Signs of the Zodiac
Overview: Why Twelve Signs?
The Zodiac and the Seasons
Elements and Polaritus
12 Signs in Brief
12 Signs in Depth:
• Aries
• Taurus
• Gemini
• Cancer
• Leo
• Virgo
• Libra
• Scorpio
• Sagittarius
• Capricorn
• Aquarius
• Pisces

The Signs in Overview

The zodiac is a division of the Sun's path through the sky. The zodiac of twelve signs used in Western astrology (tropical zodiac) is a Near Eastern creation which most historians believe attained its present form about the 5th century B.C.

Why 12 Signs?

The solar calendar and the twelve primary divisions of the zodiac are astronomical frames of reference. They are 30-degree spatial sections of the sky, not tangible objects like planets. Our twelve-sign zodiac modifies the characteristics of the planets that pass through them.

The Zodiac and the Seasons

The tropical zodiac that is most commonly used in Western astrology today. Spring starts with the vernal equinox, the place where the Sun is located on March 20th or 21st every year. On this day, the first day that the Sun is in the sign Aries, the Sun rises due East and sets due West. It also rises and sets on the east/west line on the day of the autumnal equinox, which is the first day that the Sun is in the sign Libra.

The summer solstice marks the beginning of the sign Cancer. At the winter solstice, the Sun rises at its southernmost point and marks the beginning of the sign Capricorn. These positions, which are known in astrology as the cusps or beginnings of the Cardinal signs, create the four quarters of the year, otherwise known as the seasons. This is the basis of all solar calendars. Dividing each of these quarters into three equal parts produces the twelve signs of the zodiac.

The Quadruplicities or Qualities

Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn are called the Cardinal signs because the Sun enters them at the beginning of each season. After each Cardinal sign comes a Fixed sign, and after each Fixed sign comes a Mutable sign. Then the whole cycle begins again with a Cardinal sign. This grouping of signs is called the Quadruplicities, Crosses, Qualities, or Modes. These qualities form the basis of your personality, as you can discover in your custom LifeQuest report or Inner Child report

Cardinal sign people (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) are quick, initiating, busy, natural starters who are often at their best when getting projects off the ground. They are sometimes too restless for work that involves a regular routine.

Fixed signs, (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) are solid, resistant to change, and strive for regularity. They can be enduring, consistent, and sometimes stubborn.

Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) are changeable, adaptable, and often involved in multiple projects. They tend to be flexible because they can see both sides of an issue.

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The Elements and Polarities

Elements

The fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) are spirited, active, and inspired.

Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) are practical, conservative, and concerned with the material world.

The Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) are mental, communicative, and social.

Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) are sensitive, emotional, and intuitive.

The Polarities

Finally, the signs are grouped into two categories called the Polarities. Like a pulse, the sequence of signs in the zodiac alternates between signs of outgoing energies and signs of inturning energies. Fire and Air signs are masculine or Yang, and Earth and Water signs are feminine or Yin. Since the zodiacal signs are arranged in the sequence Fire, Earth, Air, Water, etc., they also alternate masculine, feminine, masculine, feminine, etc. (or +, -, +, -).

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12 Signs in Brief

When applied to human life, the first six signs of the zodiac (from the spring to the fall equinox) symbolize the development or evolution of the individual. Aries is self-survival; Taurus is the use of resources and territory; and Gemini gets to know the environment by traveling, learning, and communicating. Cancer establishes the home and family, a base of operations, and a place for centering and protection; Leo masters life and dominates the world; and then Virgo becomes aware of flaws and of the need for adjustment and perfection.

Aries begins when the Sun is at the vernal equinox; it symbolizes spring, the seed breaking its shell, the release of stored energy, and the birth of the self.

Taurus has to do with substance, materials, possessions, and resources: what there is to work with.

Gemini is concerned with information, communication, reaching out and manipulating the environment.

Cancer has to do with nurturing, protection, domesticity, home and family;

Leo with creativity, drama, the power and glory of the individual;

Virgo with criticism, analysis, perfection, and discrimination.

While the first six signs are about the self, the second six signs are about the self in society. Each sign in the second half of the zodiac can be viewed as a more social manifestation of the opposite sign in the first half.

Libra symbolizes basic relationship and cooperation -- the encounter with another.

Scorpio has to do with materials, but specifically the materials of relationship, including sex, physical sharing, borrowing and lending.

Sagittarius seeks a deeper, wider kind of knowledge than Gemini, traveling to more distant places, learning foreign languages, and coming to an understanding of cultural differences.

Capricorn has to do with finding one's place within the community. Whereas Cancer sought an emotionally secure center in the family, Capricorn seeks security in society through social position, status, and reputation.

Aquarius symbolizes friendships and complex social experiments, the cooperation of individuals within groups. Whereas Leo led as an individual, Aquarius is more democratic and seeks to meet power needs through a group.

Pisces has to do with the breakdown of social patterns. Whereas Virgo was critical of the self, Pisces is critical of society. It is the sign of the hermit, the monk, the artist, and the psychic, a symbol of the search for a higher social purpose. Both Aquarius and Pisces are signs of change, as if a breakdown were needed before the cycle could begin again at Aries.

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Signs in Depth

Aries

Ruling Planet: Mars

Aries is a fire sign and the first sign of the zodiac. Those born with the Sun here make choices in life that may be daring or pioneering, at least in comparison with their peers. They are generally active, direct, courageous, forceful, and quite impulsive people. They meet the world in an immediate way and take a minimalist approach to things. Aries types like their independence and often prefer to work alone. Many are drawn to wild, untamed places and activities. They can be very constructive when their energies are harnessed, but the same energy can also fuel competitive instincts.

Life Issue: Do I really exist?

The Moon in Aries gives quick reactions and a need for excitement. Interest in sports and risk-taking is common with the Moon in this placement. Weaknesses include problems with self-control and a tendency to lose interest in things before bringing matters to a conclusion.

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Taurus

Ruling Planet: Venus

Taurus is an earth sign that is solid and slow to change. Sun in Taurus is likely to be territorial, possessive, practical, determined, stubborn, beauty-conscious, pleasure-loving, and self-indulgent. There is usually a strong conservative tendency in this sign, at least in terms of self-definition. Taurus likes permanence and security and is easily attracted to money, valuable objects, and land. The Sun in Taurus often occurs in the charts of those who build things or develop systems.

Life Issue: How much do I own?

The Moon in Taurus is comfort-driven. People with this Moon sign generally have steady emotions, but they also have strong cravings for pleasures. Habits may be hard to break. Taste in most matters is generally mainstream and conservative. This is a materialistic signature in the chart -- security is found in things of substance.

The Ascendant in Taurus confers a strong interest in art and physical beauty. Such people will often work to raise the aesthetic levels around them. This type of personality is quick to establish a standard social routine, but then gets stuck, finding it difficult to adjust or make changes.

Professions: Fashion and beauty, landscaping, investing, banking, land ownership, cashiering, art, music, design.

Additional Keywords: Solidity. Down to earth. Enduring. Practical. Hardheaded. Natural. Luxury. Sensuous.

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Gemini

Ruling Planet: Mercury

Gemini is an air sign and likes to be constantly on the move. Sun in Gemini types are quick, changeable, clever, curious, adaptable, intellectual, and communicative. The sign is basically concerned with communications (talk, words, ideas, messages) and transportation (movement, mobility, linkage, connection). Varied experiences and interests lead to an understanding of the relationships between things. The Sun in Gemini is often a jack-of-all-trades.

Life Issue: How many can I have?

The Moon in Gemini gives an interest in speaking, writing and teaching. People with the Moon in this sign are often busy with many projects and fully engaged in communicative activities, so they are stretched thin as a result. They tend to rationalize their emotions and prefer relationships that are strong on conversation.

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Cancer

Ruling Planet: Moon

Cancer, a water sign, is motivated by emotional, rather than rational, considerations. Life is driven by the need for a home base, domestic security, the feeling of being at home. Typically, Cancerians are protective, resourceful, conservative, shrewd, sensitive, romantic, imaginative, maternal, and domestic. They are fascinated by the past, both personal and historical, and are often collectors. Cancer is the sign of the mother, and also of nourishment and eating. It is a sensitive sign, not very comfortable with criticism.

Life Issue: What does home feel like?

The Moon in Cancer indicates a personable nature with strong maternal or protective instincts. People with the Moon in this sign have prominent issues with the care of others, both in personal matters and professionally. There is often an attraction to water and a desire to live near it.

Those with the Ascendant in Cancer are very sensitive to the external world and can be quite touchy. Some even have highly sensitive skin. They interact intensely with the world around them. Their identity is typically built around care, concern, and preservation.

Professions: Public relations, banking, cooking, gardening, restaurant and hotel work, food industry, real estate, homemaking.

Additional Keywords: Security. Homey. Traditional. Mother Nature. Collectible. Antique. Silver. The Sea. The Country.

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Leo

Ruling Planet: The Sun.

Leo, is a fire sign and one of the more prominent and dominating signs of the zodiac. People with the Sun in Leo are usually creative, dramatic, proud, authoritative, fond of entertainment or entertaining, lavish, forgiving, and generous. Leo is a sign that is really about self-esteem and self-worth issues, though most people wouldn't know this from the dramatic and seemingly confident presentation of the self that seems to go with this sign. Leo produces romantic lovers, artists, and also parents (who live out their self-worth issues through their children). Those with Sun in Leo are usually physically strong and make good teachers and role models.

Life Issue: How important am I?

The Moon in Leo gives a strong interest in performing of one kind or another. The need for attention from others is very great and most people with this Moon sign will be found in creative fields or having and working with children.

The Ascendant in Leo also works at getting attention and recognition, sometimes blatantly so. These types are often found in charge of whatever operations they may be involved with. Very often they are the first son or daughter born in their family, and consequently strive throughout life to recapture their former favorite status.

Professions: Owning or managing a business. Artistry and musicianship. Acting and directing. Sports. Fashion and entertainment Industry work. Teaching.

Additional Keywords: Style. Warmth. Dramatic impression. Royalty. Gold. Creativity. Performance. The personal touch.

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Virgo

Ruling Planet: Mercury

Virgo is a sign that is concerned with work, technique, details, and health. People with the Sun in this placement can be detailed, meticulous, practical, clinical, materialistic, critical, and fussy. Virgo is a scientific and intellectual sign, and the desire to classify things is usually present. Work itself is an important issue and there is also a strong service instinct -- Virgo often works for others in a specialized service capacity. The Sun in Virgo suggests a sensitive body which often leads to an interest in healing and diet.

Life Issue: Are things running efficiently?

The Moon in Virgo gives an appreciation for competency, cleverness, and craftsmanship. There is usually an interest in medicine or health, or at least associations with the healing professions.

Those with the Ascendant in Virgo are usually cautious, careful, and even low-key in social situations. They will rarely, or reluctantly, take a strong lead. They are expert with the details, however, and prosper in helping or consulting professions that require a working knowledge of facts and specifics.

Professions: Service occupations. Secretarial work. Accounting. Legal professions. Health or nutrition-related work. Crafts. Technical work. Electronics.

Additional Keywords: Precision. Details. Low-risk. Sterile. Conservative. Materialistic. High-tech.

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Libra

Ruling Planet: Venus

Libra, an air sign, is in many ways the most social of all the signs. The primary motivation for Sun in Libra is human relationships, though this is no guarantee of success in this area. Librans tend to be friendly, considerate, polite, compromising, diplomatic, beauty-conscious, romantic, flirtatious, and sometimes quite lazy. The sign is also sensitive to harmony and balance and requires a calm and peaceful environment to thrive. Decision-making can be a problem, as there is a tendency to look at both sides of an issue very carefully before making any commitment to action.

Life Issue: Let's do it together.

The Moon in Libra gives a natural interest in art, music, fashion, and decoration. These are very social people, often very friendly or even flirtatious, who become truly alive only when they are in the company of others. Family is usually an important social outlet for them.

The Ascendant in Libra usually produces good-looks, people who dress well and go out of their way to avoid upsets. They are generally eager to please and compromise, at least on the surface. They may also be fond of relaxation and low-energy pursuits.

Professions: Social work. Counseling. Public relations. Consulting. Designing. Luxury trades. Art.

Additional Keywords: Friendly. Harmonious. Balanced. Decorative. Well-appointed. Soothing. Romantic. Cultured and refined.

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Scorpio

Ruling Planet: Mars and Pluto.

Scorpio is a water sign that attempts to be private, but is generally noticed by everyone. Sun in Scorpio types are serious, determined, secretive, strategic, intense, committed, willful, jealous, and sexual. They may also be dominating and controlling. Scorpio is associated with financial entanglements, sex, birth, and death -- all of which raise survival issues of a material, psychological, or physical nature. This sign has a direct connection to our most primitive instincts, particularly the reproductive urge, the desire for power, and the control of territory. The Sun in Scorpio gives a strong, resilient body and a powerful drive to experience life intensely.

Life Issue: Can I get in any deeper?

The Moon in Scorpio gives strong likes and dislikes and an interest in the deeper emotional states of being. This runs from complex relationship entanglements and strong sexual interests to hot, spicy foods. There is also a tendency to repress and control strong feelings that threaten to wreak havoc on daily life.

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Sagittarius

Ruling Planet: Jupiter

Sagittarius is a fire sign that is usually happy, sporty, and often lucky. A driving need with this sign is to experience things firsthand, not just by reading about it. People with the Sun in Sagittarius generally think big and are intuitive, open-minded, playful, and optimistic. There is a tendency to take on more than they can handle. The sign is associated with extending personal experience through broadening activities like travel, sports, publishing, education, and the understanding of life through philosophy and religion. Sun in Sagittarius has such a strong desire for freedom that it often resists agreeing to permanent commitments that threaten restrictions.

Life Issue: How much can I bite off?

The Moon in Sagittarius gives an interest in literature, outdoor sports, and travel. These are generous people who are not adverse to taking risks. They have a strong love of freedom and will work to create a lifestyle where they can do what they want.

The Ascendant in Sagittarius produces the kind of confident personality that goes with being an entertainer or teacher. The physical build is often tall, or there is an emphasis on the hips and thighs. Walking and running are good exercises for this sign.

Professions: Publishing. Traveling. Writing. Teaching. Law. Religion. Broadcasting. Advertising. Sports.

Additional Keywords: Openness. Expansive, International. Confident. Relaxed. Informal. Sporty. Slapdash. Varied. Educational.

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Capricorn

Ruling Planet: Saturn

Capricorn is an earth sign that has the achievement of social position as its primary motivation. This may be expressed directly, or indirectly by association. People with the Sun in Capricorn are hardworking, practical, traditional, materialistic, reliable, persevering, distant, self-disciplined, organized, scientific, and goal-driven. Being the sign of the father and authority, Capricorn is challenged by issues of responsibility (failure here produces guilt). The sign is quite social and cultured, but conservative and diplomatic; is serious at heart, yet has a sophisticated sense of humor.

Life Issue: Where do I stand relative to others?

The Moon in Capricorn gives an interest in business and organization. These are serious people with a need for approval from the public. They have a good business sense and are often successful in the corporate world.

Ascendant in Capricorn produces self-conscious people who are somewhat insecure socially. They often overcompensate for this by taking on responsibilities and management roles. They are generally reliable people who can commit to a project and then deliver it.

Professions: Business (executives). Organizing. Accounting. Farming. Teaching (college levels). Mining. Administration. Government.

Additional Keywords: Formality. Tradition. Professional. Restrained. Structured. Heavy. Earthy. Geometric. A purist.

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Aquarius

Ruling Planet: Uranus

Aquarius is an air sign that leans toward being unconventional, progressive, inventive, intellectual, different, and sometimes downright weird. People with the Sun in this placement often have strong social motivations and a strong group consciousness, but they don't always fit in with the crowd. Aquarius is about individuality -- but how can you know how individual you are unless you are part of a group? Aquarians are interested in social progress and they are usually liberal-minded and idealistic in these matters. This is an intellectual sign, one that can get fixated on ideas to the point of being inflexible. The Aquarian mind works equally well in both scientific and artistic modes.

Life Issue: Why don't I fit in?

The Moon in Aquarius gives an interest in the odd, different, and unusual. Topics that interest these people are well off the mainstream, like astrology, alien visitations, and the sex life of plankton. What's going on in their emotional life may not concern them, however. They have strong freedom needs, like to be a part of a group, and generally have pets.

The Ascendant in Aquarius often has socialization problems and tends to go to extremes in their social life. Fitting in well with normal people can be a problem with this rising sign. The commitment to their individuality is strong, but is not always realized without a huge sacrifice.

Professions: Social work. The social sciences. Reformer. Inventor. Technical work. Radio. Electronics. Aircraft. Art.

Additional Keywords: Innovation. Unconventional. Technological. Experimental. Deviant. Artistic. Ingenious. Odd. Antique.

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Pisces

Ruling Planet: Jupiter and Neptune

Pisces, a water sign, is concerned with moving beyond ordinary reality. This is a motivation, or interest, that is generally misunderstood by most other people. People with the Sun in Pisces can be highly sensitive, impressionable, psychic, compassionate, and devoted. At best, Pisces has a deep understanding of the subtleties of art, science, and religion. At worst, it is a confused and escapist sign. Pisces types have a strong serving instinct and a willingness to be self-sacrificing for others, or for a cause. It is the sign of institutions such as hospitals and museums -- places on the edge of society where individuals become less important than "the mission." On the spiritual level, at least, loss of self seems to be a Piscean goal. Belief can make all the difference with this sign. The Sun in Pisces gives a sensitive body and mind and needs a calm environment in which to flourish.

Life Issue: Why am I here?

The Moon in Pisces loves the watery world - the sea, lakes, the rain, and the bathtub. Mysteries and irrational pursuits are appealing. There is usually an interest and talent in the arts, especially music, theater, and dance.

The Ascendant in Pisces produces a very adaptable personality, but one that is also extremely sensitive to the environment. These types need to be around calm people in calm situations, otherwise they soak up too much negative energy. The sense of self is not very strong with this rising sign and long periods of privacy may be needed to balance out the influences of the world.

Professions: Service occupations. Nursing, healing, and hospital work. Secretarial work. Dancing. The arts. Work with liquids (paint, alcohol, water, etc.). Research and development. Religion.

Additional Keywords: Intangible. Escape. Mysterious. Impressionistic. Artistic-bohemian. Chaotic. Spiritual. Soft. The sea. Fish and ships. The color purple. Clouds. Outer space.

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