Planet Mars Characteristics, Personality Traits and Significance

In Vedic astrology, Mars is known as "Mangala" or "Kuja" and is considered one of the most powerful and masculine planets. It is associated with energy, vitality, courage, and assertiveness. Mars is also known as the planet of action, passion, and desire.

Mars significance in Astrology

Symbolism and Characteristics of Mars

Mars is the commander-in-chief of the planetary cabinet. It is Tamsik (imbued with inertia and darkness), fiery, and belongs to the Kshatriya (warrior) caste. The symbol of Mars is a circle with an arrow jutting from it. The circle represents the incarnating ego, and the arrow external to the circle represents the impulse to break up the shell upward, symbolizing action and dynamism.

In physical appearance, Mars is described as short with reddish-brown eyes. He has a strong, robust body and is as bright as burning fire. Mars is not steady in disposition, indicating a restless and dynamic nature. He wears red-colored apparels and is known for his intelligence, courage, and speaking abilities. He is adventurous, wrathful, and skillful in causing injury, with a bilious disposition and a Tamsik nature. Mars is blood-red in appearance, further emphasizing his fiery characteristics.

Own Sign and Mooltrikona Sign of Mars:

Mars rules over two zodiac signs: Aries and Scorpio. Aries is considered Mars' own sign or Mooltrikona sign. When Mars occupies Aries in a birth chart, it expresses its fiery and assertive qualities most strongly. Mars in Aries enhances traits such as courage, initiative, determination, and leadership. People with a strong Mars in Aries are often bold, competitive, and decisive in their actions.

Deepest Debilitated Sign and Degree of Mars:

Mars is debilitated in the sign of Cancer. Specifically, its deepest debilitated degree is at 28 degrees in Cancer. When Mars is in Cancer, especially around this degree, its energy is believed to be weakened or obstructed. This placement may manifest as challenges in expressing assertiveness, aggression, or taking decisive action. Individuals with a debilitated Mars in Cancer might struggle with passive-aggressive tendencies or difficulties in asserting their desires.

Mars' Exalted Sign and Degree:

Mars is exalted in the sign of Capricorn. Its exalted degree is at 28 degrees in Capricorn. When Mars is in Capricorn around this degree, it is considered to be in its strongest position astrologically. This placement enhances Mars' qualities of discipline, ambition, perseverance, and strategic thinking. People with an exalted Mars in Capricorn are often hardworking, ambitious, and capable of achieving long-term goals through focused effort and determination.

Significance of Mars in Astrology

In Vedic Astrology, Mars holds several important significations:

  • Courage and Physical Strength: Mars represents physical strength and bravery.
  • Younger Siblings: It is associated with younger co-borns.
  • Risky Ventures: Mars influences risky and adventurous activities.
  • Police and Army: It governs professions involving defense, such as police and army.
  • Surgical Operations: Mars is connected to surgery and medical operations.
  • Adultery and Fame: It influences fame and scandalous activities.
  • Engineers and Technical Skills: Mars is the karaka (significator) for engineering and technical professions.
  • Land and Agriculture: It governs agriculture, land, and farm houses.
  • Fire and Mines: Mars is associated with fire, mining, and metallurgy.

When Mars is Considered Strong in a Horoscope

Mars is considered strong in a horoscope when it is in its exalted sign (Capricorn), placed in the 3rd, 6th, or 11th house, or aspected by benefic planets. A strong Mars bestows the native with:

  • Energy and independence
  • Willpower and confidence
  • Courage and good logical ability
  • Mechanical skills and scientific mindset
  • Sharp wit and argumentative facility
  • Administrative ability and physical strength
  • Happiness from siblings

When Mars is Considered Weak or Afflicted in a Horoscope

Conversely, Mars is considered weak or afflicted if it is debilitated (Cancer), conjoined or aspected by malefic planets, or placed in challenging houses. An afflicted Mars can result in:

  • Destructive nature and rash, aggressive spirit
  • Headstrong and unruly behavior
  • Violence, injury, wars, and epidemics
  • Health issues related to hot and fiery complaints
  • Frequent surgical operations and accidents
  • Unhappy married life

Remedies for a Weak Mars

If Mars is badly placed in your horoscope (also known as teva, kundli, or birth chart) and not yielding the expected results, you can perform the following remedies to minimize the ill effects:

  • Recite Mars Mantra: Chant the Mars Mantra 216 times every morning. A commonly used mantra is "Om Mangalaya Namaha".
  • Worship Mars: Offer prayers to Mars on Tuesdays.
  • Wear Red Coral: Wearing a red coral gemstone set in gold can help strengthen Mars's influence.
  • Donate Red Items: Donating red items such as red cloth, lentils, and copper on Tuesdays can be beneficial.
  • Fasting on Tuesdays: Observing a fast on Tuesdays can help appease Mars.
Pramod Sharma

Pramod Sharma

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