ARIES
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Emergence / Direction / Attainment / Reflection / Self-Confidence / Proficiency
I am an original, unique idea bursting into the world; challenges delight me as I accomplish each of my goals |
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Before the emergence of duality – Creator and Creation – there was no need to distinguish this from that, me from you. In fact, of course it was meaningless because there was only One. Then, as the circle of diversity unfolds from out of the void, its first realization is that Identity must now exist. Aries is identity; Aries is first. Its assertiveness demands that it is in front, since without the first thing, there is nothing, and it is the job of Aries to start everything off. Since it comes into greater definition as it creatively establishes differences, its fundamental purpose is not to harmonize or merge, but to challenge and contradict. The violent eruptions and kneejerk impulse to attack are explained by the very imperative to survive as the very first being.
However, this defiant spirit soon learns that aggression and contrariness alone will never establish clarity of identity and the added dimension of direction is required so that a dynamic tendency becomes ever present. This creates a process of trial-and-error by which the super-abundant energy of emergent life-force is set in constant action. It shows as pioneering impulsiveness, a ‘do or die' approach, adventurous enthusiasm and courage, even fearlessness. Course directions change frequently and quickly – no problem for one with such vitality – according to feedback from both outer experiences and inner signals. The combination of high energy, constant change, readiness to start something new, and the longing to know the uniqueness of personal identity leads to the attainment of wisdom. This is not traditional wisdom but the wisdom of rebirth – greeting every new moment with a freshness of approach. Sufis invoke this with the term Bismillah, which affirms a willingness to become a receptacle for the ever-renewed expression of light in each new instant throughout eternity. The Ram, as the Lamb of God, is a sign of resurrection. The focus of attention is always centred internally, truly wrapped up in the existence and qualities of ‘I’. Nevertheless there is a profound awareness of ‘other’ too – occasionally even accepting a role as moral champion of the oppressed. It may often take the form of competition, or attempts to overpower yet, for all that, it is substantively reflective. Paradoxically perhaps, relationship is the essence of individuality. To be individual, one must be different – and that requires someone to be different from. The purpose of association is by no means limited to finding harmony and surrendering towards unification. It also serves to identify differences, since any failure to achieve, arising because of the resistance of another, will give pause, and from this arises self-reflection. The struggle to exist, and the struggle to be individual, are the same, and acted out in the processes of involvements. As each new battle is survived, as each new connection is assimilated without loss of identity, something profoundly important develops. It is the faith that we actually exist as a worthy aspect of the whole. We may err on the side of over-expression of self, yet the goal is pure and valid. Self-confidence is a sacred celebration of divine blessing, which grows through interaction with another. Instead of seeking to be with others, reflectively to identify the self, we can reach up alone to the Source of inspiration, and receive the rewards of those who trust their own inner voice. Uncanny awareness of the subtle shifts in situations, coupled with a speed of intuitive response to opportunity, empowers Aries to create entirely new realities with unfettered confidence, catalyzing the emergence of new forms, new ideas, and new experiences.
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