MARS

After the sphere of Venus, outward-bound solar power passes through the sphere of Earth. Here it develops as the life energy (prana or chi) which animates the biosphere and its material organizations. Earth is a pivotal planet in our view of the solar system, for we see and interpret the solar system from Earth.

Our picture of the solar system is thus an Earthly picture, made possible by our particular position and function in the system. Earth is presumably the only place in our solar system where organic life as we know it develops, where a certain type of material organization is animated by spirit and develops a certain type of consciousness. As life in human beings develops a sense of self, this sense of self has to express itself through action.

This action is what Mars symbolizes. It thus represents the mobilization of energy, the capacity to do and to assert oneself. Mars has often been considered a negative symbol in astrology, but the capacities Mars represents are in themselves neither constructive nor destructive. Much depends on the value the Venus function gives to experience, whether Mars is activated in reactionary 'fight or flight,' or if it operates positively to carry out the directives of a centralizing will.

Nevertheless, where Mars' capacity to do is activated, so too may develop a tendency to force issues and overdo, especially when doing compensates for insecurity or frustration. In such cases, the negative aspects of Mars may operate as recklessness, argumentativeness, vindictiveness, or even open hostility.

 

Leyla Rael



 

MARS IN LEO

Keynote: Creative energies stimulate vivacious activity.

Symbol: An actor bounds vigorously onto the stage.

The fiery enthusiasm, energy and assertiveness of Mars are well complemented in Leo, and this placing gives excellent organizational ability and powers of leadership. Nevertheless, the person with this placing must guard against becoming too pushy, especially with others who are less extrovert.

The emotions are positively increased, and there will be a great love of life; special pleasure will be gained from enabling others to be happy and enjoy themselves. The sex life is likely to be full, rewarding and colorful. There is usually a sense of drama, and while this can be fun, it must be controlled as must a tendency to exaggerate and show off, which can become bombastic at times.

There is a genuine hatred of small-mindedness and petty behavior. The temper is generally quick, but Leo magnanimity means all will be forgiven and forgotten equally quickly.

A passion for art and creativity is often shown. If painting or design is enjoyed there is usually a flair for color: especially hot, sunny shades. If the Sun sign complements the Mars placing (being another fire sign, for instance), one will look for such colors when choosing clothes, which will also allow plenty of movement.

If over-enthusiasm is consciously controlled, or is countered by other somewhat more sober elements in the chart, this placing is a marvelously invigorating one. It adds a certain robustness to the health, but look to the spine, which could be prone to strain especially if one is confined to an office desk for long hours at a time. As Leo rules the heart, steady exercise is encouraged, whatever the age. For exercise, all kinds of dancing is recommended, as are workouts at a well-equipped health club.

Mars in Leo gives an abundance of elan vital and the incentive to project ideas in dramatic ways. Few combinations impart more personal magnetism. Everything is done ‘with heart’ and in a grand and chivalrous manner. There is a liking for the big, the bright, and the bold. Issues are clearly drawn and action is taken without fear of consequences.

The Martial Leonion seldom hesitates to act but will do what is needed without wasting energy debating the pros and cons of a matter. Their heart tells them what is right and generally it is sound and trustworthy. This Promethean spirit quickly grows impatient with those timid souls who, because they lack the courage to take a definite stand, allow golden opportunities to elude them.

Leo is the born leader who Mars impels to take the steps required to rise to a position of prominence. The presence of a fiery planet in a fiery sign gives a double dose of assertiveness that may prove almost too hot too handle. The defects of this position arise from a tendency toward extremism. Excessive zeal for a just cause can degenerate into fanaticism which arouses antagonism even in those who are being helped.

The energy of Mars reinforced by the individualism of Leo fosters the ability to excel in artistic enterprises, such as acting, singing, and dancing, which require self-projection. One expects dramatic entrances and exits, startling effects and original touches from these colorful personalities. They aspire to transcend previous accomplishments and move on to greater things.

Mars supplies the motive power to push forward, to brave opposition in competitive fields, and to be brash when necessary. On the negative side, it can make a person pushy and presumptuous. Sometimes, Mars in Leo signifies a power complex which drives an individual to struggle relentlessly for personal recognition and to use dictatorial means to achieve the desired status. They will fight their way to the top, not only because they want admiration, but because they crave power.

Whatever their vocation the person with Mars in Leo expresses themselves with style and verve. They can take personal initiative and should execute their original ideas, even if by trying to keep everything in their own hands they overestimate their ability to cope with unexpected contingencies. The willingness to give personal attention to whatever they do accounts in large measure for their successes. They are ready to take a gamble and will strike out on their own while others are clinging to the coattails of convention. They may win gloriously, or lose ignominiously, but at least they are not a mediocrity.

One expects the king of the beasts to be strong and bold, even if occasionally dangerous, and should be approached with deference. Mar’s intensifies Leo’s courage, pride, and generosity, but it can also incite hasty judgment and lack of restraint. The Martial Leonian is seldom petty or mean, but they need to check their temper and to realize that power entails responsibility. It is hard for the noble Lion to pay obescience to anyone. Yet there are times when they must submit to others, even if only to prove that they have this additional power over the kingdom of their own soul.

 

Astrology, the Divine Science

 

Mindfire