We're still with Mars but I'm going to introduce a new way to look at the Signs of astrology. So, here's the rest of Chapter 9 of my free-to-download book, Astrological Repair Manual:"I think it’s time to introduce the signs of astrology. I’m going to do it by sketching out what Mars using each of them could look like. You’ll have a chance to do this for all the functions in all the signs in The Instructions (in the free-to-download book). Remember, though, that just because you might start with Mars using a particular brand of energy, and even though that way of being assertive has a tendency to be prominent your whole life, there is a slow and steady moderation. Time and the tides of the cycles bring opportunities to act in differing ways and with differing results. Some see these as obstacles to their 'natural' way of motivating themselves, some as chances to refine and expand their innate drives. This is seen in what's called astrological progressions.
"Plus, there’s the other truth of astrology (I’ve been saving this one for the right
moment): We all have all twelve signs. When you look at a complete birth chart, and when you realize that the whole chart is a symbol of your whole life, you’ll know that all the signs or energies of astrology are there in that wheel, that you have all those energies available to use. Most people have four or five much stronger than the rest because that’s where their planets lie, that’s where the cycles of the functions begin their evolution.
Now, let’s look at Mars with each of the signs; but realize that this is just an introduction to your own interpretations in The Instructions. As you read each of these different ways of asserting ourselves, see if some of them seem like friends or work-mates or relatives... Also, if you know which Sign your Mars is in and these words don't seem like you, consider that I'm still being extremely optimistic (from necessity) plus, you could have another planet heavily modifying your Mars.
"Mars using Aries is a motivation that springs ahead with such energy that restraint is next to nil if there are no other functions to slow it down or moderate it. Thankfully, it’s uncommonly rare for anyone to have all ten planets in Aries! This is the first sign of spring and has all the youthful energy that it implies. People with Mars using Aries seem to have unending energy supplies. They have no problem asserting themselves and usually learn quite early that everyone else just seems to act differently. Goal and action seem to occur simultaneously—no timeouts and no restraints. But, since people with Mars using Aries do have other functions in other signs, they have the potential to channel all that energy without busting a seam against any obstacles.
"Mars using Taurus is, in important ways, a polar opposite to the motivator using Aries. This combination still shows a very determined way of acting (we’re still in the early phases of the energy cycle, just after the rush of the rebirth), but the application of drive is more deliberate, more restrained, more focused.
"Mars using Gemini has a chance to be motivated in multiple directions simultaneously. This is a combination that can diffuse energy and spread motivation out. Sometimes this manifests as an ability to operate on multiple levels of energy use or in parallel lines of endeavor.
"Mars using Cancer is an assertiveness that’s motivated by strong feeling. Here is where things are not just done to be finished but to attain some value. This is when people are able to externalize their feelings in ways that make others want to act on those feelings.
"Mars using Leo is extremely outgoing yet has quite a bit of natural restraint. This is the combination that acts toward clear goals, being forward when necessary and holding back if action would impede future forward motion.
"Mars using Virgo has the ability to finely focus energy use. This is a Mars that can seemingly wait forever to act at the “right” moment. This is disciplined motivation, moderated drive.
"So far, we’ve covered Mars using what can be called the 'personal' Signs. The next six combos will show a more social orientation.
"Mars using Libra is the situation of working toward a balance in outgoing and incoming energy. Actions are intended to accomplish what’s necessary to engage other’s motivations.
"Mars using Scorpio also seeks to fathom how others can be brought within the sphere of action, but the intensity of analysis is sharper, the thrust of intention is deeper.
"Mars using Sagittarius takes flight and looks for distant goals that can lead yet farther. Action here is initiated for ideal reasons, socially grand designs, or future possibilities.
"Mars using Capricorn has all the ambition it needs and also the practical reasons for having it. Motivation streams toward practical solutions. Assertiveness aims at accomplishments that endure.
"Mars using Aquarius is action in the social arena, motivation that is fitted for group goals, assertiveness that stimulates a consensus.
"Mars using Pisces is the way to make peace—act as if you were the other, act for the other, or, like the Zen mind, act without acting...
"This round of motivational types was meant to be illustrative only; certainly not
definitive! When you consider that Mars must act in concert with nine other functions, much of what I’ve indicated can be woven with other thread, colored by other filters. Still, the essence of these various ways of externalizing our drives remains.
"Time to move on. There is much to do at Earth!"
