I began reading birth charts about 7 years ago for fun. A birth chart is, basically, a breakdown of the positions of the constellations in reference to the moment and area you were born, resulting in specific character qualities and attributes.The birth chart is like a more personalized horoscope of an individual, not a day for the individual. I would like to let you all know that I am not some sort of nut: I just think it is interesting, especially in my case, how dead-on accurate my birth chart and zodiac connection is. Also, as all my lovers and friends will tell you, spending time with a Gemini can be a roller coaster, so get ready for the ride!

The purpose of this hub is an experiment in the understanding of Gemini - and the realization that because I was born on June 2,1983 at 9:01 am, I am a completely different person than I would've been had I been born at any other time, on any other date, or under any other constellation.

The Myth of Gemini

The myth of Castor and Pollux, who became the two brightest stars in the Gemini constellation is mentioned in several ancient Greek and roman writings. They appear in Homer's poems, The Aeneid by Virgil, Ovid's Metamorphoses and even in the New Testament, Paul set sail from Malta in a ship bearing the sign of Castor and Pollux (Acts).

From what I've gathered from several different myths pertaining to the twins, this is the story as I understand it. It caused great clarity in my understanding of myself as these myths became the basis of the astrological understanding of Gemini.

Castor and Pollux were born the fraternal twin sons of Leda, wife of the King of Sparta. On her wedding night, Leda was seduced by Jupiter and bore twin sons, with different fathers: Pollux was the son of the God and immortal while Castor was the mortal son of the Spartan King. Both were great warriors but the immortal Pollux was known for his ferocity, strength and boxing abilities while Castor was talented in arts, music, science and a highly skilled horse trainer.

To cut to the end of the Castor/Pollux story (leaving out many interesting stories, I might add - but they don't have much anything to do with the myth of the Gemini constellation), Castor is fatally wounded in battle and dies, going to Hades (where the human dead go). Greif strickien Pollux begs for death to join his brother, but because he is a god, he cannot. In some stories, Zeus takes pity on the brothers and allows them to share Pollux' immortality by becoming stars and spending all night in the heavens and all day in Hades. In other versions, Zeus had to make a deal with the ruler of Hades who granted the request with one cruel twist: while one brother was in Hades, the other would be in heaven. Each day, they would switch places and the stars represent their their unbreakable bond.

I like to think that they are together spending their time in both the heavens and Hades together.

The Importance of this Myth

Often in my readings I find that Gemini's are said to have at least 2 distinct personalities and a friend would do well to meet both, as both will show up and change positions any time they please.

Being born under the sign of the twins gives the Gemini easy acceptance of opposites. In the myth's, Castor and Pollux are very similar but very different: one creative/one a boxer, immortal/mortal, manipulative/honest, etc. etc, but they were inseparable. They loved each other, as Gemini's love the opposites that exist within - usually, except when they're getting us into trouble!

This easy acceptance of opposites and opposing ideas helps make great conversationalists and debaters, but also explains the sometime brutal behavior - we are from Spartans, a waring people, after all.

The Gemini Personality

It is said that a Gemini is their own best friend, and own worst enemy. Because we are so comfortable with opposites, it is easy for us to accept opposing arguments as both being plausible. We are an air sign so flexibility and change is part of the Gemini nature. So is restlessness and paradox, as the Gemini existence is one of dualities - good/bad, right/wrong.yen/yang, in/out, male/female. These are all comfortable jumps for the Gemini spirit.

Gemini is ruled by Mercury, the planet that controls communication. Mercury is the most quickly moving planet in our solar system and also experiences the greatest temperature changes from 70C to 700C. Because Mercury moves so quickly, it often goes into retrograde (moving backwards) which can cause all sorts of turmoil for the Gemini. Most of September 2009 has been spent with Mercury in retrograde. Gemini's may find it is difficult to express themselves in a way that is easily understood and have trouble easily conversating during these periods. Tarot.com explains this wonderfully and the link to Gemini from tarot.com is above.

Gemini's are mentally active, love to learn and are extremely creative. I beg you Gemini's: embrace your creativity, your many personalities, your ability to change your mind, even your habitual lateness and procrastination. It is not as much procrastination as it is the Gemini mind enjoying many projects, subjects and interests at the same time.

In Conclusion

I am Castor and Pollux and I love my twins. I am both fierce and creative,a girly-girl and tom boy, cold and emotional - depending on the day, depending on the planets and stars, depending on whether my twins are in heaven or hades. Maybe this is why I do my best work at night! I feel lucky to have both in me, lucky to so easily accept others' opinions, respect the understanding that I will always be many; being one for me is actually being several.

Thanks to my birth chart and the myth of Gemini, I have a more clear understanding of the mistakes I've made and the knowledge I've gained; my habits and quirks, my gifts and downfalls. And much more to write about.

Learning about your Sun and Moon sign is both fun and interesting! You'd be amazed at how accurate it can be. And if you're a Gemini, it's especially important to know both signs as one twin usually favor one while the other stays distinctly Gemini. This also changes your compatibilities based on Astrology. A Gemini with an Aquarian moon sign, like me, has traits of Gemini and Aquarius - I'm much different than one with a Leo moon sign. If you'd like your birth chart read, let me know!

I am Castor Pollux, and I've never known myself better. It's amazing all we can learn from the Greek and Roman authors we have grown to respect for so long! Though they lived in a much more primitive time than today, they were incredibly knowledgeable about the goings-on in the universe that still baffle us today. Learn from them. And in true Gemini form, learn from everything!