Илана Либ - Mars transits

One of the strongest desires of a person (especially of the modern person) is the desire to be energetic and active. As a rule, the problem of fatigue or laziness lies in misdirecting one's strengths. But how can one understand where to direct them? The transit of Mars will help answer this question.

This book can be used at any time to make a prediction based on Mars's transit.

Mars, being a very energetic planet, is responsible for our activity. Jupiter transit, for example, brings luck on its own, while Mars transit acts differently. The house through which Mars passes in transit indicates where you should direct your energy now, the direction to act in to achieve that very luck. On a lower level, Mars creates conflict situations in the house it transits. On a higher level, Mars provides a lot of energy, while on a lower level – a depletion of strength.

In Vedic astrology, Mars is called the "Commander-in-Chief." It regularly travels around the entire Zodiac to carefully assess how things are going, and how preparation for possible "military actions" is progressing. In some places, it stays for a long time (during its retrograde period) to study the situation in detail and influence it with its presence.

Mars moves quite quickly, spending about 1.5 to 2 months in each sign. However, during retrograde periods, it can remain in a sign for 3 to 4 months every two years. Mars completes the Zodiac in almost two years.

The aspects of Mars transit to the planets in the natal chart strongly influence a person’s activity and actions. Mars aspects the 7th house from itself directly (the strongest influence is on the house where Mars is located, especially if this is the 1st house, and on the 7th house from Mars). It also aspects the 4th and 8th houses from itself (the 4th house – creation, the 8th house – destruction). Mars (as a malefic) damages the living indicators of the houses it influences and improves the non-living indicators of these houses, though one must understand that this can vary depending on the planets that aspect it and are in conjunction with it.

One should pay attention to which planets are located next to the transiting Mars (this could be a natal planet or a planet that is passing in transit too). Transiting Mars also activates the houses ruled by Mars in the natal chart (the signs Aries and Scorpio). In any case, when making predictions, one should always consider the transits of other planets, especially Saturn, Jupiter, Rahu, and Ketu, which remain in each sign for a prolonged period (the positions of transits can always be found on the internet, but it’s important to be careful not to confuse Vedic astrology with Western astrology – there is a 23-degree difference between them). Transit predictions are viewed from both the Ascendant and the Moon (the house where the natal Moon is located is considered the first house). The Ascendant reflects the karma of the current incarnation, while the Moon reflects the karma of past and present incarnations.

Transiting Mars in conjunction with natal Jupiter leads to a large expenditure of energy when you need to complete a massive number of tasks within a short time frame.

Transiting Mars in conjunction with natal Saturn can bring apathy, laziness, and a feeling that it is difficult for you to start doing anything.

When transiting Mars is in conjunction with the natal Moon, it is hard for a person to relax; they experience intense internal tension.

In analyzing the transit and natal aspects of Mars, it’s necessary to consider that with a weak natal Mars, even a strong position of transiting Mars does not guarantee big victories or a massive surge of strength. However, a positive outcome is possible if the person applies effort in the right direction. A downside of a strong Mars is that it often pushes one to act head-on. Before examining Mars's transits, it’s essential to study its natal position.

One should pay attention to the time when Mars is transiting from a water element to a fire element (from the sign of Pisces to Aries, from Scorpio to Sagittarius, and from Cancer to Leo). This transition is called Gandanta (junction). It represents the connection of two opposite elements – water and fire. When they collide, they destroy each other (water extinguishes fire, and fire evaporates water). When transiting Mars passes through this segment (a few days), it weakens. During this period, something "dies" (for transformation, for the start of something new). Mars's positive qualities (energy, ability to fight, achieve, willpower, ability to protect, act, and so on) cannot manifest; the negative traits of character emerge (irritability, aggression, inability to act, protect, inappropriate reactions to certain things). During this time, it is advisable to be cautious, avoid risks, refrain from extreme actions, be careful in communication, and avoid starting repairs or real estate transactions.

The strongest position for Mars is in Capricorn. This is its exaltation sign, meaning that here Mars receives the maximum potential.

The weakest position for Mars is in Cancer. This is its debilitation sign, meaning that here Mars receives the minimum potential.

Mars’s own signs are Aries and Scorpio. In these signs, it is slightly weaker than in Capricorn.

The friendly signs for Mars are Leo, Sagittarius, and Pisces. Here, Mars is not as strong as in the exaltation sign or its own signs, but it still possesses sufficient strength.

The neutral signs for Mars are Taurus, Libra, and Aquarius. Neutrality means indifference, detachment. These signs do not give Mars any special strength. Here it manifests moderately, neither poorly nor well.

The inimical signs for Mars are Gemini and Virgo. These are the worst positions, as they deprive Mars of much of its potential.

During Mars’s transit through the sign of Aries, there is a surge of energy, a desire to work, to come up with something new, to complete old tasks, to engage in sports or other physical activities. Things that have long been desired will be accomplished during this period. People will feel optimism and a zest for life.

An excess of energy can also cause inconveniences, harm to oneself and others. Therefore, it is necessary to treat others with care, not to pressure them or demand obedience. One should remember that they, too, are under the influence of this transit. It is better to support those who need it, to instill optimism in people.

During this time, people are governed by the instincts of survival and procreation. Men experience an increase in sexual energy, while women exhibit a desire to conquer. What is conquered during this transit is highly valued. People use all opportunities to demonstrate their strength in any activity, aiming for a result they wish to achieve as quickly as possible.