Mars, Power & Brahmacharya

Brahmacharya, in Indian Hindu tradition is more commonly referred to as celibacy or abstinence in the West. However, the true practice is a lot more multi-faceted than just “not having sex.” It involves the disciplining of the mind, emotions and energy, so they may be redirected towards a higher purpose, usually, God realization. This inner journey of battling one’s vices and having the will to overcome external hurdles during the Brahmacharya path is exemplified within the two signs that Mars rules: Aries and Scorpio.

Also, it should be said that Pluto, being the co-ruler of Scorpio, despite not actually being a “planet” (Thanks a lot Neil!!) is still a part of human sexuality that is deeply unconscious and downright scary. He is Hades, lord of the underworld. Great wealth is down there: diamonds, gold and other precious metals. But it can also be treacherous for those who have not prepared themselves through experiencing the previous signs (Libra = balance and harmony of self and other, Virgo = purification of self, etc.) This is also why Pluto is so cold and far away from the light of the Sun (soul-self). It is the very thing that we do not want to face inside of ourselves. We might use the pleasure of sex to escape from it. But, in order to ascend in awareness and consciousness, we have no choice but face the darkness and transform. This mythological perspective is intrinsically linked to the process of becoming a Brahmachari.

The Dual Sides of Mars in Brahmacharya

Aries is the external battle that we must fight. We must discipline the physical body during this process. Utilizing a strong Mars involves self discipline and motivation to do physical yogic exercises to transmute the sexual energy into the brain (pineal gland, third eye). We should be self motivated enough to persevere and embody a courageous personality, like that of the noble warrior archetype.

From the exaltation point of Mars in Capricorn, Aries represents the 4th house.

Indicating the as we move and work physically to transform ourselves, the emotions must be strengthened and a courageous heart energy should also be cultivated.

From the fallen point of Mars in Cancer, Aries represents the 10th house of action, reputation and public affairs.

Diminish the ego. There is no room for pride. One should not vocalize to the world how great they are, or even that they are engaging in Brahmacharya. In the same way that you don’t brag to everyone about how you woke up in the morning and went for a jog or went to the gym. It’s a lifestyle that must become an intrinsic part of the identity. During this process, we should not seek to put our identity up on a pedestal and flaunt our achievements in Brahmacharya. Yes, it’s no doubt commendable when you manage to conquer your lustful thoughts and transmute your energy, but getting a big head about it will lead to your downfall. But this path isn’t for other people to worship or acknowledge us; it’s for our own betterment.

The Truer Purpose of Mars

Scorpio is the true home of Mars, contrary to what some might think. This is where a Jihad takes place, in other words, an inner spiritual struggle to emerge from the darkness of unconsciousness and into the light of true inspiration, freedom and devotion to a higher creative power (Sagittarius). Mars is the ability to destroy what makes us weak. It should not be used to violently hurt or kill anyone externally, only as a weapon of the spirit. Mars is supposed to fight the inner battles, the spiritual and psychic warfare of the the mind. This is the battleground of Scorpio and the true battle of the human condition. The external world only mirrors back what we are. The state of our current world is violent, hateful, ignorant and insane. It is an indicator that the internal state of man is corrupt from having taken on impurities and defilements through all subtle bodies (physical, emotional, mental). Mars is the energy used to destroy impurity and eliminate the things that do not serve us. There is a reason why Scorpio represents the genitals and anus. It is symbolism pertaining to the elimination of waste and fecal matter, so that the body may be healthy. Likewise, there is [trying not to laugh here…] filth within our own minds that must be purged for the sake of the holistic spiritual health. As one develops the ability to delve within themselves, which takes far more courage than that of Mars’s first sign (Aries: fighting people physically and disciplining your body), one will be able to fight any battle on the outside without lifting a finger.

Remember that from Scorpio, Aries is the 6th sign.

The sixth sign represents obstacles, health and daily routine work. During Brahmacharya, Mars must discipline the inner realm by purifying the heart’s emotions and not entertaining thoughts of sex. But he must also face blocks and hangups produced by the physical body in response to this new lifestyle. The daily work must involve physical exercise and discipline. Develop a daily ritual to stabilize your mind and body. The two are connected, however. If one disciplines the body, it will be easier to tame the psyche. If one tames the mind, the body will more readily come to heel. It’s important not to rely on the luck of the draw when fighting the internal vices. That is, never underestimate your opponent. Lust is powerful and can overcome you if you aren’t diligently pursuing a more sattvic way of life. This path is not for everyone, not even for most. Very few will take it up. Among those who do, only a small fraction will actually succeed without reverting back to their old conditioning.

The power of Mars is being used to break and destroy deeply ingrained patterns within your human consciousness. These are commonly referred to as Samskaras. This is a Herculean effort, but the rewards are limitless. Mars is systematic and logical thinking. It is our ability to set a goal and finish it. You will need every drop of energy from Mars if you wish to win this fight.

From the exalted point of Mars in Capricorn, Scorpio represents the 11th house of gains, goals and collective greater consciousness.

With strong self-discipline and rigorous training of the internal state of being, one’s goals should shift to the transformation of not just self but the larger environment, the society, as a whole, will transform in accordance with what your will desires. This seems to be among the final stage of long-term Veerya preservation. As within, so without.

From the fallen point of Mars in Cancer, Scorpio represents the 5th house of fun, intelligence and creative fruits.

If we allow our indomitable will to be dictated by our most immediate emotional bouts, desire for comfort or familiarity, we (the soldier) will become too lackadaisical and whimsical on the battlefield of the mind. There is a reason why the Moon is fallen in Scorpio. Our energies get drained when our mind is constantly thinking about sex. The energy flows down, not up.

There is a reason why the mind is agitated in Aries, it is 12th from the exalted point in Taurus. The mind is losing its security and stability, thereby feeling insecure and highly impulsive. Do not allow these impulsive and changing emotions to distract you from your goal. It is out of this insecurity that we make decisions which pull us off of the Brahmachrya path. Unless a good Mars is present, one’s emotions will pull them in any direction. We must maintain focus and strict discipline despite all the changes around us. If the energy of Mars is misdirected, we will buckle before the power of the internal enemy (unconscious vice). From this point of momentary weakness, we fall and all of the energy cultivated up until this point will be wasted. This is a tragedy best avoided by wise council, willpower and discrimination.

The Moon being in Scorpio, in relation to the dual nature of Mars, shows us how we should not get lost in our emotional hangups while pursuing our goal, but maintain the Mars-like logic and drive to confront and eliminate the things holding us back (ignorance, sloth, lust, greed) in order to become strong in spirit.

An Astrological Remedy?

Brahmacharya can cure planetary ailments. Badly placed planets are just a misused energy from past lives. Redirect it, and you have nothing to worry about. This lifestyle elevates all of one’s planetary energies, as it works with the most powerful energy we have available to us: the sexual energy of Muladhara chakra – ruled by Saturn and governed by the earth element. It is the resting place of the kundalini serpent. Conserving and investing one’s most vital energies will reap enormous rewards in life. But it will come with a price, one that is too heavy for most people to bear. Naturally, most people cannot give up the sexual act, much less renounce sexual thought, which just the same, drains vital energy in a downward fashion. After developing a strong foundation, our house will be in order. The path of a Brahmachari is just that. We work on bringing light to the unconscious and compulsive animalistic sexuality, so that it may be used for greater purpose during a finite human life.

Mars has friends in astrology that will help him through this process. These planetary friendships also speak to the Brahmacharya path.

It is important to find a guru to aid your development in someway. Jupiter represents the teacher and prophet. Being exalted in the sign of Cancer, Jupiter helps mars to stay inspired, be given the guidance to calm his emotions during this turbulent journey of sexual mastery.

For a the Scorpio-side of Mars, Jupiter rules the 2nd house of nourishment, food and immediate environment, as well as the 5th house of romance, intelligence, fun past times and creative fruits. Use the inspiration gained from your teacher and the expanded energy to create works of art or finish projects. It’s important to keep the mind busy with something, so that temptation is never allowed in. Doing this, though, might make you the most productive human being on the planet. You’ve been forewarned.

When it comes to tackling the inner-demons of lust, anger and jealousy, the energy vampires of our mind, we should also seek to develop the right Sattvic diet (less meat, more fruits and vegetables) and discover a broader understanding of the philosophies behind Brahmacharya. Why are you on the path? Why do go through the trouble? There must be fierce inspiration and purpose. It is vital that we have a fire of purpose burning inside. If not, the path becomes too difficult to bear. It’s also important to hold the right company and approach the romantic sexual areas of life with a sense of devotion, love, reverence and higher awareness (5th house Pisces). Do not leave matters of willpower and action to luck or chance, take a disciplined approach to the path. You cannot underestimate the enemy of lust. It’s one of the toughest opponents you’ll face during a human incarnation. Don’t let it dissuade you, though. If you know and understand that you will reincarnate for eternity, then you have no time to lose. You must live the best life you can today and persist towards higher awareness, no matter the odds. If you don’t start now, when will you? In your next incarnation, who knows whether or not you will awaken to understand spiritual truths. Don’t take the chance. Do the hard work now. You will take all your progress with you into the eternal progression of the soul, from birth to birth. You won’t take your wealth or pleasures with you. Ponder that, if you would.

Brahmacharya: Managing our Energies like a Wise Investor

Everything in life is an investment, including where we put our awareness and energy. Sexual energy is the most potent and powerful in this world. Yet, for ignorance or lack of perspective, we squander it constantly. Mercury is the planet associated with how well we use our intellect to manage things. From the Mars-ruled signs of Scorpio and Aries, mercury shows us how the vital reproductive energies from the muladhara are managed effectively, or ineffectively. Remember, Mars and Mercury are not friends, but enemies. These two areas of life should not be together, but uphold their particular roles separately.

Scorpio – Mercury rules 8th and 11th, fallen in 5th and exalted in 11th.

During the path of sexual transmutation, it is important we use the intellect to manage and assess the Do not try and manage the creative expression of these energies. If left alone, they will emerge inspired and spontaneous, rather than calculated.

Aries – Mercury rules 3rd and 6th, fallen in the 9th and exalted in the 6th.

When pursuing the physical exercises on the path, we should use our intelligence to manage our daily schedule and where we put our energies. The mind should focus on one thing at a time and finish it, so that it may enjoy the bliss and relaxation of no-thought awareness. Do not intellectualize the path you are on, but take more of an inspired faith-based approach to it.

Venus: Our Sexuality, Passion and (for men) Women

We should maintain some physical distance from expressing sexuality with the opposite sex in our day to day environment. Better to keep the mind (mercury) busy (6th house) on beneficial productive daily work, than to lose one’s energies on physical pleasure (Venus). Because Venus is the opposite of Mars, it represents a dichotomy of energies that balance one another out. We need Mars to push us and make us work hard to overcome the battles of life. But we also need Venus to relax and enjoy the finer things in life. Too much of one or the other will lead to an imbalanced life. During Brahmacharya, Venus can be used righteously, just like Mars.

The Right Use of Venus for Scorpio-side of Mars

During the inner path (Scorpio), sexual pleasure with the opposite sex will involve a tremendous expenditure of energy (12th house losses Venus & 7th house relationships). The more these become a mental fixation or goal/desire (11th house), the more imbalanced you will be on the path. But if you are to make your passion and lust into works of art that are a divine expression of one’s creativity (5th house Pisces Venus), the more you will be aided in your goal. The sexual energy will find a release in the form of creating works of art and intellectual achievements, rather than physical offspring or wasteful semen release.

The Right Use of Venus with the Arian-side of Mars

When disciplining the physical body, naturally, one should avoid speaking about lust (2nd house) and consuming foods that will place the energy into the lower sex chakras (Swadhishtana & Muladhara). He or she should also seek to have spiritual-based relationships and keep a compassionate and pure emotional nature with others (12th house).

The Final Ingredient…

Now, with all of that said, a strong Mars might not be enough to grant you victory during the path of Brahmacharya. A powerful Saturn is needed too. Mars will give us the fighting ability to withstand the pressure and the courage to face down this difficult opponent of lust — but will we persist? Saturn will decide. Saturn is our ability to suffer discomforts and pains in the moment so that we may achieve something great in the future. It is a planet of greatness, despite its most sour reputation amongst many who reference him. He is the headmaster of the house of hard knocks, a disciplinarian that nobody likes to put up with. But if we don’t have Saturn in our lives, or a particularly well placed Saturn in our birth charts, it can be hard to achieve anything of lasting value or have the discipline to build anything: a great marriage, career, family, home, artwork etc.

Mars in Scorpio = Saturn exalted when in the 12th sign.

Saturn is also our patience. We have to stand the test of time and be in it for the long haul. Start practicing the cultivation of willpower and steadiness. Saturn is able to repeat the same thing every day until it attains mastery. We must take Saturnian approach to our emotional nature during the inner transformation and conserve our energy. Do not waste time in idle chatter, mindless entertainment and spending hours on social media. You have a limited amount of energy and it must be used wisely. When we are alone and taking a break from the business of the world, we can discipline our enjoyments of the senses and sparingly expend energy on relationships with others in a way that is mutually fruitful.

Mars in Aries = Saturn exalted when in the 7th sign.

While discipling the physical body, you should perform selfless services to others (society and the larger whole). Don’t give all of your time to people who do not deserve it. You will be wasting your energy and your life. You cannot afford to expend too much of your life force. If you do, you won’t have any left for yourself or your daily practices.