1. Introduction
The simple fact is that astrology is an ancient tradition, and as such, there are many different attitudes towards it. But one thing that’s certain is that regardless of whether you’re a true believer or someone who thinks it’s absolute rubbish, you know what sign you are, and that’s about as much universal exposure as anything can get.
On the other hand, you’ve got the naysayers, and that’s probably about half the people you ask regarding the topic. These are the folks who will tell you the whole thing is silly and frivolous, and they won’t be able to persuade otherwise. And of course, you’ve got the people who are stuck in the middle and can take it or leave it.
Now the question is, how much credence does the average person put into it? This is difficult to measure, and the answer is going to be different for everybody. Many people are die-hard astrology fans, and for them, there’s not even a question as to whether they take it seriously. These are the folks who read their horoscopes faithfully and live their lives by them.
Whether you’re a die-hard astrology believer or a skeptical non-believer, everybody knows their zodiac sign. It’s almost impossible to avoid, especially considering the rising popularity of horoscopes. Your local newspaper surely doesn’t go a day without a birth sign blurb, and there are plenty of periodicals and websites that cater to the astrologically inclined. The bottom line is everybody gets exposed to astrology, and whether they want to or not, it’s something they’re going to have to deal with.
2. The Basics of Astrology
Astrologers believe it is impossible to create an accurate astrology chart without the individual’s exact date, time, and placement of birth. This is thought to be due to the precise locations of the moon, planets, and sun at the time of birth significantly affecting the individual’s character and life. The layout, therefore, of the planets is said to symbolize the nature of the individual, with each planet representing a different facet of one’s character. The sun and moon’s positions are the two most important components within the chart, the sun representing our outwardly self, and the moon representing our inner self.
Astrology is an in-depth study mainly related to the position of the planets and stars at the time of a person’s birth and how they have an effect on the individual’s character and life. The best way to learn about astrology is to take a look at associations between planets and human character. To do this, astrology makes use of the movement of the planets, the moon, and the sun via the constellations of the zodiac. There is a place for skepticism in the medical and scientific community because astrology isn’t easily tested or proven, but many imagine its descriptive power is influential on people’s lives.
3. Understanding Your Zodiac Sign
Aries: The Ram – headstrong, stubborn, and ambitious. Taurus: The Bull – calm, easygoing, deliberate, and stubborn. Gemini: The Twins – dual-natured, elusive, complex, and contradictory. Cancer: The Crab – moody, passive, and emotional, often clinging to the past. Leo: The Lion – noble, leader, strong, open, a lover of freedom. Virgo: The Virgin – modest, shy, meticulous, reliable, and practical. Libra: The Scales – balanced, seeks beauty, lover of art and all things beautiful, a bit fickle. Scorpio: The Scorpion – intense, dominating, and powerfully magnetic.
Sagittarius: The Archer – half man, half horse, aiming high with perfect precision, direct, and always on the hunt for wisdom. Capricorn: The Goat – sure-footed, sometimes clambering to get to the top, and the most persevering. Aquarius: The Water Bearer – pouring out the precious waters of knowledge to nourish the world, the bearer is both the source of water and the container. Pisces: The Fish – associative, with dual nature. Swimming in either direction, fluid, and often showing the extremes of their qualities.
Each zodiac sign has a special symbol, or glyph, that’s associated with the mythology behind it. Here’s a list of each and a very brief description of what the sign’s symbol is.
The Sun sign in astrology describes your basic nature; it’s who you are. Generally, it’s the part of you that you’re aware of, like your ego. You may or may not identify with your sun sign, but if you read it over after reading a description of what your sun sign is, you’re likely to think “Hmm, that is so me.”
3.1. Aries: The Trailblazer
Aries rules the head, and Arians are known for their intelligent and inquisitive minds. Courage and optimism are also shared characteristics. On the flipside, impatience and a quick temper can get the better of an Aries. Aries can get easily irritated by its slowness, and so the slower Taureans and Cancers are often at odds with Aries. Being able to learn from its mistakes is a major lesson for Aries. Aries is the trailblazer and often the path it so bravely blazes is a solitary one. But one of the greatest Aries characteristics is its ability to attract multitudes of friends. This is due to the Arian’s wonderful sense of humor, love of fun, and passion. Last but not least, Aries is a natural-born leader. An Aries boss is always fair. He won’t ask his employees to undertake anything he wouldn’t undertake himself. And an Aries parent will always be a great source of inspiration and encouragement to his/her children.
Aries, the first sign in the zodiac, is a fire sign. It symbolizes the need for growth and development. Aries is known for their fierce individuality and pioneering spirit. They are the ones with new ideas, the ones to take initiative, and the ones to get things going. Aries is adventurous, vibrant, and talkative. They can also be self-involved, but at their best, they’re self-assured and optimistic. The zodiac sign of Aries also means that the Aries man is incredibly hardworking and oftentimes successful in his career.
3.2. Taurus: The Grounded One
A Taurus is determined and reliable, but Taurus is also possessive. Taurus loves nature, animals, material possessions, and good food. Taurus is ruled by Venus, the sign of love and beauty. This makes them great lovers and sensitive people, but they may be materialistic. Taurus people are usually very friendly and of calm nature. They are very patient and practical people. Stimulated by the senses, Taureans are attracted to anything that is pleasing to the five senses. They will often work hard to obtain beautiful objects, which are a reflection of their earthly, aesthetic nature. Taurus is an earth sign and does not like change in their life and can have difficulty accepting it.
If pushed, they will dig their heels in and be very obstinate. They believe in peaceful existence and are not quick to anger. This is because anger involves an emotional response and Taurus is not comfortable with that. Taurus is reliable and, like Aries, trustworthy. The difference is they are patient enough to prove themselves. They are also good listeners and can give sound advice, so people will often turn to them in times of trouble.
3.3. Gemini: The Versatile Communicator
Geminis are known for their adaptability and versatility, and this is reflected in their communication style. A Gemini is able to see both sides of a conversation, which is not only a useful tool in communication, but also a formidable weapon. The open-mindedness of a Gemini is something that is almost tangible. They emit a sense of curiosity and friendliness which allows them to experience and understand the world around them in great detail, and in turn, share that experience with others. This is where their communicative strength lies. Geminis make great storytellers and can spin a tale in such a way that they will have their listeners captivated and waiting on their every word. This talent also makes Geminis great orators and many of them are adept in the art of persuasion.
On the flip side, the duality of their nature means that Geminis can also be great manipulators and liars. It is not that they are necessarily dishonest, any more than they are honest, but the very talented Gemini can craft the truth in such a way that the listener is more prone to believe what they want them to believe. This very much ties in with the trickster aspect of the Gemini and Mercury and is something that Gemini would be wise to keep in check. High versatility in communication can sometimes lead to restlessness in a Gemini. They can become easily bored and are prone to moving on to another task before they have finished what they were working on initially. This can leave loose ends and be seen as a lack of responsibility on the part of a Gemini, but can also be seen as that questing curiosity moving them forth to the next great experience.
3.4. Cancer: The Nurturer
Cancers are ruled by the Moon—the great Mother of the heavens in mythology—so it’s no coincidence that they put so much stock in the family, maternal instincts, and nurturing others. They tend to look for the best in others and will often set aside their own desires for someone else’s. Cancers are best known for their ability to nurture or ‘mother’ others. It’s comforting to be around a Cancer, as they radiate sincerity and are very tender-hearted.
Cancers will certainly be merry if their home life is serene and harmonious. Traditions are upheld with great zest in a Cancer’s household since this sign places a high value on tradition. They are definitely lovers, not fighters. In fact, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a Cancer taking a swing at someone—unless they’re provoked.
Cancer, the fourth sign of the zodiac, is all about home. Those born under this sign are ‘roots’ kinds of people and take great pleasure in the comforts of home and family. Cancers are maternal, domestic, and love to nurture others. More than likely, their family will be large too—the more, the merrier!
3.5. Leo: The Charismatic Leader
It’s easy to recognize a Leo when you’re out in public. Leos are very opinionated and not afraid to speak their minds. They speak with the conviction of a leader and are quite persuasive. In general, the specific weaknesses of Leos are those corresponding to the strength of their positive traits. Leos are so full of ambition and energy that they are often seen as domineering or egotistical. An unchecked Leo can get into problems when they take things too far, when there is excessive manipulation, seduction, or exercising of their authority in a dictatorial manner to get their way. Dominant determination can turn to stubbornness and prevent them from accepting others’ points of view.
Leos have a resolute pride and high esteem for themselves. Leos can be quite self-centered and assume that the world revolves around them. Their minds can be closed to ideas of others, though never to the point of learning nothing, for they do have the ability to admit when they are wrong and go with the right decision. Coming to terms with their nature is the biggest problem Leos will face. Once they do that, they will achieve the self-actualization and independence they desire.
Leos are natural leaders of the zodiac, full of life, and are all about seeking and attaining power. They can easily inspire others to attain the things they desire in life. They have a natural ability to ignite creativity and passion in others. Leos are one of the most powerful and dynamic zodiac signs. Leos are very ambitious, they strive to be the best at anything they get into. This is why they are attracted to a certain career, something that will allow them to be in the limelight and on top of the corporate ladder. Leos love being around people, they love to engage in intellectual conversations and they love to provide advice to those in need. Leos are most comfortable when they are the center of attention; they were born to be in the limelight. This is attributed to their determination and drive to seek power and take control of their life and the lives of others.
3.6. Virgo: The Detail-Oriented Perfectionist
Even in the stars, the pure Virgo is a realist and a skeptic, a rare phenomenon in modern astrology where every sign is said to possess some sort of wonderful, special, unique, or dynamic qualities. Virgo does not expect too much from the world or the stars, and in one way, this is one of their most admirable characteristics. This characteristic, when translated into the modern astrological map, allows Virgo to guide people and other signs to be real and provide them with reliable and trusted information.
Virgo is Latin for maid or virgin, and the exalted form of Virgo is indeed the virgin: untouched and inviolate. It is an image of purity.
Virgo, the mutable earth sign, is the zodiac’s critic and editor. They are practical, resourceful, industrious, analytical, methodical, and discriminating, with a love of knowledge and a passion for learning. They are also known to have a talent with language and a highly developed communicative ability. They are never content to stop developing their intellectual and communicative abilities.
3.7. Libra: The Harmonious Diplomat
Librans embody a calming and peaceful energy that represents the Swords suit. Librans can be seen as great peacemakers because of their objective ways. In life, these individuals are driven to implement and maintain harmony. They are often a unifying force among family and friends. Their associated element is Air. Air signs are intellect-oriented. Because the element of Air is about the mind, Libra is more intellectual than emotional. The Libra zodiac sign is active, easygoing, and peaceable. These are people who shun injustice and make excellent diplomats. Librans, from the symbol of the scales to the ideal of balance, fairness, and harmony, you seek to be the champion of what is right via the objective paths of reason. You will go to any lengths to avoid an argument or conflict, in many cases to your own detriment. Keep in mind that being the peacemaker should not be at the cost of your own peace.
Libra’s keywords for many things are “I balance.” This is because the inner life of Libra is often disrupted by the chaos and disorder in the outside world. Much of their effort goes into maintaining stability and a comfortable environment. Libra people are amongst the most civilized of the twelve zodiac signs and are often good-looking. They have charm, elegance, and are generally quite lovely to be with. They are easygoing and good-natured, but this can mask the fact that many of them are unsure of themselves. This is due to a natural indecisiveness because the scales are always balancing things out. On the positive side, a Libra can be quite romantic. Unfortunately, they can also be lazy. This is because the Libran influence is sociable and easygoing, and it can sometimes conflict with a drive for success.
3.8. Scorpio: The Intense and Mysterious
In Western astrology, the zodiac is divided into twelve signs, each occupying 30° of celestial longitude and roughly corresponding to the ascension of the constellation from which it derives its name. While the exact dates of the sign’s tenure vary, these are your typical date ranges. The Sun is in this sign from approximately October 23rd to November 23rd, bearing in mind the year-to-year shift because of leap years and the nature of the cusp. The ruling planet is Mars, and the associated element is Water. Positive traits are resourceful, brave, passionate, and stubborn, while negative traits are jealousy, secretive, violent, and distrusting.
The Sun in this astrology is thought to be in detriment; i.e., it is farthest from the astrological sign of Leo, which is the rulership of the Sun. During this period, the normally bright and shining Leo energy will be transferred into the dark and mysterious world of Scorpio. The exact effects of this energy transfer will depend upon the degree of saturation of an individual’s natal chart and the presence of other astrological influences upon the person. But it is an undeniable fact that the month of Scorpio is the most intense and powerfully charged time of the year.
3.9. Sagittarius: The Adventurous Explorer
Chiron was a centaur (and therefore a Sagittarian) who was accidentally shot by Hercules with a poison arrow. Immortal and yet in agony from his wound, Chiron renounced his immortality. It was then that Chiron became a wise and peace-loving philosopher. This is a tale with a strong Sagittarian moral, for the Archer often has to suffer in life to learn the meaning of humility and the acceptance of human frailty. When the Sagittarian learns to mix tact with their righteousness and to keep their perspective within the limits of their immediate capabilities, they will have the power to change the world in whatever area they choose to focus.
Freedom is their greatest treasure. In the quest for personal freedom, Sagittarians are often guilty of promising more than they can deliver. In their minds, they see a vision of what the world could be – and it is a free and just world, with the emphasis on liberty for all. But in attempting to convert their ideas to reality, they can become overzealous and fanatical, believing their way to be the only way. At this point, they make bitter enemies and find themselves in a plight similar to that of the myth of Chiron.
Sagittarius is the gypsy of the zodiac. It is the sign of the philosopher and the explorer, and as such, these people are usually very intelligent and just. The Sagittarius person is an individual who is on a quest – but the quest is not so much for personal gain as it is for the good of all. Sagittarians desire to make the world a better place; they are often the people who will fight for the underprivileged and the unjust. They may not seem the outdoor type, for they are often unadventurous in a physical sense – manifest in a preference for armchair philosophizing and a love of travel in the mind, through higher education and the learning of foreign languages. But all Sagittarians have a love of the outdoors and of sport; it is just that these people invariably find an end-goal, such as a medal or qualification, to justify their actions. Any target – physical or otherwise – is game to the Archer. High-spirited and congenial, Sagittarians are great to know. A good traveling companion and a patient friend, they will do what they can to maintain a good relationship.
3.10. Capricorn: The Ambitious Achiever
Capricorn is the cardinal earth sign of the zodiac, represented by the mountain goat. Capricorn’s symbol is a mythological creature that is half goat and half fish; this represents the Capricorn’s climb to the highest heights of success and their swim through the sea of their emotions. As the sign of public image, the sun is in its detriment in Capricorn and in its fall in the tenth house of the public image. Due to this, Capricorns have a strong desire for public approval and are often aware of their public image. But at the same time, they can be insecure about it because it is also an area that they feel vulnerable to criticism. Capricorns are ruled by the planet Saturn. In mythology, Saturn was the Roman equivalent of the Greek god Cronus, where we get the word “chronological” from.
Cronus was the god of time and the ages. When he was born, it was predicted that one day one of his children would overthrow him, so he devoured each of them as soon as they were born. This is analogous to Capricorns at their worst because they will devour the innocence of their inner child for the sake of security and success. However, Capricorns develop a greater affinity for the inner child as they grow older. Saturn is also associated with restriction and limitation, and it is often said that in a horoscope, Saturn shows where a person will have the greatest trials and the greatest rewards; the trials usually come first. This is why Capricorn is associated with the father of the tribe: a wise, old man who always has a story to tell.
3.11. Aquarius: The Independent Thinker
An Aquarius may at best fit the term ‘eccentric’. You have an extremely open mind, and are unprejudiced in your thoughts for the most. Often times, you may be regarded as ‘offbeat’ or ‘weird’ because Aquarians possess a sparkling wit and a peculiar sense of humour. You have a natural talent with making people laugh and cheering them up. You have that intelligent mix of word play, quick- and odd- thinking that endears you as a true character to many people. You are quite gifted in an assortment of ways and once people get past your eccentricity, they find an intelligent, bright and imaginative human being who will always be able to stimulate an interesting, intelligent and unique conversation. He is a visionary and has an urge to change the way the world sees and does things. A symbol for his sign is the water bearer, hence the Aquarius is the water bearer of new ideas, this is a very worthy image of someone who is heavily involved in global change and coming up with new, unthought-of ideas.
Another Aquarius trait is that you are quite curious. This curiosity also stems from their ability to think, and it often leads them to discovering new places, new things and sometimes even new ideas. You are a highly curious creature with a great liking for knowledge. By nature, you are quite the intellectual and love to have conversations that are odd, exciting and unusual. With your broad focus on the idea of living and revamping the world, Aquarius, though often tactless, will be the first to argue a point, and often the one to prove it. You are quite capable and dynamic, but with your strong convictions and beliefs, you are at times uncompromising.
If you are an Aquarius, you have a talent for thinking outside the box, often coming up with creative solutions to problems no one else would think of. You are a key to progress and innovation, often coming up with original ideas that turn into reality. You are the best kind of person to have in a brainstorming session and you think critically in a group setting. Though agitated by slowness or boredom, Aquarians do the best work when they are calm and have enough thinking time.
3.12. Pisces: The Imaginative Dreamer
At the same time, it can also cause the Pisces to live a life of illusion and sadness. They can become quickly disillusioned, and then when they realize that they have not achieved their dreams, they can become very despondent and start believing that they are useless. This is quite untrue, as many people benefit from the different talents a Pisces has to offer. It is said that a Piscean who has experienced a great deal of pain and suffering can write poetry and prose that can reach out to the hearts of the people. An example of this is talented yet mentally disturbed musician Syd Barrett.
Pisces is the twelfth and final sign in the zodiac cycle. Because it is the final sign, it contains experience and knowledge from all the other eleven signs. The symbol for Pisces is two fish swimming in opposite directions. This represents the Piscean trait of living within a world of fantasy and imagination. The fish are swimming away from each other, causing them to be unconnected because Pisces will disconnect from the real world and live in their own. This can be quite a positive and negative trait. On the one hand, it allows them to be artistically and creatively gifted. This is a very broad term, and it is hard to define what one sees as being creative. This means that Pisceans are able to express themselves using a variety of mediums. With their exceptional imaginations, they are able to create things that are both original and inspiring. Music is a well-documented form of expression by Pisceans. Color is another popular outlet, and with these people being very skillful, it always turns out beautifully.
4. Astrology’s Influence on Personality and Relationships
Astrology provides an individual profile of someone’s personality. The interplay of the sun, moon, and ascendant is what determines a person’s character and personality traits, according to the very basics of astrology. For example, the position of the moon in your birth chart is believed to control your emotional side, your instincts, and your subconscious. Thus, the sign a person belongs to dictates how they express their feelings and what makes them feel secure or insecure. The influence that the zodiac has on your relationships is substantial. Have you ever found yourself constantly dating the same type of person and it doesn’t work out? Maybe it’s because you’re attracted to the same qualities in a person, or perhaps it’s because those relationships have the same sun sign or moon sign.
It’s also a common occurrence that you make best friends with someone and find out later that you both share a moon or sun sign. This is because these people have qualities that you find easy to get along with; you feel as though you understand this person and share common interests. All strong friendships and love relationships are based on commonality, and the sharing of the same elements or signs will make these relationships easier and more fulfilling. This topic will help you understand why you have attracted certain relationships and how you can use that knowledge to better the relationships in your life.
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Unveil astrology’s mysteries, insights in your sign. Explore forces shaping personality, relationships, and fate. Reveal your sign’s truths, understand the universe.
