MARS

The Planet Mars is about half the width of Earth. About half way between the sizes of the Earth compared to the Moon. Mars rotation on its axis is about 24 hours, 37 minutes, similar to Earth. The yearly orbit requires 687 Earth days, and is very eccentric, varying from a 207 to 249 million kilometers from the Sun.

The so-called two Moons of Mars are more like captured asteroids, " Phobos" being the largest with an irregular shape, 27 kilometers (17 miles) on its longest width. Deimos is smaller with a width of 15 kilometers (9 miles). Phobos orbits at about 6000 km above the surface, and requires only 7 hours 39 minutes to circle the Planet. [Our Moon orbits about 400,000 km above Earth.] If in the right location on Mars, Phobos would rise and then set in about 4 1/2 hour. It would appear about half the "apparent size" of the Moon on Earth. Phobos would orbit Mars more than 2100 times during the Marian Year. [Compare this with 13 lunar orbits for our Moon.] Also, this Mars Moon would be unseen above 69 degrees latitude. The smaller Mars Moon Deimos has a more stable orbit, yet is very dim. It would look about twice the apparent size of seeing Venus from Earth. Note that both these Mars Moons are often eclipsed by the planet [i.e. Mars blocks the Sun for the Moons to reflect].

Mars has no measurable Magnetic Field and a very thin Atmosphere. The geological features appear to reveal a period or periods of dramatic flooding. The huge canyon gully [Valles Marineris] extends about 4000 kilometers. Its deepest parts sink 7 kilometers (4 miles) below the Rim. Mars also has a huge ancient Volcano Olympus Mons that extends 25 kilometers (15 miles) high. This is twice the height of Mount Everest. Hubble Telescope monitoring also reveal massive dust storms on Mars.

Possible Life on Mars -

1st let's look at the possibility of life on Mars" Two basic positions exists, the scientist and nonscientist. Nonscientist recognized a "Mars Face," from the 1976 Viking Oribiter. Of course novels and movies often portray "Marians." Many want to belief that a possible advanced civilization once resided or even resides on Mars. After two decades in 1997 "Mars Global Surveyor" sent back hundreds of high quality images until 2006. Also on July 4th 1997, the Mars Pathfinder landed and the Sojourner "rover" explored parts of Mars.

Yes there are many interesting geological features on Mars, like the so-called Mars Face; however the scientists [or some scientisits] hope life forms might exist on Mars, yet at mircoscopic levels. [Scientists hope to find something like "extremophile" organisms, similar to Earth organisms that thrive on Earth in extreme environments like Hot Springs at Yellowstone Park, or at deep Ocean Vents.] This is where the so-called "Mars Bacteria" enters in. A meterorite said to be from Mars lands in 1996 and is studied for possible life forms. The scientific community, or those interested Astronomers, Astrobiologists, and microbiologists debate. Basically it looks like a simple bacteria, yet is so-called Mars Bacteria is many times smaller bacteria on Earth. Up to this point, the question is still open as to possible life on Mars, or if there ever was any life forms on Mars.

[Note, I may share my educated viewpoint on the subject in later pages. ... Time will tell.]

Metaphysical Energies for Mars -

As a poet [one who can connect to feelings and write poetry] and as a deep, spiritual thinker, the astrological and archetype-like symbols for Mars, and "Mars" as the Roman “God of War” are pretty clear. War is a major theme on Earth, now and throughout history. Personally, I am anti-war. Being nonviolent, I work or have worked with "war" more in spiritual sense, as the inner and outer overcoming of negativity to "See the Light." As "souls" we spiritually and metaphysically battle, even to the degree of our thoughts, feelings and actions. Even a physical sickness is a war starting at conscious level when our "resistance" gets down; then at a cellular level between our White Blood Cells and invading Virus or Bacteria. I will primarily look at the negative Metaphysical qualities of the Planet Mars. [The Astrology and Art section will highlight some positive qualities of Mars as a Planet and Symbol.]

First look at these asteroid-like Moons of Mars, Phobos and Deimos. The names stem from the children of Greek Ares [Mars] and Aphrodite [Venus]. From the Greek Myths, the children are produced by the adulterous affair of Aphrodite-Venus with Aries-Mars. Phobos relates to fear and "phobia." By size and shape the Mars Moons resemble Near Asteroids and even Astronomers likely agree that they are "Captured." Prisoners are often taken in war. In Earth's history, captured prisons were often turned into slaves. Consider the instability, almost chaos-like behavior of these Moons. Our Moon provides constant regularity, so much so cultures based and still base their yearly calendar on the cycles of the Moons. Earth's Moon helps regulate the Ocean Tides, and even influences the Menstruation of some women. On Mars the larger Moon Phobos moves quickly, even going from a new moon to a half moon in some 4 hours before disappearing. Often it is eclipsed and disappear; and some 1300 times during the Mars’ Year, it "transits" the Sun. Yes the Mars Moon moves across and cuts off parts of the Sun.

Then, look at the massive flooding that appeared to take place on Mars. The Book of Genesis in Bible refers to a time when God is upset with humanity and sends a Great Flood to destroy all the "wicked." [Plato also refers to his story of Atlantis, where this once Great City loses its Moral Superiority and is destroyed by flood.] Violence and the start of War can feel like a "Flood” of Anger." After considering the deep, seemingly endless canyon [miles down] look at the huge ancient Volcano. The violence that starts War and Warring often resembles, "blowing one's top." The energies involved with Mars definitely seemed to "loose" it, overdo it. Connects look pretty clear, at least from what we can Metaphysically, Astronomically, and Physically observe on this aptly titled Planet, MARS!

About every physical aspect of this "Red Planet" seems to relate to the negative archetype and symbol of Mars as the God of War. Beyond the major dust storms consuming portions of the planet, is its erratic orbit, with a difference of some 42 million kilometers from the Sun. So called seasonal differences on Mars would be extreme. [Note, Earth also follows an "elliptical" path around the Sun, yet with a variation of only 5 million kilometers at an average distance of about 150 million kilometers.]

The Symbol of Mars as a God of War -

The Greeks and early Astronomers presented negative qualities of Ares-Mars as the God of War. [This stems from Homer's Epics and the famous Astronomer Ptolemy.] The Roman's often glorified War and even worshipped Mars to assist their warfare and conquering for territory. See below with the positive and negative representations of Mars in Art.

The Planet Symbol -

The planetary symbol of Mars of the Circle and Upward Arrow is used “biologically” as the symbol for "men." [The Venus symbol is used for Women.] The Symbolic Circle represents the "Spirit" being held down by the Material World of "Matter." In a biologically sense this symbol for "man" makes complete sense. Men are often run by desires centering on the Phallus. When excited the Phallus hardens and points in an upward direction. For many men, these sexual desires often control thoughts, actions and behaviors.

General Astrology for Mars -

When Astrologers real Horoscopes, the primary interpretation of Mars connects to the Zodiac Sign where it is found. Is Mars in Libra, or Scorpio, Taurus, et cetera? Astrologers will look at the Zodiac "Houses" and interpret primary conjunctive, triangle, square, or opposing relationships with the other primary Planets. Let's review some General Astrology and share some Astrological aspects of Mars.  

In a Personal Astrological Chart, Mars can represent one’s "Drive" even "Animal Energies" to fight for and attain personal wants. This “fighting” drive can be turned within, especially in the accomplishment of sexual or economic desires. The Mars "Energy for Action" can be Dynamic, Courageous, Heroic, Enthusiastic, Impulsive, Forceful, Frank, Domineering, Defiant, Violent, Sarcastic, Cruel and Destructive. Based on many factors shown in one’s Astrological Chart, Male-Centered Energies can be used productively, especially in relationship with Venus, Sports, and some businesses; yet, the propensities of Mars as a Planetary Power can lead to strife, tension and destructive aims.

In Astrology, especially for Astrologers trying to make a living in the business, the potential for transformative “breakthroughs” within of a Star Chart is essential. How can one harness the positive, while taming or transforming the negative qualities associated with interacting planetary energies. We could Astrologically write about a more positive representation of Mars; however, the traditional symbol and relationship with War is destructive and negative by nature. 

Mars in Art -

The 1st Painting "Hercules and Minerva Expelling Mars" [by Wolfut Victor II] is from the Hermitage Museum in Russia. In this painting, Mars may look like a normal soldier from the Middle Ages, yet look at the fearful expressions on this portrayal of Mars. This cruel, warring Mars seems to be destroying families and cities. [Notice the city burning in the background.] The subject of this negative portrayal of Mars as the War God really stems from the Greeks representation of Mars as Ares. The story of "Hercules and Minerva Expelling Mars" stems from the Greek version with the human "Heracles" and "Athene" expelling Ares.

Most of the primary Greek Gods did not like Ares, the God who loved to fight, slaughter men, and destroy towns just for the joys of war. Of course the greedy "Lord of the Underworld" Hades [Pluto] loved destruction and the constant wars that bring more souls to his underworld domain. Aphrodite [Venus] also loves Ares-Mars for the masculine potencies. In fact various paintings use the Venus and Mars “Lover” themes.

The next painting "Mars Vanquishing Ignorance" [by Antoon Claeissens] show Mars and his Warring Exploits in a positive light. As mentioned, the Romans seemed to transform the negative representations of Ares and War towards a more positive light. Here the gods seem to almost encourage Mars. The Caduceus Staff of Mercury is shown in a supportive role. A Christian-like angel holds a palm or branch, ready to Crown Mars. The river and city look beautiful. In fact Mars seems supported by attractive, Noble-like people representing the arts and sciences. In this painting Mars is definitely shown as the “good-guy,” destroying the metaphorical Ignorance. In fact the devilish long ears, make this personification of “Ignorance” look like the evil one. This image put a positive spin on Mars and War in general, especially for the Middle Age Rulers using war to conqueror, subvert and control their taxed populations.