Astrology Update for February: Activating Mars

Dear Friends,

How are you faring?

February 2017 is an auspicious time to initiate action in the areas of your chart ruled by Mars. Shrug off fear as you stride forward with courage to accomplish your goals. Work with Mars while he travels through Aries, one of the signs he rules and is most comfortable in.

Mars is the natural significator of our energy levels. Some early associations linked to this planet are malevolent strife, courage, and the sheer joy of battle. Those of you with a strong Mars will understand the need for continuous striving and ongoing challenges in order to feel alive. Those of you with a challenged Mars might fear strife and be unable to express negativity, causing it to fester.

Mars rules Aries (by day) and Scorpio (by night). Mars is exalted in the sign of Capricorn, in detriment in Libra and Taurus, and in fall in Cancer. Here we see Mars with the Ram (Aries) and the Scorpion (Scorpio) from a 14^th century manuscript (Abu Maʿshar’s treatise on Astrology, British library)

We associate Mars with the root chakra and grounding, and a Mars under pressure in a chart often shows where we lacked grounding in the early home. A lack of roots, sometimes manifesting as a literal lack of a secure home or a childhood characterized by many moves, often leads to a lack of energy in life as an adult. Unconscious fears leave their trace and the adult finds him or herself suffering physical illnesses or security concerns (such as those surrounding a lack of money).

You immediately recognize those who have a healthy Mars: they live without fear, seem to radiate energy, and are always on a mission, excited by what life has to offer.

This month is the perfect time to energize your Mars through setting and fulfilling personal goals. As Mars will be dancing with his consort, Venus, for most of the month, we can focus on aligning our actions with our hearts. But be cautious with what your heart desires, as Venus is not happy in the sign that Mars rules.

Týr is the Norse god of heroic glory and the law, who gave his right hand in battling the wolf Fenir. Týr represents courage and self-sacrifice and is associated with Mars in the interpretatio germanica. Tuesday (“Týr’s Day”) is named after him.

At the end of February there will be a very strong energetic push forward as Mars meets up with Uranus, Jupiter and Pluto (see last month’s post). Avoid rebellion and rivalry while using these planetary forces to accomplish great things. You can do it – and you will!

May the Sun shine upon you,
Catherine

Full Moon, lunar eclipse: February 11 at 22 Leo;
New Moon, solar eclipse: February 26 at 8 Pisces

There is a lot written on the Internet at this time about the eclipse season that is now upon us. Please note that all eclipses are only truly note-worthy if you have a planet or angle in your natal chart that is directly contacted by an eclipse.