Collectively, this retrograde coincides with escalating political battles, where leadership struggles become public spectacles, and displays of force are used to intimidate competitors back into the dark. Disputes over claims to positions of authority are likely to devolve into ugly, protracted bare-knuckle brawls. The U.S. presidential election, already marked by divisiveness and thinly vailed threats of violence, will be a source of conflict which may extend well beyond the ballot box. 

In Leo, Mars fights for the Crown, but may mistake its golden luster for the Kingdom itself.