In an era marked by profound social shifts, many men find themselves grappling with questions about identity and purpose. With Mars— the planet symbolizing masculine energy and assertiveness— actively influencing our skies this month, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on what truly defines masculinity today and how men can reclaim their power in a way that honors both themselves and the evolving world around them.
The Crisis of Modern Masculinity
For some men, the upheaval brought by changing gender roles has triggered feelings of loss and confusion. Traditionally, patriarchal structures offered men a clear (though limiting) script: dominance, control, and unquestioned authority. Now, as women assert their long-denied freedom and voice, some men feel cast adrift, clinging to outdated modes of power through ego, aggression, and even bullying. Yet this reaction is neither sustainable nor fulfilling.
It’s important to recognize that women’s quest for equality does not diminish men’s potential for freedom and self-realization. Rather, it challenges men to step beyond patriarchal confines and discover a deeper, more balanced way of being. Unfortunately, many remain stuck in toxic masculinity, confusing power with domination and mistaking control for strength.
This pattern is especially visible among younger generations, where some male role models glorify wealth, greed, and misogyny, envisioning success solely through ambition and material gain. Yet history shows us that power without heart is destructive—a lesson Mars energy now urges us to learn.
Mars: Catalyst of Transformation
Astrologically, Mars governs not just men, but the dynamic, fiery forces of life itself—assertion, courage, focus, and creative drive. These energies are vital for survival and growth, but the old patriarchal Mars has often been linked with war, domination, and destruction. Mars recently shifted from retrograde to direct motion, signaling a forward-moving energy inviting us to reconsider our purpose on this planet.
The zodiac’s starting point, 0° Aries, represents new beginnings and primal life force—the wildfire, the volcanic eruption, the spark of creation. Interestingly, the Sabian symbol for this degree is a feminine image: a woman rising from the sea, embraced by a seal. This evocative picture reminds us that the rebirth of masculine energy must be in harmony with the feminine—the partner, the nurturer, the source of life.
With multiple planets, including Neptune and Saturn, dancing around this critical Aries point in the months ahead, the stage is set for profound shifts in how masculine and feminine energies co-create our shared reality. These cosmic movements urge us to envision a future built on equality, empathy, and balance, rather than conflict and control.
Reclaiming the Divine Masculine
In many ancient traditions, masculinity was rooted in protection, responsibility, and respect for the feminine powers that sustain life. Men were not just providers or warriors—they were guardians of community, nature, and spiritual harmony. However, the cultural dislocation of modern industrial society, especially in places like the United States, has left many men feeling disconnected from these deeper roots.
Today’s most urgent task for men is to cultivate empathy—for themselves, for others, and for the Earth. The rise of compassionate fatherhood and emotionally aware men is a hopeful sign that the new masculine is emerging. It’s no longer enough to assert dominance; the highest form of strength now includes vulnerability, connection, and shared leadership.
Lessons from “Stranger in a Strange Land”
The classic novel Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein offers a visionary metaphor for this transformation. The story’s protagonist, Valentine Michael Smith, is a man raised on Mars—psychically attuned and deeply empathetic, embodying a balanced union of masculine and feminine qualities. When he arrives on Earth, he struggles with humanity’s violence and fear but gradually teaches a new way of living centered on empathy and unity.
Smith’s journey illustrates what the future of masculinity can look like: a divine partnership that honors life and embraces the heart. His ability to “grok”—to love, to be one with—invites all men to move beyond survival-based ego and into soulful leadership.
Toward a Balanced Future
The question “What makes a man?” no longer calls for a narrow or rigid answer. Instead, it invites us all to remember that men and women alike are spiritual beings having a human experience. The qualities that make a man—courage, integrity, empathy, and strength—are equally human and accessible to everyone.
As we navigate this pivotal time, the return of the divine masculine is not about reclaiming old power but about forging new paths of partnership and purpose. When Mars’s fiery energy aligns with the rising feminine force, we have the chance to reshape society around values of equality, respect, and mutual support.
Cathy Pagano is a Jungian psychotherapist, archetypal astrologer, transformational coach, and author focusing on the resurgence of balanced masculine and feminine energies.