When it comes to the Cosmic Forces in Vedic Astrology, the Sun is the King, the Moon is the Queen, and Mars is the Commander in Chief!

Known by the names Mangal, Angaraka, or Kuja, Mars is the planet that represents every physical activity we do, how instinctually we fight for what we want to survive, and how we engage in physical activities. 

Mars is the planet of action.  The Sun gives us purpose in our soul, the Moon gives us emotional energy, and Mars gives us the ability to get off the couch and take action.  Without the energy of Mars, the brightest ideas will never become a reality because we do not have the “fire” required to bring ideas into the physical world.

Many people see Mars only as a destructive or aggressive energy. However, Ancient Vedic Philosophy describes Mars as “Mangal” (which means “Auspicious”). This means that Mars is actually the energy that will protect the weak, uphold Dharma, and push human progress forward. 

It is the energy of the soldier who guards the borders, the surgeon who cuts to heal, and the athlete who goes beyond the limits of human achievement. When you understand Mars in your horoscope, you will have the ability to achieve your ambitions and overcome any obstacle that arises in life.

The “Core” of Who You Are

Mars is the planet of pure, unprocessed power. Its elemental traits reveal that a warrior’s most valuable attributes are the strength, speed, and efficiency that a warrior possesses.

Mars produces a focused energy like that of a laser rather than a general energy like that of the sun. As a Tamasik planet, Mars also expresses an aggressive energy that is associated with the physical world and our primal drive to conquer the physical world around us! 

Mars rules Aries (outward, innovative warrior) and Scorpio (inward, investigative, and intense warrior).  Mars operates at its most organised and productive level while in Capricorn (a very structured sign); however, Mars is most emotional while in the water sign of Cancer.

Meanings of Mars (the Ruling Planet in Astrology)

Mars is the planet associated with things related to being physically strong, competing with others and protecting one’s territory.

Mars is the planet that represents Courage (Parakrama), the courage to face danger without fear. It represents your ambition, not just the desire to succeed, but the competitive spirit behind being number one.

Mars is also the adrenaline you feel when you are in a “fight or flight” situation. It will determine how you deal with conflict when confronted with conflict; will you fight or retreat?

Physically, Mars controls the Muscular System, Blood Marrow and Red Blood Cells. It is the planet of vitality and stamina in the body. As it governs blood, it is linked to cuts, burns and surgeries as well.

If someone has a strong Mars, he or she will have a “never give up” mentality and will be able to withstand much hardship. It also has dominion over the head (signified by Aries) and an individual’s genitals (signified by Scorpio).

In the family context, younger siblings are ruled by Mars – meaning younger brothers (and possibly, younger sisters, but primarily brothers). Mars has much influence on how you relate to your younger siblings and whether or not you work well with and cooperate with your peers.

Out of the family (to the “outside world”), Mars represents your competitors (enemies) and allies (friends) in whatever battle (be it a sports game or business-related battle) you may be involved in.

Mars being the Commander means that, by default, it also represents the Military, Police and Firefighters in the professional context. Likewise, it represents any and all professions associated with fire, cutting instruments, and physical labour.

Some examples of these professions include, but are not limited to: surgeons, engineers, construction workers, real estate developers and athletes. Anyone who has a job where he/she must take risks and/or use technical tools efficiently will be affected by the influence of Mars.

Context: Astronomy and Mythology

The Vedic mythology provides context as to why Mars has such a strong association with Earth and the idea of protection.

The Story: The Son of Earth

In the Puranas, Mars is referred to as Bhumi Putra, Son of Earth. One of the stories supporting the application of his name states that Lord Shiva was in a state of meditation, and a drop of his sweat fell to the Earth. From the union of Lord Shiva’s fiery nature with the generative properties of the earth was born a reddish-colored boy named Mangal.

This illustrates Mars as the planet of real property and land, as he was born from the Earth. After his birth, he was raised by the Earth Mother, and later, became the general of the gods’ army to help defeat the demon Tarakasura. This story solidifies his place as a protector of those who are righteous.

Vimshottari Dasha: 7 Years of Action

According to the Vimshottari Dasha system, Mars comprises 7 years. This is a relatively short but extremely active period of time. During the Mahadasha of Mars, the individual generally will feel a sudden physical burst of energy and a desire to change his or her life experience.

Many individuals buy real estate or start new businesses during this time, and often experience a physical body transformation. Conversely, if the 7-year itch is not managed, there may be problems of accidents and conflict due to impulsive behaviour.

Mars’ Relationship to Other Planets

Mars is passionate and has definite likes and dislikes;

Friends of Mars: Mars likes the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter (the Royal Family of planets) because they share his sense of duty and righteousness.

Enimies of Mars: Mars dislikes Mercury, whom he considers cowardly due to his thinking nature and tendency to be too talkative. Mercury considers Mars too hot-tempered or impulsive.

Neutral: Neutral to Mars are Venus and Saturn; Venus provides Mars with the passion he desires, while Saturn provides the discipline he needs. The relationship between Mars, Venus, and Saturn is often complex and business-like.

Behavioural Analysis

Mars is a tool with dual uses like a knife; a surgeon can use it to save a life, but a criminal will use it to harm others. The way you use the energy of Mars depends on where it is placed in your chart.

The Dignified Mars – (The Disciplined Warrior)

Individuals who have a strong Mars in the 1st (Aries), 8th (Scorpio), or 10th (Capricorn) houses have a Controlled Power type of Mars. They can be courageous but never reckless. They have tremendous inner power and are often referred to as the “fixer” in their circle of friends or social life.

These individuals care deeply about protecting their families, friends, or others. They have enough endurance to complete projects on time. A dignified Mars is one that brings victory through strategy and determination rather than sheer physical force.

The Afflicted Mars – (The Unrestrained Fire)

When Mars is weak (debilitated) in the 4th house (Cancer) or otherwise afflicted by Rahu or Saturn, it will produce unpredictable energy, such as Chronic Anger or irritability or getting into arguments for no reason. The afflicted Mars person may have tendencies toward “impulsive-compulsion,” meaning that they act before thinking through the consequences of their actions.

Afflicted Mars has physical manifestations such as blood-related disorders, high blood pressure, frequent injuries, or accidents. In their social life, the afflicted Mars may lead to Mangal Dosha issues by creating friction for their partner or being domestic.

Remedies and Rituals

If your Mars energy seems off-kilter (either too aggressive or too mild, Vedic Astrology provides very practical & straightforward means by which to balance the fire of Mars.

Gemstones: For gemstones, red coral (moonga) is the main stone you should be using. This stone can be set in either yellow gold or copper and should be worn on the ring finger. Wearing red coral will boost your courage and your physical vitality. You should always consult an astrologer first before wearing this stone.

Mantra: Chanting mantras will help to refine the Agni of Mars.

Seed Mantras: Seed mantras that can be used include: “Om Kram Kreem Kroum Sah Bhaumaya Namah.”

Mangal Gayatri Mantra: “Om Angarakaya Vidmahe Shakti-Hastaya Dheemahi Tanno Phoum Prachodayaat.”

Day: Tuesday is the day of Mars. The most powerful method for remedying the influence of Mars is to go to a Hanuman temple and pray, as Hanuman is the deity that represents the positive influence of Mars.

Charity: To diminish the harshness of Mars, you can donate red items (masoor dal, jaggery, red clothing, or copper vessels) on a Tuesday.

Lifestyle Changes: As Mars loves physical activity, if you have a frustrated Mars, the best remedy is to perform regular physical exercise, take part in sports, and engage in martial arts. Physically channelling your Martian energy will prevent the excess energy from turning into anger or mental frustration.

Additionally, practising ahimsa and being patient with younger siblings can help to clear karmic debt associated with Mars. Avoiding spicy foods on Tuesdays will also assist with cooling down too much Martian energy.

By understanding Mars, we come to realise that true strength is not measured by the amount of destruction we can create, but by the amount of creation & protection we can bring into the world. Mars fuels the vehicle; it is our choice to drive the vehicle in a manner that is constructive.