Aries - Sun, Moon, & Rising

Hello, fiery Aries!

I am Nancy, the owner of Astrology and Angel Mediums. I love astrology, so it felt like a natural effort to help people understand their own astrology a little bit better. I hope that with this effort, I can bring you some easy to comprehend astrology information. Plus, having an appreciation for what qualities, challenges, obstacles, and common characteristics are typically ingrained within your astrological makeup and personality, will assist you in being able to be more personally aware.

I have had numerous relationships with Aries, and I admire many of the qualities of this fire sign. This a great article to show you how to work with what you got, how to understand what Aries is, where the mythology comes from, and how to better create a picture of what it is like to be a native Aries. So, welcome to my third installment of this ongoing series.

Image Credit to @colour_cult on Instagram

Aries Mythology

“To me you are the most hateful all the gods who hold Olympios. Forever quarreling is dear to your heart, wars and battles.”

— Zeus to Ares, [Homer, Iliad 5. 427 ff]

First things first, when referring to the mythology of Aries, it is important to note that there are two distinctions to make. Myths about "Aries, the Ram" are different from myths about "Aries, the Greek god" (whose name is more often spelled "Ares"). In Greek mythology Ares is the god of war. It is important to make a distinction between the role that Ares (Greek mythology) plays and the role that his sister Athena (Greek mythology) plays. Athena was also a god (goddess) of war, but unlike Ares, Athena was strategic and disciplined, where Ares was chaotic and destructive. Having these two Greek gods represent the two different sides of war is very telling as to how the ancient Greeks viewed war. If Athena was Napoleon then Ares was Rambo.

Ares was known for his lust for blood, his chaotic nature, and his thoughtless aggression. Interestingly enough some of these characteristics ( to a much lesser extent) are attributed to those born under Aries, the Ram, in astrology. Aries, the Ram, is a constellation of stars visible from earth that appear in what the Greeks thought to be the shape of a ram's head. The mythology of Aries comes from the story of Jason and the Argonauts, whose main quest was to find the golden fleece of Aries the Ram in order to prove himself to be the rightful king of Iolcos in Thessaly. There are several mythological stories involving Aries. The ram Aries has nothing to do with the god Aries (Ares), despite the fact that they are both based on Greek mythology and they share the same name. The god Ares was most often shown as a dog or vulture when in animal form, though one of his more famous exploits involved him turning into the shape of a boar to kill the beautiful Adonis (Greek mythology), who was in love with Ares' lover, Aphrodite (Greek mythology). He was not known to take the form of a ram.

It is said, for example, that this was the ram Zeus transformed into in order to escape giants pursuing him. The most famous legend of all, however, is that of Jason and the Argonauts and their quest for the Golden Fleece.

The story begins in Thessaly with Phrixus and Helle, Children of Athamas, King in Boeotia. Their stepmother mistreated these boys, so merciful Hermes (Mercury) sent them a ram with Golden Fleece, which they rode away upon, sailing through the air to cross the sea. Helle fell in mid-flight, over the strait between Europe and Asia, drowning in the sea which thereby acquired the name "Hellespont" (near the Dardanelles).

When Phrixus landed safely in Colchis at the East End of the Black Sea, he sacrificed the ram to Zeus (Jupiter) and gave the Fleece to Aeetes, King of that land, who placed it in a sacred grove guarded by a dragon that never slept. Later, believing that Phrixus' ghost wanted the radiant golden hide recovered, Jason and fifty of the foremost heroes of the time (including Castor and Polydeuces, who we will meet in a couple of months in this column) built a ship and mounted an expedition for the purpose of acquiring the legendary Fleece. Amid trial and turmoil, which included slaying the fire-breathing dragons and a crop of warriors that arose when the dragon's teeth were sown in a field, they succeeded. Finally, to honor the valiant ram, Zeus placed it among the stars in the gleaming girdle encircling the sky, the zodiac.

Ares myths are essentially the same as the myths of Mars from Roman mythology, who is most often considered to be the same god.

Aries Information The Ram, 1st Sign of Zodiac

Modality: Cardinal

Element: Fire

Ruler: Mars

Season: Spring

12th Sign of Zodiac

Metal: Iron

Stone: Amethyst, Diamond

Color: Red

Anatomy: Head and Face

Keywords: active, initiating, leading, independent, aggressive, impatient, combative, energetic, pioneering, naive, assertive, impetuous, vain, proud, egoistic, enterprising, incisive, spontaneous, daring, courageous, optimistic, guileless

Hey, baby....what's your sign?

Sun sign astrology is the form of astrology most commonly found in many newspaper and magazine columns. It is a simplified system of astrology which considers only the position of the Sun at birth, which is said to be placed within one of the twelve zodiac signs. This sign is then called the sun sign or star sign of the person born in that twelfth-part of the year. Most people are familiar with their sun sign, and always identify strongly with this image.

It is the sign that when people ask, is the one they know from magazines, newspapers, or being told by others of how *insert sign name here* they are being. Oh, you are being secretive and sexy.... pssshhhh... what a Scorpio! Wow, you're such a dedicated worker and you love having nice things, but you act so old.... what a Capricorn! Oh, you are being such a cry baby, drink like a fish, and can't deal with reality......Just blame it on my Pisces, baby! So on, and so forth! That is just scratching the surface! I am sure you have heard it all about being your sign. Well, astrology dives in a lot deeper than that.

When we are born the planets are all aligned in certain signs and angles. When someone asks about your natal chart, this is what they are asking about. What does your personal snapshot look like? Or how can you figure it out? Natal Charts are calculated for the exact time and location of the native's birth for the purposes of gaining insight into the native's personality and potential. Commonly used alternative names for the natal chart include birth chart, horoscope, natus, nativity, radix, geniture and genethliac chart, among others. The chart shows the positions of the sun, moon, planets, and potentially other celestial objects, all referred to as the native's "planets," within the frames of references defined by the astrological signs and houses.

This is a sample chart with the ruling signs, planets and houses included. You can see quick descriptions of the house descriptions.

One of my favorite free chart services is through Cafe Astrology. You will need your date, time, and place of birth in order to get the most accurate information.

Think of your birth chart as a 12 sliced pizza (see image above). Each slice may have it's own special toppings or flavor, or not much on there at all. This is important to remember. Each pizza (or every person) has different slices working in their favor (or challenging them). In this article, I will be discussing Pisces and how they can work their mojo in a way that is in line with being a native Pisces Sun, Moon, or Rising sign.

Aries Sun

"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty."

- Maya Angelou, Aries

"What the eyes see and the ears hear, the mind believes."

- Harry Houdini, Aries

(The Sun is in Aries from March 21 to April 19, depending on the year).

Who doesn't love the sporty, competitive nature of Aries? They are charming, witty, and can push you to being your best version of yourself! I love their fiery spirit, the way they take charge, and how sociable they are. My Aries mother always instilled in us a sense of leadership and being able to present ourselves the best way possible.

This is what the Sun Sign (or glyph) looks like in your natal chart.

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and Aries natives are the first to start—and the first to finish—whatever they set out to do. Aries is an active, energetic sign. People with Sun in Aries are direct, straightforward, and uncomplicated. They expect the same from others, and are baffled when they don't always get it. The body comes first with Aries. Sun in Aries people are natural athletes. At the very least, their natural inclination is to use their bodies to get things done.

Those born under the Aries Sun Sign tend to be enthusiastic and energetic. They may be a bit impulsive, but they generally are very open to new ideas. Challenges give them the opportunity to shine. A natural born leader, the Arian will find it difficult to be a follower. They find it too easy to step up and take charge.

People under the influence of this Sign may appear aggressive and restless due to their great energy. They can also be a bit headstrong and incredibly argumentative. Easily offended, they can also hold a grudge for quite a while. At the same time, they thrive on action and are not afraid to be forceful if needed. Some will utilize their energy positively by participating in sports or other athletic endeavors. Aries Sun Sign can be very intellectual and objective, but in some situations they may appear to be extreme, such as in politics or religion.

Their impulsiveness can lead to difficulties because they don't tend to look before they leap, but their optimism sees them through. This same impulsiveness, however, can also lead to clumsiness and accidents. Quick movements and not paying attention to where they are going can cause them some bumps, bruises and embarrassments. Since they are often involved in sports or extreme athletics, they need to learn to be aware of their movements.

Aries Sun Sign has an affinity for mechanical things. Many born with this Sun Sign find themselves working on motors or drawn to hobbies or professions that involve cars or planes. Because they are drawn to activities that require courage, they may get involved in racing cars, the military or rescue work. The Aries Sun Sign loves to socialize. They like the excitement and fun of getting out with friends and having a good time. They enjoy people who challenge them intellectually or offer something in the way of competition. Staying home bores and irritates them.

They are born extroverts and may talk your ear off if given half a chance. Their personality is not subtle. They may be quick to rise to temper, but they also forgive easily in most cases. They tend to be honest to a fault, and may suffer a lack of tact because of it.

As the first sign in the zodiac, the presence of Aries almost always marks the beginning of something energetic and turbulent.They are continuously looking for dynamic, speed and competition. They are always first in everything - from work to social gatherings.

Thanks to its ruling planet Mars, Aries is one of the most active zodiac signs. People born under the Aries sign, are meant to emphasize the search for answers to personal and metaphysical questions. This is the biggest feature of this incarnation.

Aries is a fire sign, just like Leo and Sagittarius. This means that it is in their nature to take action, sometimes before they think about it well. Their fiery ruler affects their excellent organizational skills, so you'll rarely meet an Aries who doesn't like to finish more things at once, often even before the lunch break! The challenges are increased when they are impatient, aggressive and vent anger on others.

Aries rules the head and leads with the head, often literally walking head first, leaning forwards for speed and focus. They are naturally brave and rarely afraid of trial and risk. They possess youthful strength and energy, regardless of age and they perform tasks in record time. By aligning with themselves they could achieve the best results.

The Aries Sun Sign personality can be a bit self-absorbed, but can also be very generous. Many will jump to someone’s aid quickly without a thought for themselves. That’s why they often take to professions like paramedics, firefighters and peacekeepers. Many Arians are also interested in politics and may take part themselves. Others prefer to just keep arguing their point of view.

This personality type rarely avoids confrontation, and would prefer to tackle problems head-on. Sun Sign Aries will give themselves over completely to whatever it is they choose to do, although at times they may be obstinate to a fault, not always knowing when to quit or go to the other extreme and never finishing what they start.

They're not given to long, drawn-out emotional moments; nor are they big on planning ahead. Instead, they live their lives simply. What is happening right now is most important to Aries. Impatience is a definite vice, and innovation is a huge strength. Aries loves to start anything new, and they have trouble sitting still. They are pioneers in whatever they do, and there is a very basic quality of bravery in these people that is unmistakable! Aries generally knows what they want, and they know the quickest route to getting it. They take shortcuts if they must, but generally everything is aboveboard. Underhanded just isn't their style. Some Aries people are bold, but even the quieter ones are brave and even plucky in their own way.

Independence is their birthright. Nothing gets them going more than a fresh slate, the promise of a new day, and a brand new start.Aries enjoys a challenge, and Aries Suns are happiest when their lives are moving forward and active. There's a childlike quality to all Aries Sun people, and it's often quite charming.

Aries Moon

"Everybody's at war with different things...I'm at war with my own heart sometimes."

– Tupac Shakur, Moon in Aries

"I just aspire to pick people up. That's my ambition. ”

- Sade Adu, Moon in Pisces

Explanation of Moon Signs and the Significance

This is what the Moon Sign (or glyph) looks like in your natal chart.

Your Moon sign describes your emotional and instinctual energies. Another key component in the makeup of the basic ego/personality, your Moon sign reveals those things you do instinctively, how you are likely to react emotionally, how you give and receive nurturing, as well as the genetic or cellular memories carried within the unconscious mind. It describes your emotional, instinctual, genetic and intuitive makeup.

Moon Signs help define our emotional development, or express the unconscious side of our personality. It explains why we do what we do. This is where we retreat for comfort, childhood memories, and peace. This can also be the place where anger, hate, jealousy and fear may be found. The Moon also influences our senses depending on its placement in the birth chart. Most people will have their Moon in a Sign that is different from their Sun. This is why many people with the same Sun Sign can be so different from each other. They may feel that when they read a description of their Sign, that it is not representative of them. It may feel incomplete, or even completely inaccurate. Moon Signs may be a much more accurate description of what a person is like.

The Moon is said to represent your instinctual self, which many people keep hidden. On points where your Sun and Moon Signs are compatible, they will work together to help you get through the hardships and accomplish your goals. Where they are not compatible, you will feel conflicting desires or be at odds with yourself in some way.

Nothing quite happens soon enough with this position of the Moon. There is an inherent impatience with getting what they want. Life is a series of emergencies for Lunar Ariens. They live in the moment and have a hard time waiting for things to happen. Whims of the moment take absolute precedence in their lives. Oddly enough, this is a very defensive position of the Moon. These natives take things very personally, and they deal with problems by facing them right away so that they can then get on with other things. Their flare-ups generally end almost as quickly as they started. Lunar Ariens have an unmistakable independent streak. They put themselves right out there in the world, and make an impression in whatever they do. Their self-confidence is actually variable. Although a strong personality is projected, Moon in Aries people go through plenty of ups and downs. Their moodiness is not like Cancer or Pisces moodiness--they don't withdraw into themselves or escape the world when they're down. Instead, they are temperamental. Some might say that people with Moon in Aries actually enjoy trouble and confrontations. Indeed, this position is easily bored with environments that are too peaceful. Their homes--especially their childhood homes--are often battlegrounds. They rule the roost, or at least want to, and are not the most peaceful of folk to live with! Moon in Aries men and women are prone to have plenty of crushes and other short-lived yet intense desires. "Needs" and "wants" are indistinguishable to Lunar Ariens at any given time. In their minds, what they want is so powerful that it becomes an absolute need. In young adulthood, they can be dangerous with a credit card. Whoever offered the advice to freeze your credit card in a container of water, and then let the block of ice thaw before using the card, unwittingly had people with Moon in Aries in mind. The whole idea was to see if the shopping whim of the moment would pass by the time the card was ready to use. Still, with this scenario, I wouldn't be surprised to see Moon in Aries hacking away at the ice. That is, if Aries actually takes the advice in the first place!

The Moon rules the emotional self, so when the Moon is in Aries, watch out! Aries Moon is not known for restraint. They are impulsive and enthusiastic. If an idea strikes them, they are the first on the bandwagon to make it reality, without stopping to think about any obstacles that may be in the way. Spontaneous and determined, they let their heart rule their head.

Moon Sign Aries is happy, optimistic, and impatient. They live for the moment, forgetting all else. Instant gratification is their middle name. They are passionate and have no qualms about sharing how they feel. At the same time, they can be very independent. They don't like to take no for an answer. They have the self-confidence to put themselves out there and they want to make a strong impression. Subtle does not describe this Sign. They are well-suited to meeting challenges that may destroy lesser people. They are clever and often approach their situations with a novel angle. Occasionally there are the few who may blame everything on other people.

Aries Moon takes everything personally, but they don't hold grudges. If they feel slighted they will burst out angrily and let those responsible know about it. Their emotions can rapidly change, and they can throw some spectacular tantrums. These emotional outbursts are usually over as quickly as they started. They don't normally take any time to consider the consequences of their actions. They seem to be able to just shrug off anything that goes wrong and keep going. They tend to calm down as they get older.

Moon Sign Aries gets bored easily. They have been accused of causing confrontations just to keep things interesting. If you live with a Moon in Aries person, keep this in mind. It may make it easier to deal with the drama that is bound to occur. They like to get their own way, and can resent any authority besides their own. At their worst, Aries Moon can be overconfident, aggressive, self-indulgent and foolhardy. At their best, they can be inspiring, kind, sympathetic, generous and tireless for a cause.

Moon in Aries has a problem differentiating between a need and a want. If they want it, they feel they need it with all their being. This can be a problem for overspending or other vices. They are charming, even when they are in the midst of a personal crisis that has all their friends scrambling to help. In the middle of these frequent "crises," they seldom feel any concern over the needs of others.

On the good side, Aries Moon isn't likely to sulk if they don't get their way. They also play it straight… they don't go for manipulating others through guile or deception. They have an aura of innocence around them. They can achieve what many other people want, but don't take the chance to get. They like the idea of having power, and will probably handle it fine, if a little heavy handed.

This is a fiery position of the moon. Even if the Sun or rising sign is more low-key, Moon in Aries people possess inner passion and fire. Emotional issues take precedence—there is simply no pussy-footing around when it comes to dealing with the feelings. And, dealing with new sentiments and needs stirs up a huge desire for activity. Moon in Aries has a need for acting out their needs, with no time to waste. It is hard for them to see the long-term, or to wait for things to happen. Instant gratification rules!

Others will appreciate that people with Moon in Aries rarely sulk or play any drawn-out games of manipulation. You can pretty much know what they want at any given time. They are generally ruled by their own emotional needs, and they're not always as concerned about others' needs during these "emergencies". Somehow, they have people around them scrambling to help them solve their problems. There's an aura of childlike innocence around Lunar Ariens, even when they're getting their way again, that can be charming indeed!

Aries Rising

“Don't worry chief, it will be alright."

- Rudolph Valentino, Aries Rising

"I am pretty fearless, and you know why? Because I don't handle fear very well; I'm not a good terrified person."

- Stevie Nicks, Aries Rising

What does Ascendant or Rising mean?

This is what the Ascendant (or Rising) Sign (or glyph) looks like in your natal chart.

The Ascendant (or rising sign) is often considered the mask one wears when meeting others. Perhaps it is most aptly thought of as the automatic responses to one's environment. The Ascendant shows our natural defenses and how we cope with day-to-day issues. The energies of the sign and condition of the Ascendant are most overt and obvious to others. The Ascendant shows an individual's first, natural reaction to new people and situations.

The rising sign, or Ascendant, (the external self) is second in importance only to the Sun-Sign (the inner self). For most people who know you less than intimately, it may be the determining factor as they see, identify, and know you. It also influences how you view, act, and react to others and the environment. While your Sun-Sign is determined by your birth date (and in some border-line cases the time), the rising sign (ascendant) must be calculated for the exact birth time and place. Theoretically, the rising sign advances one degree (of 360 degrees of a full circle -- a 24-hour day) every four minutes, meaning each 30-degree sign takes about two hours to move upward -- due to counterclockwise axial rotation of planet earth -- across the ascendant point: the eastern horizon.

The Ascendant sign will always be the First House (or slice) of your chart. This house rules the head, face, upper lip, and upper jaw, cerebrum (brain). The 1st House (or pizza slice) is about identity. This house also rules the personality, attitude, how you see the world, how you look, appearances, your worldly outlook, and self-awareness and how you respond. It describes how you see yourself and how others see you. It can also describe your physical appearance. Other keywords include: the self, ego, anima, projected image, expression of inner motivation, soul purpose, initial approach to life, the aura.

BIG TIP TO REMEMBER --- Anyone who has the same Sun Sign as your Rising Sign will automatically feel like or become your competition. So all Pisceans are your competition. Notice how you act and react in a group when a Pisces is present. Both of you will be competing for the attention of anyone else present. This should not turn into a dual. This is something you should know and use in order to build your character and personality. You should be a better person because of this information and you should leave all people better than you found them, including your competition. After all, your Rising Sign is all about your personality, appearance and worldly outlook. These competitive people can be just about anyone - spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, friends, family members, children, co-workers, etc. It's just downright fascinating!

ARIES MOTTO - "I AM, THEREFORE, I AM" - This is your motto for this particular house. If Aries is your "Rising Sign" aka "Ascendant". Your Rising Sign is the sign that rules your 1st House cusp. If you look at your chart, there is a graphic (or glyph) at the beginning of the Natal Chart that will show you where your Ascendant is located. Because Aries is on your 1st House cusp, you would take on the nature, characteristics and tendencies of Aries in this particular house.

The following is from the website on Aries Rising and characteristics of this Ascendant - http://www.elbertwade.com/

"Forceful, energetic, dynamic, aggressive, explosive, temperamental, constructive, hot-tempered, grasping, lavish, impatient, sensual, coarse, passionate, sometimes even cruel are key words/terms for Aries rising. Above all, you are a doer, an activator. Hopefully, your ongoing flurry of activity will, at least most of the time, be used in pursuit of sound objectives.

The first-house influence tends to enlarge the ego; it inclines you to be an "I-am" person, regardless of your individual Sun-Sign. If you're born one of the more passive signs, especially Pisces, this outer dynamic influence might cause some conflict between what you desire within and how you go about accomplishing it without. To avoid too much frustation, you'll have to find a middle-ground. In your rush to get somewhere, you would do well to to pay attention all along the way so you will know how to get back there again should your first attempt prove unsuccessful.

The height of you with Aries rising tends normally average to above average; seldom are those with Aries rising short. The body may be muscular, sinewy, strong, resilient, and large-boned. The head often is long, wide at the top, with a narrow or pointed chin; the forehead is pronounced. Hair inclines to redness, crispness, waviness, and tends to grow upward and backward. The eyebrows are bushy and may bridge the nose. The skin may be coarse, "leathery," and open-pored. Teeth may be large.

Your characteristics include a desire to open windows and doors if forced to be in enclosed surroundings. When angry, you are apt to slam doors, throw or break things, tread heavily on floors. Some might describe your look as a stare. Your basic character is straightforward, forceful, egocentric, and combative. You are single-minded, adventurous, and enterprising. You can be willful, reckless, ruthless, even bluntly rude at times.

You have emotions and drives that are very strong; in fact, they are the dominant force in your makeup. You are passionate and can be very loyal while your affection and interest last. There is a powerful sex urge directed at conquest but lacking in lasting affectional qualities. It can be stated that most weaknesses stem from a lack of self-control; they also include a large amount of vanity, selfishness, jealousy, and even lustfulness. By instinct, you're inclined to be very honest; however, in the grip of ambition you can be unscrupulous.

You have a strong constitution, but you may be subject to feverish ailments from which there usually is a speedy recovery. You may be more prone to accidents than illnesses. Exercise care to avoid injury to the head especially. Life will be filled with action from start to finish. The 27th, 36th, and 63rd years are especially important. The main characteristics for cultivation are these: enterprise, action, ambition, courage, industry, generosity, constructiveness, and leadership. Undesirable traits for correction are belligerence, beadstrong tendencies, pushiness, and impatience."

Aries Rising is quick and to the point. They act before they think, charging into the fray without a plan. While they are active, they are not aggressive. They just see what they want and go get it. While some may be competitive, most are putting all the pressure to get what they want on themselves. Everything is done quickly.

Those born with an Aries Ascendant are quick to anger and quick to let it pass. They don't hold grudges as a rule… they prefer to be straightforward and direct. They can't stand to sit still. They prefer to be active, and will not hesitate to stir something up to keep things interesting. They may have difficulty finishing their projects, because they would rather jump to something new.

Aries Rising natives are able to instruct, dominate and direct not only themselves, but others as well. Although others may see them as being controlling. They do possess a gift of self-control and control over others. Aries Rising natives also have the ability to lay out a game plan for future and plan into the future. And of course they would because Aries rules sports and sporting activities, so game plans work well for them.

They absolutely Love their independence and are perfectly happy doing their own thing and being active most of the time. They are also likely to have been labeled hyperactive or having attention deficit at some point in their Life. The Truth is, Aries Rising natives have the ability to be active and take in information is higher than normal, not less than normal.

People with Aries Ascendants are direct and quick. Their first instinct is to do, rather than think. Planning ahead? Forget it. Aries rising simply charges forward without much ado. This position does not make a person aggressive. Forthright, yes, but aggression is too strong a word for these natives. They have a youthful, direct manner that sees what it wants and generally goes for it. At the same time, there isn't any malice in their intent. Some Aries rising people are competitive, but they generally put most of the pressure on themselves. These people love to come out ahead in all that they do. They get ready quickly, walk quickly, and have little patience for dilly-dallying. Their temper is quick, too. It's also quick to disappear.

Children, with an Aries Ascendant, are known for being independent and often quite self-reliant. Probably early on in life, Aries rising people got typecast as the "independent" child. As adults, people with Aries Ascendants often stick to that role in life. People don't run to help them out - they appear quite fine doing things on their own. These people have learned to be self-reliant, and this generally stems from their early experiences.

Despite a rather brusque and independent manner, these natives are usually very willing to compromise in their relationships, and are very attached to the people they hold dear.

Certain physical qualities are associated with Aries Rising. They may exhibit a swift walk, leaning forward with their head. This walk is surprisingly distinctive. They may be plagued by sinus and eye problems, and headaches, especially migraines, may be the bane of their existence. Some are plagued with rashes, insect bites and acne. Their complexion may be a bit ruddy… even if it isn't, they tend to blush easily or their face may turn red when angry. This Sign may show itself in broad shoulders and slim hips. These people are always quick to smile, and they retain youthfulness throughout their entire lives.

They are honest and fearless. Their courage and leadership is often called upon in challenging situations. They come across at times as impatient and rude. If this first impression is all people get from Aries Rising, they will be missing out, since a person’s Rising Sign is only an outward mask. If they get even a slight glimpse into the deeper self, they will see an indomitable spirit, boundless courage and the willingness to fight for a cause this person believes in.

Passionate, Aries Rising will chase whomever they are interested in at the moment in affairs of the heart. The chase is part of the excitement. They can be charming and hard to resist. They are enthusiastic and adventurous, if a little bit overwhelming for some people.

These people love to come out ahead in all that they do. They get ready quickly, walk quickly, and have little patience for dilly-dallying. Their temper is quick, too. It's also quick to disappear. Rarely do you find Aries rising people holding grudges. Their mannerisms are rather simple and straightforward. Aries rising loves action, and is often trying to stir up some activity. Their strengths lie in their enterprising ways. Finishing things they start does not always come as easily, unless the ruler, Mars, is placed in a more tenacious sign, such as Taurus or Scorpio.

Yet, despite these challenges, cheerfulness, naturalness and sociability are also qualities usually present with Aries rising. This Ascendant brings the ability to project a warm, enthusiastic, adventurous and fun-loving optimism into the environment that is almost always welcome. Aries rising individuals are likely to be capable and energetic folk, with strong family values, and a need for structure and discipline in life. In family matters, these individuals are inclined toward self-sacrifice, as they are often willing to undergo hardship and sacrifice for the sake of the family. Initially, you may be argumentative and debate oriented, for this is a fiery sign, with strong mental energies that love to butt heads with others and push the envelope. Eventually, the challenge for you will be to learn how to incorporate Libran qualities (Aries polar opposite) of diplomacy and consideration for others to enhance your ability to realize your ambitions. Again, how easily this develops will depend greatly upon the rest of the chart.

Aries is a very physical and dynamic energy. You should think about how you are expressing the quality of dynamism in your life. It is important to recognize the need to expend a good deal of physical energy when you have Aries rising. Exercise and activities often help to keep the nervous system from becoming overwhelmed. Inactivity can often lead to moodiness and emotional overwhelm as your innate need to expend energy has nowhere to go.

The Aries Ascendant is oriented on success. They are ambitious and can be single-minded towards their own achievements to the point of selfishness at times. This usually stems from the fact they are so focused on their own goals that they forget that others may be involved or affected. They have a strong need to accomplish their goals, no matter how foolish, dangerous or far-reaching they may seem.

Aries Rising is enthusiastic and full of energy. When they get motivated, get out of their way! It is easy for them to get carried away and overestimate their own abilities. They may suffer from overwork. They tend to be informal and easy going. Sports and other competitions really appeal to this Ascendant. They are popular socially and usually in the center of all the action.

Well, I hope that you enjoyed this article on Aries that covers the Sun, Moon, and Ascendant information that I found to be the most valuable. I love the sublte differences that Aries goes through in the various planetary stations. How do you feel it plays out for you in your chart? I have nothing in Pisces in my natal chart, but I have many Pisces friends, and love to understand them better.

Come back in April for the astrology installment covering the upcoming sign of my native sun sign, Taurus. Happy Birthday, Aries! And stay feisty, my friends!