Second Pentacle of Mars

What this is

The Second Pentacle of Mars is the healing seal of the Martial set in the Key of Solomon, the surprising figure that turns the war-planet's power against all kinds of diseases. Applied against sickness, it is said to heal; the same force that wounds in battle is here turned to the mending of the body. It is Mars's strength turned to cure.

What it governs

It governs protection and cure against all kinds of diseases. Its sphere is the martial power turned to repair: the surgeon's cut that heals, the strength that defends the body against sickness rather than breaking it. It rules the turning of Mars's force toward health.

Its properties

It is figured in red at Mars's hour, its inscription invoking the names by which the Martial spirits are turned to cure. The upright virtue of the seal is the same force used to mend, the strength that heals and shields the body; its shadow is the violence that hides behind the claim of cure. The pentacle teaches that the iron of Mars builds the blood as surely as it spills it, and that the keenest edge is the one that heals.

Where else it appears

This healing seal is the talismanic skin of the paradox at the heart of Mars, the force that both wounds and strengthens, the same iron that makes the blood and the blade. The war-spirit's iron, Samael's keen edge, and the drawn seal of healing are facets of one Mars that both cuts and cures. Set them together and the same double-edged strength looks back.

Where you meet it on the Oracle

On The Day, the Second Pentacle of Mars appears as a tradition-face of Tuesday, the day of Mars, beside the planet itself, the angel Samael, and the planet's other daily faces. When it surfaces it colours the day with its single purpose, recorded in the old grimoire as one to against all kinds of diseases. Read it not as a literal talisman to cut but as the day's invitation to that exact work under Mars's hand: a pointer to the matter the day is shaped for, the door that stands open today.

Why it matters

It names the truth that the same force destroys and heals, that strength rightly turned mends what strength can break. It matters because the Martial day can be spent on repair as well as conflict. It asks you to turn your strength toward what needs healing.

Correspondences

planet

Mars

element

Fire

zodiac

Aries, Scorpio

sephirah

Geburah

day

Tuesday

colour

Red

metal

Iron

stone

Ruby

tarot

The Tower