The Planet MarsMars is the ruling planet of Aries and, before the discovery of Pluto, it was universally considered the ruler of Scorpio. Most modern astrologers consider Pluto the ruler of Scorpio, but many regard Mars as a co-ruler, while all traditional astrologers still regard Mars as the only ruler of Scorpio.
Mars was the Roman god of war and bloodshed, whose symbol was a spear and shield (from which its glyph is derived). Both the soil of Mars and the hemoglobin of our blood are rich in iron, and because of this, they share its distinct deep red color.
Mars orbits the sun in 687 days, spending about 57.25 days in each sign of the zodiac. It is also the first planet that orbits outside of Earth’s orbit making it the first planet that doesn’t set along with the sun.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Mars is associated with courage, ambition, and assertiveness, making it a powerful influence on an individual’s personality and behavior.
Mars is connected to physical vitality and strength, and working with Mars energy can aid in overcoming challenges related to physical health and endurance.
Mars plays a significant role in magick, often invoked for spells related to protection, courage, and motivation, harnessing its fiery energy to manifest intentions.
Herbs such as ginger and basil, known for their fiery and invigorating qualities, are associated with Mars and can be used in herbal remedies and spells for added potency.
Crystals like bloodstone and garnet resonate with the energy of Mars, offering strength and determination when used in crystal work or rituals.
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Astrology and Mars
Astrologically Mars is associated with confidence and self-assertion, aggression, sexuality, energy, strength, ambition, and impulsiveness.
Mars governs sports, competitions, and physical activities in general. The first-century poet Manilius, described the planet Mars as ardent, and as the lesser malefic.
In Chinese astrology, Mars is ruled by the element fire, which is passionate, energetic, and adventurous. In Indian astrology, Mars is called Mangala and represents energy, confidence, and ego.
Healing
In medicine Mars presides over the genitals, the muscular system, the gonads, and adrenal glands; it was held to be hot and excessively dry and ruled the choleric humor. It was associated with fever, accidents, trauma, pain, and surgery.
In modern astrology, Mars is said to rule the 1st and 8th houses; traditionally, however, Mars ruled the 3rd and 10th houses and was said to bring ‘joy’ in the 6th house of servants, chores, and ill-health (all of these houses are associated with labor and energy expenditure: 3rd – schoolchild, 10th – worker, 6th – servant).
While Venus tends to the overall relationship atmosphere, Mars is the passionate impulse and action, the masculine aspect, and this goes beyond sex into your drive, discipline, will-power, and stamina.
| Healing Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Energy and Drive | Enhancing motivation and ambition |
| Courage | Boosting confidence and assertiveness |
| Physical Stamina | Increasing physical energy and endurance |
| Healing Inflammation | Supporting healing of inflammatory conditions |
| Vitality | Replenishing vitality and life force |
Mars and Magick
The energy of Mars may be invoked in magical workings dealing with warriors, war or battles, attack or defense, increasing or preserving physical strength, courage, or sexual potency.
It can also be invoked to break binding spells and love spells and to counter or protect against any spells using Venus energy. Mars energy lends itself well to spells to induce lust and passion, but not love and devotion.
| Magickal Use | Intention and Application |
|---|---|
| Protection | Shielding and defending against harm |
| Passion and Desire | Igniting passion and enhancing desire |
| Courage and Strength | Cultivating bravery and inner strength |
| Overcoming Obstacles | Removing barriers and obstacles on the path |
| War and Conflict | Harnessing assertiveness and assertive action |
Herbs Associated with the Planet Mars
Thorny and/or red plants are often associated with Mars as are those with a strong, spicy flavor and the ability to warm and stimulate or energize the body.
A list of 50+ herbs associated with the planet Mars:
- Acacia,
- Agapanthus,
- Aloes,
- All-Heal,
- Asafoetida,
- Asarabacca,
- Ashwagandha,
- Barberry,
- Basil,
- Belladonna,
- Betony,
- Black cherry,
- Black gum,
- Blue cohosh,
- Broomrape,
- Bryony,
- Buckbush,
- Butterbur,
- Butcher’s broom,
- Cacti,
- Calamus,
- Caper,
- Cardamom,
- Cardoon,
- Cassava,
- Catnip,
- Chicalote,
- Chickweed,
- Chives,
- Coneflower,
- Coriander,
- Corn salad,
- Cow Parsnip,
- Cypress,
- Dandelion leaf,
- Devil’s claw root,
- Dragonhead flower,
- Dragon tree,
- Field horsetail,
- Flax lily,
- Garlic,
- Gentian,
- ginger,
- Gobo,
- Gorse,
- Guanique,
- Hawthorn,
- Holly,
- Horseradish,
- Hyacinth,
- Japanese knotweed,
- Kola nut,
- Lamium,
- Maca,
- Madder Root,
- Madwoman’s Milk,
- Masterwort,
- Mistletoe,
- Mugwort,
- Mullein,
- Mustard,
- nettles,
- Onion,
- Pepper,
- Pepperwort,
- Pennyroyal,
- Pigweed,
- Radish,
- Red cedar,
- Red clover,
- Red-hot poker,
- Reed,
- Resurrection lily,
- Rowan,
- Rue,
- Safflower,
- Sarsaparilla,
- Solandra,
- Tea,
- Tarragon,
- Thistle,
- Thyme,
- Toadflax,
- Tomatillo,
- Turmeric,
- Wild ginger,
- Wild tobacco,
- Wormwood,
- Yohimbe
Crystals Associated with Mars
Any red stone can be used to represent Mars including ruby and garnet. Bloodstone also contains Mars energy.
Other Correspondences
Mars is associated with Tuesday, and in Romance languages, the word for Tuesday often resembles Mars (in Spanish, Martes, and in French, Mardi). Dante Alighieri associated Mars with the liberal art of arithmetic.
The color red, the-tower tarot card, the sword, and the pentagram are all symbols of Mars.
The horse, the bear, and the wolf are also associated with Mars.
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