There are a total of 12 zodiac signs Each of these signs are ruled by one of the four elements: fire, earth, water or air. There are three signs ruled by each of the four elements. A sign ruled by a particular element takes on the characteristic of that element. There are 9 planets (including the sun and the moon) in our solar system. Each of the 12 signs is ruled by a particular planet of the solar system. Just as each sign takes on the characteristic of the element that rules it, it also takes on the characteristics of the planet it is ruled by.

Here is a breakdown of signs, by element and by its ruling planet:

PLEASE NOTE: Sometimes people will say that the description of their zodiac sign does not match their personality. This is because many zodiac descriptions contain too many details. Just because you are a Leo does not automatically mean that you are going to have an amazing fashion signature. Just because you are a virgo does not necessarily mean that you are going to be a neat freak. Your zodiac sign speaks of your inner motivation. ALL people with a given zodiac sign share the same inner motivation. However, this motivation is expressed differently, according to a person’s values, upbringing, etc. This section on zodiac signs covers only the inner motivation of each sign—not the superfluous details.

There are other factors in your astrological make-up besides the particular zodiac sign that you identify with. These other factors determine how this inner motivation is played out in your life. An astrological consultation helps you to understand the diverse factors in your astrological make-up and how they all combine together to create a magnificent YOU!

FIRE SIGNS: ARIES, LEO, SAGITTARIUS

The element of fire represents the energy of life and spirit. Fire signs are energizing, transforming and are extremely self-motivated. They are action oriented and intense, usually radiating great warmth and light. They are very prone to intense emotions: however, the emotions that fire signs are most comfortable with are either intense joy or intense anger. Fire signs are very focused in the moment, although in the same way that a fire will spread quickly from one place to another, fire signs have a tendency to follow a train of thought rather than sticking with one idea or concept and seeing it through to its completion.

Fire signs usually have a strong, “all or nothing tendency” When fire signs take action, they proceed with FULL FORCE! On the same token, when they stop, it is usually a dead stop. They burn themselves out to the point of exhaustion.

One thing that is often overlooked about the element of fire is that fire can only exist when there is fuel. Once the fuel has been consumed, the fire has stopped. This means that although fire signs may be extremely self-motivated, they need a spark to get them started. This spark can be in the form of encouragement, a goal or a cause. This “fuel” has to constantly be replenished in order to a fire sign to keep going. Fire signs recharge through physical activity and the sun. Sunbathing is excellent, but also, sitting in front of a fire place, tending to a campfire, or dining by candelight.

Aries: Aries is ruled by Mars

Aries are leaders because they are not comfortable being led or limited by others. Aries are courageous, inspirational, enthusiastic, original and independent. Arie's overwhelming need to express its true self prevents them from ever acting falsely or deceitfully

Leo: Leo is ruled by the Sun

Leo is the second of the fire sign triad. Leo’s want to shine, express themselves, and : above all, be the center of attention. After all, Leo is ruled by the Sun, which is the center of our solar system! Leo is extremely creative and is attracted to all forms of self-expression – in fact, Leo’s are attracted to any activity that will enable them to demonstrate to others that they are special, giving, creative, generous, and worthy of attention and appreciation. Everything that a Leo undertakes is an expression of their true self, and above all, Leo’s want to be acknowledged and recognized for their TRUE self. Leo’s want to be acknowledged and recognized for their unique gifts and talents.

Sagittarius: Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter
Sagittarius is the last of the fire sign triad. The Sagittarius is on a perpetual quest to reconcile their animal nature (lower self) and divine nature (higher self). The Sagittarius is just as comfortable exploring philosophy, spirituality and religion as it is exploring physical pleasure and activity, and ultimately one of his lessons is to learn how to integrate the two.

The Sagittarius is ONLY concerned with the Big Picture, and has a tendency to overlook the details. They love travel and exploration (physical and mental), and meeting new people. They tend to absorb new ideas and concepts. Sagittarius’ have a tendency to be idealistic and a bit attached to his beliefs, sometimes becoming so invested that they won’t even entertain ideas that contradict them.

Sagattarius has a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and an overall love (and lust) for everything that life has to offer. The downside of their dynamic energy is their lack of awareness of the needs and feelings of other people. Sagittarius’ are notorious for their lack of tact – something that stems from their absolute devotion to the truth.

EARTH SIGNS: TAURUS, VIRGO, CAPRICORN

The element of earth represents substance and physical form. Earth signs are concerned with the physical, the material, and with issues of worth and value. Earth signs are first and foremost concerned by what is practical. Earth signs prefer the physical and the tangible rather than the philosophical and the abstract. Earth signs tend to be very sensual and communicate best through their sense of touch, taste and hearing. They prefer to listen to the wisdom of their bodies or their “gut”. Although eath signs appear very grounded and stable, they are able to experience a full range of emotions. Eath signs recharge through connecting with the earth. Earth signs often enjoy gardening, caring for their lawns or anything that puts them in direct contact with nature.

TAURUS: RULED BY VENUS

Taurus is the first earth sign. Taurus’ are interested in material and physical security. They are slow to get started, but once they get started, it is very difficult to stop them. Once they are off, they are off! Taurus’ are extremely sensual. They are the most grounded of all the signs, and communicates best through touch and direct physical experiences. Taurus are steady, loyal and determined. Taurus energy is extremely creative, although they tend to be more into crafts than fine art. Taurus is the most stubborn of the signs, and actually have a fear towards change. The most important lesson for them to learn is to let go of their attachment towards the physical and/or material.

VIRGO: RULED BY MERCURY

Virgo’s are concerned with completion and perfection. They are able to quickly assess any situation and to perform complex analyses and evaluations. With Virgo’s, details are EVERYTHING! Virgo’s are extremely efficient and precise, and are constantly moving towards never-ending improvement. Virgo’s have a tendency to become too focused on the little things, and sometimes, have a difficult time seeing the big picture. Virgo’s are very service-oriented and are capable of putting the needs of others ahead of their own personal needs. At the same time, they are one of the most critical signs. They are prone towards being overly critical of themselves and of others. The most valuable lesson that a Virgo could learn is this: Perfection is a process, not a destination.

CAPRICORN: RULED BY SATURN

Capricorn’s can be very serious. They have a fundamental respect for authority and a need to both understand the rules and boundaries in any given situation, and to support, uphold, and enforce them. This is not to imply that Capricorn’s necessarily responds to traditional authority figures. However, they will respect and obey whatever they choose to recognize as an authority (and Capricorn’s always has some perception of authority). These boundaries, rules, regulations and limits are how Capricorn’s are able to define their own sense of individual identity. Capricorn is by far the hardest working sign in the zodiac. They are able to focus on a goal and pursue that goal with a single-minded determination. The hardest lesson for them to learn is the ability to let go and relax. AIR SIGNS

: GEMINI, LIBRA, AQUARIUS

The element of air represents the mental and social realms. Air signs are the most comfortable in the realm of abstract ideas and concepts, symbols and communication. Air signs are very objective and are capable of having the greatest amount of perspective of all signs This is because all of the air signs have a degree of duality. This helps them to understand and appreciate all sides of an issue simultaneously. Air signs are very rational and logical and are not particularly comfortable with emotions in general, but are extremely uncomfortable with intense emotions.. Air signs will often try to distance themselves from emotions and retreat to the mental, abstract realms where they are the most comfortable. Even if you look at the element of air, you will see the air moves along the surface: it never penetrates anything too deeply.Air signs have extremely vivid imaginations. They are so attuned with the mental plane that they are always discovering new ideas and concepts. Although they are very good at coming up with wonderful ideas, they are not terribly successful at implementing them. Air signs recharge through social and mental activity, but also direct experience of the air. This can include deep breathing, or experiencing the rush of the wind through motorcycle riding, bike riding or a rollercoaster. Air signs also enjoy abstract challenges such as working through a puzzle or a riddle, through research or debate or simply by socializing with friends and meeting new people.

GEMINI: RULED BY MERCURY

Gemini is the first of the air trilogy. Of all the signs in the zodiac, Gemini’s are the ones most prone to change. Gemini’s like to understand the world by exploring the two extremes of any situation, and forming a connection between the two opposites. Gemini’s are more curious and inquisitive than anyone. They delight in new experiences and have a sincere desire to try absolutely everything at least once. They are extremely versatile and flexible. They have a great deal of charm and are almost always at ease in social situations. On the flip side, emotional expression make extremely uncomfortable. They often use their adaptabity to avoid obstacles or change course altogether in order to prevent any kind of confrontation or explore an issue on a deeper level.

LIBRA: RULED BY VENUS

Libra’s are stongly motivated by both beauty and relationships. They prefer one-on-one relationships, and more importantly, finding balance and harmony within these relationships. Libra’s need to relate is not limited to people, either. They can relate to art, music, mathematics, science as well as the Creator. Libra’s also have a fundamental sense of justice. This is because they are aware of how the actions of others affect us. Therefore, they understand that their actions can also have an affect on others. This makes Libra’s the diplomat of the zodiac. No other sign has such a refined understanding of the laws of balance and harmony. The downside to the Libran personality is that their desire for relationships can lead to dependence on others, and their need for balance and harmony can sometimes lead to either being manipulated or manipulating others.

AQUARIUS: RULED BY URANUS AND SATURN

Aquarius’ defines themselves through group association. Because Aquarius’s places more importance on group identity than on individual identity, they can be truly selfless. They seek absolute equality in the group and draw strength and support from membership within a collective. They are great supporters of personal freedom and equality. However, this freedom and equality can often times be limited to members of whatever group the Aquarius belongs. Being an air sign, Aquarius’ can tend to live in a theoretical and philosophical world rather than a practical one. They can have great compassion for humanity as a whole while atthe same time, have great difficulty in feeling any kind of compassion for the individual. WATER SIGNS: CANCER, SCORPIO, PISCES

The element of water relates to the emotional or spiritual plane. Water signs operate entirely on feelings. Water signs like to make deep, emotional connections. They are concerned with healing and emotional release. Water signs are the most comfortable with emotions, especially if they are intense . Because the element of water is fluid and has no inherent structure, water signs tend to have the most difficulty accepting and respecting interpersonal boundaries – especially emotional ones. Water signs recharge through intense emotional connections (i.e. sex), as well as through proximity to water. Water signs can rid themselves of negative emotions by spending time in, and near, water. Even if easy access to a body of water is not accessible, taking long hot showers, or soaking in a warm bath can have the same effect.

CANCER: RULED BY THE MOON

Cancers are inherently nurturing and protective. They are very focused on protecting and preserving the family. On the highest level, Cancers remember our ultimate connection to all creation. They understand that when we nurture others, we are also nurturing ourselves, and when we are being nurtured, we are also nurturing others. Because there are truly no boundaries between us, when we give love, we are also receiving it simultaneously.

Cancers however, are not always operating on their highest level. If they feel threatened, or fear that their needs won’t be met, they can become needy and clingy, possessive and helpless. Mothering and nurturing can quickly become smothering. Cancers can look for emotional security in physical objects and have a tendency to become attached to substitutes for the love and affection they crave. When Cancers feel hurt and alone, they try to build a cocoon – or perhaps more accurately, a hard outer shell – to protect itself from the pain of the outside world. Ultimately, Cancers must learn how to be more emotionally self-reliant and self-sufficient.

SCORPIO: RULED BY MARS AND PLUTO

Scorpios seek to merge with another individual, to lose all sense of individuality, to die, for a moment, and to be reborn again. On a physical level, one way of experiencing this death and rebirth, this union and transformation , is of course, through sex, and Scorpio’s are very much the “sex symbol” of the zodiac. But it is important to remember that Scorpio’s are not simply about sex: Scorpio’s are about death, rebirth and transformation. Scorpios are about confronting their demons and acknowledging them. Scorpio’s want to get to the heart of the matter, to bear their soul, and hopefully, to be able to bear their soul with another individual. This soul bearing can be a process however, because Scorpio’s are extremely sensitive. Although not always easy to read, they experience their emotions more intensely than any other sign in the zodiac.

PISCES: RULED BY NEPTUNE AND JUPITER

The motivation of Pisces is to absorb negative emotions from others and to transmute them. Pisces can be tremendously sensitive and caring. Because Pisces have a fundamental understanding that we are all part of the same universe, that truly there is no separation between us, Pisces have the ability to express unconditional love freely. Pisces tend to be psychic because they are able to pick up instinctively on the connections that we each share with everyone and everything in the universe. Because of this, Pisces is one of the most compassionate among the signs. Pisces have a tendency to embrace the matyr archetype. However, despite what Pisces may think, this is very much a manifestation of the ego, not of the Higher Self. Pisces does a great and necessary service by absorbing and transmuting the negative energy and emotions of others, but Pisces must learn that they don’t need to suffer in order to serve the spirit. Rather than holding onto the negativity that Pisces collects, they are perfectly capable of releasing it, and experiencing little or no discomfort in the process. Pisces also have the tendency to escape the physical through fantasy, as well as through drugs and alcohol. Pisces need to learn that their purpose is not to escape the physical by means of daydreaming or drugs, but instead, to bring spiritual energy to the physical realm.