Mars is a generally aggressive planet that feels somewhat out of place in Libra. The zodiac sign of Libra tries to do everything in a deliberate and equitable way, but Mars is a planet that pushes the idea that life isn’t always fair.

The god of war hates waiting for the scales to balance, but Mars also knows that during its transit of Libra, it won’t get anything done without playing nice. You can see that this is planetary energy that creates a lot of tension and anxiety both within us and in the world.

But the time Mars spends in Libra has its upside – it can see both sides of the coin quickly. And even though the angry red planet doesn’t always like weighing its options, it can gracefully manipulate the coin between its fingers and do something that pleases everyone as it's placed on the scales. 

Mars will be in Libra from August 27th until October 12th, 2023.

This combination is very well played in stories and films, where we see a villain or hero with wicked intentions who acts in the most eloquent and charming way possible.

I’m sure we all remember the story of Little Red Riding Hood, where the Big Bad Wolf dons grandma’s nightgown to get our little heroine into paw range. But what’s the lesson of this tale? Don’t pretend you know the book when you’ve only seen the cover when Mars is in Libra!

Of course, this passive-aggressive planetary combination affects every zodiac sign and their horoscope differently, so here’s an overview of how it might affect yours.

Mars in Libra for an Aries – (Aries dates: March 20 – April 19)

Mars is your ruling planet, so expect to play the Libra game for the duration of this transit if you want to get anything done, Aries. Because Libra is in your seventh solar house, this transit can be good for any major relationship if you play it right. Make the most  of the engaging and charming aspects of your character. If you’re involved in any negotiations, or have to settle a dispute, look for the most fair and balanced outcome and don’t be surprised by how quickly things result in your favor. During the end of October and the beginning of November, Mars will make hard aspects with Saturn and then Pluto, which can show a lot of hard work or a strict deadline, since they are both in your Solar tenth house of career and reputation. In Mid-November, Mars throws a sextile to Jupiter, Aries, which could be the payoff if you play your cards right.

Mars in Libra for a Taurus – (Taurus dates: April 20 – May 20)

During this transit, you’ll find Mars in your solar sixth house, which has to do with employees, co-workers, wellness and pets. You might find your personal workflow is disrupted a bit in late October and early November while Mars is squaring Saturn and Pluto. It’s more important to focus on personal wellness. This may be the best month of the year for a checkup, treatments or a dietary change, because these more challenging aspects are followed up by the Mars sextile to Jupiter, which is a payoff combination. People you work with may be a bit of a problem, so engage in any stress-reducing activities that work for you, such as meditation or bathing by candlelight. If a pet is not at their best, take them to the vet, but if you’ve been thinking about bringing one into your home, this is not the time.

Mars in Libra for a Gemini – (Gemini dates: May 21 – June 20)

Having Mars transit your fifth Solar house is one of the hottest aspects you can experience, Gemini, because the fifth is the house of romance, fun, entertainment and enjoyment. You can expect your charm to work and your charisma to get you where you want to go. Carefully choose who you hang out with during this transit. Mars makes square aspects to Saturn and Pluto in late October and early November, and those planets are found in the eighth, a Solar house that has more to do with payments than income. Don’t let bar tabs or fine dining break your bank or cause you to ignore bills or old debts. Pursue your guilty pleasures with moderation and watch for the payoff near mid-November when Mars makes a pleasant sextile to Jupiter. With Jupiter in your solar seventh house of partnership, who knows where things might lead?

Mars in Libra for a Cancer – (Cancer dates: June 21 – July 21)

While transiting Libra, Mars will be moving through your fourth Solar house, which is always a hard time for you, Cancer, because it almost always means disturbance in the home. On one hand, this could mean that something needs repair or replacement, especially in the kitchen. On the other, it could mean difficulty with those you share your home with, such as roommates or even your partner, because of Saturn and Pluto in your Solar seventh house.  Mars will be making challenging aspects to these two planets in late October and early November. These potential problems can be easily resolved if you get on them right away, because by mid-November, Mars makes a helpful aspect to Jupiter, which can insure your well-being. Just call upon your most charming self, because playing nice is a key to making this transit work for you.

Mars in Libra for a Leo – (Leo dates: July 22 - August 22)

For you, Leo, Mars is transiting your third Solar house of communication, siblings and routine travel, which usually means commuting. There could be a frustrating delay because of road or street repair that disturbs your regular route. Or, it could mean an upsetting disagreement with siblings or neighbors. It might also manifest as a loss of or maddening problem with your phone or computer, all due to Saturn and Pluto in your solar sixth house, which could throw you off balance in late October and early November. Approach this transit period with the pleasant and calm side of your nature, since Mars makes a sextile to Jupiter in mid-November which can at least make the difficulty less serious, and at best make resolving these issues fun. In fact, the situation of the planets is good enough that the Mars transit of Jupiter may call for a celebration.

Mars in Libra for a Virgo – (Virgo dates: August 23 - September 22)

Mars will be moving through your second Solar house of income and liquid assets during its transit of Libra, so it’s time to put some extra effort into gaining money, Virgo, and you should start as soon as Mars enters Libra on October 5. There are three upcoming aspects that will modify this transit. First and second, Saturn and then Pluto square up to Mars in late October and early November. Both are located in your fifth house of enjoyment and fun, and these three planets working together points toward either a lot of effort put into managing financial obligations or putting fun ahead of your responsibilities, which creates cash flow difficulties. That might sound like being stuck between a rock and a hard place, Virgo, but if you’re doing the right thing, the third transit comes in mid-November featuring a favorable connection with Jupiter, which can relieve the problems Mars in Libra might create.

Mars in Libra for a Libra – (Libra dates: September 23 - October 22)

Mars is now in your Sun sign Libra, taking center stage and asking you to be a bit more aggressive, and forcing an extreme decision or two about your best interests. Saturn and Pluto are in your Solar fourth house, which concerns the home, which means Mars could cause upsets where you live – maybe because you’re moving so fast and working so hard that some of your regular duties are neglected, or because conflicts with those you live with cause damage or losses. Either way, any problems will be due to your own excess energy, so make sure to be patient and sugar-coat everything you say now. The good news is that Mars will make a helpful aspect with the beneficial planet Jupiter, which sits in the third house of communication and routines, so you can expect the earlier troubles to be resolved by mid-November.

Mars in Libra for a Scorpio – (Libra dates: October 23 – November 21)

Libra is your twelfth Solar house, Scorpio, which concerns losses, hidden things and confining circumstances, so this transit of Mars could be tricky to manage. You might already have a special place for your keys when you’re leaving the house, but you need to do something to make them impossible to lose when you’re out and about, Scorpio. Keep your wallet close too. Avoid revealing private plans and thoughts to others, because Saturn and Pluto in your third solar house of communication and routines could make them a subject of conversation on the web and otherwise, when the Mars transit reaches them near the end of October and the beginning of November. This combination could also mean problems with a vehicle at this time. Jupiter sits in the Solar second house of money and receives a favorable aspect from Mars around mid-November, which could mean benefits that make up for any earlier losses.

Mars in Libra for a Sagittarius – (Sagittarius dates: November 22 – December 20)

Mars in Libra activates your Solar eleventh house of friends and hopes, so prepare for action in that part of your life, Sagittarius. Traditional meanings of Mars in the eleventh have to do with trouble with due to friends, or your pals need help. No matter how it manifests, don’t throw money their way, because Saturn and Pluto square up to Mars late in October through early November, and spending money to make others happy could end up making you unhappy. Also, Mars could fire up your hopes and risk-positive nature to the point that you decide to so some speculating with the expectations of a big payoff. Your ruling planet, expansive Jupiter,  is happy in your sign and may aggravate this wishful thinking, but not in the best way. Watch for Mars to come along and aggressively correct your thinking with its favorable aspect to Jupiter around mid-November.

Mars in Libra for a Capricorn – (Capricorn dates: December 21 – January 19)

Mars transiting through Libra is a cosmic condition that you find useful sometimes, Capricorn, and this may be one of them. It can work to bolster your reputation and status, especially if you’re working hard to gain authority. Mars will make a square to your ruling planet, Saturn, near the end of October that could mean your authority is challenged, but if you meet this test by the first few days of November, the angry red planet could sweep away this obstacle to your progress. It all depends on how hard you’re pushing your agenda, so make sure your goals and ambitions are firm, since your energy will be abundant. Jupiter, sitting in the twelfth house of hidden things, could mean support and assistance from a hidden or unexpected source around mid-November, but make sure you’re not trying to get this aid with wishful thinking alone. Only resolve and determination matter now.

Mars in Libra for an Aquarius – (Aquarius dates:  January 20 – February 17)

Mars is transiting through your solar ninth house, Aquarius, and although Libra is one of your favorite signs, you shouldn’t expect to skate through this transit. In modern times, experience and careful study has taught astrologers that the ninth house is one of the better placements for Mars. Mars isn’t troublesome right now, but Saturn and Pluto are in the twelfth house of secrets, hidden enemies and losses, which means they may undermine your efforts to get things done. Luckily, Saturn and Pluto are happy right now, even though they can be troublemakers. Mars squares these potential enemies at the end of October and beginning of November, Aquarius, so unless you’re in a confined or limited situation, it’s likely that the transit will pass unnoticed. Jupiter also receives a favorable aspect from Mars in mid-November, which gives you the chance to enjoy the support of friends.

Mars in Libra for a Pisces – (Pisces dates: February 18 – March 19)

Mars will be found in your eighth solar house, and it’s likely to be about money more than anything else, Pisces. This house is traditionally about other people’s money or money that comes to you outside of what you’re paid for work – it’s time to balance your books. It’s also a good time to explore your options for reducing debt. Because Mars makes aspects with Saturn and Pluto near the end of October and the beginning of November, you won’t have a hard time finding allies to help you with this chore. In the middle of November, Mars forms an aspect to Jupiter in the house of status and reputation that could bring rewards for this financial work in the form of elevated credit or other benefits, Pisces, so you can expect a little effort to go a long way.