Planets

Mars

Mars describes drive, desire, assertion, conflict, and action. Read it by sign, house, aspects, dignity, and relationship to the chart ruler before making a judgment.

Function

drive, desire, assertion, conflict, and action

Watch first

Sign, house, aspects, dignity, angularity

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How to read Mars

The sign shows how Mars expresses itself. Do not treat the sign as the whole answer; it is the style of the planetary function.
The house shows where Mars becomes visible in life. This is where the person repeatedly meets the planet’s topic.
Aspects show whether Mars flows, is pressured, exaggerated, restrained, confused, or intensified by other planets.

Practical judgment rules

A planet near the Ascendant, Midheaven, Descendant, or IC becomes much louder and should not be treated as a minor placement.
A planet ruling the Ascendant or many occupied houses becomes more important because it manages more chart topics.
Do not judge a planet as good or bad by name. Venus can be difficult under pressure; Saturn can become mastery when integrated.

Examples

Mars in the 10th house

Mars becomes tied to public role, career direction, reputation, and visible responsibility.

Mars square Saturn

Saturn pressures Mars, creating delay, standards, fear, discipline, and eventual mastery if the person works through the block.