Mars is strong in transit for most of 2018. It is either in its own sign (Scorpio), a friendly sign (Sagittarius), or its sign of exaltation (Capricorn) throughout the year.
2018 is not for the faint-hearted, but if you can use the strength available, and tap into your ability to overcome adversity, you can make this year a time to overcome any weakness in your life with the help of Mars.
The major glitches to its strength are its conjunction with Saturn in March/April (exact on April 2), its retrograde transit from June 26 to August 27, and its transit in Aquarius from November 6 to December 23.
Mars represents courage and will power. When in excess, it increases anger which, when acted upon appropriately, can be used to rid ourselves of unhealthy habits and unwanted things. It can, however, just as easily be overdone, creating all kinds of difficulties. This will most surely be the case throughout the world in 2018.
Mars is strong in its own sign, Scorpio from January 16 to March 7. Mars, the 'planet of war', had previously linked up with the ideals of Jupiter by conjunction in Libra, igniting equality issues, while its influence on the 4th sign from there (Capricorn), triggered things to come when Mars transits Capricorn in the summer of 2018.
There are twists and turns to negotiate, as the ‘crocked’ planet moves through its unusual transit path. It becomes especially tricky once it moves retrograde in July and August. Things are turned on their head at this time. Those who seemed to be winning will likely have to accept otherwise. This leads to all kinds of set backs and frustrations.
Mars and Ketu
Mars retrogrades in conjunction with Ketu, the south node of the Moon, while in Capricorn. This further intensifies Mars, increasing the risk of accidents, terrorism, earthquakes, volcanoes and war during the summer months. They come into exact conjunction three times during the summer; first on June 9; then again on July 23, as Mars moves retrograde; and one last time on September 26, as it transits direct.
All kinds of toxic substances and behaviours from the past are purged due to Mars’ long transit alongside Ketu. This may physically be the case for those with either of Mars’ signs as their rising sign i.e., Aries or Scorpio.
Many hidden toxic elements will be brought up to deal with this year.
Mars Exalted in Capricorn
Capricorn, the sign in which Mars is exalted, is ruled by Saturn, representing form, structure and what we have established in our lives. Structures that no longer serve us are brought down due to Mars' influence. Mars transits Capricorn from May 2 to November 6 - a much longer-than-usual transit for Mars in any one sign due to its retrograde transit from June 26 to August 27.
Capricorn may seem an odd exaltation sign for Mars, when its bitter relationship to Saturn is taken into account. If you have ever taken bitters to treat heat in the body, you will be aware of the irritability felt while the liver is detoxified.
Saturn’s ability to discipline this anger and direct it in productive ways (Capricorn) is what makes this relationship work for Mars. It doesn’t, however, work in the opposite direction.
Saturn is debilitated in Mars’ sign, Aries. Forms, structures and establishments do not always survive the Mars impulse to purge weakness of any kind. We may overdo the impulse and destroy more than is appropriate.
All sorts of things are discarded, demolished or deconstructed so that we may move beyond our self-imposed limitations, or those imposed upon us. It may feel like situations are getting worse in 2018, as the toxins are dispelled, much like breakouts on the skin during a cleanse, but this is the year to get out of deeply embedded and unhealthy comfort zones.
The Earth itself experiences these blemishes on a larger scale, as earthquakes shake the earth and volcanoes spew their molten lava. Relationships of all kinds are tested as Mars brings up power struggles we experience within ourselves; struggles we may direct at others in our discomfort.
... this is the year to get out of deeply embedded and unhealthy comfort zones.
Although Mars in Capricorn looks to Cancer and desires some home comforts during this process, the task at hand is to rid ourselves of all things which keep us feeling 'less than'. Ketu’s presence ensures we dig deep and unearth as much as we can, while Saturn continues to uproot unhealthy situations, in the lunar sign, Mula, and the things from our past we must deal with for once and for all. Remember that the ‘healing crisis’ is just that. We cannot simply sit on this transit. 2018 requires some well-managed energy output, especially during Mars’ retrograde transit from June 26 to August 27. This is a particularly volatile period.
The military, armies, defense and police forces will be at the forefront this year due to the strength of Mars. This may come about due to emergency responses to natural, as well as man-made, disasters. Sports people will grab our attention too, as if implying that we need to get up and move more!
2018 requires some well-managed energy output, especially during Mars’ retrograde transit from June 26 to August 27. This is a particularly volatile period.
A strong Mars is like a martial arts expert who has the ability to direct energy in productive ways, achieving amazing feats of will in the process. Saturn’s influence on Mars serves to direct our focus. Ketu’s influence fine tunes this focus like a laser beam. Much is possible with a disciplined approach. There may be times we are taken over by anger, and this can cause accidents, as Ketu’s involvement complicates proceedings with unforeseen circumstances.
Ketu acts subversively - outside of our conscious awareness. It does, however, give us the ability to work in the background and plan our attack in secret. This may be an attack on our own weaknesses, or attacks on others, depending. The total lunar eclipse of July 27/28 is particularly noteworthy when Mars' conjunction with the eclipsed Moon is taken into account during Mercury's retrograde period in the opposite sign, Cancer. This period is intense and needs some well-managed restraint.
2018 is not for the faint-hearted, but if you can use the strength available, and tap into your ability to overcome adversity, you can make this year a time to overcome any weakness in your life with the help of Mars.
The major glitches to its strength are its conjunction with Saturn in March/April (exact on April 2), its retrograde transit from June 26 to August 27, and its transit in Aquarius from November 6 to December 23.
Mars represents courage and will power. When in excess, it increases anger which, when acted upon appropriately, can be used to rid ourselves of unhealthy habits and unwanted things. It can, however, just as easily be overdone, creating all kinds of difficulties. This will most surely be the case throughout the world in 2018.
Mars is strong in its own sign, Scorpio from January 16 to March 7. Mars, the 'planet of war', had previously linked up with the ideals of Jupiter by conjunction in Libra, igniting equality issues, while its influence on the 4th sign from there (Capricorn), triggered things to come when Mars transits Capricorn in the summer of 2018.
There are twists and turns to negotiate, as the ‘crocked’ planet moves through its unusual transit path. It becomes especially tricky once it moves retrograde in July and August. Things are turned on their head at this time. Those who seemed to be winning will likely have to accept otherwise. This leads to all kinds of set backs and frustrations.
Mars and Ketu
Mars retrogrades in conjunction with Ketu, the south node of the Moon, while in Capricorn. This further intensifies Mars, increasing the risk of accidents, terrorism, earthquakes, volcanoes and war during the summer months. They come into exact conjunction three times during the summer; first on June 9; then again on July 23, as Mars moves retrograde; and one last time on September 26, as it transits direct.
All kinds of toxic substances and behaviours from the past are purged due to Mars’ long transit alongside Ketu. This may physically be the case for those with either of Mars’ signs as their rising sign i.e., Aries or Scorpio.
Many hidden toxic elements will be brought up to deal with this year.
Mars Exalted in Capricorn
Capricorn, the sign in which Mars is exalted, is ruled by Saturn, representing form, structure and what we have established in our lives. Structures that no longer serve us are brought down due to Mars' influence. Mars transits Capricorn from May 2 to November 6 - a much longer-than-usual transit for Mars in any one sign due to its retrograde transit from June 26 to August 27.
Capricorn may seem an odd exaltation sign for Mars, when its bitter relationship to Saturn is taken into account. If you have ever taken bitters to treat heat in the body, you will be aware of the irritability felt while the liver is detoxified.
Saturn’s ability to discipline this anger and direct it in productive ways (Capricorn) is what makes this relationship work for Mars. It doesn’t, however, work in the opposite direction.
Saturn is debilitated in Mars’ sign, Aries. Forms, structures and establishments do not always survive the Mars impulse to purge weakness of any kind. We may overdo the impulse and destroy more than is appropriate.
All sorts of things are discarded, demolished or deconstructed so that we may move beyond our self-imposed limitations, or those imposed upon us. It may feel like situations are getting worse in 2018, as the toxins are dispelled, much like breakouts on the skin during a cleanse, but this is the year to get out of deeply embedded and unhealthy comfort zones.
The Earth itself experiences these blemishes on a larger scale, as earthquakes shake the earth and volcanoes spew their molten lava. Relationships of all kinds are tested as Mars brings up power struggles we experience within ourselves; struggles we may direct at others in our discomfort.
... this is the year to get out of deeply embedded and unhealthy comfort zones.
Although Mars in Capricorn looks to Cancer and desires some home comforts during this process, the task at hand is to rid ourselves of all things which keep us feeling 'less than'. Ketu’s presence ensures we dig deep and unearth as much as we can, while Saturn continues to uproot unhealthy situations, in the lunar sign, Mula, and the things from our past we must deal with for once and for all. Remember that the ‘healing crisis’ is just that. We cannot simply sit on this transit. 2018 requires some well-managed energy output, especially during Mars’ retrograde transit from June 26 to August 27. This is a particularly volatile period.
The military, armies, defense and police forces will be at the forefront this year due to the strength of Mars. This may come about due to emergency responses to natural, as well as man-made, disasters. Sports people will grab our attention too, as if implying that we need to get up and move more!
2018 requires some well-managed energy output, especially during Mars’ retrograde transit from June 26 to August 27. This is a particularly volatile period.
A strong Mars is like a martial arts expert who has the ability to direct energy in productive ways, achieving amazing feats of will in the process. Saturn’s influence on Mars serves to direct our focus. Ketu’s influence fine tunes this focus like a laser beam. Much is possible with a disciplined approach. There may be times we are taken over by anger, and this can cause accidents, as Ketu’s involvement complicates proceedings with unforeseen circumstances.
Ketu acts subversively - outside of our conscious awareness. It does, however, give us the ability to work in the background and plan our attack in secret. This may be an attack on our own weaknesses, or attacks on others, depending. The total lunar eclipse of July 27/28 is particularly noteworthy when Mars' conjunction with the eclipsed Moon is taken into account during Mercury's retrograde period in the opposite sign, Cancer. This period is intense and needs some well-managed restraint.
Signs of a Purge
Below is a list of possibilities for each rising sign. You may wish to include other signs, detailing other aspects of your chart, once you have understood the area of your life in which this purge occurs, such as your Sun sign (sidereal dates listed). Please consult a Vedic astrologer or resource to ascertain your correct sidereal rising sign.
Aries (April 13 - May 14): Mars is your ruling planet and makes you feel strong for most of 2018. It rules hidden aspects of your life, such as sexuality, as well as jointly held values and resources – all of which bring about change in your work. This could also mean an actual physical purge, with subsequent health improvements possible due to Mars' strength.
Taurus (May 14 - June 13): Mars represents relationships and expenditure for you. The purge happens with your father or teachers, in study or during travel. Be mindful when you are travelling or expressing your beliefs to others, and the possibility of arguing a strongly held belief.
Gemini (June 14 - July 15): Mars represents your friends and your enemies … frenemies?! The purge occurs in your most intimate relations, as well as through your interaction with your partner’s family. This can also manifest as health issues, so be mindful of dealing with your inner demons. Others are simply reflecting these hidden parts back to you.
Cancer (July 16 - Aug. 15): Mars is your children or your students, followers on social media, as well as your boss or people in charge of you in some way. The purge takes place in your relationships, and this has a profound effect on you. This can also be felt physically, as you purge certain people and behaviours from your life.
Leo (Aug. 16 - Sept. 15): Mars is your best planet, representing your mother and father, your base and your expansion. The purge takes place in your work environment and your everyday health and work routines, which need more of your conscious awareness so that you do not get caught up in fighting others. The only worthwhile fight is with your own weaknesses.
Virgo (Sept. 16 - Oct. 16): Mars is your siblings, neighbours and partner’s family, as well as both your courage and your vulnerability. This purge takes place with your children, students or online followers. Be mindful of your interactions with these people, as it is likely that Mars will cause fighting and instability if you are not cognizant of your influence on these people.
Libra (Oct. 17 - Nov. 15): Mars is your family and your partner. The purge is taking place in your home so be mindful of the need for a shake-up which can disturb your mental equilibrium. A spring clean can do wonders, as you rid yourself of any unnecessary baggage.
Scorpio (Nov. 16 - Dec 14): Mars is your ruling planet, along with Ketu, so this year you feel ready to purge yourself, while dealing with health concerns in a more productive manner. An illness can be purged for once and for all. The purge has a strong impact on your communications so be mindful of the possibility of creating enemies while you reclaim your strength.
Sagittarius (Dec. 15 - Jan. 13): Mars is your offspring and your ancestry, as well as students, followers and expenditure. The purge takes place in your family environment and has a profound effect on your values, as well as your food and speech. Be mindful of what is going in and coming out of your mouth!
Capricorn (Jan. 14 - Feb. 12): Mars is strong in your sign for most of the year and represents your mother, home and friends. The purge is felt physically and can manifest itself as physical changes that must be channeled productively. Otherwise, those people represented by Mars can disturb your inner peace.
Aquarius (Feb. 13 - March 13): Mars is your siblings, neighbours and communications, as well as your boss or people in charge of you in some way. The purge takes place while you sleep and in your meditations, so be mindful of anger issues in relation to others that may not be obviously coming from you, but instead can manifest as others becoming angry with you.
Pisces (March 14 - April 13): Mars is your family, values, teachers and travels. The purge takes place in your networks and groups you associate with. This can lead to a focusing of your intentions for the greater good. Be mindful of your interactions with friends, associates and associations of all kinds.
Below is a list of possibilities for each rising sign. You may wish to include other signs, detailing other aspects of your chart, once you have understood the area of your life in which this purge occurs, such as your Sun sign (sidereal dates listed). Please consult a Vedic astrologer or resource to ascertain your correct sidereal rising sign.
Aries (April 13 - May 14): Mars is your ruling planet and makes you feel strong for most of 2018. It rules hidden aspects of your life, such as sexuality, as well as jointly held values and resources – all of which bring about change in your work. This could also mean an actual physical purge, with subsequent health improvements possible due to Mars' strength.
Taurus (May 14 - June 13): Mars represents relationships and expenditure for you. The purge happens with your father or teachers, in study or during travel. Be mindful when you are travelling or expressing your beliefs to others, and the possibility of arguing a strongly held belief.
Gemini (June 14 - July 15): Mars represents your friends and your enemies … frenemies?! The purge occurs in your most intimate relations, as well as through your interaction with your partner’s family. This can also manifest as health issues, so be mindful of dealing with your inner demons. Others are simply reflecting these hidden parts back to you.
Cancer (July 16 - Aug. 15): Mars is your children or your students, followers on social media, as well as your boss or people in charge of you in some way. The purge takes place in your relationships, and this has a profound effect on you. This can also be felt physically, as you purge certain people and behaviours from your life.
Leo (Aug. 16 - Sept. 15): Mars is your best planet, representing your mother and father, your base and your expansion. The purge takes place in your work environment and your everyday health and work routines, which need more of your conscious awareness so that you do not get caught up in fighting others. The only worthwhile fight is with your own weaknesses.
Virgo (Sept. 16 - Oct. 16): Mars is your siblings, neighbours and partner’s family, as well as both your courage and your vulnerability. This purge takes place with your children, students or online followers. Be mindful of your interactions with these people, as it is likely that Mars will cause fighting and instability if you are not cognizant of your influence on these people.
Libra (Oct. 17 - Nov. 15): Mars is your family and your partner. The purge is taking place in your home so be mindful of the need for a shake-up which can disturb your mental equilibrium. A spring clean can do wonders, as you rid yourself of any unnecessary baggage.
Scorpio (Nov. 16 - Dec 14): Mars is your ruling planet, along with Ketu, so this year you feel ready to purge yourself, while dealing with health concerns in a more productive manner. An illness can be purged for once and for all. The purge has a strong impact on your communications so be mindful of the possibility of creating enemies while you reclaim your strength.
Sagittarius (Dec. 15 - Jan. 13): Mars is your offspring and your ancestry, as well as students, followers and expenditure. The purge takes place in your family environment and has a profound effect on your values, as well as your food and speech. Be mindful of what is going in and coming out of your mouth!
Capricorn (Jan. 14 - Feb. 12): Mars is strong in your sign for most of the year and represents your mother, home and friends. The purge is felt physically and can manifest itself as physical changes that must be channeled productively. Otherwise, those people represented by Mars can disturb your inner peace.
Aquarius (Feb. 13 - March 13): Mars is your siblings, neighbours and communications, as well as your boss or people in charge of you in some way. The purge takes place while you sleep and in your meditations, so be mindful of anger issues in relation to others that may not be obviously coming from you, but instead can manifest as others becoming angry with you.
Pisces (March 14 - April 13): Mars is your family, values, teachers and travels. The purge takes place in your networks and groups you associate with. This can lead to a focusing of your intentions for the greater good. Be mindful of your interactions with friends, associates and associations of all kinds.
OM TAT SAT