The Importance of Mars in Astrology

Mars, the Warrior Planet is considered a Natural Malefic both in Vedic and Western Astrology. Mars's energy is hot, explosive and violent, this is why the Planet of War earned the classification "Malefic". But there are many areas and of life where this potentially destructive energy is not only beneficial, it is also necessary. Associating Mars with warfare is logical, because in battle, especially in old fashioned battles where fighting was face to face and often one on one, this explosive, murderous energy coupled with physical strength and courage is the primary force.

The visual representation of Mars in Vedic Astrology

Just remember that Mars's influence outside of the battlefield is also enormous. Professions like marketing, medicine, technology, engineering, mechanics, competitive sports and of course law enforcement and the military are also directly ruled by Mars. People successful in these professions usually have strong, well placed Mars in their Birth Chart. When Mars is in a good position, in its own sign, in exaltation, in a suitable house or in a "friendly" sign, it gives courage and the ability to get up and fight back. Generally those with strong Mars hugely benefit from losses and defeats, as they bounce back even stronger.

Mars the Red Planet

When Mars is not in a favorable Planetary Position, it can cause anger and unnecessary aggression. The energy of Mars is focused and intense. This is not the energy needed for long term continuous projects. Mars helps with short duration bursts of energy, like standing up for yourself in a certain situation or gathering your courage for a particular task. Mars, along with the Sun, Moon, Mercury and Venus is a "Personal Planet". Because of their relative closeness, these planets change positions in the sky fast, influencing day to day life and personal, short term matters.

Aries and Scorpio the Astrological Signs ruled by Mars

Mars is also responsible for passion and sexual desires and urges. If the Planet is well placed, it results in a healthy sex drive and a positive attitude, if not, it can wreak havoc in personal relationships, especially where marriage is concerned. 

Mars the Roman God of War

Following the daily, or at least monthly transits of Mars can give very useful insights, as this planet can really bring aggression and cause explosive situations. As we are "social animals", it is very important to avoid unnecessary confrontations, anger and violence. Because in spite of this inherent danger, Mars is also responsible for vitally important and very positive qualities, it is best not to fear the Warrior Planet, but embrace its energies in a careful manner.

Red Coral set in Jyotish ring

As Mars moves fast through the Zodiac, it is possible to avoid certain periods for actions where this aggression can be detrimental, without major inconvenience. These "dangerous times" are of a short duration. If Mars is well dignified in the Birth Chart, wearing Red Coral or Red Carnelian can bring success and wealth, as these gemstones channel Mars's energy to increase self confidence, courage, strength and the ability to focus.

Red Coral the Primary Gemstone of Mars

The human mind has an incredible capacity to overcome difficulties. Just by understanding the energies of Mars, both the scary and the wonderfully vibrant and alive, we can consciously change our attitudes and focus on the positive aspects of Mars. A badly placed Mars cannot be held responsible for bad temper and violence, once the Planetary Forces are understood, it is our own choice whether we give in or resist. Astrology's primary role is to understand these forces so people can make informed decisions and choices in order to live a happier, more successful life.

The Tower XVI represents the Planet Mars in the Tarot Deck

Mars enters its own sign the Fixed Water Sign Scorpio

Today the Warrior Planet Mars entered the Fixed Water Sign Scorpio to join Saturn. This is a very good placement for the Planet, as Mars is the Ruler of Scorpio. Mars transiting Scorpio brings out the feminine, secretive and manipulative qualities of Mars. During this transit we can expect secret plots and hidden enemies, especially in the work place. Although Mars is a Natural Malefic, in Scorpio the Warrior Planet is not really malicious, but problems can arise from the straight forward nature of the planet being expressed in a covert manner. The Conjunction of Mars and Saturn will make this time all about work and effort.

Red Coral the Planetary Gem for Channeling the Energy of Mars

Sun and Ketu Conjunct in the Fixed Air Sign Aquarius is under the aspect of Lucky Jupiter from Leo, and Mars from Scorpio. As Aquarius is ruled by Saturn, here again we see the effect of Mars and Saturn energies together. The work and effort pattern. The aspect of Jupiter adds a potential of growth to the mix, and Mars's inherent strength and vigor helps the otherwise pessimistic and lethargic mood caused by Ketu. As Aquarius is all about thoughts, don't let lack of confidence and low self esteem stop you from developing new ideas, especially regarding carrier. The benefic aspect of Jupiter brings a wonderfully creative and fruitful time for scientists and researchers.

Ketu represented in Vedic Culture

Mercury and Venus Conjunct in the Cardinal Earth Sign Capricorn is exchanging aspects with the Waxing Moon in Cancer. Moon is Mooltrikona, a very powerful position especially in the waxing cycle, like right now. This mutual aspect makes this a short but extremely auspicious time for communication regarding romantic matters and art. This is a perfect time for action in financial matters for businesses in the fields of fashion, beauty, e commerce and advertising. Remember that this mutual aspect is very short lived as the Moon changes Lunar Mansions every day, and by tomorrow it will be in Leo, joining Jupiter and Rahu. Opportunities given by the transit and aspects of the Moon must be seized right away.

Moon is the fastest moving Planet, influencing our daily lives to the strongest degree

Speedy Mercury and Venus the Planet of Beauty are only 5 degrees apart in the Cardinal Earth Sign Capricorn, in the Nakshatra Shravana ruled by the Moon. The energies of this conjunction under the influence of the Moon provide fabulous opportunities for increased cash flow and success in businesses related to Venus. In private matters, this is the time for communication with loved ones, marriage proposals, engagement.

Citrine Secondary Gemstone for Jupiter

Lucky Jupiter and Rahu in the Fixed Fire Sign Leo are only 2 degrees apart. Although Jupiter is still Retrograde, this closeness gives incredible potential for growth and expansion. But make sure you err on the side of the legal and the moral, as Rahu does have a tendency to encourage greed to get out of hand. The aspect of Saturn can make the result of a bold and daring action somewhat delayed, but spectacular results are coming all the same.

Hessonite Garnet (Gomed) the Gemstone of Rahu

Mercury enters the Cardinal Earth Sign Capricorn

Today Speedy Mercury enters the Cardinal Earth Sign Capricorn to join the Sun in the House of Saturn. Almost exactly at the same time with Mercury's arrival, Moon is leaving Capricorn and enters the Fixed Air Sign Aquarius.

Mercury in Capricorn, in the Sign ruled by Saturn will act somewhat slower than usual. This is not necessarily a bad placement for the Planet of Communication and Commerce even with Capricorn also being under the Aspect of Saturn from Scorpio, as far as the regular function of Mercury goes (education, communication, business, financial transactions, contracts) but this is not the good time to initiate any projects needing Mercury's energy. 

Saturn causes delays and setbacks as well as requires discipline and diligent work. A new venture has a lot higher chance of success if it is started when Mercury is in a better position, when it receives aspects or other influences from planets that promote "growth" and "development". 

Ruby is the Primary Planetary Gem for the Sun

Ongoing projects and established businesses will not be harmed by this period, in fact Mercury Aspected by Saturn can be a very positive time for long term planning. Right now Mars is also Aspecting Mercury and Sun from Libra, bringing energy, action and passion to this otherwise somewhat slow moving situation. Mars in Libra is very well balanced and its Aspect on the Sun is beneficial for increasing self confidence and focused efforts. 

Natural Red Spinel is a superb Secondary Gem for the Sun

Most businesses will do well during this period, provided they exercise caution and base their decisions on careful calculations instead of impulsive ideas. Due to Saturn's influence cash flow can be slower than usual while Mercury is in Capricorn, but by the end of February when Mercury transits into Aquarius, these delays will no longer be a problem. 

Red Carnelian the Secondary Gemstone for the Warrior Planet

Given the weak placement of Mercury, wearing Emerald, Peridot, or other Planetary Gems for Mercury won't be much use until the end of the month.  On the other hand, as Mars is Aspecting the Sun, wearing Ruby and Red Coral can indirectly bring Good Luck to business dealings by increasing focus, charisma and self confidence. Fortunately Ruby and Red Coral can be worn together without problems. (Unless, of course these gemstones are contraindicated by the Birth Chart!) 

Red Coral the Primary Gem for attracting the energy of Mars

Venus in Sagittarius January 21

   Venus is currently transiting the Mutable Fire sign of Sagittarius, joining Retrograde Mercury. Venus is very well placed in Sagittarius, as the ruler of the sign, Jupiter is in Planetary Friendship with the Planet of Love and Beauty. The time of this transit is beneficial for creative and artistic pursuits, especially as right now the whole sign is aspected by Jupiter. Even though Jupiter is Retrograde at the moment, it still casts some of its benefic energy on Venus in Sagittarius.

   The mutable nature of the sign promotes "big picture" ideas, a flexible approach, and a generally free spirited way of dealing with relationships. There is a lot of opportunity for growth and development in the areas of relationships, art and creativity during this transit.

   Mercury, also in Sagittarius, is still Retrograde, so investments and financial dealings will not benefit from this otherwise favorable planetary position until Mercury resumes its forward motion on the 26th of January.

   As Mars, the Warrior Planet is in Libra, this is also an excellent time to solve disputes, as Mars in Libra is focused and strong, but without its often unnecessarily aggressive edge.

Unless otherwise indicated by the Birth Chart, Diamond, White Sapphire and White Topaz will enhance the beneficial effect of Venus for Love, Relationship, and Art during this transit.

Diamond, the Primary Gemstone For Venus

   Red Coral or Carnelian can be very helpful for focusing efforts and increasing stamina. Be mindful that natural (untreated) Red Coral is a very hot gemstone. Regardless of the position of the planets, Red Coral should not be worn on very hot days. (Like right now here in Malaysia!)

Red Carnelian, the secondary gem for Mars

Natural Red Coral, the gemstone of Mars

Natural Red Coral

   The best gems for hot and dry weather are Blue Sapphire, Gomed, Diamond, Emerald and Pearl. These are Planetary Gems, so before you put them on, you need to check whether these gems are suitable for you as per your Birth Chart, or not. (On my website www.tarotgems.com there is a page on explaining the suitability of gemstones in details.)

   Other than the Planetary Gems, there are other very safe gemstones that have the ability to considerably lower body temperature. Clear Quartz, Kyanite, Fluorite and Smoky Quartz, Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz and Amethyst are perfect for anyone for cooling the body on a hot day.

Clear Quartz, also known as Rock Crystal is a very cooling stone

Amethyst, basically a purple Quartz is cooling and calming

Blue Zircon is a rare, but wonderful gem with a cooling, calming effect

Smoky Quartz is probably the most "manly" of all the cooling stones

Kyanite comes in many colors, the most spectacular is a strong blue