One of the most searched for phrases on this site is “Taurus man unfaithful”… WTF?

This has made me wonder two things:

• Are there lots of women out there who just happen to read my site who are with Taurus men who are unfaithful? Or
• Is there just a couple of women who are with unfaithful Taurus men who keep asking the Universe and hoping for a different answer…sort of like the way I keep asking the Magic 8 ball as specific question of cast the same horary chart over and over again… or the way auditors ask the same stuff in different ways.

So, are Taurus men unfaithful?  Regular readers know my view on this one. I don’t believe that any one sign is more prone to cheating than the next. Having said that, Taurus does have an appetite…for everything… Taurus is also extremely practical- and that can extend to having a Plan B before making a final commitment.

Which brings me to Mars in Taurus (both sexes) and Taurus men in general…Taurus Rising men too will fall into this category as well.

Mars is in his detriment in Taurus.

Taurus is a Venus ruled sign and is all about pleasure and taking the time to smell the roses. Mars, as we know, is driven to win. Taurus’ motivations are around physical security and her goals are closely aligned to achieving this.

In Taurus, Mars’ energy is steady, controlled and strong. Once he has decided that he wants someone or something he is prepared to work for it and will be there for the long haul. Mars in Taurus has immense staying power and is prepared to go the distance.

When he has made up his mind, there is very little that will change it- adaptability is not Taurus’ strong suit. Likewise, if he has achieved his goals and acquired whatever it was he desired, he is reluctant to relinquish it. This goes for relationships too. Taurus likes his comforts so once the tracky daks are on and the feet are on your sofa and the footy is on your TV you will have trouble moving him. Contented cow… so to speak. This is one Mars placement that knows how to slow down and appreciate the moment.

In this way, Mars in Taurus is usually faithful and loyal- but maybe not for the right reasons. Generally slow to commit (Taurus likes to be sure), once in it, he is in it for the long run- often regardless of whether it continues to be a functional relationship. He likes the comfort and stability that comes from long term relationships. Essentially, he is easily pleased and easily satisfied. Did that come out right?

If his comfort or security is threatened, he can be possessive, jealous and down-right bullish… raging bull-ish. Whilst slow to arouse, the Mars in Taurus temper is powerful indeed. Head down, horns up, red haze behind the eyes, nostrils flaring and charge!

Mars in Taurus can also hold a pretty decent grudge when he needs to and will maintain the rage long after its’ best by date. As such, your calm, patient and tolerant Taurus man can become quite cruel and vindictive in the case of a break-up. It can be a little like a toddler who’s had his favourite toy taken away.

Taurus has what can only be termed a lusty appetite when it comes to, well, to most things. His desire is powerful, yet controlled- he likes to take his time. Mars in Earth signs is sensual and tactile. Sex for Mars in Taurus really is about the satisfaction of a physical appetite. Because he is so attuned to his appetites, the way to this mans heart really is through his stomach…he is also one who can absolutely read your body language!

Taurus is closely aligned to money and financial matters, so Taurus man will often align his ego to how well he can provide. Unlike Aries man who wants to charge in on his white horse and throw you onto his saddle to whisk you away from all your problems (long and meaningful sigh), Taurus man will look after you in a more practical way. An Earth sign, he is prepared to work steadily hard to achieve his goals and accumulate the things that he wants to accumulate. He will also work hard to keep it- Mr Taurus tends to be relatively more risk adverse than many other signs.

He is calm and soothing when you need that most. His very fixity provides a steady platform on which you can land, and his earthy practicality supports even the most dramatic of emotional outpourings. He may frustrate you by his reluctance to move, do more than one thing at a time or try anything new. You may stamp your feet when he refuses to go out partying once he has got comfortable for the night. You may not be able to speed him up, but once he has been roused, he won’t stop in a hurry.

And women with Mars in Taurus? All of the above, for sure. Her appetites are physical, her energy steady and lasting. She is prepared to work hard for what she wants. But what does this strong willed woman want in a partner?  He will have Taurean characteristics. He may have the Sun, Moon, Ascendant, Venus or Mars in Taurus. He may have a heavy 2^nd house chart.

She wants someone who will make her comfortable, someone who will satisfy her physically and look after her materially. She wants someone who will soothe her emotions, make her a cuppa and give her a back rub at the end of a difficult day. He will be someone who will help her achieve her goals and someone who will read her body language. He will be someone who can go the distance.

Know an Aries male? What about someone (guy or girl) with Mars in Aries? This post is for my Aries BMF- mainly because he asked me on Friday when I’d next dedicate a post to him…and also because with the Ascendant, Sun and Mars in Aries, he is textbook ram. It’s also for my brother- another Aries ASC, Sun and Mars…and my daughter- Aries Sun, Mercury, Saturn and Mars.

Mars rules Aries, so is at his strongest, most physical, most vital, most impulsive, most independent here.

Mars is a masculine planet and Aries a masculine sign, so this is arguably the most masculine of energy forces. Sure this can mean bulging biceps and all of that rather obvious and cliched masculinity, but it isn’t just about the physical. It’s about how that energy is directed- outwardly.

Aries represents the principal of activation- energy directed in clear lines outwardly. The nature of Mars is expansive, inflammatory and acute. Mars in Aries therefore is both of these things…very often, although not always, that has a physical representation. Very often this energy is reflected in his wilfulness of purpose rather than the size of his biceps.

He thrives on physical activity and direct action, he loves the thrill of the chase and the scent of a battle. He makes decisions impulsively (and adjusts them as he goes), is a dynamic rather than charismatic leader and completely spontaneous. He has the ability to excite and energise those around him to join him in whatever quest he is on. He is also incredibly wilful- ever tried to move a ram?

He likes to conquer things…and people. The more difficult the hunt, the more unattainable the prize, the more he appreciates the outcome. He is turned on by a challenge- whether that is a business problem that needs solving in a hurry, a woman that he doesn’t think he can have, a physical obstacle that needs to be climbed, a race that needs to be run.

He admires courage and risk takers, but can be quite selfish in his pursuit of his desires and tends to overwhelm his prey. When Mars in Aries wants something, getting it is the only thing that matters…until he turns his attention to the next thing that is the only thing that ever matters…

He is easily annoyed and is turned off by, well lots of things really, but specifically laziness, excuses, predictability, indecision, queuing, anything he has to wait too long for without result.

His temper is hot, fast, directly to the point and without warning, but unless he has planets (especially the Moon) in Scorpio or Cancer, he won’t tend to hold onto a grudge- and is annoyed by those who do. He says what he needs to say and gets on with it. The explosion is loud, dramatic, painful and over pretty quickly, but like his other Mars cousin (Scorpio) he has difficulty admitting he is wrong, accepting blame or saying sorry- how can you apologise for something when you are never wrong and have moved on already? Why waste time looking back when there is so much more to chase down?

Whilst he likes getting into battle strategies, he doesn’t do manipulation or political spin- he isn’t subtle enough for that- in fact, subtlety annoys him too. When he is ready to move forward you had better be ready to keep up with him- he won’t wait while you faff around with decisions- he takes action in an instant so why can’t you? His enthusiasm blows cold quickly, so by the time you have caught up with him, he may have already moved onto the next project.

Sexually, Mars in Aries doesn’t like to plan ahead. He doesn’t need perfect conditions for a seduction- wherever and whenever is more his style. Spontaneous, impulsive, risk taking, physical- the same words keep coming up. With Mars in Aries, sex is a competition contact sport preferably played by two enthusiastic combatants…and he wants to be the best time you ever had.

Whilst he may love the chase, he does not want a submissive or passive partner. He wants someone who gives herself entirely to him- and seriously, how can you not? Mars in Aries can be overwhelmingly irresistible when he is in full battle mode. No matter how gorgeous you are if you do nothing but lie there and look beautiful, he’ll bore quickly. It’s passion rather than romance that he gets off on. What else can I say on this one without getting into the too much information category? Hmmmm, let’s look at some words and phrases I have used earlier: “hot, fast, exciting, directly to the point…”

Mars in Aries starts enthusiastically, but business as usual bores him. How to hold his interest past bin night? Mars in Aries has to have something to chase, something to want. While he will overwhelm you in the chase, he doesn’t want someone who’s happy to be owned. This goes back to the point about submission. Even in a longer term relationship with Aries (and yes, he can be house broken and exist in captivity, and makes an excellent life partner and parent) it’s best to hold a little bit back, keep your own friends, your own activities and fight for your independence- and under no circumstances try and take that from him.

Say “no” every so often- don’t make things too easy for him, don’t make a habit of giving up what you want to do and don’t be afraid to argue with him. Keep the sex fresh, spontaneous and as new as possible. Physically, to keep up with Aries (both in and out of the bedroom), you need to be fit. Work out together, explore together, play together, take risks together, boldly go forward with him. He wants a partner who fits with him, but is still true to herself…if that makes sense…a relationship where both parties have their own balance.

Want to lose an Aries man in less than 10 days? Too easy: nag him, hold him back, push him into a commitment, give into him on everything, make excuses, stop him from taking risks, do stuff slowly (& that is everything from deciding on a menu choice to getting ready to moving). He will turn off pretty quickly if you start making too many plans for him too early in the relationship or begin calling him too often. Give him something to chase. Get the idea?

And how do you know if he is bored or tired of you? As I said before, this guy is not into subtlety. Mars in Aries turns off as quickly as he turns on. If he isn’t being stimulated, he simply won’t be there. It may be that his energy is being directed into work, sport or other activities- Mars in Aries is able to direct energy into specific areas rather than scatter it.

Mars in Aries is bored with talk- he wants the actions to speak for themselves. He’ll glaze over a little if you want to talk too much about the state of your relationship, the state of your girlfriends’ relationships or where he actually was between the time of 8.30pm and 8.45pm. Nor does he like too much talk about you and will often find a way of switching the conversation back to himself.

Mars in a womans’ chart gives an indication of what qualities she is looking for in a partner. With Mars in Aries she is looking for a real man. She wants someone she go forward with, someone she can battle with, someone she can have make up sex with, someone she can run with, someone who can fix stuff. She doesn’t want anyone who will make her life too easy, she wants someone who will make her feel alive and energetic and physical. She wants someone she can discover stuff with, someone she can go on adventures with. She isn’t that interested in sensitive new age guys, poetry or the fluff and bubble of romance. She won’t be seduced by your etchings, she will, however, be seduced by your muscles…and what you can do with them…

For the person who came into my site the other day with the question “how do you train an Aries man?” my answer is essentially why would you want to? It was those qualities that attracted you in the first place! Having said that, too much Aries energy can be exhausting to be around all the time. Sure he is exciting and energising and frustrating to be with, but you can only take so much of that- another reason to keep your own friends.

Don’t try and change him or train him or temper him- that will only end up boring him and yourself more quickly. Instead love all those wonderful qualities that excite you and get your creative, sexual and energetic juices flowing and have an escape route nearby to which you can retreat when all that male energy gets too much. He will only respect you all the more for that

Many years ago (and I’m talking back in the depths of time) Kings would use astrologers to help them choose (amongst other things) the best time to go to war.

I would seriously doubt anyone would choose a time when Mars was in Pisces- both armies would be likely to get very soggy underfoot, stuck in the mud, with the campaign being long drawn out with an uncertain and hazy outcome that would most likely lead to both King (and hapless astrologer) being brought down in an equally gruesome manner.

Maybe if submarines were involved? But submarines weren’t around in those days.

Mars is energy. It’s what turns us on and what turns us off. It’s what gets us out of bed in the morning. When we feel ambition we feel our Mars. When we desire something or someone, we feel our Mars. When we assert ourselves we do it through Mars. Mars is masculine, it’s hot, it’s dry, it’s direct. So how does a planet like Mars exist in what is arguably the wettest, most emotionally volatile and inconstant, feminine sign there is? What drives Mars in Pisces?

Pisces represents the 12th house and those things that bring us undone. It represents escape, addiction, fantasy, dreams, sentimentality, sensitivity and romance. It represents that which can’t be said, but can only be felt. It represents that which can’t be thought or logically explained. It represents that which has no practicality or connection to real life. It is vague, it is delusional, it is illusional, it is psychic,. It is imaginary and imaginative.

Mars in Pisces is all these things- is driven by all these things. He is creative, sensitive, romantic, artistic and fantastical. Mars in Pisces is in love with romance, is in love with love, would fight for love and die for love…until he falls out of love and then he will do the same all over again for the next love.

Mars in Pisces doesn’t just fall in love, he Falls with a capital F. But, like all planets in Pisces, he finds it hard to verbalise what he wants or who he wants…no, what or who he yearns for. And yearn he does. This isn’t an obsessive Scorpio sort of yearning but an almost drug like need for that special person.

Mars in Pisces is turned on by the sensuality of love, that wonderful rush of butterflies to the chest. Mars in Pisces is especially drawn to 12th house types of romances- secret loves, affairs, the one you know you can’t have but lie awake at night dreaming of. The illusion and the fantasy are aphrodisiacs that help keep the real world at bay and the dream alive for just a bit longer. Love and sex are escapes of sorts- and with none of the added calories or side effects of some of Pisces other preferred escapes or addictions. Mars in Aries gets off on the hunt, Mars in Pisces on the escape. It is the sensation, the feeling that keeps them coming back.

But what when that goes? What happens when real life intrudes into the happy ever after? There’s a very good reason why movies and romance novels end with the happy couple declaring their undying love for each other before jumping into bed for sex that you just know will be life changing. After the hearts and flowers are replaced by the mundane of real life, the temptation is for Pisces to chase that next fix. The one that will make them feel like that again. The one that will make them feel needed and sexy and excited.

To keep the relationship alive with Pisces is to keep the romance alive and the sex interesting. Add a little fantasy, a little spice- not all the time, just every so often. Don’t just tell him you love him- he has to feel it.
Pisces Men take on the qualities of Mars in Pisces. This is a man who is very much in touch with his feminine and sensitive side. It is his softness that makes him strong. On the flipside, it can also make him extremely high maintenance!

Women with Mars in Pisces will be drawn to men with Piscean or 12th house qualities- whether he be spiritual, sensitive, artistic, addicted or addictive, a victim or just someone who can write beautiful poetry on the back of a beer coaster at your local pub while the footy is on. In fact, paying you attention while the footy is on is the ultimate in romantic gestures! If you have Mars in Pisces check out the chart of those you have really felt drawn to. It is likely that they will have personal planets or the Ascendant in Pisces, personal planets (especially the Sun, Moon or Venus) in close aspect to Neptune or a pretty busy 12th house.
While on the subject, Mars in Pisces characteristics may also be seen in anyone who has Mars in the 12th house or in close aspect to Neptune- this is particularly true of the conjunction, square & opposition.

The other thing about Mars in Pisces is energy or rather the lack of a constant energy source. Pisces, as we know is mutable, so energy comes in unpredictable bursts. So does confusion. Mars in Pisces often is unclear about his desires. What he wants is somehow merged with what he thinks he wants and what other people think that he might want and what he thinks he should want. He is not deliberately indecisive, he really doesn’t know. This is Pisces single biggest problem with goal setting- what do you go after when your mind and heart changes so completely so often?
It is for this reason that Pisces often falls into things- often, like rivers, following the path of least resistance to the sea…and dragging all the silt and river junk along with them. But water runs deeply and truly and will carve out the path it wants slowly and surely. The danger is, it may not be the right path. Pisces can be a tad directionally challenged and has an unreliable internal GPS.

Pisces, whilst not outwardly competitive is absolutely manipulative and can be a cruel and dirty fighter. Like the other water signs, Pisces is able to feel out the weak spots in her opponent and play to them. Whether the role is that of victim, martyr, tortured artist or simply misunderstood partner, he will do what he needs to do to make his point- usually in a passive aggressive way- keep an eye out for the hang dog woe is me expression…and Pisces men do it better than Pisces women. Pisces does passive aggressive better than most, and when you are doing passive aggressive, sex is a great spot to start. It is also this tendency to hang onto feelings that can cause health problems in Pisces.

1927 was an Aussie band from the 80′s who specialised in schmalzy unrequited love songs- so very Pisces. Check out the song on YouTube and listen hard to the lyrics.

So, I’ve spent the weekend in Wellington, New Zealand.

I deliberately turned off global roaming on my phone, so apologies for the radio silence.

I was there for a special friends special birthday. Now, this friend is a Scorpio Sun, Capricorn Moon and, apart from being one of my besties, is without a doubt the most effective Project Manager I have ever worked with. Evidence of those skills came out loud and clear in the running order for this weekend.

In true secretive Scorpio mode she managed to keep all arrangements, venues, details and costumes a complete surprise- something that drove my Scorpio Sun, Gemini Moon husband absolutely batty, but appealed to my Piscean sense of wonder.

And wondrous it was.

The venue was in a remote part of the west coast of Wellington. The views were intense and the facilities amazing. It’s called Boomrock, in case you’re interested.

Anyways, the point of this is planning.

Mars has now moved into Capricorn- where he is exalted.

For those who don’t know, when a planet is exalted in a particular sign, it’s as though they are a very special guest- made to feel extra good.

Mars in Capricorn is highly effective, and motivated by respect, structure, experience and a measured ambition. Surprisingly I can’t find where I’ve written a blog before on this one, so will have to rectify that in the next couple of days. Mars in Capricorn is a little like having Mars conjunct Saturn- the effort is disciplined, measured and seriously effective.

Anyways, with Mars in Saturn ruled Capricorn and Saturn in Mars ruled Scorpio, the two malefics are said to be in mutual reception- able to help each other out.

Further, Saturn at 5 Scorpio is said to be in the “terms” and “face” of Mars- in other words, has a definite Martian feel about how he goes about setting up his structures.

Between the two of them, this period between now and Christmas is one where goals can be achieved- if you are prepared to focus your effort, and go at it head down and bum up. Mars in Sagittarius was a big dreamer- now those dreams can be cemented into practical foundations for success.

Yes, even if Mercury is still retrograde.

For now, do your “re” things and plan out your next move. The time for definite action will be when Mercury turns direct.

From my viewpoint, I’ve been motoring away at my nanowrimo manuscript. I’m now dead on target at 31000 words, but have definitely been flying by the seat of my pants, with no idea of how the story is developing- although, given that I’m experimenting by writing it backwards… In any case, I’m thinking that a little structure might now be warranted.

watching some weather looking out across to the South Island

So there’s these people who when you meet them, there’s such a clash of egos that you’re glad you’re sober because otherwise the temptation would be to say something like “how about we have that made up on a t-shirt so you don’t forget just how great you are?” Seriously, anyone would think I was a threat. I’m encountering a few of these at the moment.

And I’m in a bad mood. Perpetually. Probably because I’m tired, but even when I’m not as tired as I currently am, the one thing I really can’t tolerate is intolerance, or stupidity or bad service- don’t get me started on that one. Anyways, I’m having difficulty faking the smiley face at present- everything seems to be a faffing tour of duty.

And, I’m tired- I already said that didn’t I? I wrote about the reasons behind that here- there’s a lot going on, but some amazing opportunities.

At present there is just so much that I have to do and so much that I want to do- and the two aren’t intersecting anywhere. In fact they’re so far apart I’m squinting into the distance- and we all know that squinting can be very ageing.

I’m resenting the tasks and duties that are inhibiting me from doing what I really want to be doing. So I’m trying to do it all- and it’s exhausting.

Yep, I’m in the middle of a Saturn/Mars conjunction. In fact Saturn finally moved from the degree of my Mars on Thursday morning- just as I sent off the manuscript I had been working so many hours on. But I’m not kidding myself- I have at least another degree, possibly two to go. Saturn transits tend to have a longer tail of separation than most other transits.

So, what can we expect when Saturn meets Mars?

Think about the energies involved.

The essential nature of Saturn is cold and dry.

In the body it represents the processes of ageing.

The direction of the energy is limiting and confining.

The essential nature of Mars is hot and dry.

In the body it represents the burn.

The direction of the energy is outwards.

When the two meet the outward energy of Mars is curbed, frustrated and harnessed.

Your energy is firmly focused outward, but other things are conspiring to turn it in on itself.

At it’s worst, you see conspiracy, red tape and blockages everywhere you turn. Your boss hates you and is deliberately holding you back and criticising your ideas. Your colleagues seem threatened by you, and it’s egos at ten paces. You’re accident prone- largely because you’re so tired and so frustrated and are in such a hurry to get everything done that you forget to take proper care and precautions.

At it’s best, the energy is one of discipline- where your focus and activity is firmly directed towards that which is most important.

Success is not only possible, but most likely in this scenario.

It won’t be easy, though. Nothing related to Saturn is.

When it comes to Saturn conjunct Mars, the thing you’re being asked to get real about is the effort required to achieve your objectives. If it’s worth it, if you really want it from the very depths of your being, you’ll be prepared to put in the hard yards during this transit.

If, like me, you have Mars in Scorpio, this transit will intensify the already intense energy with which you pursue your desires.

After that, the choice is yours. You work with the energy, or you don’t.

If you accept the challenge, be prepared to be tired. Bone achingly, jet laggingly tired. Like that tiredness you get after an all night long haul flight- but without the duty free.

Work through it. Keep your focus. Take more than the usual precautions- to do otherwise can mean your efforts are thwarted by accidents if you take your eye off the metaphorical road for a microsecond.

A bloggy friend said it best the other day when she said that if you don’t use your engine, it’ll rust over in the backyard with a horse blanket over it. As knackered as I am at the moment, I intend for a lot more miles to be clocked on my engine.

If you choose not to accept the challenge, that’s cool too, but please don’t blame the world, your colleagues, time limitations- the coulda woulda shouldas.

If you really want it, you’ll make the time, you’ll harness the energy and you’ll be disciplined.

As I write this I’m sitting in the passenger seat of the car on the way to Canberra.

It’s a 3 hour run, so I’ll get this blog drafted, one that I’m late delivering for astrology.com, and make a dent in my 1700 words per day target for my nanowrimo challenge.

I’ll do the same on the way back.

This week in my partition job I have a warehouse move that’s happening, umpteen meetings, some style look-books to complete and a heap of recruitment interviews to do- in 3 working days.

On those days I’ll write before work, and again after dinner. It means that much to me.

It would be easy to strike a highly dramatic pose, pop the back of my hand to my ever suffering forehead and wail something like “it’s so not fair. If I didn’t have to go to work, I could have this novel finished. I’ve got sooooo many responsibilities, I just don’t have time to do what I really want to do.” Or something like that. I won’t do that.

Some things will have to give. I’m not doing any readings or committing to any more guest posts until December. I’m saying no to social engagements that eat into my precious writing time- the people who know and love me will understand- those who don’t…well, they’ll have to deal with it.

I’m too busy getting real.

What about you? I’d love to hear from anyone with Mars in Scorpio- sometime over the next couple of years you’ll be dealing with this one? Which way do you see it going? Are you looking towards it with fear, resignation or anticipation at the opportunity of kicking some seriously cool goals?