Interpreting Mars
Mars in the birthchart signifies how an individual expresses aggression, passion, initiation, assertion, and so forth. Mars symbolizes masculine, active energies and is ruled under the signs Aries and Scorpio.
When interpreting Mars in the birthchart, we must have already examined the key components of the chart, such as the Lights, the ascendant, and the chart ruler. The key components of the chart present itself before and alongside Mars’ position; it is what makes a specific Mars position dynamic to individuals with different rulers and Lights (and we can see that specifically with aspects, for example). I mentioned in a previous post of mine the importance of the Moon’s position in relation to the threshold of aggression/anger before it is acted out through Mars. It is important to understand the individual’s emotional world (Moon), character (Sun), and purpose (Ascendant/Ruler), for Mars, like other planets, cannot be isolated in interpretation. Looking at the entire picture identifies the significance of Mars in an individual’s chart, for someone with an Aries rising with Mars in a domicile position means something different in significance for someone with a Libra rising with the same Mars position.
Mars in the Signs
Mars in Aries Mars is at home in Aries, its ruler. Brings forth significance of this planet to the individual and the house its in. This placement gives the individual a lot of energy to work with, if not put to use, they can become very impatient and impulsive. Great initiators and very passionate about their ideas and explorations. Approach to heated activities is very masculine and very confident. The Martian energy is often associated with physical activities, but there is equally a significant amount of mental activity as well. They are quick to make decisions, ideas, and solutions, but may be deemed reckless for doing so. Quite aggressive when provoked and easily frustrated when their abundant energy is not put to use. Physically takes their anger out and isn’t one to confuse exactly what they’re angry about.
Mars in Taurus Mars is in detriment in Taurus as the typically Venusian ruled sign is notorious for its passiveness, desire for pleasure, and lack of energy. This is a difficult combination for a planet that symbolizes the utility of energy. There is nevertheless desire for how rewarding it can be to use Mars’ energy, but the motivation isn’t always there; this can result in a stubborn attitude towards goals. May need to learn to love the game before the reward when it comes to achieving goals. Desire and victory for the prize can sometimes make the individual become greedy and smug. Individuals with this placement are great conservers of energy and understanding limits, but alternatively can be seen as lazy and unwilling. Typically needs to sleep on a decision or idea before coming to a conclusion; this can make problem solving and conflict relentlessly frustrating for the individual and everyone else involved. Concluded ideas and decisions can hardly be swayed (however, may take bribery), this makes for a stubborn or persistent approach. Passive aggressive and can be unforgiving depending on the condition of the Moon.
Mars in Gemini Mars in Gemini finds itself using its abundant energy in ways that are quick-witted. If the individual with this placement has an airy Mercury as well, they may be a natural genius. Achieves goals and presents oneself (and ideas) in a clever manner. They naturally have a way with words in terms of getting what they want. Extremely eager and motivated, if physical and mental outlets are unavailable they can become riddled with nervousness. Individuals with this placement don’t stay satisfied with completed goals for long, especially when presented with new ideas and horizons. Sometimes new ideas can inhibit previous or current goals; Mars here may lack the same consistency as it would in Taurus. They know how to win an argument with their words and their go-to solution in regards to conflict is communication, however this doesn’t necessarily mean they see conflict objectively or rationally, this must be examined throughout the chart. Rational and objectively, Mars in Gemini may use facts, but alternatively may use profanity. Either way, provoking Mars in Gemini may result in verbal annihilation.
Mars in Cancer Mars in the Lunar ruled sign gives sensitivity to the energetic planet. This placement is also considered to be the fall position of the planet. The reason for this is it inhibits the individual from directly tackling a goal and self assertion. Often it manifests a shy behaviour in individuals, but paired with extroverted Lights, it manifests a very defensive character. When the individual feels comfortable and safe, they are more motivated to complete goals. Paired with a sensitive Lunar placement, it makes for a very emotional individual. Careful decision maker; considers everyone involved. Not quick to provoke, temper builds up like a bowling teapot. Expresses anger emotionally and often self-soothes with food and sleep. Physical sensitivity is common as well, often the stomach is an indicator of how the individual is dealing with conflict, but the house Mars is in can also provide clues.
Mars in Leo Mars finds itself quite dignified in another fire sign, Leo. There is a strong drive and passion towards goals, individuals with this placement can’t be deterred. Alternatively this can make the individual seem selfish and inconsiderate because while they are willing to do everything it takes to meet the finish line, they are unwilling to stop for others. The individual isn’t necessarily unsympathetic as we can determine the character more through the Lights, but Mars here dislikes being wrong, giving up, or considering their actions any less than noble; a very stubborn mindset (as the fixed signs are). Self assertion is confident, direct, and sometimes overbearing. This individual feels especially motivated by recognition and appreciation; unmotivated by feelings of jealousy and lack of validation. Conflict is dealt with by the individual’s level of power and force. Expresses anger loudly and dramatically.
Mars in Virgo Mars finds itself working steadily and practically in Virgo. Individuals with this placement have a strong ability to work through the thick and thin to complete their goal. They are very motivated by the work itself if it serves purpose to others. However, their motivation can be quickly inhibited by self-criticism. Goals aren’t always met quickly as Virgo nit-picks every detail of the process. Mars here makes for very careful decision makers, practicality factors weigh in a lot. Asserts oneself with helpfulness and potential; shows others that they can be an asset. Similar to Mars in Gemini, if their energy isn’t put to use, they become quite anxious. Mars here has a very cooled temper, but if provoked a petty and critical side is present. Anger is expressed very low-key, these individuals are definitely not the type to get loud, physical, or extremely aggressive.
Mars in Libra This is the other detrimental placement for Mars as it is another Venusian ruled sign. Again, there is a strong association of passiveness, this is notoriously the passive aggressive placement. Mars here does not know how to deal with conflict or feelings of anger/hostility; this can be accompanied by confusion with certain aspects, the individual may confuse feelings of anger towards a bigger issue with a lesser issue. The individual often avoids confrontation and tries to keep the peace by dropping the whole issue. Feelings of frustration inhibits motivation towards goals and they are almost completely unwilling to do anything that causes displeasure and difficulty. These individuals are good at finding the easy solution and the easy path; they often get what they want through others with persuasion. These individuals are often very indecisive which can inhibit solutions, they will spend a lot of energy weighing their options. Self assertion is in a manner that considers others and the environment around them; relatability is their key attitude.
Mars in Scorpio Considered to be the strongest placement for Mars, this is Mars’ other domicile position. Can be a potent part of the entire individual’s chart; the combination of Mars and Scorpio has a way of being a dominating force. Gives the individual a powerful presence. Mars here has the potential of dealing with conflict very eloquently if the individual is has a highly developed sense of self and balancing what they can and cannot control; alternatively feelings of anger can turn into jealousy, revenge, grudgery, and manipulation. Masters of persuasion with persistence. The same passion the Aries placement has applies here too, as well as a lot of the other fiery qualities, but because of Scorpio’s watery nature, careful consideration in plans and goals take place. Not as reckless, if at all, when it comes to achieving goals. Strong capability for enduring what is takes to achieve their goals. Their need for control can inhibit these individuals from achieving their goals; their expression of freedom is one of the best qualities, but needs to be learned.
Mars in Sagittarius An individual with Mars in Sagittarius will assert themselves with a sense of integrity and apparent transparency. This is also their tactic for getting what they want; they will use beliefs, ideals, morals, righteousness to convey, and they will embellish and exaggerate their ideas. They tend to exaggerate their anger as well; when provoked, the expression of frustration and hostility escalates very quickly. Of all the Mars placements, this one expresses the largest drive, but fire signs are known for pushing their limit and burning out, and their drive can also be inhibited by the inability to move forward as quickly as expected or when their idea/goal isn’t clear enough. They can be full force towards an idea if they have the means and the clarity. This placement combined with a lot of Earth in the chart can indicate someone with not only drive, but stamina and great endurance. They can be quite restless, similar to the Aries placement, if energy isn’t used efficiently they can become easily frustrated. They also share the same reckless quality as Aries too.
Mars in Capricorn This is Mars’ exalted placement, meaning it works very well in the person’s chart here. When Mars is here, it puts its energy in all the right places, there’s persistence, active ambition, and self-reliance. These individuals know how to assert authority and make themselves appear qualified and responsible. They are extremely motivated by recognition and reward, on the other hand unmotivated if there’s no status or advancement involved. Goals are also inhibited by comparing themselves too much to their superiors. If provoked, status is made known, power is their tactic, but not physically aggressive. These individuals are actually quite quiet and cool, but not ones to mess with. Achieves goals with steady persistence and careful planning. Ideas and goals are clear and well-defined, this placement is the most realistic out of all the archetypes. Apt to be workaholics unless accompanied by lazier placements.
Mars in Aquarius Similar to the Virgo and Capricorn placement, Mars here asserts itself with a level of ability; in this case intellectual ability. Objectivity is important to the self here. Measures relationships worth by others’ willingness to see eye to eye. Intellectual relatability is important. Motivated by the revolution of their ideas, the need to express freedom, and innovation. Very excitable by new ideas and the never before tried. Alternatively, goals can be inhibited by feelings of unoriginality, restriction of expression, and unrealistic outcome. These individuals can be very hostile and unpredictable when provoked. Very contentious in arguments. They also tend to act recklessly and unpredictably when Mars’ energy isn’t efficiently being put to use. They’re the type to have a serious mental breakdown when burned out.
Mars in Pisces Mars here does not have a lot of physical capacity. Energy is often low and “watered out,” but alternatively can be powered up again through spiritual endeavours. Intuition is strong here. These individuals do not achieve their goals through directiveness like the fire placements do for example, they do it paced, and felt out. They are capable of persistently feeling out situations and coming to conclusions, goals, ideas, and decisions that way. Gets things done by a whim of inspiration. Goals can be inhibited by their unrealistic nature; the Pisces placement is a big dreamer, strong Earth placements may put sense into them. There isn’t much capacity for anger either, though quite sensitive. Similar to the Libra placement in this sense, conflict often confuses them and leads to poor decision making. These individuals assert themselves with gentleness and flexibility. The “won’t get in your way” type; molds themselves around the room and the people.
