What motivates people? What gets them out of bed in the morning? How do they go about getting what they want? Look to the position of Mars in the natal chart for answers.

Mars in the Elements

Mars in Fire people (that is, those with Mars in Aries, Leo, or Sagittarius) are generally quite passionate. When they get angry, those around them generally know it. There's very little pretension with this position of Mars. They very much like to get what they want, and they generally won't hide this fact from you. These natives are far too impatient to play mind games or to employ too much strategy in order to get where they want to go.

Mars in Earth people (that is, those with Mars in Taurus, Virgo, or Capricorn) are rarely aggressive, but they absolutely are determined individuals. Their goals in life are often quite practical--ones that are realistic and attainable. They get up in the morning with the idea that they must work for what they want in life. There is a basic resourcefulness to Mars in Earth.

Mars in Air people (that is, those with Mars in Gemini, Libra, or Aquarius) generally have many interests and drives. These natives are especially clever about getting what they want. Unlike Mars in Fire, Mars in Air natives are quite capable of adopting airs and tactics to get and do the things they want. These natives are quite polished in manner. They'll rarely offend you in an overt way, preferring to settle things on an intellectual level.

Mars in Water people (that is, those with Mars in Cancer, Scorpio, or Pisces) are generally quite adept at strategy. They are emotional and instinctual people. They are unlikely to be directly aggressive about getting what they want in life. These natives feel their way through life--feelings and actions work in tandem. Although they generally aren't as flexible and polished as Mars in Air, they do employ tactics and often use roundabout ways to fulfill their desires.

Mars in Relationships: Synastry

When Mars in Fire and Mars in Earth people interact: there is often a conflict between creative instincts (Fire) and physical desires (Earth). While Fire rarely thinks before it acts, Earth is deliberate and careful.  

How they can benefit each other: Earth Mars can help Fire Mars slow down; Fire Mars can help stimulate Earth Mars to be more creative.

Common Ground: Both Fire and Earth are rather self-centered in their desires, and both want to put their plans into action. 

When Mars in Fire and Mars in Air people interact: they will often find some common ground--both are restless individuals who want to grow and expand. However, Mars in Air can be baffled by the way Mars in Fire takes things quite personally, and seems overly concerned with themselves, often ignoring other people's perspectives. Fire Mars tires of Air Mars's desire to talk about everyone else's points of view. Air Mars's theories and plans can be too detached, lighthearted, and lacking in passion for Fire Mars. Most frustrating is Air Mars's concentration on theory, simply because Fire Mars wants action.

How they can benefit each other: When they consciously try to learn from each other, Fire can help Air infuse some passion and zeal into their lives, and help put some of Air's ideas into action. Air can help Fire by offering more detached, impersonal points of view.

Common Ground: Both Fire and Air Mars people are positive, outgoing communicators. They both have a strong desire to learn and grow through their actions.

When Mars in Fire and Mars in Water people interact:  both individuals are intuitive and sometimes impractical people, but Water Mars may find Fire Mars too self-righteous and egoistic. Debates are fun for Fire Mars, while Water Mars prefers not to argue. Water Mars enjoys experiences that allow them to connect with their partner, while Fire Mars is far more excitable and self-centered in their expression. Fire Mars can be too direct and brash for the more sensitive Water Mars; while Water Mars can dampen the enthusiasm of Fire Mars, too often becoming the proverbial "wet blanket". Fire can quickly become impatient with Water's silences. 

How they can benefit each other: When they consciously try to learn from each other, Fire can help Water by infusing Water's plans with optimism and enthusiastic vision of the future. Water reminds Fire to be sensitive to others in their actions.

Common Ground: Both Water and Fire Mars people intuit things rather than analyze them. They are both warm people.

When Mars in Earth and Mars in Air people interact: there can be a conflict between the Earth Mars's desire for results and Air Mars's curious, theoretical nature. Earth becomes impatient with Air's many theories, which often seem impractical to Earth. Air's biggest complaint is that Earth is stuck in the material world, and Earth's focus is far too narrow. What good is theory without practical application in the real world? Why waste so much time thinking?, asks Earth. Similarly, Air can quickly become frustrated with the subjective and overly practical Earth person. Life is not just about what can be done--what is life without higher thought?, asks Air.

How they can benefit each other: Earth Mars can help Air Mars handle the details of everyday life, bringing some practical value to Air's many theories; Air can stimulate Earth to think in objective terms.

Common Ground: Both Earth and Air are dry thinkers who easily separate thought and communication from emotion and passion. 

When Mars in Earth and Mars in Water people interact: there can be a conflict between realistic plans and dreaminess. Water Mars prefers to intuit their way through problems, while Earth attempts always to find practical solutions. Water is focused on the intangibles of life, and his/her thinking and communication is infused with emotion. Thus, Water can find Earth too hard-nosed and selfish, while Earth can easily get frustrated with Water's plans that seem too impractical and dreamy.

How they can benefit each other: Earth Mars can give Water Mars some practical and useful tips on solving problems, while Water can teach Earth to consider the feelings of others when formulating plans.

Common Ground: Both Earth and Water communicate in quiet ways, and are not given to as much analysis as the other elements.  

When Mars in Air and Mars in Water people interact: there can be a conflict between Air's need to be detached in thoughts and communication and Water's desire to keep things personal. Water Mars intuits his/her way through problems, while Air is endlessly analyzing and considering all sides of a situation. Water can become quite impatient with Air's need to analyze situations excessively. Water just "knows" things instinctively, while Air looks to the world around them for answers. Air seems to detach him/herself from emotions during a discussion, and this detachment can be frustrating to Water, whose approach is warmer and more subjective. 

How they can benefit each other: Water Mars can help Air Mars focus on a problem rather than scatter his/her intellectual energies. Water can help Air learn about what he/she really feels, rather than thinks. Air may help Water think more objectively, and communicate with more refinement. 

Common Ground: Both Water and Air are concerned with their partner's perspective, and care about what others think. Their plans and ideas are less self-centered than those of Fire and Earth.

Mars-Mars Aspects:

When Mars in one person's chart forms a major aspect with Mars in their partner's chart, desires and passions are stimulated. These people will do a lot together. When the aspect is difficult (if it forms a square or opposition), the relationship can be a tempestuous one, as the individuals involved often get caught up in a battle of wills. Competitiveness is often the result.

Back to Synastry article.

Intermediate and advanced students of Astrology might enjoy our article, SoulMate Astrology.

Don't know the positions of your planets? Be sure to find out your personal astrology data online, at no cost.

Recommended and related reading:

Synastry: Understanding Human Relationships

CafeAstrology.com Notes: This classic by Ronald Davison presents the cross-aspects of each planet in synastry. The interpretations are insightful and warmly written.