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

Planetary Periods (Dasha) and their Importance

Planetary Periods are extremely important in determining how is an individual affected by the current movement of the heavenly bodies. Even though the Birth Chart obviously remain the same during one's life, the effect of the position and aspect of the planets changes according to which Dasha is operating currently.

The Nine Planets represented in Traditional Vedic Astrology

Planetary Periods are determined by the exact position of the Moon at the moment of birth. Each Nakshatra (Lunar Mansion) is ruled by one of the 9 Planets. There are many different systems of Dasha known in Vedic Astrology, but by far the most popular and best understood among them is the Vimshottari Dasha.

The Dasha system is a unique feature of Indian Astrology, but more and more Western Astrologers are incorporating the idea of the Planetary Periods in their work, because this concept allows for very accurate predictions. Without taking the Dasha in account, it would be hard to understand why people with similar planetary alignments get so vastly different results from current transits.

The Dasha Lords (the Ruling Planet of the Lunar Mansion where the Moon was at the moment of Birth) express their energies according to the Planetary Periods. This is particularly useful in establishing time lines. For instance, the Birth Chart can nicely predict a good and happy marriage, but the timing of this marriage can only be seen through the Dasha system. The same goes for every different area of life, carrier, wealth, children, etc. This is why it is very important to know which Planetary Period is operating at the current moment.

How a Dasha will play out depends on the strength of the Dasha Lord in the Birth Chart. If a Planet is well placed in the Chart, its Dasha will also be easy and benefic, if badly placed, its Dasha will be a period of hardship. During the Dasha of a given planet, the characteristics of the planet and the areas of life determined by the Houses ruled and affected by this planet in the individual's Birth Chart will be in focus. Each Planet's period is of different length, and they follow always in this order.

Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye the Planetary Gem for Ketu

Ketu 7 years
If at the time of birth the Moon was in the Nakshatras: Ashwini, Magha or Mula, the person starts life with Ketu Dasha.

White Sapphire, the Secondary Gem for Venus

Venus 20 years
If at the time of birth the Moon was in the Nakshatras: Bharani, Purva Phalguni, or Purva Ashada, the person starts life with Venus Dasha.

Ruby the Planetary Gemstone for the Sun

Sun 6 years
If at the time of birth the Moon was in the Nakshatras: Krittika, Uttara Phalguni, or Uttara Ashada, the person starts life with Sun Dasha.

Natural Pearl, the Gemstone for the Moon

Moon 10 years
If at the time of birth the Moon was in the Nakshatras: Rohini, Hasta, or Sravana, the person starts life with Moon Dasha.

Red Coral the Planetary Gem for Mars

Mars 7 years
If at the time of birth the Moon was in the Nakshatras: Mrigashira, Chitra, or Dhanistha, the person starts life with Mars Dasha.

Hessonite Garnet/Gomed the Planetary Gem for Rahu

Rahu 18 years
If at the time of birth the Moon was in the Nakshatras: Adra, Swati, or Shatabisha, the person starts life with Rahu Dasha.

Yellow Sapphire the Planetary Gem for Jupiter

Jupiter 16 years
If at the time of birth the Moon was in the Nakshatras: Punarvasu, Visakha, or Purva Proshtapada, the person starts life with Jupiter Dasha.

Blue Sapphire the Planetary Gem for Saturn

Saturn 19 years
If at the time of birth the Moon was in the Nakshatras: Pushya, Anuradha, or Uttara Proshtapada, the person starts life with Saturn Dasha.

Emerald the Gemstone for Mercury

Mercury 17 years
If at the time of birth the Moon was in the Nakshatras: Aslesha, Jyeshta, or Revati, the person starts life with Mercury Dasha.

In addition to the more precise interpretation of the Birth Chart, knowing the Dasha also can predict how will current planetary positions, transits and aspect will effect an individual's life. Understanding the Dasha Lord's energies can give a profound insight and serve as a guiding light during their Planetary Periods.

Finding Auspicious Time for Greater Luck and Success

As the Signs and Planets at the moment of birth affect us throughout our entire lives, our everyday activities are also influenced by the Planetary Support or Adversity we continuously receive from the heavens. By knowing the nature of these influences and consciously planning our day to day activities according to the placement of Signs and Planets in the Birth Chart, we can fine tune our lives for Greater Luck and Success.

Horas (Planetary Hours) must be carefully calculated for each day on every location, as they depend on the exact timing of the sunrise and sunset.

The time between sunrise and sunset are divided by 12. This gives the length of the Day Horas. The time between sunset and sunrise are also divided by 12, giving us the exact length of the Night Horas. 

Here in Malaysia we have 12 hours of sunlight and 12 hours of night time because we are very close to the Equator. In practical terms this means that both Day Horas and Night Horas are 1 hour each. In higher latitudes (going farther from the Equator either South or North) the difference between the length of the Day and Night Horas, as well as the yearly fluctuation is a lot greater. 

 

The order of the Planets ruling the individual Horas is the following:

Sun, Venus, Mercury, Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, (and it always repeats in this order)

On Sundays the 1st Hora is the Hora of the Sun

On Mondays the 1st Hora is the Hora of the Moon

On Tuesdays the 1st Hora is the Hora of Mars

On Wednesdays the 1st Hora is the Hora of Mercury

On Thursdays the 1st Hora is the Hora of Jupiter

On Fridays the 1st Hora is the Hora of Venus

On Saturdays the 1st Hora is the Hora of Saturn

You can simply go with the system of Natural Malefic Planet give unlucky Horas, and Natural Benefic Planets give auspicious Horas, but I find this a too broad brush approach. Astrology gives way better results when it is carefully calculated on individual basis.

The best way to harness the power of the Planets in our daily life is based on the Birth Chart. Identify the Ruling Planet of the Sign in your Birth Chart that occupies the House associated with the action you want to perform, and perform this action in the Hora of the Ruling Planet.

If you want to propose, or have a romantic date, do it during the Hora of the Ruler of your 7th House . If you want to send out a resume, do it during the Hora of the Lord of your 10th House, etc, etc.