Astronomy and the Zodiac
In the study of astronomy, the zodiac is the ring of constellations that lines the ecliptic, which is the apparent path of the Sun across the sky over the course of the year. The Earth's Moon and the planets lie within the ecliptic.
Signs of the Zodiac
Western astrology divides the year in to 12 segments, with each named after the animal or object shaped patterns of stars in the part of the zodiac that the sun passes through during that segment of the year. These 12 names are known as the Signs of the Zodiac, or the Sun Signs.
Western astrology believes that a person's characters traits are influenced by the Sign of the Zodiac of your date of birth.
There are a number of ways of classifying the zodiac signs, some of which are explained below.
The astrological year starts on March 21st, the date of the Spring equinox.
Names and Dates of the Zodiac Signs or Sun Signs
The 12 signs of the zodiac are:
- Aries, The Ram: March 21st - April 20th
- Taurus, The Bull: April 21st - May 21st
- Gemini, The Twins: May 22nd - June 21st
- Cancer, The Crab; June 22nd - July 22nd
- Leo, The Lion: July 23rd - August 21st
- Virgo, The Virgin: August 22nd - September 23rd
- Libra, The Scales: September 24th - October 23rd
- Scorpio, The Scorpion: October 24th - November 22nd
- Sagittarius, The Archer: November 23rd - December 22nd
- Capricorn, the Goat: December 23rd - January 20th
- Aquarius, The Water Carrier: January 21st - February 19th
- Pisces, The Fishes: February 20th - March 20th
These signs of the zodiac are also shared by Vedic astrology (Indian astrology).
Masculine and Feminine, or Positive and Negative Signs
The masculine, or positive, signs, which are spontaneous and self-expressive, are Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, and Aquarius. The feminine, or negative, signs, which are withdrawn and passive, are Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, and Pisces.
Air, Water, Earth, and Fire Signs
The Air signs, which are lively in mind and fluent in expression, are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. The Water signs, which are sensitive and intuitive, are Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. The Earth signs, which are matter-of-fact and controlled, are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. The Fire signs, which are lively and aggressive, are Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.
Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable Signs
The Cardinal signs, which are the signs of dynamic change, movement, and great vitality, are Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn.
The Fixed signs, which are the signs of stability, earthiness, and immovability, are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. The determination of the Fixed signs is expressed as great willpower.
The Mutable signs, which are the adaptable and interchangeable signs, are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces. These signs are able to mold and modify circumstances and conditions in life.
Planetary Rulers of the Zodiac Signs
The Ruler of each Zodiac Sign has a special potency in that sign, and has a more powerful influence over that sign when it is in the sign's part of the zodiac. The Planetary Rulers of the Zodiac Signs are:
- Aries: Mars
- Taurus: Venus
- Gemini: Mercury
- Cancer: Moon
- Leo: Sun
- Virgo: Mercury
- Libra: Venus
- Scorpio: Mars
- Sagittarius: Jupiter
- Capricorn: Saturn
- Aquarius: Uranus
- Pisces: Jupiter
Aries
People born under Aries tend to have these character traits:
- Positive traits: adventurous, energetic, pioneering, courageous, enthusiastic, confident, dynamic, and quick-witted
- Negative traits: selfish, quick tempered, impulsive, impatient, foolhardy, and daredevil
Taurus
People born under Taurus tend to have these character traits:
- Positive traits: patience, reliable, warm hearted, loving, persistent, determined, placid, and security loving
- Negative traits: jealous, possessive, resentful, inflexible, self indulgent, and greedy
Gemini
People born under Gemini tend to have these character traits:
- Positive traits: adaptable, versatile, communicative, witty, intellectual, eloquent, youthful, lively
- Negative traits: nervous, tense, superficial, inconsistent, cunning, and inquisitive
Cancer
People born under Cancer tend to have these character traits:
- Positive traits: emotional, loving, intuitive, imaginative, shrewd, cautious, protective, and sympathetic
- Negative traits: changeable, moody, overemotional, touchy, clinging, and unable to let go
Leo
People born under Leo tend to have these character traits:
- Positive traits: generous, warm hearted, creative, enthusiastic, broad minded. expansive, faithful, and loving
- Negative traits: pompous, patronizing, bossy, interfering, dogmatic, and intolerant
Virgo
People born under Virgo tend to have these character traits:
- Positive traits: modest, shy, meticulous, reliable, practical, diligent, intelligent, and analytical
- Negative traits: fussy, a worrier, overcritical, harsh, perfectionist, and conservative
Libra
People born under Libra tend to have these character traits:
- Positive traits: diplomatic, urbane, romantic, charming, easy going, sociable, idealistic, and peaceable
- Negative traits: indecisive, changeable, gullible, easily influenced, flirtatious, and self indulgent
Scorpio
People born under Scorpio tend to have these character traits:
- Positive traits: determined, forceful, emotional, intuitive, powerful, passionate, exciting, and magnetic
- Negative traits: jealous, resentful, compulsive, obsessive, secretive, and obstinate
Sagittarius
People born under Sagittarius tend to have these character traits:
- Positive traits: optimistic, freedom loving, jovial, good humored, honest, straightforward, intellectual, and philosophical
- Negative traits: blindly optimistic, careless, irresponsible, superficial, tactless, and restless
Capricorn
People born under Capricorn tend to have these character traits:
- Positive traits: practical, prudent, ambitious, disciplined, patient, careful, humorous, and reserved
- Negative traits: pessimistic, fatalistic, miserly, and grudging
Aquarius
People born under Aquarius tend to have these character traits:
- Positive traits: friendly, humanitarian, honest, loyal, original, inventive, independent, and intellectual
- Negative traits: intractable, contrary, perverse, unpredictable, unemotional, and detached
Pisces
People born under Pisces tend to have these character traits:
- Positive traits: imaginative, sensitive, compassionate, kind, selfless, unworldly, intuitive, and sympathetic
- Negative traits: escapist, idealistic, secretive, vague, weak willed, and easily led
Western Astrological Horoscope for 2012
Western astrology makes forecasts for each New Year in general, and for people belonging to each sign in more detail. Read the Horoscope for 2012.
Birthstones of the Zodiac Signs
Western astrology associates a birthstone with each sign of the zodiac. They are designed to support the strengths of the zodiac sign, and to compensate for its weaknesses.
Compatibility of Zodiac Signs in Love and Business
Western astrology holds that the character traits for each sign of the zodiac determine if two people are compatible. People who trust in astrology often consider the compatibility of their signs before committing to a romantic relationship or to a business relationship.
Sources:
Mark Tibbits - A professional writer and educator who writes about Astrology, South Asia/China, the UK, the British Royal Family, and Religion.
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