Clash of Wills
Here’s what to do and not do when you have a Mars square Ascendant transit. Below that are some interesting things about this transit.
Avoid During This Transit
- Don’t start arguments or get into fights- tempers flare easily, so try to avoid conflict.
- Try not to rush into decisions, especially ones you make on impulse.
- Avoid physical risks, like extreme sports or dangerous activities- you might be more accident-prone now.
- Don’t ignore how your words or actions affect others; it’s easy to come off as too direct or harsh.
- Hold off on making big changes to your appearance or style, since you might regret them later.
- Don’t take criticism too personally- it’s easy to feel defensive during this transit.
- Avoid pushing others just to get your own way; cooperation goes a long way right now.
- Don’t burn yourself out by taking on too much or trying to do everything at once.
- Try not to react without thinking- count to ten before you respond if you’re upset.
- Stay away from unnecessary confrontations, both in person and online- they can escalate quickly.
Do During This Transit
- Channel your energy into physical activity- hit the gym, go for a run, or try a new sport.
- Start tackling tasks you’ve been putting off, especially ones that need a bit of courage or drive.
- Stand up for yourself if you need to, but try to do it calmly and assertively- not aggressively.
- Use any frustrations as fuel for creative projects or personal goals.
- Work on being direct and honest in your communication, especially if you usually hold back.
- Try something that scares you a little- playing it safe isn’t the vibe right now!
- Work out issues in relationships by airing things out instead of letting resentment build.
- Take action on something you care about- don’t just think, do.
- Set boundaries with people who drain your energy or push your buttons.
- Focus on projects where a little competitive spirit could pay off- maybe a contest or team sport.
What’s interesting about this transit?
When Mars makes a square to your natal Ascendant, there are some old-school, lesser-known takes that are actually pretty fascinating. Some ancient astrology books looked at this transit and gave it a special edge you don’t always see in modern interpretations. Here are a few of those obscure insights:
- “The Unexpected Visitor”: Old texts mention this aspect can literally bring someone unannounced to your home – often someone with a fiery or troublesome personality.
- Mirrors and Reflections: Astrologers like Firmicus Maternus mentioned that during this transit, people may see their own anger or impatience mirrored in others, making interactions extra tense.
- Warlike Dress: There’s an obscure belief that people might choose sharp, bold, or even militaristic clothes during this period – it’s Mars’ influence on the way you present yourself!
- Clumsiness & Scrapes: Some older texts warned of being unusually prone to minor cuts, burns, bumps, or injuries, especially involving the hands or face.
- “The Call to Duel”: Medieval interpreters believed you might be challenged – not necessarily to a swordfight, but maybe to a heated argument or competition.
- Agitation Among Pets: Mars squaring the Ascendant is thought to make household animals restless, reflecting the person’s inner irritability.
- Disrupted Introductions: Ancient authors said this transit made first meetings awkward, stormy, or quick to escalate, so it wasn’t a great time for interviews or pitches.
Experiencing This Transit
When Mars squares your ascendant, life can get intense. Mars is all about action, impulse, and sometimes anger, and the square brings friction. The Ascendant is how you come across to the world, so this energy hits your identity and how you show up pretty hard. You might feel like you’re running on edge- easily frustrated, wanting to act without thinking, or just having a super short fuse. Social interactions might feel more heated than usual, and you could feel like people are challenging you (even if they aren’t trying to!).
Challenges during this transit
- Irritability: Everything and everyone seems to get on your nerves. Little things can set you off- waiting in line, someone chewing loudly, or your roommate leaving dishes in the sink.
- Conflict: You’re more likely to argue, snap, or act defensive. Friends, family, or coworkers might push your buttons, or maybe you’re the one picking fights without meaning to.
- Physical risk: You might be accident-prone right now: stubbing your toe on the table, slicing your finger while cooking, or bumping your head because you’re moving too fast.
- Impatience with Yourself: Not just with others- sometimes you get annoyed at yourself for not moving fast enough or making mistakes.
- Stress on Appearances: You might feel insecure about how you look or suddenly get an urge to change your style in a drastic way.
- Awkward Social Situations: Meetings or introductions can feel tense, and you might feel like you’re coming off as way more aggressive than you want to be.
Opportunities during this transit
- Assertiveness: If you’ve been too passive lately, Mars gives you a push to speak up and stand your ground. You can finally say “no” when you need to.
- Physical Motivation: You might feel charged up and ready to take on a new workout, start a sport, or just be more active in general.
- Initiative: It’s easier to start things, whether that’s projects at work, cleaning out your closet, or finally having that tough conversation you’ve avoided.
- Improving Boundaries: This transit can help you figure out where you need to set limits- with work, family, or anyone else who’s been overstepping.
- Reinventing Your Style: This could be a good time to experiment with bolder looks or change your appearance in a way that feels powerful (just maybe avoid anything too impulsive!).
- Learning to Channel Anger: You can start figuring out how to use anger and frustration as fuel for positive change, instead of letting it just bubble over in fights.
How the Sign of Transiting Mars Modifies This Transit Square to Natal Ascendant
Read the one for the current sign of transiting Mars.
- Transiting Mars in Aries: You’ll notice everything heats up even faster! Impulsive moves and arguments are way more likely, and you might feel like tackling things head-on (sometimes without thinking).
- Transiting Mars in Taurus: The energy is stubborn. You might dig your heels in during conflicts, and things could build up slowly until they finally explode. Patience is tested big time.
- Transiting Mars in Gemini: There’s tons of talk and debate now, maybe even heated words or miscommunication. You might jump from project to project without finishing much.
- Transiting Mars in Cancer: Emotions run high. Arguments might flare up over personal or family issues, and passive-aggressive behavior can show up- either from you or those around you.
- Transiting Mars in Leo: Pride takes center stage. Egos (yours or others’) can get bruised easily, and any conflict tends to be extra dramatic or attention-seeking.
- Transiting Mars in Virgo: You’re more likely to nitpick, criticize, or get super annoyed by the small stuff. Disputes often come from feeling that things aren’t “just right.”
- Transiting Mars in Libra: Conflicts revolve around fairness and relationships. There’s lots of back-and-forth about what’s right, and people can get passive-aggressive if they feel things aren’t balanced.
- Transiting Mars in Scorpio: Emotions are deep and intense. Drama comes from power struggles, jealousy, or secrets coming out- nothing feels light and easy to brush off.
- Transiting Mars in Sagittarius: Arguments spark over beliefs, opinions, or freedom. You might want to run away when things get tough, instead of facing the issue head-on.
- Transiting Mars in Capricorn: The focus is practical and serious. You could butt heads over responsibilities, career matters, or authority, with a strong drive to “be in charge.”
- Transiting Mars in Aquarius: Conflict looks unusual or unpredictable. You or others might rebel for the sake of it, refusing to play by old rules or traditions.
- Transiting Mars in Pisces: Arguments get foggy or confusing- things might not be said directly. Motivation can feel up and down, and old emotional wounds might get triggered out of nowhere.