Aries in Esoteric Astrology

Aries at the Personality Level

Aries is the cosmic point of beginning, where spirit first touches matter with pure, undirected force -- exoterically ruled by Mars. Its personality keynote captures the unregenerate Arian impulse -- will plunging into incarnation, seeking a new vehicle for its energy.

Aries at the Soul Level

Aries is esoterically ruled by Mercury. Aries's Labor of Hercules is the Capture of the Mares of Diomedes -- taming the wild, man-eating mares of thought, bred through wrong thought and wrong speech, so the mind can be brought under conscious control at the very start of the Path. As with all twelve Labors, this is Hercules's own work.

Mercury itself carries Ray 4 -- see the Seven Rays explained for what each Ray means. Read the full myth behind this Labor: The Labors of Hercules.

Aries at the Hierarchical Level

Aries is hierarchically ruled by Uranus. At this level, Aries's initiating force operates beyond the personal -- the same impulse to begin a new cycle, but directed toward beginning something for the group or the unfolding Plan rather than for the individual life alone.

Learn more about how these three rulership systems relate: Esoteric Rulerships Explained.

Adjacent signs: Pisces · Taurus