In astrology, Mars is the planet that governs energy, desire, motivation, and the ability to channel our energy into something. If we tracked our energy and motivation levels and compared the times in our lives when we charged full steam ahead to the times when we floundered with little motivation, we would probably reveal a correlation with Mars. When it is well placed in a birth chart, Mars enables us to get moving and achieve our goals without too much doubt or hesitation. A healthy Mars placement gives us courage and the ability to fight important battles while an unhealthy Mars placement can leave us shrinking on the sidelines or riding roughshod over others, burning ourselves out in the process. Since much success or failure in life can be connected to Mars, it pays to keep an eye on this planet both in your natal charts and its journey through the heavens.

This month, Mars changes signs, moving from Aries — its natural home — to Taurus, a sign that it is not inherently comfortable in. Mars wants to get cracking while Taurus says, “Can’t it wait until tomorrow?” What’s particularly interesting this month is that Uranus, which is also in Taurus, will align with Mars toward the end of the month. This in itself could generate a few fireworks, but in the sign of Taurus, it could unleash some surprising events.