Sun Sign Secrets (2 page)

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and Arians, as children of Aries are called, try to be the first in some way. They want to be independent and original. They don't like to be second or even to wait terribly long for anyone or anything, and this can make them seem impatient and aggressive if they don't get their way. They function best when they act on their first impulse and don't second-guess themselves. They value strength, survival, and the kind of vital, unstoppable nature that enables the early spring flowers to push their heads up through the hard wintered soil.

Aries is one of four Cardinal signs in the zodiac (the other three being Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn). The first day of each of these signs marks the change of season. This is why the Cardinal signs symbolize forward movement. People born during one of the Cardinal signs tend to be goal-oriented, active, enthusiastic, motivated, and ambitious individuals who initiate change and get things moving.

Aries is also one of three Fire signs (the other two being Leo and Sagittarius). People with lots of fire in their chart are active, spontaneous, enthusiastic, creative, self-sufficient, and romantic. This forceful Fire element can sometimes make an Aries too proud, bossy, or pushy, but such an individual is just expressing life's vitality and usually means no harm.

Arians often get into trouble for acting without any forethought or consideration of others. But their self-reliant personality helps them thrive when they are in charge or working alone. Their fiery, assertive, and courageous nature is always charming and charismatic.

Recognizing an Aries

People who exhibit the physical characteristics distinctive of the sign Aries have strong facial features, often with piercing eyes. Frequently dressing in original styles and bold colors, they know how to look their best. Their bodies are strong, and they walk with determination. Vital and energetic, they project an aura of pure sexiness.

Aries' Typical Behavior and Personality Traits

• willful and bossy
  
• daring
  
• moves forward, even if afraid
  
• direct, open, and honest
  
• gets things done quickly
  
• highly competitive, hating to lose
  
• self-assured
  
• adventurous and enterprising
  
• enthusiastic and optimistic
  
• possesses very clear goals
  
• likes to get her way
  

What Makes an Aries Tick?

More afraid of being afraid than of anything else, Arians are always trying to prove how brave they are. Arians must remember that fear and self-doubt are not signs of weakness or losing control; nor are they a guarantee of failure.

The “fight or flight” instinct is a basic characteristic of Arians. If an Aries feels even slightly afraid, the emotion makes him either lash out or panic. Rams must stay spontaneous and not let their fear cause self-defeating behavior or paralyze them into inaction and cause even more self-doubt.

The Aries Personality Expressed Positively

Aries who are driven to push the boundaries of their chosen passion display the self-reliant, confident, and resourceful personality of their sign. They realize that they are on their own, but that that is a good thing, as it motivates them to be a shining example of what it means to be your own person.

On a Positive Note

Aries displaying the positive characteristics associated with their sign also tend to be:

• action oriented, taking charge of situations
  
• energetic and enthusiastic
  
• inclined to engage in networking
  
• vivacious
  
• positive
  
• heroic
  
• guileless
  
• passionate
  

The Aries Personality Expressed Negatively

Aries who boss others around and seem to believe that they have no faults display the self-limiting tendencies of their sign. Their desire to get the job done well and quickly may cause them to treat others as lesser beings, especially those they fear may not be up to the task at hand. Aries need to be aware of their human frailties without thinking they are “bad” for having them.

Negative Traits

Aries displaying the negative characteristics associated with their sign also tend to be:

• jealous and intolerant
  
• recklessly impulsive
  
• bossy
  
• defiant
  
• immature
  
• insensitive
  
• thoughtless
  
• too honest
  
• quick to quit
  

Ask an Aries If...

Ask an Aries if you want to know how to achieve your goals. He'll tell you what you should be doing and how you should be doing it. Just remember that he'll also tell you if your goal is not achievable, so don't ask if you can't take hearing the honest truth. Knowing an Aries is like having your own military general on call, always ready, willing, and able to help you plan your campaign. Just make sure you're ready to work until you drop.

Aries As Friends

Arians make for fun and entertaining friends, but they are not usually interested in entertaining for its own sake; they usually have a reason for having a dinner party or gathering. They like to network and meet new people who might be interested in their work or ideas. Aries friendships don't last long if the other party doesn't understand that the Aries individual is highly competitive and focused on achievements and furthering her career.

Arians make friends with original thinkers, especially those wise enough to recognize their uniqueness. Arians are warm and giving when they feel understood, but can be snappish if they feel threatened or misunderstood. However, a person who will support an Aries friend can enjoy an enduring friendship.

Looking for Love

Arians like to make the first move, and they are usually not afraid to do so. Even if they are scared, they'll still make their move—and be quick about it. They won't wait for anyone or anything. Arians must be assertive in their relationships.

An Aries needs to be with someone who is as alive and ardent as he is, or so appreciative of his energetic approach to living that it makes the Aries flame burn even brighter. Arians want people to respond to them in a real and honest way, and they like to test people by seeing how they react to Arian directness. While Arians may seem disinterested and contradictory, they're just trying to determine who a person really is.

If rebuffed, an Aries will move on without another thought wasted on the person who rejected her. It's rare to find an Aries feeling the pangs of unrequited love.

Finding That Special Someone

An Aries looking for love is less like a pioneer and more like a prospector, and the rule in prospecting is “Gold is where you find it.” Capable of meeting a potential romantic interest practically anywhere and everywhere, Arians are always alert and not at all shy when on the lookout.

First Dates

An ideal first date for an Aries would be one where the Aries is in charge. On the perfect romantic excursion, the Aries' date would go wherever the Aries wanted to go and would do exactly what the Aries wanted to do! Since Arians like to be the first in everything, a movie premier, the opening of a new restaurant, or any place that has just opened would make a great setting for a night out. Arians like hot and spicy foods, so a Mexican or Indian restaurant would also be appropriate.

Aries in Love

The expression “All's fair in love and war” sums up Aries' approach perfectly. When it comes to love, Arians enjoy the chase and the challenge of overcoming obstacles as much as the conquest itself. They are not afraid to enter into a relationship with someone who is already involved with another person. Arians need an exciting partner who will never bore them—routine is the kiss of death for a love affair involving an Aries. Surprisingly, independent Aries needs more affection from a lover than any other sign in the zodiac.

Arians are attractive because of their natural energy. Excited by new challenges and experiences, Arians like to go on adventures with the one they love. They want their partner to be as interested and enthusiastic about their dreams and goals as they are.

Undying Love

Aries are less likely to settle down than people born under most signs. However, once they fall in love they do not second-guess themselves; they plunge in headfirst and give it their all. They like to be completely enmeshed in their partner's life. The evolved Aries does this because he wants to help his lover succeed, while the less-evolved Aries will try to control his partner as a way to reduce the fear that this lover may do the wrong thing. Anyone who wants a relationship with Aries to endure must let the Aries in. Everlasting passion is the hallmark of the long-term Aries relationship. Forever young, Arians work hard to balance the innocence of youth with the wisdom of years.

Expectations in Love

At all times and from all people, Aries expect honesty and passion. They also expect to be given the freedom to be themselves fully. But when in a loving relationship, this expectation becomes magnified tenfold, and nothing less than 100 percent of their lover's attention and devotion will do. Aries do not do well with partners who want to remain friends with former lovers. It's not that they're jealous; they simply expect that they will be all their lover needs and wants.

An Aries must be able to speak her mind forcefully, even if what she has to say is something that her partner or a prospective partner does not want to hear. She expects to be able to get angry and get over it quickly without her lover ever mentioning the experience again. Though highly aware of how strong and brave one must be to get by in life, Aries has a wonderful childlike quality and needs a lover with a sense of humor or who looks at things in a unique way.

What Aries Look For

Arians are looking for someone who is vibrant, positive, and authentic. They test everyone they're interested in, trying to find that special someone who is true to himself and not afraid of a strong partner—or anything else, for that matter. They'll endure both complexity and high drama to win a lover's affections, but once that battle is over, they will tolerate neither.

If Aries Only Knew...

If Aries only knew how brave they appear to be, they would never worry about having to put up an aggressive, overly confident front at the slightest feeling of self-doubt. Arians are so busy being their pure self that they don't realize that some consider them bossy. They don't crave power for its own sake; they simply are not comfortable when anything they are connected with is not clearly defined or resolved, and so they immediately take action to force all concerned to create a definite resolution.

Marriage

Aries wants a partner of whom she can be proud, yet a savvy partner would be wise to be modest about personal goals and to put effort into supporting those of the sensitive Aries. The person who becomes the spouse of a typical Aries must realize that the Aries will be quite happy to leave the day-to-day details to him but will want to be in control of all major decisions—starting with the wedding ceremony. Anyone who partners with an Aries can expect an exciting, stimulating, and creative relationship with plenty of affection and surprises. What's more, the Aries partner will always keep her word.

Aries' Opposite Sign

Libra, the Scales, is the opposite sign of Aries. Although relationships between Aries and Libra can sometimes be difficult, Libra can show Aries how to cooperate, share, and bring people together in harmony. Libra can intervene diplomatically, where Aries will charge in, forcibly making demands. Both signs are quite aggressive but for different reasons. Aries wants to get his way, while Libra wants peace and balance; both are willing to fight for what they believe.

Pairing Up

In general, if people display the characteristics typical of their sign, intimate relationships between an Aries and another individual can be described as follows:

If Things Don't Work Out