Mars: The Fiery Son Of Earth And The Flame Of Transformation

Also known in Vedic literature as Kuja or Mangal, Mars is known for its energy, initiation, bravery, violence, and temper.

It is the red planet whose passion is expressed wherever it sits in your horoscope and can manifest destruction for new creation and transformation in our lives. It is adventurous in nature, likes to explore the unknown territories of life, holds ambition, and takes action upon them, but due to its impulsiveness often learns from bitter experiences.

It rules over fixed assets, properties, and all that is built. Mars is the planet that first gives the cravings for material desires then gives the thoughts to renunciate it all, just like when Arjuna renounced after the war of Mahabharata.

Whatever actions are taken under its impulse are auspicious, and so the name Mangal is given for being always positive. In Hindu lore, Mars is identified with Kartikeya, the god of war. He is born of Shiva and Earth. As a son of Earth, he is often denoted as Bhauma, Bhumiputra, and Mahisuta. Kartikeya is often called Lohita, the red, which means blood. As Kartikeya left his parents, Shiva and Parvati, out of self-confidence and arrogance, the same character goes to Mars.

It has great willpower, the energy to achieve anything it sets its mind to, where its nakshatras—Mrigashira, Chitra, and Dhanishtha—express its energy on different layers of existence. Mrigashira stands for its auspicious beginning and newness of existence, Chitra for its master builder quality shaping life according to one’s will, and Dhanishtha for achieving great wealth through any means necessary.

Here you may understand that there are no boundaries to its ambition, where strong Martian energy can be destructive. It rules over Aries and Scorpio, exalts in Capricorn, and debilitates in Cancer.

In Roman mythology, Mars, the Roman god of war, is the one after whom the planet is named. However, he was also an agricultural guardian, a combination characteristic of early Rome. He was seen as a protector of Rome and the Roman people.

Unlike his Greek counterpart, Ares, Mars was often viewed as a more virtuous figure who secured peace through military power. He was considered the father of Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome. His symbols include the spear and shield, and the month of March is named after him.