Post by aceofcups on Jan 16, 2015 15:08:18 GMT
MARS - Archetype of What and How we Fight
Where we had the process of binding together with another or in a group under Venus energy - and that the sum of the parts was greater then the separate separation. Here under Mars’ influence we have the opposite energy principle.
Mars ( Ares in Greek) is the Yang oriented God of War , warriors and soldiers, of Conflict, Strife, Aggression, Anger, Competition and Ambition, one of key principles of our separate Ego, to stand up and fight for what one believes in. It’s color is Red and its element is Fire, the fire of passion and desires - in it's more negative manifestations domination, power and control. It is one of the key archetypical principles alive in both Sports and Politics. Mars principle relates to Action. It is said to relate to the animal soul principle within humans.
It’s positive attributes are that it gives the ability to have Strength, Courage, determination and discipline. It’s healthy use can give one a sense of vigor and vitality, physically it is said to rule one’s muscles. Both Male and Females have both Venus and Mars energy and have their part to play in love-making, sexuality and desires - be it physical, emotional or mentally.
It is fight for self-individuality especially if one feels threaten. It is the fight for Survival and Active self-preservation - its archetype emphasis differences more than similarities. It is related to the principle of Action, be it physical, emotional or mental action. It can help us to get things done. It can help build self-esteem and determination but a bit more self-oriented here that the grander Yang energy of the Sun. When one hooks into the Mars energy related with a cause or belief one then becomes totally willing to surrender or sacrifice oneself or to the extreme - even die for that cause.
The Mars energy can get angered or irritated if its energy and drive is thwarted or repressed - this we see happening in individuals, groups of individuals and in world politics. It is the principle of thinking one is better or is right over others. Pure Ego in the extreme. Thwarted Mars can lead to psychological states of fear or panic - and unhealthy weakness - failure to act when one should have can go the other way to misplaced anger and states of violence and aggression. Conflicts can happen in many ways – they can be physical in nature, emotional battles or mental sparing like in arguments and debates. Just turn on the daily news you can see them all.
On a psychological level Mars acts our in creating our personality self's wants, desires and cravings. It is related to personal will and willpower. Spiritually -- eventually one has to temper or overcome one's personal will in order to align to one's less selfish Higher Will for the good of all concerned.
Mars energy when frustrated can manifest physically as irritations, rashes, inflammations, infections and fevers. Mars energy is related to accidents and operations and is connected with our red blood. Our blood which is spilled in Wars and from violence and aggression.
When the Mars archetype is functioning healthily, people will feel vital energy, strength, and courage but will express them in non-threatening and non-aggressive ways. They will fight only when there is something real and serious at stake. At the same time, they will always ardently seek nonviolent alternatives to conflicts, win-win solutions that benefit everyone involved. Sexual experiences will be pursued passionately, yet with sensitivity to the needs of the partner.
The highest form of the Mars archetype, as in says in Taoism, is “to act but not to compete.”
Questions to ask oneself – What is the point that Mars energy is useful and when is it not or the exact energy which hinders real progress or evolution? Both in individuals and the world? What angers you? How do you deal with anger? How do you deal with conflicts?
The following are two tarot cards which represent some of the aspects of Mars energy. The Knight of swords racing forward into battle with it swords pointing straight ahead. Determined to get its point across. The other card is the Five of Wands,, here we have a group of people each fighting against each other with their own opinions and directions.. Mostly when one is so much into own opinions they rarely listen to others at all.
