Aries

March 21st - April 19th

Aries is the first of the twelve zodiac signs, symbolizing beginnings, or starting over. It encompasses all the ‘firsts’: the first cardinal sign, the first masculine sign, and the first of the fire signs. Inextricably aligned with the vernal equinox, Aries is the first sign of spring, the seed essence, when earth begins to stir, bursting forth with new life. Aries is therefore a sign of great promise and potential.

The Aries glyph, composed of two half-moons joined by a straight line, distinctly resembles the long nose and curved horns of the Ram, the symbol for Aries. This glyph illustration represents idealism bound to authority and leadership. The Ram himself is a most assertive and willful creature with an ability to climb to considerable heights with sure-footed confidence. Unyielding and intent on getting his own way, nothing, really, can stop the Ram – that’s why he’s called ‘Ram’; so best move out of his way. Daring and fearless, the Ram treads where few dare to go.

“Let us strive for the impossible. The great achievements throughout history have been the conquest of what seemed the impossible.” – Charlie Chaplin, Actor, Filmmaker, Composer & Aries

The corresponding Tarot card is IV The Emperor, Tarot’s most patriarchal card and gifted leader, representing many of Aries magnanimous attributes: fiercely loyal, steadfast, and resilient. Ruled by Mars, god of war, Aries has a bold action energy which can come across as aggressive and combative. Like Mars, Aries can be brazen, too self-assured in his expressions, and at times steamrolling over anyone who poses an argument against him.

“New York City is a mismanaged carnival of stupidity that is desperate for revenue and anxious to criminalize behaviour once thought benign.” – Alec Baldwin, Actor, Producer, Political Activist & Aries

Ruler of the First House of Self, Aries is an ‘all about me’ sign. Resolute, he tends to project his strong personality out to the world, often wrapped tightly in his own agenda and self-involvement.

“An actor’s a guy who, if you ain’t talking about him, ain’t listening.” – Marlon Brando, Actor & Aries

Cardinal signs tend to excel at starting things, but because Aries is also a fire sign, his enthusiasm for an endeavour can quickly burn itself out. He lacks a certain determination, especially when he doesn’t see immediate results, giving him the reputation of not seeing things through to the end. There is also a tendency for Aries to spread his interests too wide, causing him to lose his initial passion and move onto the next shiny object that catches his eye.

“Picasso had his pink period and his blue period. I am in my blonde period right now.” – Hugh Hefner, Founder and Editor-in- Chief of Playboy Magazine & Aries

More than once, Aries has been accused of lacking tact and diplomacy. Because of his impatient nature, he can respond with childlike bluntness, hurting feelings through his direct and straightforward communication style. His impulsive nature can have him say whatever comes to mind, before thinking it through.

“I’d move to Los Angeles if New Zealand and Australia were swallowed up by a tidal wave, if there was a bubonic plague in England and if the continent of Africa disappeared from some Martian attack.” – Russell Crowe, Actor, Director, Singer & Aries

Having said that, Aries is infamous for taking offense when he feels the least bit slighted. His temper can flair into childish tantrums. A low threshold for boredom combined with his impatient nature, causes him to react like a toddler refusing to wait until Christmas morning to unwrap presents underneath the tree.

“Making movies is time-consuming and it’s boring. You spend most of your time waiting between takes. It’s like a big machine that moves slowly.” – Eddie Murphy, Actor, Comedian, Writer, Producer, Singer & Aries

But this is not the case when he sets his mind and heart on a specific goal or cause. As both a visionary and activist, he can roll up his sleeves with the best of them and get the job done. Here Aries is at his best, quickly inspiring others to bring great ideas to the light of day. A true pioneer, ahead of his time.

“Feminism has never been about getting a job for one woman. It’s about making life more fair for women everywhere. It’s not about a piece of the existing pie; there are too many of us for that. It’s about baking a new pie.” – Gloria Steinem, Journalist, Political Activist & Aries

Open to change and new experiences, Aries gravitates towards the promise of adventure that life offers. However, his character is infused with a kind of dynamic restlessness, an excitable energy which can quickly lead to indifference. As a result, he can be a tad reckless as someone who enjoys living on the edge. If you ask him about it, he’ll shrug and tell you it makes him feel alive.

“Racing is life. Everything else is just waiting.” – Steve McQueen, Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Motorcar Racer, Aries & all-around "King of Cool"

For sure, Aries likes to be where the action is. And he’ll get there before anyone else, quickly inserting himself into the center of activity.

“The things that come to those that wait may be the things left by those that got there first.” – Steven Tyler, Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Actor & Aries

People are drawn to this zest for life, admiring the assertive way Aries handles almost any challenge, both applauding and envying his courage.

“I like things that make you grit your teeth. I like tucking my chin in and sort of leading into the storm. I like that feeling. I like it a lot.” – Daniel Day-Lewis, Actor & Aries

His drive to succeed can result in putting immense pressure on himself. To the outside world Aries is seen as someone who exudes self-confidence, yet inside swirls a nervous energy of insecurity, like every other human on the planet.

“Years ago I wanted to buy an apartment in New York City. I was a single female – I had gone through my divorce – I had three children, I was in show business and black. It was, like, impossible.” – Diana Ross, Singer, Entertainer, Actor & Aries

Fiercely independent, Aries likes to be in control and take charge of his own plans and projects. In fact, they just don’t do well taking directions from others – especially if it conflicts with their ideas. Aries simply does not like to answer to anybody but himself.

“People don’t understand the kind of fight it takes to record what you want to record the way you want to record it.” – Billie Holiday, Jazz Singer & Aries

The soft side of Aries is his big heart. He is a terrific friend, generously sharing his ideas and advice with those who ask. He’ll be there for you when you need him, take you out to lunch and pick up the check to boot. He’ll also help those he does not know personally if the cause is near and dear to his heart. He can be extremely charitable and quite the philanthropist - but appreciates acknowledgement for his good deeds.

“To be philanthropic is to give something, to be charitable is to give one’s own heart.” – Maya Angelou, Singer, Writer, Actor, Poet & Aries

But Aries’ most dynamic trait is his eternal optimism. This is an extremely sexy and charismatic quality, inspiring others to trust Aries and follow his lead, magnetized by his vibrant nature.

“Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.” – Colin Powell

In relationships, ‘no’ is not a word Aries considers acceptable once he’s set his sights on someone. He’ll continue to pursue his beloved until they’re worn down.

“I love Matthew Broderick. Call me crazy, but I love him. We can only be in the marriage we are. We’re very devoted to our family and our lives. I love our life. I love that he’s the father of my children, and it’s because of him that there’s this whole other world that I love.” – Sarah Jessica Parker, Actor, Producer & Aries

When it comes to money, Aries tends to be on the fortunate side, he just has trouble hanging onto it. He believes in ‘go big or go home’ and can easily go over budget. But, with luck combined with his stubborn nature, Aries finds creative ways to pay back what he owes and get back on his feet. He has too much pride to stay beholden to another.

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