Mars, the Red Planet, is a celestial body of action, force, and war. Its name derives from the Roman god of war, itself adapted from the Greek Ares. In alchemy and Hermetic philosophy, Mars corresponds to iron, representing strength, sharpness, and the active principle of division and assertion.

Position on the Tree of Life

In the diagram of the Heavenly Hexagram, Mars occupies the fourth position (Chesed, Mercy) on the Tree of Life. This placement is paradoxical: Chesed is traditionally the sphere of expansive, merciful love, while Mars represents aggressive, martial energy. This tension reflects the idea that disciplined force and righteous anger can serve as instruments of divine justice and protection, channeling aggressive energy into the preservation of order and structure.

Astrological and planetary correspondence

Astrologically, Mars governs assertion, courage, conflict, and the raw drive to act. It rules the zodiac signs Aries and (traditionally) Scorpio, and is exalted in Capricorn. Its metal is iron; its colors are red and scarlet. In the human body, Mars rules the muscles, adrenal glands, and the blood itself—the vital fluid that carries life and, when spilled, marks the ultimate sacrifice in battle or ritual.

Historical context

Mars has been recognized as a war deity since the earliest records of Roman religion, where he was the father of Romulus and Remus, and thus the divine ancestor of the Roman people. His festivals (Feriae Martis and the Equirria) involved horse races and purification rites, emphasizing martial readiness.

In the medieval and Renaissance grimoire traditions, the spirits of Mars (often ruled by the archangels Samael or Kamael) are evoked for victory, protection, and destruction of enemies. The Lesser Key of Solomon lists several infernal spirits under Mars's influence, such as Flauros and Marbas. In the Heptameron of Pietro d'Abano, the planetary hour of Mars is employed for works of war, vengeance, and causing ruin.

In the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, Mars is assigned to the path of the Hebrew letter Peh (mouth), which connects Hod (Splendor) to Netzach (Victory) on the Tree of Life. The mouth is the organ of speech and command, aligning with the concept of the warrior’s word as law. The godforms traditionally associated with Mars are Horus (the avenger) and Samael (the severity of God).

In Liber 777

In Crowley's 777, at the row of the Heavenly Hexagram (scale step 4, Chesed), the cell for Mars lists the godform Samael (the blind god of the Qliphoth, also called the Severity of God) and the archangel Kamael (the leader of the order of Powers, the wrathful enforcer of cosmic law). This pairing highlights the dual nature of Mars on the Tree: it is both the destructive force that breaks down barriers (Samael) and the coercive authority that imposes divine will (Kamael). The specific number associated with Mars in this context is 34, the value of Samael in Hebrew gematria, underscoring the severity and judgment inherent in this planetary energy.