Written by Barry William Rosen | Applied Vedic Astrology
Mars enters the star Taurus on June 20th and will remain in the sign until early August. Previously, on June 16, Mars enters the constellation Krittika, which spans the end of Aries (26 degrees 40) and the beginning of Taurus (10 degrees 00). Two transits, one consecutive trip to Mars, and the energy in each section is very different.
Mars in Krittika: June 16th to 30th
Krittika is known to Western astronomers as the Pleiades star cluster. It is ruled by the Sun and carries sharp, cutting, purifying fire. God is Agni, the divine fire, whose symbol is the razor or flame. Mars, channeling the fire of the Sun through this sign, tends to break down illusions, expose what has been hidden, and encourage us to act on what we have been avoiding. From June 16th to 30th, you can expect to be easily irritated and short-tempered, but you can also expect some clarity. If you are an Aries or Scorpio rising, you may feel a strong need to start something, finish something, or finish something that has been dragging on.
In the market, Kritika has historically appeared in the down column of silver, gold, copper, and long-term bonds. That doesn’t mean these instruments will collapse the moment Mars enters Krittika, but this constellation has recorded a bearish bias over decades of data. Please do not read this alone, but in conjunction with the rest of your cycle work.
Mars in fixed Taurus: June 20th to August 2nd
Mars will enter the star constellation Taurus on June 20th and will encounter a very different atmosphere. Taurus is a Venusian earth sign, slow and sensual, and financially bullish. Mars in Taurus is famously not the clearest. The warrior wants to fight, but the sign wants to lie on the grass. Things often happen here through slow accumulation rather than direct conflict. For some, this is a great stepping stone for sales jobs, relationships, sports, and arts that require stamina. For others, Mars’ faithful path can blur into pleasure-seeking, sensual indulgence, or stubbornness. Take care of your body and appetite.
Mars will transit Rohini (10°00 to 23°20 Taurus) from around June 30th to mid-July. Rohini is ruled by the moon and is one of the most sensual parts of the sky. Aldebaran is that bright star. This is where the warrior’s energy tends to deviate into an obsession with luxury, accumulation, or security. If you have Taurus rising, you may find yourself involved in intense conflict in your relationships, but with Venus also active, your love quarrels will often be passionate rather than truly aggressive.
Mars will arrive in the constellation Mrigashira, known to Western astronomers as Orion, around July 23rd. Mr. Gasira is Mars’ own star, owned by Mars itself, and the energy here is more concentrated and directed outward, giving the warrior back some of his power.
Home aspects and daily notes
The big aspects to track during this Taurus transit are Mars’ 4th house aspect to Leo, 7th house aspect to Scorpio, and 8th house aspect to Sagittarius. In particular, the 8th house aspect can be sneaky and cause frustration in the bellicose sign of Sagittarius, the American Ascendant. Be aware of saber rattles and increased aggressiveness on precise flanks, and watch your own patience and reactivity during those periods.
Who feels this most?
Some rising signs feel this more strongly than others. Since rising natives of Aries and Scorpio have Mars as their chart ruler, this two-month transit is more of a chapter than a temporary weather pattern. Taurus ascenders have Mars in the 1st house, so they need to be careful of impulsiveness and overheating. Cancer rising has Mars as a yogic karaka and can benefit from his focused energy when channeled into service.
practical notes
- Mars in Taurus rewards patience and slow building. If you press too hard, something tends to dig into it.
- If you can choose the timing, avoid major conflicts during Rohini.
- Sun-related habits are useful during Krittika. Sun salutations at sunrise are simple and very effective.
- Strenuous walking, sports, or physical labor that uses the body for service rather than conflict are the cleanest outlets for Mars stress.
Learn how to read these transits yourself
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Source: ASTRO BLOG Archives – Applied Vedic Astrology – www.appliedvedicastrology.com
