Specific Upayas for Mars

Specific Upayas for Mars

Because Mars is the planet of energy and courage which helps us accomplish things in the outer world, it can be beneficial to honor him through various upayas. Here are a few suggestions if you want to increase the positive aspects of Mars in your life.
1. Mediate or Visualize on Mars
In a quiet, peaceful setting, contemplate upon the form for Mars. Mars is short and slender with firm limbs. His speech is clear and pure and he appears physically strong and powerful. He is clothed in red garments and has a youthful body and brown eyes. His favorite weapon is the spear. He rides on a golden chariot drawn by eight horses of red colour.
2. Japa, or the Recitation of Mantras, to Mars
Recite “Om hum srim Mangalaya namah”
To obtain a CD with the Mars Mantra that you can follow along with, click on “Chant CD” in the right side bar under Celestial Focus. Or to purchase a coral mala (gemstone of Mars) that can be used to chant the mantra 108 times, click on “Mala Beads”, also in the right side bar under Celestial Focus.
3. Yantras or Sacred Geometric Patterns that emit the Vibratory Energy of the Planet
Mediate upon Mars’s yantra. For a picture of Mars’s yantra, or to purchase the yantra, click on “Yantra” in the right side bar under Celestial Focus.
4. Mudras or Hand Gestures
One of the simplest upayas that can be practiced throughout the day is mudras, or hand gestures. The Abhaya (fearlessness) mudra symbolizes protection, courage and dispels all fears. It is made with the right hand raised to shoulder height, the arm crooked, the palm of the hand facing outward, and the fingers upright and joined. The left hand hangs down at the side of the body.
 
It is helpful to empower the mudra with intentionality by adding a bija mantra “Hum”; visualizing Mars (see above for description); or contemplating his attributes – courageous, assertive, brave and adventuresome.
5. Fasting on the Day of the Week ruled by Mars
Each of the planets rules one day of the week. Mars rules Tuesdays. By fasting on Tuesdays, one honors Mars.
6. Charity, or Gifts, to Mars
Charity is an extremely beneficial form of upaya and each planet has a particular gift of charity that enhances and supports its significations. For Mars it is the donation of a bull or steer.
7. The Wearing of Gemstones
The wearing of planetary gemstones is particularly prevalent in Vedic Astrology as a remedial measure. However, special consideration must be given to gemstones before electing to wear one due to their ability to greatly magnify the energy of their respective planet.
Mars’s primary gemstone is red coral. As with any planet, it is important to see the condition and position of Mars in the natal birth chart before deciding if wearing red coral would be beneficial or harmful to Mars and his significations.
Not only is it important to determine which gemstone should be worn, but also the quality, size, type of setting, metal used in the setting, which finger it should be worn on and date the gemstone is first worn. Due to the powerful effects a gemstone has on an individual and the multitude of variables that should first be considered, it is highly recommended that a Vedic astrologer be consulted first.

“Om hum srim Mangalaya namah”