The two signs belonging to Mars, that is, Aries and Scorpio, have little in common with one another. Aries is a masculine sign, a fire element, and a cardinal modality. Aries is blind to one singular sign and this is the sign which follows it in the zodiac. If Mars resides in Taurus it is in aversion to Aries and we have the condition of a blind Ascendant ruler.

Scorpio is in complete contrast to Aries; it is a feminine sign, a water element, and a fixed modality. The four fixed signs suffer more from the affliction of blindness as they are in antiscia and contra-antiscia to one another, and so nothing is gained through this additional advantage as the fixed signs already form a square or opposition to one another.

If Mars lies in one of the two masculine mutable signs of Sagittarius or Gemini, it cannot see its Scorpio sign. Likewise, if Mars is situated in Libra, the sign which precedes Scorpio, it struggles to fulfil the requirements needed for Scorpio Ascendant to feel safe and secure.

Prime Motivation for Fire Signs:

The desire for power and freedom of action

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ARIES RISING : Ruling Planet : MARS

          

ONE in AVERSION – Sign and House Placement:

Taurus (2^nd H)

Challenge for P.M. – Mars in Taurus (2^nd)  

Mars in detriment struggles to move decisively in order to commit to a project.  Lack of belief in one’s ability to hold on to power, and a low self-confidence makes action difficult. Fear of upsetting others makes Mars hesitate, or dig in its heels when there is conflict. Poor choices in allocating resources can create frustration and affect Prime Motivation.

The individual can feel ignored by the world, or their efforts feel diminished or unrecognised by others. Their power can feel constantly eroded and the desire to be free to act on impulse, or to be independent to make their own choices, is hampered by a debilitated Mars second-guessing every action and reaction.

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Alternate Rulers to help Ascendant achieve Prime Motivation

Exalted Ruler for Aries, SUN

The Sun can stand in as a substitute ruler for Mars, but it must be in a sign that can see Aries. The Sun has a different agenda from Mars, but it is also a hot planet and the owner of another fire sign so it does understand the concept of power and freedom of action.

Term Rulers for ARIES (besides Mars)

If Mars is in Taurus, and the Sun is also blind to Aries, there is a possibility that the Term ruler for the Ascendant’s degree can step in as temporary ruler. If this is the case, the Term Ruler must be in a sign with a relationship to Aries.  There may also be a conflict between the Prime Motivation and the principle or nature of the Term Ruler. For instance, Venus or Saturn may struggle to understand the urgent need to take action as this is the impetus which lies behind the fire sign Ascendant.

Mars is the Term Ruler for the degrees of 20 – 25 Aries, but its placement in Taurus has already eliminated it as a viable Ascendant Ruler.

 Jupiter (0-6 degs):  Venus (6-12):  Mercury (12-20): Saturn (25-30)

Prime Motivation for Water Signs: 

The need to be loved and accepted by the world

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SCORPIO RISING : Ruling Planet : MARS

Mars’ rulership of Scorpio suggests that this water Ascendant is cautious, defensive, and super-sensitive to any changes or signs of danger which present themselves within the boundaries of its environment. It is never easy for Scorpio rising to immediately feel comfortable, safe, secure, and loved in every new situation they enter into in this lifetime. But tools like sensuality, mystery, passion, or charisma, are used regularly by Mars’ water sign on the Ascendant in order for it to take emotional stock – and just long enough for the ‘new’ to be examined and classified for risk, and a counter-action to be planned in case  a surprise attack by the world leaves it feeling vulnerable or exposed.

THREE in AVERSION – Signs and House Placements:

Sagittarius (2^nd H): Gemini (8^th H): Libra (12^th H)

Challenge for P.M. – Mars in Sagittarius (2^nd)

Expenditure is a poor substitute for emotional security but Mars in Sagittarius is going to give it a good try.  Money spent on gym memberships, on impressive trappings, or on expensive accessories such as cars, clothing or jewellery, are ways in which Mars tries to build an image that looks impenetrable whilst at the same time has the greatest potential to attract the most love, loyalty, or envy from those who are drawn to Scorpio’s magnetism.

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Challenge for P.M. – Mars in Gemini (8^th)

Gemini Mars passionately attaches to ideas, concepts, and plans, but it struggles to know how and when to ask for love or protection from its immediate surroundings. It’s not enough for this clever eighth house Mars to find financial backing to pay for its brave schemes, innovative business propositions, or grandiose plans for the future. All this will come to nothing unless others are just as enthusiastic and share the same idealistic vision as Gemini Mars. This is one of the rare cases where ‘going it alone’ is a terrifying prospect for this Mars in aversion to an Ascendant that craves emotional support. 

Gemini Mars will ask a dozen questions and give nothing of themselves away, as they are experts at extracting information in order to work out whether a new person or situation is likely to be a threat to their emotional landscape. Storing all kinds of random information aids this Mars in times of change, chaos or sudden endings as the eighth house is a dangerous place for a planet that cannot see the Ascendant.  

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Challenge for P.M. – Mars in Libra (12^th)

Is this Mars in detriment looking for armour or ‘amore’? 

Probably both, but without sight of the Ascendant, Mars in Libra will struggle to know the difference between friend and foe. Captured in the twelfth house, Mars looks for hidden enemies everywhere, has huge trust issues, and anticipates betrayal on every blind corner, but if the chart owner refuses to take a chance and lay themselves and their true feelings bare before strangers, how will they ever experience their Prime Motivation through the concept of happiness or emotional fulfilment? The dilemma between taking a chance by opening themselves to a heartfelt opportunity to love, or shutting down for self-protection is a real and constant battle for this person. Nor is a blind Ascendant helped by a 12^th house Mars in Libra longing for companionship, yet sitting on the fence as it struggles to make a firm commitment to any kind of forward movement, especially in the emotions department.

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Mars in aversion to a Scorpio Ascendant is very difficult for this planet, and when you meet this person for the first time the tension you think is there, well, it’s not a figment of your imagination. If you are this person, then attempting to be in a constant state of emotional openness and receptivity to everyone and everything you come across in your daily life must be truly exhausting, and I’m sure there are times when leaving the sanctuary of your home feels like it’s just not worth the bother.

The good news is that Mars is a survivor, and once you find the people who you trust to guide you towards fulfilling your Prime Motivation, then to them, you will be a true and loyal friend.

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Alternate Rulers to help Ascendant achieve Prime Motivation

No Exalted Ruler for Scorpio

Term Rulers for SCORPIO

(besides Mars which is Term Ruler for 0-7 Scorpio)

Venus: (7-11): Mercury (11-19): Jupiter (19-24): Saturn (24-30)

The late degrees of Scorpio are ruled by Saturn and this planet, even when it is placed in a sign which does have a relationship to Scorpio, is rarely comfortable with emotions and the water signs. If Saturn stands in for Mars then the person may choose to protect and guard their emotions rather than trying to express them or become comfortable with them. Rather than allowing Prime Motivation to occur naturally, Saturn as a substitute ruler, may develop characteristics that stifle P.M. by being more guarded or difficult to approach and this characteristic can totally undermine the true purpose of the Ascendant.