Mars square Saturn creates tension between the impulse to act and an inner prohibition. Mars wants strength, movement, desire, victory, body, sexuality, and a direct step. Saturn brings fear, control, punishment, duty, delay, and the harsh need to endure. In the square, the person may feel that joy and action are blocked by expectation of a blow, criticism, or defeat.
The aspect is often connected with an early experience of hardness: strict father, stepfather, severe upbringing, punishment, cold discipline, prohibition of weakness or bodily expression. Not always literally, but inwardly the person carries an image: one will be punished for mistakes, ashamed for desire, not allowed weakness, and joy must be paid for.


