Out Astrology: Aries Season Celebrates Transformation

The Sun is in the final stretch of Aries and, judging by the yellow pollen layered over everything, spring has officially sprung. It’s the season of resurrection: trees bloom, flowers rise, and we shed our wintry coverings for something lighter.

Aries is the first sign — or the first-born, if you will — and represents the active, outward expression of the life force. Its creative power is rendered in a Y-looking symbol that looks curiously like a womb and ovaries. As the womb is the site of human creation, so the spring too is the period of nature’s own fertility — all pun intended. ’Tis the season to sow the seeds whose fruits we may reap come the warmer months ahead.

In the world’s mythologies, the deities of spring were largely female in representation, like the pre-Germanic Ostara, from which the name Easter derives. Legend has it that Ostara turned a bird into a hare and, in gratitude, the hare lays colorful eggs at the time of her eponymous celebrations, which symbolize resurrection — because of course.

Aries the zodiacal ram is unrelated to Ares the Greek god of war, although the beginning of Aries does occur in March, named for Mars (the Roman version of Ares) who is the planetary ruler of Aries. Notably, March is also International Women’s Month.

Why, then, were the ancient goddesses of spring sacrificed for Easter as we now know it?

The answer likely exists somewhere amidst the inevitable rubble of the patriarchy. Perhaps you’d even find it in a heated debate in which anyone sensible would argue that trans women are women in the end, and exclusionary politics are zombie vestiges of said patriarchy and euro-centric supremacy.

Anyone can experience rebirth, regardless of gender, and being a woman doesn’t require that you have a uterus or use it, either.

When reading personal horoscopes, read your Sun sign for the “big picture” and your rising sign for “where the work is.”

ARIES / ARIES RISING

March 21 – April 19

Anything that you’ve been putting off because it’s “too hard” is now fair game. Make the effort and receive the reward. Mars and Mercury are lighting a fire under your bum so you better werk.

TAURUS / TAURUS RISING

April 20 – May 20

Take some well-earned time alone this week while taking care not to neglect your duties as a friend or as a romantic partner. Venus’s angle to serious Saturn makes you a duty-bound lover. No need to let anyone down, including yourself, so don’t stop until everyone is satisfied.

GEMINI / GEMINI RISING

May 21 – June 20

You may have been delaying certain duties because they were too much to bear. Too bad. Mercury and Mars are your boot camp instructors this week and they say it’s time to get up and get moving.

CANCER / CANCER RISING

June 21 – July 22

You’ll be moving mountains this week as the Moon moves through Capricorn. Once it reaches Aquarius, you’ll find yourself in sweet solitude atop the highest peaks of your efforts. Drink it all in because it’s only downhill from here.

LEO / LEO RISING

July 23 – Aug. 22

With your sunny ruler connecting with lucky Jupiter this week, make sure you make the most of good fortune and good attitude. Even in dark times, there is always a light to lead you on.

VIRGO / VIRGO RISING

Aug. 23 – Sept. 22

Time to get back on your feet and into the saddle. You’ve resisted your weightier responsibilities for long enough and nobody needs to carry that extra emotional weight. You’ve been through enough.

LIBRA / LIBRA RISING

Sept. 23 – Oct. 22

You may have to seek a balance this week between some overdue alone time and the delicious adoration of others. Make the effort in both cases if you want a reward on either end.

SCORPIO / SCORPIO RISING

Oct. 23 – Nov. 21

It’s okay to skimp on dealing with bigger deals but you’re fresh out of excuses. The sun is shining and there’s hay to make before you get to roll sweetly in it with your latest victim, er, I mean lover.

SAGITTARIUS / SAGITTARIUS RISING

Nov. 22 – Dec. 21

You better save some of those good feels for later because Jupiter’s connection with the Sun won’t last forever. Want to extend your good luck? Try a positive attitude on for size.

CAPRICORN / CAPRICORN RISING

Dec. 22 – Jan. 19

You’d never admit it, of course, but you need your alone time as much as anybody else. Taking time for yourself doesn’t mean you’re neglecting them. Thinking of recharging your batteries so you can continue to make others squirm.

AQUARIUS / AQUARIUS RISING

Jan. 20 – Feb. 18

You’re no stranger to isolating yourself socially for the sake of your sanity, so keep on keeping on. Those who matter won’t mind and those who do mind aren’t invited to your parties anyway.

PISCES / PISCES RISING

Feb. 19 – March 20

Be sure to tuck some luck away for a rainy day because the connection of Jupiter and the Sun won’t last forever. Remember: good fortune is a state of mind that grows the more you share it.