Astrological Mythology The Meaning of ... - Mandhata Global

direct this energy higher (toward nonpersonal goals); that is, the urge to
unfold and the direction towards which the unfoldment is guided together
characterize the basic nature of Mars. This planet is Divine Energy within
limitations, available for a Divine objective relative to the person concerned.
Whatever the action induced by Mars, its impact is beneficial and enduring.
For this reason, the Hindus called it Mangala, the favorable and propitious.
The two main components of the figure, the circle and the arrow, in their
entirety refer to the microcosm, the human being with all his limitations but
possessing the potential of the Absolute. The circle refers to bounded
potential, which is the portion of the Absolute latent in the consciousness of
the incarnating soul. It is this potential which makes man the unknown,
whose growth and expansion know no bounds. The energy of the Absolute
All is hidden in every individual. As between a spark and the flame, or a
drop of water and the sea, there is no essential difference, so no real
difference exists between the human individual and his Divine Creator. The
circle representing bounded potential refers to the latent faculties of the
individual. There is no limit to the growth and expansion of human potential.
The arrow superimposed upon the circle suggests the movement of
actualizing this latency. The task of Mars is always concerned with making
the world better, guiding it toward a more harmonious existence though the
efforts involved require enormous sacrifice and courage.
The planet Mars symbolizes arrogance. This impulse is found at the very
origin of the planetary deity. In Hindu mythology, Mars is identified with
Kartikkeya, the god of war. He is the son of the Supreme Lord Shiva without
the intervention of any woman. He is born of Shiva and the Earth. As a son
of the Earth, he is called Bhauma, Bhumiputra, and Mahisuta. He is also
called Shiva-gharma-ja, born of the sweat of Shiva; Gaganolmuki, the torch
of the sky; Lohita, the red; Navarchi, the nine-rayed; Chara, the spy or the
animate; and Rinantaka, the cnder of debts, the patron of debtors.
Blavatsky states that Adam-Jehovah, Brahma and Mars arc, in one sense,
identical (SD Vol. HI, p. 55). They are all symbols for the primitive or initial
generative power that works for the purpose of human procreation. Adam is
red in color as are Brahma-Viraj and Mars — god and planet. Water is the
'blood' of the earth, therefore these figures are connected with earth and
water. She quotes Moses as saying that it takes earth and water to create a
human soul. Mars as Kartikeya, the god of war, is born of the sweat of Shiva
(the water of the god) and the Earth.
Kartikeya, the presiding deity for Mars, is called Lohita, the red, which also
means blood. Blood is the very essence of physical life on earth. The
similarity between Kartikeya and Mars points out the essential feature of the