Practicing With The Planets: Introducing the Methods of Working with Mars
Today is Tuesday, which is also known as Mars Day. This day is named after the Old English God of War, Tyr. It is a perfect day to discuss the practice of connecting with the red planet. In popular culture, books and phrases like “Men are from Mars, and Women are from Venus” link our understanding of Mars and Venus as equal and opposite polarities. Mars can be viewed as a more aggressive sexual energy and as the counterpart to the energy of Venus.
However, I have always disliked this anthropocentric point of view; we are talking about planets, not people after all. As the previous post about the Moon mentioned, societal beliefs and attitudes have heavily influenced various interpretations of the planets. However, describing planets as people can be limiting, so it’s essential to understand the spiritual resonance and energies of the planets. Therefore, I enjoy using our understanding of astrology to disrupt some of the more mundane interpretations of the zodiac.
That said, Mars is the planet we mythologically associate with passion, drive, and how we take initiative. Most closely connected to Aries, the first fire sign of the zodiac, Mars energy, asks us to examine where and when we need to adopt a warrior spirit and push forward in life.
Astrologically, your Mars placement can also indicate how you express or exert your energy inside and outside the bedroom. In this sense, a well-placed Mars indicates stamina in many areas of your life, while an afflicted Mars can make it more difficult for you to get started on tasks or to complete them.
About That Action, or Making Moves on Mars Day
Overall, Mars Day is all about that action. So, if there is anything that you want to accomplish, Mars Day is the day to do it. For example, if you have something that you are interested in, taking advantage of the energy of a Mars Day or a positively aspected Mars transit may give you the courage that you need to take charge (especially if you are someone who has natal Mars in detriment or in fall).
Mars is also a planet that signals a possibility for life after Earth, and listening to the sounds of Mars is one great way to work with this planet. In particular, the Mars Rover digital meditations and recordings from other space voyages can serve as background music to your Mars practice or ritual work. Beginning your practice by imagining the orangey-red dunes of Mars while you meditate on its sounds or before you go to sleep can also help you tap into the experience of life on Mars, either through astral travel/projection or your dreams, imaginings, and remembrances.
For those who enjoy more intergalactic practices, the energy of Mars is also connected to that of the Martian, so you can use this time to think about how you want to stand out and differentiate yourself from others. Additionally, you can focus on journaling about Martian topics like taking action and more initiative on your goals, leaning into your strength and independence, embodying more youthfulness and vitality (or virility) in your life and relationships with others, becoming more expressive of passion and desire through fortitude and forward movement, as well as expanding your self-worth and personal values.
Pushing Past Pain: The Method of Mars in Capricorn
It is important to note that we are currently experiencing a Mars in Capricorn transit. Although Mars is naturally at home in the astrological sign of Aries, the planet is exalted in the sign of Capricorn. While many spiritualists associate Aries’ energy with the Emperor card in the tarot, there are two Emperors in the deck, and Capricorn is exalted. So, even as Mars in Aries energy can be great for starting projects, it may not consistently sustain drive and passion.
Mars in Capricorn represents grounded energy that can turn pain into passion and withstand the test of time. Less likely to be driven by unbridled passions, Capricorn Energy focuses on longevity and planning, pushing you to achieve long-term projects and goals. Furthermore, Mars in Capricorn resonates with the stoic strength of Saturn, which enables you to overcome any obstacle and climb any mountain to reach your objectives, regardless of how long it takes.
Therefore, this is a blessed time to set and achieve your goals and resolutions since the influence of Mars in Capricorn will provide you with the endurance and steadiness required to make lasting changes in your life. Nonetheless, it is crucial to temper the effects of this celestial positioning so as not to trigger an excessive desire to take on too much or become excessively attached to the hustle and bustle of daily living. Also, be wary that you do not punish yourself by overworking; instead, choose to learn how to work smarter and not harder.
Finally, if you want to know more about your Mars sign and how to interpret working with the planetary energy of your chart and the current moment, Follow the link to the Spiritual Services section of the website for more information on how I can advise you in this area. Happy Mars Day!
