There are no direct connections of Mars to the sign, Aquarius, though as a member of the Fixed Cross, Aquarius naturally receives an indirect impulsion from Mars (which is so active in relation to Scorpio).

1. Mars (in Aquarius) in Relation to the Dense Physical Vehicle:
Aquarius is one of the fixed signs, all of which tend to make the physical vehicle more robust. Mars in Aquarius confers strength upon the physical vehicle, but that strength is closely tied to the condition of the nervous system, and while easily mobilized, is not as enduring as Mars in, for instance, Taurus or Scorpio.

Aquarius rules the entire circulatory system and, therefore, Mars in this sign rules the entire “rush” of the blood. Hence the rapid stimulation and mobilization of the physical vehicle, but hence, also, its nervousness and high-strung nature. The circulatory system, therefore, may become supercharged, under the impulse of a highly stimulated nervous system, and, therefore, one those possessed of this combination may have to guard against high blood pressure, arrhythmia of the heart, and conditions of undue nervousness and tension.

The emotional and sentient vibrancy which the Tibetan is suggesting can only be augmented by Mars, the planet of passion and strong desire. In the early days of evolution, however, Mars in Aquarius, a sign of “constant movement” and of changing activity (EA 141), may give a superficial ‘out-goingness’ of desire towards all manner of objects of desire. But the Aquarian nature always deepens over time.

Aquarian ideals take hold and render the astral body easily aroused in response to that idealism. So frequently, in the aspirant and disciple, this combination will contribute to the desire for the new, and the sentient nature will be inspired by a vision of that new. This may give a general attitude of progressiveness, and the ready ardor to champion and fight for revolutionary causes.

4. Mars (in Aquarius) in Relation to the Concrete Mind:
Aquarius transmits the fifth ray constellationally and, before long, will be the principal constellational distributor of the fifth ray to our planet. “Aquarius is not today the active point for the transmission of the energy of Ray V. However, shortly, as the Sun passes more fully into the sign Aquarius, the triangle will again revolve and bring the Aquarian point into a controlling position.” (EA 492) Mars, as we have seen, is not only connected to desire, passion and conflict, but to “science”.

This position, therefore, will add a scientific component to the mind, and render it more responsive to progressive possibilities in the three worlds. All things being equal, the combination renders the mind more alert and alive, and responsive to the relationships between things. The mind becomes powerful in arousing the emotions and mobilizing the vital energies of the etheric body, for the mind is subject to the control of the mind: The Tibetan speaks of “the need of realizing that the etheric body is vitalized and controlled by thought and can (through thought) be brought into full functioning activity.” (TWM 77)

5. Mars (in Aquarius) in Relation to the Personality as a Whole:
This combination adds to the vibrancy (and excitability) of the personality, promoting activist tendencies. We must remember that much third ray is transmitted through Aquarius, and Mars has its definite third ray associations. The personality has the possibility of becoming active along many lines, and distributes and disperses its energies rather than focusing and concentrating them. Upon the later Mutable Cross and, still later, upon the Fixed Cross, the personality will often be motivated by idealistic tendencies and visions of new possibilities.

Scientific Aquarius is always interested in the nature of energy (especially electrical, invisible and subtle energies), and Mars in this sign gives the tendency to wield energy forcefully and, perhaps, immoderately. This position, for instance, might prove a danger to those whose job it was to repair high tension wires, and, yet, they would be attracted to just such work. The higher correspondences exist, and those with this position must seek wisdom in their handling of the subtler energies of the human energy system.

6. Mars (in Aquarius) in Relation to Glamor and Necessary Transmutations and Transformations:
Glamors will relate to immoderation, and excessive extroversion. There will be a need for restraint. The revolutionary qualities of this combination (which works somewhat like Mars-Uranus combinations) may bring about a disrespect for tradition and established ways of proven value.

Mars in Aquarius is an arhythmic combination, and may work against the wisdom inherent in the nature of things, in natural law. Eccentric solutions, deviating greatly from soul values, may be conceived. The excesses of National Socialism (an Aquarian movement of the lowest kind) were further exacerbated by aggressive Mars. Group glamors are also likely—especially with respect to militant groups which, believing too strongly in the rectitude of their ideals, act aggressively towards other groups.

The disruptive, stress-inducing tendencies of this combination must be overcome. Natural rhythm, tranquility and serenity should be cultivated. In general, there must arise a regulation of energy and a guarding against what might be called ‘over-electrification’ of the human energy system.

7. Mars (in Aquarius) in Relation to Sex:
Because of the group-distributive tendencies of Aquarius, and the sexuality of Mars, this combination is a counter-indication to monogamy, and (more so upon the Mutable Cross) may lead to superficial promiscuity and, in extreme cases, to orgiastic behavior and group sex. A kind of unnatural sexual experimentalism is possible, and deviancy in sexual expression. Such tendencies are frequently found with Uranus or in Uranus-ruled signs (thus including Libra). The sexual response is closely tied to subtle subjective factors, mental, emotional and etheric mutations having a strong influence on sexual performance. Sexual arousal is inclined to be rapid, but attraction and interest may rapidly change to disinterest and repulsion because of rapidly changing thoughts and moods. From another perspective, it is also necessary to guard against the transmission of sexual diseases, as the lower counterpart to the pervasion and omni-presence of the Aquarian influence, is the epidemic.

8. Mars (in Aquarius) in Relation to the Management and Expenditure of Energy:
Mars in Aquarius has a tendency to scatter energy. Aquarius, unlike Cancer, Virgo, or Capricorn, is not a contained or containing influence. The genius of Aquarius is distribution, but if desire is superficial, accompanied by an over-eagerness for a variety of experiences, the use of energy will not be well-regulated. Depletion can easily be the result. All this can change upon the Fixed Cross, but Mars in Aquarius will ever have to be watched for its tendency to break through protective boundaries, and its readiness to rapidly spend what should be conserved.

9. Mars (in Aquarius) in Relation to Courage:
While this is not, inherently, a war-like combination, Mars in Aquarius does have the courage of its convictions, and will be most courageous when motivated by ideals. Just as Mars in Leo has an inherent selfishness and egoism, Mars (placed in Aquarius—the sign which eventually counter-acts egoism), has an inherent selflessness—an ability to act from an impersonal, group-centered (hence, non-egoistic) position. These positive tendencies emerge, of course, upon the Fixed Cross rather than during the inescapably selfish periods of human evolution. There is always courage in selflessness.

10. Mars (in Aquarius) in Relation to Aspiration:
There will be keen aspiration for change, for progress, for different conditions. Once the superficial investment of desire energy (characteristic of life upon the Mutable Cross) ceases, there will be an upward reaching towards that which has not been done before. A reoriented Mars in Aquarius aspires towards a new world, and is able to arouse the aspirations of the group as well.

11. Mars (in Aquarius) in Relation to Idealism: This is a definitely idealistic combination.
Aquarius relates to the future—to that which has not yet precipitated onto the material plane. Idealistic Mars (under the sixth ray), also relates to the future—to the making-‘real’ of that which is desired. Eventually (on the Fixed Cross) the idealism of Mars in Aquarius relates most to groups and to group accomplishment. If the condition desired has the quality of pervasiveness—affecting many people, or even all people—it is far more likely to capture the imagination and motivation of the Mars in Aquarius individual.

12. Mars (in Aquarius) in Relation to Life’s Battlefield and the Readiness and Willingness to Fight:
The Mars in Aquarius person must learn that it is not possible to do all things. There is a “rush” to accomplish along many fronts, and this will almost certainly lead to a scattering of precious energy and eventually to exhaustion. Containment of desire is necessary, and the one desire (for soul expression) must replace the many desires which relate to the realm of personality. Aquarius is the sign of “unity-in-diversity” and of the “One-in-Many”. The mayavic tendencies of this overly-active combination have to be stilled so that the One may be discovered in the midst of the Many. Diversity can be the enemy; the disciple must learn which of many battles to fight.

13. Mars (in Aquarius) in Relation to the Nature of Personality Rebellion against the Soul:
An over-stimulated personality, full of many desires, projects and activities, rebels against the soul through self-preoccupation. Further, the soul is group-conscious, and seeks love, harmony and cooperation within and among groups. Mars in Aquarius is often inharmonious and, worse, disruptive of harmonious group process. This combination makes a progressive revolutionary (if the sense of values accords with soul values), but what if the revolution is against the soul itself?

From another perspective, Aquarius is a sign of synthesis and is often (due to inclusiveness and much experience) multi-talented. If, however, there is an over-absorption in the expression of the many talents and abilities of the personality, the individual may well forget what those gifts are for, and may love his own abilities more than he loves the soul (which those abilities are meant to serve).

14. Mars (in Aquarius) in Relation to Personality Cooperation with the Soul:
When the aspiration of Mars is idealistically dedicated to the service of the Ashram and the Hierarchy (both under Aquarius), then the soul has a multi-talented personality to carry out its intentions. There is the willingness to enter into diverse fields to promote the work of unification and synthesis.

Aquarius unites the many energies and forces into wholeness, and Mars gives the ready impelling energy to do so. Aquarius is the “Man for all seasons” and Mars gives the courage to undertake the burden of working in this broad, expansive and often complicated way. Soul-life is much broader in scope than personality life, and with Mars in Aquarius, there is a eager entry into the abundant, wider life which Aquarius seeks to bestow. With this break-through combination, we have one who dares to be more.

15. Mars in Relation to Personality Rebellion:
The form of rebellion centers around the unsettling effect of chaotic nervous forces. In many ways the soul is Leo, demanding a concentration of energy in service of the Solar Angel. Mars in Aquarius disrupts the efforts of the soul to control the expression of the personality.

A Few Miscellaneous Meanings of Mars in Aquarius