Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Some people wait for the starting gun. Aries is already halfway down the track. As the first sign of the zodiac and a fire sign ruled by Mars, Aries is linked with courage, energy and a love of new beginnings.
Aries tends to say what they mean and go after what they want. They're the friend who suggests the road trip at midnight and has the car packed by morning. Behind the bold front is an honest heart and a deep loyalty to the people they love.
Born between March 21 and April 19? Here's what your Sun sign says about you, and why it's only the first chapter of your story.
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Basics
- Dates: March 21 - April 19
- Element: Fire, shared with Leo and Sagittarius. Fire signs are linked with passion, energy and courage.
- Modality: Cardinal. The starters of the zodiac, quick to take the first step.
- Ruler: Mars, linked with drive, action and courage.
- Symbol: The Ram
- Place in the zodiac: The first sign
Strengths
- Brave. Aries is often the first to try, speak up or step in when others hesitate.
- Honest. You rarely have to guess where you stand with an Aries.
- Energetic. Aries brings a spark that gets plans moving and people excited.
- A born leader. Aries likes to go first and isn't afraid to take charge.
- Loyal. An Aries friend will stand up for you without being asked.
Challenges
Every sign has a shadow side, and for Aries it usually comes from moving fast.
- Impatient. Waiting is not an Aries skill. Slow lines and slow replies can test them.
- Impulsive. Aries may leap before looking, then figure out the landing on the way down.
- Quick temper. Aries can flare up fast, though they usually cool down just as quickly and don't hold on to it.
The good news: when Aries pairs that courage with a little patience, there's very little they can't start.
In love
In romance, Aries is passionate and direct. If an Aries likes you, you'll probably know. They enjoy the thrill of the chase, spontaneous dates and a partner who can keep up. What they want is excitement and honesty. What trips them up is boredom and a habit of rushing ahead before the other person is ready.
Traditional astrology often pairs Aries with fellow fire signs Leo and Sagittarius, and with air signs Gemini and Aquarius. Real relationships are about people, not only charts, so take any compatibility list lightly.
As a friend, Aries is loyal and protective, the one who says "let's go" and means right now. Life is rarely dull with an Aries around.
At work
At work, Aries is a self-starter who likes a challenge and a clear goal. Aries often enjoys roles with action and independence: starting new projects, sports and coaching, sales, emergency response, entrepreneurship, or anything with a finish line to race toward. They bring drive and quick decisions. The growth edge is following through after the exciting start and listening before acting. Give an Aries a mission and some freedom, and they'll run with it.
Fun facts
- Aries season starts around the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, when the zodiac year begins again.
- Aries' color is red, and its traditional birthstone is the diamond.
- As the first sign, Aries is often called the baby of the zodiac: eager, fearless and new to everything.
- The Ram's symbol, a pair of curved horns, is one of the oldest and simplest glyphs in astrology.
Why your full chart says more than your Sun sign
Your Sun sign shows the core of who you are, but it's one piece of a much bigger picture. Two Aries can feel completely different, because the rest of the sky was in a different place when each of them was born.
Your Moon sign speaks to your emotional side: what comforts you and how you react when life gets real. Your Rising sign shapes your first impression and how you meet the world. An Aries with a gentle water Moon may be far more sensitive than their bold first impression suggests.
Your Rising sign and houses need an exact birth time. If you don't know yours, choose "unknown" and we'll make you a Solar chart instead. We never guess a birth time.
Watch: Aries explained
Our host walks through Aries' personality, strengths, challenges, love life and work style in one episode.
Get your full birth chart
Your Sun sign is the headline. Your birth chart is the whole story. Enter your birth date, place and time (or choose "unknown"), and Nova Charts will put together a personal reading about you, not just Aries in general.
- Launch price $3.99, was $9.99.Full chart · needs birth timeBuy Full chart $3.99Give as a gift
- Launch price $0.99, was $3.99.Solar chart · no birth time neededBuy Solar chart $0.99Give as a gift
Nova Charts Zodiac Card Book
All 12 signs in one keepsake, with a card for every sign, Aries included. A fun gift for the stargazer in your life.
Aries FAQ
What are the main Aries personality traits?
Aries is usually described as brave, honest, energetic and a natural leader. The flip side can be impatience, impulsiveness and a quick temper.
What are the Aries dates?
Aries season runs from about March 21 to April 19. The exact day the Sun enters and leaves Aries can shift by a day from year to year, so if you were born on March 20 or March 21, or on April 19 or April 20, a birth chart will tell you for sure.
Which signs are most compatible with Aries?
Traditional astrology often pairs Aries with fellow fire signs Leo and Sagittarius, and with air signs Gemini and Aquarius. Compatibility lists are a starting point for fun. Real relationships depend on the people in them.
What is Aries like at work?
Aries tends to enjoy fast-moving, independent work with clear goals. Many thrive starting new projects, competing or leading, and they do best when they have room to act.
What's the difference between my Sun sign and my birth chart?
Your Sun sign is based on your birth date alone. A birth chart also uses your birth place and time to place the Moon, the planets, your Rising sign and your houses. That's why it feels much more personal than a Sun-sign description.
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