Planets · Mars
Mars in astrology: strength, courage and drive
What Mars signifies in Vedic astrology, its signs, exaltation and special aspects, and how it is read in a chart.
In short
Mars in astrology (Mangala) signifies strength (BPHS ch. 3 sl. 12-13). It owns Aries and Scorpio, is exalted in Capricorn and debilitated in Cancer (ch. 3 sl. 49-54). A strong Mars gives drive, courage and energy; Astrojar reads debts and loans, property, legal matters, and siblings with it.
Mars at a glance
| Mars | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit name | Mangala |
| Nature | Natural malefic |
| Signifies (BPHS ch. 3 sl. 12-13) | Strength |
| Owns | Aries, Scorpio |
| Exalted in | Capricorn (deepest at Capricorn 28°) |
| Debilitated in | Cancer (deepest at Cancer 28°) |
| Moolatrikona | Aries 0-12° |
| Aspects | The 4th, 7th and 8th houses from itself |
| Friends | Jupiter, Moon, Sun |
| Enemies | Mercury |
| Astrojar reads it for | Debts and loans, property, legal matters, and siblings |
Dignities: BPHS ch. 3 sl. 49-54. Friendship: ch. 3 sl. 55. Aspects: ch. 26 sl. 2-5.
How is Mars read? The classical rules
- Mars exalted Gives its good results in full: drive, courage and energy (BPHS ch. 3 sl. 59-60).
- Mars in its moolatrikona Gives three quarters of its good results (ch. 3 sl. 59-60).
- Mars in its own sign Gives half of its good results (ch. 3 sl. 59-60).
- Mars in a friend's sign Gives a quarter of its good results (ch. 3 sl. 59-60).
- Mars debilitated or in an enemy's sign Its good results are nil (ch. 3 sl. 59-60).
- The 3rd lord with Mars aspecting the 3rd, or both in it Good results from the 3rd house: courage and siblings (BPHS ch. 14 sl. 2).
- Mars or the 3rd lord in an angle, trine or exaltation Happiness from siblings (ch. 14 sl. 5-6).
One rule never decides a chart on its own: the classical method weighs the planet, the houses it owns and occupies, the planets with and aspecting it, and the running dasha together.
Questions about Mars
Is Mars a malefic in astrology?
Yes, a natural malefic, but a strong Mars gives drive, courage and energy. It is the significator of siblings and, for Astrojar, of property, debts and legal matters.
Which signs does Mars rule?
Aries and Scorpio. It is exalted in Capricorn and debilitated in Cancer.
What are the special aspects of Mars?
Besides the 7th house aspect every planet has, Mars aspects the 4th and 8th houses from itself (BPHS ch. 26 sl. 2-5).
Is Mars in the 7th house Manglik?
Manglik (Kuja) dosha is traditionally checked for Mars in certain houses, the 7th among them. Astrojar reads it as one factor with the rest of the chart, never as a verdict on its own.
Keep learning
- Navagraha: the 9 planets in astrology What each planet signifies and rules.
- Moon in astrology The mind and emotional steadiness
- Mercury in astrology Speech, intellect and skill
- 1 to 12 houses in astrology What each house shows, and every house lord by Lagna.
- Mangal dosha (kuja dosha) Mars in the 1st, 4th, 7th, 8th or 12th, and when it is cancelled.
- Mars transit When Mars changes sign, to the hour, and how it is read.
- Mangal mantra and remedies The beej mantra, japa count, day and charity for Mars.
Sources
- BPHS ch. 3 sl. 11 (nature), sl. 12-13 (what the grahas signify), sl. 49-60 (dignity, friendship and the share of good results).
- BPHS ch. 26 sl. 2-5 (aspects).
- BPHS ch. 14 sl. 2.
- BPHS ch. 14 sl. 5-6.
Chapter and verse numbers follow R. Santhanam's English translation of BPHS (Ranjan Publications). About the text.
This is the traditional reading of the classical texts, given for learning and reflection. It is not a prediction for you, and not medical, legal or financial advice.
Where is Mars in your chart?
Ask Astrojar about your own chart: your first 3 questions are free. Or get a full report made from your birth chart.