10 Aries Personality Traits That Best Describe the First Sign of the Zodiac
Aries has a strong, passionate personality that plays a key role in which signs it is most and least compatible with. "The sun is exalted in Aries, meaning these people are blessed with certain qualities necessary to be leaders and innovators," says astrologer Emma Toynbee. "They represent all that is newly born, are movers and shakers, lead-role actors, agents of change, individual and unique, pioneers, inventors, innovators, strong competitors, and fierce warriors." Granted, a common shadow trait of Aries is that they tend to exhibit some strong "me-first" energy, which can be exhausting. But in general, Aries are people to look to for leading the charge in a positive light.
"[Aries] are all that is newly born, are movers and shakers, lead-role actors, agents of change, individual and unique, pioneers, inventors, innovators, strong competitors, and fierce warriors." —astrologer Emma Toynbee
And whether you're an Aries warrior yourself, or you're simply curious about how Aries personality traits may factor into cultivating the fiery, highly successful profiles common to the first sign of the zodiac, it's worth knowing more.
Below, two astrologers outline 10 characteristics true to this fire sign.
10 Aries personality traits, for the self-starter of the zodiac wheel
1. As people who like being first, Aries are known to have a pioneering spirit
You know how on Instagram, the first person to comment on a post sometimes feels the need to rush in with "FIRST"? As if that weren't clear by indeed being the first commenter? Well, that, friends, is a big Aries mood spotted in the wild. "They are the ones who arrive first and so they thrive in the winner-takes-all digital era," Toynbee says of Aries people, who like to be first and let you know it.
Think about it this way: As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries marks the beginning of the astrological year, and according to its dates, the sign also marks the beginning of spring. It's also one of the four cardinal signs, which carry lots of can-do, are-doing-it, and it's-done energy in their own right. Is that enough evidence that it's in an Aries' astrological makeup to value being leader of the pack and first in line? Thought so.
Plainly stated, if you're an Aries, there's a strong chance it's in your nature to be a fearless adventurer in action, spirit, thought, or all of the above. Maybe you had the first kiss within your friend group, or you were the first to move out of town—and thrive.
2. Aries are often ambitious
It's not always enough for you to be first; you also have to be the best. If Aries energy runs through your blood, it probably lends itself to a drive and ambition to be the absolute best in whatever field you operate. Furthermore, with Mars as your planetary ruler, you're especially adept at trailblazing in positions like management, software, and C-suite roles.
3. Aries may be, um, a bit ruthless when it comes to conquest
While we're noting the significance of Mars to Aries, let's remember that in Greek mythology, Ares is the god of war. As such, the dark side of an Aries' sense of ambition can be construed as angling for results beyond success, or achievement as just a factor along the quest for dominance. This desire to win—in a holistic sense—can paint you as being exceedingly aggressive about getting what you want. And, um, yes—that also includes making sure you get what you want in the bedroom.
Tl;dr: Some may feel you're a bit too competitive for your own good.
4. Aries places an emphasis on independence and individuality
It’s important to Aries that they’re able to express themselves, which might mean that they own their uniqueness 24/7. “They’re so courageous and brave and aren’t in their heads about who they are,” says astrologer and social worker Monisha Holmes, MSW. “A lot of them allow themselves permission to just be in charge and live their lives to the fullest.”
5. They may have an inclination toward self-centering
Aries rams are known for following their head, not their heart. So when you're climbing your way up the career ladder (or any other ladder in life you can find), it may slip your attention to consider the people you're stepping on to get to the top. If you're an Aries, it might be wise to pause for a moment before you crush relationships under the weight of your personal goals and ambitions.
6. The fire that fuels Aries makes them fearless individuals who get. things. done.
Those ruled by Aries don't fear the future or delay trying fresh and innovative things (as opposed to their cosmic neighbor Taurus, who take their sweet time doing anything at all). Because of this can-do attitude they possess, it's easy to admire and look up to an Aries, despite any less-than-savory characteristics they might present. Yes, they may push their way to the top, cutting anyone in line in their way they can, but their constant successes are undeniably impressive.
7. They're ready to action their plans—on their timeline
When it comes to getting what you want, Aries, you're not afraid to do whatever it takes—no matter what.
"These people don't like queueing or being stuck in the back or behind. They will often find a way to push to the front," says Toynbee.
8. Aries may step away from the spotlight sometimes
Even though Aries loves to be unique and independent, Holmes says this sign knows that they live in a society that may not always appreciate those traits. That self-awareness means Aries can also be a bit reserved when they feel like they need to be.
“They can be a bit shy to actually share the details of their life,” says Holmes, adding that Aries may bend their energy how they think it’ll best fit the situation.
9. Some Aries might see themselves as invincible
And that's the case, for better or for worse. “They might have a little apprehension, but if they really want to do something, they’ll go out and do it,” says Holmes. While that can be great in a number of applications, it won't always serve the ram. “[Aries] don't really hone in on the failure of how something could go—like, they will take the risk if they want to take the risk,” she adds.
10. Aries might not be strongly empathic
“They can be compassionate, but I think sometimes they can get caught in their own reality bubble and don't necessarily recognize where someone else could be coming from.”
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