What Are the Personality Traits of an Aries? A Complete Guide to the Zodiac Sign

Here’s everything to know about the mid-March to mid-April star sign, according to astrologers

Aries season, which begins in mid-March and ends in mid-April, marks the beginning of the astrological calendar and aligns with the spring equinox.

This placement gives way to some of Aries’ best-known qualities, such as being energetic, natural-born leaders and highly motivated.

Astrologer and best-selling author Lisa Stardust says that because they are the first sign of the astrological calendar, Aries are “known for their boldness, adventurous spirit, passion and confidence.”

New York-based astrologer and author Alice Bell points out that the 2024 Aries season is particularly special because there will be a total solar eclipse on April 8.

“The fact that Aries has an eclipse taking place in their sign this year means that they can expect significant life changes to occur in the coming months, whether that’s at work, in a relationship, at home or with their overall sense of identity,” she tells PEOPLE.

Stardust says that Aries should view this season as an opportunity to “realign themselves with their values and aspirations.”

“This is a pivotal time for Aries because it enables them to rekindle their passion that may have been subdued during the winter season,” she adds.

From personality traits to compatibility, here is everything to know about the Aries zodiac sign.

What are the Aries dates?

Aries season usually spans from March 21 to April 19. In 2024, Stardust notes that Aries season “will occur from March 19 to April 19 because it's a leap year, and we have an extra day in 2024.”

The astrologer adds that Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and aligns with the spring equinox, which, this year, is on March 19.

What are the key personality traits of an Aries?

Bell says that Aries are natural leaders and tend to be proactive.

“They don’t like to sit around and plan, they would much rather be jumping headfirst into new experiences,” she explains. "They can be very upfront and direct, and they’re also skilled at initiating and bringing enthusiasm and high energy to new projects.”

Bell and Stardust note that Aries’ energetic personality can be negatively misconstrued as aggression or impulsiveness.

“However, it is their perseverance, self-reliance, vigor and zeal that propel them to great heights, as they possess an unbridled enthusiasm and fierce determination for everything they do,” Stardust adds.

Which zodiac signs are most compatible with Aries?

Stardust and Bell agree that Aries tend to get along best with fellow fire signs Leo and Sagittarius as well as air signs Aquarius and Gemini.

“They have a similar way of looking at the world, and they too are more up for experimenting and taking risks,” Bell explains. “These signs tend to be more outgoing and social like Aries as well.”

Related: What Are Air Signs? Everything to Know About Gemini, Libra and Aquarius

Stardust points out that Aries can get along with the third air sign, Libra, under certain circumstances.

“The compatibility between Aries and Libra, another air sign, depends on whether Aries is receptive to slowing down and listening to Libra, who emphasizes the importance of finding balance in life,” she says.

In relationships, Stardust says Aries are known for being passionate and taking initiative.

“They enjoy pursuing others, making them feel in control of matters, but it's important for them to step back and let others reciprocate those feelings,” she explains. “By doing all the work, it can be refreshing to have someone do it for them.”

Which zodiac signs are least compatible with Aries?

Aries may struggle to form strong connections with Virgo, Pisces, Taurus and Capricorn.

Bell points out that Aries may be too impulsive and chaotic for the strategic and plan-loving Virgo, and too blunt for emotionally-sensitive Pisces. The spontaneity of Aries may also clash with Taurus’ desire to stick to a routine.

“Taurus can be stubborn and very set in their own ways, and once they find a routine they like, they don’t really see the point in changing it,” Bell explains. “They may not appreciate Aries’ desire to shake things up and always be embarking on a new adventure.”

Stardust also points to Capricorn as a potential foe of Aries.

“Capricorn and Aries may struggle to get along because of their tendency to clash, especially at work and on their way to achieving success,” she says. “As both are cardinal signs [signs that begin at equinoxes or solstices] and initiators of two opposing seasons, Aries can be more hot-headed, while Capricorn can be more level-headed, leading to lukewarm feelings between them.”

How does Aries season affect Aries?

Aries season is a chance for those with the star sign to reassess their priorities and focus on their goals for the future.

“It’s their birthday season, so it’s their personal new year,” says Bell. “During Aries season, they may find that they’re having a shift in mindset and priorities headed into the next 12 months. More major life events may cluster around this time of year for them.”

Related: All About March's Full Moon and What It Means for Your Zodiac Sign

Stardust adds that during the 2024 Aries season, there will be both a lunar eclipse and total solar eclipse, known as the Great American Eclipse.

“On March 25, the lunar eclipse will prompt us to reevaluate our relationships and partnerships,” she explains. “The solar eclipse on April 8 will give us an opportunity to prioritize our needs and desires and steer toward happiness.”

Stardust also points out that Mercury will be in retrograde in Aries from April 1 to 25, “which could lead to confusion, travel problems, miscommunications and technical difficulties.”

“As long as one practices kindness, mindfulness and meditation, and carefully considers what they want to say to their loved ones and the world, everything should be alright,” she advises. “However, it is important to be more concise and effective in communicating one's thoughts and emotions during this time.”

Which celebrities are Aries?

Some of the most well-known Aries celebrities are Lady Gaga, Pedro Pascal and Robert Downey Jr.

“A common theme across these Aries celebrities is that they are trailblazers in their respective fields,” says Bell. “They’re willing to take risks and pivot within their work when they feel the urge to do so, such as Lady Gaga being so daring with her fashion choices, and also moving from music into acting. Meanwhile, Robert Downey Jr. has become known for his very Aries-like superhero roles in action-packed movies like Iron Man or The Avengers.”

Pascal, who has proved himself an acting powerhouse with roles like Joel in HBO’s The Last of Us, referred to his star sign as “the best and the worst.”

“We don’t do in-between,” he said in a 2023 interview with MTV.

Other celebrity Aries include Victoria Beckham, Sarah Jessica Parker, Reese Witherspoon, Emma Watson, Mariah Carey and Elton John.

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