Mars

The structure of the symbol of Mars is composed of two parts: the circle, as the principle of essence, and an arrow pointing upward to the right, representing action, movement, and penetration. The circle is similar to that of Venus, but instead of resting on a cross (rootedness), from it emerges an arrow that signifies outward motion, impulse, projection. It is the force that extends beyond itself in order to assert its presence in the world. The symbol was associated with the shield and spear of the god Ares (Mars), the god of war. Over the centuries, it also became the emblem of the masculine, in parallel with Venus as the emblem of the feminine. Beyond gender differences, however, it embodies the archetype of action, the thrust outward, the generative power.

In Astrology, the glyph of Mars represents the principle of vital energy, will, action, and desire. The arrow issuing from the circle shows how spiritual energy translates into movement and conquest. It points to courage, passion, but also anger and instinct. It is that which drives us outward, that which breaks equilibrium in order to generate change.