ARIES
The Ram…March 21 to April 20
Element: Fire Quality: Cardinal

Aries, you are the most volatile and passionate of the Fire signs, eager and playful. You are the ‘cardinal’ Fire sign. The Fire element means you are an Intuitive Type, driven by enthusiasms, excitable, spontaneous.

‘Cardinal’ means you are a mover and shaker, action oriented, expansive and like to take charge. It means you are one of the ‘pushers’ of the zodiac, first to leap in and have your say. Your spontaneity sometimes gets you into trouble, if for instance you lead with your mouth via a tactless statement. Or you might leap into a project only to butt your head on all of the boring details you did not consider. You are most happy when you discover your truly authentic self and share your enthusiasms with others, using your competitive energy constructively. You are the ‘child’ of the zodiac, the first sign, your key phrase: “I Am”.

MARS: Planet of Vital Energy
Your Planetary Ruler

Spontaneous action and exuberant energy are typical ways your Fire manifests. In ancient Arabic astrology Aries is “of hot and dry nature” and your “angel holds the key of the creation of qualities and of accidents.” (Mystical Astrology According to Ibn ‘Arabi) Your ruler, Mars is associated with sexual energy, with warfare, desire and conflict. Energy and courage and a pioneering spirit are some of his gifts to Aries. Since the red planet rules both Aries and Scorpio; you are called the ‘day sign’ of Mars. In the body Aries rules the head, the brain, the pineal gland and the eyesight. Head strong though you are, you are most happy when peacefully engaged in mentally stimulating activities.

Mythic Mars is the Roman equivalent of The Greek Ares, god of war. Soldiers and mercenaries honoured this god, yet he also had a reputation for his amorous pursuits. Ares/Mars fell in love with Aphrodite/Venus and she with him. He was usually shown in a brilliant suit of armour, a plumed helmet on his head, a spear poised in one hand and a shield in the other, yet Venus frequently stripped him bare. Mars and Venus were caught in the act, by her much betrayed husband. They were held aloft in a fine metal net for all the gods to see their discomfort. Just as the young Aries tends to leap in too quickly and end up embarrassed. Nevertheless, their union was long-lasting and produced three children.

Mars later wooed Ilia, a Vestal Virgin, persuading her to break her vows of chastity. This union produced Romulus and Remus, the twins who founded the city of Rome. Mars broke the rules, was fuelled by passion and stirred discord. Yet his seed carried new life and founded a great city.

Mars represents the sheer vitality of leaping into life, shrinking from no challenge. His special message for Aries is to leap high, reach wide and face challenges with courage.

ARIES

Metal: Iron, ruled by Mars.
Colours: Red, magenta, pinks.
Herbs for Health: Rosemary, in cooking and as a tea. Put it in your bath for aches and pains. Sweet marjoram, tarragon, garlic, ginger and horseradish.
Foods for Health: Onions, tomatoes, red chilli, beetroot and spinach, persimmon and red pawpaw.
Flowers: All small red and pink flowers.
Scents: Red carnation and red rose.

You can find out more about the current planetary influences specific to your sign if you check the Current Planetary Transits Astrological Interpretations.