Size and Mass
Mars, the fourth planet from the Sun, measures approximately 6,779 kilometers (4,212 miles) in diameter, making it almost half the size of Earth. Its mass is estimated to be one-tenth that of Earth’s. Mars is predominantly composed of silicate rock, mirroring the composition of Earth. Its core comprises iron, nickel, and sulfur but is comparably smaller and less dense than Earth’s core.
Cultural and Mythological Archetypes
Celestial bodies were often linked to gods or deities throughout many ancient cultures, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Mars was frequently associated with war and aggression due to its reddish hue and swift movements across the sky. Based on their observations and beliefs, different cultures developed myths and legends surrounding Mars. For instance, the Romans named the planet after their god of war, associated with strength, aggression, and military prowess. Similarly, Mars was linked to the god Horus in ancient Egypt, representing kingship and protection. In Greek mythology, Mars was identified with the god Ares, who possessed similar attributes. Both Mars and Ares were associated with the aggressive and assertive qualities traditionally attributed to the astrological sign of Aries.
Astrological Significance
Astrologers assigned various meanings and influences to Mars based on its position and movements within the zodiac. In traditional astrology, Mars was associated with vitality, assertiveness, bravery, and conflict. Its placement in a person’s birth chart was believed to impact their character and destiny. Please view these links to determine how Mars operates in your birth chart.
Mars House Placement
In astrology, the first house, also known as the Ascendant or the “house of self,” holds significant importance as it represents various aspects of personality, appearance, and overall approach to life. This house symbolizes a sense of self and identity, reflecting how the individual perceives and projects its values to the world. It governs physical attributes, including appearance, physique, and body type.
The first house is closely associated with Mars, the natural planetary ruler of this house in the zodiac. Mars is a planet of action, assertiveness, and energy, aligning with the dynamic qualities represented by the first house and the sign of Aries.
The influence of Mars as the planetary ruler of the first house emphasizes demeanor, behavior, and mannerisms, often leading to a bold and proactive approach to societal challenges and opportunities. Here, Mars activates a solid drive to assert identity and pursue individual goals with determination and vigor.
As the first house represents new beginnings, Mars’ influence highlights initiating projects, ventures, and experiences with a sense of personal identity. Furthermore, it indicates the individual’s overall approach to life, including attitudes toward challenges and opportunities.
Mars Retrograde Motion
Ancient astronomers noted that, like other planets, Mars experiences periodic retrograde motion, which appears to move backward in the sky relative to the stars. This phenomenon was often interpreted as having significant astrological implications, potentially indicating times of turmoil, disturbance, or self-reflection.
Mars in the Tarot
In tarot, Mars is often associated with the Major Arcana card “The Tower.” The Tower card typically depicts a tall tower or structure being struck by lightning, with flames erupting from the top and figures falling or leaping from the Tower. It is a card of sudden upheaval, destruction, and revelation.
The association with Mars stems from the planet’s astrological significance, as Mars is traditionally associated with qualities such as aggression, conflict, and sudden, disruptive change. The symbolism of The Tower card reflects these themes, as it represents moments of crisis, breakdown, and the need for liberation from oppressive structures or beliefs.
When The Tower appears in a tarot reading, it may indicate unexpected events, upheavals, or revelations that shake the foundations of one’s life. While the card can signify chaos and destruction, it also suggests the potential for transformation by the destruction of old patterns to make room for growth and renewal.
In the minor arcana, Mars rules the 2 of wands (Mars in Aries), the 3 of Pentacles (Mars in Capricorn), the 7 of wands (Mars in Leo), the 5 of Cups (Mars in Scorpio), and the 9 of swords (Mars in Gemini).
Mars, the Emporer, and The Patriarchy
Mars is often associated with power, dominance, and control, which are central themes in patriarchal systems where men historically held positions of authority and privilege. The aggressive and assertive qualities attributed to Mars can reflect the power dynamics inherent in patriarchal structures. In tarot, The Emperor card, which rules over the 30 days of Aries, is thought to be governed by Mars due to its symbolism of authority, power, and control, qualities traditionally associated with Mars. The Emperor embodies the archetype of the father figure, representing leadership, structure, and governance.
Mars in Medical Astrology
Mars, the red planet, symbolizes inflammation, wounds, and the release of adrenaline and testosterone, often correlating with fever, rash, or blistering in medical astrology. However, Mars also bestows physical strength, muscle tone, and athleticism to individuals, reflecting its dual nature as both a potential source of vulnerability and resilience in the body.
Mars in the Jewish Kabbala
In the Tree of Life, a symbol used in Kabbalistic mysticism and Western esoteric traditions, Mars rules the Sephirah (or Sephirot) known as Geburah. Geburah is associated with strength, severity, courage, and discipline. Mars’s qualities of assertiveness, energy, and combativeness align with the attributes attributed to Geburah.