As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries is often associated with new beginnings, bold actions, and pioneering spirit.
Its constellation lies between Pisces and Taurus, marking it as the starting point, and even though it is relatively small, Aries holds great importance in astronomy due to its position at the very beginning. The sun travels through it from March 21 to April 19—late winter and early spring with the equinox—and its brightest star is Hamal, which means “shoulder of the ram” in Arabic.
Aries marks the start of the astrological year, infusing energy, motivation, and courage, and it is in fact represented by the ram.
But why?
This animal is associated with strength, determination, and leadership, all things that are often described as typical of being an Aries. The ram is indeed known for its willingness to charge headfirst into challenges, but it has long been a symbol for power and courage across many cultures. In ancient Egypt, for example, the ram was sacred to Amun-Ra, the god of the sun and creation. In Mesopotamian cultures, the ram symbolised fertility and abundance, while in Greek and Roman traditions, it represented sacrifice and heroism, as seen in the myth of Phrixus that I’ll now introduce.
Each of the zodiac signs’ legends is about salvation and receiving gratitude from the Olympian gods; however, the Aries one is a little peculiar on its own because we’re not simply talking about a mere animal but a golden one.
The myth talks about Phrixus, son of the king Athamas and his wife Nephele, who was the cloud goddess. In the tale, it is narrated that Phrixus and his sister Helle are about to be sacrificed by their father due to a series of unfortunate events, but their mother, Nephele, promptly intervenes and sends a magical golden ram to rescue her beloved children.
The creature, with its golden fleece, carries them away through the skies. Unfortunately, while flying over the Hellespont, Helle falls into the sea and drowns—yep, pretty dark—but Phrixus survives and safely reaches land.
Immensely grateful for its help, Phrixus sacrifices the ram to the gods and hangs its golden fleece in a sacred grove (which later becomes central to the famous myth of Jason and the Argonauts).
The ram, for its bravery, is placed in the heavens by Zeus and thus becomes the constellation of Aries.
At the end of the day, a legend is just a legend, but this golden animal does indeed represent bold actions and the willingness to sacrifice for the greater good, all things that—the astrologers out there will certainly agree with me—align with the traits attributed to this horned zodiac sign.
In astrology, it is ruled by the element of fire, which already tells you all about it. People born under Aries are often described as passionate, creative, and full of vitality, with a fiery enthusiasm and a strong desire to make their mark on the world. It is ruled by the planet Mars, the god of war in Roman mythology, giving Aries an assertive, competitive, and leading nature. It is a cardinal sign, and as such, anyone with an important Aries placement in their natal chart is typically seen as dynamic, energetic, determined, and full of confidence.
Me personally, I love fire signs. They’re fun, emotional, can be a little bit intimidating, and get along with almost anyone.
Aries, as the first sign of the zodiac, has an important role but takes on the responsibility with great energy, infusing courage and leading the charge full head-on.
Furthermore, Aries are natural trailblazers, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible as effortlessly as breathing. And honestly—who doesn’t love that?
Up, Aries Illustration by my amazing twin Soul
Sources:
The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need by Joanna Martine Woolfolk (2012)
The Library of the Unseen 
Penny for your thoughts…