Mars in Mythology
Mars, or Ares in Latin, is the ancient Greek-Roman god of war and the military. Mars is associated with the virtues of strength, courage, and force, for war and fighting as well as securing peace and prosperity.
In ancient Roman mythology Mars is the father if the twins Romulus and Remus, founders of the city of Rome. His consort was called Valor, representing the feminine aspects related to vital force, power and majesty. Mars was the lover of the goddess Venus, and they had a child called Concordia, goddess of peace and harmony.
The Planet Mars
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun. In the sky Mars is called the Red planet due to the high levels of iron oxide on its surface. Mars has similar features to the Earth such as polar ice caps, volcanoes, and even a similar rotational period and seasonality.
The Astrology of Mars
Astrologically Mars rules Aries and Scorpio, both signs known for their intensity and power. A strong Mars influence will bring a lot of energy, drive, ambition, force and stamina, and there may be a competitive drive to every endeavor and a seeming endless reserve of energy.
A Mars influence often brings an affinity to the military, sports, or other ways to do battle. Combined with a Venusian influence there may be an interest in martial arts, which combine the force and power of Mars with the beauty and elegance of Venus.
The astrological symbol for Mars shows the circle of pure spirit with the cross of matter (stylized as an arrow) expressing outward. This symbol illustrates very clearly the outward and forward energy of Mars with the spirit as a foundation, because the spiritual is the root of our vital force.
This symbol is commonly used to represent men, while the sign of Venus is used to represent women.
The Age of Iron
The metal associated with Mars is Iron, and according to gnostic anthropology we are currently in the Iron Age, the end times of the Kali Yuga.
Iron, in the form of steel, is the most prevalent type of metal on the surface of this planet. Steel composes most of our infrastructure, manufacturing, vehicles, and weapons.
The Iron Age is association with times of war, strife, discord, chaos, and materialism, but we can take advantage of the force of Mars to give us strength and endurance on the internal spiritual path.
The path of gnosis is the path of the razor’s edge, and the sword of Samael, spiritual regent of the planet Mars, is necessary to guide us forward in the internal battles.