Astrology is a rich symbolic language using the planets, the twelve signs of the zodiac, the twelve houses of the horoscope, the aspects between the planets, the elements and other factors to synthesize a description of a person’s life. It is a road map of potential experiences and conditions, both psychological and physical, that one will encounter in one’s life journey. It has been said that astrology is the science of life’s reactions to celestial vibrations. Nothing happens by chance; there is a higher order operating in the cosmos.
The astrologer’s job is to interpret the symbols of energetic influences to help someone gain meaning and insight into his or her destiny.
We can express the energies described in the birth chart positively or negatively based on our desire to cultivate self-awareness and our willingness to made the effort necessary to grow beyond our circumstances. Having insight into one’s basic motivations is extremely useful information to help you truly know yourself so you can live an authentic life. As well, life gets easier if you honor your basic tendencies and go with the flow of them.
What follows are some basic descriptions of the signs and planets which comprise some of the fundamental astrological principles and archetypes. Enjoy!
The Planets
Sun
The Sun rules the sign of Leo, the heart, the brain and eyes. It is your vital spirit and the life force of being. The Sun is the yang, hot, dry, diurnal masculine energy principle and representsthe father. It is the main expression of your desire, will power and drives. Sunday is the day the Sun rules.
Moon
The Moon rules the sign of Cancer, the stomach, womb and the breasts. It represents your instinctive personality, your emotions and feelings. It is the yin, cold, moist, nocturnal feminine energy principle and represents the mother. Your memory, habits, the subconscious self, as well as mass consciousness are ruled by emotions,(not reason) which is a lunar principle. Monday is the Moon’s day.
Mercury
Mercury rules the signs of Gemini and Virgo, the nervous system, tongue, arms, shoulders and hands. Mercury is cold and dry, and as the neutral messenger of the gods, is neither masculine nor feminine. “The little dude” as I am fond of calling him, rules communication, the mind, logic and reasoning, speaking, writing, brothers and sisters, short journeys and youth. Wednesday is the Mercury ruled day.
Venus
Venus rules the signs of Taurus and Libra, the venous blood, throat, the kidneys and the female genitals. Your sensual nature, all things of beauty, art and decoration, women in general are under Venus’s dominion. She is the yin, cold, moist, nocturnal feminine energy principle. The expressions of love, affection, relationship and life’s pleasures are Venus’s vibrations and Friday is her day.
Mars
Mars rules the signs of Aries and Scorpio, the gall bladder, arterial blood, the muscular system and the male genitals. Your ambitions, strength, courage and how you use force are all under Mars’ dominion. He is the yang, hot, dry, nocturnal masculine energy principle. Mars rules things that are sharp, red, hot, aggressive and fiery in nature. Tuesday is Mars’ day.
Jupiter
Jupiter rules the signs of Sagittarius and Pisces and the lungs, liver and thighs. He rules our ability to be optimistic, to teach and to be of benefit to others. He is the hot, moist, diurnal, masculine expansive energy principle. Jupiter rules things that are big, generous and wide-ranging; this includes religion and higher education. Jupiter is considered a benefic influence and Thursday is Jupiter’s day.
Saturn
The ringed planet rules the signs of Capricorn and Aquarius, as well as the bones, teeth, skin, joints and spleen. Your ability to work with restrictions and limitations, the conformity principle and institutions are Saturn’s themes. He expresses cold, dry, diurnal, masculine and contractive energy. Saturn rules things that are old, black, hard, heavy and solitary, as well as life’s hard lessons, aging, Father time and Saturday.
Uranus
Uranus has a cold, dry electromagnetic, eccentric, occult nature. It rules the ankles, the intuitive intellect, inventors, astrologers, metaphysics, electronic devices, computers and electricity. Sudden and unexpected events and non-comformity in general, fall under its rulership. Uranus is the revolutionary principle and is not at all concerned he doesn’t rule a day of the week!
Neptune
Neptune has a cold, moist, receptive, creative, nebulous and mystical nature. It rules the feet, the oceans, things of a mysterious nature, psychics, the spiritual world, intuition, illusions, artistic creativity, film and the imagination. Confusion and denial are also in its realm of influence, along with drugs, alcohol and insanity.
Pluto
Pluto has a dark, cold, deep transformational influence. It rules political power, the underworld, dark forces, agents of breakdown and decay, kundalini energy and terrorism. Healers, psychotherapists, and self-transformation teachers and therapists are also within its sphere of influence.
The 12 Signs of the Zodiac
ARIES
March 21-April 20
The Ram. Aries, the 1st sign of the zodiac is a masculine, cardinal fire sign ruled by Mars. Aries likes to be first, is impulsive, pushy, self centered and action oriented. Noble and good in leadership positions, the Ram loves initiating activities and can be fiercely competitive. He also hates to lose. Aries marks beginning of spring.
TAURUS
April 21-May 20
The Bull. Taurus is the 2nd sign of the zodiac and is a feminine, fixed earth sign ruled by Venus. Taurus likes good food, comfort, common sense and a slow steady pace without abrupt changes. They have high standards and a sensual nature that values all things of quality and beauty. Taureans can be possessive, stubborn and obsessed with having things.
GEMINI
May 21-June 21
The Twins. Gemini is the 3rd sign of the zodiac and is a masculine, mutable air sign ruled by Mercury. Gemini likes any form of communication, variety, socializing and many activities. They will do two or more things at once and they hate to be bored. Geminis can be restless, flirtatious and have trouble keeping commitments.
CANCER
June 22-July 22
The Crab. Cancer is the 4th sign of the zodiac and is a feminine, cardinal water sign ruled by the Moon. Cancer’s like family life, comfort, security, intimate relationships and nurturing others. They have the ability to accumulate things, people, money and “stuff” in general. Natives can be moody and gets their feelings hurt very easily. Cancer marks the beginning of summer.
LEO
July 23-Aug 22
The Lion. Leo is the 5th sign of the zodiac and is a masculine, fixed fire sign ruled by the Sun. Regal, proud, loyal and generous, they enjoy being the center of attention. Creative and affectionate they need the adulation of others more than any other sign. Leos can be egotistical and demanding when they don’t get their way.
VIRGO
Aug 23-Sept 22
The Virgin. Virgo is the 6th sign of the zodiac and is a feminine, mutable earth sign ruled by Mercury. Practical and analytical, Virgos like to be useful with their attention to detail being a strong point. They have a strong work ethic with high standards and great organizational skills. However, they can be critical and obsessed with perfection in themselves and others.
LIBRA
Sept 23-Oct 23
The Scales. Libra is the 7th sign of the zodiac and is a masculine cardinal air sign ruled by Venus. They are idea people who like harmony, romance, relationships, beauty and social settings. Libras have trouble speaking up directly for themselves, which can translate into passive-aggressive behavior. They function best in partnership. Libra marks the beginning of fall.
SCORPIO
Oct 24-Nov 22
The Scorpion. Scorpio is the 8th sign of the zodiac and is a feminine, fixed water sign ruled by Mars. Proud and stubborn, they are secretive, loyal, emotional and powerful souls who are slow to reveal themselves to others. They can be controlling and vengeful if antagonized.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov 23-Dec 21
The Centaur. Sagittarius is the 9th sign of the zodiac and is a masculine,, mutable fire sign ruled by Jupiter. Sag’s are optimistic, expansive, curious and principled, the native likes freedom, travel and having a good time. They can also run away from responsibilities and can be incredibly blunt in their observations of others.
CAPRICORN
Dec 22-Jan 20
The Goat. Capricorn is the 10th sign of the zodiac and is a feminine, cardinal earth sign ruled by Saturn. Practical and pushy the native can take a lot of adversity, which they overcome by working hard. The pursuit of excellence and achievement gives them a serious outlook. They seek financial security and can have a pessimistic outlook. Capricorn marks the beginning of winter.
AQUARIUS
Jan 21-Feb 20
The Water Bearer. Aquarius is the 11th sign of the zodiac and is a masculine, fixed air sign ruled by Saturn. Intellectual, curious, friendly and stubborn, these humanitarians like their space and all new ideas. They are very interested in the future and far out concepts, but can run from intimacy and keep others at a distance.
PISCES
Feb 21-Mar 20
The Fishes. Pisces is the 12th sign of the zodiac and is a feminine mutable water sign ruled by Jupiter. Emotional, mystical, romantic, kind and gullible, they see the best in others. They like taking care of others and are sentimental about family and loved ones. Pisceans can have problems with addictions as life can be overwhelming to them and they like to escape reality.