Mars in Cancer, mars in fall
There’s this idea in astrology that planets are more comfortable in some signs than others. If a planet is “in Domicile” or “in Exaltation” it is either comfy in its own home or experiencing a “guest of honor” stay.
Meanwhile, if a planet is “in Detriment” or “in Fall” it is - according to certain astrological traditions - considered weakened and uncomfortable.
The planet that is in domicile in Cancer is the Moon, Jupiter is exalted, and Saturn is in detriment. And:
The planet that is in Fall in Cancer is Mars.
It kind of makes sense that a wild, bloodthirsty warrior (Mars) would not feel the most comfy in a cozy nursery with helpless babies (Cancer).
My son has Mars in Cancer. And I know sometimes as parents, especially if we are doing kind of, internet, amateur, astrology, when we see something “bad” in our child’s chart, we can freak out a little.
But I love placements that ask planets to be scrappy, inventive, and perhaps, ask the planets to work a little harder. I think this really builds empathy and not to sound trite, but builds character. I genuinely see planets in Detriment and in Fall as a gift.
The mainstream story around Mars in Cancer is that it’s not a strong Mars. It doesn’t take decisive, direct action, it doesn’t self assert boldly and directly, and it is too emotional. And I have heard Mars in Cancer folks say that they do have a hard time with expressing anger.
Anger is an emotion with especial links to Mars, for the reason that when something stands in our way, Mars is the planet that is in charge of clearing our path, and if the obstacle is hard to clear, our assertion turns to anger. It is, from the standpoint of protecting the self and its continuation, a reasonable and logical response.
Regarding Mars in Cancer expressing anger:
Mars in Cancer does best when it a) feels safe and b) is allowed immediate, full, complete, and uncensored emotional expression.
The problem is, culturally we never allow anger to be expressed in a way that feels safe for the person expressing it (there’s all sorts of messaging intended to shame/shut down around being violent, out of control, needing anger management, etc), so this is a hard place to begin.
The other issue is relatedness and interdependence are of foremost importance to Cancer so if Cancer feels like an action it is going to take or an emotion it needs to express will threaten that, it’s immediately a conflict of which to choose - stifling action/expression or threatening Cancer’s #1 need/priority.
I think it’s so important for Cancer to have a team of people around them where the bond is so strong and trusting and communication is open and safe. Then Cancer Mars can act/express and not feel like they are threatening their relationships and therefore their safety.
However, I absolutely do not see Mars as being less effective in Cancer per se, it’s just that a very particular set of conditions needs to be met.
I always think of Mercury in Pisces where technically it is in Fall. And some of the most amazing communicators and authors I know have that placement. And if that is true, I don’t see why it can’t be true for other placements in Fall.
Being in Fall feels a little Saturnian to me sometimes. It’s not as straightforward and easy as for other placements, but if you work at it/with it, you unlock a truly spectacular and mesmerizing expression of it. With Fall placements there seem to be riches, but they are hidden, and require investigation and ingenuity and an honest look at how consensus culture may be further hampering our efforts/expression through no fault of our placements.
And it builds compassion, understanding, empathy, and wisdom in a way that planets that have it easier or more straightforward never quite get access to. That’s not super glamorous, or even desirable to some, but I believe it is so necessary. I think in some ways, planets in fall and in detriment may be what saves humanity.
My colleague uses the terms non-normative ways and non-normative places to describe how and where these planets express, unfold, and do their planetary work.
For Mars, the work is to be the defender and champion of the Self. In Cancer, Mars may not do this in the typical ways and places, but how Mars does it - and the idea in astrology is to facilitate it once we know about it - will be truly creative, mesmerizing and effective in its own way.
I also think there are some placements for Mars that are even “tougher” than Cancer! (I’m not going to say which, since this is a personal bias/observation, but this is just to say: your chart is always SO WORKABLE! Getting some codes/insights can really help you move towards the best possible expression and use of each placement. Every single placement has massive potential, said another way.)
If you’re curious about facilitating your placements, it is soooo fun and empowering! An easy place to start is with a 1/2 hr or full hour chart analysis. See all my offerings here.
