Aries is the first astrological sign of the zodiac spanning 21 March – 19 April. It’s also the first fire sign – the others being Sagittarius and Leo. Aries symbol is the Ram. Individuals born under these dates are called Arians or Ariens.
The colour associated with Aries is Red and the Planet is Mars. Aries is associated with the Cardinal quality; that of leadership, new beginnings, energy and change.
- Dates: 21 March – 19 April
- Symbol: Ram
- Element: Fire
- Colour: Red
- Day: Tuesday
- Planet: Mars
- Quality: Cardinal
- Most compatible: Libra, Leo
- Birthstones: Topaz, Sapphire, Jasper, Heliotrope, Aquamarine, Diamond
- Scent: Blood orange, peppercorn, nutmeg and ginger
Traits of an Aries
Strengths: Courageous, determined, confident, enthusiastic, optimistic, honest, passionate.
Weaknesses: Impatient, moody, short-tempered, impulsive, aggressive.
Being the first sign of the zodiac, Aries is often associated with beginnings and the power behind driving energetic change. Marking the spring, it’s also synonyms with new growth and fresh starts.
Aries are often seeking progress, using their fiery, active nature to jump head first into competition and challenges, much like a ram barrelling head first into things. It’s often in an Aries nature to take action on things, sometimes without feeling the need to consider the outcomes or think it through.
The ram rules with the head, leaning forwards with speed and focus. This is often representative of the naturally brave and those unafraid of risk.
Strong, passionate personalities are born under Aries, those who take things in their stride, fight for their goals and embrace teamwork and togetherness. Aries possess youthful energy regardless of age and are keen to progress. If they hit a wall they’re not afraid to change direction.
Aries the constellation
The Aries constellation is located in the northern celestial hemisphere between Pisces and Taurus. Aries is one of the 48 constellations described by the 2nd century astronomer Ptolemy.Aries' four brightest stars are Hamal, Sheratan, Mesarthim and 41 Arietis. The deep-sky objects within the constellation include several pairs of interacting galaxies. Several meteor showers appear to radiate from Aries, including the Daytime Arietids and the Epsilon Arietids.
Three of Aries prominent starts form an asterism and the stars themselves are commonly used for navigation. November and December are good months to view Aries in the night sky above the eastern horizon at nightfall.
Aries in History and Mythology
In Ancient Greek & Hellenistic mythology, Aries is associated with the golden, flying ram Crius Chrysomallus that rescued Phrixos and Helle from being sacrificed to the gods. It was sent by the cloud-nymphe Nephele (their mother). Phrixos sacrificed the ram to Poseidon who transformed it into the constellation as a result (the word for this is catasterized). The rams fleece is the same Golden fleece that appears in the story of Jason and the Argonauts.
In Ancient Mesopotamia, the Sumerians named the sun ‘Subat’ meaning ancient sheep or ram and the planets were named the celestial herd. The brightest star in Aries (Hamal) represented one of the stars in the scimitar, a celestial weapon that protected against the seven spirits of the storm.
In ancient Egyptian astronomy, Aries was associated with the god Amon-Ra, who was depicted as a man with a ram's head and represented fertility and creativity. During Dionysys campaigns in Africa, a ram was said to lead his army to water as they travelled through the desert.
Some famous Aries
- Jackie Chan
- Lady Gaga
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Hugh Hefner
- Vincent van Gogh
- Elton John
- Maria Sharapova
- Robert Downey Jr.
- Omar Sharif
- Doris Day
We've made an Aries zodiac sign scented candle
