Mars has a bad reputation, being associated with destruction, impetuous
action, strife and aggression, but these are qualities that Mars can express
when it is not in balance. The energies of Mars are also those which protect
and that break down and destroy in its effects of catabolism, the breaking
down and clearing away of waste or dead tissue. The energies of Mars are
represented in the activities of firemen, police officers and the military -
all professions which can be dangerous yet protect life and, in the case of
the police and military, preserve law and justice. Mars energies can be
intense and uncomfortable at times when experienced in one's life yet are
necessary to protecting life and health.
Red is the color of Mars which makes Martian attributions of Dragon's Blood
resin and cayenne obvious. In ritual, Dragon's Blood has its uses in
binding, protection and purgation, all of which fall under the dominion of
the powers of Mars. Mars herbs in general are irritants, purges, stimulants
and they act to build up body heat, increase energy and promote an assertive
vitality. Rue is an aromatic stimulant whose energizing qualities have been
known to relieve nervous heart problems such as arrhythmia and palpitation.
Rue also relives colic, eliminates worms and can bring on menstruation. One
quickly learns upon handling the fresh herb that the juice is a highly
effective, though fortunately local, irritant.
Nettle, another herb of Mars, possesses thorns that act as hypodermics,
injecting subcutaneous doses of stinging fluid. It is this same irritating
juice, however, that when properly prepared becomes a powerful internal
astringent, eliminating infections and blood in the urine, regulating blood
pressure and flow, cleansing and relieving hemorrhoids, reducing
susceptibility to colds and by virtue of its heating action, relieving
rheumatic conditions.
Sulphur is another extreme irritant, being hot (in fact, flammable)
and explosive - all properties that exemplify Mars. Peppercorns and cayenne
share this quality of producing extreme heat (peppers being classified by the
amount of BTU's -British Thermal Units - that they produce) and the efficacy
of their use depends a great deal on the resilience of an individual
constitution. Peppercorn and cayenne are noteworthy digestive catabolists,
aiding immeasurably in the aggressive breakdown of food and waste products.
Cayenne, in building up body heat, is excellent for maintaining resistance to
colds and will increase blood flow to any area that it is applied to when
used in a plaster (although watch out for the danger of blistering).
The internal effects of these irritants as well as the olfactory stimulus of
sulphur used in incense are highly effective in the induction of a Mars
temperament, especially where aggression is called for and in path-workings
pertaining to the Qabalistic sphere of Geburah. Magically speaking, herbs of
Mars give vast amounts of energy to projects and health. They give
protection, independence, assertiveness and stimulate the passions. When
mixed with in an incense or formula with herbs of other planets, Mars herbs
lend their immense energies to the effects of the other herbs, thereby
strengthening and vitalizing the whole. Traditional herbs of Mars include
Aloes, Basil, Broomtops, Briony, Cayenne, Cumin, Galangal, Garlic, Gentian,
Ginger, Mustard, Nettle, Pepper, Sanicle, Tobacco and Wormwood.
All herbs, oils, incense, etc. can be found at the best Wiccan online store.
Top-quality products, great prices. Herbal and essential oil reference guides
available online.
Click here to
receive a free 90-page catalog.
[ Top ]