Aries and Mars

Written By Elisabeth Paul

The sign of Aries, the planet Mars and the astrological 1st House share the same underlaying energy. Any of the three can thus be used interchangeably.

Mars and Aries are most commonly connected with the “warrior spirit”, and this is indeed at the core of understanding the Arian/Martian energy. In mythology (Greek and Roman respectively), Ares/Mars were in essence - gods of war. Symbolically, what this represents is the ability to move forwards; to aim in at something desired and then go get it despite the various threats represented.

This is something that demands courage, and the Arian energy is very much about developing and implementing that. Learning to know what to focus on, using side vision/discernment in addition, and taming the impulsiveness by understanding the concept of the right time for things are also part of what a good warrior has learnt. The latter, though, is something any Aries individual or person with an emphasized 1st. House could potentially find difficult, but herein lies the potential…

If we turn to nature, beginning of spring is that part of the year associated with Aries. Again, symbolically we can grasp the concept of courage when we think of vegetation pushing its way through the ground in order to grow and later often bloom. The plant or flower in question does so, regardless of the potential threat in the environment. Come rain or shine - Here I am! This is courage; to face the elements - and continue to move forwards.

Aries does not always move forwards, however. Part of the shadow of this energy is fear. Because of this, he might move further backwards instead. This will create immense frustration for the individual, as moving backwards is the opposite of what this so-called cardinal fire sign is psychologically “called to do”. The need for outer manifestation, for creating something in relation to the outer world is paramount, so is freedom.

It goes without saying that a certain “ego focus” is needed when we are dealing with this First House territory. Per se, there is nothing wrong with that. Psychologically, especially early in life we need to build a strong sense of ego - of separateness. Who am I as opposed to them? Had it not been for this, we would have never dared to venture beyond mother, beyond group and so forth. The key is to try to incorporate some discernment, which can be learned from its opposite sign, Libra. Although balanced and just cooperation is another thing Aries can learn from Libra, Aries can help show others the importance of taking a stand, of not being afraid to venture alone.

Anger and aggression are something we are not very comfortable with - in our modern western society at least. We need to acknowledge that it is very much an instinctual, animalistic side of ourselves. There is not much room for venting this instinct within us, and through constant suppression it gets distorted. What happens in the end is that it takes on sudden and extreme expressions, becoming volatile, but also self-destructive.

We still need to channelize and accept anger/agression to an extent. If we look to animals, we learn it is a natural part of who they are; however, they will not utilize that instinct indiscriminately - in a distorted way. We need to recognize that even aggression is something within ourselves. Like mentioned, we often do not accept this today and end up disowning, or projecting this and blaming others - even societies, instead. 

Without Aries and Mars energy in our chart and in our lives, we would never become -nor reach anything. The will to do that, though, depends on how strong the flame of this fire sign and planet burns inside each and every one of us…