Mars-Saturn Conjunction in Libra August 14 to 28 Sept, 2012

Mars, the commander in chief of heavenly bodies, finally moving out of earthy and workaholic sign Virgo to Venus's airy, polite and flirty Libra. He is in complete conjunction with Saturn for the next 45 days. For Mars this in an unfriendly sign, ruled by Venus and for Saturn this an exalted powerful position which makes him bit stronger and positive. Saturn is the planet of pain, sorrows, justice, masses, opposition and protests. And he doesn't get along well with Mars who is the planet of fire, courage, anger, power, armed forces, security forces, conflict, violence and War. Hence, the transit indicates the situation around us is bound to become sorrowful, controversial, unpleasant and trouble and worrisome. 

Imagine yourself in a situation where you are in the house of an enemy with an unfriendly Saturn. You will feel fear, uncomfortable and worried. This is what is going to happen to many people around with Mars being in a weak position, he is not able to give you his full energy and support. Many of us may feel unsecured and threatened by our enemies, antisocial elements and opposing forces. 

Both Mars and Saturn have different and opposing energies and their influence on us is huge.  People with Saturn's energy and influence can be described as contracting, limiting, detached and deliberate. Saturn's lessons have a basis in responsibility, reality and maturity and employ liberally the law of karma, requiring us to be responsible for our actions whether we choose to or not. Saturn demands humility, ego surrender and a level playing field where all have the same access to the fruits of life. Mars' energy on us can be described as driving, power-seeking, selfish, dominating and capable do anything. The passionate nature of Mars on humans compels us forward to seek, create and build an environment in which we can gather the materials and resources we need to care for ourselves. Mars ruled people do not have much regard for others or for the damage that may be caused in acquisition of power, with the reason being,its for survival.

When Mars and Saturn conjunct, we are faced squarely with the problem of “How much (ego) is enough?” Mars energy wants to clear cut a forest for the fuel and timber and Saturn points out that clear-cutting will demolish the chance for future resources to renew. Saturn wants to feed the poor from the standpoint that humans are not separate but part of a whole; Mars wants to grow and protect his crops in order to feed himself and those in his protection, insisting that those who can't take care of themselves don't deserve it.

On a positive side, while Mars occupies Libra from August 14 – September 28,  we have an opportunity to learn a valuable lesson of ego surrender. Mars as the warrior archetype is built to fight and resist; a conscious decision to let go of selfish desires within relationships or within society could go a long way during this six week period. 

Mars' passionate nature clouds the reality that all are part of one whole and really promotes the illusion of separate self. When we can raise the vibration of Mars energy to a place where the self is strengthened with the understanding that individual progress implies group progress, we can enjoy power with responsibility and aim our sites at evolution rather than separation.

Libra is the beginning of the dark time of the year, when night begins to outweigh daylight in the northern hemisphere. The fiery planets, the Sun and Mars, are ill at ease in Libra, while Saturn, the planet of darkness, is exalted there. Libra is also the beginning of the cold and dry quarter of the year, associated with the melancholic temperament. None of this makes fiery Mars very happy, as he is already uncomfortable being placed in an air sign. Mars is all about action, and Libra is altogether too cerebral for the Lord of War.

Further, Libra is considered one of the human signs, because it has to do with the human quality of reason. To Mars, this is an alien concept, further weakening the  physically-oriented Mars.  Mars describes what makes us angry and how we respond to aggravating situations. Libra is a Cardinal sign, this period will attract relationship crises. When you cannot deal with these crises, you will experience indecision and even resentment, especially if the resolution seems unfair. Periods of depression can often arise because of the relationship stresses, especially if you feel powerless to resolve them equitably. Depression arises from feeling alone and isolated, from sitting on the fence – avoiding confrontation or taking action — without resolving the stress and from simply giving in to the other person just to keep the peace. Fairness is a theme while Mars is in Libra.

Libra is a sign that has great difficulty dealing with anger. It simply is not nice to be angry – what will other people think. Despite its charm and diplomacy, When manifesting in a positive manner, Libra demonstrates qualities of mediation and harmony. Many may be drawn into conflict resolution in reaction to those who only seek to disturb the peace. In anger issues, Libra prefers strategy or manipulation. You will find this to be a period when people either cannot express their anger directly so that it becomes highly manipulative or they deny their anger completely.

Some may use a temper tantrum to get another to appease their ruffled feathers. This is because they feel that they have been treated unfairly and they need to manipulative another in order to solicit the response that they desire. Sometimes, when people are in the wrong, they will use these tantrums to take the blame away from themselves – “The best defense is a good offense.” That’s if it’s handled badly, of course.

Super switched on Mars in Libra can blow off steam with out hurting anyone. Anger is expressed conscientiously and initiative is balanced. Power is expressed politically and ruthlessness is silky-smooth. The area of your chart with Libra in it is about to get a shot of energy; make sure you know how to balance your actions in this part of your life. It’s always a good idea to treat others the way you want to be treated.