Rulership:
Aries and
Scorpio
Detriment:
Libra and
Taurus
Keyword: Desire
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun, and is named after the Roman God of War. It is also referred to as the Red Planet because of its reddish appearance as seen from Earth. It is the site of Olympus Mons, the highest known mountain in the solar system, and of Valles Marineris, the largest canyon.
In astrology, Mars is the planet of outward activity and animal passion including our sexual drive, aggression, and anger. Mars rules Aries and is exalted in Capricorn. This fiery planet is masculine in action, versus the softer more receptive and romantic Venus. When strong in the chart it can indicate a volatile temper, and also great courage. Its position indicates how your personality will assert itself, and what modes of activity will stimulate your physical energies, or your anger. By house, Mars represents where you will assert yourself, and where you will take action in the most positive sense.
With the current motion of Mars, it is a particularly important time to examine the placement of Mars in your birth chart. In the coming New Moon, Mars conjuncts the new planet Eris, precisely squares the Saturn/Pluto midpoint, and opposes new planet Haumea representing Natural Law. On September 9th Mars retrogrades in Aries for a subsequent return to these...
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