Mars is the Roman god of war, violence and bloodlust and a deity closely connected to the creation myth of the city of Rome.
He was the father of the twins Romulus and Remus, the city’s very founders.
In Latin, his name’s derived from Mavors, meaning ‘martial’. All of this deity is linked to war.
He’s even represented as muscular, wearing armor, paired with a helmet and a spear.
The Red Planet
Both the god Mars and the planet are associated with the color red. The god for his bloodlust and rage, and the planet for its reddish surface.
Despite being one of the coldest planets in our solar system, scientists hold a strong belief there is a potential for life on Mars.
Just like Earth, it’s got deserts, ice caps, volcanoes, as well as various bodies of water.
Mars in Astrology
In our natal chart, Mars is closely associated with anger.
However, let’s not limit this planet and the god it was named after only to that.
Mars shapes the strength of our will, it affects our initiative, our drive and our willingness to fight for what we desire.
Knowing the placement of Mars in your birth chart can help make sense of your competitiveness, basic instincts, proneness to conflict and how you handle it.
1. Mars in Aries (March 21–April 19)
Aries is ruled by Mars. This impulsive, strong-willed and passionate sign embodies both the best and the worst qualities of the god.
Besides, Mars’ equivalent from Greek mythology is Ares, and I choose to believe the similarity of the names Ares and Aries isn’t an accident.
When ecliptic and Zodiac coordinates show that Mars is in Aries, you’d think that can only mean good.
However, being doubly affected by the War god is not all fun and games.
Under this influence, Aries is indeed even stronger, more hardworking, and even more moved to act.
But, at the same time, there’s a bigger chance for conflict, for baseless anger and impulsiveness that can later cause regret.
It would be good to try and keep yourself calm and grounded, especially around your loved ones.
2. Mars in Taurus (April 20–May 20)
When Mars is in Taurus, the aggressive influence of this planet and Taurian’s natural sensibility are at odds with each other.
Taurians are usually stable, practical, and chill, to put it simply.
But despite this difference, with your Mars being in Taurus, you tend to feel sensual thanks to its potent influence.
You’re also less likely to get overly angry because Taurus likely keeps Mars’ influence in check.
However, this combination isn’t without its challenges. Be careful not to overindulge in food, drinks and pleasure, because Mars could push you to it.
And try to control your stubborn nature, because it can easily get out of hand.
Stay self-aware and find good ways of spending your spare energy.
3. Mars in Gemini (May 21–June 21)
This combination is bound to bring many good things to you.
Gemini’s communicative and dynamic nature paired with the fiery drive of Mars can make you more articulate, fun, outgoing and even cleverer.
Your energy is high, you’re a delight to be around and there is little that you can’t do.
You’re bound to be creative and innovative, and this unlikely combination might even help to balance the duality of Gemini.
However, it’s possible you’re also impulsive and easily distracted.
Both Gemini and the planet Mars count for high energy. Paired together, they might be a little much if you don’t practice self-awareness.
4. Mars in Cancer (June 22–July 22)
Cancer, when paired with Mars, suffers the same risks as Aries.
People born under this sign are known for their emotional depth and even being unable to regulate their feelings. They can be illogical and easily hurt.
Paired with the aggressive Mars, all of the aforementioned can get even more intense.
Emotional outbursts, anger, and tension in romantic relationships are all very possible when your Mars is in Cancer.
But, naturally, this pairing has its good sides.
Your drive to care for others could be great, you could be more open to showing emotion to your loved ones, and even be more devoted to self-care.
5. Mars in Leo (July 23–August 22)
Your Mars being in Leo is a truly fortunate placement. It’s not without its flaws, but is overwhelmingly positive.
Mars brings out the strongest traits of Leo.
It promises good luck in business and in love.
You’re bound to be wholly success-driven and boldly assertive. On the other hand, you’re just as driven to pursue romantic partners and make sure you’re both fulfilled and excited.
Leos are ego-driven, and can sometimes give into self-doubt if they’re not approved by others.
The Mars’ influence will make them shine regardless if they have the approval or not.
On the bad side, this combination could lead you to become arrogant, too dramatic and even reckless.
6. Mars in Virgo (August 23–September 22)
Virgo is another sign that’s the stark opposite of Mars.
Wherein Mars stands for aggression, assertiveness and impulsivity, Virgo is a down-to-earth Earth sign.
Virgos are analytical, methodical and prone to perfectionism.
And while Mars in Virgo can make you better at solving problems and grant you better attention to detail, it can make you an even bigger perfectionist.
It could cause you to be too critical, to overthink and even become unhappy if you don’t control your need for hairsplitting.
7. Mars in Libra (September 23–October 23)
This placement makes for a unique and complex blend of energies.
Mars, the planet of aggression and assertiveness, affects the sign of Libra. However, Libra also affects Mars.
When it comes to expressing your anger, this placement leads you towards being diplomatic and avoidant when it comes to conflict.
On the other hand, you could be indecisive, or even passive-aggressive with your anger.
Unless you practice self-awareness, Libra’s influence could overtake this placement, leading to you becoming inactive and unassertive.
8. Mars in Scorpio (October 24–November 21)
The highs are high and the lows are low with this placement.
Mars simultaneously brings out the best and the worst in Scorpio.
The sign’s passion and intensity, preservance and competitive nature are sure to set you up for success at anything you do.
It’s in relationships and anger where the issue lies.
Mars doubles all of Scorpio’s own aggression, intensity, possessiveness and jealousy.
You bear the risk of becoming too critical of yourself and others, and becoming someone people are wary of.
Work on your patience and try to keep a cool head.
9. Mars in Sagittarius (November 22–December 21)
This placement in the natal chart makes you energetic and unpredictable.
Sagittarius is not an aggressive sign, therefore it brings out the best in Mars.
Your energy can usually be at an all-time high, you’re likely very (read: brutally) honest, adventurous and independent.
It could, of course, easily lead you to turn arrogant and break the rules.
If you’re careful and control yourself, this placement gives you the true potential to become amazing!
10. Mars in Capricorn (December 22–January 19)
Even without planetary influence, Capricorn is usually attributed with certain flaws.
It’s said to be rigid, overly ambitious and exclusively money-oriented.
Often, Capricorns are said to be emotionless and shallow.
Well, Mars in Capricorn brings out all the ambition, practicality and stubbornness of this sign twofold.
You could become overly critical, overly focused on perfectionism and even overwork yourself.
11. Mars in Aquarius (January 20–February 18)
This placement makes for a mighty rebel.
Mars tends to breathe additional aggression into the strongest traits of each sign.
For Aquarius, those are individuality, innovation, detachment and rebellious spirit.
Mars makes the unconventional nature of Aquarius even more so.
And while this combination could make you someone who may change the world one day, it has its downsides.
Mars in Aquarius means blind impulsiveness, complete emotional detachment and proneness to distraction.
12. Mars in Pisces (February 19–March 20)
The influence of Mars amplifies Pisces’ empathy. It makes Pisces even more social, even more emotional and incredibly creative.
Funnily enough, despite being the planet of assertiveness and aggression, its influence could cancel out those very traits in Pisces.
As your empathy grows, the ability to assert your boundaries and speak up for yourself lessens.
This placement could cause self-doubt and even lead you to become emotionally overwhelmed.
Be mindful and practice self-care. That way, you’ll be able to make the most of this powerful placement.
A little Aquarius, devoted to writing and embroidery.