Mars is the ruler of Aries, the first sign of the zodiac. In this sign, individuals put an emphasis on their identity and separateness, making the Ram an auspicious symbol of the emergence a new consciousness, awareness, and the discovery of the self. The Roman god of war, Mars, inspired the naming of the red planet, as it was believed that men would pray to him before heading into combat. Symbolizing the male libidinal drive, hungry loins, sexual desire, and lust, this mighty object’s design has a circle (representing the spirit) from which an arrow shoots forth, the pure expression of one’s life energy. It is believed that this planet strikes to the heart of a man’s essential identity, manly self-image, and lust for life, making it something to be owned.

It is possible for a woman to have a strong Mars, and doing so might help her feel more confident in assuming leadership roles, going after her goals, and standing her ground when necessary. Understanding that life is a jungle where everyone has to battle for what they desire is at the heart of the Mars symbol. Yet ultimately, the best way to put it to use is not to bully other people out of the way, but to combat one’s own demons and encourage the inner champion to “rise up” and fight.

According to Charles Carter:

A man may have an excess of Martian activity, so that there is no rest or tranquility in him; or he may have too little Mars, and be timid, weak, and indolent; or he may have, as we say, an afflicted Mars, and be quarrelsome or even brutal. You could have an excess of Mars, deficiency, or an incorrect use. Technically speaking and in a general way, these three forms correspond to the presence of many bodies in the signs of the opposite planet, or the prominence of that planet, with a corresponding weakness of the planet in question, and the presence of severe afflictions involving the planet in question by sign or by aspect itself.

Mars represents self-reliance and leadership that doesn’t rely on others to get things done; it’s happy when a person takes charge of their own life and takes the initiative to shape their own future. In astrology, the red planet indicates the impulse to seek out new territory and blaze new trails. It is also linked to the Greek god Ares, who was successful in battle but unlucky in love. Mars will frequently ignite like fire and we experience a burning need to survive as adrenaline surges through the blood, resulting in a quick increase in energy, when someone assaults us; this is related to the basic survival instinct, fight or flight, win or die. In extreme circumstances, people have demonstrated that they are capable of feats of strength previously thought impossible. The two teenage girls who lifted a tractor to save their father from underneath it are an example of people who may have found their inner Mars and used their heroic strength to overcome impossible obstacles.

In astrology, Mars represents the heroic fighter who charges headfirst into battle. Our power to launch anything in life is symbolised by the Martian energy, yet its misuse may lead to horrific acts of violence, mindless rage, and widespread destruction. It’s related with the colour crimson, and it’s a primal, brash cosmic force that uses territorial desires and animal life energies to win out over its surroundings. It has a bad rep for being self-centered and aggressive because of its association with the “win at all costs” mentality. Mars is the horoscope’s combatant, and while its strength, heat, and often violent temper can be a liability, we nevertheless rely on it to battle for us and the causes we care about. Those with a constant need to “do something about it” and an aversion to inaction have a lot in common with their Martian ancestors.

Keeping the body in top shape is governed by Mars, the planet of blood and physical health, thus working out regularly and eating right are essential. Traditional astrology tells us that a strong Mars signifies a strong vitality, health, and well-being, as well as signifying courage, pride, physical power, decisiveness, and a sense of being a good sport, all of which are essential for pursuing our desires. When Mars is weak in a person’s natal chart, it might lead to a lack of iron, high fevers, accidents, pain, and surgery, and a person with a weak immune system and no energy. Chronic sickness, depression, and impotence have all been linked to suppressed Mars. Our Mars sign and house can shed light on the areas of life where we are most likely to encounter rivals and arguments, as well as the resources we draw upon to overcome adversity.

Mars, being the ruler of armies and all weaponry items and concepts associated with battle, slaughter, conquering, and destruction, also places an importance on honour. The sound of the air-raid siren is the public’s wake-up call that war has been declared, calling for action. Similarly, white blood cells are described using jarringly militaristic jargon, such as “surround and destroy germs,” “engulf, digest, and devour invading microbes,” and “metabolise and eliminate.” We are like inner warriors protecting our bodies, searching for, locating, and eliminating any and all threats.

Mars can also be source of inspiration and joy. It’s the essence of feeling completely alive, the heart pounding adrenalized sensation of pushing oneself to the limit in hot pursuit of some prize, and represents according to C.G. JUNG, ‘the principle of individuation in the strictest sense’, the spark of the self and the urge to extend it, to become. By Katherine Merlin

Military Mottos

“Whatever It Takes”

“Balls of the Corps”

“Peace Through Strength”

“Molon Labe” (Greek for “Come and take them”)

“Better to die than to be a coward”

“Ready for All, Yielding to None”