Let’s see, where did we leave off…? Oh yes, we were discussing Mars in Pisces and reflecting upon its occasional propensity for being its own worst enemy. We’ve touched upon how guilt can be a problematic motivating force for this energy, but let’s move onto another critical topic when discussing Mars: anger. Because Pisces is the sign of “self-undoing” – the place where we metaphorically “shoot ourselves in the foot” – Mars can have difficulty with anger for a myriad of reasons when in this sign. Now I have a feeling some reading this post out of context and in a vacuum might be inclined to misinterpret my point of view on Mars in Pisces as being more controversial or negative than intended. As I’ve stated countless times, every astrological energy has the capacity to express in Hi-Fi, Lo-Fi, or in a more middle-of-the-road manner, and today we’re talking about some of the more problematic expressions of this energy is all. Rest assured that I have a much more panoramic and multi-dimensional take on this energy as a whole, but for the sake of staying on-topic and following a particular train of thought, in this specific post I am speaking only of the ways in which this placement can work against itself and wind up being its own worst enemy when dealing with anger. Pisces is symbolized by two fish tied together and swimming in opposite directions, and this imagery alone should give us an idea that it can indeed be at cross-purposes with itself from time to time.

Now that I have that disclaimer out of the way, when anger surfaces for Mars in Pisces, one possible manifestation can involve trying to ignore it and pretend it isn’t there; sweeping it under the rug in moments when healthy self-assertion is called for. Pisces energy can have a very “now you see it, now you don’t” quality to it, and it’s the inclination to dissipate anger that can lead to scenarios where this placement may be walked on by others if it’s not careful, because others may interpret this as weakness. Indeed, there can be a “conflict avoidant” side to Mars in Pisces to the point that its vision of even healthy self-assertion becomes skewed; where it mistakenly views “sticking up for itself” as “being a jerk”, thus inadvertently causing much of its own suffering in the process. It should also be noted …Read More…

With Mars making ready to transition from Aquarius into Pisces, we are about to experience a noted energy shift! Mars in Aquarius has been a rather frenetic vibe largely due the presence of a mutual reception between this planet and Uranus in Aries. But Mars in Pisces has an altogether different feel…it’s more restorative, relaxed, and concerned with motivations that come from an inward-focused, spiritual place rather than purely outward physical or social activity. Pisces is a reclusive sign you see, so while physical activity levels may not be as high as they have been in recent weeks once Mars dips into this sign, perhaps we’re a bit fried from all the social activity of the holiday season anyway and could really use an opportunity to rest up, reflect, or just plain veg-out on movies and catch up on some sleep!

Mars represents our vitality and physical energy – it’s our muscles, pumping red blood, desire, testosterone, and/or our “piss and vinegar”, so to speak. But Pisces is a very nebulous sign – it’s decidedly not “of the physical world” and operates on more etheric, intangible realms instead. This is the sign of the mystic, the hermit, the guru, and the dreamer, and when Mars enters here some of its physical “get up and go” tends to be dissipated and replaced by motivations and desires more idealistic in nature. You see, there has to be an element of the divine or even fantasy fueling Mars’ actions to really get him moving (swimming?) when in Pisces, because it’s never about pure physicality just for physicality’s sake. It’s not a matter of being lazy; it’s just that Mars wants his actions to have some kind of meaning that transcends the mundane whenever possible when he’s here! This is why activities like yoga, tai chi and qi gong are right up his alley – there are spiritual, meditative aspects of these pursuits being coupled with movement, which creates an ideal synergy Water (Pisces) and Fire (Mars).

When The Red Planet arrives in the sign of The Fishes (unless we’re a Pisces Sun about to get a Mars transit!), we shouldn’t be surprised if we find our energy level ebbing. Consider adapting to this state of flux and going with the flow rather than fighting it – try for lower impact, lower stress activities that engage your flexibility, like any of the above suggestions. Or try swimming a few laps in a (heated) pool and see what your muscles can do when they’re weightless…. if you close your eyes and turn on your imagination, perhaps you’ll find yourself transported to another place, like a sandy island in the tropics or an infinity-edge pool overlooking a gorgeous panoramic mountain scene. But don’t push too hard if vitality is low or you’re feeling run-down, as Pisces can also be an infirm sign and this could be a potential indicator that we’re coming down with a fever or flu. Listen to your energy level and what it tells you to do right now, because Mars in Pisces does sharpen the intuition. If it says “nuh-uh” and urges you instead to draw a hot bath, pour a warming cup of herbal tea, and curl up in a blanket, have at it without feeling guilty. That’s one of Mars in Pisces’ downfalls – doing something ill-advised because it allows itself to be motivated by guilt. A Pisces Mars has been known to be its own worst enemy from time to time, but we’ll talk about that facet (and others) of this energy the next time around…

01/08/2015