Astrology Is Awesome
| Sign | Constellation | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Symbol | Tropical zodiac (2010, UTC) | Name | Solar stay | Brightest star |
| Aries |  | 20 March – 20 April | Aries | 25.5 days | Hamal |
| Taurus |  | 20 April – 21 May | Taurus | 38.2 days | Aldebaran |
| Gemini |  | 21 May – 21 June | Gemini | 29.3 days | Pollux |
| Cancer |  | 21 June – 22 July | Cancer | 21.1 days | Al Tarf |
| Leo |  | 22 July – 23 August | Leo | 36.9 days | Regulus |
| Virgo |  | 23 August – 23 September | Virgo | 44.5 days | Spica |
| Libra |  | 23 September – 23 October | Libra | 21.1 days | Zubeneschamali |
| Scorpio |  | 23 October – 22 November | Scorpius | 8.4 days | Antares |
| Serpentarius |  | n/a | Ophiuchus | 18.4 days | Rasalhague |
| Sagittarius |  | 22 November – 22 December | Sagittarius | 33.6 days | Kaus Australis |
| Capricorn |  | 22 December – 20 January | Capricornus | 27.4 days | Deneb Algedi |
| Aquarius |  | 20 January – 18 February | Aquarius | 23.9 days | Sadalsuud |
| Pisces |  | 18 February – 20 March | Pisces | 37.7 days | Eta Piscium |
| Number | Sanskrit Name | Western/Greek Name | Tattva (Element) | Quality | Ruling Planet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Meṣa "ram" | Aries (Κριός "ram") | Tejas (Fire) | Cara (Movable) | Mars |
| 2 | Vṛṣabha "bull" | Taurus (Ταῦρος "bull") | Prithivi (Earth) | Sthira (Fixed) | Venus |
| 3 | Mithuna "twins" | Gemini (Δίδυμοι "twins") | Vayu (Air) | Dvisvabhava (Dual) | Mercury |
| 4 | Karka "crab" | Cancer (Καρκίνος "crab") | Jala (Water) | Cara (Movable) | Moon |
| 5 | Siṃha "lion" | Leo (Λέων "lion") | Tejas (Fire) | Sthira (Fixed) | Sun |
| 6 | Kanyā "girl" | Virgo (Παρθένος "virgin") | Prithivi (Earth) | Dvisvabhava (Dual) | Mercury |
| 7 | Tula "balance" | Libra (Ζυγός "balance") | Vayu (Air) | Cara (Movable) | Venus |
| 8 | Vṛścika "scorpion" | Scorpio (Σκoρπιός "scorpion") | Jala (Water) | Sthira (Fixed) | Mars - Pluto |
| 9 | Dhanus "bow" | Sagittarius (Τοξότης "archer") | Tejas (Fire) | Dvisvabhava (Dual) | Jupiter |
| 10 | Makara "sea-monster" | Capricorn (Αἰγόκερως "goat-horned") | Prithivi (Earth) | Cara (Movable) | Saturn |
| 11 | Kumbha "pitcher" | Aquarius (Ὑδροχόος "water-pourer") | Vayu (Air) | Sthira (Fixed) | Saturn |
| 12 | Mīna "fish" | Pisces (Ἰχθεῖς "fish") | Jala (Water) | Dvisvabhava (Dual) | Jupiter |
The Four Elements
Empedocles, a fifth century BCE Greek philosopher, originated the terms Fire, Earth, Air, and Water.He explained the nature of the universe as an interaction of two opposing principles called love and strife manipulating the four elements.
He stated that these four elements were all equal, of the same age, that each rules its own province, and each possesses its own individual character.
Different mixtures of these elements produced the different natures of things. Empedocles said that those who have near equal proportions of the four elements are more intelligent and have the most exact perceptions.
Each sign is associated one of the classical elements (water, fire, earth and air.) Fire and Air signs are considered positive or extrovert, masculine signs; while Water and Earth signs are considered negative, introvert, feminine signs.
- Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius-- fire elements: The Fire signs exhibit righteousness. These people conform to the standard of moral law. They do what is right and are known for their sense of fair play. They are truthful, straight-forward, just, upright and virtuous in their dealings with other men. The Fire signs are the true warriors. They demonstrate courage, fortitude, zeal and pugnacity. They have the mental and moral strength that enables them to venture into unknown waters and to persevere and withstand danger. They seldom show fear and are confident in their actions. They have mettle, resolution, and tenacity. They can face danger or difficulty without flinching or retreating. They will fight for their principles and have a stubborn persistence that is unwilling to recognize defeat. They have grit, back bone, guts, and are willing to keep fighting under all odds. They are aggressive and thrive on challenge. The Fire signs are of a spiritual nature. They have a nature that gives them physical energy, strength and vital powers. Their essential characteristic qualities are liveliness, energy, ardor, enthusiasm, courage and action. They have a firm, courageous and assertive disposition which is their most characteristic quality. The emotional nature of the Fire sign is goal oriented. These people like to win or be the best in anything they pursue. Their aggressive nature makes them just one big ego. There is nothing more stimulating to them than to win, and there is nothing more depressing to their ego than to lose. They strive to be the center of attention and are at home when showing-off. They are straight-forward and have no reservations about hurting the feelings of others by their forthrightness. The main virtue of this sign is being just and right.
- Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn-- earth elements: The Earth signs show propriety. They are conventional, proper and fitting. They follow what is socially acceptable in conduct, behavior and speech. They have excellent manners and are very polite. They are prudent and have a deep regard for conventional rules of behavior. The Earth signs by nature are merchants. They are the storekeepers, barterers and traders. They are at their best when buying or selling material or tangible commodities. Most are very business oriented. The Earth signs have a physical nature. They have a characteristic love for the material, tangible things. They derive pleasure from sensory stimulation such as taste, smell and feel. They surround themselves with tangible items such as fine
furniture , art, jewelry and most have a nice home that is expertly decorated. They have good taste in clothing and most are connoisseurs of food and drink. The Earth signs' emotions are aroused by sensory stimulation. Each of the five senses can produce an emotional response. Sight, sound, touch, smell and taste brings joy or depression. Nice surroundings, good music, the feel of quality materials, the smell and taste of good foods and financial security are the conditions required for an emotionally happy Earth sign. The Earth signs are normally not prone to physical violence, but as in any situation, there are exceptions. They are mildly revengeful. Their attitude is 'my time will come and they do hold a grudge. They will eventually get their revenge one way or another more often by hitting a person in his pocketbook. When angered, Earth signs, similar to the Fire and Air signs, are quick to express that anger verbally though most likely not physically unless as a last resort.
- Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius-- air elements: The Air signs possess the virtue of knowledge. This does not mean they are more intelligent than anyone else but are generally well rounded and informed. They are good communicators. Most have a good grasp of the language and generally know a little something about everything - they can communicate well on any subject under discussion because they are so well read and learned. They have good personalities and are easy to get to know. The Air signs are what the philosophers called seers or priests. These are mentally inclined people. They actively acquire knowledge through experience, education and association. The Air signs are curious, original, well-disciplined, quick thinking, and possess initiative. They are rational in their methods, rather than depending upon emotional or physical factors. They enjoy any type of
entertainment where they can use their intellectual capacity, and their ability to think quickly and accurately often gives them the upper hand. The emotional nature of the Air signs is directed toward self appraisal. Air signs have a tendency to judge themselves harshly. They set standards for themselves when its comes to their hygiene, fashion, education, job performance, and family. At their worst, they can be mean. They carry a grudge, and are quick to express their opinion. Libra is not as violent as Aquarius or Gemini. Aquarius is known to change their temper like a change in wind direction, they get extremely abusive and often violent, don't play with fire, as Aquarius can surprise anyone with their temper! Gemini and mind altering drugs such as alcohol just do not mix. The Air signs will not hesitate one moment to express their anger verbally, but physical violence is not a first choice during that anger (the exception being Aquarius & Gemini who will act in an instant).
- Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces-- water elements: The Water signs exhibit benevolence. These type people are charitable, have a kindly disposition and promote goodwill. They are concerned with the welfare of others. Where other people are concerned they are kind, generous and philanthropic. They seldom harbor hostility. They derive pleasure from doing good deeds. The philosophers called the Water signs servers. People under this sign are cooperative, companionable, hospitable and sociable. They are true humanitarians and are concerned with the welfare of other people. They are called servants or servers because of their unselfishness and sincere devotion to the welfare of humanity. They unconditionally come to the aid of the sick and the unfortunate just as they would for one of their own family, and most often ask nothing in return. The Water signs have an emotional nature. They have strong feelings and sensibilities. They tend to make decisions based on their emotions rather than by reason. Although they are emotional in nature, they do not outwardly express it. Their feelings are hurt easily but they tend to not let it show. The Water signs' emotions are directed toward other people. They are deeply concerned about the welfare of their friends and family. They also care about what other people think and say about them. An insensitive remark from someone can hurt their feelings deeply, although they may not show it. They give of themselves and their material possessions freely to help a less-advantaged person gain confidence and stature. They will go all out where close friends or family is concerned. It is not easy to make friends with a water sign because they are skeptical and naturally shy. They will be generous and kind to a certain point, but when you gain their confidence you will have an all-weather friend who will stand by you through your struggles. Water signs are emotional people and tend to get carried away in the heat of a situation. These people are not prone to physical violence normally, but being of an emotional nature and having the tendency to let things build up inside them, they can become extremely hurt.
In various belief systems, four is considered an earthly number, there being four elements. Water, Air, Fire, and Earth. Three is considered a divine number, and there are three qualities: Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable. Three plus four equals seven, a number often signifying the union of heaven and earth and the deliverance of people.
The Three Qualities
The Qualities assign the Signs into Quadruplicities, three groups of four. They are occasionally referred to as crosses because each quality forms a cross when drawn across the zodiac.
- Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn) are associated with initiation, creativity and leadership.
- Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius) are associated with stabilization, determination, depth and persistence.
- Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces) are associated with adaptability, service-providing and expansion.
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