Mars The planet Mars is named after the Roman God of war. Most of his myths have been borrowed from those of the Greek god of war Ares, but Mars was considered to be more level-headed than the impulsive Ares. Mars was seen as the defender and protector of Rome and was believed to be the Father of Romulus and Remus, Rome's twin founders. The month of March was also named after Mars. The planet Mars is the second smallest planet in our solar system and the fourth planet from the Sun. It is often referred to as the 'Red Planet' because of the large amount of iron oxide on its surface which gives it a reddish appearance. Mars can easily be seen from Earth with the naked eye, it's reddish hue making it easy to identify amongst the other celestial bodies. Mars is the planet most like our Earth, although it is only half the diameter of Earth. Mars has valleys, deserts and polar ice caps, but it doesn't have any liquid water. It is home to the Olympus Mons, the largest volcano and highest mountain on any planet in our solar system. It also has two moons, Phobus ( Fear) and Deimos ( Terror) named after the sons of Ares. Mars has long been associated with war, anger and aggression, but it also has more positive qualities that are more useful to most of us. It brings the energy to motivate and encourage when you need a kick up the rear end, the courage to get out there and make things happen and the inner spark of creativity that feeds our soul. Call on the energy of Mars when you want to succeed, overcome an obstacle, for protection, goal setting and when you need some extra strength or courage to complete a task. To attract the energy of Mars work your magic on a Tuesday, use red for candles, altar cloth and clothes/jewellery. If you want to give your magic an extra boost you can go one step further and work out the planetary hours for Mrs, or work your magic when the Sun or Moon is in Aries. Carry a red crystal on you or make a Mars spell pouch using herbs associated with the planet from the list below or others you feel drawn to use. The symbol of Mars is familiar to many of us. It is often used to denote the male sex or masculine polarity, while the symbol of Venus is used to denote the female sex or feminine polarity. It has been associated with Mars since the 1500's with the circle representing a warriors shield and the arrow a spear. Correspondences: Day: Tuesday Colour: Red Element: Fire Number: 5 Symbol:
Deities: Mars, Ares, the Morrigan, Kali Metal: Iron Crystals: Bloodstone, Diamond, Garnet, Red Topaz, Ruby Herbs & Plants: Broom, Cedar, Dragons Blood, Gorse, Hellebore, Holly, Hops, Nettles, Oak, Rue, Thistle, Tobacco, Wormwood. Influences: Achievement, Aggression, Ambition, Anger, Conflict, Courage, Death, Defence, Discipline, Ego, Energy, Goal Setting, Independence, Motivation, Passion, Power, Problem Solving, Revenge, Sexuality, Strength, Success, Victory, Vitality, War, Willpower. Animals: Basilisk, Bear, Horse, Wolf, Eagle Astrological Sign: Aries Food & Drink: Artichoke, Asparagus, Banana, Basil, Beer, Black pepper, Cardamon, Carrot, Chillies, Chives, Chocolate, Clove, Coffee, Coriander, Cranberry, Cumin, Curry, Garlic, Ginger, Horseradish, Leeks, Mango, Mustard, Onion, Paprika, Pine Nuts, Radish, Turmeric, Vinegar, Watercress. Mars Spell for Courage A red candle inscribed with the Mars Symbol. ( I used a metal nail file to do this) Candle holder Matches/Lighter Herbs and crystals associated with Mars ( see list above) I used: red jasper, garnet, nettles, basil and cloves. Place the candle in it's holder. Charge the herbs and crystals with courage and place around the candle. Light the candle. Sit in front of the candle gazing at the flame and think about what it is you wish to achieve. Visualise yourself competently achieving your goal. You have the courage to achieve anything that you set your mind too. You have the courage of a warrior and nothing can stop you from doing what must be done. When you are ready either say the words below or words of your own: "As this candle flame shines bright give me the courage and the might help me to achieve my goal strengthen my heart and my soul Let it be so!" Let the candle burn down if it is safe to do so and you can keep an eye on it. If not, snuff it out and re-light it when you have more time. You can carry one of the crystals with you whenever you need courage.