Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and it’s traditionally associated with the Ram. If you have the Sun, Moon or Rising Sign in this sign, you will have a lot of ram in your nature. Ruled by Mars, you are fearless, direct and enthusiastic, and you will meet life head on. When you want something, you want it now and you will make sure you’re always first in the queue. As far as you’re concerned, life is a competition and you intend to win. Aries-type characteristics can also be seen in people who have a strong Mars in their natal chart; for example, Mars rising in the first house or in conjunction with the Sun or Moon.
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Aries: Energy Type
The zodiac signs represent fundamental energy types and their nature determines how those energies are expressed; ‘how’ being the key word. When the Sun, Moon, planets, cardinal points and house cusps in your natal chart fall in Aries, they express in the style of that sign. The luminaries and planets represent what is being expressed and the natal chart houses signify where, but the ‘how’ part of the equation is always governed by the zodiac sign.
In astrology, energy types are defined by the zodiac sign’s element (fire, earth air or water). Each element has a characteristic form of motivation and influence on behaviour. In addition, elemental energy is expressed in a particular mode: energy is one thing, but how it’s applied is something else. Modality (cardinal, fixed, mutable) determines how the raw energy functions. And then there’s polarity: is the sign positive or negative? Polarity determines how energy is processed, by being externalised (extroverted) or internalised (introverted). Aries energy type is fire-cardinal-positive. What does that mean?
Aries: Key Qualities
Fire
Fire energy is active and extroverted. It’s strong, passionate, bold, fearless and direct. Expressed through Aries, Fire’s elemental energy is all of those things – and then some. Fire energy in Aries expresses without restraint and that’s how Aries subjects are: act first, take the lead, pursue your goals, dreams and ideals, meet every challenge without fear and don’t stop to think about the consequences of your actions. Fire energy makes Aries the warrior of the zodiac; never afraid to fight, quick to ignite – but often quick to burn out too.
Cardinal
Aries appears the most driven of the fire signs because that fire energy is applied in cardinal mode. This gives Aries fiery energy rocket boosters and forward thrust: fire energy is both direct and directed – towards showing and taking the initiative, being innovative, taking the lead – or being impulsive. Aries is forward looking; you won’t find many Aries subjects dwelling on the past. That cardinal drive places Aries energy at the forefront of all that is new. Aries people need the stimulus of new people, places, and interests or they soon become bored.
Positive
It’s the perfect fire-storm: Aries fire energy, applied in forward driven cardinal mode, is also expressed as a positive, extroverted, externalised energy. There is nothing subtle about how Aries energy is expressed: it’s in your face. Aries will rush headlong into all types of situations, assert their interests without hesitation, put themselves first and become impatient – and often angry – when life seems too slow. Anger is an outward expression of Aries energy when it’s frustrated – but it’s also easy to trigger an explosive response. Healthy competition is a good expression of Aries energy.
The Aries Myth
In the ancient Greek myth, Aries the flying, golden-fleeced ram carried Phrixus and Helle away from their murderous stepmother. Unfortunately Helle fell from the ram’s back and died, but Phrixus held on and was carried to a far kingdom where he made a fresh start. Aries was sacrificed to the Gods in thanks, his golden fleece sent to the temple of Ares (Mars), to be guarded by a dragon.
Fast forward a few mythological aeons and Jason (of Argonauts fame) was in a difficult relationship with his wicked uncle. He was ordered – on pain of death – to retrieve the golden fleece from the temple. With the help of the gods, Jason overcame numerous life-threatening obstacles to complete the task. He also had help from the sorceress Medea; a powerful, dark, forceful and ambitious woman who was the complement to Jason’s noble, passionate – but flawed – soul.
The myths demonstrate the themes we associate with Aries: new beginnings, bravery, determination, pitting yourself against the odds and, underneath it all, being vulnerably human. There is also a dark side shown by the relationship between Jason and Medea. Medea kills anyone who gets in her way. The dark side of Aries – violent, reactive and motivated by blood lust – is part of this sign too, as the myths make abundantly clear.
Aries: Ruled by Mars
Aries is ruled by Mars (known to the ancient Greeks as Ares). The myths of Ares show the God of War as a childish, aggressive figure; he’s portrayed as bloodthirsty, provocative, wild, wilful, fearless, passionate and impulsive. Ares was blind to the consequences of his deeds and, astrologically, Mars symbolises conflict and how you deal with it. Do you react with childish anger, or channel your Mars energy with purpose? Mars rushes into action, regardless of situation, risk or danger; it’s a core feature of this Mars-ruled sign.
Mars also represents self-assertion. It requires courage to take the initiative and meet life’s challenges. Mars is not afraid to do so; challenges are met head on. This is the most competitive zodiac sign.The assertive and aggressive qualities associated with the Mars function are expressions of the energy type that we associate with Aries, and all born under this sign have this at their disposal. Putting yourself first is often a notable feature of people influenced by Mars, and that includes those of you born under the sign of Aries, or with other planets or points in this sign.
Aries Archetype: The Hero
The Aries archetype is the Hero. The hero figure is bold, brave, inspirational and aims to make the world a better place. Think of Superman, Wonder Woman or Indiana Jones. Heroes are brave, noble and may seem superhuman, but they are as human as the rest of us. A real Hero is the ordinary person who steps forward whenever the need arises. It takes courage, leadership ability and, on occasion, a disregard for personal risk.The Hero represents the heroic in all of us, but it’s a core character trait of those heavily influenced by Aries.
In the real world, the heroic archetypal character is best represented by those who face danger: for example, armed services personnel or first responders – people who must act unflinchingly in the service of a greater or noble cause. That’s the archetype in action. You may not be as brave as someone in uniform, but deep within, the ‘Hero’ is part of your character. The best expression of the Hero archetype is found in those who are prepared to face up to their life challenges, take the lead and fight for the things they know to be right.
Aries Character
You are extroverted and assertive. Even the more quiet and reserved Aries characters (surprisingly they do exist…) will not be pushed around by anyone. You are highly reactive, and you make your feelings clear in any situation. You put yourself, your desires and your interests first, but you rarely exclude others from your activities. You’re sociable and enjoy the company of others. You’re easily bored. You need to be active at all times and have a packed schedule. Other people have to fit in with you, rather than the opposite, but your friendly nature means that you will always try and make time for someone, even if it’s on your own terms.
You relish a challenge. Many Aries people will find an outlet for their energy in the sporting arena, as that also suits your competitive side. However, not all Aries are found in the gym or the sports field, so your drive to compete will emerge in other ways. It’s not unusual for Aries subjects to compete with their partners, children, friends and relatives and you may seem overly demanding on occasion . You may deflect your energy into a hobby with a competitive element – or even compete with yourself. You need to pursue a passion. It is such an ingrained part of your nature to push yourself to the limit – whatever that limit may be.
You are goal oriented and this makes you a good, decisive leader. Even the most humble Aries (they also exist…) will ensure that they are in charge of something. You respond well when you’re given responsibility – though you may need someone in your life who is brave enough to tell you when you’re being rash or have gone too far. You don’t respond well to criticism; it makes you defensive – and attack is your preferred form of defence. What others see as rash, you see as enthusiasm – and it’s enthusiasm that makes you such a lively and dynamic person.
Aries Keywords
The keywords associated with this sign provide you with a useful checklist of all of the qualities we associate with Aries. The keywords are categorised as ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ and if you have planets or natal chart angles in this sign, the parts of your life that they represent will manifest in ways that accord with the keywords set out below. You will probably recognise many of those qualities in yourself.
Positive Keywords
Active, Adventurous, Affectionate, Ardent, Assertive, Bold, Brave, Candid, Child-like, Confident, Courageous, Daring, Direct, Dynamic, Eager, Energetic, Enterprising, Enthusiastic, Explorer, Extroverted, Fast, Fiery, Forceful, Friendly, Incisive, Independent, Initiative, Intrepid, Leader, Passionate, Pioneering, Romantic, Risk-taker, Self-Starter, Selfless, Spontaneous, Tough, Urgent.
Negative Keywords
Aggressive, Antagonistic, Argumentative, Bad-tempered, Blunt, Brash, Bullying, Childish, Combative, Combustible, Crude, Daredevil, Demanding, Directionless, Dominant, Egotistical, Foolhardy, Headstrong, Impatient, Impulsive, Insensitive, Loud, Outspoken, Pugnacious, Pushy, Quick Tempered, Restless, Rude, Selfish.
Aries in Love
Aries is ardent in love. Pursuing your chosen love object with single minded focus, you enjoy the thrill of the chase more than almost any other sign. Love is an exciting sport and you love to play. Charming, seductive and fast, you pursue aggressively, make the first move and sadly, for those who are too easily caught, you may move on to another lover at the same high speed. You love to love – but you’re also independent and when you play at love, that’s really all there is to it – play – nothing more.
However, when you truly fall in love, you fall hard and place your lover on a pedestal. I mentioned the words ‘love object’ earlier – quite deliberately. You can find it very easy to objectify your partner rather than relate to them as an equal. You are intense, protective, jealous, competitive and often refuse to take no for an answer. However, once commited, you are supportive, loyal, demonstrative and physical. Your partner will feel passionately loved, but he or she will also have to be prepared for brutal honesty and occasional displays of temper.
Aries & Family
Aries is an independent sign, but you know the value of a secure home base. Having somewhere safe to retreat to (on the rare occasions that you retreat) is important to you, as is the family or place that gives you your sense of belonging. Home and homeland are things you show no hesitation in fighting for, as you are passionate about your ‘tribe’. You are tribal in the broadest sense; you are in no doubt where you belong and will proclaim your allegiance forcefully – and at times aggressively – whether it’s in support of your local sports team, defending your homeland or being the head of a strong family unit.
Aries treats family like a sealed unit; bonds are as tight as those in a military squad – and discipline may also be enforced in a similar way. The rules may be your rules – and you may be the dominant character in the family – but in most cases you will be forceful but fair and often funny. Your approach to family life is protective and caring – but it’s also lively and fun. Your household (once you are in the position to call the shots) is energetic and active. You may be the dynamo who keeps everything going – you may feel that without your direction, your family would be lost. Aries – in a family context – can be a martyr to the cause.
Aries & Money
There are many Aries people who are enthusiastic about spending money – and many who are enthusiastic about making it. The trick for Aries is to be both – especially as you the impulsive spenders of the zodiac. The risk taking impulse that can enable you to be an entrepreneur, or simply focus on making as much as you can, as fast as you can, may also make you a gambler or financial risk taker in a less positive sense. Money to you is often a means to an end; you love the thrill of buying something new. Unfortunately, the novelty may soon wear off, so you may need to learn how to spend wisely to avoid wasting your cash.
There is another side to Aries financial habits; you may be more careful with your resources than is often assumed. If your goal is to be financially secure – that’s what you will aim for – just as long as you have some spare cash available to do with as you please. You may save as enthusiastically as you spend, however, there is the risk that you’ll become sidetracked by something new and spend the cash before reaching your original goal. It may be better for you to develop some short term saving strategies rather than put your eggs in one basket. That way, there will always be something left in the bank.
Aries Careers
Many Aries people have a traditional or conservative approach to their career. Your enthusiasm responds well to the clarity of a well-worn path or structure – particularly if it contains clear staging posts to advancement. It’s certainly how your career may begin. You are ambitious; you prefer a rapid result in anything you do and your energy and leadership skills may enable you to climb to the pinnacle of your chosen profession earlier than most. To become the boss is your aim – whether that’s of a large organisation, a department, a team – or simply of yourself. Getting hands on and close to the action is a must for you.
However, you may eventually tire of traditional corporate structures and set up your own enterprise. Though you work well in a traditional environment or established profession, you need the spur of new challenges to keep you going – and if your work environment cannot offer you that, then you will go elsewhere. You may succeed in business because you are prepared to take risks or show the kind of initiative that enables you to go further than less brave or pioneering souls. New business enterprises may attract you – whether that’s your own business or working in a new, vibrant sector – or both.
Aries: What To Look For
Ruby, Red, Red Hair, Red Cars, Fast Cars, Speed, Racing, Chasing, Sports, Fights, Violence, Soldiers, Military, Weapons, Knives, Tools, Fire, Fireworks, Heat, Fever, Headaches, Head, Boss, Leader, First, Me, Number One.
Next: Taurus | Gemini | Cancer | Leo | Virgo | Libra | Scorpio | Sagittarius | Capricorn | Aquarius | Pisces
Go To: Planets in Aries
Further Reading
Mars in the Natal Chart Houses
Sara Shipman | Real Life Astrology: Planets Signs and Houses
Sara Shipman | Real Life Astrology: The Cross of Matter
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Sara Shipman
Sara Shipman is an astrologer and writer. She created Starcrazypie.com in 2020 and writes the content on this site. Sara Shipman is the author of the Predictive Astrology and Real Life Astrology series of astrology books.
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