Mars (Mangal)

Mars in Vedic astrology

Mars is Mangal in Sanskrit, also called Kuja, Bhauma (son of the Earth) and Angaraka (the glowing coal). In the navagraha court he is the commander of the army. He is a natural malefic by tradition, which here means fiery and forceful rather than harmful: Mars cuts, protects and acts, and his energy needs a worthy direction.

What Mars signifies

The karakatva of Mars covers courage, energy, younger siblings, land and property, and technical skill. He is read for sport, engineering, the police and armed forces, surgery as a profession, and any work that needs strength or precision. He also shows how a person handles conflict and competition, and how quickly they move from thought to action.

Dignity: where Mars is strong

Mars owns two signs, Aries and Scorpio, with his moolatrikona in Aries. He is exalted in Capricorn, classically deepest at 28 degrees, and debilitated in Cancer. In Capricorn, Saturn's sign, his fire is disciplined into steady, purposeful effort. In Cancer, a watery and emotional sign, his drive can turn inward, and the lesson is to act from care rather than from hurt.

Friends and enemies of Mars

In Parashara's natural friendships, Mars counts the Sun, Moon and Jupiter as friends, holds Venus and Saturn as neutral, and treats Mercury as an enemy. The commander trusts the king, the queen and the guru; the clever, talkative prince seems to him too ready to argue rather than act.

Nakshatras ruled by Mars

Mars rules Mrigashira, Chitra and Dhanishta. Each straddles two signs, so each joins the energy of Mars with two different rashis. Mrigashira is the searching deer, Chitra the brilliant craftsman and Dhanishta the drummer of rhythm and wealth. A person born with the Moon in one of these begins life in the Mars Mahadasha.

The Mars Mahadasha

The Mars Mahadasha lasts 7 years in the Vimshottari scheme; it follows the Moon and comes before Rahu. It tends to be an active period, bringing property, siblings, competition, technical work and bold decisions forward. With a well-placed Mars it is traditionally a time of initiative and achievement through effort; under strain, impatience and disputes may need watching, and disciplined work or sport channels the energy well.

Mars in the twelve houses

Mars brings drive and the urge to act to his house. Mars in the 1st, 4th, 7th, 8th or 12th from the Lagna is read as Mangal dosha (Kuja dosha) in matching, and classical texts list many conditions that cancel it.

• 1st house: energy, boldness and a direct manner
• 2nd house: forthright speech; effort to build savings
• 3rd house: courage, initiative and enterprising siblings
• 4th house: interest in land and property; learning patience at home
• 5th house: a competitive mind; interest in sport or strategy
• 6th house: a strong place for overcoming rivals and obstacles
• 7th house: a spirited partner; the lesson of patience together
• 8th house: interest in research and hidden matters; sudden change
• 9th house: firm convictions; the lesson of tolerance
• 10th house: his strongest house by direction, for an action-led career
• 11th house: gains through effort, property and bold friends
• 12th house: energy spent on travel, retreat or behind-the-scenes work

Traditional remedies for Mars

Mars's day is Tuesday, his colour red, his direction the South and his number 9. His deity is Hanuman, and the Hanuman Chalisa on Tuesdays is the most widely followed practice. His mantra is Om Kraam Kreem Kraum Sah Bhaumaya Namah. Charity of red lentils or jaggery on Tuesday is the traditional offering.

His gemstone is Red Coral, traditionally set in copper or gold and worn on the ring finger, with carnelian as a substitute. Consult an astrologer before wearing a gemstone, since strengthening Mars does not suit every chart; the mantra and charity suit everyone.