Mars in the Signs
Mars is an energizer which stimulates activity and spurs a person into taking action. It is closely aligned with the masculine desire principle initiating sexual activity. If this energy is used positively, it manifests as self-assertion, initiative, and ambition. If this principle is expressed negatively, it will tend to manifest as aggression, impulsiveness, impatience, recklessness, anger, combativeness and possibly violence. Even when expressed on a positive level, this planet could indicate how danger and violence may enter into our lives. This planet is a powerful influence; and, when used positively, can help us to accomplish much, but it is a self-centered principle desirous of immediate gratification. So problems may arise if we do not endeavor to use this energy wisely. For men, we are likely to see this principle closely aligned with expression of the male ego. For women, this could be an indication of the masculine principles she finds attractive in a mate. For both, this will indicate how we express this planet's energy and also exactly what is likely to stimulate this energy within us. The sign it is posited in will indicate what stimulates us and how we are inclined to express this energy and color the expression of Martian characteristics. ARIES MARS This is a strong placement because this sign is ruled by Mars. These people usually have a love of action. They are energetic, enthusiastic, impatient, impulsive, competitive and possibly reckless. Often brave and courageous and, in extremes, foolhardy, they possess quite a bit of initiative that may drive them to initiate a lot of new activities or to be enterprising in some way. The one drawback of major consequence with Aries placements is a lack of follow-through which can hinder the native's ability to achieve their objectives. These people would be well advised to cultivate patience. Careless behavior may lead to accidents and/or injury to themselves and others. If this energy is harnessed and used wisely, they can accomplish much as their competitive nature gives them the desire to be first in whatever they do. They usually possess quick, short-lived tempers and some may be prone to violence. The sex drive may be quite strong. TAURUS MARS Taurus will usually hold the impulsiveness of this planet in check, for the practical qualities of this sign will want to use this energy for a directed purpose. This may make them seem a bit slow to take action to the casual observer, but normally once their course has been set they are capable of exhibiting a good deal of determination and perseverance. Taurus is not only desirous of the sensual delights pursued by Mars, but also of financial and material gains as well. So these people may put a good deal of energy into the pursuit of material security. These individuals are not usually inclined to be all that combative. However, if forced to stand their ground, can be obstinate opponents, and the Taurus stubbornness may very well defeat those that stand against them through sheer exhaustion. The caution for this placement may be a tendency toward possessiveness and jealousy. If these people should exhibit any inclination to violence, these qualities could very well be what triggers it. GEMINI MARS These people tend to be extremely restless individuals because of the combination of Mars' energy and impatience with Mercury's (Gemini's ruler) restlessness. A good deal of nervous energy is frequently present and these natives are even more apt to leave a long string of incomplete projects in their wake because of the characteristics mentioned above, and because Gemini is a mutable sign. The energy of these people may be quite scattered; and thus, wasted on endeavors that may never be brought to conclusion. These people should cultivate patience to complete projects and the determination to do so. They are inclined to be competitive on a mental level and a lot of this planet's energy will be focused on the area of communication. If this planet is thwarted in its desires, or if this position is afflicted, its combative nature will often be expressed as rude or sarcastic speech and a tendency to be quarrelsome. This position could be beneficial for all fields of communication or where manual dexterity is required. Potential mates are likely to be connected with on a mental level and where ease of communication is indicated. Until committed, however, sexual fidelity may seem like an alien concept to these natives. CANCER MARS This placement may soften the expression of this energy as Cancer is a water sign indicating a sensitive and sympathetic nature, at least as far as the self-centeredness of this planet will allow. One drawback could be a tendency to moodiness and withdrawal that may hinder initiative and possibly a tendency toward over-emotionalism, as this will energize (Mars) the emotions indicated by Cancer. These people need to have the emotions engaged in order to express this energy, so most of them need to feel secure, ideally, in order to engage in sexual activity. They should guard against being overly dependent on a mate as well as the Cancer proclivity to cling to loved ones. It should be noted, however, that these people can be extraordinarily protective of loved ones because of the nurturing/maternal instincts of the sign, Cancer, ruled by the Moon. They may direct their energy into the home and domestic scene. Productively, this could indicate many improvement projects around the home and much energy given to the family. Negatively, this could mean many frustrations brought home to be vented on loved ones. LEO MARS Leo's flair for the dramatic will tend to enhance the ability to express Mars' characteristics. Like all fire signs, these people may be warm, enthusiastic, generous, energetic and self-confident. Similar to placement in Aries, there may be executive or leadership ability evident. Leo's pride will often push these people toward a position of prominence; and, their self-confidence is likely to arouse the confidence of others in themselves and in these natives. This may be an indication of artistic talent as Leo is the natural sign of the fifth house of artistic/creative self-expression. Similarly, the fifth includes romance. Thus, these people usually have an ardent love nature though Leo's pride may indicate an inclination to possessiveness and jealousy. If you wish to woo these people, they are prone to flattery, attention, and generosity does not hurt either. Because of pride, they are driven to succeed, but they should be aware of a tendency to being too pushy and dominating others as they may be prone to do. This sort of behavior serves to foster opposition by those who may view the native as arrogant. VIRGO MARS Virgo placements tend to subdue planetary expression to a degree, in outward expression anyway, and this may be true of Mars' characteristics as well. Often these people will direct this energy into being hardworking, paying close attention to detail and being methodical and into a desire to serve. These people may be skilled craftsmen or employ this planet's energy in the field of research. The health field and helping professions may be of interest to these natives also. This lends a practical and productive use of this energy, so these people are likely to be methodical planners that take no action that is not well thought out beforehand. Just as other Virgo placements, there may be a tendency toward fussiness or very critical behavior if this energy is not used positively. There may also be a tendency toward nervousness and irritability. There is usually a tendency toward perfectionism. The sex drive may be subdued or converted into energy used in their work. There is a likelihood of meeting a mate in the workplace, but also a likelihood of clashes there as well. LIBRA MARS Libra's influence will usually refine the expression of this planet characteristics with this placement. These people will probably initiate action (Mars) in conjunction with others (Libra – relationships). This is said to be a somewhat detrimental position for this planet because of Libra's need for the approval of others. However, this may not be exactly true, for the refined expression of this energy is less likely to arouse opposition and therefore may be an aid to helping the natives achieve their objectives. These people, because Libra is the natural sign of the seventh house of relationships, may be drawn to those that openly express Mars' energy. They should be aware, though, that this might lead to them being dominated or lead to clashes with partners, which will force them to develop their own Martian qualities in order to stand up for themselves. If they fail to do this, the Libra propensity to please may ensure that their own desires go unfulfilled. This Libra connection may also draw some to a career in the legal system (seventh house – lower courts) as they dislike unfairness or possibly work in public relations. Libra is also associated with the arts, so this could indicate energy expressed in creativity of some sort. Usually sexual expression is refined and these people tend to exhibit a romantic nature. SCORPIO MARS This is a powerful placement, for Mars is the traditional ruler of Scorpio. These people are often prey to intense, deep and powerful emotions and desires which drive them through the turbulent nature of these feelings. If directed wisely, this could lead to a great deal of achievement but, if used negatively, can make for fierce clashes with the environment and those in it that oppose the native. Pluto's (current ruler of Scorpio) influence can make for an all-or-nothing or a do-or-die attitude. This can be admirable if used to surmount obstacles the native has to contend with. However, Scorpio has a tendency toward vindictiveness, nurtured animosity and revenge. These people can be dangerous enemies. If they choose this course, however, because Pluto will allow the same expression of similar tactics by the native's opponents, this could prove to be dangerous for the native as well. The sex drive is strong, but there may be a tendency toward possessiveness and jealousy and, if afflicted, these could be triggers to stimulate violent behavior. There is equal opportunity for good and evil; but this, of course, depends on the native. SAGITTARIUS MARS This placement usually indicates a somewhat adventurous spirit. There may be a strong sense of patriotism and also a fondness for travel which, for some, could indicate military careers or at least travel to foreign countries. There may be a tendency to push one's idealistic, religious, philosophic or moral beliefs onto others. A usual warning with this position is to guard against fanaticism, as the natives are inclined to get fervently wrapped up in their belief systems. This is often indicative of a fondness for the outdoors, sports or hunting. Sagittarius is often noted for being tactless, and this could be a glaring problem with Mars placed in this sign. Its energy might be directed toward ninth house issues as Sagittarius is the natural sign of the ninth house. If so, this could indicate interest in the law (higher courts), religion, ethics, philosophy, higher education or publishing. The need for excitement and adventure, along with a desire for exploration, may make sexual fidelity rather tedious for these natives. After all, Sagittarius is one of the signs that love independence and freedom. This is a mutable sign; and as such, the natives should guard against scattering their energy as this is sure to inhibit achievement of their goals. CAPRICORN MARS This is a beneficial placement for Mars due to the influence of Saturn, Capricorn's ruler, and because this is the sign of Mars' exaltation. This allows for a cautious approach to the use of this energy and a good deal of self-discipline in the direction of this energy. These people are unlikely to use energy unwisely and will plan carefully before taking action to avoid wasting energy. Their actions have a definite purpose, and they are capable of working long and hard to achieve their ends. They are usually very ambitious and direct their efforts along these lines, frowning on others that do not share their ambitious nature. They are often desirous of status and plenty of financial and material gains. If this position is afflicted, they could become somewhat mercenary in their pursuit of these ends. This placement may indicate a lack of confidence or insecurity where the expression of Martian energy is concerned. However, the more likely case is that the native is quite reserved in this expression due to Capricorn's, "What-will-the-neighbors-think?" attitude. This could, however, be an indication of much professional and material success in life through productive use of Martian energy. Sexual energy may seem a bit subdued to the casual observer. But, as with most earth signs, the fire may be slower to ignite but may burn warmer, deeper and longer for these people. AQUARIUS MARS Aquarius is one of the signs that are associated with the desire for freedom and independence and tendencies toward the revolutionary and non-conformist. With Mars in this sign, there is a likelihood that these people will have a very independent nature and refuse to bow to tradition or authority of any kind without ample proof of the benefits to the native. If this position is afflicted, there may be a tendency toward extremism where instituting change is concerned. These people are likely to take action (Mars) in group (Aquarius – eleventh house) efforts or may be a driving force in the group they are members of. Its energy could be directed toward humanitarian causes, advanced technology, electronics, inventions, computers, the sciences or the occult and possibly astrology. Much energy will be directed on an intellectual level and this placement could indicate a high degree of intelligence. They should be forewarned about rebellious behavior that tends to rouse opposition. Sexual energy is expressed with a need for freedom and possibly a desire for experimentation. The detached and impersonal qualities of Aquarius may make these natives appear a bit cold. PISCES MARS Pisces may somewhat weaken Mars' characteristics. The emotions are usually strong, but the vulnerability and the undermining of self-confidence may hinder the native taking action in their own best interests. This is favorable for those involved in the helping professions due to this planet's drive being combined with Pisces' compassion and sensitivity. There could be an interest in psychology and work in institutions (twelfth house). Often, periods of solitude are beneficial to these people if they are troubled in any way. The quiet at such times can help them sort out their feelings and help them to revive Mars' energies. This could be a beneficial placement for those that are artistically or musically inclined as it may help to direct Martian energy along creative lines. These people may experience difficulty in the expression of anger and this could cause problems with health and emotional difficulties. Sexual expression may be more of a romantic idealism than physical expression.
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