Astrology - astrology articles

The sign of the Warrior or Pioneer

A cardinal fiery sign.
Energetic, impulsive, enthusiastic, positive, enterprising.

Ruler: Mars

Gems: amethyst, diamond

Color: red

Metal: iron

Harmonius signs for business, marriage, or companionship: Sagittarius, Leo

The true Arietian, or Martian, is the captain, the leader, the pioneer among men, in sympathy with new thought, rapidly assimilating fresh ideas, always in the van of progress in whatever kind of work he may take up. He gets to close quarters in his battles, and fights best with his head - that is to say, in the field of thought. Enterprise and ardor are characteristic, and the channels into which these are directed will vary according to the condition and limitations of the individual. Most Arietians show a definite preference for work which gives some opportunity for personal leadership. They enjoy overcoming difficulties, and will go out of their way to challenge opposition. Hope and enthusiasm are with them wherever they go, and their happy knack of forgetting failure helps them through times of stress. Sometimes, but rarely, hampered by diffidence and shyness, and never by pessimism, they carry through their undertakings with confidence and dash and brilliance that disarm criticism.

The type is generally softened in women, but still displays its characteristic warmth and vitality. The female Arietian cannot abide half-hearted work or want of enthusiasm in those around her, and finds the cautious ultra-scrupulous person who weighs every word and deliberates over every decision a terrible trial, a feeling which she can generally make abundantly evident to the individual in question. She very often craves for more scope for her energies, and larger opportunities of swaying and leading her fellow creatures than can be found in the ordinary routine of domestic duties, and is frequently to be found on committees and on deputations connected with social and political reforms.

Tranquility and serenity are seldom appreciated at their true value by this type, and still more seldom achieved; but Arietians are delightfully refreshing to meet, for they are bright and lively in society, and a boon to all who desire help in arousing public interest in their social and charitable undertakings. Other and very different types of humanity may excel in planning details and in organization, but without efficient aid from the Arietians, the most desirable projects often make little headway, and the best-laid schemes fall to the ground.

Primitive Type. The primitive Martian type suffers from excess of the qualities associated with it. Courage, hope, and enthusiasm in enterprise become recklessness and heedlessness. These people must always be doing something, and if their energies are not carefully guided for them they rush headlong into activities which they are incapable of carrying to a successful issue. They fail in work requiring tact and patience and self-control, and their eager desire to see immediate results is often both a misery and a temptation to them. In order to bring about conditions or events on which they have set their hearts they will sweep aside every obstacle that confronts them, without scrutinizing closely the means they employ to get rid of it; and the results are useless friction, fierce opposition, and endless delay. After such a state of affairs has been brought about, our warrior waxes more militant than ever - fighting failure instead of accepting it, and blaming others for the miscarriage of his plans. Consequently he is the last person to think of the true remedy for the muddle he is in, which is generally a patient retracting of the steps taken. Abandoning the enterprise is a much more congenial method of extricating himself from an awkward position; and, this having been done, the restless energy pours itself forth into fresh channels, until brought up by further obstacles.

A constant source of trouble is the intense desire to "play lead" or to dominate others personally and to associate only with intellectual inferiors. At the same time this craving for personal leadership in action is not associated with the desire for positions of responsibility. In early youth the type is apt to make a very bad subordinate, and is happier when working at a distance from headquarters, where close supervision is impossible. One source of trouble is that he has as a rule very little power of reading character correctly; this tells especially in his blundering choice of a hero to worship. He is extremely self-willed, refusing to listen to reason, or to hear any criticism of the idol of the moment.

No type gives the impression of such perfectly straightforward sincerity; and yet none can begin to compete with it in sheer audacity in uttering and maintaining what it knows, or ought to know, to be untrue. These people can make themselves blind and deaf to whatever they please. Their position may be utterly untenable, but they stick to their guns, determined to drive their schemes forward with such earnestness and conviction that only those who have already caught them tripping can find any room for doubt. This trait is partly responsible for the loss of old and trusted friends. The tendency of the Arietian is to make very rapid progress in development, and so to grow away from his old friends, disconcerting and distressing them by sudden and unexpected changes in his convictions. It is practically impossible for him to regain, even temporarily, his former point of view. HIs custom is to throw the past behind him and go forward; and those who attempt to stop him are frequently swept out of the way with a contempt which arouses all their resentment.

Love and Friendship. Enthusiastic friendship fills a large place in the emotional life of Arietians, and the same impetuosity and ardor that are shown in this direction also characterize their love affairs. No type is warmer-hearted, or more frank and generous in showing affection; but these tendencies are apt to lead to trouble, even among the highly developed, and the sorrows that follow rash engagements and imprudent marriages are among the forms of discipline they are called upon to face. The Arietian frequently mates with a husband or wife who can hold his or her own, and many succeed in making of matrimony a more or less merry duel; for as a rule people of this sign are blessed and assisted by a sense of fun and a real gift of enjoying a situation; but there is apt to be a good deal of sparring, and of wasted energy in consequence. Occasionally, however, the warrior contrives to settle down with some gentle and adaptable mate who admires his energy while finding it impossible to emulate it, and who makes up for the Martian's slap-dash way of going at his work, by patiently following after him, and filling in details that he has overlooked in his haste.

If falling in love is for him a dangerously headlong performance, falling out of love is more dangerously headlong still, for loyalty and tenacity are not among the virtues of this sign, and the desire for change of surroundings and companionship is difficult to master. Separation or divorce are resorted to in circumstances which would not be found unendurable by those born under the more adaptable and forbearing signs.

In Drama and Fiction. The Arietian type is a favorite one in fiction, and supplies the hero of many a dashing exploit and hairbreadth escape; for the fact that Arietians lead their followers personally, taking the lion's share of any danger involved, and never shirking or sparing themselves, makes them peculiarly fitted to arouse popular sympathy. Shakespeare has drawn a splendid example in Harry Hotspur. Hotspur's tendency to hyperbolic eloquence, criticized by some as inappropriate to a soldier and a man of action, is quite characteristic of the type, and the glowing declaration:

could have been uttered only by a son of Mars at white heat. Portraits of more primitive Arietians are also to be found in light literature - headstrong rebels, bumptious bullies, and demagogues.

Religion. We may look for possible Arietians among popular leaders and great orators of all ages. Among them, two stand out with special clearness - Mohammed, the enthusiastic and well-beloved prophet of the desert; and Moses, the leader and lawgiver of Israel. The scriptural assertion – surely a mistranslation! – that the latter was a "meek" man may give us pause; but analysis of his life and character leaves little room for doubt, and the four magnificent orations ascribed to him in the book of Deuteronomy show the martial characteristics so strongly that the astrologer should find little difficulty in accepting the idea that the scribe was actually "inspired" to give them accurately.

We find equally good examples in the Koran, especially in the more rhetorical passages such as the opening paragraphs of Chapters 79, 81, and 82; and the Prophet's reply to his relatives when they tried to dissuade him from his message would, taken by itself, be enough to proclaim the son of Mars: "Though you set the sun against me on my right hand, and the moon upon my left, I will never give it up!"

Physical Characteristics and Health. The Arietian type is active, energetic, and muscular. The movements are quick and impulsive; the whole personality is intensely alive. As regards physical health and energy, this is a magnificent type, but its very excess of vitality is a danger. The headstrong tendency to carry an enterprise through in wholly adverse circumstances or at an unsuitable time is naturally responsible for frequent disappointment, which results in irritation, anger and impatience. The remedy for this type is self-control - the cultivation of patience, tranquillity, gentleness, forethought, and humility. Faith in others, whether superiors or equals, may also be recommended; for during illness the Arietian's fond delusion that no one can really do anything properly but himself runs away with him, and no amount of mistakes and blunders on his own part will cure him of it.

The primary characteristics of the Sun in this sign are force and energy, and the fundamental basis of the character will consist of an ambitious, aspiring, and enthusiastic nature. During the month that the Sun remains in this sign, the twelve lunar positions will either considerably modify this primary influence or accentuate it and increase its manifestation. But without the Moon to focus the rays of the Sun and to collect the influences that are constantly being distributed, the individual character would be always flying off at a tangent. In studying each of these combinations, however, it is important to remember that the solar force is the primary and energizing influence, and the lunar center always secondary.

This position of Sun and Moon gives rise to great activity of thought and quickness of perception, with inclinations to excitability. Those born under this combination have an intense desire to be at the head of things, to be intellectual pioneers. They have an abundance of energy and vitality, and are masterful, independent, and self-reliant. The personality is forceful and original. Positions of authority and responsibility will seem to fall naturally to the native's lot. In some cases he will be militant, domineering, intolerant of opposition or contradiction, hard and unyielding. The combination increases self-esteem and independence. Troubles follow impulsive actions and rash conduct. There is a tendency to live too much in the mind and some danger of becoming too self-centered or conceited.

The Sun is exalted in Aries, and the Moon in Taurus, a combination which strengthens both positive and negative elements and produces a strong character. With the force of the Sun in Aries behind the physical nature, the ideal and practical are well blended. There are the will and energy to originate and the steadiness and practical ability to execute. The native can both plan and perform, preach and practice, direct others and do the work himself. He is likely to occupy some position of responsibility. The intellect and intuition are both marked, but there is usually a tendency to be self-willed and dogmatic. His affections are warm; he makes friends readily and is faithful to them. This is a good position for financial success, for positions of trust and authority.

While this combination gives considerable mental activity and manual dexterity, there are apt to be restlessness and over-exertion. The nature is changeable, loving variety, and there is a lack of determination and tenacity of purpose. This combination produces artistic tendencies, and makes those under its influence clever writers. However, the dualistic tendencies of Gemini cause much of the qualities of Aries to be wasted, so that there is frequently less done than is talked about. The native is witty, lively in mind and speech, prone to exaggeration and of great mental ingenuity. In a bad horoscope, there is a tendency to deceit or dishonesty.

This is an exceedingly sensitive combination, giving a considerable amount of ambition and love of fame. The Moon, here placed in the executive sign Cancer, will add the power of achievement to the idealism of Aries, increasing intuition, imagination, and memory. There are two somewhat contradictory sides to the character – one enterprising, active, and domineering, the other sensitive and domestic. The sensitiveness of this position causes those born under it to feel surrounding conditions keenly, and to suffer from them occasionally. When not too approbative they are able to reason and arrive at correct conclusions. The combination gives caution, acquisitiveness, and the ability to design and plan.

This combination gives remarkable intuition, a warm heart, the power of clear thinking, and a certain amount of originality of thought and action. This position favors all matters connected with music and the drama. The personality is strong, positive, forceful, and, when aroused, displays energy, enterprise, ambition, and self-reliance. The native is good-humored and candid, having some fondness for show and ceremony. He generally possesses a good opinion of himself, and likes the good opinion of others, even their flattery.

This combination stimulates the critical and discriminative tendency of the Moon in Virgo. It emphasizes the practical nature and brings out scientific characteristics. The solar position considerably improves the lunar characteristics and makes the mind more logical and accurate in its judgments. It gives considerable ability in literary pursuits, but also awakens the exacting tendencies in Virgo. It intensifies the love of study, and gives considerable musical ability. Often there is greater ability than there is opportunity to use profitably.

We have now reached the opposition of the Sun and Moon; therefore all that is contained in the Aries nature may find its expression in the equilibrium and balance of Libra. It causes a keenly sensitive nature, receptive to music and fine arts. It makes those born under it observant, alert, sociable, companionable, amorous, disliking to live or work alone. Mental abilities are adapted to outward use in the world. These people are good counselors and advisers and they enjoy recognition.

The martial element is strongly marked, disposing the nature to be hard, dogmatic, positive, and jealous. People born with this combination are sometimes proud and conventional, matter-of-fact and materialistic; but they can be very destructive when it suits their ends.

This combination gives a very quick, sympathetic nature, but there is a tendency to go to extremes. It strengthens the sincerity and straightforwardness of the personality, gives impulsiveness and a tendency to chatter. The native is changeable, irresolute, given to enthusiasms that do not last, though he has plenty of energy and determination while in the mood. He is generous and humanitarian. This combination produces good teachers; it is also good for traveling and exploration.

The naturally saturnine qualities of the Moon in Capricorn are accentuated. The personality is exacting, and inclined to fluctuating moods. This is a sensitive combination; cleverness is much appreciated, and the brain is very receptive. It is a good polarity for business, and for all pursuits depending upon energy and force of character. People born with this combination are masterful and ambitious, sometimes worldly and materialistic. They are suited to a public career, although their tact and diplomacy are often over-ridden by impulse, self-assertiveness, and love of flattery. Those under the influence of this combination tend to aim for leadership, and to domineer rather than rule over others. They love wealth for the power it gives. In a bad horoscope a hard, selfish, ill-tempered, gloomy nature is found.

This combination brings out all the pleasing characteristics of the Moon in Aquarius, giving an original, positive, and combative mind. The personality is at times eccentric, and in speech sometimes hasty, erratic, brusque, or without consideration for others. It intensifies the artistic faculties, and gives some ability in literary matters, with a bright, clear mind, well able to express itself. Imagination, intuition, and sensitiveness are much increased, and there is a love of educational and scientific work. It increases the feeling of independence, but gives the ability to deal with others successfully. The native lives largely in the mind, and influences others through the mind. He is witty and can be very sarcastic. Determination and enterprise are combined, the Aries nature being steadied and its influence made reliable.

This combination is not altogether harmonious, the Sun in Aries being too strong for the lunar position. This produces a discontented, restless, and often worrying nature. However it considerably tones down the impulsiveness of Aries, and when the two are working harmoniously it increases kindliness and gives a love of the profound and mysterious. Sorrow causes those born under it to think more deeply than those under most of the Aries combinations. There is a danger, in a bad horoscope, of dishonesty. Otherwise, the personality is charitable and sympathetic. This position gives success in public institutions, and confers some authority of a quiet and unobtrusive kind.

ARIES (THE RAM)