Aries the Ram is a fire sign in the cardinal mode.
The Sun is in Aries from March 21st until April 20th, the Vernal Equinox and the beginning of Spring.
Cardinal fire means the initiative force of fire, the beginning of everything, the first spark of fire that ignites the entire year of seasonal changes and developments.
Aries rules the head and brain, the eyes and optic nerves, and all protuberances of the body such as the nose and also the phallus. Aries is ruled by the planet Mars which imparts an overall strong fiery nature to Aries.
Aries can give strength of purpose, bravery, single-minded pursuit of goals, and the initiative to start new projects, as well as arrogance, anger, violence and unwillingness to compromise, and difficulty finding balance and repose in life.
Aries is related with the archetype of the solar hero, seen in many ancient myths about such heroes as Gilgamesh, Odysseus, Jason, Aeneas, Prometheus, Perseus, Hercules, and Saint Michael. The solar hero is often a demigod but must pass through the difficulties of any human in order to triumph. The power, strength and determination of Mars helps this hero so he can perform super-human feats to overcome all obstacles.
Aries is joined in the fire triad by Leo and Sagittarius. Leo is the fixed fire, like the central hearth that invites people into its warmth and strength. Sagittarius is the mutable fire that transforms and spreads the fire as enthusiasm and inspiration.
Aries is opposed by Libra. Where Mars-ruled Aries is direct, forthright, selfish, driven, and war-like; Libra ruled by Venus, is harmonizing, accommodating, lazy, artistic, and indulgent.
This is the fundamental polarity of the zodiac, the polarity between self and others, war and peace, sex and love. Reconciling these opposites within ourselves is a formidable work, but this holds the keys to walking the path of the razor’s edge.