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

The Tree of Life Tarot Spread

Even though the Celtic Cross Spread is probably the single most popular Tarot Spread among professional Tarot Readers today, there is another, lesser known 10 Card Spread worthy of note. 

The Tree of Life

The Tree of Life Spread is based on the Kabalistic interpretation of the 10 Sephirot, the series of Divine Emanations which culminate in the manifest reality. Gipsy mystics have learned from Jewish sages during the late Middle Ages, and since that time the Tree of Life spread is widely used by Gipsy Tarot readers. This spread provides a detailed, in depth analysis of the situation. A big picture view which takes into consideration external and internal influences and forces regarding the matter.
 

The Tree of Life harnessing the power of Gemstones

The Tree of Life Spread also carries numerological connotations, so this particular spread is most effective in the hands of tarot readers who also practice numerology.

Since this spread uses 10 cards (11, with the Da'ath Card) the reading takes about 1 hour, the same as the Celtic Cross reading. 

The Positions of the Cards in the Tree of Life Tarot Spread

1.Force, 2.Form, 3.For, 4.Against, 5.Feelings, 6.Thoughts, 7.World, 8.Persona, 9.Advice, 10.Spirit, 11.Da'ath (This additional card reveals the hidden connection between all the other cards in the spread.)

Venus enters the Cardinal Earth Sign Capricorn

Tomorrow the Planet of Love Venus enters the Cardinal Earth Sign Capricorn. Venus leaves the benefic Aspect of Jupiter and also the House of Jupiter, Sagittarius, to enter Capricorn, both ruled and Aspected by Saturn.

Shukra Deva the representation of the Planet Venus in Vedic Astrology

Unlike Mercury, Venus is very comfortable under the influence of Saturn, as these two Planets are in Planetary Friendship. Venus in the Signs of Saturn brings auspicious time for art, love, romance and marriage, and Capricorn being a Cardinal Sign it is a particularly good time to initiate long term projects in these fields, as well as in businesses involved in fashion, cosmetic industry, entertainment and vehicles.

Rough White Sapphire the Secondary Planetary Gem for Venus

These projects if started during this time will greatly benefit from the Earth Element of Capricorn, providing the grounding energy necessary for the development and long term success of the venture.

Rough White Topaz excellent Gem for attracting the energy of Venus

Venus shares the Nakshatra (Lunar Mansion) Uttatashada with Mercury, as the two Planets are only 4 degrees apart. This Conjunction of Mercury and Venus is favorable for negotiations and communication regarding the industries associated with Venus, even though the Planet Mercury is not really in its element and comfort in Capricorn.

Princess cut Diamond the Primary Gemstone for Venus

Excellent time for wearing Diamond, White Sapphire and White Topaz.

The whole Sign of Capricorn is right now also under the Aspect of the Warrior Planet, Mars from Libra, the martial energy influencing all three Planets currently in Capricorn.

The Empress III representing Venus in the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck

Sun, Venus and Mercury will benefit from Mars's energy, as focused strength, self confidence and a certain amount of aggression will be a very welcome addition to the energies of these Planets. The courage of Mars on well placed Venus is a perfect time for marriage proposals, especially as Mars is Aspecting Venus from the Cardinal Air Sign Libra, keeping the Planet of War in a balanced and diplomatic mood.

The Nine Planets in Astrology

Planets (Grahas)

Navagraha ring, traditional Indian Jewelry representing the Nine Planets

Sun

Ruby the Gemstone of the Sun

Natural Malefic

Soul, ego, true will, central purpose in life, masculine

 

The Sun XIX the Tarot Card representing the Sun

Ruler of the Fixed Fire Sign Leo

Exalted in 10° Aries

Mooltrikona in 4° - 20° Leo

Debilitated in 10° Libra

Strong in Hora of the Sun (0° - 15° Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius and 16° -30° Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn Pisces)

Sun aspects the 7th Sign from the Sign it is placed in.

Sun rules the Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)

Krittika (26°40' Aries - 10° Taurus)

Uttara Phalguni (26°40' Leo - 10° Virgo)

Uttara Ashada (26°40' Sagittarius -10° Capricorn )

Moon

Pearl the Gemstone of the Moon

Natural Benefic

Mind, emotions, intuition, nurturing, feminine

The High Priestess II the Tarot Card representing the Moon

Ruler of the Cardinal Water Sign Cancer

Exalted in 3° Taurus

Mooltrikona in 4° - 20° Cancer

Debilitated in 3° Scorpio

Strong in Hora of the Moon (0° - 15° Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn Pisces and 16° -30° Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius)

Moon aspects the 7th Sign from the Sign it is placed in.

Moon rules the Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)

Rohini (10° Taurus - 23°20' Taurus)

Hasta (10° Virgo - 23°20' Virgo)

Sravana (10° Capricorn - 23°20' Capricorn)

Mercury

Emerald the Gemstone of Mercury

Natural Benefic

Education, intelligence, communication, writing, commerce, neutral gender

The Magician I the Tarot Card representing Mercury

Ruler of the Mutable Air Sign Gemini and the Mutable Earth Sign Virgo

Exalted in 15° Virgo

Mooltrikona in 16° - 20° Virgo

Debilitated in 15° Pisces

Around Sunrise and Sunset Mercury is strong in both Hora of the Sun and Hora of the Moon, other times it is neutral.

Mercury aspects the 7th Sign from the Sign it is placed in.

Mercury rules the Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)

Aslesha (16°40' Cancer - 30° Cancer)

Jyeshta (16°40' Scorpio - 30° Scorpio)

Revati  (16°40' Pisces - 30° Pisces)

Venus

Diamond the Gemstone of Venus

Natural Benefic

Art, love, luxury, beauty, sensuous pleasures, marriage, feminine

The Empress III the Tarot Card representing Venus

Ruler of the Fixed Earth Sign Taurus and the Cardinal Air Sign Libra

Exalted in 27° Pisces

Mooltrikona in 0° - 15° Libra

Debilitated in 27° Virgo

Strong in Hora of the Sun (0° - 15° Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius and 16° -30° Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn Pisces)

Venus  aspects the 7th Sign from the Sign it is placed in. 

Venus rules the Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)

Bharani  (13°20' Aries - 26°40' Aries)

Purva Phalguni (13°20' Leo - 26°40' Leo)

Purva Ashada (13°20' Sagittarius - 26°40' Sagittarius)

Mars

Red Coral the Gemstone of Mars

Natural Malefic

Control, violence, drive, power, domination, strength, masculine

The Tower XVI the Tarot Card representing Mars

Ruler of the Cardinal Fire Sign Aries and the Fixed Water Sign Scorpio

Exalted in 28° Capricorn

Mooltrikona in 0° - 12° Aries

Debilitated in 28° Cancer

Strong in Hora of the Moon (0° - 15° Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn Pisces and 16° -30° Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius)

Mars aspects the 4th, 7th and 8th Signs from the Sign it is placed in.

Mars rules the Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)

Mrigashira (23°20' Taurus -  6°40' Gemini)

Chitra (23°20' Virgo - 6°40' Libra)

Dhanistha (23°20' Capricorn - 6°40' Aquarius)

Jupiter 

Yellow Sapphire the Gemstone of Jupiter

Natural Benefic

Creativity, Divine wisdom, growth, expansion, luck, vitality, joy, masculine

Wheel of Fortune X the Tarot Card representing Jupiter

Ruler of the Mutable Fire Sign Sagittarius and the Mutable Water Sign Pisces

Exalted in 5° Cancer

Mooltrikona in 0° - 10° Sagittarius

Debilitated in Capricorn

Strong in Hora of the Sun (0° - 15° Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius and 16° -30° Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn Pisces)

Jupiter  aspects the 5th, 7th and 9th Signs from the Sign it is placed in.

Jupiter rules the Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)

Punarvasu  (20° Gemini - 3°20' Cancer)

Visakha (20° Libra - 3°20' Scorpio)

Purva Proshtapada (20° Aquarius - 3°20' Pisces)

Saturn

Blue Sapphire the Gemstone of Saturn

Natural Malefic

Discipline, limitation, time, hard work, delay, slow long term material creation, neutral

The World XXI the Tarot Card representing Saturn

Ruler of the Cardinal Earth Sign Capricorn and the Fixed air Sign Aquarius

Exalted in 20° Libra

Mooltrikona in 0° - 20° Aquarius

Debilitated in 20° Aries

Strong in Hora of the Moon (0° - 15° Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn Pisces and 16° -30° Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius)

Saturn aspects the 3rd, 7th and 10th Signs from the Sign it is placed in.

Saturn rules the Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)

Pushya (3°20' Cancer -16°40' Cancer)

Anuradha (3°20' Scorpio - 16°40' Scorpio)

Uttara Proshtapada (3°20' Pisces - 16°40' Pisces)

Rahu

Hessonite Garnet (Gomed) the Gemstone of Rahu

Natural Malefic

Worldly desire, material manifestation, greed, popularity, obsession, feminine

Rahu is not assigned rulership of a Sign, but it is very comfortable in Aquarius, Saturn's Fixed Air Sign.

Rahu aspects the 5th, 7th and 9th Signs from the Sign it is placed in.

Rahu rules the Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)

Adra (6°40' Gemini - 20° Gemini)

Swati (6°40' Libra - 20° Libra)

Shatabisha (6°40' Aquarius - 20° Aquarius)

Ketu

Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye the Gemstone of Ketu

Natural Malefic

Spirituality, otherworldly desire, non attachment, liberation, insight, neutral

Ketu is not assigned rulership of a Sign, but it is very comfortable in Scorpio, Mars's Fixed Water Sign

Ketu aspects the 5th, 7th and 9th Signs from the Sign it is placed in.

Ketu rules the Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)

Ashwini (0° Aries - 13°20' Aries)

Magha (0° Leo - 13°20' Leo)

Mula (0° Sagittarius - 13°20' Sagittarius)