Why is Mars Exalted in Capricorn – A sign ruled by Saturn

Exaltation is very interesting phenomena, especially considering that two extremely important planets Jupiter and Mars gets exalted in their enemy signs.

Mars and Saturn are enemy planets to each other and Mars – Saturn combination (conjuction etc.) is considered quite inauspicious, then why does Mars gets exalted in Saturn’s sign of Capricorn. For this we need to clearly understand what does planet Mars and Sign Capricorn stands for.

But first look at what exaltation of planet means -

Planet can be compared with humans (to understand its properties). Every human has an innate nature so does a planet has innate nature. A sign is an environment that brings out certain qualities or modifies gives direction to innate qualities of a planet. Exaltation means that the planet is disposed to give its best possible results. The tendency of the planet (due to the environment it is in) is to give the best possible outcome as per its innate nature ( and temporary nature which occurs due to lordship of different houses).

Mars is a fiery male planet. It shows physical Energy, power to get something accomplished, manliness, anger and even cruelty. Mars is the chief of army, its innate nature is very ambitious and wants to rule everyone around it. Mars is the energy which gets things done in physical world.

Now characteristics of signs can be understood by following factors – Element, Nature and Sign lord.

Capricorn is an earthy and moveable sign. Earthy plus Moveable  i.e. places of earth where lots of activities takes place. Play grounds, battle ground, work place can be some example of this. Being the 10^th sign of zodiac it also represents general qualities of 10^th house i.e. it is the sign of accomplishments in the physical world. So the environment of Capricorn is conducive for Mars to accomplish its physical desires. But the sign is owned Saturn - most discipline loving planet of all.

So with Mars in Capricorn – A person full of energy and ambitions is kept in an environment of worldly accomplishments with the strict discipline of Saturn. Saturn’s discipline keeps a healthy check on Martian energy and prevents it from losing its way. It is like keeping your adolescent kid in discipline to help his energies to be applied in constructive tasks and keep him from bad company :) ..… So the martian energy accomplishes great deal in physical world which Mars wants to do at first place. Which means Mars gives best possible results in accordance with its own innate nature and so is called Exalted :) ..…

Basics of Astrology

Astrology is actually very logical. Yes ... its Logical :) ... and to apply the logic we first need to understand some basics.. once we know the basics, then we can play around (by applying the laws of astrology) to synthesize various logical conclusions which can be referred as Predictions :) ...

The basics involve Planets (Grah), Zodiac (Rashi) and House (Bhav)...

Complexity of Astrology

Astrology is probably the only science which claims to explain or at least give reasons for everything happening in a persons life. Now that's way too much complex .. isn't it?

One individual's life is so complicated ... events seems to happen in seemingly haphazard and sometimes in a shocking way. From childhood to adulthood to old age to death. Some people sail though life smoothly and many other go through a jig saw puzzle.

Now if just one life is so complex imagine the task Astrology is trying to accomplish. Explaining everyone's life events.

On the face of it, this looks almost impossible task. But Astrology provides us with a basic framework using which we can, to a great degree of reliability, understand our own self and also predict good and bad period or events in our life. I am going to write about this framework and how we can utilize it for improving our lives in coming posts.

Is Astrology for real?

Most rational thinking people believe that astrology is pure superstition and a means of fooling people.

People ask me this many times - "How could you believe in superstitions like this?"

My response to this is quite simple - "Can anyone conclusively prove that Astrology is pure superstition?". The answer is no. No one can prove without doubt (like 1 + 1 = 2) that astrology is pure superstition. Similarly no one can prove with a mathematical precision that astrological assertions are 100% truth, because astrology is predictive system, much like the weather prediction system.

So the only answer which could be rational for anyone who has not studied this subject could be - "I don't know whether astrology is true or not".

This at least bring people to a neutral outlook towards astrology rather than negative one.

Now lets see whethere there is any truth in astrology. Astrology broadly has broad parts 1. Mathematical (Astronomy) 2. Predictive. Astronomical part of astrology is 100% verfiable fact (like the speeds of planets, their relative orbit motions, positions of starts etc.)

The predictive part of astrology is what mainly considered superstition. Again since mathematical precision cannot be used lets see some very simplistic astrological guideline and check whether it applies in real world -

Astrological Assertion - Mars is the planet associated with Aggression and physical power. For every sportman, especially sports requiring more physical power, a strong and well placed mars is virtually a necessity. Following is a list of some of the greatest sports persons of their and corresponding position of their Mars. For the simplicity I am using only the basic astrology principles to find out strength of Mars in these horoscope.  -

1. Sachin Tendulkar (One of the greated Cricket players) - Mars (Very strong exalted Mars)

2. Muhammad Ali (One of the greatest boxers) - (Strong Mars in own sign)

3. Michael Jordon (One of the greated basketball player) - Mars (Strong mars with cancellation of debility ("Neech bhang") - Similar to exalted.

Similarly horoscopes of Pele, Maradona, Steffi Graf shows a strongly placed Mars giving a strong body necessary for sports. This is not to say that everyone who has strong Mars will be a sportsperson but to be a good sportsperson (or for having good vital physique) a strong Mars is required.

Similarly it can be seen very easily that people related with entertainment business have strong influences of Venus and Mercury. People who have been greate mathematicians invariably have a strong Mercury, people who have been known for humanitarian activities are known to have strong Libra sign and so on. This list can be extended further but for now it should be enough to not rubbish astrology just as superstition.

I will share more studies and astrological articles from my knowledge on the blog further.