Horoscope Astrology: Mars in the Birth Chart

Mars comes under the spotlight in this,the sixth article on the planet,in which I describe the essence of these energy bodies and how they operate in life. Mars is another Tool planet the male libido and the polar opposite to Venus,the female libido.

Mars the Desire Nature in the Horoscope

The desire to have,to achieve, to be the best,to be first, to do battle,to defend as well as our competitive nature, comes from the energy and drive of Mars. Whatever we desire may begin with thought but we use our Mars to achieve,to reach our goal. The warrior, the athlete and the Casanova are all examples of the primal instinct of Mars. At the instinctual level Mars can be a selfish and ‘me first’ energy. We all need this to some extent,as a life lived through or just for others is an unbalanced life indeed. However, Mars working mainly from impulse,can be clumsy,rude,and aggressive,and can be overtly single minded.

The competitiveness of Mars can be the spur to hone a skill,after all someone who wants to win and be the best will work at perfecting this. The Roman Empire had a very strong Mars archetypal energy,although the scales tipped too far towards its own selfish end, hence its fall. In order to achieve we all need Mars to accomplish anything. Often a goal or a strong desire combined with learned discipline fires the impulse of Mars. This leads to an efficiency in energy resulting in personal success.

The Male Libido

Mars represent the masculine sexual appetite, that which drives him to seek a mate. The macho male will use his masculinity to attract his partner,whereas a more refined or delicate being may use his Mars to impress,to show off his skills or to apply his Mars in more subtle ways.

The Female Mars

It has been said that Mars in a woman’s chart shows the type of man she will be attracted to. In way of projection this may be so but,as we all need to develop our own attributes,so women need to own their own Mars energy. This is more evident today, as women are coming much more into their own sense of self. However, when doing chart work I always endeavour to a ascertain whether a woman owns or projects her Mars. When a woman takes the lead, sorts things out, runs her own business, becomes head of her game,top in her profession,being assertive or aggressive, this is evidence of a strong Mars her life,which of course will show in her chart! A strong mother figure,the one that organises disciplines or provides for her family also owns her Mars. Many single Mothers are learning to use their Mars,as for many women this is a new stage of growth. We all need to become independent within ourselves.

Mars in the Astrological Birth Chart

Assessing a person’s Mars and how they use it is seen through the sign in which it is placed. How it is integrated within is shown through the aspect pattern, and the environmental influence will be gleaned through its house position. From the Birth Chart we can see how and where Mars is operating and more importantly how it can be developed further or be brought under more of our control.

Examples

Mars is a fiery planet, therefore in a fire sign (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius);it is working in its own element. The attributes assigned to Mars will be enhanced, enthused and expanded upon as it feels very much at home in these signs.

It will be somewhat watered down in a water sign. (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) so it may be used with cunning or with sensitivity, feelings and passion.

In Air, (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) Mars may show its assertiveness through different forms of communication or by searching for information and knowledge.

Operating from an Earth element,(Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) its drive will be channelled into attaining and achieving practical results.

The Relationship of Mars to the Ego Planets

Mars with the Sun has the same fiery substance, albeit in their different ways. It will, as always, depend on the type of aspect, but Mars would add vigour and drive to the Sun therefore helping or hindering its own sense of importance and creative expression.

The Moon with Mars can be touchy, especially if feelings are hurt. It will depend on what sign they are working from but it’s my needs and those of ‘my family’s ‘ that need to be fought for and met.

Saturn in aspect to Mars could restrict its drive and assertiveness, which could cause shyness or be evident where a person is afraid to stick up for themselves. Saturn could also discipline Mars in some way, which will result in mastering a skill or achieving status or material gain.

In essence, Mars is that drive in us that we use when we want something, it is very much part of our ‘desire’ nature. It is our sense of action,our goal achieving mechanism,our need to fight,to stick up and defend ourselves. Mars has a strong sense of self. If we operate too much from this it will undoubtedly cause trouble in our lives. We do need this fiery impulse however,to grow,to take action,and to survive!