Mars in Cancer
April 3rd – June 7th
Artwork: Pinterest
Mars (Maṅgal graha), having retrograded through the Vedic Lunar Mansion of Puṣyā (sidereal Cancer) since December, now retraces its steps, inviting us to revisit the energies and intentions seeded in the closing months of last year.
This period offers a fresh perspective, with the benefit of hindsight and deeper self-awareness, offering an opportunity to engage those themes more consciously, integrate lessons, recalibrate our intentions, and move forward with greater clarity and purpose.
Maṅgal is allegedly born from the sweat of Lord Śiva during profound tapas (bhūmiputra - born from the earth)—is intimately linked with the Mahāvidyā Bagalāmukhi, the goddess of speech and protection, and is the carrier of Agni Tattva, the fiery principle.
As Deha Kāraka, Maṅgal is the indicator of the body, the heart, and the immune system, as he is the defense system within our bodies. He is the carrier of Agni (fire) tattva, the significator of one-pointed focus (dhāraṇā), the lord of logic, power, preservation, and violence. He represents protection, particularly the protection of the innocent.
Within Puṣyā nakṣatra, the energy of invocation is potent—awakening our capacity to channel creative and spiritual force, nourishing both worldly and transcendent pursuits. The goat, the animal totem of this nakṣatra, reminds us that what we consume—physically, emotionally, and energetically—must eventually be integrated and digested. This period may compel us to confront the truths of what we have been "taking in," and to discern what truly sustains us.
On May 12th, Mars enters Āśleṣā at the gaṇḍānta, the mystical threshold between water and fire. Ruled by the Nāgas, this nakṣatra weaves together desire and transformation, calling us to patiently untangle karmic knots and refine our art of transmutation. Āśleṣā, the Clinging Star, stirs our curiosity and unites disparate elements, echoing the coiled energy at the base of the spine yearning to merge with its source.
Artowrk: Pinterest
Mars’ extended sojourn in Cancer—a sign of water, emotion, and moksha—invites us to steward our energy with care. The friction between Mars’ fiery drive and Cancer’s watery depths may present as frustration, inertia, or simmering anger. Here, the wisdom of the body becomes paramount: movement, sweat, and mindful exertion (whether through swimming, yoga, martial arts, or sauna) offer pathways to release pent-up energy constructively, fortifying both body and spirit.
As Āyurveda teaches, unchecked anger heats the blood and clouds the mind, swiftly diminishing our intelligence. The challenge and gift of this transit is to transmute reactive heat into the steady warmth of presence and purpose.
Whether you choose to pause here or wish to journey deeper, know that the story of Maṅgala in Cancer continues to unfold—each day offering new opportunities for reflection, resilience, and renewal.
For those who feel called to explore these themes further, join us for our monthly Vidya and Chai gathering on, April 20/21, where we will delve into the ongoing dance of Mars in Cancer and its impact on our inner and outer worlds.
Email me at tulsibagnoli@gmail.com to RSVP
All my Relations
ॐ ह्रीं बगलामुखी देव्यै नमः