Mars has been through quite a process over the last several months. In Nov 2011, it entered its pre-retrograde shadow period while in the sign of Virgo ♍ — meaning: issues related to the masculine within, possibly issues with actual men in one’s life, the drive and energy to assert oneself, and the enthusiasm to go after what is desired — all these were bound to be slowed down and analyzed carefully, with some false starts and reconsiderations made through the retrograde phase (Jan 23-Apr 15, 2012). Then it was not until Jun 19th that Mars completed its post-retrograde shadow period. So in effect, after a long inward process of integrating all that has been learned and understood over the last several months, Mars is now for the first time since November moving forward full steam ahead, with greater clarity and preparation, ready to pioneer into fresh new territory.