Aries (Mesha)
Aries (Mesha) is the first sign of the zodiac, a movable fire sign ruled by Mars and symbolised by the ram. It stands for courage, initiative, energy and new beginnings.
Also known as: mesh rashi, mesha rashi
Mesha opens the zodiac, and its natives tend to lead from the front: direct, energetic, competitive and quick to act. Like the ram, Aries charges ahead; it is at its best starting things, defending others and meeting challenges head-on. Patience and follow-through are its lessons.
In the body of Kalapurusha, the cosmic person, Aries is the head. The Sun is exalted here, most of all at 10°, and Saturn is debilitated at 20°; the first 12° are Mars’s moolatrikona. Ashwini, Bharani and the first pada of Krittika fall in Aries.
As an ascendant or Moon sign, Aries gives a frank, enterprising nature that warms to independence and fresh starts. The Sun enters sidereal Aries at Mesha Sankranti, around 14 April, which marks the New Year in many Indian regional calendars, from Vaisakhi to Vishu and Puthandu.