The Sun’s entrance into zodiacal Aries marks the spring equinox, a moment that astrologers and many seasonally-based calendars around the world recognize as the start of the new year. This sign brings with it powerful themes of renewal – (sheep’s wool is shorn and put to many uses, and then grows again) – as springtime commences with fresh shoots, budding trees, and the unmistakable surge of new life emerging all around us. Aries marks this seasonal threshold, and through its symbolism, that primal, subtle influence that propels all things in Nature toward growth and generation.
Hail Aries the Ram, Bringer of the New Year
The boldness of Aries is showcased through the insistent image of the ram, an animal that has appeared in religious iconography as far back as sources can trace. Both consumed and sacrificed in ritual practice, the ram’s horns were blown in religious rites and to mark advancing armies in war. There is an undeniable onwardness about this sign – a forward momentum that simply will not be hindered by obstacles or doubts. Like the ram that lowers its head and charges forward, Aries pushes into action, breaking new ground and clearing paths where none existed before.
All About Aries
This is a sign that is as quick to anger as it is to forgive. Aries brings a certain gentleness in its dealings, but remains rough around the edges. There is a naivety to this sign, reminiscent of the innocence we possess in youth – fitting, as Aries points to the earliness of things in the zodiacal year. Seen in this light, the sign brings themes of youthful enthusiasm, warmth, and vitality. All crafts and professions that work with themes of regeneration or regrowth, and each and every vocation that in any way involves fabrics (from raising sheep to shearing wool, from spinning and weaving to production and retail sales) are naturally supported by the themes of this sign.
This sign has always been recognized for its boldness, yet despite Aries’ reputation for courage and direct action, there sits an internal tension within the Ram’s heart. While outwardly confident, the heart of an Aries is often anxious and uncertain, longing deeply for assurance and recognition. There is a yearning to be acknowledged that runs through those born under this sign, sometimes leading to self-promotion as a way to compensate for underlying self-doubt.
Aries & the Seasons
The sign of Aries and the constellation of Aries are not the same thing. Constellations are groups of stars visible in the night sky, while zodiacal signs are equal divisions of the Sun’s apparent path throughout the year, known as the ecliptic. The zodiacal signs are linked to the seasons, not the stars themselves.
The twelve zodiacal signs can be grouped into three categories based on their relationship to the seasons. The cardinal signs mark the beginning of each season and are associated with change and new beginnings. The fixed signs fall in the middle of each season and are known for their stability, determination, and resolute nature. Lastly, the mutable signs stand between the close of one season and the start of the next. These signs are associated with adaptability, flexibility, and the ability to navigate change with ease.
Leader of the Pack
Aries is one of the cardinal signs, fairly regarded as the foremost image of the zodiacal circle. As the Ram leading the celestial procession, in Aries is all the symbolism of ignition and change. While cardinal signs excel at launching projects and sparking movements, their enthusiasm may wane when faced with lengthy processes that demand sustained effort. The Aries spirit is perfectly equipped for breaking through barriers and igniting change, but less suited for the patient, methodical work of maintaining momentum over time. Recognizing this natural tendency allows you to strategically surround yourself with complementary energies – particularly those with fixed or mutable qualities – to help carry brilliant initiatives through to completion.
New Goals for Aries
- Finish what you start: Create a simple reward system for completing projects, not just beginning them. Break big tasks into smaller steps and celebrate finishing each one. Find a detail-oriented friend who can help when your excitement fades halfway through.
- Count to three before reacting: Your quick responses are your brilliance, but sometimes a little breathing space would help curb later feelings of regret. When feeling provoked or impatient, give yourself three seconds before responding. This small pause lets your wisdom catch up to your fire without dulling your spirit.
- Learn from your patterns: Notice the cycles in your behavior, especially when impulsive actions create problems you’ve faced before. Write down these moments to spot recurring themes. Remember that sometimes true courage means holding back, and that your energy naturally ebbs and flows like the seasons.
What Qualities Does Aries Have?
The zodiac signs are not only divided into elements but also have distinct qualities connected to them. The fire signs (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius) are collectively associated with summer, heat, and dryness. These signs have a reputation for being passionate, dynamic, and full of vitality. Aries, however, carries a gentler nature beneath its fiery exterior – straightforward and truthful, with a soft heart. Unlike the commanding presence of Leo or the stark wisdom of Sagittarius, Aries shows an innate respect for them both, even when that respect is not always returned. Yet, this very simplicity and sincerity make Aries a sign of pure-hearted action, driven more by instinct than strategy. The consistent energy and enthusiasm of fire types can be a source of inspiration to others, and Aries carries this with an unguarded, earnest spirit that often charges ahead with trust, even at its own risk.
More on Fire Signs
Fire signs are quick to action and slow to back down from a challenge. They tend to be excellent leaders, able to rally others with their confidence and zeal. Their charismatic nature means that Aries are wise to surround themselves with people who tell it like it is, and are not likely to get caught up in zeal only to miss the bigger picture.
When it comes to diet, fire signs tend to be drawn to foods that are warming and invigorating. These include spiced dishes, grilled meats, and foods rich in protein. Aries tends to like simplicity in their food, as with life, but simple doesn’t have to mean without flavor – and that is the key to opening up the Aries palate.
Wellbeing requires things in reasonable balance. Sometimes, fire sign types can have too much heat or dryness in the body. This can lead to irritability, restlessness, or even physical symptoms like heartburn or dry skin. In these cases, consider incorporating cooling and moistening foods into your diet to help restore balance. Fresh fruits, leafy greens, and hydrating foods like cucumber or watermelon are great for this.
Best Foods to Balance Aries
For most seasons, these foods are good for tempering Aries’ fiery constitution:
- Land: Veal, rabbit, chicken, turkey, duck.
- Surf: White fish like cod, flounder, halibut, tilapia, trout; shellfish like crab and lobster.
- Grains: Oats, barley, rice (particularly white rice), wheat berries, couscous, bulgar.
- Vegetation: Cucumber, lettuce, spinach, zucchini, celery, melon, berries, apples, pears, plums, grapes, pumpkin, squash.
- Dairy: Fresh cheeses (ricotta, cottage cheese, mozzarella), yogurt, milk, kefir.
- Beverages: Spring water, herbal teas (especially chamomile, mint, linden), coconut water, cucumber water.
- Alcohol: Light beers, white wines, sake.
In the summer months, when Aries’ natural heat can be exacerbated by the climate, it’s particularly important to focus on cooling and moistening foods:
- Land: Cold cuts of poultry, especially when served chilled.
- Surf: Poached fish served cold, ceviche, chilled seafood salads.
- Grains: Cold grain salads, especially those made with barley and rice.
- Vegetation: Watermelon, cucumber, mint, cilantro, leafy greens, stone fruits like peaches and apricots.
- Dairy: Yogurt (especially as tzatziki or raita), fresh cheese with fruit.
- Beverages: Iced herbal teas, watermelon juice, lemonade with mint.
- Alcohol: Wine spritzers, gin and tonic with cucumber, light cocktails with fresh fruit juices.
A Menu for the Zodiac Sign Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Easy Cucumber Spritz
Cucumber is the perfect veggie for bringing Aries to life. Plus, when combined with vodka, simple syrup, and soda water, it just further helps Aries ease their way through their trouble-spots. You can enjoy this cocktail no matter the season but it can especially cool down the characteristic Aries fire in the summertime.
Summer Salad with Blueberries & Blue Cheese
Warmer weather can heat up an already hot-headed sign but there are small ingredients you can add to your diet for a refreshing blast. This salad uses leafy spinach, cucumbers, blueberries, blue cheese, and a fruity oil dressing. All together, these elements bring moisture to this inherently dry sign whenever it’s needed most.
Wild Caught Alaskan Salmon
Aries can appreciate a piece of fish that’s sustainably caught and fresh from the sea. We like to think the fresher the better for this recipe. The salmon is cooked with a lemongrass, lime leaves, garlic, shallots, and chili paste to appeal to what Aries tends to gravitate towards.
Smashed Kimchi Cucumber
Since each Aries carries their own kind of spicy personality, it’s only appropriate they crace spices like Korean chile flakes. This Smashed Kimchi Cucumber contrasts the crispness of cucumbers with the heat of spices and the pungency of fish sauce and various vinegars. Talk about the perfect side dish for the Wild Caught Alaskan Salmon above.
Pavlova
A bit of fruit and sweetness can calm down Aries even in the most intense of times. Our Pavlova incorporates the acidity of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar with sugar, vanilla, strawberries, and a coconut jam. Plus, who can be in a bad mood when such a bright dish hits the table?
Wade Caves, based in Brooklyn, NY, is an astrological consultant and educator specializing in problem-solving applications of astrology. He teaches astrological divination and astronomy at the School of Traditional Astrology. Wade also publishes his work on world astrology through Skyscript’s In Mundo publishing desk. He even hosts the World Astrology Summit. A conference dedicated to the advancement of astrology for global problem-solving. Website: wadecaves.com • skyscript.co.uk/inmundo. Email: hello@wadecaves.com.
Story by Wade Caves
Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition.
