The first sign of the zodiac - a birth or rebirth from a primordial source into matter. The start of a new cycle of life with its pleasures and pain. Its glyph is like a sprouting seed. Wherever Aries is in the birth chart there is newness and a sense of adventure, of moving into unexplored territories.
That the process of creation carries with it immense knowledge and spiritual energy is often missed in the interpretation of the Aries impulse. The important thing to understand here is that Aries represents a new cycle; the many things the Aries individual has learned in past lives may not be of any use to them now. They will need to relearn the lessons of life. They are impulsive and lacking in fear as they have not experienced it before. They may live their life at a low spiritual level, in selfish pursuit of lower desires such as sexual conquest. However, a more mature soul experiencing the Aries new beginning can bring with it healing powers and knowledge.
Mars rules Aries
Giving birth requires physical strength and courage; as a new beginning and a new way of life, Aries needs the rulership of the warrior Mars with his conquering powers and ability to lead. Aries is a pioneer. It requires courage to venture into the unknown, to experience what no other person has experienced. Mars is passionate. In Aries it is always searching for an ideal - searching but never finding.
The Sun is exalted in Aries
In Aries, the Sun (the soul) is still so new it can be totally pure. It has not yet become contaminated by the process of earthly living.
Saturn is debilitated in Aries
Saturn is the planet of death - death of life, death of illusions. It does not want Aries' new life and brightness. The two have opposite characteristics - Aries is impulsive, Saturn is rigid. Aries rushes forward, Saturn tries to delay. Saturn tends to show its worst side in Aries, but even Saturn begins a new cycle when entering that sign. Planets in Aries act very youthfully!
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