Mars in Astrology

Astronomy

Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun, with an orbital period of about 687 Earth days.

Traditional or modern astrological symbolism

Mars symbolizes drive, assertion, conflict style, pursuit, courage, and how effort is mobilized.

This symbolic association is part of astrological interpretation and should not be confused with a demonstrated physical influence on personality or events.

Mars retrograde

From Earth, Mars can appear to reverse direction temporarily against the background stars because of relative orbital motion. Astrologers attach symbolic meanings to that apparent reversal; see the Mars retrograde guide for the distinction.