The Zodiac --- The Sign of Aries the Ram

Aries / J.P. Rhea

People born in the 30 days between March 21st and April 19th are born under the astrological sign of the Ram (but due to precession and the size of the asterism, the Sun is actually "in" Aries from April 19th to the 13th of May, only 25 days). 

When Mankind first developed the science - art of astronomy - astrology, the Vernal Equinox (March 20 - 21) was the First Point of Aries, and though that is no longer the case (it will be again in about 23,000 years) the first day of Spring is still referred to as The First Point of Aries, and the relative positions of the stars are calculated from that point. Aries is the touchstone of the Nautical Almanac. Thus, Aries remains scientifically important. 

The "original" Ram was probably a mouflon, the more primitive ancestor of the sheep we know today. In the ancient Middle East sheep herding was central to life and thus culturally critical. Aries is the symbol of Western religion. It is telling that Jesus is referred to as "the lamb of God." It is equally enlightening that when Abraham was forestalled from sacrificing his son Isaac the unfortunate stand-in was a sheep (and the ram's horn or shofar is still blown to call Jews to prayer). Mohammed is described as a shepherd in the Quran. In all three Abrahamic traditions, God's words to Moses begin with the Aries creed: "I Am." 

In Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Aries represents the fundamental state of being in existence.

Aries is the sign of Spring and of life springing forth after the seeming death of the Winter. Thus, Aries is closely tied to birth and generation. This sign is the very expression of self-assertion, searching, exploration, new discoveries, and adventure. Aries people can be leaders and initiators of movements, but they are often impulsive, naive, impatient, hardheaded, and uncompromising. They are far better at starting projects than finishing them. Although they can be exciting to be around, people often find them just as difficult to deal with. 

Aries is a Masculine Fire Sign, and as the sign of Spring is a Cardinal sign. The sign is ruled by fiery red Mars, the planet of passions, named after the Roman god of war. Aries rules the First House of the Zodiac, the House of Self, and is the natural ruler of the Ascendant.

Famous Aries include Vincent Van Gogh, Thomas Jefferson, Charlie Chaplin, Houdini, Joseph Pulitzer, Robert Frost, Dudley Moore, and Kate Hudson.

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