The First Zodiac Sign: Aries

Today is the Spring Equinox, which means tomorrow is the start of Aries season (Aries is ready to burst forth with its irrepressible joie de vivre!). The 12-sign zodiac wheel is a mythical, allegorical journey describing the cyclical evolution of the Cosmic Self. In Pisces, the last chapter/sign of the zodiac, the journey completed itself: the Cosmic Self dissolved into the everythingness and nothingness of Divine Consciousness. In Pisces, All is One, eternally interconnected in an ocean of Divine Love. In Aries, however, Divine Consciousness is ready to experience itself as an autonomous, individual entity -- it's itchin' to break free to be free to explore its desires, and to live life to the fullest! And absolutely nothing is going to stand in its way! Aries is that fresh burst of self-energy ready to take on the world! Some key words/phrases associated with the Aries archetype: passionate, enthusiastic, excitable, bold, pioneering, aunthentic, competitive, attention-seeking, individualistic, self-focused, adventurous, assertive, freedom-loving, determined, and courageous.

On a more mythological level, Aries is about a journey of separation from the collective (often the family unit; sometimes a codependent relationship that no longer serves) in order to begin the journey of understanding who one truly is (what makes me me, and can I hack it on my own?). Sometimes this happens seemingly against the will of the Aries person; maybe they never fit in with their family members, and they were given no choice but to strike out on their own path. Maybe they were targeted by others for being different in some way, and at some point they had to stop trying to fit in and just embrace what makes them a unique individual. Regardless of the circumstances, Aries often carries inside it a passionate mission; they are here to make something happen, to do something, to be a somebody in the world. But they can't accomplishment this if they're waiting on everyone else, or avoiding causing conflict and friction! With Aries, you're either on board with the plan, or you're in the way!

Aries and its ruler, Mars, are both strong in my birth chart. I love this dimension of my being, because this archetypal energy forced me to leave home (literally and figuratively), to not be reliant on others' validation of my choices and interests, to courageously explore life's edges and limits, and to unabashedly go for the things I desire in life. Weaknesses of Aries can include: being selfish and too self-focused, not taking others' feelings and interests into consideration, being too combative and brash, and thinking everyone is out to get you or stifle you. I've had to do a lot of work to balance and smooth out these issues as part of my life story.

To all the Aries out there -- give yourself the freedom to just be you! The world needs your energy, your zest for life, and your raw authenticity! That is why you're here!