To encapsulate the energy of Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, I fused imagery from the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck with traditional astrological symbols. I intentionally implemented elements of the Tower and the Emperor because of the direct association with Mars and Aries respectively. I used the skull of the ram in reference to the first sign's bodily rulership and animal authority. The color palette is primarily red to represent vitality and Aries' nature as a fire sign. I included imagery of the honeysuckle because it is one of Aries' birth flowers. The lively presence of the flower and the honey bee are meant to juxtapose the destruction and death of a tower moment. The first tarot card ever pulled for me was the Tower. At the time, I was sixteen or seventeen and I laughed at the prospect of my own misfortune, "Of course, I would get that card." I now realize that the tower card is easy to misunderstand or misread. With destruction comes great power because there is opportunity for restoration and limitless potential for growth. When you hit rock bottom, the only place to go is up. As a mars-ruled individual, I smile at the tower because, to me, it embraces the downfall of paradigms rooted in hierarchy. In the tower's collapse, I see the ashes of a phoenix waiting for rebirth. Dimensions: 5" by 7" Material: Standard 14pt matte cardstock
