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 SAGITTARIUS

Keynote: Ambitiously conceived projects are carried out enthusiastically.

Symbol: A "bronco buster" at a rodeo keeps his seat on a spirited steed.

The Martial Sagittarian is a good sport in every sense of the word. The presence of this fiery planet in a fire sign points to a free, frank, and unfettered spirit who can engage in a perpetual love affair with the world. This combination is somewhat antagonistic to discipline, but unlike Mars in Aries which tends to live for the moment, this individual can look to the future and see the need for planning and organization.

Because people customarily regard expansion as good and contraction as bad, Jupiter is called a benefic and Mars a malefic planet. Yet extravagance depletes finances, dietary indulgences induce indigestion, and fat can be fatal. The force of Mars flowing through the sign of optimistic Jupiter can make things look rosier than they really are, spinning schemes and dreams without foundation.

If the Mars/Sagittarius combination's boundless energy can be harnessed, the craving for adventure may lead to fame and fortune. An inner certainty of being in the right spurs one on to victory even while others fall by the wayside.

The Martial Sagittarian is often too independent to accept the tenets of orthodox religion. Yet the subject can be preoccupied with metaphysical issues, even while expressing impatience with outworn dogma. They must constantly tailor their religious convictions to their expanding consciousness, with the result that they continue to progress mentally long after their companions have settled into comfortable conformity. They are positive thinkers whose faith is based on a profound conviction that humanity lives in an orderly universe.

While this is a very lively and exciting placing for Mars, because it increases the physical energy level so much, the individual is encouraged to enjoy some form of demanding exercise in order that these powerful resources are positively exploited.

Intellectual energy will also be present, and one will devour challenges that make a heavy demand on the mind as much as those that make physical demands on the body. There will be breadth of vision and plenty of surprising ideas set out with terrific enthusiasm. Such plans will be carried through to a satisfactory conclusion, but the subject must always beware of restlessness and of simply getting fed up with the project at hand. There will be a considerable liking for risk-taking, and sometimes a sneaking enjoyment of gambling - especially at sporting events.

Mars likes to be out in front and to win. Anything new and different will attract. This person will want to be the first to express an opinion, and will often enjoy slightly shocking other more conventional types. Versatility is usually an asset, but it will need to be controlled; moving from one job to another without completing anything must be avoided.

The liking for adventure, excitement, and to some extent danger, can make the individual vulnerable to accidents. Taking care will be considered boring; and it is advisable to wear the necessary protective clothing when involved in hazardous sports, and also to develop advanced driving techniques. Those with this placing must maintain a balance between great physical activity and equally demanding intellectual challenges; in this way the fiery energy of Mars in Sagittarius will burn wonderfully bright and steady. They must take aim when directing their Sagittarian arrows, otherwise they will dance through life shooting them hither and thither without a care, but also with little real effect and less eventual fulfillment.

Mars in Sagittarius is the seeker - questing, questioning, and testing new ideas. The great need is to stop, sit still, and search within so that we may be prepared to receive the answers as they come. One has the strength of purpose to achieve the goals they set for themselves. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that the subject should take time to discover what they really want from life. They must decide where they intend to go, proceed resolutely in that direction, resist temptation to rush forward, and pace themselves sensibly with an eye to the ascending path ahead.

In most cases where there are planets in Sagittarius or when the sign rises there is a tendency towards restlessness, and it is certainly very likely indeed when Mars is tenanted in this sign.  

 

Astrology, the Divine Science

 

Mindfire