Mars is the first planet beyond the Earth's orbit, and in astrology it represents the first planet of pure action: the drive to assert oneself, to pursue what one wants, to fight for what one values, and to protect what one holds dear. It is the planet of will, courage, aggression, and desire.
In traditional astrology, Mars is called the Lesser Malefic — not because it is evil, but because its energy is inherently disruptive. It cuts, burns, separates, and pushes. When well-placed, it gives courage, energy, initiative, and the capacity to act decisively. When poorly placed, it gives anger, conflict, impulsiveness, and violence.
Mars rules Aries (its diurnal home) and Scorpio (its nocturnal home, in the traditional system; modern astrology assigns Scorpio to Pluto, but traditional sources give it to Mars). It is exalted in Capricorn, where its energy is given structure and endurance. It is in its detriment in Taurus and Libra, and its fall in Cancer.
In a chart, Mars describes:
- Drive and motivation — what gets you moving, what you are willing to fight for, and how you pursue your goals.
- Anger and conflict — how you express anger, how you handle conflict, and what triggers your fight response.
- Sexuality and desire — the raw, physical expression of desire, separate from Venus's concern with attraction and connection.
- Courage and assertion — your capacity to stand up for yourself, take risks, and act in the face of fear.
Mars's placement by sign describes your fighting style: a Taurus Mars fights slowly and stubbornly, never giving ground, rarely initiating but impossible to move; a Gemini Mars fights with words, arguing, debating, and using wit as a weapon. Mars's placement by house describes the area of life where your energy is most directed — and where you are most likely to encounter conflict.