Astrology

ARIES

Bursting with energy and creative ideas, Arians belong to the first sign of the zodiac. Aries is a fire sign, and Aries people are high-spirited and enthusiastic; they genuinely believe the world is theirs to explore and conquer. Ardent and assertive by nature, these individuals forge ahead with endless projects and activities, which they love to initiate. Arians are the pioneers and leaders of the zodiac, and even the quieter among them secretly want to be number one or first at something. Ruled by the planet Mars, Arians are doers and very rarely sit around twiddling their thumbs. Combining an active body with a daring and enterprising spirit, these personalities eagerly seek to be in the forefront of any activity. Frequently bold and passionate, they can be highly idealistic and fiercely loyal to the people they love. Arians like to talk at length to their partners about their own favorite projects but can be equally supportive of their partners.

As patience is not their strongest point, often you can recognize Aries people by their direct approach, decisive action, and lack of subtlety and tact. This same impatience can also make them intolerant, impulsive, and highly likely to do something rash on a moment’s notice. Arians, however, respond well to crises, as they have the ability to meet challenges head-on and to face difficult situations courageously.

Despite opposing public opinion, Arians will usually refuse to compromise their ideals, even if it gets them into trouble. As they get older, however, most will learn humility, but not without first encountering many confrontations. The men of this sign love to play knight-errant and the women may appear forceful and assertive.

Often Arians are quick to anger and eager to express their opinions, but they are just as quick to forgive and forget. Fired by adrenaline and impatient with detail, these individuals are usually in a hurry and work better when launching projects. Nevertheless, Arian personalities may need to guard against a naive, self-centered nature or a tendency to bully others.

Generally, Arians are full of creative energy and inspiration and have great faith in themselves. This often shows in natural leadership ability. It is therefore hardly surprising that they can influence others to follow in their footsteps. Refusing to be put down, dynamic and generous, the Aries spirit lives to fight another day.

TAURUS

Sensible Taureans are quietly determined and very sensible individuals who never give up. Patient and persistent, they will continue when all others have fallen by the wayside. Their warm, seemingly calm and easygoing manner reflects an enjoyment of simplicity in life.

Taureans do not like to rush into things; they make decisions carefully and deliberately, with security and financial issues very much to the fore. With Venus as their ruling planet, Taureans are often magnetic, sensual, and very attractive to the opposite sex. The Venus influence also bestows an enhanced love of beauty, an interest in the arts, and a highly refined sense of touch.

Taurus is a practical Earth sign, and so the basic comforts of life, such as food and home, are very important to these individuals. They often become experts at culinary skills and connoisseurs of wine, and they love entertaining. Taureans are also the symbolic bankers of the zodiac, with the majority of them making careful lists of all their money dealings. Charged with being materialistic, Taureans would reply that they are merely being sensible and looking for value for money. They can be experts at evaluating everything, from money matters to themselves.

Taureans are often generous with their loved ones but may have to avoid being overpossessive. Loyal and devoted friends, they often suffer in silence in order to keep the peace, but if pushed too far, they are notorious for being obstinate and stubborn. Taurean personalities need to feel grounded and stable, and therefore prefer keeping things the way they are. In times of change and instability these individuals may have difficulty adapting to new situations. Happily, they can always find comfort through love of art and creativity, the joys of nature, or music.

Taureans usually have an attractive, calm, and even voice and are often good singers. If stressed, however, illness may affect the throat, although Taureans as a rule tend to be strong and healthy. Taurean personalities love pleasure and comfort but may need to guard against a tendency to overindulge in the good things of life.

Often these individuals are pragmatic and persevering and strive diligently toward their goals. Firm in their desires to build a solid foundation, Taureans can attract and achieve success.

GEMINI

Natural communicators with a never-ending thirst for knowledge, Geminis are eternal students. Being an Air sign and very intelligent, Geminis are always on the move, always trying to satisfy their mental curiosity. Extremely quick at picking out the salient points of any subject, they acquire a wide general knowledge, which they love to share with others. Geminis can be bright, multitalented, and enthusiastic but must guard against scattering their energies in too many directions. Through mental discipline and education, Geminis may learn to develop a greater depth of thought.

Linked to Mercury, people of this sign often have an androgynous quality, with a slim and youthful body. Geminis usually have bright, expressive faces and enjoy using their hands when conveying their ideas. Loving to talk, Geminis can chatter on for hours, which often results in extra-large telephone bills. Young in outlook, Geminis are often compared to the eternal child, always in a state of wonder.

Having sensitive nervous systems, Geminis may find it hard to concentrate their full attention on anything or anyone. Like their symbol, the twins, they are renowned for being able to do at least two things at once, as well as being flexible, versatile, and adaptable. Airy, sophisticated Geminis do not like to be pinned down and are determined never to be bored or boring. Not known for their consistency, Geminis appear to have many personalities and changing moods. Gemini individuals are generally intellectual and usually more interested in a stimulating mental challenge than earthly passion.

Light and friendly, Geminis have an easy rapport with others and are often more than willing to share the veritable mine of information they have at their fingertips. With their youthful charm and natural quick wit, is it any wonder that they can be the most delightful friends and companions? Entertaining, with a wealth of ideas, Geminis are highly expressive when they let their mercurial spirits soar.

CANCER

Emotional and sensitive Cancerians are ruled by their feelings. Like their guiding planet, the Moon, they run through the whole gamut of emotions that come with the changing tides. Cancerians have the power of the deepest ocean and the vulnerability of a solitary crab on a lonely beach. Like that crab, they have a protective shell of shyness or reserve to hide their great sensitivity and caution. This should not be interpreted as a weakness, however, as they sometimes withdraw to gather strength.

Sympathetic and kind, Cancerians have a strong need to nurture, so they often take the role of parent, caregiver, or therapist. They can have an extremely strong protective streak and will defend their loved ones against all odds. It is hardly surprising that home and family play a highly important role in their need for security. Generally domestic-oriented, Cancerians are usually connoisseurs of food and good cooks. Many Cancerians go as far as to feel insecure without a full freezer.

Despite their many and changing moods, these personalities are naturally affectionate and may need to avoid smothering others with their protective love and devotion. Cancer is a Water sign, and Cancerians are often shy, with sentimental tendencies, tending to hang on to the past and become avid collectors or hoarders. The objects of this collecting or accumulating can range from family heirlooms and antiques to the memories contained in photos and letters. Cancerians can also have a talent for hanging on to money, which they are likely to store in savings accounts for a rainy day.

Cancerians often have complex personalities. On one hand, they may appear to be a tower of strength, but on the other, they seem to have the vulnerability of a child. Cancerians are masters of the art of passive resistance.

With the Moon coloring their responses, Cancerians are naturally intuitive or mediumistic and can be easily hurt. Their powerful imagination and sensitive understanding may find an avenue of expression through the creative and artistic worlds. Yet above all, once they trust someone enough to show their feelings, they can be strong, loyal, and protective.

LEO

Warm, loving, and generous, Leos have big hearts. Their kind and magnanimous gestures come from a love of the dramatic, as Leos play to the crowd and feel happiest with an appreciative audience. Luckily, to compensate for the likelihood of grabbing center stage, Leos can also be attentive to others. They can express bountiful approval for others’ projects and shower them with compliments.

Ruled by the Sun, Leos possess a lovable, childlike playfulness and a strong need for creative self-expression. Seeing themselves in leading roles rather than the chorus line, Leos often have trouble with vanity and pride. They find it hard to admit that they are wrong, and flattery leaves them open to manipulation. However, Leos can easily compensate for any failings by their sunny personality, sense of fun, and generosity. These friendly and gregarious people are ideal partners for social events, parties, visits to the theater, and long holidays.

A desire to shine, combined with their royal, commanding air, brings Leos to positions of authority, where they can show their remarkable leadership skills. Leos just take charge naturally. As they sometimes do this without being asked, Leos may be accused of being too bossy. Generally, however, they will work extremely hard to fulfill their responsibilities, and they make excellent managers and leaders. Leos who do not fulfill their natural potential may fall into idleness and lose their spirit.

Lions are known for their courage and would much rather play a strong and protective role for others than be weak and defenseless. Even when the quieter Leos are hiding their pride and greatness under a facade of modesty, their regal dignity shows through. Leos presume that others possess a sense of integrity similar to their own, and they are careful to keep their sense of self-respect in any disagreement. Leos want people to think well of them and are very aware of the impression they make on others.

Belonging to a fixed Fire sign, Leos can be lively and enthusiastic yet somewhat stubborn. Their creativity and sense of drama combine to make them great romantics. Leos love to love and be loved. No matter where you meet them, their sunny personalities will leave a lasting impression.

VIRGO

Analytical and efficient, Virgos have a strong work ethic. They need order in life and want things done in a methodical way. Virgos constantly examine and refine in order to improve existing systems. Unfortunately, this perfectionism may extend to critiquing the people around them, causing their messages to be resisted by others. On the other hand, Virgos do not appreciate your pointing out their faults, as they are already well aware of them and can be their own worst critic. This ability to appreciate their own failings can make Virgos modest and unassuming, and they often validate their own self-worth by being of service to others.

Ruled by Mercury, Virgos are intelligent, articulate, and discriminating, and with the added element of Earth, they can be practical, capable organizers, who can work very hard and pay attention to detail. Economical and prudent with money, Virgos may on occasion keep a tight hold on their purse strings, but they can be more than generous with time and money should anybody need assistance. They will, however, expect the people they help to make an effort to help themselves. Virgos do not usually respond well to stupidity or vulgarity and have logical minds that instinctively want to bring order out of confusion. Virgos usually analyze the smallest of details but must guard against going over and over the same issues and failing to see the big picture.

Possessed of extremely high standards, Virgos can be highly discriminating and extra fastidious in certain areas. Virgos are often interested in cleanliness and nutrition, and they are usually advocates of exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Despite this, at times they may suffer from mental tension, occasionally becoming overanxious or neurotic. This may frequently be due to the pressure of work; because of their strong sense of obligation and duty, Virgos may often take on more than they can handle. Normally wonderful employees, Virgos dislike clutter and are advocates of thoroughness and efficiency.

Dependable and sincere, with a methodical approach to life, Virgos will always be pillars of practical, sensible support. In fact, Virgos will offer their help before you have even asked.

LIBRA

Librans are the diplomats of the zodiac. To avoid disharmony they will turn on the charm, flash you the most delightful smile, and do everything possible to keep the peace. Affectionate, gracious, and refined, Librans need to be popular. Belonging to an Air sign, they have a lightness about them and are friendly, intelligent, and sociable.

Ruled by Venus and keenly aware of relationships, Librans are always able to see things from another person’s point of view. This balancing principle often causes them to need a partner to act as a mirror for a better understanding of themselves. Experts at being just and fair, Libras weigh everything carefully before making a decision. They can discuss the pros and cons of any situation or problem with amazing logic and discernment. This ability ensures their skill at the arts of compromise and negotiation. Unfortunately, this may cause indecisiveness and an inability to arrive at a final conclusion.

Balance is a very powerful keyword for Librans. Although genuinely wanting harmony, they are still prone to difficult periods, when their scales dip down too far on one side. However, as they work on their self-awareness and inner adjustment, they become more self-reliant. This allays their tendency to become dependent on others. Librans may need to learn how to stand up for their beliefs even when it may cause controversy.

Ruled by Venus, Librans are sociable, elegant, and great lovers of beauty and luxury. They usually have an attractive home and are naturally good at some form of artistic expression. Having a natural eye for color, they need to be surrounded by tasteful and harmonious surroundings or they can become unhappy. This love of beauty can also usually be seen from their outward appearance, as they inevitably make an effort to look attractive.

Superb hosts or hostesses, Librans especially love activities that combine sociability with love, such as weddings or small gatherings of friends and family. In fact, they are great romantics who will always appreciate gifts of flowers or chocolate, thus fulfilling their soul’s need for beauty and their weakness for anything sweet. With just a little bit of love and affection you can always find your way into a Libran’s heart.

SCORPIO

Magnetic Scorpios belong to the most passionate sign of the zodiac. Whatever they do, they do powerfully and intensely. There is nothing halfhearted about Scorpios: They are creatures of power, will, and extremes.

Belonging to a Water sign, Scorpios prefer to investigate life at a deeper emotional level. Not for them the frothy language of the dilettante; Scorpios want the real story and probe for the truth. They are experts at receiving subliminal signals, with the namesake of their ruling planet, Pluto, as ruler of the underworld. This results in Scorpios’ psychically picking up what others are unconsciously feeling as well as what they are saying. Like a detective or psychologist, they will ask you everything about yourself, yet rarely reveal themselves. This secrecy is usually a cloak of power. As Scorpios feel deeply, they can be painfully hurt and so prefer to be in control.

A major life lesson for Scorpios involves the overcoming of desire through the creative use of the will. As their sign is connected to the very roots of the sex drive, their feelings are strong and intense, sometimes leading to jealousy or possessiveness.

Symbolic death or transformation is a powerful experience that Scorpios are not afraid to undertake. There will be times when they are willing to walk away from everything in order to validate their intense feelings. They cannot be insincere even if that means losing everything; this does, of course, ultimately give them enormous strength, when they are not afraid to let go. Once they have decided to take on something, their will to achieve is tremendous. Belonging to a fixed sign, they have extraordinary staying power and will persevere with a situation until the bitter end.

Scorpios are usually competitive and do not like losing. Once defeated they will often wait until they can prove you wrong or exact revenge, no matter how long they have to wait. On the other hand, when on your side they will be just as passionately loyal and loving, totally giving of themselves regardless of effort or sacrifice.

Scorpio is a sign of regeneration. Scorpios have the potential for enormous strength from connecting with the fundamental creative forces of nature. The magical symbol of the phoenix rising out of the ashes represents their ability to be reborn, to rise again from the depths to the heights with new understanding and power. For Scorpios it is all or nothing; they do not want to live on a superficial level. They need challenge to bring out their power and make them feel alive.

SAGITTARIUS

Sagittarians are free spirits with a friendly, independent style. They dislike being tied down and are incurable idealists, always looking to expand their horizons and improve their lot. Optimistic and easygoing, they have a love of truth, honesty, and justice that gives them a very philosophical approach to life.

Spirited individuals, Sagittarians think big and see the grander vision. This ability to perceive the “big plan” means that Sagittarians are usually working on some scheme or project for the future. They love to explore and are inveterate travelers of the mind and the world. Placing a high value on knowledge or wisdom, they seek inspiration for themselves and for others, genuinely wishing to uplift people with their amusing, clever words or their big smile. Unfortunately, they often achieve the opposite effect by forgetting to think before they speak. Outspoken and frank, Sagittarians express whatever crosses their mind, with an honesty that is startling in its directness. Buoyantly bouncing back after committing a faux pas is part of the charm of Sagittarius, however, so they can genuinely assure you that they did not mean to offend, and you cannot help but forgive them.

Through their constant need for expansion, Sagittarians often turn to higher learning and enjoy exploring subjects such as philosophy, religion, travel, and law. Some Sagittarians are more sporty than intellectual and get their excitement from playing the game. Usually lucky, they love to take risks in one form or another and may be drawn to gamble or speculate.

Whatever Sagittarians do, they like to do in style. In their need for the good things of life they often indulge in the best. They should be careful, however, not to carry their extravagant streak too far and become greedy or self-indulgent. To compensate, Sagittarians are good-humored and sincere. They love the freedom to move around and thus prefer to leave their options open.

Enthusiastic, warm, and generous, wearing their hearts on their sleeves, Sagittarians, like the archer, aim their arrows far into the distance. They know how to enjoy themselves and are eager for the adventure.

CAPRICORN

The ultimate realists, Capricorns know full well there is no gain without hard work. They have a strong sense of duty and are quite willing to wait patiently to fulfill their ambitions. Like the goat, they will eventually climb to the top of that mountain even if it takes them a whole lifetime.

Hardworking, diligent, and determined, Capricorns need to have a purpose, for without a precise goal they are lost. They desire order and structure to make them feel complete and usually write out daily to-do lists. Security is important to them, and, influenced by their ruling planet, Saturn, they take a cautious and conservative approach to life. They show a great respect for authority and admire the wisdom of age and experience. This extends to their work, for when Capricorns execute a job, they are very conscientious. However, Capricorns can also be stubborn, cold, or calculating, using Saturnine hardness for selfish purposes rather than for self-discipline, normally one of their better qualities.

The economical, practical, and thrifty characteristics of Capricorns’ earthy element blend well with their desire for status and prestige, enabling them to rise to positions of power without wasting any effort. They are not frivolous or flighty; they take responsibilities seriously and place home and family at the top of their priorities. Unfortunately, Capricorns can also be pessimistic, feeling they are never good enough, and must guard against depression. When they doubt themselves and their abilities they may give up without even trying, but when given the security of a firm foundation they can be relentless in their drive for success. More than anything else, Capricorns need to develop an optimistic and positive outlook.

Remember that beneath their slightly shy and reserved exterior is a wonderfully dry sense of humor and a tenacity that comes from inner discipline. When others need assistance, they know they can always count on a Capricorn to be reliable and solid.

AQUARIUS

Original and unconventional, Aquarians are progressive and independent. Aquarians’ interest in how the human race operates is an intellectual exercise for them. Always playing the detached observer, they are able to take an impersonal, unemotional viewpoint. This tendency means they can think in terms of group consciousness, realizing that people are separate individuals operating within a larger whole. This humanitarian awareness is a strong characteristic of Aquarians, who often work for universal or philanthropic goals and campaign for just causes. A lack of separatism makes Aquarians friendly and helpful, enabling them to speak to strangers as though they have always known them.

The Aquarian rebel streak originates with their ruling planet, Uranus, which is renowned for endowing the ability to perceive future trends, as well as giving a strong need for freedom. Aquarians do not like to take orders and want to think for themselves, doing things in their own unique way. Too much insistence on following a certain way will certainly cause an Aquarian to do exactly the opposite. The combination of their strong contrary streak with their fixed sign can make them very stubborn. Fortunately, they are always willing to listen to an alternative viewpoint as long as it is presented objectively. The futuristic outlook of Aquarians enables them to embrace technology or new and exciting innovations without being intimidated. Like Uranus, Aquarians have an electric quality, which can manifest as a form of mental intuition. This can often produce the “eureka effect,” when Aquarians suddenly know something to be true. Their zany genius can make them volatile and unpredictable but also highly inventive.

Although each Aquarian has an individual look, they all know they are part of a united group that stands for human rights and social reform. Even if the rest of the world does not understand them today, what Aquarians are doing now, others will be doing tomorrow.

PISCES

Pisceans possess a highly developed feeling nature. Sensitive Pisceans are constantly receiving impressions from their outer environment, yet they are also acutely aware of their inner promptings. They often retreat into a private dream world to enjoy the musings of their powerful, wondrous imagination and sometimes to escape the harsher realities of life. The symbol for Pisces is two fish swimming in opposite directions, indicating a dual personality of extremes. At times they can be tired and lethargic, or just drifting, and at others they can be efficient, precise, and extremely hardworking.

Psychically open to all the more subtle emotions, Pisceans can show generosity and compassion. As they do not always have strong boundaries, they can often dissolve themselves in other people’s needs. Pisceans therefore have to be careful not to lose their own sense of self-worth or even martyr themselves. Generally they often need large amounts of reassurance to boost their confidence, and at times they can be quite stubborn, allowing nobody to influence them. The least selfish sign of the zodiac, Pisceans can be extremely patient, but if provoked can become surprisingly aggressive.

Sentimental and kind, with tender emotions, Pisceans are very receptive to environment or the feelings of others. Combined with their remarkable imagination, this facility makes Pisceans excellent for any form of healing, music, art, drama, or photography, and particularly for things of a spiritual nature. Just as the fish swim in opposite directions, Pisceans are also open to mood swings. At times they are extremely optimistic, and at other times they may become vague or suffer a lack of drive and give up too easily. At such times they have to guard against escaping or becoming despondent. It is especially easy for idealistic Pisceans to project their high expectations and dreams onto others and end up being disillusioned.

Fortunately, they use their natural psychic ability to plug directly into the consciousness of all humanity. They are the visionaries who cannot help but uplift those around them with their humor, charm, and sympathy.