Moving on from the Venus cards, we are now looking at how the energy of Mars is reflected in the Tarot.
In the Major Arcana, Mars is primarily linked to the Tower, and because this planet rules Aries, it also has an influence on the Emperor.
Mars, the “God of War”, isn’t just about disaster and destruction. Mars in the Tarot can also indicate beneficial energies such as drive, competition and ambition, which are vital to pursue progress and growth thus avoiding stagnation.
Let’s take a look at the cards that are influenced by Mars in more detail:
The Tower’s image is pretty clear about the malefic aspect of Mars; what we see isn’t pretty, and we can only cling to the hope that any damage caused can be limited or lead to the creation of something better.
The Emperor can demonstrate a range of martian personality traits, from the aforementioned ambition (in terms of the urge to conquer) and leadership abilities right through to dictatorship and tyranny.
Other martian characteristics include competitiveness, hot-temper, anger, obsession and infatuation, over-controlling, jealousy, ruthlessness and aggression.
Two of Wands (Mars in Aries) – This card is a harmonious link to the Emperor. Here, we see him as a visionary, inspired by his urge and enthusiasm to conquer the world.
The Mars aspect provides the drive, energy and sense of restlessness he needs to make a start towards his goal.
Mars may also indicate the need to dismantle old and outdated structures to create something new.
Seven of Wands (Mars in Leo) – Mars is reflected in a high-energy, stressful situation. If not careful, there is a danger of pressing the self-destruct button by over-exertion or tackling a situation too aggressively.
Mars may also indicate the need to gather up all your energy to get through a difficult period of time.
Five of Cups (Mars in Scorpio) – Mars has created mayhem in the realm of feelings and emotions. A loss, feeling devastated or destroyed. Inner turmoil. Something has been damaged, but just like the image of the Tower, the Five of Cups also indicates that something is still intact and can be built on.
The figure in the Five of Cups needs the forward-propelling survival energy of Mars to cross that bridge in the distance.
Ten of Cups (Mars in Pisces) – Happy families, or are they? Something may be brooding underneath the surface. A dormant volcano.
We know that sooner or later happiness gives way to more challenging times, and Mars offers a little warning sign to watch out and not take your happiness for granted.
Nine of Swords (Mars in Gemini) – Damaging and destructive thoughts; fears and anxiety based on the need to control what cannot be controlled. Fear of failure; fear of success; self-sabotage. Mars shakes up an otherwise balanced mindset into one of chaos and despair.
Three of Pentacles (Mars in Capricorn) – Friction and power struggles at work or in a relationship. However, Mars is also a driving force that unites people to reach a mutual goal. If they have the same vision of what they want to achieve, then they can also overcome challenges along the way.
These are just a few ideas to get you thinking about how Mars can influence card meanings. Here’s an exercise you can do:
Take all the cards linked to Mars from your deck and explore the connections and similarities for yourself. How do the Tower and Emperor influence the meanings of the pip cards?
You can use the journaling sheets I have created by downloading them from my Tarot Astrology online course page.
Warmest wishes,
Christiane
Oooh, I love this idea. I have a feeling I could use a bit of Martian energy in my life right now. Will sit down with my cards after work this evening, thanks for the prompt and the insights 🙂
You’re welcome, Sibylle. Embrace those Martian energies. Have fun with the cards tonight 🙂