Aries

'Aries' from 'Urania's Mirror or, a view of the Heavens' (1824)

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Contents

Cover

The Myths and Legends of Aries

The Stars

The Sun in Astrology

Mars, Ruler of Aries

The Flowers of Aries

Copyright Information The Myths and Legends of Aries

Ancient Babylon

As the sign of springtime and of new beginnings, the zodiac's leader, Aries, the great ram, led the flocks of stars across the ancient Babylonian skies. Its main star, Hamal, was known there as the 'Star of the Flocks' and 'the Proclaimer of the Dawn'.

Aries represents the original, creative, independent spirit, and the Ram was indeed worshipped as such in Egypt, where it was sacred to the king of the gods, Ammon, and in Greece, where it belonged to Zeus. In Israel it was sacrificed to Jehovah. Not only is it the first, and so the pioneer and leader of the zodiac, it is also a fire sign, ruled by Mars, the god of war.

The Supernatural Ram and the Golden Fleece

In Greek legend, it was the flying, supernatural ram which could both speak and reason, and its famous Golden Fleece, hanging in a sacred grove, became the treasured prize of Jason and the Argonauts, who won it with the help of the great sorceress and herbalist, Medea. In Greece and Egypt, it was a symbol of the original, divine, creative spirit. It lies between Taurus and Pisces on the zodiac band. The Stars

As the constellation of spring and the beginning of the year, Aries led the flocks of stars across the skies, and its most important star, Hamal, was known in Babylon as the Proclaimer of the Dawn and the Star of the Flocks.

To Locate

Aries, which is best seen looking south in autumn and winter in the northern hemisphere, is a springtime constellation south of the equator, lying to the north. It lies between Pisces and Taurus on the zodiac band, and below Andromeda, with Cetus to the south. The Sun in Astrology

Just as the sun in the sky is the center of the solar system, the Sun in astrology is the central nucleus of your personality. If each of the planets circling round the sun represents a single facet of your personality - Venus describes how you love and Saturn how you relate to responsibility, for example - then the Sun is the conductor of your personal orchestra, giving meaning and coherence to the wholeness that is you. It is the part of yourself that you identify with, your sense of self. Its sign - your sun-sign - and house position, as well as the aspects that it makes to other planets, describe your true potential; the 'you' you are deep down and are striving to express, as well as your will, your goals and purpose. While the feminine Moon represents your Soul, the masculine Sun represents your Spirit. Its position in your chart also shows the ways in which your outlook has been influenced by your father.

The Sun in Aries

Whatever other facets of your personality your chart reveals, with the Sun in Aries, you have a fiery pioneering nature, which colors your whole outlook on existence. As Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac, you like to take the lead - and you often do - as you are brave, adventurous and forward-looking. But you can easily grow bored and restless, as what you excel at is initiating new ideas and projects and seeing them through is not your strongest point. Your temper also runs on a short fuse, but you have more than your fair share of energy and joie de vivre, and keeping up with you can be hard for less imaginative and fiery people. The future, not the past, is what concerns you and you have no time for outworn attitudes and dull conventions. You never stand on ceremony with others and you always speak your mind, regardless of the outcome, as you believe in honesty and truth. But your fiery nature and direct approach can get you into trouble, as you can be headstrong and rush in where angels fear to tread. But your courage, energy - and innocence - usually ensure that you emerge unscathed and ready to move on and conquer new horizons. Mars, Ruler of Aries

In Myth and Legend

Mars, the Roman god of agriculture, virility and war, was the father of the twins, Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome who were suckled by a she-wolf. He represented the life force and was a symbol of masculine power. The Red Planet named after him was also known as Nergal, the god of fire and war, in ancient Babylon.

His love affair with Venus, goddess of love and beauty, was celebrated in both ancient Greece and Rome.

The wolf and the woodpecker are sacred to him.

Mars in Astrology

The fiery and dynamic planet, Mars, rules your will power, sexuality and drive. Its sign and house position, as well as the links it makes to other planets, show your energy and motivation. It is the action planet, revealing where, and how, you are assertive, as well as your courage - and aggression. It also rules your sex drive and your general libido.

In a woman's chart it shows what kind of man she is drawn to.

In a man's chart it also describes his type of masculinity. The Flowers of Aries

Flowers of the mountains and wild places, such as bright, golden broom and thorny gorse, the royal blue mountain gentian, with its martial, spiky leaves, the wild pink cyclamen and the Anemone, or wind flower, blown by the spring breezes, belong to Mars, and so to Aries. Your trees are hawthorn, or may, ash and frankincense, and warm, spicy herbs, such as ginger, pepper, coriander and basil are also ruled by energetic, fiery Mars. Your essential oils are coriander, ginger and frankincense, which warm and soothe, bringing out your natural optimism, generosity and courage.

The Jewels of Aries

Aries is the zodiac's pioneer and courage, both physical and mental, strength and an indomitable and enterprising spirit, are its best-known qualities. The diamond, the 'king gem', is traditionally assigned to a Aries and has long been thought to give strength, fortitude and courage to its wearer. It is also known for its transparency and purity, which reflect the forthrightness, honesty and innocence of Aries.

In India, the diamond brings power, friends, riches and good luck, while in the West, 'a diamond is forever' - the symbol of loyalty and harmony between lovers. The ruby also belongs to Aries and its vivid, sparkling redness reflects - and brings out - the passionate and courageous side of Aries.

Copyright Catherine Tennant, from 'The Box of Stars, a Guide to the Night Sky and to its Myths and Legends'. exclusive to InteractiveStars.com

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