The twelve signs of the Zodiac represent twelve different characters, sort of like roles in a play. They can be described as archetypes, models into which human personality traits tend to group. Plato had theories about mental ideas - or forms - that were imprinted in the human mind before birth.
The psychoanalyst C. G. Jung picked up the idea and developed his own meaning to the word. He stated that there are fixed numbers of models or types that we all share without necessarily having been taught them. They're part of what he called our collective unconscious and influence how we look at reality and what we expect from it. He also meant that we should see these archetypes as inner clues as to how we can grow into self-realization.
The twelve signs of the Zodiac can be seen as a system of archetypes, making a complete world of sorts. We will be looking at the twelve signs and using each archetype to help manifest that particular energy in our own lives. Notice also that the shifting of the seasons as the sun travels through the Zodiac tells us a lot about the characteristics and energy of each signs. We begin at the beginning with Aries
Aries is the cardinal fire sign, ruled by Mars and bursting out at the Spring Equinox, when nature boldly renews itself. The Spring Equinox is defined as the first day of Aries. The Western Tropical zodiac is based on the natural cycle of the seasonal turning points and their developmental stages.
Aries is the archetype of heroic action. It is the natural component within us all that calls for us to overcome challenges through courage, initiative, and leadership. Destiny welcomes initiative and free will. It is our greatest gift if used correctly. The word courage comes from the root “cour” which means heart, center, or core.
Aries and Mars symbolize the quest to express individuality, to assert willpower, and to create vitality for initiating new cycles of experience. It symbolizes beginnings and the state of beginner’s mind that is characterized by natural innocence and explosive power.
Bold Aries inspires you to take initiative in the field of life experience that it is shining into in your chart. That house where Aries resides is where you need to be a source of encouragement, leadership, energy, and heroism. The same goes for the house that contains Mars, the planet that governs Aries. It is in these realms that you can lead others out of darkness into light.
When your Aries energy is misdirected it can be heavily destructive in its explosion of selfhood. In shadow, Aries becomes a crude warlord of strength and power, oblivious to the needs and concerns of other people. Learn to overcome the shadow through expressing the opposite sign Libra, gaining diplomacy, justice, and social grace.
The key is to practice putting your ideas and dreams into action through utilizing your energy, focusing your will, making sacrifices, setting goals, and taking healthy risks. Don’t be afraid to start a new venture.