By Sricharananda

In astrology, Mars holds the title of ‘Senapati’ (Commander-in-Chief). Since astrology is based on texts written during the Vedic period, its significations must be adapted and applied to modern times.

We can correlate Mars with today’s Army, Air Force, Navy, and their military officers. A commander-in-chief is fundamentally a warrior as well. Therefore, all the qualities and characteristics inherent in an army and its commander should be understood as the significations of Mars. The aspect of weapons is also observed through Mars. Furthermore, Mars is the significator of battlefields, wars, and conflicts. Courage, valor, and physical strength are also governed by Mars. The matter of special attire and uniforms is known from Mars as well.

War, the military, the police force, commanders, and guards—every single one of these falls under the signification of Mars. Anyone who holds authority and wears a specific uniform carries the signification of Mars, meaning the planet’s influence is active in them.

Mars is the primary significator for the arguments, physical fights, clashes, assaults, and disasters that occur when an army engages with an enemy. Mars signifies conflicts, violence, anger, and bloodshed. It is also the significator of enmity.

According to mythology, the demon Hiranyaksha once stole and abducted the Earth, hiding it in the depths of the infinite ocean. The Lord then incarnated as Varaha (the divine boar), slayed Hiranyaksha, and liberated Prithvi (Earth). Afterward, to fulfill Earth’s desire, the Lord assumed a beautiful, charming form. From the union of these two, Mars (Mangala) was born.

There is red metal in the body of Mars; he wears red clothes and a red garland. Since Mars is the son of Prithvi (Earth), he is also the significator of land and real estate. Because Mars wears red attire, the signification of the color red also belongs to him.

Mars is closely associated as a devotee of Kartikeya and Lord Hanuman (or embodies their energies). Therefore, matters related to the temples of Kartikeya and Hanuman are analyzed through Mars. The gemstone of Lord Mars is Coral. He also represents red-colored rice and food items, and red grains are directly associated with him.

In a horoscope (birth chart), Mars is the lord of Aries (Mesha) and Scorpio (Vrishchika) signs. The Sun, Moon, and Jupiter are friendly planets to Mars. Mars considers Mercury as his enemy, while he views Venus and Saturn neutrally (as equal planets). The sole and prime enemy of Mars is Mercury.

There are numerous significations related to Mars. We look at younger brothers and younger sisters through Mars. Lord Mars is also the significator of the hands. Since Mars represents a warrior—hands are absolutely essential for a warrior, for the army, for fighting wars, and for applying physical force.