In a couple, Mars shows physical energy and the way of expressing anger or courage: it appears in what the two enjoy doing together and in how they react when their wishes clash. In Roman mythology, Mars is the god of war, associated with Ares of the Greek tradition. In the astrological system I present, it represents that energy and that way of expressing anger.
The system also relates Mars to the spleen. That association is part of its interpretive framework and does not allow anyone to infer the state of an organ. For the purpose of this reading, what matters is to see how energy is distributed: some people seem to have an extra drive to act; others get mentally enthusiastic and take on more tasks than they can later carry out; others manage their effort steadily.
The position of Mars also proposes a reading of our reactions of anger, including those that surprise us. Inventory 1 influences the way we understand and express them. If we grew up where raising one’s voice was common, we may see it as normal; in another setting we may have learned to be ashamed of any open expression of anger. In both cases it’s worth acknowledging our own responsibility, instead of blaming our partner for everything we do.
Within this approach, Mars in Libra, Taurus or Cancer is in an adverse position. The description points to a possible difficulty in regulating anger: the intensity of a reaction may seem out of proportion to those who see it.
In a synastry, adverse aspects involving Mars are read as areas of friction. The way that tension is handled also depends on how each person learned to express their anger. Arguments and aggression are not the inevitable destiny of an astrological position, and that position does not justify violence. Recognizing a conflict makes it possible to own it and address it.