in astronomy. See there, n° 4. 22. 44. 151.

Pagan worship, the god of war. He was, according to some, the son of Jupiter and Juno; while others say that he was the son of Juno alone, who, being displeased at Jupiter's having produced Minerva from his brain, in revenge conceived by touching a flower, and became the mother of this formidable deity. The amours of Mars and Venus, and the manner in which Vulcan caught and exposed them to the laughter of the other gods, have been described by several of the ancient poets. He is represented as having several wives and mistresses, and a considerable number of children. He was held in the highest veneration by the Romans, both from his being the father of Romulus their founder, and from their inclination to conquer; and had magnificent temples erected to him at Rome.

Mars is usually represented in a chariot, drawn by furious horses. He is completely armed; and extends his spear with the one hand, and grasps a sword, imbrued in blood, with the other. He has a fierce and savage aspect. Discord is represented preceding his car; and Clamour, Fear, and Terror, appear in his train. The victims sacrificed to him were the wolf, the horse, the wood-pecker, the vulture, and the cock.

Mars, among chemists, denotes iron; that metal being supposed to be under the influence of the planet Mars.