Here is a taste of what Mars represents symbolically. Likely there will be additions to this article over time.

The symbolism of Mars represented by a spear and a shield

Mars…

is the planet associated with Instinctive Action, Courage, the Personal Will, and Physical Energy. It has been known as the God of War, can take on a masculine connotation and reflects our desires including passion.

In Evolutionary Astrology Mars represents what drives the personality to accomplish the Soul’s Will as described by Pluto. It does this by acting on desires which initially keep us from remembering our Divinity. Eventually, after enough ‘separating’ desires are fulfilled, Mars acts on desires that take us into deeper remembering of our alliance with God or our Deeper Self.

A frustrated Mars manifests as anger, accidents, risky thoughtless behavior, aggressive and assertiveness, and even sickness.

Mars is satisfied by having just the right amount of freedom to fulfill its commitment to the Soul’s Journey. When that happens, it shows accurate gut instinct, courage, physical prowess (described by the sign it is in), strong health and body, and inspires others.

Further description of the instinctive action and reaction of Mars, depends its sign, the house it travels through or resides in, and the connections/aspects it makes with other Planets, Angles and important points in a chart.

Mars rotation through the zodiac takes 1.88 years.