Mars

Mars was the roman God of War, the counterpart of the greek god Ares. The first thing I’d like to point out is that this archetype may be simple to understand, but it is also very difficult to accept in us. This because our society holds in high regard the mind—logic and reason—but it strongly condemns the body as well as its intense instincts.

This is deeply rooted in the western culture. As we can read in the Iliad Ares’ father Zeus—God of Law and Order—tells him: “you are the most hateful to me of the gods who hold the Olympus, for strife is always dear to you, and wars and battles” (cit. Iliad 5.890–891).

Mars as a Force

Mars is the power of self-affirmation. It is the bearer of our will, firmly determined to accomplish tasks and get results. He’s not willing to discuss too much or compromise—he aims straight to the goal. This uncooperative attitude makes him aggressive easily, fueling its reputation of god of war. He indeed loves to fight, compete and—above all—to win, especially in discussions in which he always wants to be right.

He challenges himself all the time to test and prove its worth and go beyond his limits. As you can imagine he’s very competitive and ambitious, seeking everlasting glory as the heroes of the past. His burning desire makes him a passionate and fiery lover willing to do anything to win the beloved.

As the men’s planet Mars also represents muscles, strength and virility—both moral and physical. He gives us a sense of integrity and honor, teaching boys how to become men of their word. He has a strong sense for the truth, and he doesn’t like to play games with people. 

The Warrior

According to the myth, Ares’ tutor Priapus—a minor fertility god—taught him dancing first, and the art of war only afterwards. This allows us to understand that even though a warrior may be driven on the battlefield by his instincts, those has been educated by rhythm and music first. Dancing is feeling, being in touch with our body, emotions and sensuality. That’s a crucial martial experience we need to learn in order to make good love.

Mars (Ares especially) was depicted as violent and brutal (he brought war, after all). But a real Warrior is first of all a dancer and a lover, not a murderer. His reflexes are quick, snappy his muscles; he has poise and elegance, and he’s able to stand up confident to defend what he believes in.

He can make a difference because he’s disciplined. He’s aware that the real enemy lies within: he fights self-pity, irresponsibility, powerlessness, indifference and fear. He’s brave not because he has no fear, but because he can accept it and pass it through.

Key Words

• heat, fire, strength, action, passion, impulsiveness,
• will, determination, assertiveness, initiative, enterprising, courage,
• discipline, obedience, firmness, consistency, integrity
• crudeness, vulgarity, camaraderie,
• challenge, competition, precariousness, accidents,
• muscle, virility, masculinity, power,
• anger, aggression, violence,