In Vedic astrology, Mars (Mangal) occupies a prominent position, symbolizing courage, energy, passion, assertiveness, and drive. Classical texts such as Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Saravali, and Phaladeepika emphasize Mars as a planet of valor, strength, and decisive action, reflecting one’s capacity to assert oneself and tackle challenges head-on.
Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra identifies Mars as the natural significator of physical strength, aggression, and initiative. Mars represents siblings, specifically brothers, military affairs, and competitive pursuits. A strong Mars bestows bravery, physical vitality, assertiveness, leadership qualities, and success in careers involving military, engineering, surgery, or sports. Conversely, an afflicted Mars can lead to impulsiveness, anger, accidents, injuries, conflicts, and strained relationships, especially with siblings or rivals.
According to Saravali, Mars rules the zodiac signs Aries and Scorpio, representing fiery enthusiasm and emotional intensity respectively. Mars is exalted in Capricorn, signifying disciplined energy and focused ambition. It is debilitated in Cancer, reflecting emotional sensitivity and difficulty channeling assertiveness constructively. Mars attains directional strength (Digbala) in the tenth house, highlighting one’s capacity to excel in professional endeavors, achieve recognition, and influence society positively.
Phaladeepika underscores Mars’s role in enhancing one’s courage and physical strength. It recommends rituals such as chanting Mars-related mantras (Mangal mantra), fasting on Tuesdays, and wearing red coral (Moonga) to harmonize Martian energy and mitigate negative influences.
Bhrigu Nadi explains that Mars signifies siblings, energy, land-related karma, and willpower. Mars is the enforcer of karmic action—it activates the karma stored in other planets. When Mars is with Rahu, it brings violent tendencies or accidents (especially related to past-life aggression); with Venus, it leads to intense passions or volatile romantic karma. Mars in the 3rd or 6th house is often linked with overcoming enemies or debts from prior incarnations. A dignified Mars shows a courageous soul with soldier-like discipline; afflicted Mars reveals unresolved rage or impulsiveness from past choices.
Understanding Mars’s placement and condition in one’s birth chart offers critical insights into personal drive, assertiveness, potential conflicts, and areas of strength or vulnerability, guiding individuals toward purposeful action and effective self-expression.
The Sun may blaze, the Moon may weave—
But it is Mars who dares to breathe.
He is the will, the burning leap,
The force that wakes the soul from sleep.