This post may contain affiliate links, if you choose purchase through them we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. By using these links you are directly supporting us to continue creating free mystical musings. Thank you!

Archetypal Aries

Archetypal Aries is bold and pioneering. Kicking off the whole Astrological cycle, it is the warrior archetype, headstrong and determined, unafraid to go after what it wants.

“Western” Astrology is built on the cycle of seasons and the dance between light and dark. The Zodiac begins on the Vernal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere when the Sun is said to enter Aries. As it travels 1º a day, and there are 360 degrees in a circle, it cycles through each of the twelve Zodiac Sign in 30 days, each assigned 30º.

Thus, at the Spring Equinox in the North, we enter Aries Season and begin a new Astrological year.

Aries is a Diurnal Cardinal Fire Sign, a fast initiator. Diurnal Signs are seen as active outwardly expressive (the Fire and Air Signs). Fire Signs are passionate and spirited (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius). Cardinal Signs occur at the Equinoxes and Solstices, beginning the start of the new seasons (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn).

Characteristics of Aries

As Astrology is largely the study of the Planets, we can learn a lot about a Sign through which Planets are comfortable and at home in them, and which ones struggle in their domain.

Aries is ruled by Mars, the lesser malefic. It is forthright and brash, impulsive and fiery. Its temperament is hot and dry. Mythologically, this is Ares, the God of War. Thus, the archetype of Aries is brave, valiant, and courageous. It can also be restless, authoritarian, and domineering. Mars finds its joy in the 6th House of work, health, accidents, service, injury, pets, and what was once deemed the place of open enemies.

The Sun exalts in Aries (with its maximum exaltation at 19º). The Sun represents our ego and essence, it governs rulers and leaders; it is fitting it should exalt in the the first Sign of the Zodiac.

Venus finds its detriment in Aries as it is opposite its domicile, Libra. Venus is the Planet of harmony and connection, thus it can struggle within the brashness and independence of Aries.

Saturn finds it fall in Aries (with its maximum fall at 21º) as it is opposite its place of exaltation in Libra. Saturn is the Planet of time, it governs discipline, dedication, responsibility, and lessons learnt through hard work. It can therefore struggle to call upon its usual maturity and patience in this brazen Sign.

Continue reading for more details about the Aries archetype:

The Planets in Aries

As mentioned, the Zodiac Seasons are governed by where the Sun currently is in the sky. When it is in the Sign of Aries, we are collectively in Aries Season. This usually occurs roughly between the 20th March - 20th April but depends on the day of the Equinox each year.

The Equinox is a moment of equal day and night, it is when the axis of the earth is exactly parallel with the Sun. This is when the ecliptic (the Sun’s apparent motion around the earth) crosses the equator.

Aries Season

During Aries Season, Spring in the Northern Hemisphere (on which “Western” Astrology has been developed), is a time of rebirth and renewal, of increasing speed and quickening pace. The earth, plants, and animals are coming back to life. Ice is thawing, snow is melting, the first buds begin to sprout, and baby animals begin to be born.

Likewise, it can be a useful time to dust off our own cobwebs, do some Spring cleaning, and initiate something new! As the start of a cycle, it can be useful to revisit any intentions you set at the beginning of the year. Now is the time to create.

-> If you would like more rituals and magick to connect to the energy of this period, get our Aries Season Workbook!

Sun in Aries

The Sun in Aries is exalted, this it does well here. In Aries the Sun is able to carry out its duties of ego and empowerment. Other Planets and aspects notwithstanding, Sun in Aries people can be self-assured, action-driven, and ambitious. If you were born during the day, the Sun is your main luminary of sect and so an important placement for you. The Sun in Aries like to take charge and lead, coming second-best just won’t do.

-> If you’re an Aries, book in a Year Ahead Reading with me for details about what your Solar Return heralds for you!

Moon in Aries

The Moon in Aries is youthful, impatient, and energetic. It can thrive in emergencies and have desire to simply live. The Moon in Aries can be staunchly independent and feel like you have to do everything yourself. If you were born during the night, the Moon is your main luminary of sect and so an important placement for you. The Moon in Aries likes to get sh*t done, this is work hard play hard energy! Let your inner warrior come out.

Mercury in Aries

If you have Mercury in Aries your mind will be fast and active, perhaps running a mile-a-minute. You have a “just do it” attitude and like to strategise a plan. There’s no time to waste with Mercury in Aries! You may blurt things out at the wrong moment or be overly forthright at times, but there is likely a youthful charm that appeals (if you don’t cause an argument)!

Venus in Aries

Venus in Aries knows what it wants and it wants it now. You won’t take no for an answer. Venus in Aries is bold in love and money, perhaps even risky. You like the thrill of the chase and the conquest. Venus in Aries also needs independence and people as equally active, energetic, and strong as they are (there’s no time for babying here).

Mars in Aries

Mars in Aries is domiciled thus strong. This is bold, determined, strategic, forthright action. You don’t hesitate in an emergency and you certainly don’t back down in a fight! You may easily flare up or feel competitive at times, like life is a game to be won, but you like to get what you deserve!

Jupiter in Aries

Jupiter in Aries values action, ambition, youthfulness, and independence. It can be loud and proud, not afraid to go to war if need be. As a social Planet, people born within the same year as you will have Jupiter in Aries, thus look to other placements for more personalised details (such as the House it is in (more on that below), what aspects Jupiter is making or the Sagittarius/Pisces Houses of your Chart).

Saturn in Aries

Saturn in Aries can struggle with concepts of winning and losing, independence, healthy ego, and leadership vs domination. As a social Planet, people born within the same couple of years as you will have Saturn in Aries, thus look to other placements for more personalised details (such as the House it is in (more on that below), what aspects Saturn is making or the Capricorn/Aquarius Houses of your Chart).

Aries in the Houses

In each of our Natal Charts, Aries will occupy a House, bringing its fiery and playful energy to an area of life for us.

When a Planet enters Aries, it is transiting this House for us, bringing its energy to this area of life. To learn more about what the Planets have in store for you, get your Zodiac Year Ahead Forecast!

Aries in the 1st House - Aries Rising

Aries Risings can represent the typical Aries expression of energy and dynamism. You go through life with a confident, efficient outlook. You might not know it all, but you’ll certainly figure it out along the way! Act first, think later.

Aries in the 2nd House - Pisces Rising

With Aries in the 2nd House you may be an impulsive spender but equally efficient at earning money. Doing so in an independent, active way that satiates your inner child can bring the most satisfaction. Follow your gut instinct.

Aries in the 3rd House - Aquarius Rising

Aries in the 3rd House can bring a bold, determined mindset. Not afraid to speak your mind, you may come across as confident and brash in the way you communicate. Getting active in your local community and with relatives can be particularly satiating!

Aries in the 4th House - Capricorn Rising

Aries in the 4th House is youthful playful energy at home. You may have an active family or simply enjoy doing things independently. Either way, being bold and getting straight to the point in your private life is of the essence!

Aries in the 5th House - Sagittarius Rising

Aries in the 5th House is active, playful energy in regards to your pleasures, you know what you want and you go after it! Get bold in your creative output and have fun with your sexuality. Be active in the things that bring you joy and put yourself first here.

Aries in the 6th House - Scorpio Rising

A 6th House in Aries has energy to spare at work, you may be a leader amongst your colleagues and have a healthy stamina. Take charge in your work-life balance, balancing play and rest with as much as you work. Learn to slow down when you need to.

Aries in the 7th House - Libra Rising

Aries in the 7th House can appreciate partners that are bold, forthright, and take the lead. Why make decisions and risk upsetting someone you love when they can make them directly! Aries in the 7th House requires playfulness, ambition, and independence in partners, something to get your heart racing.

Aries in the 8th House - Virgo Rising

Aries in the 8th House can feel like it needs to do it all when it comes to shared spaces and resources, like if you don’t no one else will. It can show a bravery in investing and ability to take charge with joint ventures.

Aries in the 9th House - Leo Rising

Aries in the 9th House can bring bold, ambitious ideals and beliefs. This is a playful outlook on life, eager to learn quickly (no time for tedious study)! Taking action within your spirituality and having fun with it, following your wanderlust whims, all feature.

Aries in the 10th House - Cancer Rising

Aries in the 10th House can bring big yet impatient goals. Aries in the 10th House likes to be a leader and achieve public recognition, this is a desire for legacy creation and being in charge. Aries in the 10th can also be impulsive or impetuous professionally, follow your gut!

Aries in the 11th House - Gemini Rising

Aries in the 11th House requires playful, energetic, independent friendship groups that are active and bold. Take charge in your community and keep your aspirations high. Be a leader in your network and don’t be afraid to make the first move.

Aries in the 12th House - Taurus Rising

Aries in the 12th House can do well with taking an active role in their spirituality and assessing where they are the cause of their own self-undoing. Have patience with your need for rest and exploring of your inner terrains.

Spend time with the Aries House of your Chart and pay attention during Aries Season (and the transit of other Planets through Aries) for what comes up for you!

For example, if you are a Sagittarius Rising, Aries is your 5th House. If you have Natal Planets here you will already be familiar with this archetype to a certain extent. During Aries Season, when the Sun is transiting your 5th House, pay attention to what gets lit up for you.

If Mercury is also transiting Aries, as the ruler of your 10th House of Career (which would be in Virgo for a Sagittarius Rising), you can take advantage of the time by engaging in playful networking or launching a creative online business.

So that’s a brief overview of archetypal Aries, I hope it’s insightful for you! Let me know in the comments section below if you have anything else to add or any questions.

For a personalised Astrology reading, book in a 1:1 session with me, I’d be honoured to be your celestial guide. To uncover the secrets of the cosmos yourself, enrol in my Traditional Astrology 101 course!

For a monthly horoscope + more Astro guidance: join me in my exclusive Spirit Subscription ✨