The Origin Story of Aries

Mar 11

Aries Season: March 21 – April 19
Element: Fire
Modality: Cardinal
Ruling Planet: Mars
Symbol: The Ram

1. Historical Background

Babylonian Origins: The Aries constellation was first recorded by the Babylonians, who called it The Agrarian Worker or The Hired Man. It marked the time of year for planting crops, linking it directly to the agricultural calendar.
Greek Influence: The Greeks adopted the constellation into their zodiac system, replacing the agricultural symbol with the image of a ram, inspired by mythology.
Start of the Zodiac: In Western astrology, Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, starting at the spring equinox—the point in the year when day and night are equal. Ancient astrologers used this as the “first point” to begin the astrological year.

Phrixus and Helle: In Greek mythology, Phrixus and his sister Helle were in danger due to a plot by their stepmother. Their mother, the cloud nymph Nephele, sent a magical ram with golden fleece and wings to save them.
The Rescue: The ram carried the siblings through the sky. Helle fell into the sea (later named the Hellespont), but Phrixus survived and reached the land of Colchis.
The Sacrifice: Phrixus sacrificed the ram to Zeus in gratitude. Zeus placed the ram’s image among the stars as the constellation Aries.
The Golden Fleece: The ram’s fleece later became the prize sought by Jason and the Argonauts in another famous Greek myth.

Spring Equinox Connection: In ancient times, the Sun entered Aries at the spring equinox, symbolizing renewal and new beginnings.
Precession of the Equinoxes: Due to the Earth’s axial shift over thousands of years, the Sun now enters Pisces at the equinox, but Aries retains its symbolic role as the starting point of the zodiac.

Initiation Energy: Aries represents beginnings, action, and forward movement.
The Ram: The ram symbolizes courage, determination, and leadership—traits drawn from both its mythological role and its placement at the head of the zodiac cycle.
Cultural Impact: Today, Aries season is often seen as a time for fresh starts and taking initiative, both in astrology and in seasonal living.

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