On the 3rd of March, Mars, already exalted in Capricorn, will be his most exalted at 28 degrees. What does this mean? It is Mars with Knobs on. An exalted planet does well, is uplifted, and receives the full benefits and freedoms of an exalted guest with none of the responsibility. It is an opportunity for a planet to excel without being held back, to gain recognition and favour. It is also possible for a planet to overreach when in exaltation. The success gone to someone’s head, the promotion above a person’s capability, the promise that while enthusiastically meant, may not be fulfilled. Then again, it is the lucky break, the advantage, the prizewinning publicity, and elevation; that leg up that is not the finish line but the opportunity to get ahead. If 28 degrees of Capricorn was Monopoly; Mars can pass go and collect £200.
At the same time, he will be conjoined with Venus and Pluto. These further emphasize the value and riches significations. The material Capricorn might underscore literal wealth, especially that which arises from the earth, but it could also allude to inner riches and wealth. Mars is the dynamite that will fetch it.
Hephaestus became lame after falling from Olympus, becoming a daemon of fire coming up from the earth. The unfortunate looking forge god, perhaps disfigured from his metallurgy (bronze age smiths, for example added arsenic to their metal, suffering from poisoning; skin cancer or peripheral neuropathy) was known for his incredible skill but also his lameness.
All these attributes fit with the image of Mars (falling backward, blacksmithing, fire, knives, poisons, separation and exile, afflictions to the face) and Saturn (problems with the legs, progressive wasting, living under the earth).
Pluto is the riches at his forge; the golden thrones he made for Olympic Gods, the fine silver net that caught his Aphrodite and Ares. His skill is that of exalted Mars.
Title image: St. George and the Dragon. Josef Mánes
Astrology Imaginarium 