Mars

Ruler of Aries

Natural ruler of the 1st and 8th houses

Primary meaning:  Mars can ‘roar’ as he helps us overcome difficulties, and adverse environments. He can be the wild beast within asking to be tamed. His is the satisfaction in our physical expression, commitment, decisiveness, assertiveness, willpower, and anger. He has been called ‘the god of war’, and ‘the light of the aggressor’, and his force is ‘ego in action,’ employing both dynamics of destruction and creation. We need his vitality, warrior can-do dedication, and fiery enthusiasm.
The glyph of Mars is the cross of matter above the orb of light, which speaks of his dual influence. In its highest aspect, Mars is the force creating matter out of the primal energy of spirit. In its lower manifestation, the cross over the orb symbolizes that egocentric gain and materialism are more important than spirit.

Chart placement shows: how you take initiative, use physical prowess, express courage, control temper, and self-assertion. Mars has a great deal to do with the body’s physical abilities and desires to inhabit muscle and bone. In the body, Mars rules red corpuscles, reproductive organs, the adrenals, muscular tissue, and the nose.
Mars as symbolic ruler of Aires, and the first house, is a sign of beginnings and the initiative of fire. The physical focus is the head, as well as entire body. Mars as one of the symbolic rulers of the eighth house, along with Pluto, where it has more significance in endings, death and release.

Positive expression: There is great enthusiasm, and passion for life, along with a warrior’s dedication, courage, and initiative. His can-do will power supports carrying out tasks decisively. He can be a force for transcendence, and uplifting personal desires toward a universal commitment.

Negative expression:  Mars reveals the animal nature, or the beast within through irritability, anger, cruelty, selfishness, and aggression.

Historical tidbits of Mars reveal his complexity. The Egyptians called him ‘Artes’ with gives us the word ‘arts,’ making Mars a more personal creative force. The Greeks called him Ares, whose sister was Eris, ‘strife.’ The Romans borrowed him from the Greeks, elevating his stature, as they were far more combative. They also added to his positive qualities making him a god of nature, a giver of fertility, and an inspired leader for new projects and ideas. The Romans dedicated the first month of the year, at the vernal equinox, as the beginning, and the coming of Spring. When the Sun hits 00 Aires, the Astrological year begins.The Egyptians called him ‘Artes’ with gives us the word ‘arts,’ making Mars a more personal creative force. The Greeks called him Ares, whose sister was Eris, ‘strife.’ The Romans borrowed him from the Greeks, elevating his stature, as they were far more combative. They also added to his positive qualities making him a god of nature, a giver of fertility, and an inspired leader for new projects and ideas. The Romans dedicated the first month of the year, at the vernal equinox, as the beginning, and the coming of Spring. When the Sun hits 00 Aires, the Astrological year begins.

“Courage is knowing what not to fear.”

-Plato