“Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.”
—Thomas Jefferson, born April 13, 1743
An Introductory Overview of Sun Sign Characteristics for Aries
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, ruled by Mars. It represents offensive power and begins at the spring equinox. In Aries we move from the potential to the actual; from dormant to active participation. Desire, initiative, courage and action are words which best describe Aries.
Personal traits of an Aries person are openness, enthusiasm and individualism. They are outspoken, alert, quick to act and speak. They prefer to speak than listen. Arians are ambitious, with an abundance of drive and a strong desire to lead. They make poor followers. Fiercely independent, they usually take the side of the underdog in any controversy. They are champions of lost causes and losing battles. This trait is due to a strong belief in their own abilities to turn any situation around.
Arian values are more intellectual than spiritual. Primarily people of action, they demonstrate little subtlety or cunning. Frank and amiable, they make quick decisions, and grasp ideas just as quickly. Quick of mind, and just as quick to anger, Arians are known for their impatience, and are prone to be arrogant.
Aries have a strong self image, the ability to think fast and size up most situations in an instant. Arians calculate risks with lightning speed and make decisions accordingly. An adage that fits the Arian well is “A straight line is the shortest distance between two points.” Arians don't waste time and energy beating around the bush, they come straight to the point, and leave the bodies where they fall.
Where is the Planet Mercury in Your Birth Horoscope?
Mercury's proximity to the Sun insures that its placement will always be near to or on par with the subject's Solar sign.
Of all the planets within our solar system, Mercury is nearest to the Sun. There is a direct correspondence to this fact in the mapping of an individual's birth chart. With the exception of the Moon, Mercury has the fastest revolution through the zodiac.
We are often able to determine where Mercury was at the time of our birth without consulting an astrologer. By reading the three potential profiles, it is often uncanny how clearly one of them will fit us. I thought you would enjoy trying this out—determining where Mercury is in your chart by recognizing reflections of yourself.
Overviews of the three possible positions of Mercury when the Sun is in Aries are listed below.
“There is a time for departure even when there's no certain place to go.”
—Tennessee Williams, born March 26, 1911
Sun Sign Personality Traits for Aries
Some of the negative traits of Arians come from what can be labeled a “tragic flaw” in their makeup. A high energy output is cause for great anxiety in some Arians. Sometimes, this anxiety is so intense and unmanageable that it becomes cause to abandon a venture out of fear of failure. They then redirect their energy into something new. A particular flaw in the Arian makeup is a fear of rejection. Rejection is often near the top of their list of resident anxieties. If the Arian is not certain of acceptance, to avoid rejection, they do the spurning first. You Aries readers nod your heads affirmitively with the old bit of sage advice that “the best defense is always a good offense.”
On the more positive side, Arians are known to be generous people. They give of their time, effort, money and sympathies. They have both moral and physical courage and will give support to anyone they believe is being treated unfairly, or to any cause they deem worthy. Such traits can be recognized in the actions of famous Arians: William Morris, Charlie Chaplin and Paul Robeson.
The Pre-Raphaelite artist and designer Morris dedicated much of his life to illuminating the social inequalities of Victorian England. The films produced and starred in by Chaplin bear a near universal theme of the underdog getting back at a system which treated him unjustly. Robeson put his career as an actor and singer, even his life, on the line to speak out against the racial iniquities of his time. There's a calling to crusade running through the veins of every red-blooded Aries.
Discover How Compatible You are with Others
Choose a Sun Sign from the index to read about combatibilty aspects with Aries.
Aries with Aries
High Energy
All that fire, all that passion! Lots of challenge here, watch that it does not burn itself out! The relationship will have to come first, before the egos. Find common interests that you agree on and enjoy, that give vent to your high energy, high excitement needs.
Very sensual together. Both competitive spirits, so try to focus your volatile and competitive energies to build a lasting relationship. Very dynamic, never boring, maybe too intense.
Aries with Taurus
Action, Reaction
Two entirely different ways of dealing with life. Taurus is steady, practical, calm and committed, slow to make decisions, but once made unalterable. Aries is a rapid fire thinker and acts on impulse, makes immediate decisions and lives with the results—never looks back.
This could work as Taurus could prove to be a steadying influence on hyper Aries. Aries could loosen up the staid Taurus. Strong sensual attraction here. May not be enough to sustain the relationship. Aries is good at making money, and Taurus at keeping it. Good business relationship.
Aries with Gemini
This is Exciting!
Can you hear it? Ideas and energy flowing! This relationship could work based on communication and action. This is also a good business relationship; money flows. The relationship is exciting, built on a foundation of ideas and activity. There is a wonderful interchange here as long as it doesn't end in just a whole lot of hot air! Keep the action going and it could prove to be for the long term.
No inhibitions here either. Both like life to be interesting. New people and events are always on the agenda. Both are types to stray from home base. Aries is fiery, Gemini is inventive so they have a lot going to keep the relationship interesting and end up back with each other.
Gemini needs to watch out though. Aries is prone to stray from the nest, but wouldn't feel to kindly about that in a partner. Double standard here. Gemini strays too but is not jealous normally and is also quicksilver; dances well so is not likely to get bogged down in argument.
Aries with Cancer
Fire and Water Gets Steamy
Aries thrive on excitement and challenge. Cancer thrives on security, and has very sensitive feelings. Takes a lot of control on the part of Aries not to trample all over Cancer's feelings. Cancer will need to be more vigorous in participating in Aries schemes and dreams. This is also a good business combination as both are cardinal signs, and therefore entrepreneurial in nature. Each person will need their own space and alone time to make this work.
The Aries “on my mind—on my mouth” way is offensive to the Cancer sensibilities. Cancer feels Aries should be more considerate and sensitive to peoples feelings. Aries wonders what all the fuss is about. Cancer needs emotional support and encouragement, and feels everyone needs mothering. Aries doesn't like to be smothered. Are you seeing the differences?
Aries requirement for independence is not in conflict with Cancer's needs for warmth and camaraderie but is in conflict with the Cancer possessive tenaciousness. Aries seems selfish, impersonal, and indifferent to Cancer at times. Aries is a me first type, while Cancer is the ”what can I do for you” type. Aries tends to take advantage of the Cancerian good nature. Aries could learn compassion from Cancer, and Cancer could learn to be more independent from Aries. Fire and water, steamy, yes—just remember water can put out a fire.
Aries with Leo
Happy Combination
A lot of energy here. These people understand each other, admire each other and have a ton of fun together. Fire times two equals excitement and passion. Here is a pair of signs that enjoys physical activity, social functions and children, a home filled with family and friends is a place where both of you would thrive. On the whole you tend to like the same things and have an innate ability to feel what the other is feeling. Aries and Leo are different qualities of fire but they are still fire, and fire stirs passion. You both live for the experience of living.
This is a very creative combination and results in a lot of productive activity. Both the Ram and the Lion have large egos and enjoy their independence so if you can learn to walk softly and respect each other's territory this relationship will work.
Aries with Virgo
It's Going to Take Some Work
The perfectionist and the achiever don't have much in common. Fire meets earth and scorches it. Aries wants and needs action and Virgo has a deep need for perfection. Perfection forestalls action, so what is the answer? Can they coexist?
Much love and cooperation from both people are needed to make this work. Virgo can tend to be a carp at times, and the Aries ego does not take kindly to constant digs. In creative endeavors or business this relationship can be quite effective, both signs are signs of service however differently they go about it. With their distinct talents put to purpose much can be accomplsihed. Romance though is not business. A lot of tolerance will be needed to make this combination work.
Aries with Libra
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
These are opposite signs. You know what they say about opposites, they attract! They attract because each person sees in the other, what is missing or deficient in themselves. There is a lot of magnetism here and it helps in the hard times. Two sides of the same coin, compelling to the point of being compulsive.
If you get this relationship in balance, it works! Don't judge, understand. Because Libra will go along, to get along, it is up to Aries to take some responsibility for making it it come out right. Good business combo' here, both entrepreneurial. Good combination of ideas and action.
Aries with Scorpio
Intense Passion
This is an intense relationship wherever these two get together. Business, creative or romantic with Aries and Scorpio the sparks are always flying. Great similarities, and equally great differences. Scorpio tends to be secretive and keeps feelings private. Aries, well, if its on their mind, its on their mouth. What to do? Recognize you have got something worthwhile here and treat it with the respect it is due. Back to basics, there is great sexual attraction between you. Wherever else trouble visits, your passion will keep the home fires burning brightly.
Find ways to communicate and blend your personalities. Scorpio is decisive, confrontational, and always direct—which is to say—a lot like Aries. No shoratge of natural intensity here. There needs to also be some softness and gentle caring. Works wonders! Just remember—water can put out a fire, no matter how intense it is.
Aries with Sagittarius
Fire Fire Burning Bright
When these free spirits get together it is always a celebration of mutual understanding, freedom and fun. No restrictions, both free souls, spirited and burning with abundant enthusiasm for life. Can part and come together again, and not miss a beat. No time to wear and tear on each other, save that energy for all the worlds yet to conquer.
Aries and Sagittarius make compatible lovers and friends. Friendship can sometimes be the more profound function. This is a lust for life combination. Sharing all there is to discover in the world they ramble on—and on. “What limits? Did you see any limits?” Freedom loving lovers or pals their independent natures don't ever get tangled up in the relationship.
Aries with Capricorn
A Blending of Strengths
Fire and earth again. Aries, with an enthusiastic, charging nature, an ideas person, ready to take those ideas on the road at the drop of a hat. Capricorn, also an ideas person but with every idea a well thought out strategic plan, before taking it on the road is even considered. Cool Cap', pragmatic, ambitious, realistic and serious with a wry sense of humor versus hot, experimental, impetuous and playful Ram with a candid sense of humor.
These are two strong people. Any opposing traits can be turned to a good sense of balance in this relationship. There will be a lot of arguing, but this can still work very well. There is a strong foundation of mutual admiration here.
Good business sense here in abundance, this combination is success in the making. Each brings their own unique qualities and advancement is assured. Goals, plans, actions to achieve a desired result with the follow through to make it happen. It's just good, old fashioned practical ambition on display—a healthy balance of perspiration and inspiration.
Aries with Aquarius
Friendly Aspirations
This is a very outgoing, friendly, and social combination. Friends first, lovers second. Doing things together, collaborating on projects, camaraderie defines this relationship.
There exists a certain lack of sensitivity in the two of you that can lead to an aloof and distant relationship. Need to focus on this because this can be a lasting and exciting combination with a little emotional commitment. Good ideas, fun, lots of activity and socializing. Joyously gay.
Aries with Pisces
Burning Sensitivity
Strong attraction here. Aries is the savior of the underdog, and Pisces is the underdog par excellence. Sensitive, soft, retiring so attractive to many Arians. Aries, the enthusiastic, self-assured and aggressive character is very attractive to the reticent Pisces. The fireworks will burn bright but that is the beginning of the relationship.
Attractions are strong. Differences are many. There will need to be efforts to smooth out the challenges. Remember, water has the ability to put out fire, even those that light the sky. Water that is not contained, spreads out in all directions. Pisces is the epitome of this concept. Fire will retreat rather than be consumed. Maybe you can make it work for the long run, but it is a tough one.
“What we know today, if we know anything at all, is that every individual is unique and that the laws of his life will not be those of any other on this earth.”
—Joseph Campbell, born March 26, 1906
Vocational Interests Suited to Aries Tendencies
“In their professions, Arians need to take charge. The routine or monotonous was not meant for you. Your originality, imagination and great mental and physical energy require work where you can utilize all of these traits. You prefer to work on your own or direct others. You are in your element in a position where you can communicate and form public opinion. Journalism, publicity, advertising, publishing, radio and TV are natural professions in which for you to prevail.
The military is another field that is ripe for Arians with its many leadership possibilities. Law enforcement is another commanding vocation that is attractive to Arians. In a similar capacity Aries make excellent surgeons and surgical nurses. In the arts and entertainment field, Aries also does very well. You are endowed with so many valuable assets; a keen intellect, initiative, intuition, inventiveness, energy, leadership qualities and enthusiasm that you'll shine in any profession that you set your sights on.
Arians have to watch their impatience, lack of thrift, and a domineering attitude. Your ego also requires more than a fair share of continual approval and acclaim. Without this approval, your effectiveness can take a nosedive. Aries thrive on challenge, and they truly believe they can do anything — so they have a tendency to bite off more than they can chew. Acquiring patience, persistence and perseverance will go a long way in helping you to make the most advantage of your great gifts.
In summation, Arians are spontaneous people. They never ponder, they act. They are frank, open and not prone to be devious. The Arian takes definite steps, achieves definite results, is of help and benefit to those who need it, and attacks before waiting to be attacked.
“Not only the Egyptians, but all great civilized nations of the East, had traditions of a year beginning when the sun and moon entered the constellation Aries. Aries may have been first adopted into the zodiac by the Babylonians when its stars began to mark the vernal equinox.”
—William Tyler Olcott,
Star Lore of all Ages, 1911
The Lore of Aries in Mythology
Mythology is closely interwoven with Astrology. Despite all that we do not know about the origins of either lore it is certain that starwatching began with passion on humanity's first night beneath the open sky. Somewhere in time, shapes were perceived, figures imagined, names given and stories were told about the densely populated tapestry of the heavens. All elder cultures throughout the world developed tales of the constellations which over time were imbued with meaning to explain various phenomena of our existence within the cosmos.
Astrology and Mythology serve a similar function in this regard. We benefit from Astrology not so much as a tool of fortune-telling but as a directional guide to understanding who we are individually and what our unique role ought to be in this life. As Carl Jung stated, “Astrology claims only that we each possess the qualities of the year and of the season in which we were born.” To discern just what those qualities are is as fascinating to each of us as the night sky.
Back to the frontier of recorded history our ancestors in cultures throughout the world have associated the Lion with qualities of majesty, rulership, wisdom, strength and divinity. Wherever this animal was encountered, these characteristics were transposed and attributed to the gods and goddesses of regional mythologies.
Throughout the ancient Mediterranean region, the ram figure was associated with the constellation Aries or Arietis, to the Greeks known as Kriya and to the Egyptians, Arnum.
Ares was the Greek god of war and pestilence. He was the son of Zeus and Hera, consort of Aphrodite. The Romans associated Ares with Mars, the enemy of the tyrants and defender of the just. Originally an agricultural god associated with the affairs of spring, Mars assimilated many of the characteristics of Ares since battles were often coordinated at this same time of year.
The Greek myths tell that the son of Nepele, Phrixus, was falsely accused of ravishing Biadice and condemned to death. In a variant tale, Phrixus was to be sacrificed to assure a bountiful harvest based upon a false oracle. In either version Phrixus is rescued, hastened to safety on the back of a golden ram sent by the god Mercury. At the ram's request, Phrixus sacrificed the animal to the god Zeus to honor the initial ritual offering. For his courage, the ram's likeness was set into the heavens. The ram's brilliant fleece, set within a temple, was later to play a central role in the tale of Jason and the Argonauts.
Traditional Cultural Translations of Aries
Arabic: Al Hamal 
Egyptian: Arnum French:
Bélier
German: Widder Greek:
Kriya Hebrew:
Telï
Hindu: Aja
Italian: Ariete
Portuguese: Aries
Spanish: Aries
Syrian: Amru
Turkish: Kuzi
“Aries the Ram is Ariete in Italy, Bélier in France and Widder in Germany—Bayer's Wider; in the Anglo-Saxon tongue it is Ramm, and in the Anglo-Norman of the 12th century, Multuns. The constellation is marked by the noticeable triangle to the west of the Pleiades, 6° north of the ecliptic, 20° north of the celestial equator and 20° due south from γ Andromedae.
“With the Greeks it was Κριός, and sometimes Αιγόκερως, although this last was more usual for Capricorn.
“It always was Aries with the Romans; but Ovid called it Phrixea Ovis; and Columella, Pecus Athamantidos Helles, Phrixus, and Portitor Phrixi; others, Phrixeum Pecus and Phrixi Vector. Phrixus being the hero-son of Athamas who fled on the back of this Ram with his sister Helle to Colchis to escape the wrath of his stepmother Ino."
—Richard Hinckley Allen; Star-Names and Their Meanings, 1899
Would you like to participate in an on-line study of Aries?
Astrology is an ancient science. The belief that the planetary bodies surrounding Earth have an influence upon our lives is to be found in nearly every culture throughout the world. Countless manuscripts and volumes have been produced through the ages. The references which astrologers have used over the recent centuries derive from this vast body of lore which has survived and been transmitted down to the present day.
The aim of the Elore features is to provide an objective resource which supports individual research into the varied schools of World Astrology. To enhance these resources we have initiated a Contemporary Study of the primary aspects and components of Astrology. The initial studies focus upon each of the twelve Sun Signs. Each study consists of a broad range of questions on the character and behavior of the particular sign. The entire series of questions is presented within a secure, private survey.
Participants will have the opportunity to voice their own views and share experiences which may or may not agree with established norms. The intent is not to challenge legacy views, but to add a broad contemporary element to existing lore. Each succeeding year new audiences will be given the chance to add their own perceptions, so that fresh perspectives will continue to evolve our understanding of this ancient science.
We invite and welcome your participation!
“It should be evident to every sane mind that we are indeed living in a period of intense and apparently relentless transition—a ‘critical state’ between two conditions of human existence, or at least of social organization. This transition may be as marked as that of the solid to the liquid state of matter. It is not merely a quantitative change in the size and scope of social institutions. An extension of our human environment and field of communication from the localized provincial-national to the global, planet-wide level implies also a change in the quality of interpersonal and inter-group relationships.”
—Dane Rudhyar,
born March 23, 1895
- Leonardo Da Vinci (April 15, 1452)
- Jean-Honoré Fragonard (April 5, 1732)
- Thomas Jefferson (August 13, 1743)
- Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (March 30, 1746)
- William Wordsworth (April 7, 1770)
- Washington Irving (April 3, 1783)
- Hans Christian Andersen (April 2, 1805)
- Otto Eduard Leopold von Bismarck (April 1, 1815)
- Charles Baudelaire (April 9, 1821)
- William Morris (March 24, 1834)
- Émile Zola (April 2, 1840)
- Andrew Lang (March 31, 1844)
- Vincent van Gogh (March 30, 1853)
- A. E. Housman (March 26, 1859)
- Robert Frost (March 26, 1874)
- Harry Houdini (April 6, 1874)
Italian Architect, Painter, Sculptor
French Rococo Painter
American Patriot, Essayist, Inventor; Third President of the United States
Spanish Painter, “Last of the Old Masters, first of the Moderns”
English Poet, Forerunner of the Romantic Age
American Author: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Danish Fairy Tale Author and Poet
Minister-President of Prussia, 1862–90
French Poet, Social Critic
English Pre-Raphaelite Painter, Designer, Poet, Social Critic
French Author
Scottish Poet & Literary Critic; Caretaker of Fairy Tales, Folklore & Legends
Dutch Impressionist Painter
English Poet: A Shropshire Lad
American Poet: A Boy’s Will, The Road Not Taken
Hungarian/American Magician, Escape Artist
