The Secret Garden. Shin Hyun Ji Photographed By Kim Hee June For Elle Korea February 2017.

The Secret Garden. Shin Hyun Ji photographed by Kim Hee June for Elle Korea February 2017.

For Capricorn Moons

I understand how hard it is to let out your feelings. To feel confused and torn apart. One second you aren’t doing enough, the next you’re doing too much. It is as if you were never given the rule book that everyone else received on how to deal with emotions. And it scares you. It scares you because we like to do things right the first time. So we ask questions, we try to understand. But how do you understand something so intricate as emotions? That’s like understanding quantum physics as a baby. I may not have any tips for now, but I just wanted to say that whatever you’re doing works.  Your emotions are valid.

Aries Risings

Those who have received Aries on the Ascendant are always dressed up for combat. These people project themselves with great strength, and once you’ve met them you can instantly tell there is something rather commanding about them, because of how much desire and passion they put into everything they set themselves to do.

The way these people identify themselves as individuals is linked to the concept of Mars and also to the cardinal fire sign, Aries. This is someone with loads of overflowing fiery energy waiting to be consumed on some daring endeavour, so they may appear like they are always on the move. We would hardly find an Aries Rising resting, unoccupied or still. Their sheer presence may be felt by others as restless. Their walk may be perceived as agitated or stirring.

Because the element of fire is associated with the radiant sparks of life, this cardinal energy gives Aries Rising individuals a lot of vitality. Their bodies may be naturally strong and firm. Their presence may be compelling and assertive, exerting vigour and courage. Such is the way Aries Risings project themselves into the world — and it is, automatically, how they interpret events around them. Through their lenses, life resembles an open battlefield of constant and dynamic action, and they appear to participate actively in it like resolute warriors.

Lonely and independent warriors, one could say. There is so much impulse and boldness in Aries Risings that they are most often seen acting on their own. They are usually running way ahead of us. But it is important to note that this is a rather candid attitude. They may appear individualistic, but they sure wouldn’t mind followers on their journey, people to be on their side. The Aries Rising will lead because it is their instinct to get there first, before anyone else, not because it is their instinct to be private and lonely.

Whether so much fiery energy is used constructively or is rather a matter limited to presentation is usually best described by Mars’ conditions and placement within the natal chart:

Mars/1st house: the great initiator. Energy and drive are focused on the self: bold attitudes. Deals a lot with its own feelings, desires and needs. Their actions remind them how different and unique they are compared to those around them.

Mars/2nd house: a cautious soldier. This Mars needs to feel secure before applying all of its energy into something. Here the element of earth grounds the Aries Rising impulsiveness, toning it down.

Mars/3rd house: a curious soldier moving around excitedly. This Mars has an active mind. Energy is focused on communicating, rather than doing.

Mars/4th house: a hero fighting for (or against) their family. The Aries Rising characteristics are best felt by the family or when at home. Mars’ impulsiveness is focused on a sensitive realm. Anything related to the family will have enormous emotional impact.

Mars/5th house: a most beautiful warrior, wishing to be admired and noticed. This Mars loves having fun. Its impulses are focused on leadership. Giving love and feeling loved.

Mars/6th house: a watchful strategist. Mars’ drive is focused on practicality and analysis. There is a need to use Aries Rising energies to serve somebody else’s wants and needs. Attitudes are logical, systematic and well-thought.

Mars/7th house: a courteous hero. Mars is fighting for justice and is usually fighting other people’s fights. This individual’s identity is often linked to that of somebody else’s. Being competitive, polite and passionate is more than an instinct, it is a constructed social image.

Mars/8th house: a silent investigator. Mars’ energy here is focused on uncovering hidden truths. This Aries Rising seems to be tough, powerful and confident, as if they couldn’t be defeated, not even by Death. This Mars exerts dominance through obtaining information.

Mars/9th house: an idealist fighting for their beliefs, always in search for answers. This warrior is wise and sincere. Their courage is infused with the golden faith that emanates from their minds.

Mars/10th house: a determined champion moving forward like a giant tower. Few things can stop this Mars after it has decided to make a move. The energy is serious and grounded. An example of military discipline and honour.

Mars/11th house: an enlightened volunteer armed with roses, flags and concepts. Mars’ energy here is free, detached, and is focused on looking for solutions for humanity’s contemporary problems.

Mars/12th house: a delicate hero. Mars’ impulses are dissolved and diluted. There may be confusion regarding this Mars accomplishments. Impacts of this Mars’ attitudes are not felt immediately; things take time, but have beautiful results.

Heath Ledger photographed by Fabrizio Lipari, Perth, 1999.

Solange Knowles by Petra Collins for Glamour Magazine