Mars and Ascendant: aspect cards

Mars conjunct the Ascendant makes the first thing people see in you directness and readiness to go. You say what you think, move briskly and are often the one who starts before anyone has settled. People feel your confidence from the first sentence. You dislike waiting and going round the houses. The thing to watch is a manner that sounds curt or rushed without your meaning it.

• You start at once, without waiting to be told or for everything to be ready.
• You speak plainly and clearly, so others know what you want from them.
• You have the energy to lead a group when someone has to decide.

• A tone that is too direct may make newcomers feel pressed.
• Impatience may lead you to answer before the other person has finished.

On your first day in a new team you notice a slow step and ask at once why nobody tries another way. Your teammates go quiet and glance at each other, and you feel the mood shift. Next time, begin by asking why the team uses this method, then offer alternatives. Listeners will see you as leading, not judging.

Soften your tone and give others time to answer, and your boldness reads as leadership.

When Mars is in harmony with the Ascendant, your drive and your outer manner fit together well. You are confident without overshadowing others, can start something new at once and speak directly in a way people respect. People see you as someone to rely on when someone has to go first. Roles that call for leading or opening the way suit you. The thing to watch is acting so fast that you do not ask your team.

• You are confident without making others feel put down.
• You make the first move when no one dares, and others follow easily.
• You speak plainly in a way that still feels respectful.

• You may decide so quickly yourself that the team has no chance to join in.
• Your own smoothness may keep you from noticing that some people cannot yet keep up.

At a university event nobody wants to open the programme on stage. You raise your hand at once and it all goes well. Next time, invite two juniors to help plan the programme. They will feel part of it, and you will have people who can carry it on after you.

Open the door for your team to take part, and your courage carries others with you.

When Mars challenges the Ascendant, your manner may provoke strong reactions from others without your meaning it. You are seen as curt or impatient when you only wanted to speak plainly. Friction may come often from the very first meeting, and irritation and haste are worth noticing in yourself. The upside is courage and energy that do not tire. When you pause before answering, your bearing earns respect without making people feel pressed.

• You dare to start the conversations others avoid.
• You have energy that does not tire when people around you push back.
• You quickly tell who is being straight with you and who is not.

• Your manner may be read as a challenge when you were only being direct.
• You may answer back at once when you feel interrupted, then have to repair the mood later.

In a first meeting with a new client, they interrupt you twice. You answer more sharply than you meant to and see them lean back in their chair. Try pausing before you reply, acknowledging what they said in a few words and then giving your view. They will listen to you more.

Pause before you answer back, and your bearing will command respect without alarming people.