Mars – Ascendant Aspects
Note that aspects involving the Ascendant are very sensitive to an accurate birth time.
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 strongly influence this position.
Those with Mars conjunct the Ascendant are highly 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–or they take on that role. Impulsive and assertive, they at least exude confidence even if they don’t feel it.
Note that aspects involving the Ascendant are very sensitive to an accurate birth time.
Alternate Interpretations:
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.
Examples of people with Mars conjunct the Ascendant:
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), Megan Fox (Mars conjunct the Ascendant in Capricorn, very close), John Legend (Mars conjunct Ascendant in Capricorn, very close), 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), Donald Trump (Mars behind the Ascendant, in Leo), 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), Kylian Mbappé (in Libra), Agatha Christie (in Sagittarius), Alice Belaïdi (Mars behind the Ascendant and conjunct, in Taurus).
[Because the time-sensitive Ascendant is involved, only AA data is used for these famous people examples.]
Mars square the Ascendant
With Mars square your Ascendant, you could struggle with misunderstandings due to a provocative approach to the world, which you may not intend. With age and experience, you may cultivate more gentleness in your manner.
This aspect adds a layer of impulsiveness to the personality. You project strength and spirit. Some might call you hot-headed, as you react quickly to the world around you, perhaps putting on a tough outer layer as a defense mechanism.
Alternate Interpretation:
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.
Examples of people with Mars square the Ascendant:
Squares: Victor Hugo (Mars in Aquarius square Scorpio Ascendant), Antonio Banderas (Mars in Gemini square Pisces Ascendant), Faye Dunaway (Mars in Sagittarius square Virgo Ascendant), Gene Simmons (Mars in Cancer square Libra Ascendant), James Franco (Mars in Leo square Scorpio Ascendant), Ewan McGregor (Mars in Capricorn square Libra Ascendant), Kevin Hart (Mars in Gemini square Virgo Ascendant), Steven Seagal (Mars in Scorpio square Leo Ascendant), Steve Carell (Mars in Gemini square Virgo Ascendant), Sasha Grey (Mars in Capricorn square Libra Ascendant), Cristiano Ronaldo (Mars in Aries square Capricorn Ascendant), Ray Liotta (Mars in Pisces square Sagittarius Ascendant).
[Because the time-sensitive Ascendant is involved, only AA data is used for these famous people examples.]
Mars sextile or trine the Ascendant
This aspect adds a pleasant layer of self-motivation to the personality. It boosts stamina, humor, and friendly competitiveness. It’s fairly easy for you to pursue your goals independently and to set your own pace. But if you want others to join you, it’s also natural and straightforward for you to gain their cooperation.
Your will is strong, but you don’t force it on others–you instinctively understand matters of give and take. This aspect adds a nice layer of confidence to your personality–you don’t always need to seek approval or reinforcement. While you’re not one to start a fight, you can hold your own if necessary. In fact, you have strong convictions.
This aspect is often found in the chart of a self-starter who is at their best when working independently. Your instincts for self-preservation are marked. You are enthusiastic, and your initiative is mighty. At the same time, you respect others’ space and independence, and you generally get along well with people. You appreciate directness and honesty, and you usually conduct yourself with warmth, spirit, eagerness, and a good sense of humor.
In charts with little Fire, this aspect can help compensate.
Note that aspects involving the Ascendant are very sensitive to an accurate birth time.
Alternate Interpretations:
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.
Examples of people with Mars sextile and trine the Ascendant:
Sextiles: Janis Joplin (Mars in Sagittarius trine Aquarius Ascendant), Salvador Dali (Mars in Taurus sextile Cancer Ascendant), Miley Cyrus (Mars in Cancer sextile Taurus Ascendant), Elvis Presley (Mars in Libra sextile Sagittarius Ascendant), Albert Camus (Mars in Cancer sextile Virgo Ascendant), Bill Maher (Mars in Sagittarius sextile Libra Ascendant), Caitlyn Jenner (Mars in Virgo sextile Scorpio Ascendant), Sofia Essaïdi (Mars in Scorpio sextile Virgo Ascendant).
Trines: Jodie Foster (Mars in Leo trine Sagittarius Ascendant), Brigitte Bardot (Mars in Leo trine Sagittarius Ascendant), Robin Williams (Mars in Cancer trine Scorpio Ascendant), Joan Baez (Mars in Sagittarius trine Aries Ascendant), Stevie Nicks (Mars in Virgo trine Taurus Ascendant), Whoopi Goldberg (Mars in Libra trine Aquarius Ascendant), Jim Morrison (Mars in Gemini trine Aquarius Ascendant), Eliza Dushku (Mars in Capricorn trine Taurus Ascendant).
[Because the time-sensitive Ascendant is involved, only AA data is used for these famous people examples.]
Mars opposition the Ascendant
With Mars opposite your Ascendant, you often get strong reactions from others. This position can point to a tendency to project your Mars qualities onto others, attracting people who express the energy, courage, and even anger you don’t take ownership of. Especially in youth, you may experience Mars qualities vicariously through others until you learn, with maturity, to “own” these traits.
Partnerships can be competitive, colorful, and perhaps combative until you discover that being active together with a partner is the best way to handle this excess energy. Watch for impatience between partners–you may need to actively promote more gentleness and sensitivity in close relationships.
Alternate Interpretations:
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.
Examples of people with Mars opposite the Ascendant:
Squares: Coco Chanel (Mars in Gemini opposition Sagittarius Ascendant), Justin Timberlake (Mars in Aquarius opposition Leo Ascendant), Lisa Bonet (Mars in Capricorn opposition Cancer Ascendant), Brie Larson (Mars in Libra opposition Aries Ascendant), Maya Angelou (Mars in Aquarius opposition Leo Ascendant), Dave Franco (Mars in Cancer opposition Capricorn Ascendant), Omar Sharif (Mars in Aries opposition Libra Ascendant), James Caan (Mars in Taurus opposition Scorpio Ascendant), Joseph Fiennes (Mars in Gemini opposition Sagittarius Ascendant), Martin Sheen (Mars in Leo opposition Aquarius Ascendant), Eva Marcille (Mars in Capricorn opposition Cancer Ascendant).
[Because the time-sensitive Ascendant is involved, only AA data is used for these famous people examples.]Note that aspects involving the Ascendant are very sensitive to an accurate birth time.
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More Aspects of Mars in the Natal Chart: Mars-Sun aspects | Mars-Moon aspects | Mars-Mercury aspects | Mars-Venus aspects | Mars-Jupiter aspects | Mars-Saturn aspects | Mars-Uranus aspects | Mars-Neptune aspects | Mars-Pluto aspects | Mars-Chiron aspects | Mars-Ascendant aspects
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Looking for interpretations for other aspects? See quincunx, semi-sextile, and the quintile/biquintile.
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Interpretations written by Annie Heese, unless otherwise noted.
