The creative expression of Aries has been portrayed as the energy of
the pioneer, the goal setter, the Mars type human being. The go-getters
in our culture are encouraged to push their way to success, to the exclusion
of any soft feminine expression of the first sign. The single-minded, incisive
qualities are applauded in our culture, while the broad-minded, inclusive
approach is misunderstood as vagueness or non-directedness.
Such a one-sided view of Aries energy leads to one-sided development
for individuals, focused as it is on a specific set of qualities which
deny wholeness of being. Astrologers can be instrumental in changing this
outdated view.
A more generic definition of the sign of Aries reveals the dynamic growth
potential of a seed as a metaphor for personal development. The seed grows
in two directions - the shoot reaching upward to the air and light (fire)
while the roots reach downward to earth and water. The seed prospers only
when all four elements are present, just as the psyche grows best in a
balanced environment.
Spring Equinox
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, placed at the vernal equinox.
It represents the time of year when the seed germinates, when the Sun moves
toward the Northern Hemisphere and begins the annual growth cycle. Aries
includes both an image of all the potential for life within the seed, and
the inspiration and spontaneity of the entire life cycle.
Aries is expressive in the sense that it represents reaching out to
all that is new and healthful. It does not discriminate in this process.
Like the sprouted seed, it grows both upward and downward. As unique beings
we repeat this process from birth. We continually reach upward toward the
spiritual and downward into the depths of the psyche. We reach outward
to others for sustenance and we also reach inward to the Self. Movement
in opposite directions leads us to wholeness, a wholeness that is seen
in the fulfilled growth of the seed as a mature tree. We know that the
roots of a healthy tree extend as far as the visible portion of the plant,
and their structure is surprisingly like the branches; at the same time
we are aware that the function of the root is vastly different, drawing
life from the earth and water while the leaves draw life from the air and
sun.
Each of us draws the fullest measure of life when we are aware of both
masculine and feminine energies at work within us. The work of discovering
these energies and learning to use them fully is our life's goal; astrology
is but one model for us to follow in determining our unique expression
of the masculine and feminine.
Beginning from the seed of the natal chart, we have a tool to explore
our outer and inner potential to become whole. We take our cue from the
seed. We seek outward into the world and at the same time explore
our hidden being in the depths of the psyche. We find the best of both
the masculine and feminine uniquely represented in this sign. Instead
of distinguishing Aries as either masculine or feminine, we can choose
to perceive the fullness of a particular archetype - the archetype of beginning.
Aries symbolizes the unfolding of all our energies, then. We can see this
energy as a starting point for human enterprise, embodying the promise
of the entire life cycle. This unfolding is not masculine or feminine
in its essence, but rather can be seen as a process.
This article first appeared in Today's Astrologer, the bulletin
of the American Federation of Astrologers.
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