Astrology and Ambition: How Mars Influences Your Drive and Motivation

 

It is not difficult to see that our world thrives on ambition. Motivational quotes are the second leading influential instagram accounts outside of influencers themselves. The reason for this is the vast majority of us don’t know how to harness our natural drive. That is why it is harnessed for us and used to propel us to make decisions that are actually harmful for us in the long run. IE: falling into addictions of consumerism.

What truly drives us? The desire to survive? Procreate? Feed ourselves? Maintain our shelter? Those are all the basic necessities of life; necessities that have been commodified for the benefit of a few. When we are completely focused on the basic necessities of life, the motivational energy that we are accessing comes from the oldest and most primal part of our brains: The Amygdala.

This little gem is responsible for our emotional reactions and adrenal function. It is the epicentre of our survival instinct. The instinct that has been manipulated by capitalism. This manipulation occurs when we are kicked into something called the “Amygdala Highjack”. Our Fight-Or-Flight response is activated and we suddenly find ourselves in a state where we’re making decisions based on life or death. Although the decision to purchase an item during a “1 DAY ONLY SALE” is not a life or death situation, the adrenaline that courses through your body at the mere thought of FOMO feels like imminent death, if you don’t buy the damn thing. However, The Fear of Missing Out doesn’t propel us to make the decision, nor does motivation. It is fear itself that inspires the Amygdala to release its magic juice and push us into action.

When we are ready to take on a thing, it begins with inspiration. Inspiration leads to visualization; visualization then leads to motivation. These factors are all fuelled by emotions. However, they are not lasting. Because we have been subliminally taught to fuel our ambitions with emotions, we falter and often fail to complete projects when the motivation tank becomes empty. Due to the natural “inspiration”the Amygdala provides, employers and marketing experts have recognized that using fear tactics is the easiest and cheapest way to sustain momentum. Have you ever worked harder because you feared loosing your job? Have you ever purchased a skin cream because you feared acne or wrinkles? Have you ever said “yes” to someone or something even though it lowered your boundaries, because you were afraid to be alone or left out? Every one of these instances are usually followed by regret because it was a decision made completely out of alignment with your values. You may not have known it consciously but you felt it intuitively.

When we live our lives making fear based decisions we miss out on our full potential. We didn’t come here just to pay bills and then die. We came here to experience this strange, beautiful earth community and contribute our unique abilities to the greater experience of all. But in order to live a fulfilling life, we must master our own motivation and stop being corralled by our fears like sheep. This begins by identifying the Amygdala triggers and talking yourself through them, to a decision made with joy rather than fear.

In comes Mars.

Sometimes observed as simply the planet of war, passion, sex and drive; Mars is an influence to us just as powerful (possibly more) as Mercury. Why? Because: DRIVE. If Mars is responsible for drive then it is responsible for inspiring action. Action is what is needed to literally get out of bed. Sorry Mercury, you’re not that important as people believe. Mars is so influential that as i am writing this first article for Medium. Mars is in Gemini in my 8th House. Gemini is the communicator of the every day things, writing and expressing and the 8th house is about transitions, and rebirths. It appears that my motivation to write this article is solely fuelled by Mars (and Orange Pekoe).

Now what would happen when Mars moves into a less of physically motivated sign? Lets say, Pisces? I would then have to rely on my natural placement. This is where the magic of self motivation comes in. Wherever Mars sits in a Natal Chart is the natural drive of the individual; how they are motivated. Sadly, for myself, I am emotionally motivated, but I’m forever diving into the depths of greater education with an unquenchable thirst for more knowledge (Mars is in Cancer in my 9th House with a Sagittarius influences). The upside is, I’m mostly joyful when im completing a task, but once im no longer excited about a project, my desire to continue fizzles. So i must look to the other placements in my chart to keep my momentum going in a positive fearless manner. With the knowledge of my Mars capabilities i am able keep going even when i don’t feel like it.

Here’s a Quick little Reference for the Ambition of Mars and how it may inspire your motivation, based on the sign it occupies in your Birth-chart.

Aries: The home of Mars. Boundless drive. Often looked at as impulsive due to the consistent and tireless ability to jump at any opportunity and task. Can’t sit still.

Taurus: If there is luxury there will be movement. If there is a bubble bath and a glass of wine at the end of the day, then it was worth the aggravation.

Gemini: Can i talk about it? Can i educate someone? Can i fly? Can i run? Can i sit here? Never mind i don’t want to sit. Gemini is the Air equivalent of Aries, inexhaustible, constantly moving, but mostly with their mouths.

Cancer: Emotionally driven, if it doesn’t feel like a good time then it wont get done. Often known for angry cleaning. Procrastinates due to lack of positive interest in tasks.

Leo: The. Head. Cheer. Leader. The leader of group inspiration, they will inspire you to do the dirtiest jobs with the most joy and fun you’ll ever have in your life. Always looking at the sunny side of things. And if the sun is not shining, they kick in to gear and become the sunshine to keep the momentum going. Expect happy songs like “Whistle while you work”.

Virgo: Completion and high standards are the motivating factors. Relatable to Sheldon Cooper. The satisfaction of a job well done to shiny perfection, but only after it is analyzed, the steps organized and executed at the perfect time.

Libra: Harmony and balance. Another motivational leader (like Leo) but takes into account the skills, attributes and desires of all parties before calmly launching a plan of action that is beneficial for all. The plan will not take into effect until everything can be accommodated and everyone is on board.

Scorpio: Fresh starts and transformation. Mars was and sometimes still is considered the home of Scorpio. It points to the constant need to evolve. The need for change. It’s an instinctual desire to destroy and rebuild and improve on what was. The momentum is akin to Aries, but remains internal. It is rare for the outside world to see Scorpio inspired motivation. They like to keep it a secret, usually due to how quickly they are able to stubbornly change thier mind and direction.

Sagittarius: It’s like Scorpio style motivation evolved into an external expression. Constantly on the go. Looking for deeper meaning, new experiences and fresh knowledge. Combining mental and physical evolution through the obtainment of knowledge.

Capricorn: It’s like an energy story, continuing from the restless traveling scholar that is Sagittarius to the stubborn goat who masters building foundations, systems and sustainability for all. Capricorn motivation often falls into leadership by default (even though they often don’t care for it) because they’re so darn good at solving earthly problems.

Aquarius: We move from problem solving of stationary existing things to an energy that invents, innovates and runs in the other direction as soon as others take interest. As long as nobody else is doing it, Aquarius will do it. This is one of the more difficult motivational energies to maintain momentum; often falling into unpredictable patterns. However if a person is more inclined to want a life with form and function in societies standards, a creative career is the best way to take advantage of this placement.

Pisces: This placement’s success rests on the hands of the other aspects. Pisces motivation is a raft without a sail. More than likely needing others to push them, someone to tie their raft to, or build a sail for them. Going with the flow is their style. And why wouldn’t it be? If they truly are in the last incarnation in their lifetime, their spirits are probably exhausted.

And there you have it.

How to get out of fear based motivation and use your astrological potential to fuel your momentum.

Hope you enjoyed reading this as much as my Mars in Cancer enjoyed writing it.

Cheers!