Aries
Sign 1 of 12 · 0°–30° of the ecliptic
Aries is a cardinal fire sign. Astrologers associate it with initiative, courage, directness and new beginnings. In the tropical zodiac the Sun is in Aries from about 21 March to 19 April.
| Symbol | ♈ The Ram |
|---|---|
| Element | Fire |
| Modality | Cardinal |
| Polarity | Masculine (active), diurnal |
| Ruler | Mars |
| Exaltation | Sun |
| Detriment | Venus |
| Fall | Saturn |
| Opposite sign | ♎ Libra |
| Body (traditional melothesia) | Head |
| Tropical Sun dates (approx.) | 21 March – 19 April |
Aries in a chart
Sun in Aries: identity expressed through initiative. Moon in Aries: emotional needs coloured by fire and a cardinal rhythm. Aries rising: a first impression in the style of Aries, with Mars as chart ruler.
Across traditions
| Tradition | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Western (tropical) | Aries | Measured from the March equinox. The Sun enters around 21 March. |
| Vedic (sidereal) | Mesha (मेष) | Lord: Mangala (Mars). With the Lahiri ayanamsa the Sun enters around 14 April. |
| Chinese | No equivalent | Chinese astrology has no Sun signs. The 12 animals count years, months and hours. |
Test yourself
Which element does Aries belong to?
Learn it properly in the courseBuilt from the Astrolysis facts table western/signs/aries.