What is astrology?
Astrology is the study of cycles. The sun,
moon, and planets move in their own time and in their own space according to individual
cycles. Similarly ordained, the earth and all life upon its surface carries forward in
complicated, perhaps never-to-be-fully understood, patterns that make up the Grand Design
of the cosmos. The Greeks believed this enthusiastically. Some of the greatest thinkers in
the history of mankind did not at all think it unreasonable to study planetary cycles in
order to gain a better understanding of how mankind in general and people as individuals,
fit into the universal cosmos. The Greeks assembled the body of knowledge upon which
modern astrology is based. They applied their advanced understanding of astronomy and
mathematics to the descriptions handed down from the astrologers/astronomers (there was no
distinction in those days) of ancient Egypt and Babylonia.
What is meant by one's
astrological sign?
When people refer to their astrological sign, they are
merely stating which sign of the zodiac the sun was in when they were born.
Why is the sun's position so
important in astrology?
As stars go with respect to size and brilliance, our sun is
not a very impressive specimen. However, in a universe incalculably cold and dark, it is
fortunate for us that the earth unfailingly continues to circle around this little spot of
warmth and light. Without it there would be no life. During the twelve months it takes to
make one complete orbit around the sun, the earth receives life-giving solar rays from
continually changing angles. This cyclical pattern produces the four seasons. Birth,
growth, maturity, and death; the cycle of the seasons is ordained by the earth's
relationship with the sun, and every individual life upon its surface is in imitation of
this pattern.
The date when the sun leaves one sign and enters another varies by just
a day or two from month to month, occurring sometime between the 20th and 23rd. The
astrological sign of those born during the one day when the sun moves into the next sign
is determined by the time they were born. For example, people whose birth occurred on
April 20th might be Aries, while others born on the very same day will be Taurus if they
came into the world after the sun entered the new sign. Those born on or around these
dates are often said to be on the cusp. What this really means is that they are not sure
if the sun had entered another sign on the day of their birth. The confusion can easily be
remedied. Many calendars and almanacs list the date as well as the time when the sun
enters a new sign each month.
Doesn't astrology
recognize that we all share the same traits?
Astrology reflects the principle that nothing in the
universe is at once so simple or so complicated as man himself, from the simple human
traits inherent in all humans at birth to the complexity of specific personality and
behavior patterns of a single individual. Desirable and undesirable characteristics repeat
themselves in the individuals of countless generations, appearing only slightly altered by
the history of changing circumstances. Specific traits indicated as belonging to one
astrological sign does not deny the fact that people born in any of the other eleven signs
also possess these traits. What it means is that hundreds of years of recorded
astrological observations have shown that certain traits are more prominent in the
personality and temperament of those born in one sign than in another. That is the reason,
for example, that moodiness becomes a trait associated with one sign or loquaciousness the
hallmark of another.
On what are the
astrological sign descriptions based?
Some traits are shared by certain signs. This can seem
confusing unless you understand how traits are classified. Astrology uses two general
classifications to explain how the same characteristic can be shared by different signs.
These two classifications also focus on the true nature of each sign as they are distinct
from each other. One classification is known as Elements which divides the twelve signs
into four groups: Fire signs, Earth signs, Air signs and Water signs. The other
classification is known as Qualities, which divides the twelve signs into three groups:
Cardinal signs, Fixed signs, and Mutable signs.
Elements
Defining characteristics in terms of Elements is based
on whether a person's initial (elementary) reaction to everything in life is physical,
pragmatic, intellectual, or emotional. An individual's first reaction to things is an
instantaneous process. Describing it as though it occurs in slow motion makes it easier
for us to understand how one individual's primary reactions may differ from another's, and
how much the tendency of these responses influences the way we think and the things we do.
The first element is Fire, represented by the signs Aries, Leo, and
Sagittarius. For these people, the first reaction to everything is a physical one. They
are the ones most likely to "shoot first and ask questions later. " Before they
assess the practicality of their actions, before considering the emotional consequences,
and before intellectual perceptions have a chance to impose control Fire sign people need
to do something. The moment their interest is aroused, they charge into battle unarmed. In
their haste to do something important details may be forgotten or disregarded. They can be
unmindful of how their careless actions may hurt or infringe on the rights of others. The
positive side of their animated natures is that fire signs possess great courage. They are
willing to take chances and do things others would not attempt. Their accomplishments can
be legendary if they learn to channel their energy constructively into worthwhile
endeavors and develop the patience to complete the projects they initiate. Fire sign
people are the most physically active. Aries likes to be active simply as a release of
energy. Leo wants to get around in order to enjoy the attention and sociable companionship
of others. Sagittarius loves the freedom that comes from being physically independent.
Qualities
Defining characteristics in terms of Qualities is based
on three basic attitudes toward life. Does a person want to get things done, as do the
Cardinal sign personalities? Is a person too stubborn or fearful of changing the status
quo, as are the Fixed sign personalities? Or, is a person likely to go along with the
prevailing situation by adjusting to change, as are the Mutable sign personalities?
The Cardinal signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. People born
in these signs are strong-willed and have a desire for accomplishment. They are the doers,
the movers and shakers in the world. Also known as "executive" signs, Cardinal
sign personalities like to be involved in major projects and to take charge of whatever
needs to be done.
The Fixed signs are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. These
personalities are cautious and tend to be extremely stubborn. Their opinions and habits
are not readily altered. They do not appreciate unexpected, sudden, or imposed changes.
The tenacity of these personalities is a valuable asset in research or other areas where
patience and stamina are required. Their cautious nature prevents unnecessary waste of
their time, talent, and resources.
The Mutable signs are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces. These
individuals have remarkable ability to adapt to all kinds of situations, making it easy
for others to live and work with them. Their adaptability makes Mutable sign people
survivors. However, their willingness to constantly adjust to the influence of other
people's situations can seriously inhibit the growth and development of their own talents
and personalities.
Putting the Elements and Qualities Together Adding the descriptive
Elements and characteristic Qualities together is the method that gives a unique personal
profile to each of the astrological signs.
Aries is the Cardinal-Fire sign. Aries people need to keep physically
busy. They accomplish many things simply because of their restless energy. They need to
learn how to make constructive use of their energetic efforts. The typical Aries urge is
to take on more projects than can be done reasonably well. Though others may find it
difficult to physically keep pace, they are attracted to the animation and spirit of Aries
personalities.
Cancer is the Cardinal-Water sign. Cancerians get things done through
the power of their emotional commitment. Not only do they aggressively work to accomplish
the goals inspired by their own feelings, they also know how to appeal to the emotions of
others. By making other people feel like family members, Cancerians effectively inspire
others to help get projects accomplished. They have to learn how to reach an emotional
balance since they tend to be overly sensitive and moody.
Libra is the Cardinal-Air sign. Librans accomplish things because they
intellectually evaluate what needs to be done, and then they charm others into cooperating
with them to achieve the goal. By unselfishly sharing the success of accomplishment with
those who assisted, Librans continue to engender the cooperative efforts of others. They
have to learn how to deal with confrontations. Fear of hurting others or avoidance of
hostile situations can keep them from pursuing their goals.
Why don't some people seem to fit their astrological sign? There are two
reasons why some people don't seem to fit the descriptive characteristics of their
astrological sign. In the first instance, they may not really understand the entire
astrological description of their sign and are basing their opinion only on a few
generalities. A more thorough explanation often reveals that most individuals do
demonstrate the inherent characteristics of their sun sign. In the second instance,
astrological interpretation is based on knowing the complete horoscope of an individual
which indicates where all the celestial bodies were positioned at the time of birth. It
will reveal how strongly an individual exhibits the traits associated with his or her sun
sign. After the sun's sign, the most important position is the sign in which the moon was
located at birth. For example, let's say at the time of birth the sun was in Aries. The
moon may also be in Aries at birth but it may just as easily be in any of the other eleven
astrological signs. The astrological sign position of the moon has an important bearing on
personality and temperament from an emotional point of view. It describes how a person
will emotionally handle the characteristics and traits indicated by the position of the
sun at birth. Many calendars and almanacs list the daily lunar positions.
Why don't some
people seem to fit their astrological sign?
There are two reasons why some people don't seem to fit
the descriptive characteristics of their astrological sign. In the first instance, they
may not really understand the entire astrological description of their sign and are basing
their opinion only on a few generalities. A more thorough explanation often reveals that
most individuals do demonstrate the inherent characteristics of their sun sign. In the
second instance, astrological interpretation is based on knowing the complete horoscope of
an individual which indicates where all the celestial bodies were positioned at the time
of birth. It will reveal how strongly an individual exhibits the traits associated with
his or her sun sign. After the sun's sign, the most important position is the sign in
which the moon was located at birth. For example, let's say at the time of birth the sun
was in Aries. The moon may also be in Aries at birth but it may just as easily be in any
of the other eleven astrological signs. The astrological sign position of the moon has an
important bearing on personality and temperament from an emotional point of view. It
describes how a person will emotionally handle the characteristics and traits indicated by
the position of the sun at birth. Many calendars and almanacs list the daily lunar
positions.
What is
the difference between astrological sign and horoscope?
As previously explained, a person's astrological sign
is determined simply by the position of the sun at the time of birth. The horoscope,
however, is literally a map of the heavens showing the exact position of the sun, moon,
and planets. It is mathematically calculated using the exact date, hour, and location of
an individual's birth. Many people are born on the same date but at a different hour. Many
are born on the same date and in the same hour, but not in the same place. An individual's
horoscope is calculated using all three of these variables. Every four-minute interval
produces a slightly different chart, and even twins are rarely born within such a narrow
space of time. The horoscope is indeed a unique chart, no two individuals have the same
one. This is the reason why an astrologer can define an individual's nature and
temperament in a most subtle and personal manner.
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