Astrology Basics Part 2: The zodiac signs

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Dear NightFall Astrology readers,

This is the second article in my free “Astrology Basics” series. So, in my previous article, we’ve established that the planets are the main actors in an astrological chart. Here, we’ll be talking about their roles: the zodiac signs they’re occupying.

The zodiac acts as a background. Each zodiac sign is a lens for the planets. Signs are activated through the planets. So, you will have an X planet in a Y sign (Venus in Libra, for example). And these zodiac signs manifest archetypally, not just in personality traits, but in personal and world events.

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Firstly, we have to define what a zodiac is. A zodiac is a belt of the heavens about eight degrees on either side of the ecliptic or the Sun’s orbit, that includes the Sun, the Moon and all other apparent celestial recognised bodies, divided into 12 equal divisions. It’s an orbital path that we divide into 12 equal segments, and there are three different zodiacs:

• The tropical zodiac based on the seasons.
• The sidereal zodiac based on fixed stars.
• The constellational zodiac itself, represented by the uneven divisions of the sky.

The sidereal zodiac is used mainly in India, and the tropical zodiac is used mainly in the West, but they do not belong exclusively to each of these parts of the world. There are some Indian astrologers who use the tropical zodiac and some traditional Western astrologers who use the sidereal zodiac (also known as the “fixed Babylonian zodiac”).

{ If you’d like to learn more about the differences and utility of the Tropical and Sidereal Zodiacs,
check my detailed article on the subject. }

These two main systems used in astrology are based on idealising the zodiac as if they were in 12 equal segments. We are taking the constellations of varying sizes and pretending that they’re all 12. We’re knowingly doing this; we aren’t just buying into tradition and following it blindly, but it is very nuanced and technical.

There are four main considerations for each zodiac sign, which are: planetary ruler (what planet rules each sign), modality/quadruplicity (the seasonal quality of that sign), element (Fire, Earth, Water, Air), and polarity (feminine/masculine, active/passive, yin/yang).

We also have the image or the icon (the animal or the person) associated with each sign. For example, Aries is the ram; Cancer is the crab etc. They’re all theoretically derived from the constellation. It doesn’t mean that you look at the Virgo constellation and it looks like a Maiden holding wheat/ and you’re like that looks like a maiden holding wheat. They aren’t synonymous with the sign themselves; they’re rather helpful invocations, and the constellations themselves aren’t very clear. So, don’t depend on astronomy to fully validate these meanings.

There are multiple considerations, and if you’re using the 12-letter alphabet where signs equal planets equal houses, just unlearn that immediately. They aren’t the same. If you do happen to find the same keywords with signs and houses (for example, Cancer is a family-oriented sign, and the fourth house deals with home), it’s not because those two things mean one another; it’s because they happen to both come to that conclusion.

But you will rarely get the same exact keyword applying to both the sign and the house because they are two completely different categorical systems. It would be similar to trying to equate numbers with words.

The zodiac signs are NOT the active part of astrology; they’re the planets’ lenses or roles.

So let’s get into a brief description of each of the 12 signs:

1) ARIES (March 20th-April 19th): Aries is a Yang sign, meaning it is active because it is a Fire sign. Fire and Air signs are active, also known as masculine or yang signs. Fire and Air signs initiate energy; they bring things to the surface. Aries is a Yang/active sign because it is a cardinal fire sign. It is the initiation of spring. It is the most abrupt, most catalysing, most direct sign.

It’s ruled by the planet Mars, which further adds to the aggressive or initiatory quality that Aries brings forth. To get fire, you have to have friction, so Aries is in an inherently friction-based sign.
It’s an intemperate fire; it is combustible but not sustainable. It is the HIIT workout, not the long-distance run. It is very much the 100-metre sprint.

Aries rules the head. “Hot-headed” is a good word for Aries, and Aries people tend to do things all at once or be impulsive and then need a lot of rest. There’s a spontaneous urgency, which acts really well for heroic and courageous actions. Pure courage is definitely one of the most beautiful parts of Aries.

2) TAURUS (April 20th-May 20th): Taurus is a Yin/passive sign. It is a passive/receptive sign because it is an Earth sign. It is grounded, stable, and it is fixed Earth. It is holding down the season of spring; it represents the fertility and the gravitas of beginning to grow anew. It’s also ruled by the planet Venus: the planet of endurance and valuable things. Taurus is the cultivation of taste and receiving everything the 5 senses can provide us. That’s why tactile sensory qualities are a big deal to Taurus, and it rules the neck. It is where we take in and emit pleasure.

Taurus is a very attractive sign. It’s also a very consistent sign (don’t hold your breath for them to change) and dependable. You shouldn’t try to hurry up, rush or change them because they are staying fertile and grounded in their own right. This can mean they can be tedious and stubborn because they don’t like change.

3) GEMINI (May 21st-June 20th): Gemini is a mutable Air sign that marks the transition from spring into summer, and it’s characterised by unstable and active energy. As a Yang sign ruled by Mercury, it represents a communicatory quality that reflects its constantly changing directions, making it adaptable and flexible.

Gemini rules the shoulders out to the fingers, and it’s like brainstorming energy that splits into two and considers all the different information, making it both stimulating and non-committal. Its curiosity and precociousness keep it bubbling in the air but also ungrounded at the same time. The volatile and chaotic territory of Yang/active Mercury that stations direct and retrograde much more often than any other planet reflects the changing quality of Gemini. Overall, wherever Gemini is in one’s chart, it’s a place to accumulate data and be kept guessing, with youthfulness, playfulness, and the ability to entertain ideas.

4) CANCER (June 21st-July 22nd): Cancer, the Cardinal Water archetype, marks the beginning of the summer season and is associated with emotional energy. As a Yin/receptive sign, Cancer seeks emotional comfort, which explains why it holds emotional precedence so closely. Ruled by the Moon, Cancer is centrally and foundationally based on the hierarchy of needs spectrum, and its crab image is fitting because it moves side to side, scoping things out, and isn’t direct.

The sign’s moodiness and changing nature are due to the Cardinal initiation of constantly changing water flows rather than adapting to others like a mutable sign. Cancer’s protective nature comes from caring deeply. This sign rules the chest and maternal body parts. The volatility associated with the sign comes from a protective space of wanting to care for its own home, not from chaos. Ultimately, Cancer desires a relationship with the world that is built on feeling cared for, as it knows what it’s like to receive emotional support.

5) LEO (July 23rd-August 22nd): Leo is a Fixed Fire sign representing summer’s peak. As a Yang/active energy, Leo holds steady in its luminosity and requires constant fuel and hunger to maintain its fiery nature. It is the fireplace that burns all night long after Aries has lit the match. Leo is ruled by the Sun, which is the centre of our solar system and is required to illuminate everything. As a result, Leo tends to attract attention and craves recognition. There is a regality and royalty to Leo, and it is not afraid to show it.

While there is pride and generosity in Leo, it can also be self-centred and egotistical. Leo can operate from the ego/identity archetype, reminding others they have an ego too. However, there can be a literal inability to see any other way than their own. Leos have the ability to light up the room and encourage others around them. They also tend to curate their performance. Leo rules the heart, the cardiovascular system, and the right eye.

6) VIRGO (August 23rd-September 22nd): Virgo is the Mutable Earth sign that marks the transition from summer to autumn. As a Yin and receptive Earth sign, it’s focused on adaptation, digestion, and discrimination. Ruled by Yin Mercury, Virgo is detail-oriented, reflective, and critical. It’s associated with the digestive system, minimalism, and a desire to improve things.

However, Virgos can be overly critical and perfectionistic and get lost in details instead of focusing on the bigger picture. Their input can be impactful when channelled constructively, but they can also experience analysis paralysis and self-criticism. Overall, Virgo represents the archetype of the critical thinker at its highest manifestation.

7) LIBRA (September 23rd-October 22nd): Libra is that Cardinal Air sign that marks the beginning of autumn, which is a transition into a darker time of the year. It is active and initiates the air element of communication, setting an intellectual precedent and initiating social dynamics. Libra has a goal in mind, but sometimes that can be indirect. It is ruled by Venus, which has a trend of wanting harmony and equilibrium.

Libra has an excellent eye for aesthetically pleasing things and is passionate about justice, unity, fairness, law, and legal matters. Libra rules the hips and pelvis. Libra season marks the fall equinox. Debating, relating, and conversing with others is crucial to Libra. It can be the peacekeeper/peacemaker and the opponent/adversary. Libra is highly social, loves to bounce ideas off of others, and has a lot of emotional intelligence.

8) SCORPIO (October 23rd-November 21st): Scorpio is a Yin Fixed Water sign associated with the fall season. It’s a passive yet profound and powerful sign. Its strength lies in its emotional system, which is ruled by Mars and equipped for battle. Scorpio is steady and stable unless provoked. It rules over the genitals and the reproductive organs, representing the body’s fixed and intense part. Scorpio is not wild like Aries; instead, it’s like a sniper shot that is incisive and wants to get to the bottom of things.

Scorpio is fascinated with the darker side of life and is always aware of the spectrum of human emotions, leading to a deep awareness of danger and death. Scorpio thinks seven steps ahead, which can lead to over-manipulation and playing with others’ feelings to protect its waters. However, this can also turn into paranoia due to the over-intellectualisation of emotions.

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9) SAGITTARIUS (November 22nd-December 20th): Sagittarius is a Mutable Fire sign, marking the transition from autumn to winter, symbolising the descent into the cold. As a Yang/active sign, it represents the spread of fire passion, akin to a wildfire that knows no bounds. Ruled by Jupiter, the planet of abundance and growth, Sagittarius desires to include many experiences in its repertoire. It embodies the archer-centaur, representing exploration, myth, expansion, adventure, animal instinct, and human intellect.

Sagittarius rules over the thighs and upper legs, symbolising the body’s powerhouse that is strong and sturdy. This sign embodies the lifting up of spirits. It can represent a crusader, motivational speaker, professor, or guru, as well as being extremely generous. However, on the negative side, Sagittarius can be obnoxious and exude a “know-it-all” vibe.

10) CAPRICORN (December 21st-January 19th): Capricorn is a receptive, Cardinal Earth sign that initiates the winter season. As a yin sign, it treads carefully and waits to respond to attacks or help. Capricorns are practical, focused on climbing the mountain, and ruled by Saturn, which represents boundaries and limits. Capricorns focus on implementing necessary limits to ground themselves, building structure, and growing towards success. The sea goat image suits them well as they move slowly and steadily towards their goals. They rule over the knees and bones, which hold us together and take a lot of abuse.

Capricorns are dependable, aware of rules and structures, and can turn their emotions off and on. They are conservative and steady and build up their endeavours steadily to actualise their dreams. However, this can lead them to see everyone as a threat or something to be used, making them go cold in emotional situations. Overall, Capricorns focus on climbing the mountain step by step to achieve success.

11) AQUARIUS (January 20th-February 19th): Aquarius is a zodiac sign that is characterised as a Fixed Air sign, which is a bit contradictory but interesting. It is associated with the winter season, as well as communication, information, and light energy. Aquarius is ruled by Saturn, which gives it a focus on structure and boundaries. This sign is not rebellious but has a tendency to think outside the box, collect data, and upgrade. It aims to build a more inclusive structure outside the confines of Earth. The water bearer is the image associated with this sign, representing the deliverer of life energy.

Aquarius wants to revolutionise but not to anarchise. It is grounded but also quirky and energetic. The age of Aquarius concept is distorted and vague, and this idea has nothing to do with the sign’s characteristics. Aquarius is associated with radical, grounded ideas and has the potential to bring significant change.

12) PISCES (February 20th- March 19th): The final zodiac sign is the yin mutable water sign representing the transition from winter to spring. It is ruled by Jupiter, which emphasises expanding perspectives and emotional involvement. Pisces seeks to connect through emotional energy and grow in empathy with others. The image of the fish swimming in two opposite directions shows that Pisces understands multiple truths that can contradict and still be valid. This can lead to being overly accepting of others and lacking in boundaries. Pisces has a lot of faith and trust, which can sometimes be to a fault and lead to gullibility.

Pisces wants to be liberated from anything that holds back emotional experience and desires to help fill the emotional void of others. This sign is associated with emotional intelligence and empathy. Still, it can also fall into unhealthy martyrdom patterns and seek validation through projecting ego onto others. Overall, Pisces emphasises the importance of emotional fulfilment in all aspects of life.

Thank you for reading.

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