Mars

By Molly Hall, About.com Guide

Mars symbol

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What is Mars in the birth chart?:

This is where the planet Mars was when you were born. There are two things to consider that help to understand your Mars. What is your Mars sign? Where is your Mars (what house) on the birth chart?

How can I find out about my Mars sign and house position? :

You'll find it by looking for the Mars symbol on the birth chart .

What does Mars have to do with our sex lives?:

In astrology Mars is said to influence what turns you on, and how you'll pursue a potential mate. The sign and house position of Mars determines whether you'll have a detached or lovey-dovey approach to what goes on in the bedroom.

What's the difference between Venus and Mars in my birth chart?:

Mars is the passionate impulse and action, while Venus tends to the overall relationship atmosphere. Mars is the masculine aspect, and this goes beyond sex into your drive, discipline, will-power and stamina. Venus is the feminine aspect, and tempers Mars to smell the roses along the way. We need Mars' fire to generate sparks, and keep it spicy.

What does Mars have to do with my overall personality?:

Mars is like the volcano of vitality inside you that must be released and channeled. Mars lights up when you become filled with desire, and this guides you toward your destiny. It influences aspects of character related to action, like endurance, persistence, discipline. The aspects with Mars in your chart show things like how you handle frustration and conflict.

What does Mars have to do with anger and violence?:

Mars needs a mission, and can stir up serious trouble when repressed or twarted. When Mars is in conflict with other planets, you might struggle with anger issues and in extreme cases, be a rage-a-holic or veer toward violent behavior. The most famous example is Hilter, who had Mars squaring Saturn in his birth chart.

Why is Mars called the Red Planet?:

Mars was named for the Roman God of War, and is also known as "the bright and burning one." Its landscape is red and orange ochre, and its sky is a swirly red-pink.

Keywords:

ambition, sexual desire, passion, determination, will to act, discipline, motivation, initiation, impulses, fire within, energy levels, expressing anger

What is the meaning of Mars in Astrology?:

Mars lights a fire under our passions, and then propels us like an ignited rocket toward our goals. This is an important energy, since it determines how we pursue what we want to achieve in life. These flashpoints burn a path toward what is possible, if we follow them.

What do you consider before taking action? What creates momentum in your life? How do you corral others to join you in some activity? The answer to these questions are dictated by Mars.

Sexually, Mars influences how you go about initiating a night of amour. Mars determines how you court a potential lover, from being cooly detached, to becoming ablaze with ardent intensity, and every style in between.

The planet is named for the God of War, but Mars energy only becomes a negative force when it serves the Ego, and not a higher cause. On a social level, it is a primal force that can become destructive when its collective power is harnessed for questionable purposes. Your Mars, or desire drives, can be co-opted and channeled by others. That makes a strong case for understanding your desires, and not allowing them to fall into shadow.

When Mars is "afflicted" or has many conflicts in a birth chart, it can lead to repressing the vital fire within. But not to be denied, a stifled Mars will eventually erupt, and emerge through temper tantrums or just a lowgrade, but constant irritability.

All Mars asks is to be channeled and given an outlet. When your own Mars nature is understood, it's easier to master. It guides you toward making the most of your potential through the use of your own natural assertiveness.