Mars - Ascendant Aspects

A planet in conjunction to the Ascendant always takes on powerful proportions in the native's life and personality. A distinction is made between planets in the twelfth house in conjunction to the Ascendant, and planets in the first house in conjunction to the Ascendant. When found in the first house, the native feels free—and compelled—to express the planet's energies. When behind the Ascendant in the twelfth house, that planet is just as powerful, but it has problems expressing itself in a direct and uninhibited manner.

Mars conjunct the Ascendant

The sign position of this aspect plays a big role in how overtly Mars-like this person will be. Whether Mars is positioned in the first house, or behind the Ascendant in the twelfth house, will also play a role. These are noticeable people, particularly for their ability to lead, take action, fight for what they want, and also for their independence. Generally feisty, Mars-Ascendant people are easily riled up and either on the offensive or defensive, with quick reactions to stimuli. They want to be seen as powerful people. Impulsive and assertive, they at least exude confidence even if they don't feel it.

Interpretation from the Astrology Profile for Women report: With Mars in conjunction with your Ascendant, you are driven to accomplish what you set out to do. You're likely to be seen as active and energetic, and you are also unlikely to back down from a challenge. In order to achieve greater harmony with others in the world, you may need to pay more attention to the way others respond to you, your actions and attitudes. You can be abrasive, or others may think you're pushy, even though that may not be your intent. Assertiveness is different from aggression, and you may be much happier when you feel confident in your assertive abilities. Driving yourself to the point of exhaustion is a temptation since you may not know when and where to stop.

Queen Latifah (Mars conjunct Ascendant in Taurus), Harry Belafonte (Mars behind the Ascendant conjunct the Ascendant in Gemini), Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Mars behind the Ascendant conjunct the Ascendant in Gemini), John Denver (Mars behind the Ascendant conjunct the Ascendant in Gemini), Henry Kissinger (Mars conjunct Ascendant in Gemini), Lord Byron (Mars conjunct Ascendant in Cancer), Stephen King (Mars behind the Ascendant and conjunct, in Cancer), Alex Haley (in Leo), Kathy Bates (Mars behind the Ascendant and conjunct, in Virgo), Nick Carter (in Virgo), Lou Ferrigno (in Virgo), Betty Ford (Mars behind the Ascendant and conjunct, in Virgo), Harry Hamlin (in Virgo), Gene Kelly (Mars behind the Ascendant, in Virgo), Peter Sellers (in Virgo), Sissy Spacek (in Virgo), Bill Clinton (in Libra), Emeril Lagasse (Mars behind the Ascendant and conjunct, in Libra), Dudley Moore (Mars behind the Ascendant and conjunct, in Libra), Julie Sweeney (in Libra), Christian Dior (Mars behind the Ascendant and conjunct, in Scorpio), Arsenio Hall (in Sagittarius), Francis Ford Coppola (in Capricorn), Jayne Mansfield (Mars behind the Ascendant and conjunct, in Capricorn), Heidi Fleiss (Mars behind the Ascendant and conjunct, in Aquarius), Ritchie Valens (in Aquarius), Dorothy Hamill (Mars behind the Ascendant and conjunct, in Pisces).

Mars square the Ascendant

Interpretation from the Astrology Profile for Women report: Mars is in a square aspect to your Ascendant, indicating a strong tendency to do or say things which put others on the defensive. In a debate or an athletic event this can be useful, but in relationship with others the same energy can be devastating unless you are aware of it. You may project anger more readily than you show tenderness, although other factors in your chart may offset this somewhat. Asserting yourself in a positive manner is quite different from boisterous or crude behavior, and you've probably seen the evidence of these differences in various circumstances. Your need to be seen as powerful drives many of your actions, and finding positive ways to achieve this aim can help you redirect your desires.

Mars sextile or trine the Ascendant

Mars sextile Ascendant
You approach life with a great deal of enthusiasm. With your overabundance of nervous energy you become restless if you're not constantly on the move. Developing a little self-discipline in asserting yourself can enhance your tremendous creativity. It would also help for you to learn the art of compromise. You usually state your opinions forcefully and then expect others to go along with you. This is not the best way to win friends and influence people. However, you do it in a rather innocent and natural manner.
You enjoy being physically active and appreciate a partner who can keep up with you. Even though you can be quite stubborn and seldom "give in" once you have dug in your heels, you have a strong sense of fairness and will fight to correct injustice when you see it. You enjoy your independence and will vigorously resist any attempts to restrict your actions. Because you are very comfortable with your sexuality, you can help your partner overcome any sexual hang-ups they may have. -- Interpretation from our LoveStyles: About Him Report.

Mars trine Ascendant
You are independent and strong-willed, and you have a talent for inspiring others to support your efforts. You feel good about yourself and do not depend on others to reaffirm your worth. You enjoy sports, either as a participant or as a spectator, especially when your side wins. You approach everything in life with great enthusiasm, including the way you express your opinions to others. Although you do not generally pick fights with others, you will not back down from a challenge either.

You have a healthy and confident attitude about sex, and you require an energetic sexual partner. You can be a smooth operator when you want to be and can charm your partner by saying and doing just the right things at the right times! Instead of depleting your energy, sex seems to energize you and is a vital component of your expression of love for your partner. You truly live each moment fully, with little thought of tomorrow. While this gives you an exciting sense of adventure, it also doesn't help prepare for your retirement! You enjoy your independence and will vigorously resist any attempts to restrict your actions. Because you are very comfortable with your sexuality, you can help your partner overcome any sexual hang-ups she may have. -- Interpretation from our LoveStyles: About Him Report.

Interpretation from the Astrology Profile for Women report: With Mars in sextile aspect to your Ascendant you may be a hard worker and are likely to be in continual motion. You're happiest when you are in active pursuit of something, and your energetic attitudes can frustrate those who always want to keep things quiet. Channeling some of this energy into fitness is a good option since you may become emotionally agitated and restless if you develop a sedentary lifestyle.

With Mars in supportive trine aspect to your Ascendant you can develop positive ways to assert yourself and achieve the realization of your desires. You may feel quite comfortable in competitive situations and are likely to have the ability to relate to men. Your physical vitality may be strong, and you may feel that you have a good energy reserve which can be further enhanced by staying physically fit and active. In positions of leadership you're likely to take an equally active part with those who follow your direction.

The trine aspect is the more dynamic of the two harmonious aspects. Those with the sextile can call upon these traits when needed, and those with the trine between the Mars and the Ascendant have incorporated the traits of the aspect into their personalities, expressing them naturally and consistently.

Mars opposition the Ascendant

Mars opposition Ascendant
You tend to attract volatile situations into your life. There is a provocative quality to you, even if it lies under the surface, which seems to bring out unusual circumstances and sometimes-hostile scenarios into your life. To others it may seem that you have a chip on your shoulder that needs to be knocked off. It is as though you attract these people in order that they may challenge you and then you can prove yourself. You tend to argue first and ask questions later, and this can make you hard to get along with at times. While you may see compromise as something for the weak, it actually takes great strength of character to meet others halfway.

You have tremendous creative energy and need to express it constructively. Often friends can be of great assistance to you and can offer valuable advice—although you don’t always listen to it! You tend to be defensive and to blow your cool when faced with tense situations. In personal relationships you may alienate others by wanting to take the lead a little too often. Alternatively, you may attract conflicts with partners. Your personal independence is important to you, but you must remember that only you have the power to grant the independence you seek.  -- Interpretation from our LoveStyles: About Him Report.

Interpretation from the Astrology Profile for Women report: Mars opposes your Ascendant, adding a competitive edge to your personality. You're not likely to walk away from a challenge, although learning when to stand and fight, when to assert yourself, and when to let the other person take their shots is one of your more critical lessons in life. To avoid being seen as abrasive, remain alert to the way others are responding, and think before you act or simply react! If you are not aware of your own need for power, you may attract others who are power-hungry. You're likely to resent them or to feel hurt by their attitudes, until you learn healthy ways take charge of your own life.

Back to Mars article

Back to Planetary Aspects

Looking for interpretations for other aspects? See quincunx, semi-sextile, and the quintile/biquintile.

Don't know the position of the Mars in your natal chart? Find out how you can get your astrology chart positions free with our simple steps. 

Interpretations written by Annie Heese, unless otherwise noted. (Please note that some of Annie's interpretations are forthcoming). Alternate interpretations from the Kepler program.