Mars - Pyroeis, The Firey One

Mars has always fascinated me, both as a celestial body and as an astrological powerhouse. Let’s start with the facts. Astronomically, Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun, orbiting at an average distance of 142 million miles. Its ruddy complexion comes from the iron oxide coating its surface, giving it the famous "Red Planet" moniker. Mars is about half the size of Earth, with a diameter of just over 4,200 miles, and its gravity is only 38% of Earth’s—making it the perfect playground for future astronauts hoping to hop around its surface.

One of the most fascinating things about Mars is its similarity to Earth in certain ways. Like Earth, it has seasons, thanks to its axial tilt, though its year is much longer, stretching across 687 Earth days. A day on Mars—called a sol—is just a touch longer than ours, clocking in at 24 hours and 39 minutes. Mars also boasts two quirky little moons, Phobos and Deimos, which are likely captured asteroids. These potato-shaped companions orbit Mars with a sense of mystery befitting the planet they call home.

From its towering Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in the solar system, to the sprawling Valles Marineris canyon system, Mars’ terrain is as dramatic as its astrological reputation. And speaking of astrology, that’s where Mars truly shines—or burns.

Astrologically, Mars is the planet of action, drive, and raw energy. It’s a warrior in every sense of the word, embodying courage, ambition, and, yes, conflict. Mars rules over two zodiac signs: Aries and Scorpio.

In Aries, Mars expresses itself boldly and directly. It’s fiery, impulsive, and ready to charge into battle without a second thought. In Scorpio, Mars takes a more calculated approach. Here, it operates in the shadows, strategizing, transforming, and enduring. Aries is the day domicile of Mars, a place where its fiery energy is unfiltered, while Scorpio is its night domicile, a realm where Mars’ intensity is channeled into emotional depth and persistence.

Mars is exalted in Capricorn, a placement that gives it structure and focus, making its drive unstoppable and its ambitions monumental. Conversely, Mars struggles in Cancer, where its fiery nature is smothered by emotion, leaving it feeling out of its element. It’s also in detriment in Libra and Taurus, signs that prefer harmony and stability over Mars’ natural inclination toward action and conflict.

As part of the nocturnal sect, Mars is more at home in night charts, where its influence can be constructive rather than purely combative. Even so, Mars is a malefic planet, traditionally associated with difficulties and challenges. That might sound harsh, but Mars isn’t just about conflict—it’s also about courage and resilience. Properly harnessed, its energy can be transformative, pushing us to achieve greatness. But when poorly placed or unchecked, it can manifest as aggression, recklessness, or destructive tendencies.

Mars doesn’t just stroll through the zodiac—it storms through it. Its synodic cycle, or the time it takes to appear in the same position relative to the Sun as seen from Earth, is about 26 months. During that time, it spends roughly six to seven weeks in each zodiac sign, except when it goes retrograde. Mars retrograde happens about every 26 months, lasting for two to two-and-a-half months. During these periods, Mars appears to reverse its motion in the sky, and its usual forward thrust is replaced by introspection. This is a time to reassess our actions, motives, and desires rather than charge ahead.

In a natal chart, Mars shows where and how we assert ourselves. Its house placement reveals the area of life where we pour our energy, face conflicts, and seek victories. Mars in the first house, for instance, can indicate someone who is bold and assertive, while Mars in the seventh house might point to passionate but potentially combative relationships. Aspects to Mars from other planets can enhance or challenge its expression. A harmonious aspect to Venus might bring charisma and magnetism, while a hard aspect to Saturn could create frustration or blockages in pursuing one’s goals.

The signs Mars rules—Aries and Scorpio—each wear its influence differently. Aries is all fire and instinct, leaping into action without hesitation. Mars here brings leadership, initiative, and a touch of impulsiveness. Scorpio, on the other hand, tempers Mars’ energy with emotional intensity and a strategic mindset. People with Mars in Scorpio often possess remarkable endurance and a talent for navigating life’s undercurrents, but they may also struggle with possessiveness or a need for control.

Mars is the spark that ignites our passions and the fire that burns away what no longer serves us. Its placement in a natal chart is vital for understanding how we handle conflict, assert ourselves, and pursue our goals. While its influence can sometimes feel harsh, it’s ultimately about growth through challenge. Mars teaches us that life’s battles—whether external or internal—are where we find our strength. It’s not just a cosmic warrior; it’s our personal drill sergeant, pushing us to be braver, stronger, and more resilient.

Thanks for reading!

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In my career, I am what you might call a professional mystic. I teach and work with spiritual seekers from all over the world. My love and passion for the mystic arts are what drives me to keep creating, sharing and educating others. I love to bring my diverse knowledge of metaphysical knowledge and depth of experience to my clients and students through providing intuitive and spiritual services. I'm Known for my ability to blend fun with professionalism, and I'm proud to offer three decades of esoteric experience, which includes the co-creation of the Sirian Starseed Tarot, several books, classes, manuals & the Seekers Oracle.

In my professional practice, I am a master tarot reader & teacher, second-generation traditional western astrologer, numerologist, certified professional past-life regressionist, Reiki Grand Master Teacher, Certified Life coach, author, artist, and founder of North Star Mystic Academy, which opened in 2019.

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