Mars in Astrology
The energy of directed force, individuality, physical vitality and masculinity
Rulership: Aries and Scorpio
No matter how much we wish to describe an objective reality, everything we know about the world is fundamentally subjective. This subjective experience is also the foundation of astrology, which describes how we are personally affected by, and experience, what happens around us.
When we look at the night sky, Mars appears as a star with a faint reddish glow. In ancient times, this red hue led Mars to be viewed as an ominous or “malefic” planet (unlike Venus and Jupiter, which were seen as “benefics” with positive influences).
It takes Mars 687 days to travel through the entire zodiac, making a full circle of 360 degrees around us, which is just under two years. Mars spends about 57 days in each zodiac sign.
Mars and our electromagnetic reality
As we perceive the world, it might seem as if we are surrounded only by a some thin air. In reality, we are fully immersed in a vast electromagnetic field. Visible light, sounds we can hear, and warmth from the sun make up less than one percent of this immense energy field, which is primarily shaped by earth’s magnetism in combination with radiation from the sun and moon. While the planets do have an impact, it is much less from an electromagnetic perspective.
Sunring astrology describes how we are affected by this energy field, placing greater emphasis on the sun, the sunring and the moon than conventional astrology. This does not mean Mars is unimportant. The planets add nuances to the electromagnetic field and to individual personalities.
The energy of individuality and directed force
Mars expresses an individualistic energy. In certain parts of the animal kingdom, for example among insects, scientists sometimes speak of a “hive mind.” Humans, however, exist as distinct individuals, requiring each person to separate from others and defend their individuality from outside influences.
Mars embodies this individualistic, separating energy. It can also show up as an aggressive defense of one’s individuality. Mars thus symbolizes qualities like aggression, strength, courage and competitiveness.
The individualistic energy can also extend to larger groups or nations, when people identify with a cause or ideology. Thus, Mars also symbolizes confrontation on a larger scale. In ancient Rome, the planet Mars was associated with the god of war, Mars (or Ares, his Greek counterpart).
The paradox, however, is that when we give up our personal individuality in favor of a greater cause, we act more like a collective “hive mind.” Examples include the behavior of a crowd at a sports match, soldiers in battle or people on social media.
The energy of physical vitality and masculinity
Mars’s energy, which defends and sets individuals apart, is also highly active. It is a raw, primal force that drives and initiates action. Mars’s energy is thus associated with physical activity, sexuality and masculinity. The energy is neither good nor bad. For nature and society to function in a balanced way, both activating, powerful energies and receptive, nurturing energies are needed and essential.
Mars rulership
Because Mars embodies activity and drive, it shares many qualities with the zodiac sign Aries, a fire sign. Since ancient times, Mars has therefore been considered the ruler of Aries. Mars was also traditionally seen as the ruler of Scorpio. Although Scorpio is a water sign, making for an unusual combination of fire and water, Scorpio’s energy turns inward, activating individuals to explore themselves deeply.
In modern astrology, Pluto has replaced Mars as Scorpio’s ruler. However, Pluto is what is known as a “generational planet,” moving extremely slowly across the sky and influencing generations rather than individuals (although modern astrology often gives Pluto a somewhat exaggerated role).
The role of Mars in astrology
In conventional astrology, Mars’s placement is often thought to reveal how we express our sexuality. Interpretations might differ for men and women, and there is no universal agreement on this approach.
When we view astrology as a description of how we are affected by our electromagnetic reality, a different picture emerges. How we express ourselves in any situation is shaped primarily by our sun sign, sunring and the moon. Rather than attributing particular aspects of ourselves to a single planet’s energy, sunring astrology considers the entire electromagnetic field, which already includes the kind of energy Mars represents.
By understanding ourselves better, we can also understand how we influence and connect with others, including in romantic relationships.
Mars becomes more interesting in a societal context. While Mars’s movements through the zodiac may not significantly affect single individuals, when we consider humanity as a whole, even subtle energy shifts can influence enough people to steer society in one direction or another. You can read more about this here were we explain the concept of transits.
Frequently asked questions about Mars in Astrology
What does Mars signify in astrology?
Mars signifies raw energy, passion and determination. Known as the red planet and a fiery planet, it governs self-assertion, physical energy and the drive to overcome challenges. Traditionally, it is thought to play a key role in expressing anger, sexual desires and the courage to explore new horizons.
What does the Mars sign reveal in a natal chart?
In conventional astrology, your Mars sign indicates how you channel your active energy, express your competitive nature and pursue your goals.
It is also thought to reflect your approach to sexual energy and romantic attraction, showing whether your drive is impulsive, strategic or steady.
For example, Cancer Mars is thought to channel its energy into family life, while Aquarius Mars focuses on breaking the status quo and exploring unconventional paths.
We humans are immersed in an ocean of electromagnetic energy, mainly from the earth's magnetic field, the sun, moon and sunring. Compared to those massive forces, planets such as Mars have a minor impact.
What does a strong Mars in the birth chart indicate?
A strong Mars is thought to signify a person with intense passion, animal instincts and a powerful drive to achieve goals. It enhances problem-solving skills, mental challenges and the ability to take action. However, a very dominant Mars can sometimes lead to being overly assertive or confrontational.
The impact of planets such as Mars is however minor in the ocean of electromagnetism that surrounds us.
How does Mars influence the various houses in a natal chart?
Traditionally Mars is seen as having a strong influence on different aspects of life depending on its placement in the houses. For instance, in the first house, Mars enhances self-assertion and vitality, in the third house, it boosts mental stimulation and communication, and in the sixth house, it drives a strong work ethic and determination to overcome obstacles.
There are however many house systems, leading to planets ending up in different houses depending on which system you choose, making the whole idea of houses questionable. Learn more here.
How does Mars interact with other celestial bodies?
Mars’s interaction with other planets shapes its energy. For example, when paired with Venus, it influences romantic attraction and sexual energy.
When connected to Saturn, it brings lessons in channeling energy constructively, often balancing aggression with patience.
In an electromagnetic perspective, the impact of planets are minor compared to your sunring and sun sign, which influence all aspects of life.
What does Mars' position in Aquarius signify?
When Mars is in Aquarius, it channels its active energy into innovation, breaking traditions and exploring unconventional ideas. It combines mental stimulation with a desire to challenge the status quo and seek creative energy for societal change.
Planet influences are mostly relevant on humanity as a whole. For the individual, their impact is marginal compared to the sun, moon and sunring.
How does Mars impact emotions and instincts?
Mars rules animal instincts and primal emotions such as anger and desire. Its energy is direct, sometimes impulsive, reflecting our sense of urgency and capacity for decisive action. A balanced Mars ensures that these instincts are used constructively to enhance life and relationships.
Why is Mars associated with Lord Shiva in Vedic astrology?
In Vedic astrology, Mars is linked to Lord Shiva due to its role in transformation, destruction of obstacles and the pursuit of higher goals. Like Shiva, Mars represents raw energy, determination and the balance between animal nature and spiritual growth.
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