Don’t consider yourself a fighter? Then the likelihood is you’re in denial. No matter whether we fight openly or covertly, loudly or quietly – or whether we use words, deeds or emotions as our weapons - it all amounts to the same thing. The truth is we all express anger and hostility in our own way, however much we may try to camouflage it.

In astrology, the sign placement of Mars in our birth chart throws fascinating light on the tactics we habitually employ in conflict situations as a means of asserting ourselves. If you don't know your Mars sign, you can find it here! Named after the Roman god of war, Mars rules our anger behavior patterns: what makes us angry, how we show our anger and not least how we respond to other people’s hostility.


Mars in the Fire Signs

When Mars falls in one of the Fire signs (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius) in your birth chart, your instinctive fighting style tends to be passionate, dramatic and spontaneous. Among the most hot-headed of the Mars signs, when you’re angry you like to make sure everyone knows about it, your tendency being to shout first and reflect later (often to your regret). However, your temper is usually quick to subside and your bark is generally much worse than your bite.

The usual triggers for your anger tend to be other people getting in your way or holding you back (Mars in Aries), insulting your pride or bossing you around (Mars in Leo) or outraging you over some point of principle, lack of integrity or attempt to fence you in (Mars in Sagittarius). It doesn’t take much to calm you down again though, with Mars in Leo being particularly easily won over by a bit of flattery and humble pie.


Mars in the Air Signs

Mars in the Air signs (Gemini, Libra and Aquarius) makes for a sophisticated and intellectually savvy fighter whose words can pack a punch just as lethal as any fist. Many a battle will be fought by these signs over conflicting beliefs and ideas, especially if they offend their sense of justice (Mars in Libra) or personal freedom (Mars in Aquarius) or when (especially with Mars in Gemini) others’ ignorance and stupidity make them see red.

Cool-headed and detached, no matter how strong the provocation, the sharp wit and verbal dexterity of the Air signs make them frustratingly difficult to out-argue. Because they keep emotions strictly out of the equation and tend not to hit below the belt, they’re fair fighters. Mars in Libra, however, sometimes has a problem with passive aggression, by acting sweet and appearing to back down, while silently thinking up clever ways to thwart their opponent.


Mars in the Water Signs

If your Mars falls in one of the Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces), you’re a subtle and cunning fighter whose dangerousness is often underestimated by unsuspecting opponents. Your emotions are your most powerful weapons, which you use to invoke sympathy or make others feel guilty in order to win arguments and conflicts. You prefer indirect, roundabout tactics to a full-on assault, and aren’t averse to fighting ‘dirty’ as a final resort.

Water signs don’t look for trouble, but immediately go on the defensive when they intuitively sense any threats to their emotional privacy (especially Mars in Scorpio), encroachments on their personal territory (especially Mars in Cancer) or that they’re being pushed into a corner (especially Mars in Pisces). Mars in Scorpio deserves a special mention as the most ruthless, determined and fearsome fighter: when wronged, these people rarely give up until they have exacted their revenge.


Mars in the Earth Signs

People with Mars in the Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn) tend not to be belligerent types: they’d rather channel their energy into practical accomplishments than waste it on picking a fight. Verbal or emotional abuse rarely provokes an angry reaction. What does make them see red is any kind of attack that affects their material wellbeing, especially their finances (Mars in Taurus), their work routines (Mars in Virgo) or their career and reputation (Mars in Capricorn).

Wherever possible they’ll avoid confrontations by shutting down and stonewalling, much to the frustration of their opponent who usually gets even angrier in response. In unavoidable conflict situations, they’ll hit back through measured retaliatory actions rather than rash words or outbursts. Slow, steady and strong on self-control, these signs rarely lose their temper, but when it happens, (especially in the case of Mars in Taurus), you can expect all hell to break loose!