Mars in Astrology

Astronomical Influence

Mars is known as The Red Planet because of its reddish hue when observed from Earth in the night sky. Through a telescope, Mars' reddish color intensifies as a result of the planet being covered in heavy deposits of iron, a metal it has long been said to "rule" and be astrologically associated with.

Mars is the smallest planet of the solar system after Mercury. You can see it with the naked eye. Its surface is immensely cratered with evidence of vast volcanic activity. Mars is the traditional astrological ruler of earthquakes and volcanoes, and some of the solar system's largest volcanoes are known to have taken place on this planet. Mars is also the ruler of stormy disruptive weather and destructive heatwaves. Though the surface of Mars is cold, it appears as a vast barren desert with regular dust storms when Mars is at perihelion and the heating of the equatorial regions intensifies. Some of these storms reach global proportions, obscuring the planets' surface for weeks or even months. Strangely since its surface is covered with iron, Mars has no recordable magnetic field, a mystery that still baffles our scientists.

Mars is a superior planet, meaning that its orbit is longer than the planets closest to Earth. However, Mars has a more elliptical orbit than other superiors like Jupiter and Saturn. When it retrogrades back and forth in a sign, it can settle in for as many as seven or eight months. Mars' orbit is 687 days which means that it spends about two months in each zodiac sign.

The Mars synodic cycle lasts on average, 25 months. Mars' synodic cycle begins when Mars and the Sun are conjunct, or joined together in the same degree in the zodiac, and ends when they return to this conjunction. The cycle reaches the halfway point at the opposition between the Sun and retrograde Mars. The synodic cycle with Mars is less consistent than other planets' synodic cycles. The actual length will be between 762-819 days, with an average length of 779 days.

Mars's synodic cycle has often in modern times been likened to Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey. Joseph Campbell created and popularized The Hero's Journey in his book "Hero With A Thousand Faces" (1949), where he synthesizes mythic stories across history to come up with what he called "the monomyth," or the archetypal plot that many stories share. Mars represents the hero archetype as he moves through the sky with all its new journeys and challenges that reinvigorate our lives. Mars when just passed the conjunction with the Sun can be thought of as a warrior embarking on his new journey with idealism and excitement about what may come.

We can use this theory in a more practical way by changing the patterns related to our Mars experience during this cycle in various ways depending on what part of the cycle we are in and our relationship to Mars.

Mars' glyph

Mars's glyph has often been thought to be the shield and spear of Mars. Some think it also resembles male genitalia as it's a symbol used for males as Mars is thought to be masculine and active. Venus's symbol is also used to signify females in modern western society.

Mythology and History

Ancient Babylonians noticed Mars' red color and associated it with warfare and Nergal, the powerful Lord of the Underworld who caused devastation. Mars was also identified by Mesopotamians with the God Nergal—and earlier as Lugalmeslam. He was an evil deity, ruling hell and the heat that destroyed crops. An Akkadian myth tells how Ereshkigal was invited to a banquet of gods, but, being unable to leave the Underworld, sent her messenger to receive her portion. On his arrival the gods stood up out of respect for his mistress, but Nergal remained seated withholding his tribute. Subsequently, he was ordered to the Underworld by the other gods to make amends. Once there he attacked Ereshkigal, sparing her life only when she promised to marry him and give him rulership of her realm.

In Greek mythology, this martial God of war was known as Ares. Ares was different from the other Gods. He didn’t take action out of a sense of duty, but rather delighted in bloodlust and winning battles.

The Greek god Ares was said to be the son of Hera and Zeus, but his name is not Greek. He likely originated in Thrace. Homer made Mars fight for the Trojans with other immigrant gods which shows how he considered Mars to be a foreigner. The Greeks, much given to warfare, were likely correct in their distrust of Ares since the forces of Mars can prove difficult to express. Assertion easily becomes aggression. This is why Mars is considered a malefic.

The Romans adopted this deity and were the ones who named him Mars. He was the son of Jupiter and Juno, and was protector of the Roman army. His symbols were the shield, the torch, the eagle and the owl, among others. In Roman mythology, Mars, the god of war, was also known as the father of Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome.

The month of March was also named after Mars. In ancient Rome the first month was called Martius, which became March. March is the time of year when the Sun enters and is exalted in the first zodiac sign of Aries, the sign Mars rules.

The Romans were the ones who more appreciated Mars's diurnal qualities and recognized the hero traits he has. As the founder of Rome, he was the patron of the people. Some have called him a god of agriculture, claiming that his association with war could be explained by the Roman farmers appealing to their most-invoked deity before battle, but the agricultural role of Mars was to protect cattle and crops from diseases, bad weather, and evil influences.

Significations

The Red Planet has been observed and celebrated since ancient times as a harkening to a warrior god and an influence on all things fiery, actionable, and severing. In astrology, Mars is the style of taking action, vitality, and one's energy level. Mars is the principle of energy, the ability to assert and impact, and the strength of one's personality. A strongly placed Mars can have a flare for the dramatic or extremes.

Mars also correlates to survival, raw physical instincts and urges, the fight or flight response, as well as sexuality and the reproductive instinct. Mars aggresses, defends, takes revenge, angers, wars, wounds, cuts, and destroys. One's Mars placement shows how one may handle battle and conflict.

Mars is the take charge experience, will and domination, the warrior and the hero, and the urge to protect yourself or attack others. Mars is one's ambition, drive, stamina, courage, competitiveness, initiative, motivation, and self-reliance.

Where Mars is placed in a particular astrological chart will speak into how these drives manifest in the life of the native. For example, Mars in Aries takes charge and acts directly with passion. Mars in Cancer may sidestep, manipulate, or protect. Mars in the 1st house may act in a more visible way than Mars in the 12th house. Mars in Scorpio could bring a particular intensity to the sexual drive and even an instinctual possessiveness in romantic relationships. Mars in aspect with Neptune, the planet of fog, fantasy, illusion, and formlessness, could diffuse or scatter Mars' energy, confusing or weakening the vitality of the native or experience.

Second century astrologer Vettius Valens describes Mars with words like, "force, wars, violence, loss, exile, affairs, marriages, robbery, quarrels, lawsuits, and bloodshed." He says difficult human mannerisms, impatience, irritability, greed, and selfishness can come from Mars, but he also notes the more positive correlations like leadership, hunting, the military, ironworking, and craftsmanship.

Modern astrologers add that Mars wants to be independent, ungovernable, strong, stubborn, aspiring, and ambitious.

William Lilly says of Mars: "When well aspected: bold, confident, immovable, contentious, challenging honour, valiant, obeys no one. When poorly aspected: no modesty or honesty, promoter of sedition, frays, commotions, wavering as the wind, traitor, obscene, inhumane, not fearing God or caring for man, ungrateful."

Mars' basic nature is reactivity. Mars responds innately, has the audacity, is brash and bold, uncultured and unrefined, friction and vulgarity, attracts and is attracted to. Mars is sexual desire and connection.

Mars is the natural ruler of both Aries and Scorpio, two signs of the zodiac known for their passionate nature. In a woman's chart, Mars can signify sex or her male lover. It could show what kind of lover she attracts and how she exerts herself in the bedroom. In a man's chart, Mars can signify his sexual desires and how he exerts himself in the bedroom as well.

A long but excellent list of Mars' significators is found in the writing of 9th Century early Persian astrologer Abu Ma'shar where he says:

"As for Mars, his nature is heating, drying, fiery, yellow bile, and his taste is bitter, and he indicates youth, strength, mental sharpness, heat, fires, conflagration, every matter occurring suddenly...oppression, coercion, war, killing, fighting, courage, hardiness, seeking glory, renown, rank, instruments of war, those entrusted with mobilizing wars, seeking retaliation, provoking discord, craving groups and splitting apart, warring with one another, digging, stealing, highway robbery, haughtiness, risk-taking, anger, regarding forbidden things as permissible, punishment, fetters, beating, imprisonment, restriction, running away, desertion, capture, prisoners, fear, conflict, injustice, fury, recklessness, harshness, coarseness of heart, foolishness, stubbornness, haste, quick, daring, bad in expression, ugliness of speech, indecency of tongue, revealing love and affection, glad tidings, extravagance in speech, scarcity of piety and scarcity of fidelity, lying, slander, debauchery, swearing false oaths, cunning, deception, bad works, scarcity of good, independence of opinion from situation to situation but quickly going back, insolent look, little shame, trouble, exertion, jokes, liveliness, labor pains, death of women in pregnancy, miscarriage."

Mars is one of two malefics, the other being Saturn. A malefic is a negative or harmful influence while a benefic is a positive or helpful influence. Mars is known as the lesser malefic.

Controlled and balanced Mars may be assertive, confident, accomplished, and imbalanced and unhealthy Mars could be violent, impulsive, angry, and destructive. An extreme and negative scenario for a strong Mars placement could be that of a killer or sadist, but charts of these natives tend to have multiple markers for such a person.

American occultist and astrologer Max Heindel says, "When Mars is well aspected he gives a strong constitution and physical endurance, a positive, independent and self-reliant nature, determined and proud...but when he is weak...he makes the person quick-tempered, obstinate and spiteful, inclined to drunkenness and criminal acts, cruel and hard, a bully and braggart."

In a birth chart, Mars needs to be placed harmoniously or positively to exhibit strong determination and endurance. More positive and healthy expressions of Mars would be its urge to take action, enjoyment of work, and courage. More negative and harmful expressions of Mars would be its waste of energy, urge to destroy, impulsiveness, ruthlessness, and brutality. Mars' negative expressions could also be as a weakness or lack of energy if it is found in a debilitated or hindered placement.

Evolutionary astrologer Steven Forrest poses questions to ask about one's Mars placement to better understand its influence: "What battles must I face? Where must I be more assertive if I am not to suffer pointless conflict and strife? How can I sharpen my will? How do I express my aggressiveness?"

Actions

Mars harms, cuts, or separates things. It argues and fights. Mars protects but could also cause injustice and subjugation. Mars shows us where in the native's life they are challenged to defend or assert themselves, and fights for one's dreams and goals. Mars helps you win and follow through and achieve. Mars wants to be first and loves victory. It does not like the word "no." Mars loves to compete and exert raw physical strength. Much like fire, Mars' impulse is to expand, burn, dance, and move through. Mars may act first and think later. Mars helps us actualize our goals and dreams, put action to thoughts and aspirations. Mars builds, secures, leads, and creates.

Mars is unstoppable until it meets a moving object. When familiarizing oneself with Mars, we must look at how this planet is moving, whether retrograde or stationing, and what aspects it makes to other planets to see if hindering or enhancing influences are at play.

It's very important to bring conscious intention to Mars to ensure this energy is channeled according to the native's intentions instead of the native's reactivity which could cause unwanted consequences. Mars will act, but it is up to the native whether that energy, action, and fire is used for healthy purposes or unhealthy purposes.

Mars dominates and exerts, creates stamina, and is determined to push through. Mars could emotionally outburst and could be overconfident and ignore warning signs. Mars burns, from sunburns to cooking burns.

Mars can represent more extreme situations in life. There may not be as many appropriate outlets for Mars in polite society, but this archetype and planet has a very important role. We need protection, defense, and even anger for those moments when boundary violations need to be stopped.

Mars can feel disharmonious even when it's appropriate. There's a time for harsh or strong words. There's a time for confrontation. There's a time for defense. There's a time for fire. Mars can be an alarm. Mars can be the friction that gets something going. A Martian person may act better in challenging situations than easy ones.

Mars energizes the planets it comes into aspect or contact with as well as the houses or the particular areas of life it happens to be residing in more prominently. If Mars touches personal points in someone's chart (perhaps their Sun placement or ascendant point for example), the native may have more Martian qualities than they would have otherwise. People with strong Mars placements may be more energetic, competitive, or ambitious.

Mars' placement in your chart helps you know how you handle challenge, how you express yourself sexually, how you accomplish, and how you get from A to B. Mars can create conflict but could also give strength and strategy in conflict. Mars shows you how you approach competition, tension, and how you emotionally respond to adversity. When Mars is prominent it could indicate hard work, accomplishment, and good energy for achievement. If Mars is weak, you could lack drive, struggle to assert yourself and may feel held back. For example, Mars in aspect to Mercury may give someone a quick mind or a sharp tongue, whereas Mars in aspect to Neptune could diffuse thoughts and create a confused mind.

Mars' house position shows where we might apply our drive and express our enthusiasm. For example, if Mars is in the 4th house, it could indicate conflict at home or with family of birth or perhaps a more private expressed energy. If it is in the 10th house, it could indicate a lot of energy and drive put towards one's career or public life.

When Mars is prominent that may indicate a stronger need for physical intimacy, but too much Mars could lead to aggression or anger. When Mars is strong, one may be better able to defend themselves, or maybe they're drawn to physical jobs like sports or military careers.

Weak or poorly aspected Mars can cause mood swings or anxiety issues. Yoga, meditation, martial arts are a few ways to balance out an imbalanced Mars. When in aspect to benefic planets like Venus and Jupiter, Mars' energy and passion can be more easily used for creative purposes. The planets it contacts and where it is may indicate the kind of experiences a native is seeking in their life adventure.

Mars can be the person you trust to be genuine, to work hard, to get through a challenge, to come through in challenging times. Mars can be on guard or may not feel safe if in a difficult placement but may feel very safe and confident to take on anything when in a more beneficial position.

Saturn in aspect to Mars cools the fiery planet down a bit, bringing more logic and caution into play. This may be why Mars is exalted in Capricorn and can be rather productive there. Mars in Cancer could indicate a person who acts more emotionally and protectively possibly even passive aggressively, perhaps one who is sensitive and defensive around their home or family.

Sometimes people with positive or beneficial Mars placements, such as Mars in Aries, it's domicile, may not actually be combative, aggressive, or excessively energetic because the planet is comfortable and doesn't have to struggle to find itself or doesn't have as much to prove. Mars in a difficult place could manifest as an irritability or need to prove itself.

Social Jobs and Roles

A fireman or policeman could use Mars' energy to subdue and deescalate danger or threats. Mars can create builders, farmers, hard laborers, security, leadership. A Martian individual may work in sports, physical labor, entrepreneurship, business, the military, martial arts, or anything physical. Sales professionals can benefit from Martian qualities to have a more assertive and persuasive sales pitch to convince clients to make a purchase.

William Lilly says Mars can indicate princes, tyrants, conquerors, generals, colonels, captains, soldiers, physicians, surgeons, alchemists, gunners, butchers, bailiffs, thieves, smiths, bakers, armourers, watch-makers, cutlers of swords and knives, barbers, fighters, and athletes.

Valens says, “The star of Mars signifies ... those who work with fire or iron, those who work with their hands, and masons.”

Mars and Venus

Mars can rage out of control if unchecked or unbalanced with Venus. Mars works alongside Venus as Venus has opposite principles. Whereas Venus rules romantic attraction, Mars is associated with physical attraction. Venus speaks to the pleasure and enjoyment of sex, and Mars speaks to the sex drive, the phallus, and the physical experience of sex. Venus is soft and slow, while Mars is sharp and quick. Venus signifies harmony and balance, whereas Mars signifies disharmony. Venus unifies and brings things together whereas Mars divides, severs, cuts, and separates.

Venus and Mars may seem to oppose each other in significations, but unlike other dualities among the planets, like Saturn and the Sun who seem to disagree and not necessarily work well together, Mars and Venus seem to get along and work well with their dualities.

Physical Significations

According to Jane Ridder-Patrick's "Handbook of Medical Astrology" Mars rules: the immune system, the inflammatory response, adrenal function, production of body heat via digestion, muscular actions, sexual arousal, haemoglobin and blood fibrinogen, white blood cells, inflammation, fevers, burns, skin eruptions, sexual dysfunction, immune disorders, wounds and problems caused by or requiring surgery. Mars also correlates with most kinds of physical accidents."

Mars rules pain, ailments, the body's defense system, abrupt and acute disruptions in the body's health as opposed to Saturn who rules more long term disruptions in health. Mars rules the muscular system, red blood cells, the head, and the face. Mars foods are hot, spicy, and bitter, and Martian plants are prickly, sharp, and stinging.

A strong Mars may make the native more prone to accidents and injuries possibly due to impulsiveness or recklessness. However a strong Mars can also indicate an ability to recover quickly from said experiences. Mars also rules injuries to the face or skull, migraines, scars, rashes, infections, ulcers, and the genitals.

Dignities

Mars is considered a masculine and nocturnal planet, but sometimes is feminine especially when it is ruling Scorpio or exalted in Capricorn, both feminine signs. Mars rules Aries and Scorpio, meaning it is in domicile in those signs. Mars is in detriment in Libra and Taurus, in fall in Cancer, and exalted in Capricorn.

Aries influence is alert, full of energy, passionate, courageous and determined. Mars operates well here and has more ease and accessibility to its basic nature in Aries as well as in Scorpio. Both of these signs are known for their sexually passionate demeanor. Aries is mission oriented, actional, and independent. It is a fire sign, so it is fast, willful, and strong. Aries is the hasty warrior. Aries influence likes newness, naivety, innocence, vigorousness, buoyancy, and anticipation. Planets in Aries are competitive, assertive, need or want to be first or lead. Aries resonates with Mars, the God of War, as Mars is a defiant kind of spirit, fearless, respected, a risk taker, one who fights for those in need. Robert Zoller, according to Chris Brennan, said Aries is like a machine gun and Scorpio like a sniper rifle.

In Scorpio, Mars' other domicile, we find determination, a subtle yet strong personality, focused and intense desires usually towards uncovering the deeper elements of a situation. Scorpio is a feminine sign, so it is more receptive and contemplative than it is action oriented, but Scorpio influence is a deep feeling influence. Scorpio is an in depth investigator with less gray area in its scope than others. Mars is at home here because it has somewhere to place its energy, it has a focus for its drive, direction, and passion.

Mars is exalted in Capricorn, meaning it finds new and expanded strengths in itself here. Capricorn, as an Earth sign ruled by Saturn, has a structural and grounding influence on Mars, making it easier for Mars to take productive action. Mars in Capricorn is an excellent position for goal orientation as we have the ambition and more serious structure of Capricorn with the drive of Mars. Saturn's influence here cools off Mars' fiery nature a bit.

Mars is in fall in Cancer, meaning it's energy is weakest here. Cancer being a water sign has a lot of emotional influence but may not have very direct action. Mars is frustrated here with having to take it's energy around the bush. Mars in Cancer cares about family and home, may have conflict at home with family, may be extra protective of family, or maybe even dangerous around the home.

Mars is in detriment in Taurus and Libra, signs ruled by Venus, because these signs deal more with passivity, beauty, femininity, social experiences, and self perception than they do with direct action. Mars' aggressiveness and impulsiveness may conflict with the more diplomatic and calm nature of these two signs. This would feel like having a lot of energy in a very calm, relaxed, and slow place, where one might struggle to find an outlet. Taurus is a slow-moving and stubborn influence which might frustrate Mars' desire to take swift action. Libra is a rather social place to be which could disperse Mars' energy rather than focus it and give it away to others when it may want a more self-centered route.

Sect

According to the Hellenistic sect scheme there are two teams of planets. Each contains one benefic, one malefic, and one luminary. The day, or diurnal, team is considered masculine, while the night, or nocturnal, team is feminine. Mars belongs to the night sect, along with the Moon and Venus. According to the sect doctrine, when Mars is in a night chart (before dawn), it isn’t quite as malefic as usual, since it’s more ‘at home’ at night. This makes Mars more productive in a night chart. When Mars is in a day chart, it is considered the most negative planet in the chart.

Modern astrologer Rob Hand writes “It is implicit in the doctrine of sect in which Mars is a nocturnal planet, that Mars might also be feminine. It is also implicit in the fact that Mars prefers the moisture (a feminine quality) of Scorpio to the dryness of Aries. However, Ibn Ezra is one of the few who have come out and directly classified Mars as feminine as well as nocturnal.” Mars certainly has many masculine qualities, but how interesting it is that some argue it’s more at home in femininity as shown through its domicile in Scorpio, as well as its exaltation in feminine Capricorn.

Mars Retrograde

Mars' retrograde period is approximately 2-3 months every two years. During this time, Mars appears closer to Earth, and its energy is amplified. If one were born with a retrograde Mars in their natal chart, one might repress aggression and find it hard to let go of frustration. A retrograde Mars suggests that the person is focused on their inner world, and they rely on themselves more than waiting for others to help them.

Mars direct usually traverses a sign of the zodiac in about 5 weeks, but when it goes retrograde, it usually takes about 2-3 months, and then if we add on the shadow periods (where Mars traverses the retrograde section of the zodiac leading up to the retrograde and falling away from it), it may take Mars close to a year to get through a sign of the zodiac; so that area gets a heavy Mars experience for that period of time.

Mars is the first planet that is outside the Earth's orbit, so while Venus and Mercury retrogrades start as a conjunction with the Sun, Mars' retrogrades start with an opposition because Mars and the Sun are on opposite sides of the Earth at this time. There's an interesting correlation here between Venus and Mercury being more personal planets, and Mars starting the journey into the outer realms, which asks, how do you take action outside of yourself? Because of this opposition, Mars is seen after sunset as a bright red light in the sky with its own full moon affect. This is when it is the closest it will get to Earth. Anytime Mars is in opposition to the Sun it will always be retrograde.

From an early age we are taught to subdue Martian qualities. We're taught to care about others more than our own needs, to not use harsh words. Sometimes this leads to repressed instincts and trouble asserting ourselves, which can show up with a Mars retrograde. We may end up not speaking up against wrongdoing. All of these qualities become weak, and we must face ourselves. Perhaps they have been internalized in a self-harmful way. Mars retrograde can move Mars' energy introverted into a suppressed internal and possibly invisible experience or it can become more extraverted, wild, monstrous, and unpredictable. Often with Mars retrograde we feel exhausted, burnt out, frustrated, overly triggered, angry, and defeated; maybe even extra aggressive and ready to fight more often than necessary, perhaps hypersexual or not sexual at all. Passions may be stifled. Mars retrograde may also suppress the libido or inhibit sexual expression somehow. It may make one more passive aggressive. It may also cause fevers or rashes. We may have unexpected outbursts of anger, but we also may reevaluate these places of unresolved conflict. It's a great time to reexamine what we are doing, where we are going, how we're getting there, and possibly make some changes.

Mars is the planet of action and drive, so when it's retrograde, its energy may be more internalized, sluggish, unmotivated, and may struggle to initiate or complete tasks. We may feel frustration or anger, and we may have more conflicts since these feelings might be buried a bit, yet still strong and energetic.

Another pattern often seen with Mars retrograde, particularly in a birth chart, might be a father or father figure who struggled to direct his own will in some way. Often this might be an influence on some Mars retrograde individuals who may find it difficult to set goals, preferring to hide behind unspecific plans.

Navigating Mars retrograde periods may require patience and self-reflection. We need to develop our understanding and compassion to avoid emotionally charged impulsivity. We may want to review a situation instead of acting on it impulsively.

Mars retrograde can be a little harder to predict and may not be as much of a motivational time. One common analogy is that of Mars as a warrior who typically wants to go into battle, but when retrograde, he already knows what may happen based on past experience. Plans made or expectations beforehand don't always make as much sense when put into action, and one may have to improvise, wing it, or scrap the plan.

The important points of the retrograde cycle are the retrograde station, the opposition, and the direct station. These are the moments when Mars is stating something notable.

Nick Dagan Best says:

"One of the things that's really unusual about Mars retrograde phases - and it marks it in great contrast to Venus - is that the distribution of signs in the Mars retrograde cycle is very, very uneven, but it's really interesting to follow. Mars will make retrograde stations in the signs Cancer, Leo, and Virgo - the tropical signs. Without fail it always makes retrograde and direct stations in those three signs. But the further out you go from those signs, the less frequent retrograde stations will occur in them to the point where Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces are the 'super rare' signs for Mars retrogrades because they can take as long as 32 to 47 years in between one to the other...You can't make a beautiful symmetrical picture out of the Mars retrograde cycle like with the Venus cycle; it's irregular."

Mars retrograde cycles are characterized as asymmetrical, uncooperative, unfair, a "live with it, toughen up" attitude, a lack of control, going rogue, and breaking with approval sometimes to an extreme. Being the rarest retrograde, only coming once every other year, Mars retrograde can be much more notable and memorable.

Other planets when they station retrograde, pause briefly then move retrograde more quickly, but Mars stays at one degree for much longer, so it emphasizes that degree and placement pretty heavily.

To learn more about your own Mars placement, please email me at saramariepersons@gmail.com to schedule a reading. I'd be so enthusiastic to explore your passions and energy and where you'd like to take them.

Sara Marie