Mars in Astrology

Planetary Bodies: The Meaning of the Planets, Part 5

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Mars in Astrology

Red hot and ruled by Aries, Mars governs our passions, fighting attitude, physical body, the cars we drive, and how we make love. Mars is force and assertion. Most folks will associate Mars with anger and aggression, but it’s also the planet of embodiment and exercise. How much of ourselves we pour into projects, as well as our competitive spirit (or lack thereof) corresponds to our Mars.

It’s an intense planet, known to exert its energy viscerally and dynamically if well-Aspected. As social creatures, we’re bound to run into conflicts and our Mars placement informs what those are and how we’re wired to react. Mars rules impulsiveness, pain, pleasure, and ambition. The First House is the Martian space, which is why we see shared themes around the body, assertion, and energy levels.

Difficult Aspects involving Mars, such as Squares and Oppositions, may result in both internal and external struggles. Hellenistic Astrology depicts Mars as a Malefic planet, especially in daytime birth charts, imbuing extreme challenges with its presence. I myself have a daytime chart, and my Mars Squares my Sun and Opposes my Uranus, Aspects I correspond to lifelong migraines.

Mars is also related to the Ego (as is the Sun) and entitlement. It speaks to what we want, and how we go after it. Motivations come from Mars, but it’s really about the actions we take. Well-supported Leo and Taurus Mars placements can seem unstoppable while those with watery Mars like Pisces or Cancer may have a more passive-aggressive approach.

Mars takes nearly two years to transit through all 12 zodiac signs, slowed down by a Retrograde every 58 to 81 days. Mars Retrogrades are considered accident-prone periods with misunderstandings and uncertainty around progress.