Aries, The Ram
March 21st - April 20th
Mode: Cardinal ~ Element: Fire ~ Ruler: Mars Mythic Archetypes: Athene ~ Phrixus and Helle ~ Jason ~ Luke Skywalker

The sign of Aries began around 6000 to 4000 BC. It is said that we owe the sign of Aries to the Egyptians. The ram had a spiritual function for it was sacred to Amon-Ra, who was associated with the Sun. The Sun is said to be exalted in Aries for it is here it reaches its peak of power and effectiveness. The essential meaning of the sign is embodied in its position in the yearly cycle, on the Vernal Equinox or first day of Spring when the days and nights are of equal length meaning that the power of the individual (Dayforce) and the power of the collective (Nightforce) are equal. It is at the Vernal Equinox that the Dayforce of the individuality is growing stronger (for the days are getting longer). Thus, Aries represents the power of the individual ego emerging from the collective ocean (Pisces), the primordial womb of the cosmos, about to begin the spiral upwards towards its own divine evolution. Christians celebrate the feast of Easter following the first full moon of the Spring season, which honors the resurrection of the soul after death, the ultimate victory of the spirit over the body.

Among the twelve Olympian gods, Aries falls under the protection of Athene for several reasons: Athene was the patroness of the art of weaving, and the ram or sheep gave abundant wool for her to weave. She was also born full-grown from the head of her father, Zeus (Jupiter). Aries rules the head in medical astrology and this focus on the head denotes a very mental or intellectual emphasis. The Aries intellect is purposeful and volatile due to its rulership of Mars, the god of war and it is from the rulership of Mars that Aries acquires much of its reputation for aggressiveness. Often this entails doing battle with anyone who stands in the way of Aries attaining his goal. Ariens feel best when vigorously exercising their physical bodies unless they channel their ceaseless energy into their intellect and display an incredible wisdom and strategy with new insights.