Domicile: Mars

Detriment: Venus

Keywords: Self-expression, assertion, forcefulness, urgency, initiative, courage, agression, impulse, enterprise, passion, selfishness, leadership, egotism, combustible, foolhardy, survival instinct



Appearance
Lean and active, Aries radiates energy and self-assurance. The face is often ruddy and the hair may also be tinger with red. One of the most striking features of an Arien face is the bold 'ram's horn' eyebrows, which grow to meet in the middle of a characteristically strong forehead. Dress sense is usually smart-casual or sporty.

Personality
It is impossible to ignore Aries. This is an assertive, idealistic personality driven by a powerful ego. Subtlety doesn't play a part in it. What you see - and hear - is what there is, and Aries always speaks out. Headstrong and dynamic, the ram charges through life. The aim is to win, no matter the competition, which is what makes it all so exciting.
A natural leader, Aries truly believes that he is always right. Combine this with an independent nature and you have a personality that prefers to tackle things unaided. This is not a team player. If things go wrong - always a risk when you rush headlong - Aries simply draws from the well of eternal optimism and moves on.

Mind
Aries has a quick-witted mind that thrives on challenge. A serial innovator, Aries has the ability to give total attention to the moment. Impulsive rather than rational, there's a tendency towards snap decisions, which are generally astute. Detail goes by the wayside, as something with which others can concern themselves. This is a restless mind that is easily bored and likes to move on quickly.
Aries has a good sense of humour, which finds expression in satirical wit. Rarely at a loss for words, Aries is not beyond cruel sarcasm and sadistic wordplay, either. Anyone found lacking is dealt with swiftly when an Aries is present.

Emotions
Although prone neither to introspection nor moodiness, Aries has a childlike naivety that makes him or her surprisingly vulnerable. When fired up, the ram's temper flashes spectacularly, without warning and then disappears in a moment. Tending towards self-centredness, Aries rarley shows empathy. But when made aware of a situation, Aries will fight wholeheartedly for the underdog or underprivileged.

Strengths
Aries is a courages, enterprising pioneer who values freedom and frank discussion. This is a generous, enthusiastic person who maes things happen. Passionate Aries throws everything into work and play. Problems are faced head-on with a view to finding innovative solutions.

Weaknesses
Aries can be manipulative and les than truthful. Eternally restless, this sign lacks perseverance, wanting everything now. Projects and people may be abandoned halfway through. The Arien personality can be exceedingly selfish. If the risk-taking gets obsessive, Aries has no compunction about jeopardizing the security of others.

Shadow
The Aries shadow incorporates the vacillating tendencies of its opposite sign, Libra, leading to procrastination. Like Libra, the shadow has difficulty saying no. There is an 'anything for a quiet life' attitude that promises much but delivers little.

Karma
Arien karma arises from past selfishness and egocentricity. A failure to consider the needs of others, and an insensitivity to their feelings, creates the present-life karmic challenges of leadership without oppression and self-awareness without self-absorption.

Likes
Noise, excitement, danger, sex, satire.

Dislikes
Peace and quiet, monotony, hypocrisy, injustice.

Money
Aries spends freely and often on impulse. With a penchant for risk-taking, safeguards like insurance and savings don't hold much temptation. Aries people enjoy the thrill of gambling. If they speculate on the stock or commodities markets, it's only because there's an opportunity to make a lot of money quickly.

As a parent
Young at heart, Aries positively enjoys child play, especially if the child in question has an adventurous nature. It's a companionable style of parenting rather than a strict one. This type of parent has most difficulty with children who are introspective and seek solitude.

As a child
Young Aries is energetic, pushy, loud, excitable, ebullient - and accident-prone. Fearless, this child can take heart-stopping risks. Injuries to the head are common.
And Aries child hates to play alone. This is a child who requires constant stimulation. Happiest in an active educational environment, Aries learns by doing and by competition. When unhappy, bored or not the centre of attention, and Airen child expresses outrage in the form of temper tantrums.

Careers
Aries relishes any oportunity to build on strong leadership and entrepreneurial skills. Suitable careers include army officer, butcher, metal worker, surgeon, satirist, entrepreneur, racing driver, test pilot, fire-fighter, salesperson, wheeler-dealer, insurance assessor, surveyor, electrician, psychologist, explorer, herbalist or naturopath, designer and actor. Self-employment suits the sign's independant nature. If employed, Aries prefers to be the boss.

Leisure activities
Shunning all notions of rest and pecuperation, Aries is happiest when active, usually in short, exhausting bursts. Cycling and running are good tests of Arien stamina, while mountain climbing provides sought-after danger. Motorcycling, rally driving, dangerous sports, martial arts and paintball are also appropriate. Not a natural team player, Aries nevertheless enjoys hockey, rugby and boxing. Going to parties is also a favourite pastime. The sign's affinity with anything sharp makes wood-carving or metalwork likely activities for quieter times.

Suitable gift ideas
A performance car or some top-of-the-range accessories will flatter the Arien ego, while a subscription to a health club or a weekend adventure break suggest a pleasing level of activity. Aries people also like power tools, designer clothes, red roses, sportswear and personalized gifts of all kinds.

Aries is considered to be compatible with the other fire signs, Sagittarius and Leo.


TRADITIONAL CORRESPONDENCES

Season: Spring

Day: Tuesday

Number: 9

Physiology: Head and face, adrenal and suparenal glands

Birthstones: Ruby, diamond

Crystals: Amethyst, aquamarine, aventurine, bloodstone, carnelian, citrine, fire agate, garnet, iron pyrite, jadeite, jasper, kunzite, magnetite, pink tourmaline, orange spinel, spinel, topaz

Associations: Electricity, sharp things, metals, anger, satire

Metal: Iron

Colours: Red, white

Animals: Dragons, sheep, tigers

Foods: Hot, spicy and strong-tasting foods, anything red, garlic, onions, capers, mustard, cayenne

Herbs: Milk thistle, hops, nettles, burdock root, gentian, cayenne, broom, honeysuckle, red clover, gotu kola, fo ti, sassafras, yellow dock, St John's Wort, yarrow, garlic, rosemary

Trees: Hawthorn, holly, chestnut, witch hazel, spruce, thorny trees and shrubs

Plants: Nettle, geranium, thistle, honeysuckle, dock, fern, mustard, viper's bugloss, anemone, bryony

Places: England; Germany; Israel; France; especially Burgundy; Italy, especially Florence, Naples and Padua; Poland, especially Krakow; North America, especially Las Vegas and Brunswick; all capital cities; places with sporting facilities; places formerly occupied by sheep, cattle, deer, thieves, limekilns or brickworkss; newly cultivated land; sandy of hilly ground; buildings with high ceilings and elaborate plasterwork; stables