Jeff Hinshaw - Zodiac Signs: Aries

When the Sun moves through the zodiacal archetype Aries, we are on the precipice of Mother Natures most epic of ritualsthe blooming of spring. Any human who chose to incarnate on this planet during this very ripe-with-potential time of year aligned themselves with the vibration of a sprouting seed. Connecting with nature in this way is so important when establishing an astrology practice. All too often we rely on traditional interpretations of astrological archetypes, but by first simply bringing our awareness to nature, we can connect on a much more intimate level with this ancient practice. What is taking place in the world around you during Aries season? What is nature inviting you into?

Aries season is a precious time of year (March 21April 20). Marking the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, this is the time of year when day and night are in equal measure. As a tipping point of the year, the days grow longer and warmer. We see little buds sprouting out from the soil. Trees start to show little bits of green. Baby ducklings hatch, wobbling behind their mothers, greeting this New World with innocence and hope. Already theres a softening shift this creates from the often-typecast Aries archetype of the Angry Warrior charging full speed ahead. Pause for just a moment and simply witness the world this time of year. Behold the gentle thawing from the long, frigid winter. Everything and everyone, great and small, is waking up from a deep slumber. This is the soul-centered invitation for Aries: to be like the beginning of Spring.

When the sun enters Aries, everyone feels this shift and becomes an honorary Aries. An intuitive awareness of the individuals path arises. Over these 30 days, the collective is gifted the opportunity to realign with their innate birthrights as individual members of the human race. We reaffirm who we are, why we are here, and where we are going. At the beginning of spring, theres an expansion forward into a whole new cycle. We take ownership of life. We learn the art of lovingly taking up space. We are reinvigorated with a sense of hope. We open up our minds and hearts to receiving new solutions for approaching the world. We are more prepared than ever.

For some this may mean bravely going back out in the world after winter. For others, we declare creative goals, start new projects, take control of our lives, and reestablish our sense of individuality. From an energetic perspective, Aries individuals experience the world through this lens of reality all year long. This will manifest in many different ways for the Aries, of course, because the soul lesson here is about individuation. However, amongst the many differences, what we can be certain of with Aries is this one uniting truththe desire to grow, expand, and create new life.

FIRE

Each astrological sign is paired with one of the four elements: Fire-Earth-Air-Water. The elements appear in this order, and the pattern continues in this sequence throughout the astrological journey. When observing this pattern, notice how the element of fire initiates.

Aries, as the first sign of the astrological journey, is then, of course, not only a Fire sign but also the first Fire sign. Fire signs include: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. These three vibrant signs all exude a warmth, spark for life, and independence. Like fire itself, Fire signs tend to be uplifting and remind us that this human experience is sacred and worth living. Imagine a slow-steady warm fire in a chimney. Perhaps one in a cozy living room that you would curl up next to with a book. Connect to the times when candles are lit. This might be when setting the mood at dinner or in the bedroom. This reflects the deep desires of Aries (and other Fire signs) to experience passion and romance. Candles are often lit during holidays and birthdays to celebrate and commemorate an initiation into a new phase of life. Aries (and other Fire signs) evoke the spirit of gratitude and celebration. We also light candles during ceremonies or vigils to memorialize someones life. Thus, theres also a deeper, reverent side to the faithful flame.

However, fire can also be fickle, reckless, and even temperamental. A single spark can set off an entire forest fire, and if we arent paying attention we might get burned. If youve ever tried to start a fire you might recall it takes focus and patience to get the flame to light. And once lit, the need for fuel is imperative in order to keep the fire burning. It is so important for Aries, and other Fire signs, to be fed emotionally, mentally, socially, and spirituality. Oftentimes we will look to fire to lead the way, like a torch in a nighttime forest, but their lives need substance and fuel in order to sustain. Fire signs need to be nurtured and managed carefully, although they may not admit it. Its important to feed Aries with loving encouragement and praise and to offer them new opportunities for adventure and expression. Since Fire signs hold such capacity to charge others with new life and vitality, they need to be reminded to slow down.

If Aries takes on too much, which they do all too often, Aries, just like fire, is subject to burning out. Fire signs, although invigorating and full of life, may also swing into bouts of low energy, hopelessness, and depression. Whats important for fire is to not fight the tendency to rest and recover. Just think about the times when you do make a fire. For instance, during summer vacation nights for bonfires and smores. We enjoy each others company, share stories and songs. This reflects Fires social, extroverted, and creative side. But of course the fire does not last all night long. Before too long we put the fire out. This represents Fires deep need to withdraw. Fire, as outward and energetic as it appears, is the one element that we interact with in spurts and moments in time. Fire cannot be sustained by always burning. It is so important to rest and to have time off. For even when the fire burns out completely, it harnesses the unique ability to regenerate its power from the ashes and start anew, all within a matter of seconds.