Mars in Astrology: Mars is the Commander-in-Chief in the planetary cabinet. This planet represents courage, physical strength, boldness, and leadership qualities. Mars changes its sign every 45 days. It is exalted in Capricorn and debilitated in Cancer. Aries and Scorpio are the two zodiac signs governed by Mars. This planet gives the best results in Upachaya houses like the 3rd, 6th, 10th, and 11th houses.

Mars in Astrology: Friends and Enemies

Mars is a fiery planet that signifies action, vitality, passion, desire, and sexual energy. The energy of Mars is physical, emotional, and intellectual. Firstly, let’s understand that Mars is friendly with Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon. Thus, Mars is strong when positioned, aspected, or conjunct with these friendly planets.

On the other hand, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu, Venus, and Mercury are considered enemies of Mars. Consequently, it is weakened if Mars is aspected, conjunct, or positioned with these planets.

Check the Moon before Mars

Before analysing Mars in the birth chart, the most important factor is to check the position and strength of the Moon and Mercury. As the Moon is your mind, and an idea or thought first occurs in the mind, then Mercury makes a decision using the logical mind. And then the action takes place. So if you see exalted Mars but the Moon is weak and depressed, this Moon will ask Mars to take self-destructive actions.

If Mars is strong…

1. Mars is Mangalaya, which means auspicious.
2. Such a person is very active, with an extremely high energy level.
3. They cannot sit idle, and even when unwell, they take medicine and resume work.
4. This person avoids quarrels and disputes and prefers to resolve conflicts peacefully.
5. They use fire energy for constructive purposes and can therefore become excellent builders or engineers.
6. They prefer to channel this high energy into sadhana and strengthening the Mool Chakra.
7. They are mentally very strong and know how to withstand pressure.
8. Mars is a warrior—it knows how to win battles. Hence, such a person maintains poise and rarely loses their temper.
9. They fight to protect, like soldiers on the battlefield.
10. They choose their weapon wisely to save lives, like a surgeon.

If Mars is weak…

1. Weak Mars lacks boldness; such a person may lie or betray because they do not have the courage to speak directly.
2. They often get into conflicts because their fire energy or aggression is suppressed, which later manifests as anger.
3. They tend to contradict others and jump into arguments, and are in the habit of using sarcasm.
4. They are usually very lazy and sleep excessively, with little discipline in their daily routine.
5. This is like a soldier without weapons—so emotions and tears become their only tools.
6. Such people rely on strategies and tend to play mind games.
7. They may suffer from multiple health issues, especially related to the stomach, urinary tract, and blood. They are also prone to injuries, pain, and accidents.
8. They cannot channel excess energy properly, and this surplus energy results in uncontrolled behaviour.
9. Such individuals may have dark or foggy thoughts, which can lead to suicidal tendencies.
10. They can be harmful to themselves as well as to others.

Mars in astrology can be strengthened through the following practices:

• Yoga
• Meditation
• Physical exercise, such as gymming, cycling, running, or jogging, helps properly release fire energy or heat from the body.
• Donating sweets
• Engaging in sports like tennis, basketball, or archery

Mars in Astrology: Role of Elements

To have a better understanding of Mars, which represents innate energy to achieve goals. Let’s understand the role of planet Mars in elements like fire, earth, air, and water. The effect of Mars on the 12 signs in the zodiac is divided by element.

Mars in Fiery Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)

Fire Element: A fiery planet, if linked with a fiery sign, increases the fire energy. Now here Mars is in its sign (own element). A very impulsive, spontaneous, and action-oriented planet will get opportunities to show its passion and spark.

Aries: Aries is the mooltrikona sign of Mars and the 1st lord of the natural zodiac. This position is perhaps one of the strongest positions as it makes one knowledgeable of one’s power. Accordingly, one is sensible and has full control of one’s aggression and temperament. Unless it is retrograde or connected with Dukhsthana.

Leo: If Mars is in Leo, it is friendly with the Sun, and this increases the Agni. Increased fire energy is imbalanced; it makes the person irritated, argumentative, violent, and aggressive.

Sagittarius: Mars represents desire and strength, and Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, which represents higher knowledge. Here, one is passionate about spreading knowledge.

Mars in Earthy Signs(Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)

Earthy Element: Fire energy always works well with the earthy form. Here, it gets a stable surface, is poised, and the skill is used for a strong foundation. This stable fire energy becomes extremely productive.

Taurus: Mars is stable in this earthy sign. It gets grounded to support its passion. Venus, being the lord of Taurus, takes the warrior temperament of Mars and protects its passion in its artistic way. Thus, Mars is balanced in the sign of Taurus.

Virgo: Mars gives weak results in the Virgo sign, as it is inimical to Mercury. Though this is an earth element, here, Mars is not productive enough. Hence Virgo sign is not a good place for Mars.

Capricorn: Mars gives the best results in the sign of Capricorn. This stable ground is best for making innovations and then spreading these ideas worldwide. A strong Mars here does not get into arguments or lose their temper. Therefore, one is busy working and creating new things.

Mars in Airy Sign (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius)

Air Element: This gives a drive to mental abilities. A fiery sign represents action, and airy signs display intellect. So if passion and intellect link, then it is converted to skill. And this skill creates new ideas and learning. Hence, ideas can be spread worldwide in the form of education.

Gemini: Here, Mars links with the networking and communicative sign. So the technical planet Mars joined Mercury. And this combination works well, particularly to spread skills innovatively. Mercury represents the IT industry, and today this business is prospering.

Libra: This sign signifies balance, harmony, justice, and pleasure. So Mars here will balance its fiery element and link with the intellectual mind. Here, head rules and impulsive behaviour are suppressed.

Aquarius: This signifies higher goals for the betterment of society and humanity. Here mars passion and strength manifest goals that are meant for society.

Mars in Watery Signs(Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)

Water Element: If the Fiery planet joins the water element, water will evaporate, and fire will be weakened. This combination causes emotional and physical illness.

Why is Mars debilitated in Cancer?

Cancer: Mars in the Cancer sign is debilitated. When a planet is debilitated, it is just opposite its exalted state. This means the planet has to put a lot of effort into getting the results of its best form. Like here it is energetic, bold, and fighting Mars. The Cancer sign represents love, nurturing, a feeling of support, sensitivity, and conservatism. Now, this position of Mars is like a soldier who has only one weapon, and that is emotion, sensitivity, and Tears.

This also indicates that it is inefficient and does not know the right way to channel fire energy. One will struggle with willpower, courage, and to get physically active. So here one can have grudges, feel dependent, and even act unusually.

They will tend to hold back feelings, and this attitude later gives them physical ailments. Mars wants an environment where he can use his fire energy most marvellously.

Scorpio: Scorpio is the 8th lord of the natural zodiac and represents sex, death, transformation, and other people’s money. Mars in its sign of Scorpio — energy, drive, passion, and enthusiasm links the passion with occult science and awakens psychic abilities. But it also makes the person short-tempered, impulsive, and quarrelsome. Perhaps this position gives secretive aggression to a person.

Pisces: This shows the chances of passion and enthusiasm getting drained, reduced, or even ruined. Pisces is a sign of spirituality, imagination, emotions, isolation, and charity. Mars here gives passion to research, spiritual organisations like yoga, or Vedic knowledge. So the action-oriented planet has taken the outfit of a deep thinker and emotional person.

Mars in Astrology: Importance in 12 Houses

12 Houses in Horoscope	Position of Mars
1st House	Very Active and Energetic
2nd House	Disagreement in a relationship
3rd House	Conflict with siblings
4th House	Struggle for peace of mind
5th House	Strength to sportspeople, and potential to healers
6th House	Leadership and defense
7th House	Disagreement in relationship
8th House	Sudden Struggle or Opposition
9th House	Dispute with father or Guru
10th House	Argument and power in the workplace
11th House	Energetic with friends
12th House	Struggle in sleep

Mars Retrograde

In astrology, Mars retrograde occurs when Mars appears to move backwards in its orbit from our perspective on Earth. This is an optical illusion caused by the relative positions of Earth and Mars in their orbits around the Sun. Astrologically, it has significant implications because Mars governs energy, action, ambition, drive, aggression, and sexuality.

General Effects of Mars Retrograde:

1. Delayed Action: Projects and initiatives might face obstacles, delays, or reversals.

2. Reduced Energy: You may lack motivation or energy to pursue goals actively.

3. Reevaluation: It’s a time to reassess your goals, strategies, and how you use your energy.

4. Inner Frustration: Suppressed anger or impatience may arise, making it important to channel emotions constructively.

5. Conflicts: Misunderstandings or unresolved issues may resurface, especially in relationships.

Positive Aspects:

Mars retrograde encourages introspection and recalibration. It’s an excellent time to:

• Rethink your approach to challenges.

• Address unresolved emotional or interpersonal conflicts.

• Strategise for long-term goals instead of rushing into action.

House and Sign Placement:

The impact of Mars retrograde depends on the sign and house it occurs in within your natal chart. For example:

• In the 1st house, it may bring personal frustration or health challenges.

• In the 7th house, relationships might face tension or a need for compromise.

• In Aries or Scorpio (signs ruled by Mars), its effects may feel especially potent.

Advice During Mars Retrograde:

• Avoid starting major projects or signing contracts if possible.

• Practice patience and mindfulness in conflicts or arguments.

• Focus on completing unfinished tasks rather than initiating new ones.

• Engage in reflective activities like journaling or meditation to process your emotions.

Mars retrograde can feel challenging, but it’s ultimately a period for self-growth and refining your approach to life’s pursuits.

Conclusion

This is how I’ve shared my insights about the planet Mars. Many people harbour misconceptions about Mars, often viewing it solely as a malefic planet. However, malefic planets like Mars play a pivotal role in shaping an individual’s strength and resilience by presenting continuous trials and tribulations.

Once the testing phase is over, these challenges transform into stepping stones, guiding individuals toward higher goals and spiritual evolution. The ultimate purpose of Mars, like other malefic planets, is to help us evolve into stronger and more enlightened souls.

Mars doesn’t just test us—it prepares us for greatness.