7 Planets and Metals: Mars/Iron

Mars tugs at the human imagination like no other planet. With a force mightier than gravity, it attracts the eye to the shimmering red presence in the clear night sky. - John Noble

Throughout the ages of civilization, Mars/Iron has stood as a symbol of masculine energy, vitality and fiery passion. The priesthood of antiquity, revered Mars/Iron for its qualities of courage, will power, and male generative force. These mystics of old, used Mars/Iron’s energy to confront the deepest parts of their ego, killing off all unneeded behaviors and beliefs. To the alchemist of those days, Mars/Iron was linked to the gall balder, pancreas, blood flow, and the male gentiles. The ancient alchemist also knew of Iron’s role in metabolism and the transportation of oxygen via blood flow. Those ancient practitioners made oil of iron, which they used to purify the blood, healing wounds, soothing the gall balder, stopping bleeding ulcers, strengthening bone marrow, increase orgasm sensitivity, and enhancing instincts.

Mars/Iron is connected with the third chakra center, the solar plexus. This chakra point is the seat of personal power, stores judgements, opinions and beliefs. The solar plexus chakra is also involved in the process of digesting thoughts and emotions towards ourselves in regards to our external environment.

Iron was the second metal that civilizations worked with, lead being the first. The bible speaks to this when in mentions Tubal Cain, who according to the bible was the first to work with the metal. “And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah.” Genesis 4:22

Tubal Cain is also an important figure in masonic initiation rites.

Mars/Iron is used in magic rituals, to promote energy, strength, determination, will power, assertively, fertility rites, and new beginnings and undertakings.

The Sanskrit word for Mars is Mangala and represents energy, action, and confidence. Mars was also the Hindu god of war. Mangala (Mars) was a celibate god and some stories suggest that he was born from Shiva’s sweat and blood.

The Druids also saw the planet/metal, Mars/Iron as an angry entity. At times in Druidic history their spiritual leaders forbade the use of Iron and the worship of Mars.

To the ancient Greeks, Mars/Iron was the god of war Ares. Ares was the son of Zeus and Hera. He was also the lover of Aphrodite (Venus). Ares and Aphrodite had a few children such as Eros (cupid) and Harmonia, the goddess of harmony. In Greek Culture Ares (Mars) represented the untamed bloody aspects of war, while Athena represented military strategy and generalship.

To the alchemist of today, Mars/Iron gives us the energy and courage to face our deepest fears and traumas. While teaching us to not conform to others beliefs and to form our own world view. When the alchemist is out of balance with Mars/Iron they can become judgmental, over critical, stubborn, or have feelings of unworthiness, passive, timid, and indecisive. It is true that Mars/Iron is primarily a masculine force, but when this force is brought into harmony, it can give the alchemist the stamina and courage needed to face any obstacle he or she may face. It is important to note, that without the drive and assertiveness given by Mars/Iron, one becomes stagnate and unwilling to face the hard trials of life.