It didn’t look good. Paul was only 35, but his health was already in serious jeopardy. It was not genetic. It was not even a lack of vitality. Instead it was conditioned. Habitually conditioned. 330 pounds was far more than his physiology could handle. He had to make a choice and he did.
Three years later, Paul is celebrating his 38 birthday in Barcelona, where he just has finished his first marathon. Having started three years ago as a poorly conditioned heavy-weight-lifter (that’s what you are, if you constantly move through life with dozens of pounds of overweight), Paul is now a vital powerhouse, responding elegantly to life’s challenges.
What an achievement! Why was he able to get it done, while so many others struggle along? What’s the secret formula? Paul boldly states that all his success is based on his brilliant relationship. No, not the one with his lovely wife. It is all about his relationship with Mars!
Sounds strange? Well, it’s anything but! Let’s have a look why and how Mars became the secret to Paul’s stunning success. Three factors will help us to unlock the secret:
Mars doesn’t care
The value of determination
Relating well
Ready? Let’s go!
Mars doesn’t care
Mars doesn't do anything to you or for you. That's important to understand. Mars, like every planet in astrology, is a useful symbol. A symbol that represents a valuable set of concepts associated with certain themes and subjects of human experience. Depending on how and where Mars is placed in your horoscope, these themes and issues will show up in your life.
Mars isn't a entity apart from you, running an agenda. Instead, Mars can become your gateway to a meaningful relationship with what Mars represents. Some of Mars' indications are part of your personal nature, such as motivation, ambition and drive. Others are about what you face in the outside world, such as competition, enemies and accidents.
In the same way as the letters on the page of a book are not getting impressed when you read the words they form, Mars doesn't care if you use the insights provided by astrology. Jyotisha is an option that allows us to align ourselves reasonably well with the bigger picture of which we are a part.
Paul did not have a problem with Mars, but the problems he faced correlated with the issues that Mars represented. The moment he understood and took to heart how to align well with the forces at play represented by Mars, he was able to begin his successful journey forward.
The Value of Determination
How do athletes succeed? How do fighters win? How do pioneers survive? Competitors, enemies and an unfriendly environment challenge our determination. We all know that, don't we? Yet, for one reason or another, we like to ignore this knowledge when it comes to our most sensitive personal issues.
At this point it may come as no surprise that Mars represents determination. But there is more! Determination is the result of a combination of factors. It's a package with content. It's only when we open the package and embrace the content that determination becomes valuable and - most importantly - accessible, even to our most sensitive issues.
In representing determination, Mars also indicates the factors that constitute it. Paul knew, as you and I do, that determination is essential to face the odds of unsupportive conditioned habits. But it was only by aligning himself with each of the five building blocks of determination that he was ready to thrive and succeed.
Check it! Do you have any past or present failures or struggles? If so, you most likely missed to hold up at least one of the five: Ambition, Enthusiasm, Focus, Command and Fighting Spirit! All five are in the domain of Mars, and together they represent valuable and enduring determination.
Relating well
In Jyotisha, Mars is one of nine grahas (loosely translated as 'planets') that populate the chart. Depending on where Mars is placed in your horoscope, its condition changes. Mars can have or lack strength and stability, and accordingly your task of keeping up with a determined goal can be smooth or challenging.
The more you know about the configuration of Mars in your birth chart, the better you can anticipate the hurdles you will face on your way. How successful you will be is less a question of the condition of Mars than of your ability to consciously relate to those conditions.
If you want to climb a high mountain, it does not depend on your fitness and strength alone. The truth is that if you have a valid strategy, you may reach the summit in better shape than others who are naturally stronger but lack a sound strategy.
Summary:
Familiarity with the configuration of Mars in your chart will enable you to relate well to your individual Mars by developing a strategy tailored to its potential and needs. Jyotisha's role is to help you build and maintain this powerful relationship, enabling you to achieve your goals with determination and joy.
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