Erotic Astrology: Mars Signs
In astrology, Mars plays multiple roles. He’s associated with the body, physical vitality, lust, conquest, and how you get what you want -- but most importantly, he rules sex.
Mars may be better known as the Roman god of war, but you’d be surprised how many of those aspect show up in his guise as astrological sex god too. For one, there’s the physical stamina involved in both warfare and marathon lovemaking.
It’s interesting that Homer calls Mars’s Greek counterpart Ares the “helper of men” and “giver of dauntless youth”, describing him as “exceeding in strength” and “unwearying”. In the same way, Mars fuels your attractions with palpable chemistry. It’s what you feel when someone causes your temperature to spike a few degrees with no rational explanation.
You may find Mars to be a bit heavy-handed in his influence; indeed, he comes on strong. In practice, Mars behaves like kundalini energy: when properly channeled, it leads to profound pleasure and even enlightenment; however, when misdirected, it’s quite dangerous. The best defense? Knowing your Mars sign. If you can find out the Mars sign of the person you’re pursuing, all the better.
Here’s the key: in the same hymn, Homer petitions Ares to “drive away bitter cowardice”, to “restrain also the keen fury of [his] heart”, and to give him boldness. So Ares (a.k.a. Mars) can cause you to feel desirous, but he knows how to control it. He’s not only the sexual pursuit, but also the intention that inspires it.
With that in mind, think about what your Mars sign would do if you’re not sure how to proceed in a particular attraction scenario. Maybe you’ll make a move, or maybe sliding into his/her DMs isn’t your style. Mars in Leo? You’ll want to do something more visible.
Overall, when you express your sexuality through the lens of your Mars, you have very potent magick at your disposal. Everything you do is infused with kundalini energy in a way that’s tailored to your soul’s unique expression. You’ll have that sly “I’ve just had sex” glow, even if you haven’t. Suddenly, you’re irresistible. Try it, I swear it works!
(Keep in mind that a love interest’s Mars sign will tell you more specifically about what they’re looking for in the bedroom than their sun, moon, or rising sign. Your partner will think it’s magic!)
Quick review: while women express their Venus signs more consciously than their Mars, men do the opposite. Most men project their Mars sign loud and clear, while their Venus expression is more subtle. For women, the Mars sign works similarly to Jung’s animus, or a subconscious masculine force acting upon the waking individual for good or ill. If you don’t identify as male or female, you’ll probably display qualities of both your Mars and Venus signs at different times in your life.
Note: Ladies & Gentlemen in order of their Mars, starting with Lauryn Hill & Russell Brand (Mars in Aries) and ending with Marilyn Monroe & Heath Ledger (Mars in Pisces).
Ladies:
By order of Mars sign: Lauryn Hill, Jennifer Lawrence, Natalie Portman, Lana Del Rey, Amy Winehouse, Dita Von Teese, Nicole Kidman, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys, Marilyn Monroe.
Gentlemen:
By order of Mars sign: Russell Brand, Kanye West, David Duchovny, Kendrick Lamar, Harrison Ford, Idris Elba, John Lennon, Marilyn Manson, David Bowie, Snoop Dogg, Heath Ledger
MARS IN ARIES
Mars is dominant in Aries, so here we see him as the conquering hero. He’s confident and charming, like a Disney prince. If you’re interested in a Mars in Aries, don’t fret over whether or not he’s interested -- he’ll let you know. Never one to shy away from a fight, this Mars is happy to take up the mantle of causes he loves. The enlightened Mars in Aries is definitely a woke bae.
On the low side, Mars in Aries energy builds up and has nowhere to go, so it bursts out in all directions. Sometimes he’ll become manic, working for days without sleep and seeking solace in sex, drugs, and rock and roll. It might seem glamorous from the outside, but is it sustainable? More than any other, this Mars needs productive outlets for his wild side. Exercise and a healthy sex life are absolute musts.
Other notable Mars in Aries people include Marquis de Sade, infamous French sadist. Consider him an example of how not to do this sign!
MARS IN TAURUS
At his best, Mars in Taurus is deeply tuned into material experience. He knows how to enjoy every aspect of your body with all five senses locked in. Taurean Mars appreciates the finer things in life (think designer labels, summers on the Amalfi Coast, etc.) and will love it if you do too. Bonus points if you have your own business or are otherwise professionally inclined -- like Kanye, any inclination of gold digging is a big turnoff.
Mars is in his detriment here, so at worst, this Mars worships at the altar of pizza and beer while stuck in a comfortable rut with an incompatible partner. It’s only because he craves comfort. If you have Mars in Taurus, find healthy ways of providing that comfort that don’t take away from your ability to have new sensual experiences or make exciting new investments.
Other notable Mars in Taurus people include famous divas Mariah Carey, Madonna, Mick Jagger, and Michael Jackson.
MARS IN GEMINI
Mars in Gemini loves mind games, plain and simple. This isn’t to say that he enjoys manipulating others (though a low Mars in Gemini person certainly wouldn’t be against it); rather, that they get off on intellectual chemistry and stimulating conversation. Toss them a morsel of curious gossip or news they haven’t heard yet, and they’ll be yours -- at least for the rest of the week.
This Mars is also a culture vulture. The object of his affection must be well-versed in the latest pop phenomenon or tech craze. The obvious issue here is the speed at which their attentions may change -- like culture, they move on to the next lover rather quickly. Don’t take it personally. Gemini Mars is the eternal student of sex, so keep them interested by being willing to learn about new positions, toys, etc..
Other notable Mars in Gemini people include your nerd crushes: Viggo Mortensen/Aragorn and
Jason Momoa/Khal Drogo. See also The original Daisy Buchanan, America’s sweetheart and F. Scott Fitzgerald muse, Zelda Fitzgerald.
MARS IN CANCER
In Cancer, you never know exactly how Mars is going to express himself. This sign is ruled by the moon, so the energy levels -- and the libido -- tend to wax and wane with the phases of Lady Luna. The good news? He’s in touch with his divine feminine side, which means he’s got a natural talent for pleasing the ladies! Cancer Mars appreciates the female form and worships her as the goddess she is.
In his fall, Mars takes a subtle approach. This is one of the least assertive Mars signs -- if you want to know if he’s into you, ask. If you don’t get a straight answer, don’t freak out just yet. The energy of Mars doesn’t flow as comfortably in a tender water sign, so they can be protective of their feelings. Be gentle with this one for best results. He has a hard exterior, but on the inside, he’s raw.
Other notable Mars in Cancer people include famous womanizer John Mayer, prime example of Mars in Cancer gone awry.
MARS IN LEO
The camera loves Mars in Leo. So does the spotlight, the stage, and everyone else. This Mars sign possesses a glamour so otherworldly it can hypnotize whole generations and transcend the individual (case in point: Amy Winehouse & Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones). Like Venus in Leo, there’s a performance aspect to both his sexual appeal and proclivities. Lovers happily play along.
On the low side, Mars in Leo can demand too much adoration and forget to fulfill his partner’s needs. Yes, he’s incredibly attractive, but that doesn’t exempt him from having to do basic tasks or practice common courtesy. You can do Mars in Leo right by finding a proper outlet for your exhibitionism.
Other notable Mars in Leo people include a long list of gorgeous people including: LEMONADE powerhouses Beyoncé and Serena Williams, supermodel sisters Gigi Hadid and Bella Hadid, leading men (George Clooney, James Dean), and lead singers (Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney)
MARS IN VIRGO
Mars in Virgo is the unattainable lover. His suits are perfectly tailored, and he always smells immaculate. He knows it’s the details that count -- especially in the bedroom -- and has the ability to hyperfocus on whatever’s pleasing you the most. A sophisticated lover, Virgo Mars is turned off by anything that vibes vulgar. Woo him via expensive lingerie and a filthy vocabulary.
When he’s feeling down, Mars in Virgo can get stuck on whatever’s troubling him romantically and refuse to let go of a negative inner monologue. Don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis! Acknowledge the beauty in your struggle and move on no matter what your circumstances. Also, Virgo Mars is the classic placement of working out repressed emotions through kink.
Other notable Mars in Virgo people include Nine Inch Nails frontman, Trent Reznor.
MARS IN LIBRA
At his best, Mars in Libra has a regal presence. People notice him when he walks past; even if he’s not famous, people treat him as if he is. Something in the way he walks and talks attracts admirers from far and wide. Just think of Elvis Presley after he first swiveled his hips on TV -- when Mars in Libra turns on the charm, we’re helpless to resist.
Like Mars in Taurus, Mars is in his detriment here. In the same way, at worst Mars in Libra is sleazy, like Bill Clinton circa the Monica Lewinsky scandal. There’s never a shortage of offers for this Mars, but he should learn to be more selective about who they allow to frequent their sheets. Alternately, his impossibly high standards may make it difficult for him to find anyone to share his bed! Avoid this conundrum with the classic Mars in Libra fix: join a power couple, a la John Lennon or Nicole Kidman.
Other notable Mars in Libra people include British royals Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.
MARS IN SCORPIO
If Mars in Aries is a conquering hero, then Mars in Scorpio is an assassin: cloaked, highly skilled, and lethal. Like his Aries counterpart, Mars is dominant here, so his energy level -- and his libido -- is very high. Unlike Aries, however, he prefers darkness and mysterious tactics. Lust with Scorpio Mars nearly always has a karmic aspect to it. Did you meet in a past life? Probably, but that’s not the point.
When this Mars isn’t properly channeled, the instability quotient is extremely high. Think Taylor Swift in the Blank Space video or Marilyn Manson circa Mechanical Animals -- both Mars in Scorpio natives known for being vindictive towards ex-lovers. If you’re a Mars in Scorpio, channel any lingering angst into a healthy self-love practice and healing rituals.
Other notable Mars in Scorpio people include Kurt Cobain, whose angst made Nirvana’s music the sound of a generation.
MARS IN SAGITTARIUS
Mars in Sagittarius is the life of the party. He’s constantly jet-setting from one exotic locale to another, but if you can catch him, you’ll be lucky to chat him up poolside. Sagittarius Mars is worldly without being pompous and turned on by genius. Just don’t try to fence him in -- boundaries aren’t his thing. He’s far more devoted to his quest for knowledge and experience than he is to any one partner.
On the low side, he can have a bit too much fun. Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, the planet of excess, so occasionally this Mars will take things too far and be forced to save face once things have gone downhill. If you’re a Mars in Sagittarius/with one, do yourself a favor and be realistic about your personal filter (or lack thereof). Not everyone is as open-minded as you are!
Other notable Mars in Sagittarius people include party goddess incarnate, Rihanna.
MARS IN CAPRICORN
Mars is exalted in Capricorn, meaning his energy flows better here than in any other sign. David Bowie and Lady Gaga are the perfect examples of of Mars in Capricorn sexuality -- they’re so comfortable with themselves that they elude gender completely and live at the intersection of glitter and rock and roll. They’re defined only by the grit that got them to where they are today, which is the essence of the Capricorn work ethic.
Done poorly, Mars in Capricorn forgets about sex completely in hot pursuit of his worldly goals. Alternately, he’s willing to trample over people he feels are “lesser” to get what he wants. Success is but one attractive quality, and Mars in Capricorn may feel lonely when he gets to the top. Do honor your desires, but don’t pour all your sexual energy into workaholism.
Other notable Mars in Capricorn people include a host of pop stars, including but not limited to: Katy Perry, Shakira, Christina Aguilera, Nicki Minaj, Gwen Stefani, and Bjork.
MARS IN AQUARIUS
In Aquarius, Mars is possessed of a level of cool so nonchalant it makes the Dalai Lama look like Steve Jobs. He excels at the lowkey sexual pursuit. Aquarius is the sign of groups, so this Mars likes to share the love -- he’s a difficult one to tie down, but only because he appreciates all the beauty that the world has to offer. Because Aquarius also rules new technology, I give this one the “most likely to slide into your DMs” award.
Low Mars in Aquarius is emotionally unavailable. He’s just not there. Aquarians are able to remove their feelings from a situation, which is useful for one night stand scenarios but extremely problematic for anything more. If you are Mars in Aquarius/are trying to be with one, use logic instead of taking an emotional approach when having the “what are we doing exactly” talk. It works every time.
Other notable Mars in Aquarius people include rap giants Tupac Shakur, Jay-Z, and Drake. Pop stars Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber, and Harry Styles also have Mars in Aquarius
MARS IN PISCES
Mars in Pisces is the fantasy lover. Whether or not he realizes it, this man is capable of transforming into the man of your dreams with just a glance -- metamorphosis is the Piscean superpower. It’s disarming. Often musical and at least a bit spiritual, Mars in Pisces will talk to you about other dimensions, dreams, magic, and other oddities before they ravish you senseless.
When improperly channeled, Pisces Mars tries to escape the harsh reality of this world in sex, various substances, and other people. Because of this tendency, their minds, psyches, and lives can be fragmented and frayed at the edges. Done well, Pisces Mars is a mystic, in touch with other realms and interested in sex as means to access higher planes of existence.
Other notable Mars in Pisces people include Elizabeth Taylor, known for her magnetic presence and violet eyes.