Mars is the 4th planet from the Sun. Mars is the planet of desire, action and energy. It also represents the survival instinct of humanity. People call Mars the fiery planet because of its colour. This red planet is extremely fiery and masculine in nature.

Nature of Individual with Mars as Ruling Planet
Mars defines aggressive energy in a human being. It is the dominant planet for anyone excelling in military, martial arts, athletics, police and fire department, or in any other competitive field. Mars is also strongly marked in people associated with production of weapons and explosives. The technical and mechanical expertise given by this planet also calls for builders, designers, surgeons, engineers and professional dealing in real estate.

Mars provides a person with independent individuality and idealism. This planet rules the signs of Aries and Scorpio. While Mars is known to give open aggressiveness to Arians, the aggressiveness is much secretive in Scorpio. Martians are also known for strong passionate and sexual affiliations. Under its strong influence (as made out from the chart), the subject can be of short temper and animalistic nature with amazing vitality. Mars is the power and confident expression of any individual.

Legend of Mangala
According to one of the many versions Indian mythology, Mangala (Mars) was born out of Shiva"s semen directly, when the long embrace between Shiva and Parvati was broken by Lord Indra"s intrusion. The planet of Mars is identified with the war God Kartikeya, known also as Skanda.

Effects of Mars
Mars is strong when placed in its own houses of Aries and Scorpio. It is exalted in the sign of Capricorn, and debilitated in the sign of cancer. Jupiter, sun and moon are its natural friends. Venus and Saturn are neutral entities to Mars, while Rahu, Ketu and Mercury are its enemies. If placed well in the horoscope, Mars give good drive for success, strength to character and good administrative ability to the person. When its ill placed, Mars makes the person short tempered, violent and cruel. It can cause physical harm to the person under its strength and make him waste energy on worthless things. A weak Mars in a person"s horoscope depicts lack of any drive, ambition, stamina or a strong character.

Colour for Mars Planet: Red.
Day for Mars Planet: Tuesday.
Gemstone for Mars Planet: Coral.
God/ Deity for Mars Planet: Lord Hanuman.

Mars governs bone marrow, immune system of the body and sexual drive. Therefore, an ill placed Mars can cause blood diseases, poor immune system and lack of sexual desire in men. Thus, Mars is a powerfully energetic Planet.

Mantra for Mars "Dharani-garbha-sambhutam vidyut kanti-samaprabha Kumaram shakti-hastam ca mangalam pranamamy aham"

The above mentioned Mantra for Mars means; “I bow down to Mars, the auspicious one, who supports the womb of all creation, shines forth with the radiance of beauty enhanced by love, and wields power in his hand. Om, I bow down to Mars

Importance of Mars in Indian Astrology
With fire as its element, Mars in Indian astrology is a masculine planet signifying strength and supremacy. The positive influence of this fiery planet is associated with courage, enthusiasm, activity, youth, vitality, dynamism, confidence, initiation, innovation and originality. Its negative influence connotes arrogance, ego, anger, stubbornness, selfish temperament and recklessness. Mars in horoscope can be both positive and malefic depending upon its placement. It can help overcome challenges, topple competition and win over enemies. On the other hand, its energy can be self-destructive too causing harm, injury, wounds, accidents and excessive sexual urge to the native.