Signs of the Zodiac
It is impossible to know how the 12 signs of our modern zodiac became associated with the characteristics attributed to them by astrologers. They were certainly not named on that basis: Gemini takes its name' for instance, simply from the twin stars that shine in that portion of the sky - though the stars in Leo suggest a crouching beast, and those in Virgo have always suggested the outline of a human body. The signs acquired their names and the myths associated with them from ancient civilizations - the study of their history is fascinating and extremely complex. In the fourth and third centuries BC, for instance, parts of the human body had been allocated to zodiac signs, beginning at the head (at the vernal equinox) with Aries, and ending with Pisces at the feet. This association was probably first made by the Greeks, who also associated different plants with various signs; Egyptian medical practitioners associated animals with some signs, and stones, too, were linked to individual signs (the Egyptian astrologers linked "magic" stones with days of the month and decans). For astrologers, however, the key importance of the signs is the many characteristics with which, over several thousand years, they have been associated.
| Sign Name: | Aries |
| Astrological Element: | Fire |
| Mode Of Expression: | Cardinal |
| Positive Trait: | Vital |
| Negetive Trait: | Impulsive |
| Planet Ruler: | Mars |
The entry of the Sun into Aries on or around 21 March marks the beginning of the astrological New Year. The characteristics accurately mirror new beginnings. Here is the most personally oriented of all the signs, and the psychological signal "me first" is synonymous with the forthright, bursting energy of spring growth. It is unlikely that we will fail to notice an Arian in our midst; their enthusiasm and youthful approach is admirable, along with their uncomplicated and hopeful attitude to life.
Aries is the first sign of the fire element and the cardinal quality - all force, all outgoing, all for moving ahead, but also for putting the self first. The fire emphasis ignites enthusiasm and keenness, but that enthusiasm can die quickly. Learning to sustain interest and developing patience is essential. Virtually all Arians have a selfish streak. It is when Aries is the rising sign that this tendency is often at its most negative; when Aries is the Sun sign, Venus can mitigate it. The influence of Mercury can make Arians more thoughtful and soften the harsher Arian characteristics.
| Sign Name: | Taurus |
| Astrological Element: | Earth |
| Mode Of Expression: | Fixed |
| Positive Trait: | Stable |
| Negetive Trait: | Stubborn |
| Planet Ruler: | Venus |
Taurus is the first sign of the earth element and the first fixed quality. Earth people are practical - literally down to earth! Venus, the planet of love, rules this sign and her influence ensures that Taureans have a great love of beauty, are sensual lovers and enjoy luxury. Taureans have a strong possessive streak and even the loved one may become just another possession. It is when Taurus is the rising sign that this tendency is most powerful, since when the Sun sign is Taurus it is likely that the influence of Venus, which will not be far away, will add another group of characteristics which will help counter the tendency. Indeed, the influence of the fixed quality of the sign adds to the abundant stability of Taurus, although it may also make its subjects a little stubborn.
| Sign Name: | Gemini |
| Astrological Element: | Air |
| Mode Of Expression: | Mutable |
| Positive Trait: | Adaptable |
| Negetive Trait: | Cursory |
| Planet Ruler: | Mercury |
This is the first air sign of the zodiac and the first of the mutable quality. Both features complement Gemini, since the mental attributes and quickness of mind are allowed plenty of freedom of expression when released into the air. The mutable quality complements the duality of Gemini - again encouraging free and positive expression. Changeability and superficiality are faults that can emerge when Gemini is rising; when Gemini is the Sun sign, the influence of its ruling planet, Mercury, will often contribute stabilizing, practical or intuitive qualities which will in turn counter flightiness and that tendency to be rather shallow.
| Sign Name: | Cancer |
| Astrological Element: | Water |
| Mode Of Expression: | Cardinal |
| Positive Trait: | Protective |
| Negetive Trait: | Jealous |
| Planet Ruler: | Moon |
The fourth sign of the zodiac is ruled by the Moon. Think of a Cancerian, and you will see the connection. Do you have a certain facial roundness and paleness, suggesting the full Moon? Are you moody and changeable, but kind and sympathetic. This is the sign of motherhood; Cancer is the home- and family-builder of the zodiac.
Cancer is the first water sign and the second of the cardinal quality. Powerful emotions are blended with an equally strong imagination and intuition. These resources must be nurtured, but also controlled and channelled. The cardinal quality of this sign, however, offers control and discipline, often giving the ability to express love and emotion, and enabling Cancerians to spring to the defence of those they love and themselves. When Cancer is the rising sign there is always additional support for the partner, but worry may not be as well countered as when Cancer is the Sun sign, as the influence of nearby Mercury and Venus often helps to control emotions and take a more relaxed attitude. When Cancer is emphasized by Sun or rising sign, we must note the Moon. s sign and its influence in the birth chart.
| Sign Name: | Leo |
| Astrological Element: | Fire |
| Mode Of Expression: | Fixed |
| Positive Trait: | Authority |
| Negetive Trait: | Autocratic |
| Planet Ruler: | Sun |
Leo is the fifth sign of the zodiac, and is ruled by the Sun. Here that star - which astrologers out of convenience call a planet - shines at its most powerful from the only sign that it rules. The Lion can rule and, yes, at times can roar, but Leos will also retreat when injured. Here is a powerful, but usually well-hidden, sensitivity. Here, too, is the urge to create. Any Leo who isn't expressing creativity will not be truly fulfilled, and an unfulfilled Leo can be extremely disruptive.
Leo is the second sign of the fire element, and the second of the fixed quality. Fiery emotion and enthusiasm crackles and burns brightly. The fixity of the sign can lead to stubbornness and haughtiness, but on the positive side it adds determination. Because the Sun is in its own sign the characteristics of Leo will outshine all others in the chart - in a way which is perhaps rather different to those of other Sun signs. Should Mercury or Venus be in Leo with die Sun we sometimes have to help our Leo friends to develop less Leonine characteristics, for in such situations there can be an element of imbalance in their personalities. When Leo is the rising sign, pomposity and bossiness can be expressed towards the partner.
| Sign Name: | Virgo |
| Astrological Element: | Earth |
| Mode Of Expression: | Mutable |
| Positive Trait: | Detailed |
| Negetive Trait: | Critical |
| Planet Ruler: | Mercury |
Virgo, the sixth sign of the zodiac, is the second to be ruled by Mercury. Here are the practical workers, but also the critics of the zodiac. They have excellent intellects but lack self-confidence. These days, because their Sun sign characteristics are so well-known, Virgoans may try to develop different characteristics in order to live down a prissy reputation.
Here is the second sign of the earth element and the second of the mutable quality. The practical, steady qualities of earth tend not to be very complementary to the mutability of the sign. The influence of Mercury, the ruling planet, gives Virgoans excellent brains but also makes them worriers. If Virgoans are creative they will have excellent potential.
Those of this Sun sign may also have their ruling planet in Virgo with the Sun - when they will indeed be extremely Virgoan. However, when Mercury is in either Leo or Libra there are some interesting contrasting indications that help give Virgo a broader outlook on life and even greater potential in different fields. When Virgo is the rising sign, the Virgoan characteristics will be countered, but the influence of the Mercury sign will play an important part in the psychological make-up of the subject.
| Sign Name: | Libra |
| Astrological Element: | Air |
| Mode Of Expression: | Cardinal |
| Positive Trait: | Diplomatic |
| Negetive Trait: | Vacillating |
| Planet Ruler: | Venus |
Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac. As Aries, the first sign, is the most personal, so this, its polar or opposite sign across the zodiac, is the one most concerned with relating to a partner. Fairness, diplomacy, and a sense of justice are very strong indeed, and having a permanent relationship is essential. But there is often an element of resentment, and indecision can cause trouble.
Libra is the second sign of the air element and the third of the cardinal quality. These influences work well within the context of the sign, adding lightness and charm, and an outgoing ease. But underlying these characteristics are sterner ones. Many Librans have an aggressive streak, and most do not deserve their reputation for laziness. The influence of Venus, not far away from the Sun sign in the birth chart, is vital, adding an important dimension to their psychological make-up if it is not in Libra with the Sun. If it is, then Libra will be very Libran indeed. When Libra is the rising sign, its characteristics may be overshadowed by other, stronger elements in the birth chart.
| Sign Name: | Scorpio |
| Astrological Element: | Water |
| Mode Of Expression: | Fixed |
| Positive Trait: | Resurgent |
| Negetive Trait: | Ruthless |
| Planet Ruler: | Pluto |
The eighth sign of the zodiac, and the one with the highest energy level. Its resources of both physical and emotional energy are second to none. Until Pluto was discovered and accepted into the astrological pantheon, Mars, the ruler of Aries and an important factor in physical energy level, ruled Scorpio. But Pluto rules Scorpio now, and its influence develops and energizes the emotional content of that sign. So here is a force to be reckoned with and one that must be understood and channelled.
Scorpio is the second sign of the water element and the third of the fixed quality, so here the emotion of water is stilled and intensified. Its force must be positively expressed and directed toward your fulfillment. An unfulfilled Scorpio can become jealous and restless. When Scorpio is the rising sign we see the emergence of the polar influence from Taurus. This will add warmth and charm, expressed towards the partner - but a possessive element can also emerge, which is not evident when Scorpio is the Sun sign, since it is then often mitigated by the nearby influence of Mercury or Venus.
| Sign Name: | Sagittarius |
| Astrological Element: | Fire |
| Mode Of Expression: | Mutable |
| Positive Trait: | Discerning |
| Negetive Trait: | Moralistic |
| Planet Ruler: | Jupiter |
The ninth sign of the zodiac, Sagittarius is the sign of horse and man. It brings a combination of physical strength and energy, with powerful intellect. Here is the second "dual" sign of the zodiac. Versatility will be present, and mind and body should act as one. Rest and relaxation come through both Jupiter, the ruling planet, encourages both mind and body, along with the need for challenge, and Sagittarians must be aware of this.
Here is the third and last of the fire element signs, and the third of the mutable quality. The fire burns strong and bright, with lively enthusiasm and an infectious emotional level. It gives you the ability to grasp overall situations very quickly. Optimism abounds. The Sagittarian Centaur is an Archer with a need for room in which to breathe and for a diversity of interests. Sagittarians must always be aware that intellectual and physical stagnation will lead to the restlessness which is their real enemy. While the Sagittarian polar sign, Gemini, is intellectually oriented, there is an accent on the higher mind, which helps develop philosophical traits and quells the tendency to take risks.
| Sign Name: | Capricorn |
| Astrological Element: | Earth |
| Mode Of Expression: | Cardinal |
| Positive Trait: | Principled |
| Negetive Trait: | Miserly |
| Planet Ruler: | Saturn |
The tenth sign of the zodiac. Saturn rules the sign and bestows ambition, a need always to do the right and proper thing, and a love of tradition. But Capricorns do have the capacity for enjoyment and always possess a marvelously offbeat sense of humor.
This is the third and last sign of the earth element, and the fourth and last sign of the cardinal quality. The practical side of earth combines with an outgoing, expressive quality, giving common sense and the ability to express it in a forthright manner.
Capricorn is a sign with a rather low emotional level, but often the placing of Venus - especially when in either Scorpio or Pisces - will help warm the rather distant Capricorn heart and encourage faithfulness. This may not be as much of a help when Capricorn is the rising sign, but because of the intervention of an influence from Capricorn's polar sign, Cancer, there will be a caring quality, with an instinctive motivation to protect the loved one and family. However, there may be a conflict between working long hours and spending time with the partner and children.
| Sign Name: | Aquarius |
| Astrological Element: | Air |
| Mode Of Expression: | Fixed |
| Positive Trait: | Liberal |
| Negetive Trait: | Eccentric |
| Planet Ruler: | Uranus |
The eleventh sign of the zodiac shows us true individualists. Aquarians are usually glamorous, always friendly, but they are private people who tend to surround themselves with an air of mystery. This is in defense of a specific lifestyle that can lead to conflict when the question arises of deepening an emotional relationship. The ruling planet, Uranus, adds a certain eccentricity and unpredictability, which is not easy for others to cope with.
Aquarius is the last sign of the air element and the fourth of the fixed quality. This makes for an enquiring mind which can ossify once opinions are formed. Like Capricorn, Aquarius does not bestow a generous emotional level (it once shared Saturn with Capricorn as ruling planet). The influence of Venus will help in the expression of feelings towards partners, while Mercury helps reduce stubbornness. The influence of the polar sign, Leo, comes into its own when Aquarius is the rising sign, adding a passion that blends beautifully with Aquarian originality and is best expressed through art or scientific work.
| Sign Name: | Pisces |
| Astrological Element: | Water |
| Mode Of Expression: | Mutable |
| Positive Trait: | Charity |
| Negetive Trait: | Anxiety |
| Planet Ruler: | Neptune |
The twelfth and last sign of the zodiac. Here is the recluse who nevertheless has stunning potential, when it is allowed to blossom although often lack of self-confidence prevents a full expression of Piscean potential. The ruling planet, Neptune, while encouraging inspiration, sensitivity and vision, can cloud issues. You will know the kindness of Pisceans, but may find them deceptive. Give them encouragement and they will develop greater confidence and belief in what they can do.
This is the third and last sign of the water element, and the fourth and last sign of the mutable quality. The emotion of water is encouraged by the mutable quality, and is a powerful force that is likely to require shaping and controlling if it is to work in a rewarding and satisfying way. Pisceans often have a powerful spiritual faith, which can, however, be diverted into some unconventional cult.
A Piscean Sun sometimes bestows weakness of character, but the nearby presence of Mercury and Venus may counter these tendencies. When Pisces is the rising sign, a critical quality can emerge in the attitude towards the partner.