The astrological symbol of The Ram appeared first in Ancient Egypt where it alternated with a goose's head as the symbol for Aries. Over time, the designation of The Ram to represent this particular constellation was finally decided upon by early practitioners of astrology, who probably judged that it best represented the classic Arien personality.

Zodiac Origins

Traditionally, Aries is the Zodiacal constellation between Pisces and Taurus, and the first sign of the Zodiac. For the ancients, the Zodiac cycle begins on the vernal equinox, the first day of Spring, as it moved into Aries, the sign of the Ram (Over the centuries the sky that the ancients observed 'shifted' because of the Earth's irregular revolution on its axis as it revolved around the Sun. The fixed constellations that the Zodiac signs are named after, have moved slowly backward in the sky, a phenomenon called the 'precession of the equinoxes'. In astrological terms, however, the integrity of the signs remains unaltered. In this regard, Carl G Jung wrote that all of us, being born at a given moment and a given place, are invested for life with the qualities of our time and birth.) The greatest challenge for Ariens is to harness their instinctual impulsive energies, traits also suggested by the symbol of The Ram. An awareness of the astrological influences on these energies at particular times can help you to build the self-discipline that will best direct you into the adventurous, dynamic and creative activities that are most fulfilling for you.

The symbol of The Ram is also associated with ancient Greek mythology. The Greeks took their mythology into the skies by identifying constellations with their gods and heroes. The best known story in this regard is Jason's quest for the golden fleece, presented by Apollonius Rhodius in his Argonautica, an epic in four books. The story was old before Apollonius wrote down his famous version around the 3rd Century BC, and was doubtless an oral tradition even centuries before Homer made mention of it in The Odyssey (Book X11) in the 9th Century BC. There are many versions of how the golden ram, offspring of the sea god Poseidon, and mortal Theophane, lost its golden fleece, which was hung in the temple of Ares and guarded by a dragon, until it was finally retrieved by Jason and his Argonauts who bore it home to Hellas enabling him to claim the country for his own.