What is the astrological signature of a bully? Is there one? What would you look for?

Mars Saturn??

Seems like it could be any number of things depending on the nature of the bullying and the underlying motivation.

There could be a strong Uranus element, the attitude that one has the right to do whatever one wants.

Mars-Aries could contribute to entitlement. Low self-esteem indicators, a genuinely self-confident person doesn't need to control, intimidate, or abuse others. Mars-Saturn and/or Mars-Pluto for the capacity for cruelty and indicators of a lack of empathy. In other words, it's complicated.

I asked because I'm wondering if others have thought about this or have seen patterns in charts of known examples.

In charts I have of "known bullies" there doesn't seem (yet) to be a common signature. In each, there's a combination of elements combined with choice about how to use them.

I think your suggestions are sound, Doreen. But I did cringe a little because I have Aries Mars, Mars Pluto, and Mars Saturn, LOL. I'm not a bully but I have been bullied a hell of a lot in this life...maybe in past lives I was a bully.

That's an interesting observation Kashmiri. Sorry to have made you cringe. It makes the point that you cannot necessarily tell from a chart HOW a person will experience an energy. I've been bullied a lot, hence my interest. I have Mars conj MC i.e., accidental Mars-Saturn. Mars conj my Asc ruler, square the Asc, a strong Mars. and Mars sextile Pluto. Sun square Neptune is the victim part. I can't help wonder what kind of karma I'm reaping but I'm learning a lot about this behavior.

 One bully who comes to mind has a strong angular Saturn and Mars conj Moon opposite Pluto. I'm sure he was bullied as a child and became one as adult. He also has a Saturn Uranus square and believes he has the right to do whatever he can get away with, i.e., is above the law. Another one has a strong Aries influence, angular Saturn, and a 1st house Mars square Pluto.

I've had a lot of lessons about both personal and vicarious about the abuse of power and authority.

oh that's okay!:) i didn't take it personally at all, because i think you were being fair--these placements do have a strong possibility of manifesting in an aggressive way. i think part of my bullying came from an inner fear of 'unleashing the beast.' my reaction would have the possibility of being twice as hard back on the aggressor. i have always been aware of that so often would step back, mostly from a place of not knowing what to do with my anger...also i think my anger is part me, part my upbringing (i come from freakishly strong people who will fight to the death...generations of them). and also part cultural. the world doesn't like angry women!

mars pluto?

pluto saturn?

i mean... what about the bullies that use words rather than their fists?