Mars in Taurus
Image by Dan Cretu
Mars in Taurus is classified as 'in detriment' by planetary dignity, because Taurus is the sign opposite to Scorpio, a home of Mars.
A planet in detriment can suggest that a part of someone's life (or personality) is expressed differently to the norm, countercultural, or inclined to hostility, disunity or corruption.
Muhammad Ali is a good reminder that Mars in Taurus is far from weak.
As Mars rules his 9th and 4th houses we expect to see the concept of detriment mirrored in the topics these houses represent. 9th house ruler in detriment.
He faced legal battles throughout his life, at one stage losing his right to a passport for 6 years, because he refused to go to war! He also changed his religion to Islam in the middle of his boxing career, which shocked the world.
4th house ruler, descriptor of early life.
Ali grew up in a time when the Southern USA states were segregated and experienced discrimination, growing up as a person of colour.
Ali’s Birth chart in WSH
Ali’s Birth Chart in Regiomantanus
Mars reflects the way we fight.
In Taurus it can be a blend of brutality with beauty.
A lot of energy can be created from a frustrated Mars, which is one reason my teacher Lee Lehman describes Mars in detriment, as a "super Mars".
But Mars in Taurus or Libra certainly needs an outlet!! Without one, there can be havoc.
It's also worth noting that Ali was born at night, making Mars of the sect (it's a nocturnal planet)
So despite experiencing upheavals, there is the capacity to use these constructively.
Ali fits the bill for Mars in Taurus, square Pluto.
His fighting style was described as "Unorthodox for a heavyweight...he would float like a butterfly, sting like a bee."
He was lighter and more agile than his competitors and would dance around in the ring.
He once said “I’m so pretty I can’t hardly stand to look at myself!" Hello Venus!!
But he could hit like Hades when he got going! Pluto incoming.
With Leo rising in his chart he was well known for his showmanship and mouthy offensive pre-fight verbal rants.
Mars is currently transiting through Taurus and will be until 21st August.