Astrology is a fascinating subject. One of the easiest places to start is with the Elements in your chart: how much Fire, Water, Earth and Air do you have? The Elements shape your personality.
In my case, most of my planets are in Earth and Air signs which makes me very practical, analytical and logical (believe it or not!) though my saving grace is Mercury in Pisces, putting the planet of communication, ideas and writing in a very intuitive and creative sign that can, at times, be easily distracted by the watery world of the fish.
It is a good thing I have a ton of planets in the Earth sign of Virgo, grounding that spacey energy. Nevertheless I'm still lopsided when it comes to the Elements so I have taken to wearing crystals that balance me out by adding Fire and Water to my energy field. My latest discovery have been red coral mala beads, with both fire and water. We can integrate what is missing.
Keep reading for an overview of the Zodiac. And check out the Astrology Tab for an intro to natal astrology readings.
The Fire Signs
One of the things I love about astrology is how it overlaps with Tarot (another love of mine). In the cards, the suit of Fire represents inspiration, passion, drive and the impetus to pursue our goals and dreams. Self-starters have a healthy dose of fire in their energy. You could say it's representative of the Sacral Chakra as it reflects our spiritual & physical desires, and how we go about satisfying them.
Aries. Arguably the most impatient and driven sign of the zodiac. Aries knows what it wants as soon as it sees it, and it wants it yesterday. If obstacles get in the way however, Aries energy loses interest (or confidence) and goes elsewhere. The first sign in the Zodiac, Aries is good at kicking off new projects. Ruled by Mars, the planet of action and assertion, Aries gets things going.
Leo. This one makes me think of Mustafa from the Lion King: majestic, royal, a heart of gold though sometimes a bit imposing like any king. Leos take pride in family, home and their place at the heart of it. Comfortable in the limelight, a healthy dose of Leo energy can result confident leadership skills. Ruled by the Sun, Leo tells us where we can shine in our lives - enjoying it!
Sagittarius. Represented by the Archer, our dear Sagg's are always pursuing new horizons, whether geographical or philosophical. A very intuitive sign, they follow their passions, their flashes of inspiration and come home with amazing stories and insights that will ultimately benefit their community. Ruled by Jupiter, the planet of good fortune and expansion, Sagg is a lucky adventurer.
Let's Get this Started (BEP)
The Water Signs
Water is all about feelings, emotion and intuition. It's feminine energy is perhaps best expressed by one of my favourite songs Las de La Intuition - by Shakira =)
It is not a logical element, but still one that can be as accurate as math or statistics, even if our water signs might not be able to tell you how they arrived at their conclusions. They just know, processing information subconsciously. Being a very sensitive element, water signs are also likely to be empaths and the feelings they sense in others can lead to confusion.
Cancer. Ruled by the Moon, Cancerian energy is intuitive, a bit elusive, a gifted homemaker and nurturing. A strong boundary is also drawn around the family, whether it be a biological family or a broader group. The Crab puts up defences when it feels threatened, retreating into its shell. It's interesting to note that the USA was born in the month of Cancer (4th July) it’s quick to mount a defence against external threats, but slower on domestic issues like gun control.
Scorpio. Ruled by Pluto, the planet of power, creation, death and transformation, Scorpio may be the most powerful, loving and intimidating sign in the Zodiac. It's impossible to fool a Scorpio, and don't even think about betraying them because the Scorpion's tail can be lethal. That said, Scorpio heals by shining a light on the truth and by embracing our shadow side fully. For this reason, it may also be the most accepting, standing by us in our discomfort.
Pisces. We've finally touched on the very last sign in the Zodiac: the Fish. Highly intuitive, Pisces is ruled by Neptune, the planet of Cosmic Awareness, sacrifice and oneness. The lack of boundaries experienced by Pisceans means they carry the emotional weight of the world on their shoulders, often mistaking other people's problems for their own. Pisces can play the role of the victim, martyr or the rescuer. Of all the signs, Pisces benefits most from grounding and shielding their personal energy.
Las de La Intuition - Shakira
The Air Signs
Air is about thoughts, speech, communication and ultimately, how much time we spend analysing and discussing our options. Too much air can bog us down if we overthink things (Libra, I'm looking at you) though it can also keep us from exploring the depths of life if we are too easily distracted (Gemini). Obviously, as the visionary in the Zodiac, Aquarius can do no wrong (as if!).
Libra. Most of us count at least one Libra amongst our friends. A very tactful and fair sign, Libra looks after other people's interests as much as their own. It's also ruled by Venus, the planet of love, friendship and social functions. This can make Libra very popular, they cherish relationships, but weighing pros and cons for all involved can be a show stopper, as we can't make everyone happy.
Aquarius. Ruled by Uranus, the planet of disruption, equality and technology, Aquarius loves the information age. Often described a eccentric thinkers with wacky ideas, Aquarius can be tempted to rebel just for the sake of it. The challenge can be to work with others on gradual & profound changes.
Gemini. Ruled by Mercury, Gemini is a quick and versatile thinker. Rooted in the element of air, the planet of communication moves as fast as a pinball machine. Gemini loves learning and can go back and forth between several topics. Its a dynamic sign that can come across as being scattered at times.
One Week, by Bare Naked Ladies
Only an Air Sign can Talk this Fast!
The Earth Signs
The qualities of Earth are fairly obvious; it grounds us in the physical and material world, helping us become more conscious of our surroundings, our physical health as well as the work ethic and effort that can help us flourish on the earthly plane. There are three earth signs, each ruled by a particular planet.
Capricorn. This is the work horse in the Zodiac. If Capricorn was voted most likely to succeed in school, it was because of his (or her) unwavering effort rather than the "charisma" of Leo. Capricorn finds a sense of security in material and economic success, giving them the determination to climb a mountain no matter how long and arduous the terrain be. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, the planet of reality checks, boundaries, limitation and earned success.
Taurus. Ruled by Venus, the planet of love, beauty and friendship, Taurus is represented by the Hierophant in tarot. The mythical custodian of our traditions, belief systems and social structures. Taurus energy is slow and steady, with a deep appreciation of comfort, but also a very strong and practical work ethic.
Virgo. Meticulous, perfectionist, helpful, and friendly are just a few words that we can use to describe the qualities of Virgo. Ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, Virgo is good with with concepts, choosing their words carefully and with great attention to detail. Virgo energy is also health conscious, looking at nutrition, exercise, and how specific lifestyle changes lead to good health.
Gold Digger by Kanye (Cover)
The Shadow Side of Earth???
It is worth mentioning that we have all 12 Zodiac signs in our natal charts, even if we don't have many planets in a specific Element. You can run your birth chart at www.astro.com to find out what Elements are strongest in your chart. So for example, I have most of my planets and luminaries in Earth and Air, with hardly any in Fire or Water. Though I am pretty intuitive, possibly because Moon & Pluto are squaring off in my natal astrology chart. With this in mind, I have been working with crystals to balance out my personal energy.
And one for the road ...