Challenges and Lessons We Can Learn From the Root Center During Mars Retrograde
Buckle up, Buttercup! Isn’t that just the perfect phrase for 2020? We knew this year was going to be a rough one. One filled with transformation, the dismantling of corrupt systems, and overall really energetic power struggles. In the past six months, most of the outer planets have been in a period of retrograde and now Mars, one of the faster moving inner planets, is set to join them. Starting September 9th, Mars will be retrograde in Aries until around November 13th.
What’s the Deal with MarS rETROGRADE?
A few high-level things: Mars rules Aries and loves to be in this sign. Representing action and the “warrior” archetype, Mars empowers the ferocity and ambition of Aries. When Mars is in retrograde, we are meant to reassess and revisit all of the things we have been putting into motion until this point (think projects, relationships, dreams/desires). Because it is the archetype of the warrior, Mars is also often blamed for inflamed tensions and this retrograde will likely bring more power struggles, uprisings, and general unrest – just with an introspective twinge. We’re collectively in a massive period of transition and this retrograde is leveraging the heat of this fiery planet to bring all the things that need to GO in our society right to the surface. I’d note that this isn’t about direct action/change but more of “Can you see it NOW?!”
And In Comes The Root Center
When it comes to the chakra system, Mars is associated with the Root Chakra also known as Muladhara. In the traditional chakra system, the Root has to do with personal security and safety.
In Human Design, the Root center has to do with our adrenals and stress response. About 40% of the population has an open root center, which means they take in and amplify the stress from others and external sources — and as many of you know, that creates a pressure to go, go, go and DO until that stress is gone.
Well...the kicker is that isn’t how stress works, now is it? No matter how many things you tackle thinking “I’ll be able to relax when [insert fantasy here],” a new stressor always takes its place. That’s because, like many unenjoyable things, stress is a constant. It exists as a mechanism to get us going and moving BUT in our overstimulated world, rather than seeing that as a motivational spark we experience it as “the world will end if I do [whatever it is].”
When we learn to see stress for what it is and tease out the “root” cause (pun intended) , we can discern what stress is self-driven and what is coming from others and therefore, free for us to release.
The Root Center and Mars Retrograde
Pulling all this information together: The energy of Mars retrograde is going to amplify that feeling of needing to go and do but because of the retrograde, we’re not really getting to that point of complete stress release. If you have an open root center, you are going to be taking in and amplifying the stress and possible “stuck-ness” of the people around you. The Root Center asks the question “Am I rushing to get things done to be rid of the pressure?” I recommend asking yourself that every time you feel that stress push. Even if you have a defined root center, that does not make you entirely immune to feeling this pressure (you can see what gates are activated in your root to understand how that energy manifests).
So what can you do?
Ground Yourself: The first step is getting back into your root and feeling its stability. The root center is located in the pelvis region so take a few minutes to sit on the ground and connect with the strength of your lower body. Here are a few quick grounding exercises you can do to stabilize the root.
Ask Yourself Who is Causing This Pressure? In my experience, I’m either stressed because I’m putting undue pressure on myself to complete something (or multiple things) OR I’m feeling pressured by someone else. Would you feel better if you cut yourself a break? Do you need to set a boundary with someone else? Mars retrograde is a GREAT time to re-evaluate your tactics for setting boundaries for yourself and others – we’re getting a boost in strategy (remember not execution).
Watch Your Energy Levels: Since the root center is associated with the adrenals, it operates as a pulse (think about your adrenaline response). Sometimes you just don’t have the energy to a million things in a day – for open or defined root alike. This is a time where you need to listen to your body and honor that. It’s not that you’re lazy or unmotivated, Mars retrograde can make us feel all over the place when it comes to energy levels. You don’t want to burn out your adrenal or cortisol levels during this time (or ever!), so give yourself permission to rest.
Use Stress to Your Advantage: This is an evergreen root center trick! Sometimes no matter what you do, it can be hard to ignore or shake that stress response. If you’re feeling the pressure to push through and get something done but you know it won’t really get you where you want to be – channel that energy into something else! Stress is just potential energy so rather than getting lost in it, use it to your advantage. Have you been putting off cleaning your house? Doing a creative project? Talking to a friend? Do it now. There’s a good chance the people around you are going to be feeling as stuck as you are, so make the most of it!
And lastly, as always with retrogrades, be gentle with yourself. We’re all doing our best and navigating through unprecedented times. Use this time to get clear about who you are, what you want to be, and how you hope to show up in the world because we’re in a serious mode of transition.
Interested in learning more about how the root center shows up in your Human Design? Book a session here.