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Astrologers can be instrumental in changing this outdated view.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 Equinox
Aries 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
