Mars - The Warrior Of Light

                                                                                              

At his highest vibration Mars is the Warrior of Light

“Mars in the 9th House confers a restless and adventurous nature, which may take a person away from the country of his birth for long periods. When Mars is in the 9th House, traveling is nearly always undertaken in connection with work, employment overseas, being the preferred alternative to simply traveling.”

The DK Foundation

Uh, it is me, my Mars in the Ninth.  I have always travelled and explored the world, I was always and still am on the go.  My travels were not a holiday trip.  Not for pleasure.  My travels were not a first class cruise ship trip to the Caribbean.  My travels came out of a necessity and they still do.  Travelling is still a crucial part of me, I did it and I do it for the need to see my loved ones, to study, to work, to visit people I want to see.  Every time I left a place and the people I loved I felt like my heart was being torn apart.  The result of this lifestyle – blame it on my Mars is that I feel at home everywhere.  Wherever my small family is, there is my home.  But it has a flip side to it too.  I sometimes feel like I have no home at all.  There, I said it.   

So where is your Mars?  We all have this warrior planet hiding somewhere in our birth chart and it is truly up to us how we use it and whether we make friends with this red planet, often thought as a malicious or war like planet.  I truly believe that there is nothing, absolutely nothing in your birth chart that you can't work  with, make peace with and live with.  It is all part of a beautiful harmony and it is only up to us how we learn to harness Mars’s fiery energy.  Just like the Moon’s energy represents our emotions, Mars is represents our assertiveness and strength. 

Mars, its sign and a position in a chart affects not only our personal journey but it also affects our world and our collective journey.  Let me give you a few examples from the most recent astrological happenings and how Mars can affect these different energies of our current affairs.  These are just simple examples, meant for a brief illustration only.  I am sure you will be able to think of more examples, perhaps your personal ones, or the collective ones affecting you directly, depending where in the world you may live. 

            On July 3, Mars entered Libra, the sign of peace, not war.  Libra is the sign of diplomacy, weighing the good and bad, seeing both sides of the coin.  Mars in Libra spirit helped to keep the Summer Olympics 2012 in a friendly but competitive spirit.  It was all about diplomacy and fair play.

 Mars entered Scorpio on August 23.  For those of you who follow golf – maybe you have noticed a little hostility of the American audience toward the European golfing team.  My American friends please don’t get offended by this, I did not mean to criticise you but I do follow golf and understand a fair amount about it.  Both teams and all the players were great.  They were competitive and friendly but it was the general public that definitely was expressing their Mars in Scorpio.  Mars in Scorpio can be spiteful, blaming and ever surprising warrior.  And the unexpected surprise was – the European team won the golf history was made once again – the Miracle of Medinah. 

 Mars entered Sagittarius on October 6, just in time for the 2012 Presidential Debate here in the U.S.  Mars in Sagittarius is a show off at times, idealistic and not the down to earth type.  Isn’t it just what we have been seeing and hearing?  I don’t think I need to comment more on this.  The U.S. presidential debates are still important, but haven’t they become just a talk with empty promises?  At this time, Mars in Sagittarius is in power.  It makes people over-promise, it makes people more idealistic, it makes them believe they can do more than they are able to do.  You make your own conclusion.

 Mars is the God of War and the ruling planet of Aries.  We hear that everywhere.  Mars can wear different hats at times.  Mars can carry a spear, even a machine gun but he can also carry a shield.  Mars can represent our inner warrior, the force that drives us to achieve something, to reach our goals, to serve as a self defence mechanism, our inner Karate Kid.  Knowing your Mars sign can enable you to access your inner strength and to use it wisely when you need to.  My Mars is in Capricorn.  So in addition to my travelling shoes, my Mars wears a business suit and quite often a gym gear.  Its force and ambition can drive me crazy at times.  I have learned to keep it under control.  I love to run, to exercise and I have also learned to hold back tears when I leave my family and friends behind as I continue on my journey. 

So who are these twelve warriors? 

Mars in Aries is the knight in shining armour.  He fears no blood, no wounds, he is the strongest of them all.  Mars in Aries has no fear, he loves to be challenged, he prides himself to be the survivor of many fights.  He has scars, cuts and wounds.  He still stays strong.  Whenever I think of Mars in Aries I think of Elton John’s song “I Am Still Standing.”  That is Mars in Aries.  People with Mars in Aries are decisive, to the point, all they often can think about is winning and they don’t have much patience.  Yet generous and giving, they want to be of use, but feelings set aside, if you want to be dealing with them don’t expect them to baby you. 

Mars in Taurus is like a bull in a cage.  He knows he has to get things done and he does them well.  He tries to get things done even if they are impossible, even if they are unmanageable.  He goes out every day, day after day and ploughs the fields of his farm.   Mars is expansive and Taurus is patient.  He wants to be on the go and at the same time he is often cautious to get going.  People with Mars in Taurus are strong willed and when they set their mind on something it will be their way.  Mars in Taurus people can pursue their goals tirelessly regardless of whether others around them agree with them or not. 

Mars in Gemini is content with the amount energy Gemini provides, the action and the challenges.  Gemini makes things happen and that is exactly what Mars wants.  He likes the constant activity, the challenges of the day, their interactions with the world.  At the end of the day, Mars in Gemini is tired and often wonders did he accomplish anything at all?  At times, however, people with Mars in Gemini do feel like their fire energy is perhaps scattered and instead of being the flame thrower they need to use their warrior energy as a laser beam.  That is their biggest challenge.  Boredom is their enemy. 

Mars in Cancer is kind and considerate but reserved.  He manages his daily to do list well but craves more challenge.  Mars in Cancer can be very defensive at times.  Being around people with Mars in Cancer can make one feel like walking on eggshells.  Where exactly is the limit, what can you say and what can’t you say to people with Mars in Cancer without them getting overly defensive?  Mars in Cancer likes to be needed and likes to provide care to others.  Interestingly enough Mars feels alright in this home and family oriented sign, it just takes a little bit of getting used to the idea of learning to care and feel for others. 

Mars in Leo can say whatever he wants and he frankly doesn’t care what others think.  Frank Sinatra has Mars in Leo and he was famous for doing things “My Way.”  Mars in Leo is highly creative, artistic and a natural actor.  He has an abundant energy and drive, sunny personality and is always very generous.  Show off at times Mars in Leo’s biggest challenge is humility.  At times these people can be pushy, arrogant and dominating but all in all they are rather special.  Leo loves to be the centre of gravity.  People with Mars in Leo love to be admired and praised.  The down side is that they can be a bit pushy and dominating.

Picture someone who is a perfectionist, a planner and loves to be organized - that about sums up Mars in Virgo. Mars in Virgo is precise and he tolerates no nonsense.  He is pretty much chronically unable to be pleased or satisfied with anything.   What is great about these people is that they can, if they want to change their nit-picky energy to energy where they can be of service to others.  Being motivated in this way these people can contribute greatly and help those who are in need and those who are less fortunate.  To have their place in the universe and to be of service is a basic need for people with Mars in Virgo.   Relaxing and letting go is their biggest challenge.

Mars in Libra really feels like in a foreign land.  The sports champion, the knight and the warrior will not be able to make compromises that easily.  Mars in Libra is charming and possesses  great social skills.  Diplomacy is his virtue but beneath his placid and “fair” nature there is a warrior within, ready to conquer and ready to fight just to be stopped and tamed by the Libran nature.  A peaceful warrior is the best description for people born with Mars in Libra.  And let me tell you, how refreshing it is to know strength can be measured in different ways than number of soldiers, warrior planes and bombs. 

Scorpio is the detective of the Zodiac and therefore Mars in Scorpio has a passion for tracking down criminals, finding other people’s secrets, digging into their deepest of emotions.  Mars in Scorpio makes a great opponent and is attracted to all taboos.  He has a confident and an assertive behaviour.   Mars is Scorpio people can be secretive.  Mars in Scorpio people do often complain about unfairness and corruption but let me tell you they are not all saints. Whatever they are doing, they get extremely involved with it.   As Roy Alexander once said “Some people call them obsessive, but they think of it as commitment.”

Mars is Sagittarius is a great explorer.  He enjoys travelling, the challenges and adventures of the unknown and undiscovered worlds.  There is one problem, though.  Mars is an individualistic planet and Sagittarius is a highly social sign.  So this fellow can get quite overwhelmed with his sign and can get into battles he did not want to fight.  People with Mars in Sagittarius have strong opinions, they can be perfectionists too.  They are always open to new ideas but also to new relationships which can pose a problem.  They would rather do many different things and travel to many foreign lands than analyse their relationships with others. 

Mars in Capricorn does like to wear a business suit.  At times, he complains about the corporate culture and his life in a cubicle but there are plenty of other avenues to satisfy his hunger for winning and the quest for achievements.  There is plenty of room for his energy and aggression in this world.  He is great at setting goals and motivating his staff.  He is a great boss but not the greatest employee, but at least he is as reliable as one can get.  He can increase profits and influence people.  People with Mars in Capricorn are generally energetic and ambitions.  They set their long-term goals and pursue them untiringly.  Every fall is their boost and therefore they can seem rather unsympathetic toward others. 

Aquarius is all about welfare.  Mars is all about self.  Therefore Mars in Aquarius can be quite unsatisfied in his own skin.  He feels the push to go out and help others but he also feels he can’t quite deliver what is expected.  He gets too upset about social injustice, about the “real world.”  He feels safe in his cubicle listening to pan-flute and thinking of a better world, a better place.  And then the reality hits.  Mars in Aquarius people are often very rational but they also possess a great deal of compassion, their problem is they don’t know how to express it.  They are independent thinkers and they are open to new ideas and new ways. 

Mars in Pisces is trapped on a deserted island.  Robinson Crusoe in a warrior suit is not exactly how Mars pictured his adventures.  There is plenty of room for meditation but Mars feels just lonely in the vast nothingness.  Mars is energy and Pisces is spirituality.  This is one of the toughest masks Mars can wear, the mask of Pisces.  Mars in Pisces people can be weak or at least appear weak and vulnerable.  They can show their strength in the creepiest of ways trying to stay to be macho or the tough guy.  Mars in Pisces person tries to project and hide behind some kind of image, an idea.  They are usually gentle and compassionate unless they feel threatened.  Then, they can act with anger, deeply repressed anger so hey, better watch out.  Pisces is not always the most peaceful of all signs!

Well, that is all.  Where is your Mars?  I have found mine and let me tell you, he is a piece of work! 

Have a great day, night, wherever you may be my readers!  I am back – after one busy and crazy summer. I have a couple of short articles on Leo, Virgo and Libra ready for you as soon as I can get them into this blog.  

Until next time,

Andrea

Wenlock and Mandenville - Where Did You Come From?

The 2012 London Summer Olympics are here.  It is hard to believe that it has been four years since the last Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008.  The Sun is in Leo and Leo wants to shine!  Leo’s energy is keeping the spirits high, optimistic and bright.  The chart of the London Olympics is a challenging one but that is not to say that these events will be all gloom and doom.  The chart has three Yods.  A Yod is a rare astrological aspect that can involve any celestial body.  It looks like a “Y” on any axis.  Two of the planets are sextile and and both inconjunct a third planet sharing neither gender, element, nor mode.    This placement of the planets can cause controversies, blurry outcomes, tense energies.  One can find a lot of information and conspiracy theories  that talk about the London Summer Olympics.  The three Yods just point out that there will be many different interpretations on what to expect from these events.  The Mercury was in retrograde during the opening ceremony and has now gone direct.  There are many ways of looking at the Games – perhaps it is just an entertainment, perhaps it symbolizes our pride, presents us with collective messages and spiritual awakenings - all of the energies of the three Yods.  What do the Olympics mean to you, do you cheer for an individual or a team?  Do the Olympics remind us that we can be competitive without using a force, without endangering someone else?  Some people believe the Olympics are here to reveal a message to us, and maybe that they point us towards our saviour, so we can become a part of the collective.  Are the aliens  watching us?  Good-bye past and welcome future.  Privacy is the thing of the past.  Wenlock is watching you!  :)

 

Take it or leave it attitude is sure going to apply during the entire event since it fits within the Games’ chart.  Mercury retrograde has created already some confusions and blurry messages but hey, for an event this large – things have been running pretty smoothly.  Mars, the planet of the competition is present at every sports event during the Olympics.  It is now in a friendly and sociable Libra – the sign of diplomacy and peace.  The sign of Libra serves its purpose during the Olympics since it emphasizes a healthy competition.  Mars is also close to being conjunct to Saturn.  Mars wants us to go, go, go and Saturn questions everything Mars is about to experience.  Saturn, the teacher, controls the expansive Mars – thus, the Olympics are very well organized.  Our economy and the world crisis will continue for months to come and is not likely to disappear; at least we can all immerse ourselves into the spirit of the Games and forget about the worries of the world – at least for now.  Isn’t it nice to see this kind of healthy competition and celebrate the achievements of many who have prepared so diligently and tirelessly to take part in the Olympic Games in London. Wenlock might be watching them, Mercury retrograde may have played a trick or two on them but the Sun in Leo shines on.  Mars in Libra gives them the kind of stamina that comes hand in hand with humility.  Speaking of stars aligned just right!

 

Home Sweet Home

The Sun entered Cancer on June 20, 2012.  And I am a procrastinator.  It is the 21^st of July now and we are officially in Leo.  Time got away from me.  Here are my excuses.  I blame the universal time and our fast paced society and the fact that I have absolutely no planets in Virgo :) I think I should blame my own disorganized self.  Perhaps I should learn to balance my family, my work, my friends, astrology and "me" time.  I know I should but for the most part it always seems like my life is this big avalanche of all of these things combined and I am a snowboarder trying to escape it.  I think this time I am going to call my Virgo friends to the rescue.  

Really, isn’t it kind of ironic - Cancer is a sign that rules our home, our family, our downtime and yet, during these busy months we don’t get enough time to  enjoy our home, our family and we don’t get the time we can just spend on our own doing absolutely nothing.  We crave this time, we idealize it – at least here in the Northern Hemisphere where Summer is the time when children are off school, people are on holidays, they spend time camping, going to the beach, travelling.  We want to read a book or two, we want to cook a nice meal and be outside, enjoy the summer days, relax, meditate and return to our primal purpose of our being.  During the month of Cancer we all crave peace, safety, security, time with family and time spent at home.  We retreat to our safety haven and then go back in time to relive our memories from the past.  We long for the past.  Are you all feeling this time crunch?  Do you dream about the past?  Was it better then?  Was the time going by a lot slower?  Are the summer days of your childhood and your youth the days you want to go back to?  Things seemed to be simpler and and a lot more relaxed.  I do miss the way things were, the slower paced life.  Well that was then and now is now, we can't change things.  Enough on that.

Happy belated birthday my Cancer friends.  As an astrologer I do not like to say “belated” but I have done it once again – time has vanished and it is nowhere to be found.  Cancer is a water sign, caring, sensitive and reflecting.  Think of Pisces and the ocean comes to mind, think of Cancer and what you see is a beautiful reflecting lake in the mountains, crystal clear, peaceful and quaint.  Mountains surround this lake and they provide safety and security - a true Feng Shui haven.  Cancer is a cardinal sign - the beginning of the new season, it is ruled by the Moon and therefore strongly connected to our emotions and feelings.  Cancer people are the nurturers and dreamers of the Zodiac.  They will be there to weather the storms with you.  They are sentimental and they often idealize the past. Their connection to their past is always there - may it be through the family of their origin, their roots, their memories, they do seem to go back and forth between now and then, floating flawlessly between the two time entities.  

Here is my little intermezzo.  It wraps all of the Cancerian characteristics into one specific trait – the longing for the past is very well depicted in the song Round Here by George Michael.   George Michael was born on the 25^th of June, 1963.  His Sun sign and his ascending sign are both in Cancer.  There is a certain flair of nostalgia in all of his songs.  His music as a solo artist and as a lead singer of the pop group Wham! will always evoke these nostalgic feelings of things long gone. 

Here is his Round Here from 2004 album Patience.  

 

George Michael - Round Here 

"So come with me, let me show you where I've lived
  I want to put my hands in this earth again
  Music fell like rain to the streets
  The Specials and The Jam, to The Beat
  Even though I think I've seen everything there is to see of this world
  I gotta be thankful that this crowded space
  Is the place of my birth"

Happy dreaming, happy Saturday, Sunday or whatever time zone you might be in.  I will give you a short astrological update in my next post.  Until then, take care of yourself and try to create more time.  For yourself, your family, your loved ones.