As the God of War it is Mars' job to protect by 'repelling' enemies , potential invaders and other such harmful entities that would be a threat to the continued survival of the species. As such Mars also rules the immune system in the body.

Whereas the energy of Venus is magnetic, Mars' energy is electric. As Venus pulls in, Mars pushes out. Where Venus seductively pulls towards her that which she desires, Mars organises a war party and goes out and takes it (by force if necessary)! With the two ends of a magnet: Venus would be the attracting pole, Mars would be the repelling pole. So let's explore the purpose of this propelling, repelling, expelling energy of Mars for for ongoing spiritual journey.

We are continuing to follow the evolution of human consciousness (and our spiritual development) through the planets. Remember we are evolving through instinct> intellect> intuition>illumination> emptiness (clear light) 

To revisit this point see "The Planets and The Evolution of Consciousness", and as we proceed with our exploration of Mars, keep in mind that we are still talking at the level of instinct.

Mars is the energy of asserting ourselves. If we look to nature, after we have found our mate through the activities of Venus, we may well have a 'nest' and young to protect and provide for. That's where Mars comes into the picture. Mars would be both the energy of 'going out' to find food and resources, and the energy of repelling our foes, protecting our mate, our young, and defending our territory. 

So we can see that we are still talking about very primal, instinctive, levels of behaviour. It is important to remember how important this level is. In our exploration of Soul Astrology it is tempting to fast-forward to the higher realms and ignore the level of base animal instinct, but if we ignore our foundations, our ivory tower will crumble and fall. 

- Isabel M. Hickey, Astrology: A Cosmic Science

The instinctive level of human behavior is our foundation and as such, deserves great respect. When we ignore our basic needs and drives we run the risk of spiritual bypass  and self-delusion. In a culture where we are striving for peace and the realization of our most altruistic self, it can be tempting to step over the fighter, the aggressive, and sometimes violent, facet of our nature. But we would be foolish to do so. The energy represented by Mars plays a very important role in self-assertion and the development of a healthy ego, which serves as a firm foundation for healthy spiritual development.

Just as Venus is the archetype for feminine energy Mars is the archetype of male energy. A positive Mars represents the healthy warrior: like the monks of Shaolin, with the physical energy, stamina, energy, endurance and ability to complete a project, and all put to good use. The key to healthy and balanced spiritual development is to understand our Mars, rather than rejecting or denying him. When we know our warrior within, understand his energy, and his objectives, we may wield our weapons wisely and appropriately to serve our highest purpose. 

While Venus is considered beneficial because of her capacity to bestow graces and benefits (see last month's newsletter), so in ancient astrology Mars was considered 'malefic' because of his capacity to bring trouble and strife. However, as astrology itself has evolved to incorporate psychological astrology, modern astrologers are less inclined to use the term 'malefic' and rather to acknowledge certain challenges which, when addressed, strengthen the individual by providing valuable opportunities for developing qualities such as patience and self-awareness; and for learning important skills such as how to be assertive rather than aggressive, thereby contributing to our healthy self-development. 

In mythology Mars was the Roman God of war and while he is often likened to Ares, the Greek God of war, there are significant and important differences. Mars as the God of war is (like Ares) strongly associated with the energies, emotions and worldviews of a warrior: assertion, aggression, strength, energy, activity, fighting, violence, anger, sectarianism, zealotry, tribalism, nationalism; and the tools, processes and activities of war: metal, mechanics, weapons, knives, guns, engineering, military activity. 

However it is also important to recognize the other 'face' of Mars. Where the Roman Mars differed from Ares, is that he was not only associated with war but was also a protector, a guardian, a father figure, the epitome of male 'goodness' with the strength and willingness to protect the weak: 

"Although Ares was viewed primarily as a destructive and destabilizing force, 

- Wikipedia

On it’s journey through all twelve Zodiac signs the Soul begins in Aries as “a point of light in the mind of God”. Through the activity if Mars, Aries therefore carries the initial spark of inspiration: the first impulse to exist. 

- The Tibetan, Esoteric Astrology 

The Soul in Aries is carrying the blueprint and the potential. While we might have a map, and guides to help us keep to it, the success of our grand expedition also depends upon our own efforts and the conditions we meet along the way. At the personality level Mars is the primary energy providing the motivating, driving force. Mars is related to the ‘vital body’ and brings life-force energy into physical existence. It provides the motivation, power, and movement, that causes the tender shoot to break out of the dark womb-like seed, to strive against the earth and stones, against all odds, to reach the light.

Mars brings drive, motive and motivation. It is the driving force that pushes life-force energy into the physical world. It is the energy of creation, conception and new life (think sperm)! It enlivens and ‘vitalizes’, brings life and vitality, and is closely related to Patanjali’s ‘energy’ body (see The Five Bodies in last month's newsletter). The driving force of Mars motivates us into action. This universal force is present throughout Nature.

While it's true that Mars moves us into action, ultimately it is up to us to choose the action we take: conscious action or unconscious reaction. The outcome of our actions depends on our own motivation. It is important for anyone with planets in Aries, especially Mars, to continuously check their motives: are your actions motivated by the needs of your head (ego) or the call of your heart and Soul?

Mars rules the lower octave of Aries, the personality, empowering Aries with motive – the need to move the Self forward into life and light. For the Soul-centered individual, who has fully integrated personality and Soul, the ruler of Aries is Mercury.

- The Tibetan, Esoteric Astrology

Following the journey of the Soul through the 12 signs of the Zodiac, after the point of balance between body and Soul has been reached in Libra, the final struggle takes place in Scorpio, the last of the four signs of crisis (Read about the signs of preparation, crisis, and service in Chapter 2 of Soul Astrology). This is a kind of birthing and, just like the contractions in physical childbirth, this spiritual rebirth happens in waves. 

As the personality gradually comes under the command of the Soul, there are waves of ‘depression’ where the personality feels as though it is being ‘squashed’, followed by waves of rebellion where it fights back. The personality doesn’t give up easily without a fight! The personality isn’t being squashed however, it is being gradually assimilated, as more spiritual energy is able to enter into the being. The end result of this struggle is total fusion of Soul and personality, body and Soul. The personality is the ‘interface’, the meeting place between the body, with all its animal urges and instinctive impulses, and the finer energies and ethereal vibrations of the Soul: or as The Tibetan described it above, the battle ground in Scorpio.

Three planetary rulers, or space-holders, are the midwives of this birthing process in Scorpio, which is vital for the evolution of humanity from an animalistic being into a fully awakened Soul-centered being. Both Mars and Pluto are guardians of this process at personality level, while Mars is the guardian at Soul level. In Esoteric Astrology  Mars is considered a greatly beneficial planet. It is through the necessary activity of Mars that this final struggle between personality and Soul is fought and won, with the fully integrated Soul emerging victorious. 

Triumph and victory are keywords with Scorpio and it is important to remember this especially when the going gets tough. Mercury is the planetary ruler at Hierarchical level which we won’t explore here except to notice that this again hints at the vital importance of Scorpio for the spiritual evolution of humanity.

As you read on, take note if you have Aries or Scorpio Rising. If so Mars is your Personality Ruler and the condition of Mars by sign, house and aspect will be playing a particularly significant role in your life, by bringing you people and circumstances that have the potential to bring your karmic conditioning into your awareness, for healing, transformation, and release. (Read more about the personality and Soul rulers of the signs in The Foundations of Soul Astrology #4: Your Soul's Purpose )

If you do have Scorpio Rising know that Mars is also your chart ruler at a Soul level, so the condition of Mars in your chart deserves some deep, ongoing, study and contemplation to develop deeper understandings of your Soul's journey and the unfolding process of personality-Soul fusion. 

Just like the battery/power indicator on your phone tells you how much energy you have, so you can instantly look to the condition of Mars in your chart to tell you how much natural physical power/ energy you have (element), how it is expressed (sign) and where it shows up in your life (house). For example whether you are someone who invests their energy in sports and physical pursuits (Mars in Aries or Scorpio) or whether you invest more of your energy in conversation (Mars in Gemini).

That said, it is also important to take into account other factors in your chart that influence how you flow your energy. Your Soul Sign (Ascendant) for example will say much about your motivation in life, how you move into new situations, and can even reflect your physical build, your gait and physical movement.

The Sun in your chart also has a great influence on your vitality, or the amount of life-force energy directly available to you at any given time. So you may have a well-placed Mars in a strong sign, but if you have a weak Sun, possibly in the 12th house, you would not have as much free energy to draw upon as your Mars would like, in order to drive home your goals.

So in considering Mars, you might think of your Sun more in terms of your overall vitality, and Mars as your personal will, willpower or drive, to get things done.

Unless mitigated by other chart factors Mars in a fire sign will usually have an abundance of energy, stamina and endurance. These are the "Duracell Bunnies" of the zodiac due to their seemingly boundless energy and ability to just keep on going! 

Mars in earth and water is slowed down. There is more of a steady flow of energy, or it may even trickle and dry up so there is an apparent lack of energy. 

Mars in an air sign can activate and agitate mental activity. This can bring an erratic quality, excessive mental activity, and potentially nervous exhaustion. It is important to focus and ground this mental activity to avoid burnout.

When Mars is in Aries the individual usually has a great deal of energy. They can be energetic, enthusiastic, courageous, driven, passionate and assertive. Mars is said to be indignity in this sign meaning his energy flows well and he is most free and uninhibited in his effects. Depending upon aspects to other planets Mars here can also be combative and aggressive. This is the archetype of the warrior. If well-placed this brings someone with great endurance, drive, and much energy to drive projects forward. If poorly aspected this can be someone who constantly drives themselves (and others) to the point of exhaustion. There could also be constant conflict and/or violence. Their sexual nature can be direct and passionate but may often lack consideration for their partner.

On a Soul level this placement can be a challenge due to the constant activity it brings. These individuals are people who like to keep themselves busy, whether with mental or physical activity depends upon other chart factors but nonetheless it is all too easy to keep oneself distracted from spiritual goals. When this passion is directed into spiritual activity and practice, it can be a powerful force for accelerating one's progress on the spiritual path.

When Mars is in Taurus the individual usually asserts their energy with patience and determination towards tangible material outcomes. Mars is said to be in detriment in Taurus, meaning his energy is weakened and his power is minimised. Therefore there can also be an inertia or lack of drive to assert oneself toward one's goals. Individuals with Mars in Taurus like to see tangible results and a good 'return on investment' for 'spending' their energy. They can therefore be motivated into action by some kind of material or financial reward. When they do move into action they can be very patient and persistent in their approach. When afflicted there can be excessive possessiveness, acquisitiveness and miserliness. Their sexual nature is likely to be very sensual.

On a Soul level this placement could initially present an obstacle to spiritual development if it keeps the individual's energy engaged in the material world and the acquisition of material wealth and worldly success. If the individual has an interest in spiritual growth, and channels their energy into a dedicated spiritual practice, this placement can then become an asset, bringing the necessary patience, persistence and determination to stay with their chosen path until higher realisations are attained. 

Individuals with Mars in Gemini often direct their energy toward many varied and different goals. They have great versatility and can often handle many projects at once. There may however be a tendency to dissipate one's energies due to too many projects. Lack of follow through and/or completion can be a problem as a result. There can be many ideas, but procrastination can exist as ideas may be more often talked about, rather than acted upon. Other chart factors would indicate whether there is a capacity to bring projects through to completion. Mars in Gemini tends to talk rather than fight, so individuals with this placement are often fervent communicators however their speech can be combative, especially if the third house is involved. When afflicted words can be used as a weapon, so there can be sarcasm and/ or gossip. The sexual nature seeks versatility and is stimulated by ideas and communication.

On a Soul level Mars in Gemini can bring challenges through the scattering of one's energy to the winds. This placement is good for studying many different religions and/or spiritual paths, and developing an eclectic, non-denominational, non-sectarian, approach to spirituality with a healthy respect for the many different traditions. However, for the purpose of their own spiritual growth, the individual will also need to learn to concentrate and focus their energy into one spiritual path or religion, to go deeper with that, so that intellectual understanding can be translated into actual spiritual experience through practice. 

Individuals with Mars in Cancer often approach goals and projects covertly and/or in a roundabout way. Mars is said to 'fall' in Cancer which means his energy is somewhat repressed and unable to flow freely. This means the individual's energy tends to circle around a goal, project, or conflict, rather than approaching it head on. Mars in Cancer is more the protector than the warrior. There can be a lack of drive, energy and/or motivation unless home and/or family are involved, in which case the individual will direct their energy into securing their home base and ensuring their family's needs are met. Safety and security are their priorities. There can be an emotional sensitivity which is not outwardly expressed but can lead to inner brooding. The sexual nature can be lazy so the partner may have to work hard at keeping their sexual relationship alive. Can be excessively possessive and jealous when afflicted. 

On a Soul level this can be a good placement for someone who chooses to become consciously celibate and re-direct their sexual energy inwardly, to ensure spiritual progress. Enthusiastic energy may need to be consciously developed, and care taken to ensure one is on a valid spiritual path with a qualified teacher to prevent self-delusion, but with those parameters in place there is potential to make steady progress in terms of one's spiritual development.

Individuals with Mars in Leo have great passion, enthusiasm and vitality. Unless mitigated by other factors in the chart, they also often have a great capacity for inspiring others which, combined with their own boundless energy and enthusiasm, means they are capable of achieving seemingly impossible tasks, projects and goals. Mars in Leo is the energy of getting things done, however there can also be a great need for acknowledgement of, and appreciation for, one's achievements. Can be argumentative and jealous if afflicted. The sexual nature is passionate.

On a Soul level Leo is the path of self-realisation. Mars in Leo brings a great deal of courage, energy and enthusiasm to activate one's path to deeply understanding your own true nature. The challenge will be in releasing your need for attention, feedback, or approval from others, so that you can walk your own path clearly, without distraction, keeping your own attention on you. 

Individuals with Mars in Virgo are diligent, often with a great capacity for hard work and a desire to be of service. Energy is often filtered through mental activity: so there can be self-doubt, too much overthinking of projects, and energy can be wasted by spending too much energy analysing minor details. When afflicted, Mars in Virgo can be unproductive and may appear lazy, as goals are thwarted by procrastination and over-analysis. The sexual nature can be erratic: one may be sensual at times, but overthinking can quickly pour cold water on one's passion. Sometimes there is an overly moralistic or prudish approach to sexuality.

On a Soul level Mars in Virgo can be good for steady progress in terms of one's spiritual development. If overthinking can be re-directed into study and contemplation, and combined with a devotional approach to spiritual practice, there is the potential for great spiritual realizations through personal experience. 

Individuals with Mars in Libra are most enthusiastic and energetic in relationships and partnerships. Like Taurus Mars is also said to be in detriment in Libra, meaning his energy is weakened and his power is minimised. Therefore there can be a lack of personal willpower or drive and a reluctance to assert oneself. One's personal energy is most active and 'enlivened' when engaging in interactions with others: relating, relationship and partnerships. When afflicted however, there can be a tendency to be argumentative. The sexual nature can be lazy with an over-reliance on the partner making all the moves.

On a Soul level Mars in Libra can present distractions from one's own spiritual development by keeping the individual engaged in interactions, arguments and verbal conflicts, with others. If one can release attachment to others and re-direct this energy into a healthy relating with oneself, there is potential for a deeper understanding of self and higher mind.

Individuals with Mars in Scorpio have formidable strength and power. They are focused, intense, strong-willed and persistent, ensuring they get what they want. Like Aries, Mars is also said to be in dignity in this sign meaning his energy flows well and he is most free and uninhibited in his effects. There can be a great drive for power and dominance but such a powerful energy needs to be handled wisely. Having Mars in Scorpio is like being gifted with a powerful racing car that you need to learn how to drive. When afflicted there can be stubbornness, jealousy and cruelty and much energy can be wasted by brooding and plotting revenge against perceived 'enemies'. Care must be taken not to waste one's vital life force energy in constant sparring or feuding. The sexual nature is often intense and passionate. When Mars is in Scorpio there is an orientation toward sex, and unless mitigated by other chart factors, an active sex life is to be expected. However when afflicted, there can also be control, dominance and manipulation of one's partner to serve one's own purposes. When well-placed there can be powerful healing ability. 

On a Soul level the focused, transformational, power of Mars in Scorpio brings great potential for the development of spiritual energy and realisations. It is a powerful placement to support personal transformation and healing. Care must be taken not to misdirect this energy, so time spent choosing one's spiritual teacher, to ensure one is on a valid spiritual path and not deluded by one's own ego, will be time well spent. 

Individuals with Mars in Sagittarius are often energetic, enthusiastic and inspiring. There can be a restless quality as Mars in Sagittarius seeks the next 'adventure' to inspire him. Mars here is more the adventurer and explorer, than the warrior. Depending upon other chart factors this can be actual physical adventures or adventures of the mind, as he broadens his horizons and formulates his 'philosophies'. When afflicted he can be bombastic and overly opinionated. Sagittarius is symbolised by the centaur: half man and half horse, so the sexual nature depends upon which aspect is dominant in any individual. Depending upon other factors in the chart, there could either be a free-spirited, possibly lustful or even animalistic quality to the sexual nature, or there could be a more philosophical approach where the sexual nature is restrained or suppressed by idealistic moral or religious beliefs. 

On a Soul level Mars in Sagittarius is an excellent placement for channelling one's energies into self-exploration and the adventure of one's own spiritual journey. Because of an idealistic outlook there is a danger of attachment to belief systems, getting caught up in cults or following false teachers, so working with a qualified teacher or guide is imperative to ensure one is aligning with authentic spiritual practices that will lead to the desired results of true liberation and enlightenment. Esoterically Sagittarius is associated with liberation of the mind, so it is important that our Archer doesn't settle too easily, but always keeps re-aligning his sights on the highest possible goal.

Individuals with Mars in Capricorn are ambitious, conservative, strategic, responsible and determined in the pursuit of their personal goals. In Capricorn Mars is said to be exalted, which means his energy is most active and able to flow freely. The drive, endurance, energy and stamina of Mars, combined with the focus and disciplined approach of Capricorn, is a powerful force for achieving one's objectives and driving projects through to completion. When well-placed there is great potential to channel this energy through positions of power and responsibility to do great good in the world. When afflicted there can be ruthless, even cruel, ambition as the individual does whatever it takes to get themselves to the top and undermine their competitors. Depending upon other chart factors the sexual nature can be either controlled and restricted, or self-indulgent and controlling.

On a Soul level Mars in Capricorn has great potential. Here is the archetype of the "warrior monk", like the world-renowned kung-fu monastics of the Shaolin temple in China. The challenge is to set aside worldly power and ambition and re-direct one's warrior energy into one's spiritual practice. If this can be done successfully, spiritual ambition replaces worldly ambition, spiritual goals replace worldly goals, and there is the potential to become a great spiritual master through the correct application of enthusiastic energy, wisdom, patience and discipline.

Individuals with Mars in Aquarius can be unorthodox both in the types of goals they pursue, and in their efforts to pursue those goals. They may choose idealistic and/or bizarre goals, often involving a humanitarian element. They may pick up the ball and run with it one minute, and drop it the next, as they pursue a new goal or direction. They can swing between periods of inactivity and periods of activity. When Mars is afflicted they can be antagonistic and argumentative. Their energy is often best channelled through social or group activity. The sexual nature can be unpredictable and/or unconventional.

On a Soul level Mars in Aquarius presents the challenge of the bodhisattva: how to dedicate one's personal will, actions, and energy to the collective, for the highest good of all, without depleting or diminishing one's energy in the process? To reach this high level of spiritual capacity involves the right use of personal energy. The challenge for Mars in Aquarius is to apply onesself consistently enough to be able to reach this level of spiritual mastery. In some buddhist traditions they teach about the 'generation' stage and the 'completion' stage. This refers to one's capacity to generate spiritual energy and then to direct it and use it wisely and appropriately. This is the highest path of Aquarius that becomes available once one's personal energy (Mars) has been tamed and directed appropriately. 

Individuals with Mars in Pisces can be inconsistent and indiscriminate in their choice of goals and their approach. There can be a failure to achieve one's goals due to a lack of strength or drive to push them through. Depending upon other chart factors there can sometimes be a strengthening of inner will, and an increased inner determination, as if to compensate for perceived weakness however, this is rarely expressed outwardly. Where Mars in Pisces does experience success, unless other chart factors mitigate, it is likely to be from controlling situations behind the scenes, away from public view. The sexual nature is sensitive and emotional.

On a Soul level Mars in Pisces is a good placement for directing one's energies inwards and pursuing inner goals. There is a transcendent quality to Pisces that allows for the transformation and transmutation of physical, Martian, energy into real spiritual energy. However, due to the indiscriminate nature of Pisces it is also all too easy to be misguided and misdirect one's energy: getting 'lost' in self-delusion, following false teachers or wasting time and energy in wrongly-applied practices. It is therefore extremely important to triple-check that one is on a valid spiritual path with an authentic spiritual teacher. 

Mars in the First House directs one's will, drive, warrior-like energy and personal power to the sense of self. The individual may see themselves as a 'warrior' someone who stands and fights for their cause (what they have and/or what they believe in). Unless other chart factors mitigate they are likely to have great energy, drive, enthusiasm, and can be fearless, confident, assertive and even aggressive when confronting an issue. 

Mars in the Second House directs one's will, drive, warrior-like energy and personal power to the area of one's inner and outer resources: including material possessions, income, finances and one's inner values and talents. Individuals with this placement may generate income from Mars-type pursuits such as engineering, mechanics, sports or the military. (Mars rules metals so professions that use metal knives or weapons also fall into this category such as surgeons and even butchers!). When afflicted there can be loss of income, finances, possessions and/or property due to conflict. 

Mars in the Third House directs one's will, drive, warrior-like energy and personal power to the processes of communication, thinking and learning. The individual may have an over-active mind which is not necessarily conducive to learning. There can be an agitation, restlessness, and an impatience with the learning process, which the individual may also find confining: either they dislike being confined to one subject, or to a particular environment as they prefer to keep moving both mentally and physically. If afflicted there can be nervousness and/ or arguments with siblings and/ or neighbors. These individuals may find it helpful to apply their mental energy to some kind of research or investigative work where their constant mental activity can be put to good use. 

Mars in the Fourth House directs one's will, drive, warrior-like energy and personal power to the area of home and family. The fourth house is also said to be the area representing our psychological roots because according to Western Psychology and Psychological Astrology, much of our own psychology and unconscious behavior has it's roots in our early childhood experiences in the home. Soul Astrology would simply add that there are also past life influences that we carry forward in our own psyche. Mars here activates the home environment. This could be the family that keeps busy and engages in activities together, such as sports and the individual may be very active in and around their home. There may have been restlessness, agitation, domestic troubles or violence in the early childhood environment. When afflicted this individual may have difficulty finding peace in their home, which could be blighted by conflict and arguments. 

Mars in the Fifth House directs one's will, drive, warrior-like energy and personal power to the area of self-expression and creativity. Individuals with this placement may throw themselves into life's pleasures with gusto. They may have a love of children and/or a playful approach to life. Love of sports, gambling and high-risk activities are likely. There can be a strong tendency to indulge the passions, and these individuals are likely to enjoy the pursuit of romance, rather than the long-term subtleties of romantic relationships. When afflicted there can be break ups in romantic relationships due to conflict. 

Mars in the Sixth House directs one's will, drive, warrior-like energy and personal power to the area of one's work, health, and responsibilities. Individuals with this placement will throw themselves into their work, which may include a talent for mechanics. Care must be taken to avoid challenges to health due to excessive work activity and too little focus on self-care. When afflicted there can be conflicts with employees and/ or co-workers.

Mars in the Seventh House directs one's will, drive, warrior-like energy and personal power to the area of one's partnerships and relationships. Much of the individual's energy is invested in relationships and/or partnerships. They can be very inspiring partners and bring a great deal of enthusiasm and energy to the partnership. Sometimes relationships and partnerships may be entered into impulsively with too little planning. This can lead to conflicts and break ups further down the road due to incompatibilities. When afflicted there can be conflict, aggressiveness, divorce or other legal 'battles'. 

Mars in the Eighth House directs one's will, drive, warrior-like energy and personal power to the area of other people's money, personal transformation and healing. Individuals with this placement have a great deal of energy and, unless mitigated by other chart factors, they will have a strong sex drive. Their involvement with other people's money and resources can take the form of supporting others in re-arranging, transforming or regenerating their resources or, if afflicted, the individual may become dependent upon the other person's resources to meet their own needs. When well-placed by sign and aspect this can be a powerful position to support regeneration and healing of oneself and others.

Mars in the Ninth House directs one's will, drive, warrior-like energy and personal power to the area of higher learning, higher education and religion, and the deeper search for meaning. Individuals with this placement often have a great enthusiasm for higher learning, education, long-distance travel and/or the search for the meaning of life. They are usually independent thinkers actively engaged in the constant expansion of their own minds. However, when afflicted, their natural zeal and enthusiasm may turn into fanaticism and conflict can result from being too attached to one's own opinions and/or belief systems. There can be great restlessness and an inability to settle down, due to constant activity and either frequent long-distance travel, or a constant longing for travel and excitement that takes them away from the present moment. 

Mars in the Tenth House directs one's will, drive, warrior-like energy and personal power to the area of one's achievements, career, public standing or worldly position. Individuals with this placement usually direct their energy and activities toward their career and/or worldly status. Unless offset by other chart factors, they may desire a formal public position, status, award, validation or some form of public recognition, for they like their efforts and achievements to be noticed and acknowledged. There can be a talent for promotion which is usually self-promotion. They can sometimes be excellent promoters of others, provided they receive formal acknowledgement that recognises and elevates their own status. When afflicted there can be estrangement from the father and/or conflict with authority figures. 

Mars in the Eleventh House directs one's will, drive, warrior-like energy and personal power to the area of groups, societies, friends, community and shared goals. The individual is likely to invest a lot of energy and enthusiasm into goals and objectives, especially those that are working towards a shared goal. Much of their energy can also be directed into friendships however, when afflicted, the individual may have difficulty sustaining friendships, tend to use friends to achieve their own objectives, and/or friends may become enemies. These are people who are likely to initiate, activate, and energise group activities and they may take the lead very quickly in any groups, communities, and societies that they belong to. When afflicted there can be a tendency to dominate group and/or social activities.

Mars in the Twelfth House directs one's will, drive, warrior-like energy and personal power to the area of one's inner world. Individuals with this placement may have an air of secrecy about their actions and activities. This can be because of a conscious choice on their part to keep their actions secret but it can also be because the type of activity they are engaged in are not openly seen by others. There can be an interest in matters of the occult, the psyche and/or the unconscious mind, and/or the individual may work with others who are involved in some form of confinement: prisons, monasteries or institutions. When afflicted there can be hidden enemies who may attempt to undermine one's actions and/or there can be a backfiring of one's actions that leads to self-destruction. 

Mars creates the conditions for us to assert ourselves as an individual and to move forward into the world to get what we need. Physiologically Mars rules the blood, sexual activity and our body's inflammatory responses. At the instinct level of human development and evolution Mars is all about protect and survive. Through the conditioning of Mars we seek out what is needed to provide for ourselves and our mate, protect ourselves, our family and our tribe from adversaries, fight off the competition (so we get to keep our chosen mate), and engage in the necessary sexual activity for the reproduction and ongoing survival of our group and species. Mars is exalted in Capricorn, the sign of the resource manager and esoterically the sign for 'right use' of resources. It is the conditioning of Mars that ensures that all of earth's creatures have access to the resources we need to survive.