In astrology, Mars represents the outward force of our ego. Mars reveals how an individual responds to stimuli. While positive aspects of Mars to other planets in the natal horoscope increase an individual's assertiveness and decisiveness, negative aspects tend to bring out the destructive qualities of Mars; for example, impatience, recklessness, and the propensity to quarrel.

During a transit of Mars, our vitality and stamina are increased; therefore, we feel a need for action. Its influence on a natal planet it contacts lasts a mere 3 to 4 days but even so the effects can be quite strong. Moreover, as Mars traverses a house it will continue to color our response to matters related to that house even after the main transit has passed.

I tend to view a Martian transit as a double-edged sword. While it provides us with increased energy, this energy must also be controlled. How much is enough? When does push come to shove? With a Mars transit in effect, it is easy to go over the line. And as far as this planet is concerned, there is never too much of a good influence for its energy is volatile rather than stable. "Discuss" immediately turns to "diss-cuss" when hotheaded Mars arrives at the scene and sets tempers afire.

Transit Mars acts as a trigger in that it sets off events relating to the planet it contacts, particularly to the outer planets and points (Jupiter through Pluto, Chiron and the nodes), as well as the natal houses involved.

Cheri's Transit of Mars: Electional Astrology in action
After reading for R., twin sister Cheri requested another reading to find out the best times for a career move. Recently, she felt an urgent need to act on the ideas that had been brewing in her mind for some time. And sure enough, there was a Mars transit working for her at the time she asked for the reading.

Electional or elective astrology is that branch of astrology that deals with determining the most advantageous time to do something. Timing is everything, as far as the astro saying goes, so aligning our actions with the most auspicious astrological configurations increases the chances of success.

A stirring of Mars
The year 2006 opens doors to plenty of opportunities for growth, particularly in your sector of career. Since August 2005, you may have felt your efforts stifled as you experience delays. Mars, the planet of action, has been retrograde in the slow and steady sign of Taurus since, and now that it is about to move into Gemini, you are likely to feel a renewed sense of excitement. You feel more certain of what you want now. With your confidence moving into high gear, you are bound to be unusually motivated and expressive of your ideas. Focus your mind to work in one direction: up.

Mars plays a significant role now as it kindles a strong desire to work and getting credit for what you do. Though you will have to put in your share of effort to make your wishes come true, the best part of this Martian influence is there's a great deal of energy going for you.

Motivation, good planning, and follow-through
April 1, 2006: Mars has been steadily moving up to the apex of your birth chart and now enters your sector of career. Today, especially, you will be especially energetic and willing to take on new challenges. Your career can truly benefit from new activities, particularly those you start by yourself.

Certainly, you have no intention of letting the grass grow under your feet. Don't be surprised if your ambition moves up a gear or two at this time. It is likely that you will be called on to take bigger, as well as more, responsibilities. Or you may feel a need to expand beyond your current job scope.

Working in the same old ways gets the job done, but the result may fall short of what you would like. You have chances aplenty now to be effective in your work. You should capitalize on this influence by bringing innovations to your job. More than at any other time, you have courage to act on your desires and will not shy away from taking a leadership role. The downside is that you should take care not to put others off with an overly competitive approach.

Conflicts with co-workers may arise if they feel threatened by your efforts to get ahead. While your energy level is high, be aware that the stakes are also high. There is much to gain in pushing forward, but also much to lose if your efforts are undermined.

In general, your increased assertiveness may catch attention, but it's probably better to push forward now than try to keep things where they are. You really want recognition and praise, as well as respect, which you are likely to get at this time

Move out of the old patterns in your life
May 21st through the 27th:  Sun enters Gemini, Mars at Natal Angle. Every two years, Mars returns to the position it held in your birth chart. This represents a new beginning in your endeavors. How far have you gone from the plans you had two years ago? Unfulfilled wishes will have to be taken up in the next two. Don’t go about justifying why you can’t move forward. The energies are in place for you to make use of them.

You will feel positively charged with energy at this time, for which you must find an adequate outlet, or you will be restless and irritable.

You have come to a point where you no longer want to be subservient to your job. Your ego energies are running high as well so it is important now to do work that will gratify you.

These few months bring encounters and situations to make you look beyond the existing boundaries of your job. In essence, this influence encourages you to look at the broader picture so you can expand your options. Fortune is working for you as anything you turn your hand to should go well. You have a great tenacity to carry a plan to its conclusion. Plus, the more effort you put in, the higher your rewards will be.

Any travel undertaken now will most probably be career-related. At the very least it will increase your awareness of your role in the larger world, not just your job. Any activity that will potentially elevate your standing -- professional as well as financial, will be entered into with gusto.

It is possible that you will contemplate on entering a money-making venture. This is an excellent time to explore the potentials of a small business or enterprise.

Moreover, you will probably manage to keep your job and go into a money-making venture at the same time.

This time is quite good for initiating any new project on your own. It is a time of beginnings, and you should use it for that purpose, particularly for projects that you will be identified with and be given credit for.

The first part of the year brings you to an awareness of change. It is no longer enough to go through this year just as you did in the last two. Therefore, these months are important to preparing a plan for getting ahead in your career as well as your life.

When opportunities seem limited before, this year presents you with more alternatives. Last year, you entered an expansive phase during which you were motivated to follow your dreams and go for your own goals (2nd Jupiter Return). That influence spills over to the current year, during which those dreams are consolidated into concrete plans. By your next birthday you should be feeling secure in your ability to arrive at your goal.

Key phrase: Doing what I have not done before
Try not to lose yourself in the mundane details of your job. It is really up to you to broaden your scope for this is the platform of your success. To a greater extent, this boils down to how open you are to change and how flexible you are in managing circumstances that are new to you, for this is a year during which you can shine because of the creative ideas you put forth.

The second half of the year represents a time of progress in your chosen endeavor. The month to watch out for is October, during which the two Benefics, Venus and Jupiter, will be making fortunate contacts to your natal horoscope. In simpler terms, this is a lucky period.

If you've set things in motion in the earlier part of this year, the final quarter has great potential in rewarding you for a job well done.

October 15th through the 19th: Venus conjunct cusp of 2nd house and Sun conjunct Venus in Libra. Venus, the planetary ruler of Libra, enters its home sign in October. This transit of Venus will most likely benefit your personal finances.

Your ability to attract gifts, money and opportunities is increased as you tend to make a good impression on others at this time. You’ll know just how to put yourself across in negotiations. People feel naturally in tune with you now so do not be afraid to act on what you think will enhance your position.

You may also find it easier to borrow money from friends or supporters, to solicit money and invite people to join you in a venture that could pay off big in the near future.

This is also a highly social period so get out there and mingle with others. The presence of Venus in your sector of finances brings fortunate contacts into your circle of influence. You will be able to feel the nuances of human connections much more clearly and so you use them in any transactions to your benefit, for this influence always grants the ability to handle people. Investments made under this influence are usually quite advantageous.

In business this is a time of financial gain. As your spending ability increases, be aware that you could waste money on senseless purchases. The idea here is to invest in things that will enhance your status. Your appearance counts a lot now to how you come across to others. Looking good definitely works to your advantage now, perhaps even necessary in the project you undertake.

On October 22, the New Moon in Libra signals a time when money matters will take on great significance. You will do what it takes to improve your finances. Buying and selling, especially of clothing, personal accessories and other beautiful objects can pay off at this time.

November 7th through the 16th: Mars trine Jupiter, Jupiter conjunct Uranus brings a surprising event to your life. It may be related to your work that will allow you to gain a kind of freedom you have only dreamed about. You will most probably make a life-turning decision, one that will alter the course of your life.

With Jupiter conjunct Uranus, it is hard to see how the big event turns out. This is an unpredictable influence, the purpose of which is to inject the element of surprise to propel you toward change.

If you have made good stride at work, you could be in for a sudden promotion or transfer, and very likely something you have not expected. Most likely this will take you far from where and what you are doing now.

If you've done little or nothing in the past months, then this period will increase your restlessness. You may rebel against limitations by throwing caution to the wind. It goes without saying that irresponsible behavior will lead to your downfall.

Nevertheless, it appears that the positive effects of this influence will outweigh the negative. This is a time of increased determination and focus. Concentrate on your objectives and a favorable career advance is very likely. And to make sure you get there, you have to act more decisively. This isn’t the time to be blending into the background.

Wonderful news could come from unexpected sources. A sibling, relative, friend, or someone at work may open your eyes to a new possibility that you have not seen before. Follow your hunches. You could hit the jackpot.

In general, the events leading to this period will probably have made you look at life from a different perspective. It is important to be open to the call of change because then you will not have to suffer the disruptive influences of this Jupiter/Uranus transit.

Certainly, your views on life will undergo transformation with this influence. Perhaps you are encouraged to leave the comfort of a routinary lifestyle and blaze an individual path from which you can gain self satisfaction.

To arrive at your goal, you have to break out of the mold and take a chance on yourself.