2. Symbology of Mars

For thousands of years, people all over the world have been enchanted by the great theater that is our sky. We watch in awe of the majesty of the stars.

To me, knowing that this sky is the same one you peer up into wherever you stand on Earth is humbling. But then also realizing that it`s the same sky that billions of people have also watched throughout time — now that is something truly beautiful to comprehend.

Mars: the planet of action

Keywords: Passion, courage, sex, desire, aggression, drive, competition, conflict

• Time to transit between zodiac signs: About 6 to 7 weeks
• What it represents within you: Your determination and sex drive
• What it represents in life: The collective`s focus and level of aggression

Mars rules our animal instincts for aggression, anger, and survival. Our sexual desires come under the rule of Mars. Whereas Venus rules romantic attraction, Mars is most associated with basic body attraction.

This is the planet of action rather than reaction. With Mars, there is no contemplation before action. The drive associated with Mars differs from that of the Sun in that it is self-assertion rather than the assertion of the will; it is raw energy rather than creative energy. Mars, the God of War, is the ruler of Aries. In astrology, Mars is the planet of energy, action, and desire. It is the survival instinct and can be thought of as the “leftover” animal nature of man. In the chart, the position of Mars by sign shows our basic sexual nature, how we express our anger (our temper), what makes us angry, and our first instinct to act. Our competitive nature is revealed in the nature of Mars` sign. By house, the position of Mars shows the areas of life where we apply our drive and express our enthusiasm. Planets that Mars contacts are colored with action and self-assertion. These planets can represent the kinds of experiences we seek.

2. Symbology of the astrological Ninth House

Mars is the push that gets us out of bed in the morning, our drive and desire nature, and our active energy. When we are “acting out” our Mars, we are assertive, directed, forthright, and adventurous. On the negative side, we can be impulsive, rash, impatient, aggressive, and forceful.

Fiery and energetic (fittingly, the planetary ruler for Aries), Mars represents our physical drive, which is why determining the sign in which your Mars falls can offer some insight into a workout regiment that`ll work best for your body.

For example, someone with their Mars in Cancer might prefer the mind-body-connection elements of yoga, whereas someone with Mars in Gemini could enjoy changing it up with a rotating set of high-intensity cardio classes. And because of its connection to the physical and its association with energy and passion, Mars is also the planet that rules over our sexual needs. It moves into a new sign every six to seven weeks.

Every celestial body speaks to a particular aspect of your personality and wiring as you move through your life. For example, Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and money, in your chart speaks to how you relate to others, how you express yourself romantically (aka how you flirt) and artistically, how you experience pleasure as well as what you value and see as aesthetically-pleasing. The placement of Mars — the planet of energy, action, and sex — can shed light on your sexuality, your energy, the desires that light you up inside and how you make moves to fulfill them, and how you cope with and express anger and aggression.

Once you pinpoint your natal Mars, take a look at your mars sign below. Here are the characteristics you might identify with, depending on which of the 12 signs it fell in at the time of your birth. And if you want to astro-nerd out further, consider the degrees of your Mars sign, which could further influence its expression. For instance, if your Mars occurs at 0 degrees, you`re something of a "newbie" in this realm, so there`s a sense of curiosity and desire to learn in order to grow into the characteristics of your Mars sign. If it falls in the middle degrees (14 to 16), you`ll feel very much in tune and entrenched with the vibe and purpose of your Mars sign. And if it is in the final degree (29), you might feel like a seasoned veteran in your ability to harness the strengths and embrace the weaknesses of your natal Mars.

This chart is a snapshot of where the sun, moon, and planets were at the moment you were born, taking your birth location into consideration. Pro astrologers can tell you what all of these placements — and how they relate — say about your personality, strengths, challenges, relationships, and more.

The Total Solar Eclipse

2. Symbology of Mars

2. Symbology of Mars

A new zodiac sign has not just been discovered.