Mars just entered Gemini, where he will be for the next 7 months or so. Gemini is an air sign, related to sideways movement. Mars is a planet that likes to move forward, quickly advancing towards our goals. Mars is impatient and in a hurry. He is focused and ready for action. Gemini is playful and may be unfocused. It is related to thoughts and communication. In Gemini, the excessive sideways motion frustrates Mars. Rather than moving forward toward our goals, we may go sideways, back and forth in many different directions, weighing options upon options -- seeking advice, doubting the instincts we once trusted and relied upon.

Mars is related to fire, Gemini to air -- thus there is a certain velocity to Mars in Gemini but it can be more like a cyclone if we are not careful. Enthusiasm for all our many interests may suddenly be upon us. In this way, Mars may be like a warm breeze that circulates our thoughts vigorously. But we must be very careful with arguments for the next seven months. I know that seems like a long time, but Gemini is a sign of communication and Mars is a destructive planet. Mars can destroy good things or bad things -- things that need to be destroyed or things that support us. The lines of communication between people are very fragile.

Those who have a Gemini rising sign will especially be affected for the next seven months. Also, anyone with planets in Gemini will feel them invigorated by Mars. Mars brings energy and vitality, but he may also bring accidents, anger, selfishness, "in your face" rebelliousness. He is one of the more difficult energies to handle. Mars rules the black and white thinking quality of our mind. It is this black-and-white approach that leads to arguing. "Things should be this way and they are not, so I am angry" - black-and-white. His black-and-white approach serves us when we must make a decision about what to do -- this thing or that thing, we must decide. Actions are black-and-white (the reason for the actions are subtle).

Mars is a planet of strength. Where ever he is by sign and house from our natal ascendant shows the areas of life he is trying to strengthen. The way he strengthens things is by noticing the weakness the doing something to make it better. Mars will try to destroy whatever is making us weak. Of course, this is based on our level of maturity and understanding. When correctly understood Mars realizes that all of our weaknesses come from within. In this case the active nature of Mars becomes oriented towards physical, emotional and spiritual discipline. It is no coincidence that martial arts elevate Mars energy from violence to discipline. We must make difficult decisions about what actions are right and wrong. A powerful Mars is willing to suffer for our principles and remain disciplined. It is harder to get up early and do meditation -- it is harder to eat food that doesn't taste so good, but that is good for us -- it requires sacrifice to stick to a regular meditation practice. Strong Mars gives these things. When Mars is acting toward a righteous goal, he is leading us to truth. When Mars is speaking, we are in trouble -- because he's probably arguing. When Mars is negotiating, we are in trouble -- because he's probably bullying.

In general, the cruel planets (Mars and Saturn) in Vedic astrology are willing to suffer -- in fact they like to suffer. Those ruled by cruel planets must be careful not to romanticize their suffering. They may feel as though nothing in life is worthwhile unless there is suffering, something is destroyed or there is harshness. Aries, Scorpio, Capricorn and Aquarius people would likely never admit it, but they love to suffer. Unfortunately, when unevolved, they may also love to make you suffer. Yet the capacity to suffer is also a great virtue because it implies the capacity to sacrifice our momentary happiness for a greater cause.

For seven months Mars will be working to strengthen Gemini traits. These traits include: communication, organizing details, being flexible and open, balancing masculine and feminine energy, (Gemini is called "maithuna" in Vedic astrology - it literally means "sexual union") exploring many interests. The way Mars does this may be a little harsh, but eventually it should focus the interests that are the most important to you, and likely destroy those that are not as important. Those who have air signs on the ascendant, especially Gemini, would be wise to become committed to disciplined physical exercise as a way to channel Mars energy creatively. Mars is very cruel for Gemini ascendant, ruling the 6th and 11th houses.

Also, unfortunately, the likelihood of War just increased a lot. Gemini is the seventh house from the Sagittarius ascendant in the US chart. Notice France today speaking about a war with Iran.

Whichever sign Gemini Falls from your ascendant will also be pressured, as that sign is related to Gemini energy.

Aries -- third house -- siblings, courage, personal efforts

Taurus -- second house -- speech, values, self-worth

Gemini -- first house -- personality, physical body, Outlook

Cancer -- twelfth house -- solitude, introspection, dreams (you may have nightmares - meditate before bed)

Leo -- eleventh house -- ambition, altruistic goals, responsibility to society

Virgo -- tenth house -- career, impact on the world, responsibility

Libra -- ninth house -- teachers, personal philosophies, religion and faith

Scorpio -- eighth house -- transformation, facing your fears, attachments to others

Sagittarius -- seventh house -- relationships on all levels, business and personal

Capricorn -- sixth house -- managing daily routines, service to the things you love

Aquarius -- fifth house -- children, creations, expansion of all sorts

Pisces -- fourth house -- emotional peace, family issues, domestic environment

Best Wishes,
Sadasiva
vedicastrologycenter.netMars in Ge