To many, astrology is a way for people to learn more about themselves. Whether it be through horoscopes or by other means. Over time, astrology has become such a significant factor in Western culture and our daily lives.
1. The Zodiac Signs
The term “Zodiac” is derived from Greek, meaning “Circle of Animals”. This is pretty self-explanatory when describing what exactly the zodiac signs represent. However, there are certain zodiacs that are not depicted as animals, but as objects or people.
There are 12 Zodiac signs, which represent different assets of our personalities. Our zodiac signs are determined when we are born, due to the planetary alignments. Our sun sign is the main leading force in our actions and personality. It is determined by the sun's position during our birth. When asked what our zodiac sign is, we often refer to the sun sign. However, we possess many other signs that influence us, such as our rising sign (how we initially appear to others), and our moon sign (represents our emotions).
Aries: March 21 - April 19; Ruled by Mars; Represented as a Ram
Taurus: April 20 - May 20; Ruled by Venus; Represented as a Bull
Gemini- May 21 - June 20; Ruled by Mercury; Represented as Twins
Cancer: June 21- July 22; Ruled by the Moon; Represented as a Crab
Leo: July 23 - August 22; Ruled by the Sun; Represented as a Lion
Virgo: August 23 - September 22; Ruled by Venus; Represented as a Maiden
Libra: September 23 - October 22; Ruled by Venus; Represented as Scales
Scorpio: October 23 - November 21; Ruled by Pluto; Represented as a Scorpion
Sagittarius: November 22- December 21; Ruled by Jupiter; Represented as an Archer
Capricorn: December 22- January 19; Ruled by Saturn; Represented as a Goat
Aquarius: January 20 - February 18; Ruled by Uranus; Represented as a Water-Bearer
Pisces: February 19 - March 20; Ruled by Neptune; Represented as Two Fishes
2. The Elements
The 12 Zodiacs are categorized into 4 different elements found in nature (fire, wind, earth, and water). By using the elements, we can figure out certain aspects of our personality.
Below are the different elements and the characteristics associated with them:
The Fire Signs: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Fire signs tend to be confident, motivated, and ambitious toward the future.
The Earth Signs: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. Earth signs tend to be modest, conventional, and practical.
The Air Signs: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Air signs tend to be communicative, analytical, and adaptable.
The Water Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. Water signs tend to be emotional, intuitive, and imaginative.
3. Cardinal, Fixed And Mutable Signs
While each sign has its own unique quality, they also share similar characteristics. To build on this, the Zodiacs are categorized as being cardinal, fixed, or mutable signs.
Cardinal: Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn; Cardinal signs are able to initiate and they often think out of the box for solutions.
Fixed: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius; These signs tend to be persistent and determined toward achieving something.
Mutable: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces. These individuals are able to be flexible with their situations, and they comfortable with change.
4. Cusps
The term "Cusp" originates from the Latin word for "spear" or "point". It is the imaginary line that separates the different zodiac signs or houses in the horoscope. When the sun is in the process of moving from one zodiac to the next, it can land on the cusp. This causes someone to possess traits from the sign before and after the cusp.
An example of this is when someone is born on the day one zodiac ends and the other begins. Say someone is born on April 19 which is when Aries ends and Taurus begins. That individual may have attributes from both of the signs as a result.
5. The Houses
Like the zodiac signs, there are twelve houses. Not in the literal sense, but symbolically. They represent the energies that go into influencing our emotions and our actions.
1st House: Deals with self and life.
2nd House: Deals with your possessions and finances.
3rd House: Deals with your early childhood, communication, and school.
4th House: Deals with the home and family life.
5th House: Deals with creativity, romance, and your children.
6th House: Deals with health, work, and routines.
7th House: Deals with marriage and business partners.
8th House: Deals with sex, death, loss, and inheritances.
9th House: Deals with travel, religion, and higher education.
10th House: Deals with career, social status, and reputation.
11th House: Deals with friendships, goals, and organizations.
12th House: Deals with your subconscious, social responsibility, and hidden ordeals.
6. Natal Chart/Horoscope
A horoscope is a diagram or a chart based on the positions of the sun and other planets at the time of birth, or as each day passes. Horoscopes often get a bad rep as people believe it has no value. Many times, magazines and other forms of media use very general information of sun signs without even considering other aspects in an individual's natal chart. This causes inaccuracy and the belief that horoscopes are fake.
Horoscopes are also known as "natal charts". While horoscopes tend to scrape the surface, natal charts go more in depth and require more information to determine how the zodiacs influence you.
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