Exploring Mars in Mythological Astrology

The red planet Mars is among the smallest planets of the solar system and among the planets closest to Earth. It takes its name from the Roman god of war, Mars. Just like instincts, the igneous formations on the planet seek an outlet. Mars is like a wild animal that detects its prey and attacks; it only wants the smell of blood.

Formerly known as the god of storm in Greek mythology; the god of war Ares is known as Mars in Roman mythology. Born of the union of Hera and Zeus, this god likes to shed blood. Depicted with an arrow or a spear in his hand, Ares is loved by neither mortals nor immortals. Particularly Zeus never takes a liking to Ares, because among all the gods of Mount Olympus, Ares is the one with the worst temper and the one that causes the most mischief and war. The god of war squares up against the protectress goddess Athena many times. While Athena uses her mind in war, Ares fights blindly. In Homer’s Iliad, he is described as both bloodthirsty and cowardly. He only participates in war when Aphrodite is wounded, and when he is hit, he cries out in pain. Ares does not go to the battlefield on his own; sometimes he is accompanied by his sister Eris (Discord) and sometimes he is accompanied by Eris’s son, Strife. Also, his three men—Terror, Trembling, and Panic—and his children from Aphrodite, Phobos (Fear) and Deimos (Dread) never leave his side. That Ares does not go to the battlefield alone is well suited to the fact that Ares represents armies in mundane astrology.

Mars’s principle is “go and take”. What kind of method we will follow and how we will fight while acquiring something is clarified by the position of Mars. For instance, when Mars is in Aries, which it rules, the individual behaves like a true conqueror and hero with their quick and impatient nature. Like the god of war Ares, they may act thoughtlessly only with the urge to attack and waste their energy. And When Mars is in Taurus, the person will take their time to make their move, but once they do, they will display endurance until the end. They will move toward their goal slowly but surely.

Gülden Bulut, Mythological Astrology and Psychology