ARIES the Sign & its Symbols.

THE SIGN
The main ruling planet of Aries is Mars, named after the god of war. Mars indicates energy and instinctiveness. Aries is the cardinal, male fire sign of the zodiac whose positive traits indicate leadership qualities, energy, a belief in others and openness, while more challenging traits include intolerance, impulsiveness and poor judge of character.

THE SYMBOLS
The astrological symbol for Aries is represented by a single line dividing into 2 curved lines at the top. This represents a simple drawing of a ram's head. Certain herbs, spices, flowers, trees, shrubs, gemstones, metals and animals have long been associated with particular signs of the zodiac.
Several plants, for example, have lucky connections with Aries and, it is said, they are most effective when picked on a day that is influenced by their ruling planet. These include nettle, used as a hair tonic to prevent baldness as well as nettle tea to ease rheumatism; poppy, whose seeds mixed with olive oil and honey can be used to calm a fretful horse; lilies, said to have sprung from drops of blood that fell from the Greek goddess Hera. Lilies were also used in Elizabethan times as a treatment for fever and lily roots mixed in a cream were used for cleaning burns and sores. Gemstones linked to Aries include the ruby and the diamond. The ruby is associated with royalty and the power of life and death, it is believed to prevent loss of blood and strengthen the heart. The diamond comes from the Greek word ‘adamas’ meaning unbreakable or indomitable. It is also said to have the power to render poisons harmless and drive away night spirits and evil dreams. Additional gemstones include aquamarine, a favourite good luck charm of sailors the world over.

THE ARIES NEEDLEPOINT DESIGN
Motifs have been selected from all the different astrological aspects of Aries and include: the large ram’s head representing Aries the Ram itself. In the top corners of the border is the Aries symbol and the lower corners have flames indicating it is a fire sign. The symbol for the ruling planet Mars and the number one, representing the first house of the Zodiac, are combined and sit under the ram’s head. On the right hand side of the cushion the two gemstones most closely associated with Aries are depicted, a diamond and a ruby. Below these a Tiger Lily, the lily representing the plant world. The Arien colours red, pink and black are shown in the background of the cushion and on the border’s shadow.

KEY WORDS
Energetic
Honest
Open
Creative
Assertive
Daring

To further personalise your needlepoint cushion, add your chosen name and date of birth to the outer border, along with one or two of the Aries characteristics. On the chart, the borders have been left plain ready for you to draw in your own lettering, as preferred. Instructions and alphabets have been supplied or alternatively you can use lettering of your own choice.