The Sun has entered Aries and spring has arrived! It helps to shift our focus toward expectations. Our mood lightens as more light enters our atmosphere.
Aries in the Tropical western zodiac is measured by the Sun’s arrival at the Equinox point, representing the equal hours of day and night. The Sun begins to climb in the Northern hemisphere and warm the earth. The Sun reaches its highest angle to the earth when it enters the sign Cancer at the Summer Solstice. The Sun has reached the zone of the Tropic of Cancer and begins the decent back to the Equator and down into the southern hemisphere. The Sun reaches the Tropic of Capricorn for the Winter Solstice. The tilt of the earth in its rotation is the reason for our seasons.
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac. The symbol is the Ram. It represents the renewal life with the birth of young animals symbolizing the thrust of life. The season is the warming and drying of the earth after the cold, wetness of winter. All around us, we see the fresh new beginnings. The Sun is exalted in Aries, giving the Sun power in this sign, second to Leo, the home of the Sun.
The energy of Aries is impulsive, impatient and self-centered, like a baby. One can easily direct, satisfy, and humor a baby. Movement, sound and action attract an infant’s short attention span. Curiosity is a trait of learning. New information is exciting to Aries.
Aries is ruled by the planet Mars. Mars is all about action, motivation, movement, impulse, and heat. The style of Aries is to be aggressive, pushy, demanding, assertive, and independent. As a leader, Aries tends to plow the path, but is not concerned whether anyone is following. The themes of Aries can oscillate between heroism and villainy.
Aries is a Fire sign, which ignites the passion of life. There is an impulse to take risks and to act without forethought. It follows the attitude that it is easier to apologize than ask permission. Aries is all about “me”, “myself,” and I. There is little awareness of others in the way that an infant is self-aware. Everything comes from the center of self. It has to be “my way” for Aries.
Current Time
This is an unusually potent Aries season in 2011. Through March 20 through April 20, we will have a swelling cluster of planets passing through Aries. The Sun immediately connects with the planet Uranus, which entered Aries on March 11, 2011. The drama of this cosmic shift correlates with the pulse of revolution that is sweeping all social areas of corruption, inequality, and disempowerment. It also correlates with dramatic earth changes, earthquakes, volcano eruptions, and major storms.
Already ahead in Aries are Mercury, planet of communication, contestation, and commerce, and Jupiter, planet of expansion, exaggeration, and ratification. These two planets rules two sets of opposing signs. Because they have recently come together in the same sign, they are currently working in agreement. This supports mergers of corporations, big deals, and agreements of different factions to work together for a shared cause.
Mars is currently in the sign Pisces. Mars actually has some power in water signs, especially at night. Yet, Mars does not operate strongly in the sign Pisces, which represents being without boundaries. Decisions made can be impulsive and without a goal or long-range intention. It makes the actions taken seem without substance and it causes mistakes. Mars is more of a martyr in Pisces than a hero. There can be acts of compassion, but bravado can be over the top. Actions will become more specific and defined after Mars enters its own sign Aries on April 2. As it does, it will immediately join up with the revolutionary energy of Uranus, which can be like an explosion!
As we move through these next few weeks, we can be attentive to what is attracting our attention and what new ideas or trends are vibing our participation. It is a good time to begin our study of astrology from the beginning.