The Beneficience of Mars

Vedic Astrology is an event and trend analysis system. It provides the means for its practitioners to determine behaviour over time. Vedic astrology is a prevention-oriented method aimed at avoiding danger before it arises and taking proper action at favourable times. Some pertinent sayings related to Vedic astrology are, “the best  way  to get rid of a snake is when it is really small,” and “set sail while the sailing  is good.”

The interpretations given by Vedic astrology practitioners are derived from a systematic analysis of planets, fine-tuned over thousands of years of Rishi-inspired and Guru-guided practice. The characteristics of the planets are determined from the manner in which the planets are positioned and how they interact with each other. The analysis of planets also aims at determining their strong or weak and favourable or unfavourable nature. The ground rules of Vedic astrology state that certain planets are by nature strong or weak and favourable or unfavourable.

According to Phaladeepika, Adhyaya II, Sloka 27: 

From this statement, we can see that Mars is qualified as a malefic planet.

The system of Vedic astrology lists both favourable and unfavourable characteristics for each planet, even if the planet is by nature a predominant malefic or benefic influencer There is a general rule in quantum physics stating the parts of a system change through their participation in a system. While a planet might be inherently unpleasant in its actions and effects, it might also be that these traits can be viewed along a spectrum of good and evil. The planet needs to be examined in terms of how it plays and displays itself in the highly variable constraints of a particular chart and life circumstance.

This paper will review one particular planet, Mars, who is intrinsically regarded as malefic or unfavourable in his bearing. Mars induces trepidation in many Vedic astrology practitioners and clients to the point that he is called Mangala, the auspicious one. He is given a sweet name in the hope of calming his natural fury. Practitioners are traditionally careful not to agitate Angaraka (Mars as the burning coal), in any way. According to Saravali, Mars is Kruradrik (boldly cruel), Bhumisuta (Earth son), Ara (speedy), Rakta (red, blood, impassioned) and Vakra (crooked).

Although Mars is traditionally regarded as cruel and productive of evil actions, an examination of the literature will reveal that there are some positive and purposeful influences generated by Mars. We shall look at several classical texts to explore the positive nature of Mars. There is something good that lies beneath the characteristically unpleasant and inflammatory nature of Mars. Mars is Pitta Dosha or fiery and Rajo Guna or a spur to action. He is the commander-in-chief of the planetary cabinet. The characteristics of Mars can be seen along a continuum of positive to negative. In general, an action generated by Mars can be unpleasant or malefic in its execution but potentially Subha or favourable in the outcome he generates.

Mars has both favourable and unfavorable qualities.

Favorable • Destruction of enemies, gains from rulers, lands, brothers.

Unfavorable • He will have hatred among his children, wife, friends, brothers, learned men, and preceptors. He will suffer from thirst, bloody diseases, fever, bile, fractures. He will be fond of others’ wives, sinful men and uncharitable deeds. He will be harsh, hot and evil-tempered.

Favorable • Daring acts, strength, energy, prowess, mental dignity (loftiness of thought), commanding an army, exceedingly generous, youthful appearance.

Unfavorable • Cruelty, battle, odium, weapon, thieves, enemies, attachment to females not his own, uttering falsehood, sin, and wounds, wrathful.

Favorable • Energizer, courageous, heroic, powerful, strong, endurance, determination, independent, active, practical, organizer, self-confident, observant, friendly, affectionate, inventive, mechanical, generous, active, idealistic, independent, original, adventurous, dashing, ambitious, foresight, undeterred by obstacles, earnings, sharp, frank, gains through speculation, firm, love for new ideas, self-willed, noble offspring, results oriented, large hearted, great efforts, rational, witty, inventive, sportive, dexterity, precision, youthful, zestful, charming, attractive.

Unfavorable • Fiery, driven, destructive, barren, dry, sharp, combative, dictator, exacting, jealous, violent, wars, epidemics, debauched, ruthless, cruel, aggressive, rash, conceited, untruthful, unreliable, foolish, hasty, impulsive, combative, fear of fire, expenditures, over critical, unpopular, trouble through siblings, danger through fire and theft, gambler, too much speculation, overly enthusiastic, struggles, separates from friends, cross, hasty, obstinate, invites hostility, rivalry, opposition, inclined towards inferiors, reverses through business and love affairs, indifferent to others, sudden or violent accidents, unfriendly, unsociable, selfish, indifferent to others, multiple marriages, trouble through brothers, high hopes, strife with superiors, over-estimation, forceful speech, strife with superiors, frankness invites foes and causes separation, anxious, poisoning, careless speech and action, over excited, indifferent to consequences, untrustworthy, loss due to selfish nature, struggle and limited means, indiscreet, dishonest, deserted by own people, bad name, lustful, dependent, shriveled, strife, controversy, evil spirits, vicious, unhappy, cold to mother, undependable friend, short tempered, intolerant of partner, trouble from the king, enemies, thieves, quarrels with brothers, sons, foes, and friends, fear from evil spirits, gandharvas, and frightful demons and diseases.

Favorable • He has a strong body. He is as bright, as burning fire. He is more intelligent and is courageous. He is an  accomplished speaker. he is adventurous.

Unfavorable• He is not steady in disposition. He causes injury. He is wrathful and is skillful in hurting. Mars rules destruction , swooning, and thieves.

Favorable•  Mars is extremely generous.

Unfavorable • By nature Mars is very cruel. He is fickle-minded and ferocious. He is rash in his actions.

To this point we have examined the traits of Mars as documented by at least five highly authoritative classical works. Out of the body of Vedic literature on Mars, we can see certain favorable and unfavorable key themes emerging. It is the intention of this article to offer a exposure to some of the more favorable aspects or balanced qualities of Mars, to counteract the trend of viewing Mars in predominantly negative or malefic terms.

If we were to take some of these unfavorable themes of Mars we could see that they are positioned along a spectrum of behavior. Some of the behaviors of Mars are even negative or unpleasant in their delivery but can actually be favorable in the outcomes they produce as shown in Table I.

We can also look at some of the effective qualities of Mars from a modern day perspective. In October, 2014, Peter Economy, a writer for Inc. Magazine, listed the “Ten Habits of Highly Successful Leaders.” Mr. Economy stated that ” truly outstanding leaders cause their passions and enthusiasm to set a charge into then- organizations.” Successful executives need to harness the positive energy of Mars, the chief executive planet. One can see the favorable characteristics of Mars displayed in the following ten habits (Table II). Some of these habits also warn us of the negative aspects of Mars that still need to be watched so that the executive can function effectively over time.

Table II: Habits Mars can generate

Confident but not arrogant

A persuasive communicator

Sensitive and responsive to other

Determined

Supportive

Distinguished

Responsible

An optimist

Honest

Organized and together

 

Mars is the indicator for speed, execution, and fiery behavior. He gets things done for good or bad.

This article has examined how Mars is viewed as basically unfavorable by nature. However, it is also acceptable to view Mars as contributing to positive outcomes. Mars’ portfolio of behaviors, while apparently unpleasant, is often beneficial in the end. Overall, we should not be afraid of Mars and actually learn to harness Mars’ vigor for positive ends. Finally, a quote from Phaladeepika, can give us hope about how to work with Mars. “Planets are always good to those who are gentle and do not harm anybody, possess self-control, earn wealth through noble means and observe a religious discipline.”

Courtesy: Modern Astrology (Dr. William R. Levacy)