Kuja – Mars

“Cruel with red eyes is Mars, moving to and fro, of torn form, Pitta nature, angry, with a thin medium sized body.”

Universal Principle of Mars

Capacity for Strength. The ability to put our principles into action and fight the good fight is the type of strength being referred to—not just physical strength. Actions speak louder than words; they are the truest measure of our strength of character. The discipline and courage to face down the true enemy—our own ignorance—is where Mars is leading us.

In the Vedic astrology texts it says Mars gives strength. Real strength comes from the capacity to put our principles into action, not just talk about them. This is the nature of Mars. The power of our actions. Over the weekend Mars moved into his sign of exaltation, the sign of Capricorn. Mars is exalted in Capricorn for several reasons. To understand why, we must first understand the ruler of Capricorn: Saturn.

All of our great life lessons come from Saturn. He is the planet of time, and the truthful result of our actions over time. We remember the past and don’t want to repeat mistakes. We anticipate the future, and know we must be practical, hard-working and determined if we’re going to reach our goals. We realize our actions have consequences because of the painful complexities of Saturn. We realize sometimes it’s better to avoid difficulty rather than take it on because of the fearful nature of Saturn. We have a sense that everything is going to end, including our corporeal life. Coming to terms with this and the deeper meaning of life, placed on the wheel of time and matter, comes from Saturn.

So what does this have to do with Mars being exalted? Mars is the impulsive, vital animal in the moment. In some ways completely opposite of Saturn, who is slow and careful. Mars is that pulsating, hot energy focused on our goals. He shows the clear black and white nature of our actions. Although the explanations for our actions may be complex, actions themselves are very simple. We are only doing one thing at a time. When we are doing that thing, we do not want to be distracted, derailed or prevented. When this happens, anger results usually.

For example, imagine you are going to the bathroom and someone gets in your way. Immediately you will ask why. They better have a good answer, if not, you will push them out of the way to get where you’re going. Every situation is not as urgent as going to the bathroom, but it’s the same energy behind it, Mars.

On a deeper psychological level,  Mars shows the attachment to a sense of “right and wrong”  behind the actions themselves. No one ever says to themselves “I’m going to do the wrong thing now”. No, every time we do something, in our mind it’s the right thing. This is why the fastest way to get an argument out of someone is to say they did something wrong. You will almost instantly get an argument. That is Mars. It’s very simple to Mars, “everything I do is right and if you have a problem with it you’re wrong and here’s why” (then a very logical explanation follows).

So what does this have to do with Saturn and Capricorn? The nature of Mars (that impulsive, animal in the moment) can be quite destructive in word and deed if we are not “careful” (big Saturn word there). There is a survival imperative behind it, because Mars is the part of you that will fight to the death if threatened. If someone attacks you, you don’t stop to think about why. It is very simple, me or them, and you will fight. This is the deeper nature of Mars.

However, most of the time when we fight, there is really nothing at stake except our ego. When Mars is in Capricorn, we learn from our impulsive mistakes, because that’s the nature of Saturn to show us the error of our ways in order that we become mature. However, we have to be careful with planets in Capricorn getting stuck in psychological complexes. But Mars will not, no way. Mars makes a mistake, then gets up, brushes himself off and keeps going. As it should be. Also, Capricorn is a feminine/receptive sign which hesitates before acting. The nature of Saturn to be oriented towards long-term goals rather than short-term victories (the downside of Mars) is also extremely helpful in elevating the potentially destructive part of Mars.

Between January 8 and February 14, 2011 Mars is exalted in Capricorn. We may see an escalation in aggravation and irritability, because Mars is very activated in the sign. He is oriented to destroying problems. However, there is also a deep reflective quality now with your vital energy. This is the perfect time for you to learn to “fight the good fight”, against the true enemy – your own ignorance and weakness.

A powerful Mars does not fight, just like a powerful martial artist is peaceful and confident. We have to learn the art of war in life, because there are many battles. Now’s a good time for you to explore higher physical disciplines, such as yoga and martial arts and activities that allow you to put your principles into practice and actually do the right thing, not just talk about it.

Here are five things you can try that will make you stronger in mind and body. Between now and February 14, 2011 there’s a greater chance of your success.

1. Wake up an hour earlier for meditation and solitude.
2. Eat what is best for your body, not necessarily what tastes the best.
3. When irritated with someone, wait before speaking.
4. Work out or exercise more – especially practice like yoga.
5. Speak up on behalf of  someone weaker or a cause you believe in.

Here is a video describing this transit in greater detail: