MARS

​Mars is the warrior, the initiator, the fire-starter. It represents how we assert ourselves in the world - our willpower, libido,  and our instinct to act. While the Moon governs desire and emotional impulses, Mars is far more direct: it wants what it wants and it goes after it.

​

Mars shows how we pursue goals, how we confront obstacles, how we fight, lead, and persist. It fuels both our courage and our anger, and tells us what ignites our passion - whether that’s ambition, sex or competition.

​

Mars is at home in Aries, the first cardinal fire sign, where it operates with instinctive power and momentum. It is exalted in Capricorn where drive meets discipline, giving Mars resilience and focus. Mars is also the classical ruler of Scorpio, where its energy becomes more strategic, emotional, transformative and deeply original— but also rebellious.

​

Mars thrives in fire signs, but is exalted in the earth sign of Capricorn where it is resilient and unstoppable.

By contrast, Mars is in fall in Cancer, where its outward drive can become tangled in emotional caution, fear of conflict, or passive-aggressive tendencies.

 

Mars excels in challenging houses such as the 3rd, 6th, and 10th, which relate to courage, conflict, problem-solving, ambition, and worldly success. In the softer, relationship-oriented houses—such as the 4th or 7th—Mars may lack drive or act out in unhelpful ways unless well aspected.

​

When Mars is in a weakened placement - either by sign, house, or aspect - it is essential to consider the dignity of the Sun and Saturn. A strong Sun can help a struggling Mars act with clarity and confidence, while a strong Saturn provides grit, patience, and the discipline to follow through. These planets can fortify what Mars lacks, restoring agency and direction.

​

Mars also tells us about how a person handles conflict and competition, how they express anger or frustration, and how they respond to pressure. In relationship astrology, Mars plays a vital role in sexual attraction and chemistry. It is one of the personal planets I look to early in a reading because it shows how a person goes after what they want—and what fires them up inside.

 

A birth chart reading can provide deep insights into how you use - or under use - your natural drive and instinct. For a full astrology birth chart or synastry session (romantic or otherwise), you can get in touch through my Astrology Readings Dublin page.

​​​