The Signs of the Zodiac
The earth is the center of an imaginary circle called the zodiac. This zodiac is divided into twelve segments called signs, and each sign depicts certain traits. When all of the twelve characteristics are combined together they form the whole, or unity. The Sun, Moon, planets, and asteroids orbit the zodiac and are therefore posited in the various signs that help determine what influences will be present depending on the time and place. By casting a horoscope based on the exact time, date, and place of birth, much can be gleaned about the joys, happiness and successes, problems and lessons that will be prevalent during the life of the person or event.
Aries
Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, exemplifies its ambitious attitude by asserting it as the conqueror, emperor, warrior, or soldier of fortune. Aries is aggressive and forceful, and uses its energy to get what it desires. Aries has a great deal of enthusiasm for life and a sense of untamed daring, and early explorers of untamed wilderness have exemplified this sense of adventuresome. In astrology, Aries is ruled by the planet Mars and in turn rules the first house of the horoscope. In Tarot, Aries rules The Emperor in the Major Arcana and Ace, 2, and 3 of Wands in the Minor Arcana.
Taurus
Taurus, the second sign of the zodiac, comes into being when the farmers are ploughing the fields and planting the crops. Taurus is fertile, voluptuous, sensual, practical, earthy, and materialistic. Taurus loves to be surrounded by luxury and is primarily concerned with accumulating wealth and prosperity. Don't be fooled by Taurus' sensual and pleasant nature because its stubbornness, combined with endurance and stamina, make it a formidable foe when its path has been crossed. In astrology, Taurus rules the second house of the horoscope and is ruled by Venus. In Tarot, Taurus rules The Hierophant in the Major Arcana, and 4, 5, and 6 of Pentacles in the Minor Arcana.
Gemini
Gemini, the third sign of the zodiac, comes into season as the weather warms up enough so people want to go places, visit friends, and socialize. Gemini is mental, active, and witty, it enjoys light, airy social contact, and is very communicative. Being the twins, Gemini often displays two personalities and can appear dualistic at times. Since Gemini has the gift of gab, it has been known to spread rumours and gossip if other stabilizing influences are not present. In astrology Gemini rules the third house of the horoscope and is ruled by Mercury. In the Tarot, Gemini rules The Lovers in the Major Arcana, and 7, 8, and 9 of Swords in the Minor Arcana.
Cancer
Cancer, the fourth sign of the zodiac, is intuitive, sensitive, and emotional, The love Cancer sends out is pure and simple because she only wants to love, and in turn be loved. When confronted. Cancer normally reacts based upon emotions rather than intellect, and this can cause some difficulties if she is not able to control her behaviour. Cancer is very protective of her home and family, and can consequently appear grasping and clinging if she feels she is not in control. In astrology, Cancer rules the fourth house of the horoscope and is ruled by the Moon. It should be noted that in ancient astrology the Moon was assigned rulership over only this sign while the other planets (with the exception of the Sun) were each allocated two signs to rule, one sign being active and the other inactive. This indicates that Cancer is a very powerful sign in its own right and encompasses both active and passive attributes. In the Tarot, Cancer rules the Chariot in the Major Arcana, and Ace, 2 and 3 of Cups in the Minor Arcana.
Leo
The Sun moves through Leo, the fifth sign of the zodiac, at the height of summer. People are laughing, singing, and enjoying themselves, and romance is in the air as lovers can be seen walking hand in hand throughout the long summer days. Just like children can be seen playing happily in the parks and streets during this carefree, enjoyable time. Resorts are full of vacationers who simply want to bask in the sun and enjoy their holiday. It should be noted that in ancient astrology the Sun was assigned rulership over only this sign where each planet (with the exception of the Moon) was allocated two signs to rule, one being active and the other passive. This indicates that Leo is a very powerful sign in its own right as it encompasses both active and passive genders. In astrology, Leo rules the fifth house of the horoscope and is ruled by the Sun. In the Tarot, Leo rules Strength in the Major Arcana, and 5, 6, and 7 of Wands in the Minor Arcana.
Virgo
After everyone has had their yearly dose of fun, Virgo, the sixth sign of the zodiac, calls people back to work as this is the month to harvest and preparation for the long winter ahead. Virgo goes about her duties in an efficient and unassuming manner, and can actually become embarrassed when others rake notice of her accomplishments. She is concerned about health and hygiene, and is therefore likely to have a neat, clean house. In astrology, Virgo rules the sixth house of the horoscope, and is ruled by the planet Mercury. In the Tarot, Virgo rules The Hermit in the Major Arcana, and 7, 8, and 9 of Pentacles in the Minor Arcana.
Libra
Sooner or later people start thinking about making a permanent commitment to one another, and that's where Libra, the seventh sign of the zodiac, comes in. Libra is involved with all close relationships and partnerships. Because there is a fine line between love and hate, it should not be surprising to note that Libra also governs both close friendships and open enemies. Libra tries to be fair, but at times can appear judgmental. It tries to stay balanced, but only the weight of a feather gently placed on its scales can upset this complex harmony. In astrology. Libra rules the seventh house of the horoscope, and is ruled by the planer Venus. In the Tarot, Libra rules Justice in the Major Arcana, and Ace, 2, and 3 of Swords in the Minor Arcana.
Scorpio
Is it not surprising to find that after the crops have been harvested, the days have chilled, and people have returned to the warm confines of their homes, they finally have time to go deep within themselves and reflect upon their achievements and defeats. This is the effect that the eighth sign of the zodiac has on our deepest reflections. The emotions inherent in Scorpio are so extreme that compulsive or vindictive behaviour is not uncommon. Scorpio's introspection allows people to honestly look within themselves, find out what needs to be transformed or healed, and emerge renewed and rejuvenated. Scorpio is good at keeping secrets. One of Scorpio s best-kept secrets is that death is but a veil that people must pass through so that they can be reborn anew into bodies stronger and wiser than before. In astrology, Scorpio rules the eighth house of the horoscope, and is co-ruled by Mars and Pluto. In the Tarot, Scorpio rules Judgement in the Major Arcana, and 4, 5 and 6 of Cups in the Minor Arcana.
Sagittarius
Such introspection and healing can leave a being quite sombre and that's where Sagittarius, the ninth sign of the zodiac, comes into play. Sagittarius' optimism and joviality make him the life of the party. Sagittarius also has a philosophical side as he seeks answers to religious, spiritual, or esoteric questions posed by philosophers throughout the ages. In his quest for knowledge, he has become wise and understanding, and is usually able to give sound advice when consulted. In astrology, Sagittarius rules the ninth house of the horoscope and is ruled by Jupiter. In the Tarot, Sagittarius rules Temperance in the Major Arcana, and 7, 8, and 9 of Wands in the Minor Arcana.
Capricorn
Capricorn, the tenth sign of the zodiac, instills responsibility, practicality, and discipline into our lives. Capricorn helps people become successful because it gives them a sense of purpose. Because Capricorn wants to be respected, it is very much concerned about its status and reputation in the community. Yes, it is true that Capricorn is materialistic and firmly grounded to the earth, but it does have a deeply hidden emotional side as well. It must be remembered that the symbol for Capricorn is a goat with a fish tail. People all too often play up the rugged image of the goat trying to climb up the mountain and quietly dismiss the fish tail that is earnestly swimming in a sea of emotion. Alas, poor Capricorn is often misunderstood and people sometimes fail to appreciate the much-needed grounding this sign provides. It should also be noted that ancient oriental drawings depict this sign placement as a fish or crab, so it may actually be that in the distant past this sign was in fact considered to be a water element. Therefore, the modern symbolism of a sea-goat may be an attempt to obtain symmetry between ancient emotional sensitivity and New Age practicality. In astrology, Capricorn rules the tenth house of the horoscope and is ruled by Saturn. In the Tarot, Capricorn rules The Devil in the Major Arcana, and 2, 3, and 4 of Pentacles in the Minor Arcana.
Aquarius
Aquarius, the eleventh sign of the zodiac, is intellectual, social, and thinks about future developments. In the symbolism of this sign, the water bearer is seen to be pouring a jug of fluid into a larger mass of water. I he contents of the jug represent the knowledge he is carrying, and this act of pouring the liquid into a larger mass illustrates him disseminating knowledge to humanity. While Aquarius is friendly and sociable, it is also aloof, detached, and difficult to get close to, as evidenced by the fact that Aquarians as a rule have many acquaintances but few true friends. Aquarius dreams of a Utopian society where there is no pain, suffering, or inequality. In astrology, Aquarius rules the eleventh house and is co-ruled Saturn and Uranus. In the Tarot, Aquarius rules The Star in the Major Arcana, and 4, 5, and 6 of Swords in the Minor Arcana.
Pisces
After people have been given the gift of knowledge, they soon begin to realize that the more they know, the more they don't know. At the vast immensity of this gulf of awareness, which is yet to be understood, they begin to ask spiritual questions such as:
• Who is responsible for the rules under which the universe was built?
• Is there more to reality than meets the eye?
• Why are these unfounded feelings so strong?
Pisces seeks to stretch beyond the reality of here and now, and search for clues to past, present, and future worlds, which is one of the reasons why Pisces normally responds to psychic impressions rather than cold, hard facts. In astrology, Pisces rules the twelfth house and is co-ruled by Jupiter and Neptune. In Tarot, Pisces is said to rule The Moon in the Major Arcana. More appropriately, Pisces is likely to co-rule The Moon and Lilith, the Earth's second esoteric satellite, and the 8, 9, and 10 of Cups in the Minor Arcana.