You’ve been crushing it at work lately. Late nights, big wins, projects that actually landed. Now it’s time to have that conversation – the raise request. Everyone knows it’s awkward, even a little terrifying.
Here’s the thing, though. What if the way you ask matters just as much as what you’re asking for? Enter astrology – not as mysticism or fortune-telling, but as a cultural tool for self-reflection. Mars, the planet historically linked to drive and action, has been used for centuries in astrological traditions as a way to think about motivation and conflict. While the American Psychological Association reaffirmed in 2023 that astrology lacks empirical backing, many people still use it to explore identity and frame their own behavior.
Think of Mars signs like personality lenses. They’re not scientific predictors, but they offer a framework that can help you spot your natural tendencies in high-pressure moments. Research published in the Annual Review of Psychology (2023) shows that the most common emotion negotiators experience is anxiety, which causes negotiators to make concessions and respond quickly, so approaching the conversation with a clear sense of personal strengths can be stabilizing.
Mars in Aries
Aries Mars folks tend to be direct, confident, and quick to act. Preparing in advance can improve confidence and give clear goals to work toward, which aligns well with the Aries tendency to lead with boldness. In practice, this means scheduling a meeting and getting straight to the point. Don’t overthink the preamble. State your accomplishments, name a number, and ask clearly.
Here’s where it gets interesting. A strong BATNA not only improves leverage but also helps you negotiate with confidence rather than desperation. For an Aries Mars, walking in with a backup plan – like another offer or a clear exit strategy – isn’t pessimistic. It’s tactical. It keeps you from sounding overeager and channels that natural assertiveness into grounded strategy.
Mars in Taurus
Taurus Mars energy is steady, patient, and value-driven. These negotiators excel when they take their time and build a case based on tangible results. Aligning learning and development to business goals is L&D’s top focus area for the second year in a row, and helping employees develop their careers climbed from No. 7 to No. 3 in organizational priorities. That’s a signal that employers care about contribution and measurable impact.
Use that to your advantage. Document everything – revenue generated, efficiency gained, projects completed ahead of schedule. Then ask for the meeting once you’ve got the data locked down. Taurus Mars types thrive when they can show receipts. Timing matters here too; wait for a moment when the company is financially healthy or after you’ve just delivered something big.
Mars in Gemini
Gemini Mars individuals are communicators. Witty, adaptable, quick on their feet. They do best when they can read the room and pivot as needed. Framing defines how you approach the negotiation – whether it’s a battle, partnership, or problem to be solved together, and Gemini Mars thrives when framing the conversation collaboratively.
Rather than positioning the raise request as a demand, frame it as a dialogue. Ask your manager how they view your contributions. Listen closely. Then weave their feedback into your ask. This isn’t manipulation – it’s strategic communication. Gemini Mars energy shines when there’s flexibility and two-way conversation, not rigid scripts.
One more thing. Keep it conversational, not robotic. You don’t need to memorize a monologue. A few bullet points and genuine curiosity will carry you further than rehearsed corporate speak.
Mars in Cancer
Cancer Mars operates from emotion and intuition, often leading with care for the team and sensitivity to workplace dynamics. This can feel like a disadvantage in a negotiation, but it’s actually a strength when leveraged correctly. The best negotiators are strong communicators with high emotional intelligence, which helps them form connections with counterparts and communicate goals.
Cancer Mars types should lead with their relational value. Talk about how you’ve supported colleagues, mentored newer team members, or created a more collaborative environment. These contributions are harder to quantify but deeply valuable. Pair that with concrete work achievements, and you’ve got a compelling case.
Timing is crucial here. Pick a moment when your manager isn’t stressed or distracted. A calm, private setting will work in your favor. Trust your gut about when to ask – it’s usually right.
Mars in Leo
Leo Mars brings charisma, confidence, and a natural flair for performance. These individuals often do well in high-visibility situations and aren’t afraid of the spotlight. The key is channeling that energy without tipping into arrogance. Try to resist the urge to view any particular deal as “make or break,” and remember that over the course of a career, you’ll have plenty of successes and failures.
Leo Mars should frame the ask around their unique contributions – the things only they can do. Did you lead a high-profile project? Represent the company at an event? Mentor someone who went on to excel? Lead with that. Confidence is magnetic, and when it’s backed by substance, it’s incredibly persuasive.
Just don’t forget to listen. Leo Mars can sometimes dominate the conversation. Leave space for your manager to respond and engage. The goal is a conversation, not a solo performance.
Mars in Virgo
Virgo Mars types are detail-oriented, methodical, and highly competent. They’re the ones who’ve already done the research, know the market rate for their role, and have a color-coded spreadsheet to back it up. Organizations that track employee data across regions, roles, and business functions gain deep visibility into global skills gaps and can refine role-based career pathways. Virgo Mars should use that same logic in their own favor.
Prepare a concise summary of your accomplishments, organized by impact. Quantify wherever possible. Then practice delivering it in a way that feels natural, not overly rehearsed. Virgo Mars can get caught in perfectionism, so set a deadline for yourself to ask – don’t wait for the “perfect” moment that may never come.
Mars in Libra
Libra Mars seeks balance, fairness, and harmony. These negotiators do best when they can frame the conversation as mutually beneficial. Employee growth, through learning and career development, spurs company growth, and likewise, company growth energizes people to stay and grow even more. That’s the kind of framing Libra Mars can use effectively.
Position your raise request as an investment in continued contribution. Emphasize how the increase would enable you to focus more fully on strategic work or take on additional responsibility. Libra Mars dislikes confrontation, so approaching the conversation as a partnership rather than a negotiation can ease anxiety.
Don’t avoid the ask just because it feels uncomfortable. Fairness includes fair compensation for your work. Remind yourself of that before you walk in.
Mars in Scorpio
Scorpio Mars is intense, strategic, and deeply perceptive. These individuals can read subtext and power dynamics better than most. The presence of a CEO or top leader at the negotiating table sends a message that the deal is important, so organizations should limit top bosses to forging connections and let midlevel teams work out details. Scorpio Mars should use that same strategic thinking when timing their ask.
Wait for a moment of organizational strength – after a funding round, a successful quarter, or a big client win. Then make your case with quiet confidence. Scorpio Mars doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful. A calm, well-researched request can be more effective than a dramatic one.
Trust your instincts about timing and delivery. Scorpio Mars is rarely wrong when it comes to reading a room.
Mars in Sagittarius
Sagittarius Mars is optimistic, enthusiastic, and future-focused. They tend to think big and aren’t afraid to ask for what they want. The challenge is staying grounded in specifics. Research shows that people are more likely to resist compromises when an offer is framed as a loss rather than a gain, so Sagittarius Mars should focus on framing their request positively.
Talk about your vision for where you’re headed within the company and how a raise reflects your growing contributions. Connect your request to future goals, not just past performance. Sagittarius Mars types can inspire with their enthusiasm, so use that energy to paint a compelling picture of your continued value.
Just make sure to back it up with facts. Enthusiasm is great, but data seals the deal.
Mars in Capricorn
Capricorn Mars is disciplined, ambitious, and results-driven. These are the people who’ve been tracking their accomplishments from day one and know exactly what they’re worth. 39% of all employees will need reskilling by 2030, which means demonstrating your adaptability and skill growth is more valuable than ever.
Capricorn Mars should present a clear, professional case. Outline your contributions, show how you’ve grown in the role, and demonstrate your understanding of industry standards. Managers respect preparedness, and Capricorn Mars delivers that naturally. Don’t undersell yourself in the name of humility. You’ve earned this – own it.
Was there one approach that resonated more than the others? Honestly, the best strategy might be a mix of all of them, tailored to your own style. What’s your Mars sign, and how do you think it shows up when you’re negotiating?
