Mars (Mangal)

Mars, also known as Mangal is the second smallest planet in the solar system. Mars is renowned for being the most aggressive, violent, and hottest planet in astrology. Mars is the "Fire and Blood". Mars is the red planet (due to its appearance) that signifies heat, aggression and violence. The Sanskrit term "Mangal" has two meanings - "auspicious" and "pale or dull". Despite being a malefic planet, Mars is considered auspicious and essential for the survival of life. Its importance is emphasised in Vedic traditions, such as the use of "Mangal sutra," the sacred thread worn in Indian marriages that symbolises the rule or formula of Mars (protection and strength).

The kumkum applied by Hindus on their forehead represents protection and strength, and is associated with Mars.

Lord Mangal (Ruling Deity)

Lord Mangal, the ruling deity of the planet Mars, is considered both protective and violent. His actions are swift and decisive (like a military personnel). According to Puranas, Lord Mangal is the son of Bhumi Devi, also known as Bhu Devi, the goddess of the Earth. Bhumi Devi is characterised as beautiful, benevolent, kind, protective and opportunistic, with a committed and dutiful nature. She takes care of the earth and all its inhabitants, with the help of the other grahas. The different qualities of Bhumi Devi can be observed all over the Earth. As the son of Bhumi Devi, Mangal inherited some of her qualities. This implies that the planet Mars was created out of the Earth (although science has not yet proven this claim). However, it is clear that the planet Mars shares many similar conditions with Earth, which is why the possibility of life on Mars is a topic of great interest to modern astronomers and entrepreneurs.

Adhidevata (Presiding Deity)

Mars is presided over by Lord Kartikeya, a protective warrior god wielding a spear (vel). Lord Shiva gave birth to Lord Kartikeya to vanquish the asuras and restore righteousness (dharma) on Earth. Mangal embodies similar qualities as its presiding deity.

Significations (karakas)

Mars' main signification is land and real estate. It is also associated with the inner fire that drives us to achieve our goals. It represents masculinity, younger siblings (especially male), male friends, protectors, defense forces (police and military), engineers, technicians, and sportsmen. Physically, Mars is associated with energy, male sex drive, intense passion, patriotism, competitiveness, tradition, blood, bone marrow, muscles, kumkum (sindoor), sharp objects, surgery, cuts and bruises, machinery, physics, electrical and electronic systems, technology, anger, hatred, physical education, and physical actions.

Interpretations

Individuals with a strong influence of Mars tend to be protective and territorial of their surroundings. They tend to be active all the time, and their actions speak louder than their words. Their perspective is often technical in nature and may be quite different from that of Jupiter. They thrive on challenges and competition, much like a young adult. Mars is the warrior, the young blood. Mars is all about the present situations, it doesn't care about the past or the future, similar to the qualities of Mercury.

Portfolio

Mars is a masculine planet and it reaches maturity at the age of 28. This is when individuals with a strong Martian influence learn to channel their energy and aggression more effectively. In numerology, the numbers 9 and 21 are significant for Mars.

1. Mars is Tamassic in nature

2. Its exalted in Capricorn and debilitated in Cancer 

3. It rules the signs Aries and Scorpio 

4. Gets directional strength in the South (10th house)

5. Ruling direction is also the South

6. Friends with Sun, Moon and Jupiter 

7. Enmity with Mercury and Saturn 

8. Mars loves physical activities, technical tasks, challenges and competitions

9. Associated colours are Red and Pale Red

10. Presiding deity is Lord Kartikeya (Murugan)

11. Its element is Earth (bhumi) and Fire (agni)

12. Body part is Nose

Exaltation and Debilitation of Mars (Mangal)

Mangal attains exaltation in Capricorn, the battleground where it is most powerful. To better understand this phenomena, lets imagine the position of Mars in Capricorn and analyse Capricorn as the 1st house:

In Capricorn. Mars is always physically charged, no matter the time of day. He finds fulfillment through regular physical activities. He constantly craves new challenges to complete them with great fervour, as his determination is unwavering, and he will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. He particularly enjoys physical challenges and competitions with great passion. He is a fast learner, especially when it comes to acquiring physical skills such as tool-making, machine repair, bodybuilding, and martial arts. The modern weapons, tools, and technological advancements fascinate him. Mars is also fiercely patriotic and territorial, and he has a knack for fixing things, a natural fixer. He is an independent, strong individual who also values partnership like anything. If Mars is committed to something, he will give his life to protect and nurture it.

The qualities of Mars that were mentioned earlier point towards Capricorn being its most powerful domain. Capricorn governs the knee, the most powerful body part, and it allows Mars to be fully active. Mars can master various skills from here, which is evident from its 3rd house Pisces since Pisces represents the universe. The independent and strong nature of Mars is reflected in the 4th house Aries (from Capricorn). Additionally, his eagerness towards challenges and competition (6th house Gemini) indicates his boldness. Lastly, Mars's willingness to sacrifice his life for his commitment can be seen through the 10th house Libra.

On the other hand, Mars is debilitated in the sign of Cancer, which slows down his natural energy and makes him feel frustrated. It's like trying to make a fast-paced action hero like James Bond sit and listen to his enemy. In this position, Mars can only master limited skills (3rd house Virgo), and is forced to give importance to others' opinions (4th house Libra). He is forced to fight against law and order (6th house Sagittarius), which is against his nature. Mars finds it difficult to express his natural qualities and impulses in the sign of Cancer, which makes him feel frustrated and limited in his abilities.

Note: The concept of exaltation and debilitation presented here is the result of extensive observational research and contemplation over the years.