October 2026

In ancient astrology, Mars represents things like missions, inception, and action. Also, courage and valor. All things associated with warriors, as Mars is the soldier of the planetary pantheon.

The Sun, being the great light of our world, signifies clarity, illumination, and ambition.

Mars is currently visiting Leo, the temple of the Sun, until the end of November. So if we put these archetypal significations together, we get a clear mission, decisive action, and an ambitious challenge, which is exactly what this short story highlights. I urge you to ask yourself where these archetypes may be showing up in your life over the next couple of months.

Snowboarding is super fun, but not the first couple of times. It is a sport with a steep learning curve. No pun intended. I remember the first time I went snowboarding up at Pajarito Ski Area. My middle school friend was having his birthday party there. My dad went to the local Los Alamos thrift store and came home with an old-school snowboard and some boots. My friends all laughed at my gear, but I didn't care. I was just excited to try.

My friends all grew up skiing and were happy to show me the ropes, but after a few runs on the bunny hill they were like, "Alright, man, time to head to the Aspen Lift."

"What's that?" I asked.

"It's the lift that takes you to the top of the mountain."

"But this is only my third run," I protested.

"You'll be fine," they joked.

As the lift ascended higher, the run got steeper and the moguls got bigger.

I immediately fell getting off the Aspen Lift, but I managed my way to the top of what they called a "black diamond." The name described it accurately. Huge moguls in every direction with thick trees lining the sides of a very steep run. Not ideal for a total beginner.

I was freaked out, but I wasn't going to let my middle school friends know that. I quickly realized the mission was to get down the mountain alive.

I must have fallen 1,000 times that day. I remember getting out of bed the next morning feeling like I got hit by a bus, which is saying a lot for a nimble middle schooler, but I loved the experience and the challenge. Over the years I've gotten better at snowboarding and my ambitions have changed, but the mission remains the same.