Aries - Fire at the Threshold

Aries - Fire at the Threshold

Aries is the beginning - the spark that lights the journey. It is the first sign of the zodiac and it carries the fire of new life, of initiation and of raw willpower. Aries is ruled by Mars, the red planet of action and desire and governs the head, face and brain; the front line of the body where instinct meets experience. Here we find boldness, drive and courage. Here too we find heat, inflammation and urgency. The Aries constitution is energetic and direct, but can burn out or flare up quickly.

As herbalists, we see Aries not just as a personality type, but also as a blueprint that lives in all of us. We all carry the impulse to begin, to fight for something, to stand tall in our truth. When this impulse is healthy, we feel vital, confident and full of life, however when it is out of balance, we may feel overheated, agitated or burnt out. Our head may ache, our tempers may fray and our energy may spike and then collapse.

The Body in Aries Territory

Aries rules the head, the crown and the face, the brain and the upper jaw. We often see Mars-type symptoms here, headaches, sinus congestion, red or irritated skin, hot flushes, tension in the jaw or scalp. The mind can be sharp, fast and reactive. The nervous system, if not supported, can become overstimulated and frayed. The eyes, as fiery organs, are also under Mars’ domain.

This is a region of initiation. The head leads the body forward, just as Aries leads the zodiac. When there is too much fire in this zone, we may experience inflammation or pain. When there is not enough, we may feel foggy, apathetic or stuck.

Understanding Aries Constitutionally

Those with strong Aries in their chart; sun, moon or rising, often have an inherently warm and dry constitution. They can be physically energetic, mentally quick and emotionally intense. They often excel when they are allowed to move fast, take initiative and act decisively. But they may suffer when forced to wait, when things feel stuck, or when others block their path.

Mars gives strength, courage and motivation. But it also brings impatience and reactivity. We may see inflammatory skin conditions, hormonal imbalance, high blood pressure, migraines or digestive heat. Aries types often benefit from herbs that cool, calm and support the liver, as well as those that help anchor the nervous system.