Mars joins Saturn in the sign of Libra on July 29 at 7:46 p.m. EST and will stay through September 14. Mars is the planet of action, energy and movement. He represents our physical drives, aggression, passions, anger, self-assertion, confidence and the motivation behind our efforts.

In Virgo, where Mars has been transiting for the past six weeks, his temperament is moderate but discriminating, actions are measured and meticulous, and decisions are well-planned, having been analyzed to the detail. In Libra, Mars is more accommodating and gives more latitude to those he encounters. At best, Mars in Libra is objective and motivated by keeping harmony, being just and fair, and putting another/others' needs/concerns before one's own. At worst, indecisive, unfocused, does extra unnecessary work when being direct might be the better approach, easily swayed, and can be gullible.

Libra governs partnerships, relationships, and the ties that bind us through commitment. By nature, Libra is objective, fair-minded, logical, social, charming, friendly, peaceable, seeks balance, and appreciates the aesthetic beauty in its surroundings. While Mars is in Libra, we are reminded to arrive at decisions by being objective and seeking to hear/see all sides of any situation first before making any judgements. We are encouraged to find solutions through peaceful means, being assertive with little to no aggression, and that resolutions can be arrived at through diplomacy and communication.

During Mars' first few days in Libra, he joins in on the already forceful, tense and undeniable Cardinal T-square energy between Saturn (also in Libra), Jupiter and Uranus (in Aries) and Pluto (in Capricorn). Full impact of this cardinal alignment/energy/influence will continue to unfold in the weeks, months, years to come.

Those with their natal Mars in Libra have their Mars Return this year. That's great news, especially with the cardinal t-square culminating at the end of July with influence remaining strong through most of August. You can really make some headway with personal ventures. Astrologer, Celeste Teal, defines Mars Return as:

the beginning of a new cycle involving personal initiative and important new undertakings. Mars' return to its natal place occurs approximately every two years, and the time of the return will generally find one in the midst of assertive activity of one sort or another.
While in Libra, Mars will align with the following celestial bodies (all dates reflect North America Eastern time zone; give +/-2 days for life span of influence):

• July 30 to 31 ~ Mars oppose Uranus-rx and conjunct Saturn. Frustration. You want to but you can't. You need to but you're limited. Progress moving too slow for your expectations. Impatience can cause hasty decisions or actions which can only lead to more problems later on. Focus energy on what can be done right now; if that means making plans of future action items.
• August 3/4~ Mars oppose Jupiter-rx and square Pluto-rx. Clear the air. Fight for your beliefs/cause. It isn't always about right or wrong; sometimes, it's about what the best course of action is for the situation at hand and the available resources within the time frame involved.
• August 20 ~ Venus conjunct Mars. Normally, a happy, joyous meeting between Venus and Mars, but with Saturn and Pluto in conflict, things can get heated quickly and rationale might just go out the door. Or in an attempt to avoid confrontations, escaping, denial or avoidance may be on the agenda for today. But it's best to meet challenges head on and motivations driven by objectively finding a solution. Also, occurring around this time is the final installation of Saturn square Pluto-rx.
• September 9 to 11 ~ Mars trine Neptune-rx and Chiron-rx. Understanding. Forgiveness. Taking the high road. Not giving in when being baited. Paying it forward by helping another/others. Kindness and compassion.
• September 13 ~ Mars quincunx Jupiter-rx and Uranus-rx. Easy to get caught up in the excitement of it all. Keep objectives clear so, actions are not scattered or wasted on unnecessary work.

How might this Mars transit influence your chart? Look to the natal house/s ruled by Libra. Match the sign with the house cusps on your birth chart. Use the list of zodiac signs below to identify the Libra zodiac sign on your birth chart then click here for an explanation of Mars transiting those houses.


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For those without a birth chart, you may use your Sun sign or Rising/Ascendant sign, if you know it. Look for your Sun and Rising signs below then click here for an explanation of Mars transiting those houses.

• Aries-Sun or Aries Rising ~ 7th House
• Taurus-Sun or Taurus Rising ~ 6th House
• Gemini-Sun or Gemini-Rising ~ 5th House
• Cancer-Sun or Cancer-Rising ~ 4th House
• Leo-Sun or Leo-Rising ~ 3rd House
• Virgo-Sun or Virgo-Rising ~ 2nd House
• Libra-Sun or Libra-Rising ~ 1st House
• Scorpio-Sun or Scorpio-Rising ~ 12th House
• Sagittarius-Sun or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 11th House
• Capricorn-Sun or Capricorn-Rising ~ 10th House
• Aquarius-Sun or Aquarius-Rising ~ 9th House
• Pisces-Sun or Pisces-Rising ~ 8th House

Alternatively, you may cast your own birth chart for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required.

Are you celebrating a birthday? Schedule a session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Package Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months). Or give the gift of insight.

Have a question or need a quote for a more customized reading, ask me here. Or feel free to cruise on over to the AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum* to start or join a discussion.

What significance do planets, signs, and houses have in astrology? Planets have the function, the job to do. The style/manner they will use get that job done is defined by the zodiac sign they occupy. Where in our life the job gets done is determined by the house the planet occupies/transits. So, when Mars (aggression) is in Aries (bold), he is more assertive than when he is in Cancer (sensitive). When traveling through the 10th house (professional life), he may bring his confidence and motivation in matters relating to our career. While in the 11th house (friendships), we may be more inclined to having our social calendar packed with activities. Having the foresight for what may be coming up or receiving confirmation on what may be happening now are ways astrology can be beneficial ... as above, so below.

Related articles:

• Transiting Mars in Natal Houses
• Current Planetary Transits
• Solar Returns Explained ~ your personal year
• 2010 Cardinal Climax & Its Long-term Impact
• Cardinal T-Square with Saturn, Jupiter/Uranus and Pluto
• Venus in Libra ~ August 6 to September 8, 2010
• Saturn in Libra ~ October 29, 2009 to October 5, 2012
• Saturn Re-enters Libra ~ July 21, 2010

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"Slope Streaks in Acheron Fossae on Mars" -- image credit and copyright to HiRISE, MRO, LPL (U. Arizona), NASA.