Mars in Gemini, Mercury in Aries: Them some fighting words!

For the rest of April we have what is called a Parivartan yoga where Mars is in Mercury’s sign of Gemini and Mercury is in Mars’ sign of Aries. With either of these two planets in the other’s sign, we can see fighting words come up. Mercury is quick to speak, focused on black/white and right/wrong thinking. It also illicits fiery word choices in the sign of Aries. Mars in Gemini fights about ideas and information, and can play devil’s advocate here. Especially in today’s internet world, where being a keyboard warrior is so easy and sometimes anonymous, we can see these two planets in either of the other’s signs create and end friendships in one keystroke. The blessing here is that the parivartan yoga gives both planets extra intelligence through the exchange of signs. A capacity for discipline with speech from Mars and a discernment about which battles are worth fighting from Mercury. It’s also super important to understand that people fight (with words) differently.

Some people argue because they enjoy arguing. To these people, ideas are only formed once they’ve been proven through debate and it is fun for them to argue from all different sides. They may or may not even ever commit to a point of view. This can be some of what we see especially hot right now, and is often seen with Mars in Gemini or Libra or Mercury in Aries or Leo, or just significant planets in Gemini and fire signs.

Some people are fighting relationally. This means that for them the argument is about the relationship itself. They want others to prove their love or friendship by “taking their side” or caring about their feelings. These arguments usually happen around trivial or mundane things that the person does not actually care about that much. These can be the most difficult people to fight with because there is no big truth or even information at the core of their argument. They don’t have attachment to a right or wrong, they are just interested in how you relate to them. The people they are arguing with may have a different style and therefore be fighting for something they care about a lot. Since fighting is primarily in the realm of Mars, which is logic oriented and disconnecting rather than connective and relational, and conversation in the realm of Mercury where we are attempting to be objective with information, we see these people often suffer from fights, as they are using it to try to relate and no amount of logic or information will change how they feel. These folks may have Mars or Mercury in water signs (especially Cancer and Scorpio) or significant Libra/Mars energy in their chart.

Finally, we have those who are fighting for their beliefs. These are the people most likely to get riled up and fierce in battle, as they are fighting for what feels like their core principles. These people have strong connections to truth and what they believe is an extension of who they are. The passion and sense of justice in the fight can make the person on the other end wish they never got into it, unless of course it is an argument between two such people! In that case, you might as well get some popcorn. Interestingly, these folks can be the earliest to fold on an argument, once they see that they are unable to convince the other of their perspective, they usually run out of steam because that was the point for them. We can often see Mars or Mercury in Sagittarius or Aquarius here or a strong relationship to the 9th house.

Whatever your style of arguing/fighting is, note that while it’s not “wrong” to argue, it is often ineffective, regardless of your motivation. It rarely brings more connection, wisdom/knowledge or convinces anyone of anything. The best use of Mars energy is to channel it into a disciplined regular action that you take yourself. The best use of Mercury’s energy is to have discernment in the information you take in and send back out into the world, Now is a great time to use mantra practice as the repetition meets Mars and the words meet Mercury. Pranyama, breath practices can also be quite helpful for disciplining the body and releasing the mind of harmful thought patterns. This is also a great time to get active on any paperwork, research or writing you have been putting off while Mercury was in the watery sign of Pisces. Best to stay clear of easy triggers like social media and conversations with people with whom you often argue. Even being funny can be quite cutting at times and remember these transits are being experienced by everyone, so you will not be the only one with a sharp tongue;-)

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