March Aries vs. April Aries: Here’s the One Key Difference (& the Third Type That’s Harder to Pin Down)

We don’t need to tell you that astrology is complicated. There are many layers to this ancient art of observation and interpretation that go so much deeper than horoscopes or clichés about your sun sign (though yes, we always want to know more about Aries compatibility and scope out our best and worst matches). But did you know that each sign can actually be broken down into three distinct types?

The phenomenon that shows up in memes as March Aries vs. April Aries (or October Scorpios vs. November Scorpios, etc.) can be attributed to the decans, which are ten-degree intervals of the zodiac or ten-day periods of the year. Decans have been used in magical, spiritual and astrological work throughout history—as far back as the 3rd millennium BCE! But how do they show up in our everyday life? Why are some Aries personalities pure adrenaline and others like to hide their fiery side? Let’s explore the three Aries types.

Aries 1 people (who commonly get meme’d as the “March Aries”) are hot, fiery balls of classic Aries energy. Aries is a cardinal fire sign ruled by Mars—the action planet—and those born in the first third of the sign are double ruled by Mars. Aries 1s are always literally or metaphorically (though usually literally) running up that hill. This is the pop star Aries, the unfiltered opinion Aries and the wild child always making a scene Aries. This Aries doesn’t stop until they win. Think Lady Gaga in the Born This Way era pushing through injuries to give her all at every show. These are the relentless fighters who can’t be stopped and won’t be tamed.

Famous Aries 1s: Aretha Franklin, Sarah Jessica Parker, Keira Knightley, Mariah Carey, Diana Ross, Fergie, Lady Gaga, Reese Witherspoon, Elton John, Reba McEntire, Chaka Khan 

Aries 2 people (who are meme’d as “April Aries”) are still fighters but are celebrated as fearless leaders. The second decan of Aries is ruled by the sun, which in ancient astrological speak translates simply to: the King. The sun—our life force and ego—is exalted (or treated as an honored guest at a fancy hotel) in Aries. That’s why most rams never suffer from a lack of confidence, but these Aries take it to a new level. They instantly become the CEO of any project or situation. These are the Aries who burn bright and leave their mark by being inconceivably (and almost annoyingly) excellent at whatever they do. Think Heath Ledger as the Joker or how you still have “Happy” by Pharrell Williams stuck in your head seven years later. This Aries type makes being simultaneously a wide-eyed kid and the only adult in the room seem natural and effortless. They’re who you want to follow.

Famous Aries 2s: Maya Angelou, Tracy Chapman, Marlon Brando, Heath Ledger, Pharrell Williams, Al Gore, Celine Dion, Cynthia Nixon, Leighton Meester, Marvin Gaye, Emmylou Harris

The third Aries type is left out of the March vs. April Aries discourse. Aries 3 is much harder to pin down into a viral tweet. This decan is ruled by sweet Venus, the planet of love, which has a harder time expressing itself in Aries. When it comes to romance, Aries are not exactly known for being subtle, and Aries 3s are who really toe the line between cute and brash. Though these Aries are not aggressive status seekers like the other types, don’t think they’re just treading water. These Aries are intrepid artists—reserved but always plotting something. They’re hungry for knowledge and play the long game. Think Emma Watson removing herself from the Harry Potter whirlpool to become a laidback student at Brown. This is the flirtatious Aries, the prankster Aries, the wink to the camera Aries. Just be warned: No one is safe from being the subject of one of their thought-provoking practical jokes. It’s all for the art—and the thrill!

Famous Aries 3s: Emma Watson, Adrien Brody, Haley Joel Osment, Kate Hudson, Akon, Lou Bega, Tim Curry, Emma Thompson, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Seth Rogen, James Franco

Jaime Wright is an astrologer based in New York. You can follow her on Instagram @jaimeallycewright or subscribe to her newsletter.