Astrology And The Zodiac : Blueprints Of Our Lives

Throughout the ages, and perhaps since the dawning of time, man has looked upwards towards the heavens for answers. Astrology spans through many centuries and cultures worldwide. As Omarr states astrology was once reserved only for those holding a place of power to access. Kings, queens, dictators, emperors, and royalty often had astrologers by their sides (pg. 1). However, today astrology is available to the common man; one can easily find horoscopes in the daily newspaper. Astrology is a vast subject containing more than just horoscopes, and the zodiac. To some it is a science, others a religion. Though the zodiac signs are just a mere part of astrology, they are vital to understanding one’s true self.

“A highly versatile tool, astrology gives you the ability to know yourself fully.” (Judy Hall 6). To break it down simply astrology is the study of the stars; yet it is so much more. Astrology explores the influence of stars, planets, and celestial bodies and its occurrences upon human life. It can give insight to every aspect of one’s life. The zodiac is the path the sun travels throughout the heavens and is used to determine one’s sun sign. The sun signs of astrology are what one knows as their sign. One’s zodiac or sun sign is determined by which of the twelve constellations the sun was traveling through at the exact time of birth. These constellations are Aries the ram, Taurus the bull, Gemini the twins, Cancer the crab, Leo the lion, Virgo the virgin, Libra the scales, Scorpio the scorpion, Sagittarius the archer, Capricorn the goat, Aquarius the water bearer, and Pisces the fish. (Hall pg. 19-32)

Each sign is represented by an animal and a glyph (symbol). Important aspects of each sign include dualities, triplicitices, quadruplicities, polarities, ruling planets and houses. All this falls into place and forms the sign. The zodiac reveals the true character and personality of who one is. It can dictate one’s appearance, personality, health, emotions, parenting style, relationships, and most everything about one’s life. The sun signs are the key to discovering one’s self.

Each sign of the zodiac is either masculine or feminine, this is the duality. The terms masculine and feminine are not given to show a signs weakness, or strength, nor does it refer to dominance, or inferiority. The term masculine refers signs that are direct and energetic, whereas famine signs are receptive and magnetic. The masculine signs of the zodiac are Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius and Aquarius. The feminine signs are Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces. Along with being masculine or feminine sign is also either positive or negative. Polarities determine if a sign is positive or negative, as well as which signs are polar opposites. Polar opposites compliment, and balance one another, and often get along well together. The polar opposite pairs are Aries and Libra, Taurus and Scorpio, Gemini and Sagittarius, Cancer and Capricorn, Leo and Aquarius, and finally Virgo and Pisces. (Woodlfolk pg. 277-290).

            Each sign belongs to one of the four elements fire, water, earth, or air. This is known as the signs triplicity. Elements symbolize the signs basic characterization. The fierce element of fire dominates the signs Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.  This element represents aggression, leadership, directness, determination, creativity, impulses, egotism, and wildness. The temperate element of water flows through the signs of Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio. It encompasses the qualities of emotion, sensitivity, intuition, sympathy, creativity, understanding, self-sacrifice, and daydreaming.  The humble earth element reigns over the signs of Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. These signs tend to be patient, hard working, grounded, responsible, stable and organized. The whimsical air element floats along with the signs Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. These signs are social, adaptable, logical, flirty and fun (Hall p. 124-145).

            The quadruplicities, or qualities, reveal one’s attitude toward life. Each sign has one of the three qualities cardinal, fixed, or mutable. Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn have cardinal qualities. Signs with cardinal qualities are apt to being strong-willed, outgoing, and enterprising. Fixed signs such as Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius are cautious, stubborn and resistant. Pisces, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Gemini have a mutable quality. These signs have a tendency to be very adaptable, flexible and are survivors. (  Woolfolk pg. 36-45)

Each sign has a ruling planet which bestows certain aspects and characteristics upon the sign it rules. In ancient astrology the seven planets visible to the naked eye ruled over a particular sign. The sun and moon rule only one sign, where other plants may rule two. However, as new planets were discovered they became co-rulers to a sign that echoed their energy. The sun rules Leo, The moon rules Cancer, Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo, Venus rules Taurus and Libra, Mars rules Aries and co-rules Scorpio, Jupiter rules Sagittarius and co-rules Pisces, Saturn rules Capricorn and Aquarius, Neptune rules Pisces and finally Pluto rules over Scorpio (Astrop and Smith pg. 19-25).

Each sign rules over one of the twelve houses of astrology. Each of these houses has a specific meaning to one’s life. The first house is known as the house of self and is ruled by Aries. This is the most significant and influential house. It symbolizes one’s complete self, everything from one’s since of style to the way one feels and acts. It plays a role in one’s likes and dislikes. The second house is one of money and material possessions. It pertains to the assets one had, has, or is yet to have, as well as all finances. It determines how one feels bout materialistic and superficial matters. This house is ruled by Taurus. Gemini rules the third house of communication. This house controls areas of self-expression, family bonds, and the day-to-day journey through life, it oversees how one writes, thinks and speaks. The fourth house of home is ruled by Cancer. It is the house of one’s domestic life in the past, present and future. It deals with the kind of home one had as a child and the relationship with parents. It deals with things one brings along with them from ancestors. It also pertains to how one’s life will end and the comfort one will seek in old age. Ruling over the fifth house of creativity and sexual activity is Leo. This house dictates everything about ones pleasure and creative flow. It rules one’s sexuality and allows one to enjoy life. Virgo rules over the sixth house of service and health. This house controls the urge to help those in need as well as the general relationship one has with others. It also deals with illness that is brought on by stress or emotional disturbances. The seventh house of partnerships and marriage is ruled by Libra. It concerns all types of relationships one has, friendships, romantic relationships and business partnerships. It also pertains to legal contracts and unions. The eight house of death and regeneration is the most difficult house to understand and is ruled by Scorpio. It is also referred to as the house of spiritual transformation. This mysterious house deals with matters such as sex, birth, death and the afterlife. The ninth house is one of mental exploration and long distance travel. It is ruled by Sagittarius which is considered the house of enlightenment and the higher mind. Ruling the tenth house is Capricorn. This is the house of career and public standing. It pertains to one’s social rank. The eleventh house is one of friends, hopes, and wishes. It dictates immediate pleasures as well as long-term dreams and goals. This house is ruled by Aquarius. Pisces rules the twelfth and final house. This is the house of secrets, sorrows and self-undoing, also known as the house of karma. This house deals with psychic energy and discovering the meaning of life (hall pg. 240-263).

The sun sign is one’s overall character; it is the everyday person one is most comfortable expressing. This sign is the part of a person that makes them unique, for the most part it dictates one’s whole identity. Each sign has certain characteristics that apply to a person born under it. Arians prove to be natural born leaders. They are strong willed, impulsive and typically self-centered. Taureans characteristically are very possessive, yet also very gentle. Often exceptionally stubborn, much like the bull that illustrates their sign. Geminis are very good communicators who are able to multi-task. They are outgoing, friendly, and flirtatious. Cancers love to nurture and provide for others. However, many view them to be quiet moody, and childish. Leos, much like the lion of their sign, are known as the kings of the zodiac. They are proud and love compliments. Virgos are the hardest working sign of the zodiac. They tend to be perfectionists and sometimes get lost within details. Librans can be classified as the charmers of the zodiac. They are always looking to balance, thus their sign is depicted by the scales of justice. Scorpios are the most intense and passionate sign. They are the most intuitive sign and tend to seek control over everyone and everything. Sagittarians are the philosophers who enjoy the conquest of knowledge. They are always looking to learn more about life and the world around them. Capricorns have a tendency to be workaholics who are direct and never take the easy way out. They love money. Aquarians are considered the humanitarians of the zodiac. Always willing and delighted to help those in need. Pisceans are very sensitive, and empathetic. Often they sacrifice their own well being and take on the pain of others .These signs are the basic outline of who one is. (Diagram Group pg. 16-255).

            Astrology is vast, complex and interesting. It is a versatile tool that has stood the tests of time. It has been helpful throughout the ages, advising those in the highest positions of power down to the everyday, common man. It has retained its usefulness and helpfulness throughout the centuries. While there are many aspects of astrology the sun signs are the basic key for unlocking the door to one’s true self. Through the zodiac signs one can begin to explore and discovers them self and others.

Astrop, John and Smith, Caroline “Oracle Of The Radiant Sun” St. Martian’s Griffin New York 2002

The Diagram Group “The Little Giant Encyclopedia Of The Zodiac” Sterling Publishing Co., Inc New York 1997

Hall, Judy “The Astrology Bible The Definitive Guide To The Zodiac” Sterling Publishing Co., Inc New York 2005

Omarr, Sydney “Astrological Revelations About You” MJF Books Fine Communications New York 1999

Woolfolk , Joanna Martine “The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need” Taylor Trade Publishing Lanham, Maryland 1982