Aries – Always Number One…Or Maybe Not?

The Sun moves into Aries upon the Spring Equinox, at the beginning of the astrological year, making March 21st to April 20th the approximate astrological dates for this first sign of the zodiac. Appropriate, considering the Ram’s motto might be “me first!”

Aries, the Ram, is not only the first sign of the zodiac, it is also number one in many other ways. People with a strong Aries influence in their chart are likely to be forthcoming, pioneering, and independent spirits. Just look at the sign’s glyph (symbol), which looks like a ram with its head lowered. It says it all.

Perhaps the most traditionally masculine sign in the zodiac, Aries is ruled by Mars (the god of war), its corresponding color is red, and it is a cardinal (leading) Fire sign. That’s some heady symbolism! No wonder that even the women born under Aries (think warrior types like Sarah Michelle “Buffy” Gellar, Lucy “Xena” Lawless, and pioneering feminist Gloria Steinem) are likely to have nerves of steel… or perhaps of diamond, another Arian symbol.

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, placed at the vernal equinox. It represents the time of year when the seed germinates, when the Sun moves toward the Northern Hemisphere and begin the annual growth cycle ~ Stephanie  Clement

When we dig a little deeper, though, we find a hidden side to these Arian warriors. The ram’s horns, an ancient glyph, can also be seen as the Cornucopia, or Horn of Plenty. These people are likely to be very generous with their time, affection, and money, once you get past the bluster. They also make excellent parents. It’s been said that Arians also have a hidden childlike side and love to have fun (as the “firstborn” of the zodiac, this makes sense.) Like children, they hate to be told “no,” and often the easiest way to get an Aries to do something is to tell them that they can’t. They’ll love the challenge, as well as the fact that it may be forbidden.

Competition is incredibly important to these Rams, both in the intellectual and physical arena. They need to be careful not to rush right into things, because this sign rules the head, and is especially prone to head injuries (ever see what happens when two angry rams butt heads?) This sign needs to focus on slowing down and enjoying life as it comes. Not everyone can win or be first in line all the time!

Aries is also a sign which makes an excellent activist and pioneer. With their impulsive nature, they are well-paired with intellectual Aquarius, clever Gemini, or cautious Virgo. They are natural leaders and have inborn charisma.

When we think of characteristics of the sign of Aries, words like ‘adventurous,’ ‘independent,’ ‘enthusiastic,’ and ‘courageous’ come to mind. All of these words can be associated with the lively spirit of spring ~ Vanessa Wright

Aries needs to learn what true love is really about, and put their ego to the side. It’s also important for them to learn that not everything is a competition or game. Some things, like love, need to be enjoyed as they are, and not fought out on a battlefield. Even a fire can be put out by water, earth, or wind (air). There is great strength in ways not measured in brute force.

If you are a Sun Sign Aries, or know one, you’re sure to recognize yourself in much of the above. Just remember that there are other numbers besides “One!”