All About Mars:

Mars symbolizes raw power that instigates and keeps things moving: war with its courage and brutality; the unreasoning fury of a demanding two year old; the coward fleeing to his hideaway; the idealist standing tall amid intolerance and abuse. These are only some of the ways in which we may be influenced by Mars in our birth chart. Mars in its highest and most effective sense is much more about style than brute force. While delighting in pure adventure and the chase, Mars works best when we train its energies- when we focus the passion and aggressive desires that it engenders. The position of Mars in our birth chart indicates the nature and strength of the way we act; whether we display courage and confidence, or an inclination to dissemble; whether we respond quickly or slowly, with or without considering our options. Mars invites us to confronts us to examine whether we are warriors or diplomats, and what kind of behavior and (male) role models we follow. Mars may lead us to act, attack and even destroy for the joy of the adrenaline rush, or it may arouse in us the purposeful courage of the warrior, defending his country and keeping others safe from harm. This planet is often associated with those displaying excellence and courage in the field of sports, dance and adventure. In Shakespeare's day, Mars was held to the rule of the fourth age of man, or early adulthood. This is the time of the greatest masculine activity and vigor, as represented by a soldier. "Full of strange oaths, and bearded like the pard, / Jealous in honor, sudden and quick in quarrel, / Seeking the bubble reputation / Even in the cannon's mouth." As the Sun needs the Moon, so Mars needs a consort of substance to interact with , to transform his actions and make them excellent and positive. Mars is more effective, and far more happier at heart, when working with Venus to chart a path through the world.