The Ram

 March 21 to April 20

The spring equinox, March 21, is the beginning of the new zodiacal year and Aries, the first sign, is therefore that of new beginnings. The young ram is adventurous, ambitious, impulsive, enthusiastic and full of energy. The Arian is a pioneer both in thought and action, very open to new ideas and a lover of freedom. They welcome challenges and will not be diverted from their purpose except by their own impatience, which will surface if they don't get quick results.

Aries subjects are courageous leaders with a genuine concern for those they command, being responsible people, it is rare that they will use their subordinates to obtain their own objectives as leaders, but occasionally it does happen. They do not make very good followers because they are too "take charge". They may be unwilling to obey or submit to directions for which they can see no reason, or with which they disagree. They are much concerned with self, both positively and negatively - self-reliant but also self centered (sometimes) and concerned with their own personal advancement and physical satisfaction. Their immense energy makes them aggressive and restless, argumentative occasionally, headstrong, quick tempered, easily offended and capable of holding grudges if they feel themselves affronted.

As the first sign in the zodiac, the focus of an Arian (as an Aries is referred to), is to simply "get something started and lead the way". The Sun in this zodiac position gives their will free rein to express itself. This expression could be in the form of some leadership role, or by forcing others to look at themselves in a new way. Arians can accomplish this by knowingly carrying out a deliberate act in the name of some cause that moves you. A negative effect of this sun sign is that one could sometimes unknowingly make it hard for others to relate to them, as they really are.

In personal relationships, Arians are frank, direct and candid, and make enthusiastic and generous friends. They are liable to have a high sex drive and make passionate but fastidious lovers. There is, however, a negative side to some associations with other people. An Aries can easily be irritated by slowness or moderation in his companions and, though themselves sensitive, ride roughshod over the sensitivities of others. The intensity of an Aries' sexual urges can drive one to promiscuity and a Don Juan-like counting of conquests of the opposite sex. It can also trick one into early unwise marriage which may end disastrously. Arians are highly devoted to their children, even to the point of laying down their own lives for their children's protection. One will not find a more defensive and loving parent in all the zodiac.

It is preferable to be aware of the Arian pioneering spirit and not to disregard it. For in acknowledging it, an Aries will not only enjoy life more, but avoid being pushed around by others. Arian nature is usually push or be pushed, with little middle ground. This can at times be objectionable to others, but an Aries must have the freedom to act, rather then just thinking about it, or he will get pent-up in the process. At all costs, one needs to avoid negative emotions such as resentment, regret and self-pity, for they would deny the Aries what is essential to his nature: straightforwardness.

Mentally, Arians are intellectual and objective, but can be in rare situations bigoted and extremist in religion and politics. They are good champions of lost causes and last-ditch resistance. They are quick-witted but sometimes foolhardy and over optimistic, lacking thoroughness and the ability to evaluate difficulties in the undertakings into which they often rush impulsively. The great need of Aries natives is to exercise an iron self-control, to discipline the qualities and tendencies of their character to the advantage, not the detriment, of the society in which they move.

Aries likes a challenge, which will often stir them to action. This challenge may just be frustration; or at a more controlled level, a clear direction and a knowledge of what or for whom he is fighting. If direction is not clear, then Aries must ask himself questions, and listen to his inner voice. An answer will present itself. An Arian without a direction in which to go, or a without a cause to fight for, would be against his nature and make him more a "sheep" then a ram!

Arian, do not be afraid to be forceful, for this is the very core of Aries' nature. If there is fear in an Aries' heart, then look for a history of negative events in his personal history, such as violence or abuse from others.  Being fearful may also indicate a childhood household negated independence and personal initiative. This could have inhibited an Aries' natural urge to go forward into life as the leader and champion they were born to be. Conversely, such bad influences could also lead an Aries to be overly forceful, or to be unsympathetic to his own needs and sensitivity.

An Aries makes good athletes and climbers, doctors, explorers (of new ideas as well as uncharted territory, the latter in these days including adventuring into outer space), soldiers, sailors and airmen, and leaders, though awkward subordinates, in industry and politics.

Much as Aries is the Ram, there is still the little lamb in him, which means that at times he would attain goals more easily by gently giving in without resistance to the demands of a given social situation, rather than getting horns entangled in something larger and more powerful than himself. This is a talent akin to knowing the difference between what one can change, and what one cannot. This of course takes patience, the acquiring of which is definitely an Aries'  greatest achievement, along with a sense of his own inner softness.

Possible Health Concerns

Aries governs the head and brain, and Arians are said to be prone to headaches, particularly migraines, sunstroke, neuralgia and depression. Indigestion and nervous disorders are also threats to Aries, and rashness, impetuosity and wholesale physical commitment make him liable to accidents and physical injuries.

Aries likes extremes: Physical, emotional and mental, and benefits profoundly by experiencing them.   But if Aries allows his extremes to go too far beyond social acceptability, then one can expect to be extremely lonely.

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