The Sun in astrology symbolizes the core essence of who you are - your individuality and sense of self. It describes what is likely to motivate you, and why. The Sun Sign describes the prime focal point within the personality structure, and is of major importance. Understanding and developing these aspects of the self will help you to develop and expand your sense of being the authentic self you truly wish to be. Understanding the house in which your Sun is found will give even greater detail. If you do not feel much like your Sun Sign, then consider if you are giving yourself permission to be who you truly need to be?

Aries: Cardinal Fire

Ruler: Mars  

Keywords: Activity,  Initiation,  Energy,  Impulse

Positive Expression: courageous, bold, inspiring, intuitive, decisive, direct, bringing others from darkness into light, passionate service to the Ideal.

Negative Expression: foolhardy, egotistic, excessive bravado, selfish, self-oriented, unthinking, brusque, overbearing, zealotry

When the Sun moves into the sign of Aries, the Zodiacal year begins. And so, the principle of initiation is embodied by those who are born under this sign. Aries represents that spark of energy that instigates new life. Thus, at a most fundamental level, Aries are often motivated by the need to act. For Aries, the drive to initiate, to pioneer and to lead often figures strongly in life choices and direction. How easily they manage to do this will have much to do with the rest of the chart story.

As the first sign of the Zodiac, Aries is all about ‘The New’. Those born under this sign have a particular affinity with the energy that is needed to get things off the ground. Aries tend to excel in the activity of starting something, but are not renowned for their ability to finish. Aries need to learn discipline, and to conserve their energies so that are able to continue and so, follow through. Aries are often found pioneering some new territory, and carving their own pathway through life. This approach will see them rise time and again to face the challenge of each new day. Aries must learn to harness this “will-to-act” in ways that are beneficial - not just for themselves, but for all parties involved. Accordingly, Aries tend to face each day with a sense of adventure and hopeful optimism, but must learn to temper their enthusiasm with consideration, and finding proper applications for their abundant, and at times excessive, energy. In many ways, they are the infants of the Zodiac, and so the motivating principle behind much of what they do comes from a child-like need to challenge, experience and explore.

Aries likes to be first, and it is in the spirit of competition where this is most easily expressed. The need to compete, with others or with life itself, is often found strong in those who are born here. The energy of competition is a necessary vitalizing force. It provides the impetus to move on. Knowing where the benchmark is gives Aries something to aim for, which is important as this provides stimulation and focus. Accordingly, Aries have a knack for continually drawing some form of confrontation or challenge into their lives. It is as if the energy needed to get something of the ground requires a catalyst to spark its initiating principle forward. Conflict with others or with practical considerations can be the spark that the Aries needs. The energy needed to overcome an obstacle can provide enough reason to take the challenge on. And yet, poor timing and false starts tend to be part of the process for the Aries individual.  They need to learn to balance their impulsiveness with the practical focus needed to strive and succeed. Eventually, Aries will learn to look and assess before the leap. Time and again, learning patience proves to be Aries best, and most hard-won, friend. As St Augustine said, “The reward of patience is patience”. Comprehending this represents an important turning point in the life of the Aries individual.

For those born under this sign, there is a deep need to experience the self as the ruler of one’s own domain. Aries will tend to act in autonomous ways, and will often tend not to take others’ direction or advice. Aries do not like being told what to do, and often have trouble accepting the authority of others. While Aries will seek approval for their actions, they will display a very independent streak, and often tend to do exactly as they please. Aries specialize in captaining their own ships, and so, can fund a will to act that is based purely on courage and self-belief. They rarely require the approval of others before striking out on their own, and are often found in a position of autonomy, whether that is running their own businesses, heading their own department, or leading others in some area of their lives. They like to be at the vanguard, and prefer to be in charge. Following is only a temporary stop for those with a strong need to be out front and first. The urge to lead is part of the Arien nature.  As the initiating principle is so strong, Aries are often much better suited to life experiences and situations where they can call the shots in some way, and make their own success, as well as failure.

This sign is known for its abundant enthusiasm. Combining enthusiasm with inspiration means that Aries are often first to see an opportunity, and make the most of it. This can work well for new enterprises, innovation and entrepreneurship. Yet Aries also need to learn to asses practically the idea that is before them, and recognize the difference between an idea that they feel passionately about, and one that is actually achievable. The spirit of forging ahead can be an asset, as much as a liability. Tempering passion with thought for correct procedure is essential for success. Aries can also be an especially self-centered sign, so that focusing only upon personal needs, wants and desires often leads to conflict with others. This level of enthusiasm is an inspiration, and others benefit from the Aries ability to scout out an opportunity. Yet this can become detrimental when Aries forget to consider others’ input, and steam-roll over ideas without giving them due consideration. One of the great lessons which needs to be learned by those born under the sign of Aries is that of cooperation, and Aries will have to learn to recognize when compromise and negotiation with others will actually assist them to bring into reality the vision that they are pursuing.

When utilized wisely, this is precisely the kind of courage and leadership that is needed to start something new. Time, patience and maturity will help to discern which projects and ideas are worthy of completion. This sign embodies the principle of the element Fire, and so Aries tend to burn with an enthusiasm and force for all that is exciting and new. Fire tends to burn quickly and bright, It has a hunger to consume whatever is in its path. Aries are famous for their enthusiasm, and love to get things off the ground. They are also famous for their potential lack of follow through, and will quickly lose interest in an idea or project when they do not see quick results. In terms of timing, Aries have a preferred mode.  That preferred timing is NOW! Aries want results quickly and do not like to wait. This can lead to significant troubles down the track for those Aries who fail to finish what they have started in the rush to begin something new. Again, patience, perseverance and the willingness to compromise become essential ingredients for Aries to be able to experience the success and accomplishments that they are likely to need.

As a rule, Aries tend to have pure and simple intentions behind much of what they say and do. They are the ‘infants’ of the Zodiac, and so, tend to be honest and direct. This is a fiery, passionate and desire-driven sign, yet these passions are often simple in origin and expression. As lovers they tend to be highly combustible, energetic and excited. As friends, they can be exciting, vivacious and fun. As colleagues they are driven and focussed on getting results. They have a high energy drive and often love all kinds of physical exertion.

Yet, just as a baby is mostly motivated by its own immediate needs, Aries tend to concentrate foremost on exactly what they expect and want. In general, Aries are straightforward, direct and to the point. They prefer the truth at all times, and will usually “call a spade a spade”. For this reason, they do not tend to fare well with others who are more complex, subtle or calculating. Aries are usually honest, simple and sincere. They need to be treated with a similar degree of honesty, as they can be easily hurt. Aries can be easily wounded by others words and actions, and behind their brash and apparently confident exterior stands this inner “child”, easily cut down by the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. Or this reason, they prefer to handle situations in ways that are open and direct, so that every knows exactly what is happening and what the expectations are.

Aries is a sign connected to valour and nobility, and will fight for what is noble or just. So Aries tend to prefer honesty, and clear communication. They prefer to face the truth of something, deal with it, and move on. Aries can bring openness and clarity to many situations, and will happily put things ‘on the table’ for discussion. Yet Aries can also be at times insensitive to how others feel, and may forget to take the time to find out how others are affected by their latest conquest or battle plans. Aries need to develop sensitivity to what is happening in the world around them, and can inadvertently cause pain to other, more reflective or emotional, signs by forging ahead with current plans and challenges before others have even realized that the parameters of the game have changed. This Arien lack of consideration is hardly ever born of malice, but reflects more a basic failure to realize that there is anybody else with needs as important or as urgent as their own..

If you were born with The Sun in the sign of Aries, enthusiasm and energy are the gifts that you bestow. Your willingness to experience yourself as a dynamic and pioneering individual will say much about the quality of life that you lead. Aries bring new life and fresh energy to life’s experiences. As Deborah Houlding says “Impulsiveness, and the urge to take action is your gift and your strength, leaving the hesitating majority in shame….Being prepared to 'let go' of the unused and the outgrown is essential if you are to develop your full force and potential, and the ridding of weighty, unnecessary baggage allows you keep re-evaluating your beliefs and needs in the context of the "here and now".¹

Aries people are all about the moment. They tend to renew themselves by constantly experiencing the invigorating challenge of new beginnings and inspired activities. Courage, and the willingness to pioneer, are your calling cards and stand at the very essence of your being. Your challenge is to give yourself permission to instigate, pioneer and lead.

1. Houlding, Deborah-The Signs of The Zodiac- www.skyscript.co.uk.