Aries Energy and the Mother of Pop Astrology

A Deep Dive into Aries Traits and the Legacy of Linda Goodman

I don’t think I could write an article about Aries energy without mentioning Linda Goodman. In case you're not familiar with her, she wrote Sun Signs in 1968, a book that sold over 60 million copies. When it came to bringing astrology to the masses, Linda was a pioneer, which is a trait closely associated with Aries. She set the trend. Suddenly, ordinary people were interested in their own Sun signs as well as those of others. She took what was once an obscure practice and made it mainstream.

Now, I’m not saying Linda’s books are the best astrology books out there, but she made astrology accessible. Her writing was energetic, and for many people like myself, Sun Signs was the first astrology book I ever read.

I was in the fourth grade when I caught chickenpox. At the same time, my sister, who has an Aries Sun, Saturn, North Node, and Mars, came down with Scarlet Fever, a rare bacterial infection that seems fitting for Aries energy. Per the doctor’s orders, my mother separated us. We lived in a small townhouse, and I normally shared a bedroom with my sister on the top floor. But for that week, I stayed downstairs, away from my books, toys, and personal items. I camped out on the recliner in our living room, next to the bookcase filled with encyclopedias and my parents' books. Bored, I noticed Sun Signs with its bright blue cover and decided to give it a read.

Even at a young age, I found Linda’s writing engaging and fast-paced. Linda was an Aries Sun with an Aries rising, and after her death, it was revealed that she also had Venus in Aries and Chiron on her Ascendant. Her sentences were short, expressive, and straight to the point, which is exactly what you’d expect from an Aries. Though her Mercury was in Taurus and retrograde, it was her Sun’s energy that dominated her writing style.

Little did I know that book would influence my life for decades. As the only water sign in a house full of fire, Sun Signs helped me understand my parents and my sister. Even though it was a simple book, some of its insights still rattle in the back of my brain. It doesn’t surprise me that it took an Aries to bring astrology into the mainstream. After all, Aries is about action and being the first out of the gate. They tend to be the starters.

So, let's roll up our sleeves and talk about the key aspects of Aries energy. Ruled by Mars, Aries energy is spontaneous, action-oriented, energetic, and impulsive. Known as the infant of astrology, some may assume Aries is not independent, but nothing could be further from the truth. The infancy label is misleading. At its core, Aries energy is innocent and assertive. If Aries energy were personified, it would say, “Hey there! Look at me! I am here, and I am excited to be alive!” You just cannot deny the enthusiasm that radiates from this type of energy.

On a personal level, Aries energy can be tempered by other placements in the chart. This article focuses on Aries energy in its purest form. Yes, you will meet Aries Sun individuals who are reserved, but even the most timid will stand up for themselves when push comes to shove. It is this desire for autonomy that fuels Aries energy. It is like a mad dash escaping from the womb and embracing the excitement of life.

Aries the Ram

A ram is a male sheep, so you may wonder why we do not simply call it Aries the sheep. Depending on the species, female sheep may or may not have horns, and if they do, they are quite small. Male sheep, on the other hand, have long, thick, and often curved horns that form an impressive helmet. Rams are also larger and heavier than their female counterparts.

So why is this important when it comes to Aries?

Rams have a natural level of aggression, often linked to their mating behavior, especially during breeding season. Interestingly, the breeding season for sheep is called a rut, which is ironic because nothing frustrates an Aries more than feeling stuck in a rut. Aries fights for recognition just as a ram fights for dominance. If you have ever argued with someone with strong Aries placements, you know what it feels like to butt heads rather than have a simple discussion. This behavior mirrors rams perfectly, which is likely why ancient civilizations associated them with those born in the spring.

Sheep are generally docile, but at times, a person with strong Aries energy may appear as gentle as a lamb. Do not let that fool you. There is a soft, innocent beauty to Aries energy, but even the gentlest Aries

Mars, the Ruler of Aries

It can be difficult to distinguish between the planet Mars and the zodiac sign Aries. It is easy to assign the same traits to both, but there are key differences.

Though both are associated with action and energy, which is why Mars is the natural ruler of Aries, Mars is more closely linked to aggressiveness, courage, passion, force, and competitiveness. Mars does not just initiate; it has the capacity to apply its energy over the long term.

Aries is also spontaneous and initiating, but it can be naive or primarily focused on the self. While it is ardent and capable of leadership, it is not necessarily skilled at finishing what it starts or following through. Aries energy is the spark, whereas Mars energy is the fuel that sustains the fire.

Aries energy is like the first few flames when you light a fire. You are not sure whether the fire will catch and provide warmth, but if it builds and lasts, you see the endurance and drive of Mars at work.

Aries, the First Sign

In tropical astrology, Aries marks the beginning of the zodiac year, aligning with the spring equinox. This period represents new beginnings, freshness, and innocence. Walking through the woods in early spring, you are likely to see young squirrels and rabbits, embodying the energy of renewal and vitality.

Although Aries is associated with leadership, there is an inherent innocence to this sign, and at times, it can be quite naive. Aries energy thrives in the moment, often acting before considering the consequences. As a cardinal sign, Aries initiates. When given a structured and strategic plan, Aries energy is capable of following it. However, when left to its own devices, its zest for life can sometimes lead to precarious situations.

Aries rarely wants to hear the “why nots” and would rather dive headfirst into new relationships, business ventures, or experiences. Aries energy examines the surface, makes a quick decision, and jumps in. Of course, few people have such an intense amount of Aries influence that they completely lack discernment. However, at its core, Aries energy is driven by belief. Sometimes, that sheer confidence is enough to turn risky situations into success. Other times, it leads to missteps, as I will explore later.

Though we often think of Aries traits in a simplistic manner, such as being active, direct, spontaneous, and self-assertive, no energy exists in isolation. Understanding how Aries interacts with other placements in a birth chart is crucial. With that in mind, exploring the woman who led a movement of self-discovery through astrology not only gives us a greater understanding of Aries energy but also lifts the veil on a bestselling author. This foundational understanding of Aries energy helps us see why Linda Goodman’s influence was significant.

The Double Aries: Linda Goodman

I have no clue why I keep thinking of Linda Goodman. I no longer own any of her books. The last one I read was Star Signs, which my mother bought for me in the late 1980s. That book was not primarily about astrology. Instead, it was a hodgepodge of New Age and metaphysical topics, including numerology, colors, lexicons, health and money routines, and astrology that focused mostly on Sun signs. She explored placements, aspects, and even referenced transits in her 1998 book Relationship Signs, but for the most part, Linda’s writing was accessible rather than complex. At times, it was also unorthodox and naive.

With that said, looking at her birth chart and life events provides insight into both the positive traits of Aries and the ways Aries energy can go astray. Linda passed away in 1995 at the age of 70 due to complications from diabetes. As I examine her chart, I want to emphasize that I have respect for her. Bringing astrology into the mainstream in the late 1960s and 1970s was no small feat. While astrology and astrologers were active, their books and magazines were not bestsellers or prominently displayed at grocery store checkouts. For better or worse, Linda Goodman is undoubtedly the “mother of pop astrology.”

Linda was born on April 9, 1925, at 6:05 AM in Morgantown, West Virginia, according to her birth certificate, which was made public after her death by Frank C. Clifford. She never released her full birth chart publicly, only stating that she was a double Aries.

Aries Sun Conjunct the Ascendant (AC) and Venus, Opposing the Moon in Libra, Trine to Neptune in Leo, and Square to Jupiter in Capricorn

It is no wonder that Linda closely identified with her Sun sign and emphasized this placement above all others. With her Sun conjunct her Ascendant, she had little choice but to be her authentic self. What you saw was what you got when it came to Linda. The Sun’s conjunction with Venus suggests that self-expression through creativity and relationships was a driving force in her life. From what I have read, she had many friendships.

Being born on a Full Moon, she was naturally drawn to use her energy toward her life’s work. You often see leaders born under a Full Moon. This opposition is also reflected in her desire to keep her birth information private, despite being a public figure in the world of astrology.

People born on a Full Moon, especially those with a first-house/seventh-house polarity like Linda’s, often experience challenges in relationships. This aspect highlights the need to balance self-identity with close partnerships. She was married twice and had other romantic relationships.

With her Sun trine Neptune, she was driven by a strong spiritual purpose and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the world. This aspect can indicate an idealistic streak, particularly in relationships.

With the Sun square Jupiter, things tended to work out for her, and some may have credited her success to luck.

Aries Venus Conjunct the Sun and AC, Square to Jupiter in Capricorn and the Midheaven (MC), Trine to Neptune in Leo, and Square to Pluto in Cancer

With Venus conjunct her Ascendant, Linda was naturally likable and tended to form positive relationships. Even after her death, forums dedicated to her work remain active, with many people praising her contributions.

However, with Venus square Jupiter, there is documented evidence that she had a tendency toward extravagant spending. She was known for shopping sprees and giving away large amounts of money. By the end of her life, she was reportedly penniless.

Venus square the Midheaven generally indicates a strong personal presence in public life. This aspect suggests the ability to compromise or stand firm when necessary. However, it can also indicate a degree of self-involvement. I recall reading Star Signs, where she stated that Aries was the best Sun sign of all. That was a bold claim, and her reasoning did not seem entirely sound, most likely stemming from her strong identification with being an Aries Sun.

Linda’s daughter disappeared in the early 1970s, and authorities concluded that she had taken her own life based on prior attempts and a note she left behind. However, the idealism of Venus square the Midheaven likely made it difficult for Linda to accept this conclusion. She continued searching for her daughter for over twenty years.

With Venus trine Neptune, Linda had a deep capacity for spiritual love, but this also contributed to her tendency toward self-delusion. With Venus square Pluto, she likely experienced intense, transformative relationships and may have felt that her romantic connections were destined. However, as mentioned earlier, some of these beliefs may have been based on illusion.

Taurus Mercury in Retrograde

With Linda’s Mercury in her second house, in the sign of Taurus and in retrograde, her beliefs and values played a central role in her writing. Though she wrote only a handful of books, she often took her time between publications. For instance, she began writing Gooberz in 1967, but it was not published until 1989.

Mars in Gemini, Sextile Her North Node in Leo

Mars in her third house, in the sign of Gemini, reflects her career as a writer. With Mars conjunct her North Node, creative expressions may not have been the most comfortable endeavor for her, but it was something she needed to pursue for personal growth.

Jupiter Square Her Ascendant and Libra Moon, Sextile Uranus

With Jupiter in her tenth house in the sign of Capricorn, it is no surprise that she achieved success in her career. Jupiter square her Ascendant helped her rise in popularity through the influence of others. However, this aspect was a double-edged sword. While it brought mainstream recognition, serious astrologers often downplayed her significance or criticized her expertise.

With Jupiter sextile Uranus, it is no wonder that Linda struggled with money. Even though she made millions, she spent just as quickly as she earned. Her beliefs also influenced her financial decisions. She was drawn to new and unconventional ideas, regardless of how unusual they might seem to her audience.

With Jupiter square her Moon, her writings often focused on reincarnation, karma, love, and miracles, especially in relation to intimate relationships. At times, she may have come across as self-righteous, and her views were sometimes more emotionally driven than based on detached analysis.

Scorpio Saturn Square Her North Node, Sextile Her Midheaven (MC), and Trine Pluto in Cancer

With Saturn sextile her Midheaven, this is yet another aspect that supported her success. It may also explain her reluctance to release her birth information to the public. This is an excellent aspect for working independently, which aligns with a writing career. I once read that when she first became interested in astrology at age 18, she would spend up to 20 hours a day taking notes as she read stacks of astrology books.

Saturn square her North Node suggests she likely encountered some challenges with publishers. Her writing, while personal and engaging, was not highly polished. However, due to her success, she may have been able to say, These are my results, and publishers likely conceded, knowing that her reputation outweighed any concerns about her writing style.

With Saturn trine Pluto, Linda had a deep ability to explore her inner self and bring that insight into her creative work. Two of her books were poetic in nature, reflecting this influence. She explored the depths of the psyche, which some felt tarnished her credibility, while others considered her writing transformative.

Other Significant Placements

With Linda’s North Node in the fifth house in the sign of Leo, creativity was her greatest asset. Her books were not technical or academic. Instead, she used poetry, storytelling, and a fast-paced, relatable style that helped her sell millions of copies. Even the most serious astrology practitioners know of Linda Goodman, whether they admire her work or not.

I also found it fascinating that Linda had four Behenian fixed stars in her birth chart. It is no surprise that karma and past lives were recurring themes in her writing, as fixed stars are often associated with “starseed” origins in metaphysical circles. Whether or not one entertains the idea of existing on other star systems, fixed stars naturally add extra significance to planetary placements.

Linda had the fixed star Aldebaran conjunct Mars. Sirius was conjunct her Imum Coeli (IC), Lilith, and Pluto. Spica and Arcturus surrounded her Moon. Perhaps this strong fixed star influence is why some of her writing seemed completely “out there,” particularly in Star Signs, where she covered highly esoteric topics.

Final Thoughts

I hope that examining the complexities of Linda Goodman encourages you to look beyond just your Sun sign. Aries energy tends to take information and run with it, often without deep analysis. While this instinct can be invaluable in reactionary situations, life is not just about quick responses and impulses.

In her later years, Linda became a recluse, refusing to follow medical advice for her diabetes. She lost a toe and eventually had her leg amputated. Though she was creative and talented, able to tap into a world that eludes many, she struggled with the practical aspects of life, particularly money management, health, aging, and mortality.

On the bright side, as a self-proclaimed “double Aries,” she took the initiative to write, create, love, and pioneer astrology and metaphysical concepts for the public. She was either beloved or criticized, but there is no doubt that she was one of the most influential figures in bringing astrology into the mainstream. Her ability to take astrology from the shadows into the mainstream is a true testament to Aries energy; fearless, trailblazing, and unafraid to lead where others hesitate.

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Explore Your Chart Further

When I analyzed Linda Goodman’s birth chart, I didn’t just look at her planetary placements. I focused on the aspects, the lines in the center of the chart that reveal the dynamic relationships between planets. These aspects tell the story of how energy flows within a chart, highlighting strengths, challenges, and the unique patterns that shape a person’s life.

If you’re curious about how aspects influence your own chart and want to dive deeper into your personal astrology, a one-on-one reading can provide clarity and insight. Book a session with me at GrandTrineAstrology.com to explore the hidden connections in your chart and what the astrological energy has in store for you.

Would you like to learn how to read your own chart but don’t know where to start? My seven-week interactive course will help you build a strong foundation in astrology, covering planetary placements, aspects, and transits. By the end, you will be able to interpret the lines in the center of a chart with confidence. Learn more and enroll here: How to Read Your Own Birth Chart.

If you like the charts I use, you can create your own with LUNA Astrology. This web-based astrology software works on any device and allows you to store charts, add transit bi-wheels, and easily move transits forward for deeper analysis. You can also add asteroids and fixed stars for a deeper interpretation. Save 10% by signing up through this link: LUNA Astrology.