Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, representing those born approximately between March 21 and April 19. In astrology, it is said that Aries rules over a certain period of life. So what age does the sign of Aries rule over?
Aries Rules Childhood and Adolescence
Astrologers associate Aries with the first stage of life – childhood and adolescence. This is because Aries energy is centered around independence, initiative, and identity formation – all qualities that emerge and develop during the early years.
Childhood is a time of innocence, playfulness, curiosity, and imagination. Similarly, Aries is known for being energetic, enthusiastic, impulsive, and eager for new experiences. Just as children love to explore, learn, and assert their independence, Aries energy propels us to be active, brave, and assert our sense of self.
As we grow into our teens, the adolescent stage is focused on developing identity, gaining freedom, testing limits, and dealing with intense emotions. Aries perfectly encapsulates the rebellious, fiery spirit of the teen years. Teens seek independence from parents, take risks, follow impulses, and forge their own path – all Aries traits.
Additionally, the teenage years are often full of passion, crushes, drama, competition, and learning experiences – areas also associated with the cardinal fire sign. Aries energy is prominent during adolescence as we shape our identities and gain confidence.
Aries Keywords Describe Youth and Adolescence
When we look at keywords associated with Aries energy, it becomes even clearer how they connect to childhood and the teen years:
- Spontaneous
- Impulsive
- Competitive
- Courageous
- Energetic
- Independent
- Impatient
- Enthusiastic
- Acts on instinct
- Adventurous
All of these traits shape the experience of growing up. Children and teens tend to be spontaneous, energetic, competitive, impatient, and eager for adventure. They act on instinct and impulse as they learn about boundaries. Gaining independence and a sense of self are also hallmarks of adolescence that align with Aries.
Aries Rules Ages 0-20
Based on its energetic and impulsive nature, astrologers designate Aries as governing childhood and the transition into adulthood, approximately ages 0-20.
The very beginning of life from 0-3 falls under Aries domain. Babies and toddlers are discovering the world for the first time, acting on impulse, and asserting their independence through learning to walk and talk. The “Terrible Twos” are an epitome of Aries energy – tantrums, defiance, and turbulence.
As we grow into children around ages 3-12, Aries qualities continue to be prominent. The school years are filled with physical activity, curiosity, competitiveness, and developing social skills and self-identity. There is also natural rebelliousness against authority.
The teen years from 13-19 fully encompass the fiery adolescent spirit embodied by Aries. Teens are learning about who they are, taking risks, exploring relationships, and seeking freedom and excitement while also dealing with mood swings and intensity of emotions.
By the time one reaches 18-20 years old, they are moving from adolescent to young adult. The end of the Aries cycle marks a transition into greater maturity and responsiblity as adulthood begins.
Aries Astrological Significance in Youth
Beyond its connection to childhood traits, Aries holds astrological significance as the first zodiac sign, associated with birth, new beginnings, and youthful energy.
First Zodiac Sign
Aries kicks off the zodiac wheel as the very first sign, ruling from the Spring Equinox when day and night are equal in length. After the “death” and dormancy of winter, Aries represents rebirth, renewal, and new growth – just as childhood represents the blossoming of a new life.
As the initiator of the zodiac, Aries energy provides the spark to start things off and plant seeds for the future. Similarly, childhood experiences shape our development and plant the seeds for adulthood.
Alignment with Birth and Springtime
Aries season begins during the spring, a time of blossoming, fertility, and youthful energy emerging after winter. This astrological alignment between the first zodiac sign and spring symbolizes the connection between Aries and childhood – it is the springtime of life.
Spring also represents birth within the seasonal cycle. Aries aligns with this sense of birthing new life as it governs the earliest years of infancy and babyhood.
Mars Rulership
Aries is ruled by Mars, the planet associated with energy, courage, aggression, and drive. Mars Rulership reinforces Aries’ correlation with passion, physicality, competition, and impulsiveness – traits that shape childhood and teenage years.
As the God of War, Mars also represents fighting or defending oneself – abilities developed in youth to deal with challenges like bullying and learn about protecting oneself. The boldness and inner warrior of Aries reflect the developing self-identity of youth.
Aries Personality Aligns with Youthful Traits
Beyond astrological significance, the common personality traits and characteristics of Aries natives also clearly align with qualities seen in childhood and adolescence.
High Energy
Aries is known for being full of energy, hyperactivity, and even impulsivity. This mirrors the high energy, nonstop movement, and short attention spans of most children. Few signs can keep up with the lively verve of Aries, much like few adults can match a child’s energy.
Curiosity and Exploration
Ruled by Mars, Aries courageous spirit compels them to eagerly explore their environment. As children, our curiosity similarly leads us to constantly touch, examine, ask questions, and immerse ourselves in new information and experiences.
Acting on Impulse
Aries is known to leap before looking, often acting on impulse rather than carefully thinking things through. In childhood, we also act spontaneously and impulsively, following our whims. Careful reasoning and restraint come later in maturity.
Competitiveness and Ego
Aries love to be number one and have a strong sense of ego and self-importance. Similar competitiveness and ego arise in youth as we establish our sense of self and learn about winning and losing in social environments and games.
Independence Seeking
As the first sign, Aries value independence, daring to stand apart as their own person. Teens exhibit the same rebellious independent streak as they break from parents and form their own identity.
Short Temper and Moodiness
Aries are known for quick tempers, aggressive outbursts, and mood swings – similar to the emotional volatility, tantrums, and drama of adolescence. The fire sign’s passions burn hot then cold.
Bold and Daring
The Aries brave heart makes them bold risk-takers and daredevils, often unwilling to back down from a challenge. Kids and teens similarly leap into experiences, take daring risks, and test their boundaries and fears.
The Planet Mars and Youthful Traits
As the ruler of Aries, Mars amplifies the connection between Aries and youth through its influence. Mars energy manifests child and teen-like traits in those strongly under its sway. Let’s look at how Mars reinforces youthful characteristics:
High Physical Energy
Named after the God of War, Mars rules our physical vitality, aggression, and fighting spirit – amplifying the youthful energy of Aries. Children often express Mars through constant sports, roughhousing, and hyperactivity.
Anger and Temper
Mars can fuel outbursts of anger, temper tantrums, and aggressive impulses – similar to Aries volatility and childish meltdowns.
Competition and Battles of Will
The planet Mars ignites our urge to compete, win, and dominate. Children and teens learn through competitions and battles of will, shaped by Mars.
Initiative and Daring
The boldness of Mars gives courage, initiative, and daring. Youngsters test limits and take risks thanks to their Martian courage before reason and fear hold them back.
Impulsiveness
Mars fuels impetuousness and impatient urges for immediate gratification and action – seen in Aries behavior and children’s inability to delay desires.
The House and Sign Placement of Mars
Beyond Aries itself, the placement of one’s natal Mars also shapes how strongly youthful traits come through in personality. Those with Mars in fire or cardinal signs tend to exhibit more “Aries” characteristics.
Similarly, Mars in angular houses 1, 4, 7 and 10 suggests a stronger, more dominant expression of Mars energy. For example, Mars in the 1st house or Aries would increase childlike attributes.
On the other hand, a weakened Mars (by sign or house) may reflect a more passive, fearful, or overly controlled expression of youthful Mars qualities.
Aries in Childhood Shapes Personality
While Aries energy is strongest in our development from childhood through adolescence, it continues to shape personality later in life.
Those born under Aries carry its impatient, bold, competitive, and defensive traits throughout adulthood. An Aries child learns by leaping into experiences, taking initiative, asserting themselves, and following impulses. These patterns can persist, for better or worse, even after Aries ages out of its prime window.
We all carry our childhoods within us, and the sign Aries reveals itself most nakedly in youth continues to impact our psyche and nature. However, life experience adds nuance and restraint to the raw Aries fire and softens its rough edges over time.
The Ages and Stages of Aries Energy
While Aries most strongly governs the ages of 0-20 years, its influence is not absolute. Let’s examine how Aries energy manifests across the stages of life:
Babyhood (0-3 years)
Babies embody Aries discovery, independence, impulsiveness, and self-centeredness. They are learning about themselves and their environment through their senses and motions. Curiosity and physicality rule.
Childhood (3-12 years)
Independence, initiative, energy, and impatience reach new heights as children engage with the world. Competitiveness, egocentrism, and risk-taking grow as they test abilities and boundaries.
Adolescence (13-19 years)
Teens experience the peak of Aries defiance, rebellion, passion, volatility, and identity formation. They pull away from parents, follow impulses, take risks, and learn about respecting others.
Early Adulthood (20-35 years)
The fiery teen spirit evolves into adult confidence, direction, and purpose. Energy is channeled into career, relationships, and family. Independence manifests through financial self-sufficiency.
Midlife (36-55 years)
Aries courage helps confront challenges and reinvents life purpose. Impatience calms but drive remains. Maturity brings empathy and confidence tempered by experience.
Later Adulthood (56+ years)
Wisdom emerges from past lessons but Aries optimism persists. Energy is focused on enjoying life, volunteering, and mentoring youth. Aries individuality allows graceful aging.
Conclusion
In summary, astrologers designate Aries as governing approximately the first 20 years of life from childhood through adolescence. This rulership reflects Aries alignment with youthful traits like independence, initiative, high energy, daring, curiosity, impulsiveness, and moodiness.
As the first zodiac sign, Aries signifies new beginnings and births – connecting it to the start of life’s journey. Its ruling planet Mars amplifies active, competitive, and aggressive qualities that shape youth development. Aries lessons and experiences in childhood continue to inform personality in adulthood.
Yet Aries also evolves across the life cycle, gaining wisdom, perspective, patience, and compassion through the years while retaining its fiery optimism and courage. At all stages of life’s journey, Aries energy provides the motivation to keep embracing each moment as a new adventure.