The conjunction Ketu + Mars
Ketu + Mars gives heightened impulsiveness and the presence of «Martian» talents. Such a person goes to extremes, from heightened energy to a complete loss of strength. There may be heightened aggressiveness, vengefulness, coarseness and intolerance. But Ketu may «turn» the energy of Mars inward, and the native will fight with himself.
The positive side of this combination is a very penetrating mind, high logic, the ability to concentrate attention, and deep wisdom. It shows itself especially positively in Virgo, Sagittarius, Aquarius and Pisces. Mark Twain, for instance, had Ketu + Mars in Virgo — a sharp mind strengthened by the analytical properties of Virgo.
The combination Ketu + Mars shows itself especially negatively in Aries and Scorpio — from reckless nobility in Aries to malicious glee in Scorpio.
An example: Ketu-Mars in the 10th house in Leo. All his life the native has worked in the technical field, in particular in the area of electricity, electromechanics and medical equipment. Four planets stand in fiery signs: Ketu, Mars and Venus in Leo, the Moon in Aries. The native has a very resolute nature and reacts quickly to situations — the Moon in movable Aries. He suffers from swings between a tendency to plunge completely into work and a complete loss of interest in it through overwork and exhaustion.
(from the materials of Vasily Tushkin’s «Surya-Siddhanta» school)
The influence of Ketu => Mars
Mars is stronger than Ketu — logic, the highest degree of rationality, practical thinking, but inertia in outward activity. This is often taken for laziness, but that is not quite so. It is rather a dense stream of thoughts about optimisation. Excellent analysts and advisers. They love stability in their habits and way of life, so as to spend less effort on humdrum matters.
Mars is weaker than Ketu — passivity; the thinking process eats up a great deal of energy. Low activity.
The influence of Mars => Ketu
An intense inner life. Mars is favourable for the slowness of Ketu in real affairs. Neuroses and inner tension. Self-criticism and pressure upon oneself.
In rare cases a sublimation of sexual energy into the energy of life, into self-confidence, is possible. Sport and physical activity relieve the inner tension.
(Roman Gavrilov)