Atma means ‘soul’ and Karaka means ‘significator’. Atmakaraka is the significator of the soul’s desire. According to the Vedic philosophy, a soul comes to earth to fulfill all the unfinished desires of the past lives. The Atmakaraka is also called Atmeshvara and is the final authority in all matters. Moksha and bondage are determined by Atmakaraka.

There are two types of Atmakaraka - the natural Atmakaraka and the movable Atmakarka. If the Atmakaraka favours the activity done by the native then the work is accomplished. While, If the Atmakaraka does not approve the activity of the native then the accomplishment is difficult.

The Chara Atmakaraka or movable Atmakaraka is the planet that has maximum degrees of all the planets in the natal chart. Hence, any heavenly amongst the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn and Venus having the highest degree in the horoscope becomes the Atmakarka. Ketu being the significator of Moksha cannot be considered as Chara Atmakaraka. Moksha is the destination of the soul which is the ultimate aim.

Impact of an Atmakaraka Mars

People with an Atmakaraka Mars should refrain from any sort of violence. Mars is a planet of fire element and essential for good health. Energy levels of the native are quite high. It has control over substance inside bones in the body (bone marrow). If Mars is strong in a horoscope the person will look younger than his age. Mars is a cruel planet,aggressive and does not give up easily. The natives don’t think much but just carry out orders. They are best suited for the army, paramilitary forces, police force.

It is believed that Mars gives the native the ability to wield weapons. Due to the presence of an Atmakaraka Mars, a person has a strong desire to win every battle. Such a person wants to prove his/her strength in front of everyone. People with an Atmakaraka Mars are great fighters. They gradually realize the futility of war mongering which is their great lesson of life. They should always stick to the path of non-violence. People with an Atmakaraka Mars are inclined towards martial arts. They usually take lessons for kung-fu, taekwondo, karate etc.

If a person with an Atmakaraka Mars is spiritual, he/she may learn Hatha Yoga and other physical exercises to remain strong and ever youthful. So long as these are practiced as a spiritual discipline like the monks of the Shaolin temple, it is very good. Else, Karma can lead one to regret many mistakes caused by acts of violence. Mars represents our energy system and the first Chakra which is Mooladhara with the color of red. Hence it is also referred to as the red planet as it reflects red color as seen by the naked eye.Mars is seen as the greatest malefic planet in vedic astrology.

A person with Atmakaraka planet Mars is fearless, energetic and commanding.Mars is a bundle of energy which is very much required to lead a good and healthy life. It maintains a very healthy and instinctive approach to life. A well placed Mars in a horoscope lends the much needed force for competing in any field be it sports or any form of physical activity.

For a person with an Atmakaraka Mars, the ultimate learning is that the soul is indestructible and does not need physical protection. It is believed that violence is a manifestation of one’s hatred towards other creatures and beings. A strong Atmakaraka Mars will make a great leader who has the ability to transform the society. They can bring about radical changes in the way society runs and lead them to be a more abiding and lawful citizens.