Believe it or not, anger is a primary emotion and it has been programmed in us for thousands of years. An angry baby gets the attention from their parents. Frustration innately tells us we aren’t getting our needs met. It cues us to do something different to protect ourselves. Sometimes our anger is an outward projection of our fear. Fear is the other emotion that has helped our survival as well. Saturn at its core represents fear and how we protect ourselves. Oddly enough Mars and Saturn are the two malefics of the chart. However, they serve a vital role in ensuring our safety and survival.
Mars represents how we get what we want. It is the planet that controls our drive, our action, and how we pursue our goals. In a perfect world we could be able to sustain our push and focus. However it can be a temperamental planet as well. It also shows how we experience frustration when our efforts get interrupted.
Power Up! Parent Astro Power!!
Approximately every 2 years approximately the red planet returns to the exact place it was at birth. You can anticipate a power struggle for independence at age when your child is 2, 4, 6, 8,10, and so on. Sharing is not a talent for Mars, but instead it challenges your child to be assertive and go after to go after what they want.
Mars can be our secret weapon, but it can also be our undoing. Knowing where your kiddo’s Mars is knowing how this is going to show up is incredibly powerful for you as a parent. Working with the energy will prove to be more effective than trying to suppress it. To calculate your child’s Mars sign, go to www.astro.com and enter your child’s birth data.
Mars Through the Signs:
Aries Mars: Are you getting called to the principal’s office because your child used their fists and not their words? Welcome to Aries Mars. The red planet has his boxing gloves ready in this sign. Quick to temper and quick to cool. These individuals are direct and confrontational when they aren’t getting their needs met. These individuals need to know they are on the best and fastest track to success. Proactive channeling of this energy comes in handy through sports and competition.
Taurus Mars: “No.” or “It’s Mine!” Oh it’s a favorite phrase. If you disturb the status quo, you are tempting the bull wake up. They need transition time and don’t do well with sudden shifts. Make sure you give a warning shot before changing the plan or activity. They have a tendency to just settle into stubbornness as an act of defiance. Sharing is not a strong suit here. Try taking turns with a timer instead.
Gemini Mars: “Just a minute…” or interrupting others. Air signs as a whole don’t process anger very well. They use distraction to ignore the problem and will often times procrastinate. But once you do get them to talk about the real issue, get ready for ALL the thoughts (and there are a lot)! They don’t like to have their ideas criticized as they take it as a personal offense. They will also deflect with brilliant wit or sarcasm to show how smart they are.
Cancer Mars: “My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die.” The crab is the sign of Cancer. Crabs move sideways and will give room for others until it gets to be too much. They are likely to retreat an only attack if needed. Sulking and accusing are common ways Mars shows up here. These individuals like to feel like they have power with their emotions. But then they reach a level where the outburst is out of proportion to the event.
Leo Mars: “They did this TO ME! And it was on purpose!” The ego is this Mars’ biggest target. When they feel ignored, they turn up the heat until they get the recognition they need. Leo Mars children are those who are dramatic often exaggerating what happened TO THEM. It’s hard for them to see the world from another’s point of view when they are hurt.
Virgo Mars: “I was just trying to help!” Or “It’s their fault!” Are common phrases from angry Virgo Mars kids. These kiddos are convinced they know the right way to do things and everyone else is wrong. It’s the other persons fault because they didn’t live up to the Virgo’s standards. They will unleash their hurt by criticizing others. Their comments can be devastatingly cruel at times, but know it is more about their pain and frustration.
Libra Mars: “That’s not fair!” It’s a common phrase uttered by these individuals. They are quick to point out the injustices. These individuals have an easier time showing the wrongdoings in the system or authority vs. taking ownership that it hurt them personally. Look for compromise with these kids. Negotiation is key.
Scorpio Mars: “I didn’t do it!” Nope, but they were the mastermind behind the whole group acting out. And chances are, in the teen years, they are the ones who started the rumors. They know it’s about self control and won’t sting unless it’s a guaranteed hit straight to the heart. They will turn their anger into power and save up the injustices until they lash out. The best thing for you to do is help them acknowledge their hurt.
Sagittarius Mars: “But you aren’t listening!” These individuals want all of their ideas to be acknowledged. They have strong opinions and can insight moral and intellect to justify their positions. If you find yourself in a debate with your kiddo, best to take a time out for yourself. When you come back to the argument, appeal to what principles are “right,” not which person.
Capricorn Mars: “But they were in my way.” These individuals are goal oriented and will often boss people around. They are typically patient, but ambitious. If someone gets in the way of their plans, expect them to go to plan B to get their objective met. Instead, help them think out what’s worked in the past to help them move forward.
Aquarius Mars: “You can’t tell me what to do!” Oh, that freedom loving Aquarius. This is their big hot button. It has nothing to do with their plans, but more about who they are and how they are expressing themselves. And by the way, if you ask, “Why did you do that?” Be prepared for an extensive list of rationalizations. You can help them by helping them come up with better possible solutions that get their needs met and let them decide.
Pisces Mars: “Don’t tell me what’s possible!” Or “Why does everyone hate me?!” These kiddos have pie in the sky ideas and the faith that they can do it. They don’t appreciate if you tell them a flying car isn’t possible, because they will just answer, “It isn’t YET.” Stand back and appreciate their ideals otherwise you might find them sabotaging things covertly. These individuals are prone to use helplessness as a weapon. Help them take accountability for their own feelings and actions in the situation. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
For more ways astrology can show up through the years, join my mailing list for a free article: From Terrible Twos to the SATs: Astrology and Your Child