Astrology: How Mars will determine horoscopes in 2023

Mars will not only determine 2023 astronomically, but also astrologically we are in for quite a ride. Dedicated to Mars, the "god of war" from Greek mythology, the planet with its red sandy surface has been the "object of desire" for space travel for years. Planned Mars missions fascinate millions of people around the globe and make the desert planet a projection for humanity's vision of the future.

But we don't need to fly to Mars for months, it will be the centre of attention again in 2023. Even if we don't seem to be aware of it at first: the energy of time will be significantly shaped and give us a first foretaste of the Age of Aquarius, which will unhinge familiar structures.

The Mars year officially starts with the beginning of the new astrological year at the vernal equinox, when the Sun moves into the sign Aries on 20.03.2023. But it is extremely important to tune into the energy early on.

Mars is considered a personal planet and directly shapes our actions. It has to do with the way we assert ourselves in the world, being able to act, energy to do, for both men and women. This often becomes shadowy and distorted, competitive and insecure.

Energetic Mars spends the first and most of the year until March in the air sign Gemini 2023.

Mars calls us to defend ourselves, to bring our inner desires out into the open and stand up for them. Already in the Middle Ages, Mars was called the "bright and burning" star that can be seen with the naked eye from Earth. At the same time, Mars, with its prominent energy, shows us that we must also get through the difficult times and - when the time comes - stand up for ourselves under all conditions. 

Mars thus embodies a certain kind of egoism and even narcissism, but also self-love. 

What does Mars mean for us and how will it rule in 2023?

To do this, we first need to look at the meaning of the mythological figure of the god Mars in order to also understand the energy behind it.

Firstly, Mars is the planet of the zodiac signs Aries and Scorpio. Both are known for their temperament and passion. The Aries energy, which drives away winter in the first spring month of March, does so with stormy vigour. The image of the snowdrop pushing up through the freezing snow cover comes to mind here. A positive image that Aries brings with it and is characteristic of this sign of the zodiac.

We feel the same way about the Mars year: the pure Aries energy will strike us here, driving us voluntarily/unintentionally into new realms, allowing us to discover and try out new things.

So how can I adjust to the Year of Mars?

Anyone and everyone who accepts and welcomes change and new things with a full heart, who is not afraid of them but welcomes new experiences, will be fully in the element in 2023. For everyone else, it will be difficult, because it will be turbulent!

If 2022 was already a foretaste, 2023 continues at an almost faster pace. This can be unsettling, but with the thought that change also has positive effects in one's own life, one can be motivated by it and use that time energy for one's own life.

Victim attitude?

There may be anger over abandonment, yet in 2023 we need to let go of deep aggression and trauma.  It is important to release all past experiences when we could not or would not stand up for ourselves. It is still time to release suppressed energy in a conscious way and to courageously and actively work for inner healing and peace on earth.

Mars, the motivator

This planet motivates us to get up in the morning, to make our presence felt, to take charge of the things that are important to us and to assert ourselves in the world and in contact with others.

It is important to know that the energy of Mars can be constructive or destructive. In ancient times Mars was the god of war and could just be brutally violent. This energy still emanates from this planet, but it is only rightly asking us in 2023 to use this power for good for ourselves and humanity.

You can learn quite a lot about yourself and your own actions by looking at the position of Mars at the time of your birth - also known as your Mars sign. In my webinar on 8 December (also bookable as a recording) you can learn more about the astrological Mars year 2023, including what your Mars sign means and how it might influence your life.