“Burn Bright”
~ All fired up.
Personal essay by Debbie Abbott
Read time: 8 minutes
If you read my article from last year’s Aries issue of Dharma Direction, then you may remember me saying that I wasn’t expected to be a Taurus. No … my mother’s due date was closer to April 7th. Well within the season of the Ram. And while destiny may have had other astrological plans for me, the influence of Aries’ persona is strong in my soul.
As a Cardinal sign (rather than a Fixed or Mutable one), Rams lead off the astrological year with the spring equinox … generally around March 21st.
Regardless of your own sun sign, everyone can benefit from embracing the passionate, energetic, and determined energy of Aries. One way of tapping into the Ram’s reserves is by connecting with the ethereal energy of the angel who oversees this time from March 21-April 19: Malahidael.
Malahidael, Guardian Angel of Innovation and Motivation
Also known as the Angel of Courage, Malahidael can assist with ushering in the physical and mental stamina we all need to power through myriad situations. Whether they be family struggles, work-related projects, or our own internal tendencies to give up on something … just a moment too soon. This angel is ready to spark your flame.
I say the angel’s name like this: Mala-hi-day-el. But you can say it however you like. As I’ve mentioned before, my experience with the angels has taught me that they aren’t concerned with names and certainly hold no grudges against us for misspelling or mispronouncing an ancient moniker.
Connecting with Malahidael’s angelic energy is much easier when we’re surrounded by the higher vibrations of Aries’ element: Fire.
But the flame isn’t the only way to harness Fire energy. If you’re feeling in need of a mood boost from Guardian Angel Malahidael, I suggest …
Anything Orange: this power color resonates on a wavelength closer to that of the angels. Red and yellow also radiate excellent energy. Choose these fire colors for clothing and candles, along with orange-scented incense and lotion.
Fragrant Flowers, especially red roses which produce one of the highest energy vibrations of all flowers. Honeysuckle and orange/red tulips work well, too.
Gems such as Bloodstone (a crystal for motivation), Sardonyx (a stone of strength and protection), and Kyanite (used for spiritual healing).
BAM! Bold. Adventurous. Motivated.
Aries fellow-Fire signs include Leo (the Lion) and Sagittarius (the Centaur). All the Fire signs embody animals of determination and power.
Rams are confident and determined.
A Lion, as king of the jungle, will boldly defend its turf.
The Centaur (half horse/half man) was never one to be restrained.
Spend time with Fire-element friends or family when you’re in need of some adventurous, bold energy. The competitive and outgoing nature of all the Fire signs can do wonders for your own motivation. I highly recommend asking Malahidael to bless your boldness with joyful rewards, immediately thanking the angel with a salutation of gratitude (even before your request is answered, or not answered).
Then go out and have fun. Be spontaneous. An Aries won’t tolerate hanging around anyone, anything, or any place that makes them miserable. And neither should you. The Ram’s bold personality holds no regret about abandoning a bad time or a boring project. We could all use a little bit of that outlook instead of sacrificing our desires for the wants of others. Understand this kind souls:
Mistakenly being thought of as rude or inconsiderate— especially by someone we don’t know or aren’t regularly connected with—doesn’t have anything to do with the reality of our intentions or reflect negatively upon us as benevolent humans.
The Ram’s intent is to stop wasting life’s valuable time doing things, or being with people, who aren’t truly enriching their lives. Even in some very small way.
Igniting the soul and getting out of their comfort zone is how most Aries strive to live every day. When you’re feeling stuck in a rut, or trapped by life’s monotony, call upon Malahidael for some spontaneous energy. Being impulsive (within reason) feeds the energy inside us all.
5 Ways to Indulge your Inner Aries
The term self-care gets tossed around in so many different directions, it might be hard for some people to embrace its importance. However, the turmoil of our world trickles down into the disparity of our workplace and the fracturing of our families as well as the loss of something we all desperately need more of … inner peace.
So, I’ve put together a small list of Aries-inspired outlets to help all the sun signs remember:
We can’t take care of anyone else if we don’t take care of ourselves first.
To manage anger: Throw Darts (or Axes)
Ruled by the war god, Mars, Aries retains a deep affinity for sharp objects. Highly cathartic, aiming at a target and hurling at it with purpose and intention is a great way to clear the mind. To really enhance the effect, repeat a mantra or phrase before you toss the dart or hurl the axe. “This too shall pass” is a great one because rather than focusing on the cause of your anger, you’re focusing on releasing your anger.
To free your mind: Declutter (and Donate)
A home, car, or workspace that suffers from too much clutter can cause or exacerbate feelings of being trapped. Having space brings with it a sense of freedom that can actually allow you to breathe deeper because the visual weight of clutter can be soul crushing. When you have room to move and breathe, the lifeforce of chi within your body flows more freely … breaking up negative energy that wants to gather in your gut, chest, and mind.
To avoid burnout: Recuperate (Regularly)
My Aries-like energy burns the candle at both ends while rolling over hot coals. Whatever you call it, this kind of enthusiasm, work-ethic, or bad habit eventually reaches the point of burn out. Everyone’s been in that place when someone asks you for a favor at the worst time. Sometimes, you have to say No. And then take a bath, meditate, drink some ginger tea, or commune in silence with nature. Rest, then rest a little more. Remember that being an advocate for our own well-being isn’t an option if we desire a long, happy, and healthy life.
To satisfy competitiveness: Play Games (in Person)
Without an outlet to purge themselves of the need to excel, Aries can get quite cranky. Playing to win is the only way the Ram knows how to play. They thrill at the chance to prove their above-average ability when it comes to strategizing and achieving goals. Simple games won’t do the trick though … pull out the good old-fashioned board game formats like Monopoly or Clue.
To restore and refuel: Eat Breakfast (Mindfully)
Skipping the first meal might work for some folks, but starting off with proper fuel is essential for others. If you hit the ground running every day like the energetic Ram—Stop. Sit down (these two words are very important, and I’m not talking about in your car while you’re driving). Do your body and mind a favor and eat a balanced breakfast. Feeding your body healthy food will nourish your spirit, which helps set your entire day up for success.
Determined to Believe
Maybe you’ve heard the term “fake it till you make it” … which can be great advice for the right circumstances. My problem with this advice, however, is the negative energy of the word “fake.” Right there—is where you go wrong.
I would ask you to suspend your disbelief of ‘new age’ modalities. Instead, dive into the possibility that self-care is a real key to inner peace and balance within your heart and mind.
Tell yourself you believe. Tell the angels you believe.
You have nothing to lose and so very much to gain by adopting this mindset.
Rather than just pretending to believe in something … like angels and astrology … I’m determined to believe it. I’m also determined to find out as much about both as possible. I’m determined to delve into the past, the present, and the future of these beliefs whether it’s the energy in a crystal or the energy we’re all generating within ourselves. I depend on the written words of ancient souls. And I believe the world will one day depend on the written words of our ancient souls—trying to burn bright.
Want to read more from Debbie about the Aries angel, Malahidael?
Click here: "A Little Madonna" for the angel essay from Dharma Direction’s 2022 Aries issue.
Debbie Abbott is a former managing editor for an upscale food and lifestyle print magazine in Scottsdale, Arizona. She now spends as much time as possible working on her debut novel and sharing accounts of her life as publisher, editor and collaborator at Dharma Direction.
Connect with Debbie on Facebook, through Debbie's Twitter page or visit Debbie on Instagram.
The Aries Playlist … Find your vibe
Listen to an eclectic mix of music on the Dharma Direction Playlist featuring artists born during Aries season.
“Love Child,” released in 1968, was a song by Diana Ross and The Supremes that captured my soul … even at the tender age of four when I watched them perform this version on the Ed Sullivan Show. The feeling of that moment returns each time I hear this song—chills rise when I sing along with the ending refrain: “I’ll always love you.”
Diana Ross is an Aries, born on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan.
“We need a lot of love to walk through this life.” Poignant words from Lady Gaga at the Grammy’s ceremony recently before she performed the song, “Hold My Hand,” from the motion picture Top Gun: Maverick. Her closing thought before singing … “You can be your own hero, even if you feel broken inside.”
Aries lady Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, known worldwide as “Lady Gaga,” was born March 28, 1986, in New York City.
Check out the entire Dharma Direction playlist on YouTube.
Coming Tuesday 3/21 … The Aries Humor Edition
“Dear Humorist Doling out Advice: Aries Style” by Colleen Markley
The Steady Climb
I can hardly believe we’re already into the third month of building our Dharma Direction Substack home. As with any kind of construction, even the best-laid plans have to go through revisions.
Initially, our goal was to have audio versions of Dharma’s written content available this month … and that still might happen. I’m holding onto hope that the angels will provide me with the time I need to make it so. Divine timing, however, reigns supreme.
I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: There will always be free content on Dharma Direction. Supporting the publication through paid subscriptions will be a future option that includes exclusive access to additional content.
Most importantly, all of us at Dharma Direction express immense gratitude to everyone who reads (and maybe even shares) our stories as we strive to uphold our motto …
#GoWithTheFlow
~ Debbie Abbott, publisher/editor