Aries and the Masculine in Astrology
by Stephanie Clement
Stephanie Jean Clement, Ph,D., has been a professional astrologer since 1974. Her work includes writing books and text for astrological interpretations, as well as editing books and other materials. She lives in Florida with her husband, two dogs, and a cat. See her books at Amazon.com. Purchase her Saturn's Promise interpretation report here.When beginning astrologers discover that the signs are defined as masculine or feminine in quality, they encounter a paradox which sets the tone for all future study. The fire and air signs, we are told, are masculine, positive, expressive, etc., while the earth and water signs are feminine, negative, and receptive. Contemporary usage of these terms causes confusion, and may stigmatize the potential expression of each sign as "good" or "bad," positive or negative.
The creative expression of Aries has been portrayed as the energy of the pioneer, the goal setter, the Mars type human being. The go-getters in our culture are encouraged to push their way to success, to the exclusion of any soft feminine expression of the first sign. The single-minded, incisive qualities are applauded in our culture, while the broad-minded, inclusive approach is misunderstood as vagueness or non-directedness.Such a one-sided view of Aries energy leads to one-sided development for individuals, focused as it is on a specific set of qualities which deny wholeness of being. Astrologers can be instrumental in changing this outdated view.
A more generic definition of the sign of Aries reveals the dynamic growth potential of a seed as a metaphor for personal development. The seed grows in two directions - the shoot reaching upward to the air and light (fire) while the roots reach downward to earth and water. The seed prospers only when all four elements are present, just as the psyche grows best in a balanced environment.
Spring EquinoxAries is the first sign of the zodiac, placed at the vernal equinox. It represents the time of year when the seed germinates, when the Sun moves toward the Northern Hemisphere and begins the annual growth cycle. Aries includes both an image of all the potential for life within the seed, and the inspiration and spontaneity of the entire life cycle.
Aries is expressive in the sense that it represents reaching out to all that is new and healthful. It does not discriminate in this process. Like the sprouted seed, it grows both upward and downward. As unique beings we repeat this process from birth. We continually reach upward toward the spiritual and downward into the depths of the psyche. We reach outward to others for sustenance and we also reach inward to the Self. Movement in opposite directions leads us to wholeness, a wholeness that is seen in the fulfilled growth of the seed as a mature tree. We know that the roots of a healthy tree extend as far as the visible portion of the plant, and their structure is surprisingly like the branches; at the same time we are aware that the function of the root is vastly different, drawing life from the earth and water while the leaves draw life from the air and sun.
Each of us draws the fullest measure of life when we are aware of both masculine and feminine energies at work within us. The work of discovering these energies and learning to use them fully is our life's goal; astrology is but one model for us to follow in determining our unique expression of the masculine and feminine.
Beginning from the seed of the natal chart, we have a tool to explore our outer and inner potential to become whole. We take our cue from the seed. We seek outward into the world and at the same time explore our hidden being in the depths of the psyche. We find the best of both the masculine and feminine uniquely represented in this sign. Instead of distinguishing Aries as either masculine or feminine, we can choose to perceive the fullness of a particular archetype - the archetype of beginning. Aries symbolizes the unfolding of all our energies, then. We can see this energy as a starting point for human enterprise, embodying the promise of the entire life cycle. This unfolding is not masculine or feminine in its essence, but rather can be seen as a process.
This article first appeared in Today's Astrologer, the bulletin of the American Federation of Astrologers.
Reprinted with permission from Stephanie Clement.
See also: The Aricentric (Mars-Centered) Chart
Stephanie Clement is a professional astrologer and has a Ph.D. in Transpersonal Psychology. Her published works include Charting Your Career, Power of the Midheaven, and Charting Your Spiritual Path with Astrology.
