Since Mars entered Virgo on November 11, my 83-year-old neighbor Lucille has been making demands. She claimed that runoff from my rain gutters was compromising her retaining wall. So I removed the dirt and plants closest to her wall and put in a costly drainage system. After several encounters in which she insisted more be done, we resolved the situation. Or so I thought.

Last week, I came home to find a stranger in my yard, ripping out my plants. I installed a fence. Claiming the fence was on her property, Lucille demanded I take it down.

I tried to transcend my anger. I blessed my neighbor and affirmed divine justice.  Yet nothing made me feel better, or prompted her to back off. However, once I gave in to my fury, letting it surge through me as I shouted and danced, things started to shift. (For inspiration on owning your anger, watch this short video). Now, I’m ready to take the next step: assessing the property line to determine my legal rights.

Welcome to Mars turning retrograde in nitpicky Virgo! The warrior planet will be retracing its steps from Jan. 23 to April 13, and continues to energize this earthy sign until July 3. Altogether, it will spend almost eight months in Virgo, helping us channel our anger and frustration, get organized, heal ancient wounds, and find constructive ways to right personal, corporate and planetary wrongs.

Hot tip: Clutter-busting your home, office and car will help keep your vital energies flowing, especially in the “stuckest” times when Mars is stationary (Jan. 11 to Feb. 6, and March 31 to April 29).

The Aquarius New Moon (Jan. 22, 11:39 p.m. PST) occurs just hours before Mars’ retreat into the underworld. The Aquarian need for freedom and innovation is intensified by squares from Jupiter and Saturn and a sextile from Uranus. But we may feel as if we have one foot on the gas and another on the brake, due to the immobility of Mars and Saturn’s cautious square. Resist the urge to leap into the fray. Taking slow, meditative steps toward freedom and progress and eliminating outworn projects, ideas, relationships and other energy drains will work better than rash actions.

Lending even more fuel to the evolutionary fire, Jan. 23 also ushers in the Chinese Year of the Water Dragon. According to Terah Kathryn Collins, director of the Western School of Feng Shui, the Water Dragon’s message is: “Everything is always changing.” This intuitive creature, she explains, “is known for bringing Heaven to Earth and making dreams come true. Visions you’ve been holding deep within your heart could manifest right before your eyes.” Watch what you wish for though, she cautions, “’cause you’re going to get it.”

Combining the Water Dragon’s powers of manifestation with the Aquarius New Moon’s visionary gifts and Mars’ strength and determination can help you break through barriers—if you’re willing to be patient. To get the angels on your team, try this Astro Feng Shui ritual for the Aquarius New Moon and Helpful People gua.