Mars Magick: Harnessing the Warrior's Energy in Wiccan Practice

Magickal Planets: Mars

As the fourth planet for the sun, Mars has a very distinct rusty red appearance. Also called the Red Planet, it is a cold desert world about half the size of Earth and has a very thin atmosphere. While quite dusty and presumed uninhabited, Mars can be rather fascinating. There are dust storms that grow to engulf the entire planet, freezing temperatures that make carbon dioxide condense into flakes, and the whole planet shakes from marsquakes. As one of the most explored bodies in the solar system, Mars continues to pique our curiosity and influence our lives.

Before the invention of the telescope, Mars was one of only five planets visible to the naked eye. Mars is often referred to as the Red Planet because of the bright red rusty iron minerals in the ground. The iron minerals oxidize or rust, causing the soil to look red. And befitting this bloody color, the ancient Greeks and Romans both named the planet after their god of war.

The son of Jupiter and Juno, Mars was the god of war and agriculture, revered during festivals in March and October. He was a foundational god in ancient Rome and the father to the city’s founders, Romulus and Remus. As the god of warfare, Mars inspired savagery on the battlefield, but his conflicts would bring about long periods of lasting peace.

In ancient Greek culture, Mars was inextricably linked to Ares, and in many Roman myths and art, Ares began to replace Mars. As the Greek god of war, Ares was often treated with contempt for his destructive and destabilizing forces. This differs greatly from Mars, who represented military power as a way to secure peace among the people.

But the Romans and Greeks were not the only civilizations to name the planet for its reddish hue. The Egyptians named it Her Desher for the red one, while ancient Chinese astronomers referred to the planet as the “fire star.”

With two unusual moons circling it, Mars takes two full Earth years to complete its orbit through the zodiac. A planet full of raw energy, Mars can be destructive or constructive.

Associated with the gods of war, Mars can be very violent, so it is important to use the power of this planet carefully and with good intent.

Astrologically, Mars is a planet ripe with energy, action, and desire. It represents the animalistic nature of humans and often focuses on the pure instincts needed to survive. Emotions associated with Mars include aggression, anger, survival, and also our sexual desires. Think of Venus as ruling romantic attraction and Mars as ruling primal physical attraction.

As a planet of action, Mars's energy rarely utilizes contemplation prior to action. It is the raw, powerful energy that grabs and pulls things into its space rather than the more subdued creative energy that inspires and arouses.

Remember, Mars has a thin atmosphere, so it does not trap energy. Because of this, Mars does not hold on to the past; instead, it lets go quickly and moves on. It also has very little water, which is the element associated with emotion. Therefore, when under the energy of Mars, emotions do not carry or burden decisions and actions.

The energy of Mars focuses on self-assertion. It is the push that makes you get out of bed, it is the force that drives you to complete a plan, it is the desire that pushes you beyond your boundaries, and it is the active energy needed to conquer a project. When our energy connects with Mars, it is assertive, directed, and adventurous. Therefore, the planet's characteristics are best used in the realm of ambition, achievement, and stamina. But one should be warned; there is a negative side to untampered action energy. This raw energy can also make someone impatient, forceful, and impulsive. But once you understand the power and energy of the Red Planet, then it can become much easier to control and master.

In modern astrological practices, the masculine energy of Mars rules both Aries and Scorpio, which is closely tied to the March and October festivals celebrated by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and often sets the pace for others. Attributes of people who are born under these signs include the determination and drive of the planet Mars. Mars is associated with warriors, those who take direct action both in their physical and mental pursuits. This planet is all about energy, passion, and self-starting. It is full of confidence and certainty.

Mars’ influence is felt most powerfully during the season of Aries. Everyone feels more self-assured, which often leads to taking on new challenges and springing at the opportunity for adventure. This time of year is perfect for taking up a new hobby, starting a new project, or simply turning over a new leaf. It is a time when we can learn to make the most out of our natural assertiveness. This could be speaking up at work, confronting a troublesome person, or standing up for yourself at home. It is a time when our inner warriors run wild and are ready to take on the world with passion and vigor.

Mars symbolizes raw, intense passion and energy. It drives us to be the best and propels us to be leaders. But it can also lead us to be impulsive, which must be tempered in heated times. When an herb, plant, or crystal is ruled by Mars, it brings with it this fiery determination, confidence, and passion. It helps to elicit those energies from within us and bring them to the surface so that we may utilize their power for our highest intent.

Just like Aries, the sign of the ram, use the power of Mars to charge forward in your endeavors!

Element: Fire

Day: Tuesday
Number: 9
Colors: any red ranging from scarlet to rust

Animals: horse, bear, wolf

Minerals & crystals: garnet, flint, red aventurine, ruby

Herbs: aloe, garlic, cayenne, nettle, mustard, wormwood, hellebore, ginger, hyacinth, carnation, ginseng