Mars, the planet of energy and dynamism, is in the Gandanta zone between water and fire zodiacal signs and nakshatras from November 5th to 20th, 2026.

This transit marks the end of Mars’s transit through debilitation in Cancer and sees it entering a greatly extended period in Leo, where your actions and decisions cross an important line. Cancer and Leo, and Ashlesha and Magha, are sharply contrasting energies, and any planet moving through this ‘knot-end’ phase feels an adjustment, with a fated and unsupported quality. Mars is not comfortable by sign in Cancer, and the first half of this period up to November 13th may find you reluctant to assert yourself unless you are extra-motivated, or perhaps your security is threatened.

Mars in Ashlesha, the Serpent Nakshatra, gives you awareness of undercurrents in people and atmospheres, but try not to be too sensitive or see a slight where none is intended. Moving through the Gandanta zone is a shadowy period before Mars emerges in showy, flamboyant Leo-Magha, seeking praise and attention. This is a more natural mode for Mars, but the issue remains of achieving energetic poise and not going too far in demanding recognition.

Mars comes together with expansive, protective Jupiter, which is itself going through the Gandanta zone, giving this transit an even more unpredictable energy. You fluctuate between confident highs and introspective lows or find others uncertain whether to come aboard with a shared plan. Appreciate that business may be slow, or else embrace this end-of-the-line atmosphere to consciously clear yourself of an unwanted tie or commitment.

Transformative work is powerful if you wait for results to manifest, where you put affirmations into the creative spiritual ‘gap’.