Planeta Pamplona

Planeta Pamplona

Mars Takes the Field

Spotlight on the planet of war

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Ilona Pamplona
Mar 12, 2024
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It’s time we had a conversation about Mars.

Friends, over the next five weeks, six important placements in our skies will spend time in Aries, the sign Mars rules. To understand how this plays out, it’s time to deconstruct the planet of war.

a close up of a picture of a mars planet
Photo by SIMON LEE on Unsplash

Mars, often recognized as the archetype of the warrior in mythology, is all about action and vitality. Its role in astrology extends to how we assert ourselves, chase our ambitions, and face obstacles. When Mars finds itself in Aries, its home turf, the effects on our drive and determination are especially pronounced. Aries, with its natural tendencies towards leadership and innovation, thrives under Mars's energizing influence. This combination calls us to take bold steps forward, encouraging us to embrace challenges with courage and to initiate new projects with enthusiasm.

This auspicious alignment invites us to tap into our inner strength, prompting us to lead with confidence and to pursue our goals with unwavering zeal. Mars in Aries is a reminder of the power of taking decisive action and the importance of following our passions with purpose. While this period is ripe with opportunities for progress and self-assertion, it's also wise to be mindful of Mars's penchant for hastiness. Navigating this time with a blend of boldness and thoughtfulness can turn potential pitfalls into stepping stones for success. By leveraging this dynamic energy wisely, we can make significant strides in our personal and professional lives, turning our aspirations into achievements with the spirited drive of Mars in Aries guiding us.

So that is lovely, but like all things in life there’s is a shadow side to Mars that comes with:

Aggression and Anger: While Mars's energy can be used constructively for courage and standing up for oneself, its shadow side can manifest as uncontrolled anger, aggression, and even violence. People might find themselves more prone to impulsive reactions, conflicts, and confrontations.

Impulsiveness: Mars is about taking action and moving forward, but without foresight, this can lead to rash decisions and actions without considering the consequences. This impulsiveness can lead to regrettable outcomes or missed opportunities due to a lack of planning.

Dominance: The assertive nature of Mars can tip into a desire to dominate or control situations and people. This can strain relationships, professional or personal, and lead to power struggles.

Competitiveness: A healthy competitive spirit can motivate us to achieve great things, but the shadow side of Mars turns this into a win-at-all-costs attitude, where cooperation is sidelined in favor of rivalry, causing isolation and damaged relationships.

Burnout: Mars energy drives us to pursue our goals relentlessly, but without balance, this can lead to overexertion and ultimately burnout. The inability to rest or take breaks can diminish our overall effectiveness and harm our health.

Listen, the planet of war will influence much of our transits for weeks to come, but astrology doesn’t lock us into the shadows. We always have the chance to choose the gifts of this firey energy. It is important to know that while conflict may feel like the only way through, the confidence and vitality that comes with it can offer us a whole new perspective.

From now until the end of Eclipse season (I’ll share more of that in my next newsletter!), the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, North Node, and Chiron will have some time hanging out in the sign of Aries. Here’s how we may experience this concentrated energy:

  • Sun in Aries (March 21-April 19): This transit brings a surge of energy and initiative, encouraging you to lead and assert yourself confidently. We will be asking ourselves: What leadership roles am I ready to step into with confidence?

  • Mercury in Aries (March 9- May 15, RX April 1- April 25): Communication becomes more straightforward and fast-paced, with a focus on bold ideas and decisive plans. We will be asking ourselves: In what ways can I ensure my words fuel progress and not conflict?

  • Venus in Aries (April 6-April 29): Love and relationships take on a more direct and passionate tone, leaving us more inclined to chase after what we desire. We will be asking ourselves: How can I pursue my desires in relationships with boldness yet mindfulness?

  • Chiron in Aries (May 2018- May 2027): This transit highlights the healing of our deepest wounds through courage and self-discovery, encouraging us to face personal challenges bravely. We will be asking ourselves: What personal challenges am I ready to face with bravery?

  • North Node in Aries (July 2023- January 2025): This indicates a collective shift towards embracing Aries's qualities of leadership, independence, and courage in fulfilling our life's purpose. We will be asking ourselves: Am I aligned with my true path, boldly pursuing my destiny?

  • Moon in Aries (April 7-8, Lunar Eclipse April 8): Emotions become more intense and impulsive, with a quickening of instincts and reactions. We will be asking ourselves: How can I better understand and express my emotions without haste?


Aries through the houses

So what do we do with this information? The chart is a source of self-awareness.

Take a moment to look at your chart. What house does Aries fall under? Don’t know what that means Check this video out!

Once you’ve figured that out, here’s a journal prompt and affirmation for all the energy Aries brings us, keeping the theme of the house Aries is in your chart as the focus.

1st House (Self, Identity, Body)

  • Journal Prompt: "How can I express my true self with confidence and courage?"

  • Affirmation: "I lead with authenticity and bravery in every step I take."

2nd House (Values, Money, Possessions)

  • Journal Prompt: "What changes can I make to align my spending and saving with my core values?"

  • Affirmation: "I use my resources to empower my dreams and sustain my future."

3rd House (Communication, Siblings, Short Trips)

  • Journal Prompt: "How can I improve my communication to express my ideas more boldly?"

  • Affirmation: "My words ignite inspiration and pave the way for meaningful connections."

4th House (Home, Family, Roots)

  • Journal Prompt: "How can I foster a home environment that energizes me and supports my ambitions?"

  • Affirmation: "My home is a bastion of strength, nurturing my fiery spirit and ambitions."

5th House (Creativity, Romance, Pleasure)

  • Journal Prompt: "What creative projects am I passionate about pursuing next?"

  • Affirmation: "I embrace joy and creativity, letting my passions lead the way to fulfillment."

6th House (Work, Health, Service)

  • Journal Prompt: "How can I inject more passion and energy into my daily routines and work?"

  • Affirmation: "I approach every task with vitality and a can-do spirit, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary."

7th House (Partnerships, Contracts, Open Enemies)

  • Journal Prompt: "What can I do to ensure my relationships are balanced with both independence and collaboration?"

  • Affirmation: "I build relationships that respect my independence while fostering mutual growth."

8th House (Transformation, Sexuality, Joint Finances)

  • Journal Prompt: "Where in my life am I ready for transformation, and how can I courageously embrace change?"

  • Affirmation: "I welcome transformation, knowing it is the path to deeper authenticity and power."

9th House (Beliefs, Higher Education, Travel)

  • Journal Prompt: "What new knowledge or experiences am I seeking that will expand my horizons?"

  • Affirmation: "I am a fearless explorer of life, constantly seeking truth and wisdom."

10th House (Career, Reputation, Long-term Goals)

  • Journal Prompt: "What actions can I take to boldly advance my career and fulfill my long-term ambitions?"

  • Affirmation: "I pursue my professional goals with courage and determination, making my mark on the world."

11th House (Friendships, Groups, Hopes and Dreams)

  • Journal Prompt: "How can I leverage my community and friendships to support my dreams?"

  • Affirmation: "Together with my community, I chase dreams and turn them into reality."

12th House (Subconscious, Secrets, Solitude)

  • Journal Prompt: "What hidden strengths can I uncover within myself during moments of solitude?"

  • Affirmation: "In solitude, I discover the power of my spirit and the depth of my resilience."

Planeta Pamplona is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.


Who am I, continued…

Last month, I went into detail about the Aries North Node/Chiron conjunction. As you can see, the exploration of self doesn’t end there!

Today is the day to break free from the prison of the person you know yourself to be and step into a self you have yet to know. Will it be comfortable? No, but do it anyway. —Debbie Ford

As a life coach, I find the clients who are most successful at creating change in their life are the ones who remain in the inquiry of themself. This is not to be confused with looking for oneself.

You are whole and complete as you are, and as you open yourself to curiosity and inquiry about who you are and what motivates you, you uncover more layers of your most authentic self. The magic is in the curiosity, not the certainty!


What’s happening now?

Venus is in Pisces (March 11-April 5) is a particularly dreamy, romantic, and compassionate transit. Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and values, resonates deeply with Pisces' watery, mystical nature. This combination emphasizes unconditional love, empathy, and a strong connection to the spiritual and artistic aspects of life. Here's what this transit brings and the top three tips to make the most of it:

  • Enhanced Intuition and Empathy: Venus in Pisces opens the heart, making individuals more receptive to the emotions of others. It fosters a deeper understanding and compassion, encouraging acts of kindness and unconditional love.

  • Creativity and Imagination: This transit is excellent for artistic expression, as Pisces adds a layer of imagination and creativity to Venus’s influence. It’s a perfect time for exploring creative outlets and indulging in the beauty of art and music.

  • Spiritual and Romantic Connections: Relationships and attractions formed under this transit are often soulful and karmic, with a strong sense of spiritual connection. It’s a period when people seek deeper meanings in their relationships and value emotional and spiritual bonds over the physical or material.

How to harness this energy:

  1. Embrace Your Creative and Artistic Side: With the imaginative power of Pisces amplifying Venus's love for beauty, it's an ideal time to engage in creative endeavors. Whether it's picking up a paintbrush, writing poetry, or simply appreciating art and music (Venus in Pisces Spotify playlist, anyone?), allowing your creative juices to flow will align with the energies of this transit.

  2. Listen to Your Intuition in Love and Relationships: Venus in Pisces enhances intuitive understanding, making it imperative to trust your gut feelings about people and situations. This period may reveal deeper truths in relationships, guiding you toward more meaningful connections. Be open to the messages your intuition sends about love and friendships.

  3. Practice Compassion and Kindness: The empathy of Pisces encourages a compassionate approach to all interactions. Performing acts of kindness without expecting anything in return can be particularly fulfilling now. This transit reminds us of the value of understanding and supporting others, fostering deeper connections and healing.


For my paid subscribers, I have a new offering for you! In addition to monthly workbooks, I will also share Oracle card pulls for each sign in addition to the monthly workbooks!

I would love to hear how this month’s card lands for you!

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