Tense drive or restless ambition
Here’s what to do and not do when you have a Mars sesquisquare Sun transit. Below that are some interesting things about this transit.
Avoid During This Transit
- Don’t start big arguments- you’ll feel extra irritable, and things can escalate fast.
- Try not to make impulsive decisions, especially about work or relationships. Mars adds a “rush in and regret it later” vibe.
- Avoid overexerting yourself physically- injuries can happen if you push too hard.
- Don’t take on more competition than you can handle right now. It’s easy to overestimate your strength or underestimate others.
- Hold off on any ultimatums or dramatic confrontations. Your patience is lower than usual.
- Try not to drive aggressively or lose your patience in traffic. Road rage is more likely under this energy.
- Avoid risky activities in general, from extreme sports to gambling. This isn’t the best time for bold moves.
- Don’t skip self-care or rest, thinking you can “power through”- your energy may not match your ambition.
- Be careful with sharp objects, tools, or anything mechanical. Accidents are more common now.
- Try not to take criticism too personally- it’s easy to react with anger instead of keeping your cool.
Do During This Transit
- Channel your energy: Use any built-up tension for exercise, sports, or physical projects. It’s a great time to be active!
- Tackle challenges head-on: If you’ve been avoiding a difficult task, now’s a good moment to face it. You’ve got the energy to push through.
- Work on personal goals: Set small, personal targets. The drive you have now can help you make real progress.
- Stand up for yourself: If you need to assert your boundaries or speak up, this transit gives you courage. Just try not to go overboard or get into fights.
- Start a new fitness routine: Mars gives motivation to move your body- try a new exercise or join a class!
- Get creative with your frustrations: If you feel irritated, put that passion into art, music, writing, or anything hands-on.
- Practice patience: Tempers can flare, so take a few deep breaths before reacting to annoying situations. It’s a good time to work on self-control.
- Work independently: If teamwork feels tough, it’s okay to focus on your own projects for now.
- Reflect on your desires: Think about what you really want. Mars can highlight your inner drive- use this to set intentions for the future.
What’s interesting about this transit?
- In some older astrology texts, Mars making a sesquisquare (also called a sesquiquadrate, or 135-degree aspect) to the Sun was known as an “irritating illumination”- meaning it throws light on stuff that’s been bothering you that you’ve tried to ignore.
- Medieval astrologers sometimes called this transit “The Spur of Mars,” because it was believed to spark reckless ambition and sudden outbursts. People would supposedly act like a horse that’s suddenly been kicked- jumpy, restive, a bit unreasonable.
- In Renaissance era notes, Mars sesquisquare Sun was associated with “combust clashes”- meaning small conflicts becoming bigger, sometimes between generations (like parent and teen, or older/younger coworkers).
- There’s a little-known belief from the 19th century that this transit could trigger “burnt offerings”- old habits or pride being symbolically burned away through a heated encounter with someone or some event that really pushes buttons.
- An obscure Eastern European source said this aspect could tempt a person to act too soon, behaving a bit like a “red fox on hot coals”- quick, antsy, but maybe not all that strategic.
Experiencing This Transit
When Mars forms a sesquisquare (135 degrees) to your natal Sun, you’ll probably feel a jumpy, restless vibe in the air. Stuff that normally rolls off your back might start to bug you. You might have more energy, but also get frustrated if you don’t have a good way to use it. Some astrologers call this a “minor hard aspect,” meaning the tension is there, but not quite as obvious as a square or opposition. Still, it pushes buttons in weird places, and stuff just feels “off.”
You may suddenly want to prove yourself or feel like you have to stand up for who you are. But things can come out sideways: a sarcastic comment, a quick temper, or picking fights over tiny things you wouldn’t usually care about. Small is the key here- the issues might seem petty, but the feelings behind them are real.
Challenges During This Transit
- Short Fuse: It’s easier to snap at people, especially if you feel dismissed or like people aren’t taking you seriously. You might find yourself arguing over things that really don’t matter much.
- Feeling Pushed or Ignored: Old insecurities about getting enough respect, being appreciated, or having your voice heard can bubble up, sometimes for no obvious reason.
- Impatience: You want things to happen right now. When stuff drags, you get edgy. This can make you start things without thinking them through, or jump into conversations too quickly.
- Burnout: You might burn the candle at both ends, because Mars gives that pushy energy. But if you don’t pace yourself, you could end up exhausted or even physically tense (like headaches or muscle tightness).
- Unintended Drama: Petty conflicts can blow up. You might mean to make a point but wind up in more drama than you expected.
Opportunities During This Transit
- Motivation to Change: All this jumpy tension can actually get you off the couch and moving. It’s a good time to tackle stuff you’ve been avoiding, especially if you can channel the energy somewhere useful- like fixing a small but nagging problem at work or home.
- Standing Up for Yourself: It’s easier to be direct about what you need. If someone’s been pushing your buttons for a while, you may finally say something and set a boundary.
- Spotting Hidden Frustrations: This transit brings up annoyances you didn’t realize you had. Now that you see them, you can figure out what really matters and let the rest go.
- Quick Creative Bursts: Mars can light a fire under your creativity. It’s a good window for quick, passionate projects- writing a ranty poem, making up a new playlist, revamping your space, or going on a spontaneous adventure.
- Tests of Character: Challenging moments can show you how strong you really are. Make a choice you feel proud of, and let that be a confidence boost for next time.
How the Sign of Transiting Mars Modifies This Transit Sesquisquare to Natal Sun
Read the one for the current sign of transiting Mars.
- Transiting Mars in Aries: You’ll feel extra impatient and quick-tempered. It’s easy to act before you think, so watch out for snapping at people or rushing into things.
- Transiting Mars in Taurus: Frustration can simmer quietly. You might get stubborn and dig in your heels during conflicts, but once you’re pushed too far, it’s hard to hold back.
- Transiting Mars in Gemini: Arguments can spark up fast, especially around communication and misunderstandings. Restlessness could make you jump from one thing to the next without finishing.
- Transiting Mars in Cancer: Emotions drive your actions- a lot. You might feel moody or reactive, especially at home or with family. Be careful of holding onto grudges.
- Transiting Mars in Leo: Your pride flares up easily. If you feel slighted or ignored, you could overreact dramatically. On the flip side, it’s easier to stand up for yourself than usual.
- Transiting Mars in Virgo: Irritation comes out as nitpicking or frustration with details. You might get annoyed by little things or feel pushed to “fix” people and situations.
- Transiting Mars in Libra: Conflicts revolve around relationships and fairness. You might avoid direct confrontation, but passive-aggressive vibes can pop up. Compromise may feel extra hard.
- Transiting Mars in Scorpio: Intensity is the mood. You could get caught up in power struggles or jealousies. Emotional reactions are deep, so try not to brood or plot revenge if things get tense.
- Transiting Mars in Sagittarius: You’re quick to argue about your beliefs or plans. Watch for blunt comments or impulsively running off in another direction if you don’t get your way.
- Transiting Mars in Capricorn: Ambition turns up a notch, but so does frustration with authority and obstacles. You might butt heads at work or feel blocked in your goals, getting extra determined- or irritated.
- Transiting Mars in Aquarius: Rebellious streaks show up. It’s easy to feel annoyed by rules, groups, or anything that cramps your style. Arguments can get weird or come out of nowhere.
- Transiting Mars in Pisces: You react more to atmospheres than facts. Irritations can be confusing or come out sideways. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s tempting to escape instead of dealing directly.