Site icon Your Friendly Familiar

Aries ♈

March 21 – April 19

Table of Contents

    Constellation

    Aries is the first Astrological Zodiac Sign in the Aries Constellation, which spans the first 30 degrees of celestial longitude.  The image of Aries is a Ram, which may be based on Chrysomallos, a flying Ram in ancient Greek mythology.  Supposedly the myth involving this flying Ram is based loosely on true events, though it’s not clear as to what extent.  In the fictional story, a King was married to the Cloud Goddess of Hospitality, Nephele, and had two children with her, Phrixus and Helle.  However, the King took a second woman named Ino as his second wife who became the stepmother of his two children.  Nephele was angry and left, which caused a drought on the land.  Ino became jealous of her stepchildren (*sigh* such a stereotypical fairy tale stepmother, huh?) and decided to find a way to kill them.  She went to a warrior to say that killing the son, Phrixus, would bring about the end of the drought.  Thankfully, Nephele (or her spirit) appeared before the children with a winged Ram with golden fleece, named Chrysomallos.  The children, Phrixus and Helle, jumped on the back of Chrysomallos and escaped.  In thanks of rescuing the children, the Ram became the Constellation Aries.  There are other tales, including one of a hero named Jason and his group of merry men were sent on a quest by a King to find the golden fleece of Chrysomallos as the way for Jason to rightly earn his place as King of Iolcus.  (Spoiler: he succeeds.  You’re welcome.)  There are many versions and detail differences in this tale, but either way, the Ram is a noble creature that an Aries should be proud to represent.   

    Element

    An Aries has the element of Fire.  This element is special for it is the one that shines with the light it naturally creates.  Fire symbolizes energy that is incomparable to the other Elements.  Zodiac Signs with this Element has this fiery energy and uses it solely on themselves unless someone they care about asks for their help or advice.  Fire Signs need to learn to value and nurture their emotional side.  Some consider Fire Signs as difficult, since they may need to be trained for deeper understanding, sympathy, and compassion for others whereas it comes more naturally with other the other Elemental Signs.  But Fire Signs do care!  In fact, they tend to give more than they should to others who didn’t ask for anything initially.  However, this can cause some basic problems in relationships, so they must be careful and socially aware.  

    Fire is a powerful masculine element that can easily overpower the feminine energy within all of us.  It’s like in real life where too much Fire can cause Earth to burn and Water to evaporate.  Fire Signs must not neglect their feminine traits for as the saying goes: “A life without love is not worth living.”  If Fire Signs forget to acknowledge and respect their emotional needs, they will not only be unhappy, but it can lead to negative outcomes in their relationships with feminine individuals, such as women, in their lives.  To better balance these Fire Zodiac Signs, they must learn to embrace inner peace and calm, especially during the difficult times.  They need to try to keep in mind that sometimes a passive approach is just as effective (or even better!) than an active one, given the circumstances.  Many Fire Signs benefit from therapy since they tend to not be aware and forget to save or recycle some of their energy, especially if the Fire Sign gets excited with a new opportunity or when they get passionate over something new.  

     Quality

    There are 3 different Qualities of Expression (also known as Modes or Modalities):  Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable.  Aries is the Fire Sign among the Cardinal Quality Zodiac Signs, which represents the beginning of a new season.  The Cardinal Quality of Aries is the announcement for the arrival of Spring, when new life is waking up and starting to blossom.  Since Cardinal Signs kick off the beginning of a new season, these Zodiac tend to be leaders with ideas and ambition.  Cardinal Signs are oftentimes unafraid to start new cycles or new periods in life, whether that’s in their personal or professional life.  However, while they get inspired and have the drive to start things, they may become burnt out or lack the energy to follow through their long-term goals to the very end.  

    A person with Cardinal Signs in their chart indicates someone who tends to be “go, go, go” and don’t always take the rest they need to keep going.  Aries, as the Cardinal Fire Sign, moves fast, wants to be first, and is an “idealistic straight shooter.”  This Ram may be known as impulsive or impatient, but they are hard-workers and go-getters who won’t let obstacles get in their way.  Like an actual Ram that is ruled by fiery Mars, they will headbutt walls (figuratively speaking!) so they can create new, great creations.  Just be careful not to get in the path of this headbutting Ram on a mission!  While they are on fire with this seemingly infinite energy, if they keep running into too many walls, they will over time turn towards a different direction.

    Planet

    Aries is ruled by the Planet Mars, which can be described as one of determination and action.  But it’s first important to remember that Mars represents the beginning of beginnings.  It’s our first breath of life, our first scream of fear, and some interpret the Planet as the one who gave us the body we have in our current incarnation.  You probably heard of Mars being the Planet of war, death, and destruction.  It can also be associated with fighting or hurt/pain.  This Red Planet is symbolic of our unconscious, basic, instinctual nature that we oftentimes restrict.  Especially regarding our primary sexual expression, not giving these such energies freedom can create a sense of frustration or anger that is bubbling below the surface, which can cause various hindrances.  Mars can also mention any fears that control our lives (the Planet’s moons are named Phobos [ “fear”] and Deimos [“panic”], after all) and can guide us in finding our ground, give us energy to follow through with plans and accomplish goals, and to help us settle problems that are existential or material in nature.  This Planet is a strong symbol of karma and unchangeable fate/destiny.  Like Saturn, Mars shows our unconsciousness and instincts.  Thus, in astrological readings, Mars is seen as instinctive, aggressive, pushy, fast, and angry.

    House

    Aries rules the 1st House, which covers our self and beginnings/“firsts.”  It’s associated with first impressions, new starts and initiatives, and fresh beginnings.  Regarding our sense of being/self, it reflects our self-image, style of initiation, how we’re perceived by others.  On a lesser interpretation, it can illustrate leadership.  A good rule of thumb is that any Planets placed in the 1st House will be a strong indicator of the person’s personality.  A celebrity example could be American actress and political activist Jane Fonda.  She had taken strong stances against the Vietnam and Iraq Wars, supports feminist causes and the LGBTQIA+ community, and made her stances known in environmentalism.  Someone looking into her chart may take note of Mars (Planet of action and aggression) in the 1st House.  Jane Fonda is no stranger to starting fights, taking stands, and doing philanthropy for she holds dear.    

    Personality

    An Aries knows they are the 1st Zodiac Sign and represent such a beginning with great energy and, yet, turbulence.  Everything from work life and social life, these Rams are looking to be the first and will do so dynamically with competition and speed.  It can be considered that Aries is the most active or lively of all the Zodiac Signs since they are ruled by Mars (of determination and action) and carry the Fire Element (of masculine energy).  Sometimes a Ram will forget to think before they act.  This can be a problem, especially since they tend to never be afraid of risks or the notion of trials and errors.  However, this fiery energy helps them in the workplace since they are wonderful with their innate organizational skills.  They can complete many tasks at once and quickly, too!  However, because they want to move and move fast, they can be quite impatient and aggressive.  It’s not uncommon for an Aries to take out their frustrations on other people, too.  Like a Ram, an Aries will go head-first towards their goals with bravery and youthful energy and strength, no matter their age.  

    Compatibility

    Stereotypically, Aries tend to not do well with Earth Signs, Capricorn, Virgo, and Taurus.  An Aries will face their challenges head-on and “ram” directly towards their obstacles.  This can leave the relationship a little too messy or raw for the practical Earth Signs.  For example, a Virgo tends to be more of a pacifist and Earth Signs are more likely to be perfectionists.  So this would be a conflict of interest with an Aries.  

    Water Signs, Cancer, Pisces, and Scorpio, also tend to struggle more regarding relationships with an Aries.  The Ram wants control over their own life, tends to be reckless in nature, and can get angered easily.  They may not be so careful in their words and actions, as a result.  Water Signs need closeness and deep emotional intimacy in a partnership.  Also, they cannot forget the harsh or mean things done towards them, especially by someone close to them.  Lastly, a Sign like Scorpio is typically cautious (which conflicts with an Aries’ abrupt “ram forward” attitude) and would want to play a more dominant role in the relationship, which an Aries may struggle with since they strive for more control over their own lives.  

    An Aires may have better luck with Air Signs, Libra, Gemini, and Aquarius.  For example, there would be more of a balance between an Aries’ energetic passion and Gemini’s curiosity and creativity.  Neither Aries nor Air Signs are too sensitive, so it leaves things open for more possibilities.  

    Probably the best compatibility besides Air Sign can be found in fellow Fire Signs, Leo, and Sagittarius.  They all share a, well, fiery passion that is expressed in different ways.  As an illustration, a Sagittarius may be passionate about their happy-go-lucky character and provide an Aries with a relaxed sense of space.

    When getting into a relationship with an Aries, it’s important to remember that these Rams will go first in expressing their feelings and take the initiative, sometimes forgetting to think about it carefully first.  The Ram will provide their partner with great fondness and attentiveness, maybe even sometimes to the point where it’s too much.   An Aries is a passionate lover and can even be prone to addictions involving sex and such.  With a strong personality, an Aries man will possess the spirit of a warrior.  He will pursue their passion with dedication and utmost focus.  Since they are always prepared to put their absolute all into anything, they are excited about life and can be extremely spontaneous.  Aries men are generally easy to get along with since they love to live in the moment. Nevertheless, if you fall head over heels for an Aries of any gender and things turn out ok, you’ll have a confident and faithful lover.  Their energy and inner strength will be something to admire and look on in wonder if it doesn’t simply keep things exciting and on your toes.

    All right!  There’s a bunch of information for your entertainment!  I enjoy the company of my Ram friends and I hope this post provides some insight into their typical nature.  Below is the usual quick-reference chart of an Aries:

    So, what do you think?  If you are an Aries, does this describe you in any way?  If you know an Aries, does this seem accurate to you?  Are there qualities or traits about them that you admire and may want to apply in your own life?  As I’ve said, it’s completely ok if this is not completely accurate.  I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and maybe you will be curious about the basic personalities and generic traits of the other Zodiac Signs!  I look forward to learning more together!

    There are two types of people who will tell you that you cannot make a difference in this world: those who are afraid to try and those who are afraid you will succeed.

    – Ray Goforth

    Exit mobile version