Mars Meaning in Astrology

TL;DR

Mars is the ruling planet of passion, aggression, zeal and ambition, so, our Mars sign is incredibly important at revealing how these qualities present in ourselves. Learn all about the Mars chart ruler, the importance of Mars planet astrology, how the fiery planet impacts our behavior and what Mars’ significance is within our natal chart.

Mars Planet Meaning

In the Solar System, Mars is the second-smallest planet, larger only by Mercury. Often referred to as the "Red Planet", Mars is named after the Roman god of war. Mars's surface exhibits a striking reddish appearance due to the presence of iron oxide, which is an abundant resource on its surface. Mars is a terrestrial planet with its surface characterized by craters, valleys, dunes, and polar ice caps. Galileo is credited with being the first person to observe Mars with a telescope, although the planet has been viewed in the night’s sky by various different civilizations since ancient times.

What Does Mars Mean in Astrology?

Our animal instincts for aggression, anger, survival and sexual desires are governed by Mars. Mars also dominates physical attraction as opposed to Venus, which rules romantic attraction. As such, this is the planet of action rather than reaction and with Mars, there is no room for careful deliberation. The drive associated with Mars has nothing to do with willpower; it is self-assertion rather than assertiveness of will. The energy associated with this firecracker planet is raw rather than creative. Our drive and active energy originate from Mars, the planet of the morning wake-up call. When we are channeling our Mars energy, we show assertive, powerful, self-assured, and passionate qualities. In a less positive light, Mars can channel impulsive, brash, domineering, aggressive, and explosive tendencies.

The interesting paradox of this mighty planet is that it governs our first and last breath in this life, beginning its cycle at the start of the Zodiac circle in Aries and ending its journey in the deadly sign of Scorpio. With this in mind, Mars has an unconscious animalistic nature that we never give enough freedom to, even though we always blame it for war, pain, destruction, and arguments. If we restrict our passionate expressions of energy, it will inevitably lead to the accumulation of anger and other negative emotions, causing frustration below the surface and impacting the face we show to the world. We associate Mars with our first chakra, basic energy, and fears that control our lives. When we decide to live up to our full potential on planet Earth, Mars will provide us with the strength we require to find our grounding, resolve any existential or material issues, as well as provide us with the energy we need to accomplish any of our plans.

Mars Rules What Signs? 

In Astrology, Mars is the planetary ruler of Aries and Scorpio. As such, these two signs are believed to possess many of the traits and qualities exuded by Mars. Knowing this, we can say that Aries and Scorpios have their sights set on the more passionate aspects of life. They thrive in heated moments and drama as it satisfies the fiery blaze that exists within them. They are also charismatic and charming people who can easily entice others. These factors combined mean that both Aries and Scorpios are impulsive, domineering and intense individuals. Perhaps not everyone’s cup of tea, but sure to leave a mark nonetheless.

Mars Numerology

Mars is the ruling planet of those born on the 9th, 18th, 27th of any month, or those whose lucky or destiny number is nine. It is said that people who share a relationship with the number nine are very romantic and deeply patriotic. While managing their professional and personal responsibilities, they also enjoy going on adventures. Number nines value truth, integrity, and honesty, being particularly averse to falsehoods, pretensions, and hypocrisy. Their nature is one of love and compassion with a great deal of affection for their friends and family. They have strong intuitive powers and are friendly with new people instantly. Moreover, in numerology, the number nine represents the end of a cycle or completion, as it is the final and highest valued single-digit number. These ‘final’ numbers are known as cardinal numbers in numerology, symbolizing a confluence of knowledge and experience yet also a positive symbol of both endings and new beginnings.

What Does Your Mars Sign Mean?

You probably already know your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs, and possibly even your Mercury sign. However, we all have a sign for every planet in the solar system, and today, we’re looking at the sign of Mars. When we talk about our ‘Mars sign’, we are referring to the position of Mars at the time of our birth, when a sign is said to "house Mars". As Mars moves through the signs, it covers about half a degree per day. This means it spends about two months in a sign, going into retrograde about every 26 months. 

Mars in the Signs

Have you ever wondered what your Mars sign is? Or how to find your Mars sign? Well, Mars' star sign position in the birth chart has much to do with our basic sexual nature, how we express our anger (our temper), what makes us angry, and our first impulse to act. Our Mars sign also reveals what drives us to compete against others. So, it will come as no surprise that according to Mars sign astrology, the planet is impulsive, aggressive, pushy, and domineering. This mighty pool of energy will likely startle and offend, however it can also be the inspiration and motivation that some of us need from time to time. With this in mind, we can see someone's ability to direct their energy towards their goals based on their sign, its dignity and its aspects. If Mars is in a weakened position in our natal chart, this can cause the energy of the person to be thwarted, leading to self-destructive behavior.

Mars in Aries

The double-whammy, fiery duo of Mars in Aries makes for intense and passionate individuals. They probably have an argumentative streak and may struggle to control their emotions, but they are fiercely loyal above all else. Mars-in-Aries folk are also renowned for their drive - they set ambitious goals and stop at nothing to achieve them. For this reason, they can be hard to keep up with in the workplace, but they make for incredibly inspiring friends and colleagues nonetheless.

Mars in Taurus

While Taureans are certainly not unambitious, they do find more pleasure in the slower pace of life, enjoying home-comforts and surrounding themselves with the things that make them the most happy. So, when we add Mars, the planet of action, into the mix, we are left with an individual who may find it hard to consolidate these two polar forces. To overcome these two pulling directions, Mars-in-Taurus people need to put their focus onto their greatest passions in order to avoid spreading themselves too thinly.

Mars in Gemini

The action, drive and determination exuded by Mars is offset by Gemini’s airy, flighty characteristics. However, these contrasting qualities are more complementary than anything, as it can help ground a Mars-in-Gemini individual in their absentminded moments while tempering their irrational fury when things get a bit heated. Overall though, Mars in Gemini is an interesting and eclectic placement, baring plenty of surprises just around the corner.

Mars in Cancer

For those with Mars in Cancer in their natal chart, emotional outbursts and heated arguments are the norm. When times get tough, these individuals can find it extremely hard to regulate their emotions and rationalize the situation. Despite this, Mars-in-Cancer people are incredibly loyal and loving - it’s just in the harder moments that they can lose their head. Reassurance and validation is often the antidote to their afflictions.

Mars in Leo

Mars in Leo is a force to be reckoned with as when fire and fire come together, the heat can sometimes be too much to handle. As such, people with this placement can be argumentative, explosive and are prone to flying off the handle with little provocation. Their fierce loyalty and drive to achieve their goals is admirable, but often these positive qualities can be overshadowed by their explosive moments. These individuals mean well, but can have a hard time showing it. 

Mars in Virgo

Mars-in-Virgo people are scarily ambitious. They have their eyes set on a goal and will stop at nothing to achieve it. While incredibly particular, meticulous and borderline neurotic at times, Mars-in-Virgo individuals possess a subtle charisma that leads them to great success in the workplace. Sure, they may not be everyone’s favorite colleague, but they will undoubtedly be the most envied on the team.

Mars in Libra

People with Mars in Libra have a sense of emotional intelligence unmatched by most. They are astute people-readers and can detect how others are feeling even when they don’t notice themselves. They also make fantastic friends and are always keen to dive headfirst into a project that will challenge them. The fiery, argumentative side of Mars is placated by Libra’s refreshing, cool-headed attitude towards life.

Mars in Scorpio

Mars in Scorpio is a deeply mysterious, even sinister, placement in a person’s natal chart. Scorpio by nature already possesses an air of intrigue, calculation and revenge, so when paired with the passion of Mars, makes a placement to be vary of. These individuals are also known to be vengeful and lash out when they feel their egos have come under threat. This is especially true for Men with Mars in Scorpio, who feel the need to be respected yet feared at the same time. 

Mars in Sagittarius

Mars in Sagittarius is a placement of pure, unadulterated joy and excitement. These individuals have a zest for life like no other and can inject a spark of motivation into even the most pessimistic of people. They are fabulous friends to have around as they are always on a constant, insatiable quest to seek fun. That being said, these individuals sometimes need grounding and to learn to be serious when it is necessary.

Mars in Capricorn

Mars in Capricorn people need great challenges in life. Resistance makes them come alive and they show tremendous strength when facing obstacles. As such, their self-control is strong and they don't take orders well from others. Even in their early years, they willingly take on leadership roles and embody a sense of authority. Mars in Capricorn women in particular are firm but fair and are the people to turn to when you’re at a bit of a crossroad in life - they offer great, rational advice in these instances.

Mars in Aquarius

It is the Mars in Aquarius nature to fight for the underdog and for those who have suffered injustice. Their first priority is forward progress and they look for ways to make things better. In other words, these are people who want to do what they can to help everyone, who are willing to protest and make personal sacrifices for the less fortunate. As the most rebellious sign in the zodiac, they will be unfairly considered weird by many.

Mars in Pisces

Gentle and mild-mannered, these people have a way about them that is certainly not powerful or direct. Action and assertion are hallmarks of Mars, whereas Pisces is a passive sign that rarely asserts itself directly. Mars-in-Pisces individuals are also sometimes inclined to feel guilty about expressing their emotions or feeling angered by something, so as such, have trouble standing up themselves in moments of conflict. As a result, Mars' placement in Pisces is an unusual one. 

Despite its miniature size, Mars is not to be underestimated. The fiery, red-hot planet governs our passions, sexuality, drive and temper. Without Mars in our natal chart, none of us would possess the inner electric spark that keeps our connections and relationships alive. While Mars’ influence can lead us to lash out or behave in ways we cannot always control, we need this planet and all of its wonderful energy to remain confident, self-assured and ambitious for the future. 

Do you still want to know more about Mars in astrology? There are many resources at Mysticsense that can guide you with your learning and provide insight for any other questions you may have. Get started learning more about your Mars sign at Mysticsense today!