Mars is finally going direct, so we can all breathe a sigh of relief

At long last, the planet of energy is cooperating: Mars direct, January 2023's welcomed astrology event, is one to celebrate. 

Though we're currently enduring the first batch of Mercury retrograde 2023, everyone seems to have forgotten about the astrological troublemaker now that the red planet is behaving. We're not feeling quite as tired, and even though it's still cold, we have a little more pep in our step than we did previously.

"Every day will feel a little easier as we ramp back up," astrologer Desiree Roby Antila says of Mars direct. "Mars rules our physical energy, so we will all get a boost of momentum and will not feel as sluggish as we have been."

Now's the time to retire the UGG slippers/PJs combo and detangle yourself from your blanket cocoon—hibernation's over. (Though if you're still interested in a Netflix marathon, by all means.) 

Mars direct January 2023: what to know

When does Mars go direct?

Mars goes direct on January 12, 2023 and will remain that way until 2024, though Mars in Gemini will last until March 25 of this year, according to Roby Antila. 

Right ahead of the 2022 holiday season, you might've felt sluggish and less inclined to follow up on projects and assignments. That lethargic feeling is on its way out now that the retrograde is coming to an end. We couldn't be more excited for it to go!

"Ever since Mars went retrograde on since October 30, it has really been messing up our plans and making our lives difficult and hard to get motivated, especially in the themes of the house that Gemini rules in our chart," Roby Antila says. 

(Have a look at your astrological birth chart to see what was in question for you.) Now, following a calming January 2023 full moon, we can expect to feel refreshed and ready to take on what's ahead over the next 12 months. Are your resolutions ready to go?

What can we expect when Mars goes direct?

Now that Mars is moving forward once more, expect things to be a little easier. You'll feel more in tune with your intentions and ready to start new goals.

"This will bring us the relief that we have been looking for and the boost of energy we have been missing," Roby Antila adds. "If you’ve been feeling stuck and unable to move forward, Mars going direct will show you how to make lemonade out of all of the lemons this retrograde threw at us.⁠"

It coincides nicely with 1/11/23. Although numerologists claim this isn't necessarily an energetic portal as some might've claimed, it is a good opportunity to regroup and set intentions. This is a nice little prelude ahead of Mars' moves.

Oh, and since the planet is the ruler of energy and sex, might we suggest having a little looksie at these 2023 sex trends? You might start to feel a little more lively in the bedroom, too. 

Now that we have a handle on Mars for the moment, followed by Mercury going direct shortly thereafter, check in to see what the other cosmos are up to our. Our guide to what planet is in retrograde will be able to assist.