about internal realignment. What are you afraid of? What’s holding you back? Mars retrograde forces you to confront these questions head-on, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Mars Retrograde Lessons from The Wizard of Oz

1. Courage Isn’t the Absence of Fear: The Cowardly Lion teaches us that fear is normal. Mars retrograde doesn’t ask us to be fearless—it asks us to act despite our fear. Courage is about showing up, even when you’re shaking in your boots (or paws).
2. You Already Have What You Need: The Lion’s biggest discovery is that he doesn’t need external validation to be brave. Similarly, Mars retrograde reminds us that our strength isn’t about what we achieve—it’s about who we are.
3. It’s Okay to Slow Down: The Lion’s journey wasn’t a sprint. Neither is Mars retrograde. This period is about slowing down and reflecting on where you’ve been and where you want to go. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is pause.

Brrr the Lion in Wicked: Mars Retrograde Goes Deeper

If The Wizard of Oz gives us the broad strokes of Mars retrograde, Wicked dives into its shadowy depths. In Gregory Maguire’s retelling, the Lion is no longer a caricature of fear. He’s Brrr, a traumatized and deeply conflicted figure grappling with guilt, identity, and belonging. If the Cowardly Lion from Oz is Mars retrograde for beginners, Brrr is the advanced course.

Brrr’s backstory reveals that he was present during a pivotal moment in Elphaba’s (the Wicked Witch’s) life. As a cub, he witnesses injustice but fails to act—a decision that haunts him for the rest of his life. Sound familiar? Mars retrograde often drags up past regrets, forcing us to confront moments when we felt powerless or failed to assert ourselves.

Mars Retrograde Lessons from Wicked

1. Confronting Guilt: Like Brrr, Mars retrograde makes us revisit past actions—or inactions—that weigh on our conscience. It’s not about self-punishment, but about learning from those experiences and letting go of shame.
2. Finding Your Voice: Brrr struggles with feeling like he doesn’t belong anywhere, echoing Mars retrograde’s tendency to make us feel disconnected from our usual drive. His journey is about reclaiming his voice and realizing that belonging starts with self-acceptance.
3. Integration of Shadow: Jungian psychology tells us that the shadow represents the parts of ourselves we reject or deny. Brrr embodies this perfectly. During Mars retrograde, we’re asked to integrate our shadow—to embrace the fears and doubts we’d rather ignore and turn them into sources of strength.

Mars Retrograde Survival Guide: The Cowardly Lion Edition

So, how do you navigate Mars retrograde without feeling like a perpetually scared Lion? Here are a few tips inspired by our furry friend:

1. Pause Before You Roar: Mars retrograde isn’t the time for impulsive decisions or fiery confrontations. Channel your inner Lion and take a breath before acting.
2. Reflect on What Scares You: Fear shows us where we need to grow. What’s making you hesitate? What’s the worst that could happen? Mars retrograde is the perfect time to face those fears.
3. Redefine Courage: Stop equating bravery with big, bold moves. Sometimes courage is about setting boundaries, asking for help, or simply getting through the day.
4. Own Your Journey: Whether you’re skipping down the Yellow Brick Road or wandering through Oz’s darker corners, trust that every step—however uncertain—is taking you closer to your true self.

Conclusion: Mars Retrograde Is Your Lion Moment

Mars retrograde isn’t here to ruin your plans or make you feel weak. Like the Cowardly Lion, it’s here to remind you that courage isn’t about being fearless or perfect—it’s about showing up, flaws and all. Whether you see yourself in the whimsical Lion from The Wizard of Oz or the deeply conflicted Brrr from Wicked, the lesson is the same: bravery starts within.

So, the next time Mars retrograde rolls around, channel your inner Lion. Embrace the pause, face your fears, and remember—you’ve had the courage all along.

Mars goes retrograde on December 6, 2024 and remains in retrograde motion until February 23, 2025.

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