In this episode of “5 Minutes,” Dr. Robert Svoboda explores Mars, known as Mangala in Jyotisha, and its influence as a powerful planetary force.

Mangala is a very interesting name for this graha because mangala means auspicious. As Mr. Hart DeFoe, who kindly shared much of his Jyotisha knowledge with me, used to say, quoting Mr. Mantriji, his guru and also my Jyotisha guru, we are not entirely sure why this name is applied to Mars. It may be because of all the auspicious things Mars can do for you when it is properly aligned and activated in a horoscope. Or it may be because of all the auspicious things you need to do in order to keep Mars from creating difficulties in your life.

Mars is regarded as a malefic planet in Jyotisha, meaning that it can create problems. Mars creates difficulties because it is a violent planet. Mars, along with Ketu, which behaves like Mars, is associated with accidents, warfare, and fire.

One of the names of Mars is Angaraka, meaning burning coal. Another name is Kuja. In this case, ku means earth and ja means born from, meaning born from the earth. When you build a fire, you normally build it on the earth rather than on water, in the air, or in space. Therefore, Mars is considered to have been born from the earth. Traditionally in India, the birthplace of Mars is said to be outside the sacred city of Ujjain.

Mars can provide very good results under the right circumstances, but Mars always wants to act. Mars may think, plan, or consider things briefly, but it wants to act first, act in the middle, and act at the end. Mars represents warfare.

Even in warfare, there are different kinds of generals. Some are cautious, some are bold, and some are completely Martian. One example is the Civil War general John Bell Hood, who was considered extremely Martian because he would attack whether or not it was beneficial for him. Sometimes it worked, but most of the time it did not.

When it comes to relationships, Mars can create significant challenges. Saturn and the lunar nodes can also create difficulties, but Mars is often considered a major problem because it can encourage arguments, conflict, and even violence between people.

This is why, when comparing horoscopes for compatibility, it is important to consider the strength of Mars in both charts. Two people with similarly strong Martian influences may understand and interact with each other better than someone with a strong Mars trying to relate with someone who has a much milder nature.

When Mars is strongly influencing you, either through your horoscope or through transit, it is beneficial to take steps to reduce its intensity. Mars increases Pitta, so you should reduce things that increase Pitta. This includes reducing salt, sour foods, and spicy or pungent foods. It is also helpful to reduce or avoid meat and alcohol.

Consume cooling substances such as coconut water and aloe vera. On Tuesdays, you can fast, recite mantras, especially mantras connected with Hanuman or Ganapati. Ganapati, who is red in colour, has a positive connection with Martian energy, as does Hanuman.

You can also donate blood. This is a useful way to reduce excess Pitta in the body, and that blood may help save another person’s life. Mars represents blood and the red colour of blood, so by offering blood you are acknowledging Mars and saying that you are using this energy in a positive way.

Find positive ways to express Martian energy, and you will help Mars become a much more beneficial influence in your own life.