Aries is the first sign of the zodiac (March 21 to April 20), and its mascot is the Ram. As a fire sign ruled by the planet Mars, Aries (called Mesha in Vedic astrology) energy is individualistic, bold, and brave.

Here, we're diving into Aries' personality traits and how they apply in love, career, and more.

As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries folks like to initiate and dive headfirst (like a Ram) into whatever it is they're passionate about.

This is partly due to their planetary ruler, Mars. As the planet of desire, action, war, and heat, Mars is responsible for lots of the traits we associate with our Aries friends.

As a Cardinal fire sign, Aries also likes to be on the move and travels a zillion miles an hour. It can be hard to keep up with an impassioned and empowered Aries.

Think about the amount of boldness, risk, confidence, and sheer energy and life force it takes to start any kind of project or phase in life. That's all Aries.

The Aries archetype is also about the passion and innocence of youth. As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries leaps in horns-first and asks questions about it later. This fiery Aries energy can be inspiring, energetic, ferocious—and a little intimidating.

Learn more about what 2023 has in store for Aries in our annual astrology forecast.

One word: burnout. The Aries fire blazes fierce and bright, but it's fast fuel that needs to be fanned, fed, and nurtured. Remember to slow down, listen to your body, and know that you don't have to do everything with lightning-quick speed, Aries!

Mars, Aries' planetary ruler, is always in conversation with Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and art. A helpful hint for Aries is to sink into this Venusian energy once in a while and remember that leisure, beauty, and sensuality are just as important as speed, passion, and winning.

The adage, "Think before you speak; look before you leap," is a helpful reminder for ultrapowerful Aries energy. Like the ram butting its head up against the wall, Aries too can get caught in frustrating cycles of negativity.

Relax, slow down, and think about what you really want to say and do before acting.

Remember that sometimes, simply being can be a kind of action, Aries.

RELATED: What To Know For Aries Season 2023, From An Astrologer

Our Aries friends need to feel the heat in the bedroom with any potential or long-term partner. After all, for Aries, passionate sex is a form of creative expression.

Aries' ruler planet Mars is about heat, drama, and intensity. This means that the Aries energy craves excitement over romance, passion over harmony. 

Since Aries are so independent, they usually need a partner who will allow them to be their boldest, most fiery selves. Aries/Mars energy is also fiercely protective of loved ones and is all about advocating for those they care about.

In short: You really want an Aries on your team, whether as a friend or a partner.

One thing to note is that all of this Mars energy can sometimes lead to a "my way or the highway' attitude, making compromise an area of growth in many Aries relationships. 

If you want an up-front friend to tell it like it is, look no further than your closest Aries comrade, as they'll have no problem giving you their two-cents.

They're also great friends to have if you're looking for excitement and adventure. They are quite spontaneous, so just make sure you're ready to go and can keep up with their non-stop energy.

These people make friends easily, though it's not uncommon for them to lose touch or bounce around friend groups, as they like to keep things interesting and experience new things.

Even if you two have the occasional spat (Aries can have a bit of a temper), they can also get over it easily as they're typically loyal and value their friendships. They do, however, expect that loyalty to be returned to them.

As in love and romance, independence is a keyword for Aries in matters of career and money. Aries folks aren't known for taking orders well, preferring to be their own bosses.

Aries can also make excellent leaders. Heading up a team of people, they encourage risk-taking, pioneering vision, and fearlessness.

An ideal career for this sign is anything that allows them to use their fiery fuel to fight for a cause they believe in and/or something that involves athleticism or physicality. (Mars is bodily and likes to move.)

Aries is equally well-suited to freelancing or independent contracting, as the DIY life fits the sign's autonomous temperament.

The challenge for Aries is staying committed. This fire sign loves to start projects but not necessarily finish them. Over the course of their careers, Aries folks will need to figure out what truly makes their inner light shine and how they can best keep it burning.

There are no absolutes when it comes to astrological compatibility, and Aries can make it work with anyone who shares their passionate energy. That being said, Aries typically craves partners and friends who will appreciate their indie nature and who also have full, busy lives of their own.

Generally, the most compatible signs for Aries for friendship and romantic relationships are: Libra (sometimes, opposites attract), Sagittarius, and Leo (fellow fire signs will speak their same passionate language).

Aries is the fierce individualist of the zodiac. This fiery ram can teach all of us how to be our boldest, most independent selves.