Skyscript Astrology Forum

Brief Introduction
I am dissatisfied with many modern astrologers to the point where I hardly trust any of them, especially modern western ones. As a result I wanted to do my own research to draw my own conclusions. Because I distrust a lot of modern astrology a lot of my ideas will be based off of the writings of ancient astrologers, the websites of the late Alex-Blaire and Jim Eshelman, the doctrines of Vedic astrology, the statistics of Gauquelin, and esoteric knowledge and principles.

I will also use some of my personal experiences as well, but not too much. This is astrology the way I understand it. I came up with a comprehensive system to quite my mind. It is nowhere near complete and is open to opinion and discussion. You are freely entitled to agree or disagree with my content. Ultimately I am writing this post so I can both create an easy introduction to sidereal astrology for newcomers and to start a fresh beginning to open dialogue with people more experienced with astrology. This post is not an end but a beginning.

Many people who read this text are probably familiar with the basic premises of sidereal astrology. Nevertheless, I?ll do a quick rundown for those who are new to the discipline. Astrology, the study of the stars, is a discipline that looks up to the positions of the ?planets? and ?signs? they are in. The ?planets? traditionally are the seven classical celestial bodies though over time more have been added with the discovery of new planets and dwarf planets. The ?signs? are twelve equally divided regions of the area of the night sky the ?planets? travel through.

Where the ayanamsa, the starting point of the ?signs? is, is the difference between tropical astrology (the system most people in the West know) and sidereal astrology. Tropical astrology holds the ayanamsa is on the spring equinox while most sidereal astrologers posit the ayanamsa is on the first major star of the constellation Aries. Due to the precession of the equinoxes, the wobble of Earth?s tilt over millennia, the constellations are no longer where the tropical signs are. Sidereal astrologers contend that their signs, congruent with the actual observable night sky, more accurately represent the arrangements of the heavens.

A Contention
During this entire post I will entirely neglect the tropical zodiac. The tropical zodiac is the current system people tend to be most familiar with. When people tell what their ?starsign? is they are referring to where the sun was when they were born in the tropical zodiac. The tropical zodiac is ultimately the end result of a long line of history, and arguably has many unsound premises that have only become more problematic throughout the centuries. In order to rediscover the ?lost zodiac? it is necessary to go back to the ancient sources and to remove ourselves from what we are used to and what we think we know to be true. I have no intention of keeping people in their comfort zone.

I am imploring you, the reader, to approach this thing called astrology for the first time, to ?unlearn what you have learned?. I will do my best to do the same. However, keep in mind that I am only one human and thus my perspective is ultimately subjective and limited. My message is far from absolute truth. As I said before, this post is meant to open up more research and discussion on sidereal astrology. It is not an end but a beginning.

Celestial Bodies
From now on I refer to the ?planets? as bodies or celestial bodies to avoid confusion with the scientific classification of what a planet actually is. The Sun is a star, the Moon is a satellite, and Pluto is a dwarf planet from the Kuiper belt. In tropical astrology, the Sun is given the highest importance in understanding someone?s personality, so much so that most people only know what their ?starsign? is.

But astrology as the ancients practiced it operates differently. Firmicius when describing the signs does so by describing the rising sign and not the sun sign. Traditionally Vedic astrology privileges the Moon and not the sun as the primary factor in a person?s natal chart. The skyscript.uk user Papretis conducted zir?s own research and as I write this post currently leans towards the idea that the ascendant and not the Sun sign is the strongest factor in determining a person?s character. Gauquelin when conducting his research concluded that the angularity (the positions of the planets relative to one another) played a much greater role in determining a person?s character than the Sun.

Furthermore, Papretis concluded that having planets in a sign did not make one more like that sign. Instead, it made the sign more like the planets that occupied it. For example, having the Moon, Sun, and Mercury in Sagittarius does not make me more Sagittarius-like. Instead it makes Sagittarius more Sun-like and Moon-like. Of course the research is only beginning and there is so much more to learn.

Ascendant
The ascendant or rising sign is the sign that appears over the east horizon when you are born. The ascendant is very important because it acts as the ?filter? through which all characterizes of one?s natal chart express themselves. The bodies that are at the ascendant are in most circles of astrology given a huge importance because they are part of the ?filter?.

Moon
The Moon traditionally rules over realms dealing with the mother, nurturing, the home, family, the mistress of the house, and legitimate partnerships. The Moon also rules material possessions such as money and other fortunes gained and lost. Also prominent areas of governance are people close to home such as the family and the town gathering, as well as meandered wanderings. The Moon generally indicates the casual parts of a personality, including personal mannerisms, pleasures, and idiosyncrasies. The Moon shows adaptability to the environment, absorbs the social atmosphere, and represents feelings. Strangely enough, research shows the Moon influences people to have aggressive ?masculine? professions such as business executives, military careers, and politicians. People under the Moon?s influence also have strong creative personalities, such as people who are writers, painters, conductors, and engineers. The Moon rules the left eye, the stomach, the breasts, and spleen. The Moon?s element is water.

In mythology, the Moon is the archetypical woman and mother, the Great Goddess from whom life was created, nurtured, and protected. Long ago in ancient history the Moon was one of the fewest deities worshipped and her waxing and waning controlled life and death on earth, and she is the patron of witches and magic. Originally, the moon, not the Sun, was used to tell time because of her 13 lunar cycles, which both represent menstruation and the phases of a woman?s life. Unusual to modern ears is how the Moon is described as active while the Sun is described as passive. The Moon controls and directs not only the Sun?s light but the very course the Sun travels, and myths such as Diana pursuing Lucifer and seducing him also show the Moon?s aggression. Regarding the aggressive occupations listed above, the Moon embodies not a delicate sweet lady but a mama bear.

Sun
The Sun rules over traditionally masculine realms, such as the intellect and mental perception, as well as offices of rulership and authority, such as the king, the judge, the master, authority over the masses, noble personages, and high priesthood. The Sun also rules dignity and formal gestures, public reputation, and honors commemorating an individual. The Sun bestows authority, power, and eminence, as well as life and vitality. The Sun influences people to take public performance occupations such as actors and pop singers, but at the same time people ruled by the Sun show occult behaviors such as tarot card readers, cult followers, and UFO sightings. The Sun rules over the right eye, the heart, spiritual faculties, and the nerves. While the Moon seems to betray an aggressive and strong character the Sun by contrast appears passive and delicate. The Sun?s element is fire.

In mythology, the Sun is the archetypical man and father. The sun is steadfast in his course, appearing day after day, year after year, providing the light, heat, and warmth necessary to sustain life. As such, the Sun also frequently symbolizes resurrection and immortality for each time he descends into darkness he rises again. The Sun represents the hero or central character who goes on his heroic quest. In Joseph Campbell?s writings, this means leaving home, symbolically dying, and resurrecting and returning. The Sun also embodied darker qualities such as the unconstrained ego, as evidenced by the wrath of Heracles and the downfall of Icarus. Representing the ego, the Sun isn?t good at relating and compromising with other people.

Mercury
Mercury rules over areas of mental faculty and education, such as learning, reasoning, and schools, and also rules over communication, embassies, marketing, accounting, management, banking, learning, reasoning, Mercury also rules over a broad range of other professions from doctors to temple builders, and modelers. Two other prominent themes is that of youth, of childhood, and games as well as deceit, gambling, and slight of hand. He dominates a chart where traveling is involved. People influenced by Mercury show a variety of different occupations. One would be a wealth of sports professions as well as outdoor occupation. Another prominent theme would be of action, movement, and communication, from real estate agents to social workers to cartoonists and journalists. Also shown are a high number of mental illnesses like manic-depressives, psychotic people, and suicidal people. Mercury rules the hands, shoulders, joints, intestines, ears, and tongue. Mercury?s element is earth.

In classical myth Mercury was the messenger of the gods who frequently traveled between Olympus and earth per his occupation. In Rome his major festival was the Mercuralia celebrated on May 15 where merchants sprinkled water from the sacred well of Porta Capena on their heads. A versatile god, Mercury invented the lyre from a tortoise shell and the Romans in Gaul claimed Mercury was responsible for inventing all the arts. Another aspect of Mercury is the doppelganger, often a shadow version of a person. As usual with Mercury, there are many different meanings and incarnations of the doppleganger. In Egypt it was the ka, a ?spirit double? who had the same memories and feelings as the original. In Norse mythology the vardoger was a ghostly double who could be seen performing a person?s actions in advance.

Venus
As a benefic body Venus bestows many blessings to those under her rule. Venus rules over cheerfulness, good companionship, generosity, and the exchange of gifts. Venus rules over the fine arts and beautiful things like sweet singing, music, painting, the mixing of colors, dyeing of clothes, ornaments, craftsmanship, and embroidery. Venus represents appreciation, pleasantness, ability to love anyone, and social interaction, gentleness, and asceticism. Venus influences people to be peaceful and cooperative. Venus influences people to be sensible and cooperative in a variety of fields from TV personalities, textbook writers, diplomats, counselors, and therapists. However, there are some anomalies such as rapists and sex offenders. Venus rules the face: the neck, lips, sense of smell, the lungs, and front of the body. Venus?s element is water.

Among the gods in classical mythology Venus is famous for not originating from Zeus unlike other gods of her ?generation?. Venus simply appeared from sea froth, fully adult in form. In Babylon Venus was worshipped as Ishtar, a multifaceted goddess who represented erotica, love, and fertility, but also warfare and wisdom. One of Venus?s older names was Lucifer, for she was and still is known as the day star because of her glow. In Greek and Roman stories Venus often entangled herself in affairs with Mars, a fitting if not strange couple for two embodiments of female and male, with qualities so far apart.

Mars
A malefic body, Mars, as well as the areas of his governance, are significantly darker in tone. Mars rules over crime and violence, such as theft, murder, plundering, prostitution, deceit, insurgency, imprisonment, loss of property, torture, lawsuits, and exile. Mars rules over misfortunes regarding relationships such as rape, abortion, sadomasochism, abuse, the death of wives, and alienation from the family. But Mars does rule positive things, such as campaigns and leadership, fire, craftwork, masonry, governing, and hunting. Mars represents aggression, competitiveness, and strong energy reserves, as well as conviction to defend one?s values. People governed by Mars tend to lead conflict-ridden lives such as thieves, executed people, prisoners, murderers, and drug dealers. Also prominent are people who fight against injustice such as political activists, revolutionaries, and critics. Mars rules over the head, blood, the genitals, the body?s back and underside, and the elimination of waste. Mars?s element is fire.

Since Egypt and Babylon the ancients have watched Mars?s passage in the sky with trepidation since Mars usually warned invasion by foreigners, pestilence, or insurgency of the king?s throne. In Greek mythology, Ares was a much-despised outcast of Olympus, appearing in few myths and those in which he did appear he was treated with contempt. But in Rome, Ares became the venerable Mars, the patriarch and father of the founders of Rome, second only to Jupiter. In Babylonian myth, Nergel, the god of war, usurped the dark queen?s underworld kingdom and became the new ruler. In other versions of the story, Nergel and the dark queen rule the underworld together thereafter. Because of this tale Mars is strongly associated with death and the underworld. Astrologer Ign Ezra proposed Mars to be feminine rather than masculine. If Mars is indeed a woman, he resembles matriarch warrior goddesses such as Morrigan, Ishtar, and Kali.

Jupiter
Like Venus, Jupiter is a benefic body and as such grants abundance to those under his rulership. Jupiter rules over actions and events of gain and flourishing, such as childbearing, engendering, cementing friendships and political ties, trust, inheritance, the deposit of money and securing of bonds. Jupiter also rules religion and social order, such as offices and ranks, as well as freedom and the relief of troubles. Jupiter represents generosity, optimism, and gaining people?s endearment, as well as propriety and the striving for superiority. Jupiter influences people to otherworldliness and passivity, opposite of Mercury?s activity and communication. Such occupations include mystical experiences, being spiritual founders as well as rejecting a religion, mediums, and near death experiences. Jupiter rules the thighs and feet, the sperm, uterus and egg, and liver. Jupiter?s element is aether.

Jupiter is the highest of all gods, going by the name of Zeus in Greece and Marduk in Rome. Jupiter is creator and arbiter of laws as when Marduk spoke to Hammurabi to write down civilizations first written moral code in the center of the city. In the East and in Vedic astrology Jupiter is known alongside Saturn as a guru or teacher who impresses wisdom on his students and guides them to enlightenment. Jupiter is the highest metaphysical point. If he is not the highest of all gods he is the godhead, the divinity of creation itself, recognized as the ?one true god? by followers of monotheistic faiths.

Saturn
Like Mars, Saturn is a malefic body, and as a result also rules over misfortune and the unpleasant. Saturn rules over the obstacles in life such as unemployment, failures in business, imprisonment, unremitting lawsuits, bereavement, loss, and childlessness. Saturn also rules over things related to farms such as serfs, farmers, and profit. On the bright side Saturn rules over positions of eminence such as supervisors, the managers of property, heads of business, and being the father of others? children. Saturn is inhibiting and withdrawn, marks self-preservation, frugality, and hard work. He limits and restrains what he touches. While the Sun and Moon signify creativity and originality, their opposite, Saturn points to work that is tedious, manual labor, and ?mass mentality?. People influenced by Saturn contribute to the ?mass culture? such as being porn stars and sex symbols, scriptwriters and actors, and farmers. Also included are people of great education, philosophers, and researchers, positions that potentially lead to long and dull work. Saturn rules phlegm, the bladder, kidneys, the tendons, the skeletal system, and the lymphatic system. Saturn?s element is Air.

Saturn is one of the eldest of the classical gods in Greek and Roman myth. He was born from Uranus and Gaia and overthrew his father to avenge the imprisonment of his brothers and sisters. However, Saturn became a tyrant himself fearing that his children would overthrow him just as he overthrew Uranus. Saturn is infamously known for consuming his children when they were babies but he was eventually defeated by Jupiter and forced to flee. Saturn is frequently represented with a sickle and an hourglass, representing the reaping of crops but also of humans whose time has come. Saturn represents old age, the slowness of time, and our physical and mental limits. Another key archetype to Saturn is Pan, the goat, whose name means All Father. Pan encompassed the collective life force of all things, and our oneness with nature. Appropriately for Pan, in Vedic astrology Saturn is associated with licentiousness.

Uranus
Uranus is in a way rather contradictory. Whereas Saturn imposes limitations Uranus seeks to shatter them to establish individuality, originality, and freedom, especially intellectual freedom. Uranus seeks constant novelty and stimulation, and rules breakthroughs, new ideas, and jarring, outlandish actions and concepts, abrupt and sudden events. At the same time Uranus is aloof and remote. Uranus was the second primeval god of Greek myth, the first being Gaia who bore him. Uranus, the sky, is vast, boundless, and indefinable. Uranus is striving, infinitely reaching beyond.

Neptune
Neptune symbolizes the mystical, nebulous, and vague, and also what is shadowy and mysterious. Neptune pronounces people?s sensitivity in all ways, and represents dramatization and pretentiousness. Neptune also lacks physical presence and is diffusing. In mythology Neptune was the god of the seas and thus conveys a vastness similar to Uranus, and just as similarly indefinable. Since Neptune is watery, Neptune rules the emotions and the subconscious in a similar way the Moon does.

Pluto
Pluto is the exception to every rule, singled out from every norm. Strong desire to be independent and unhampered by others. Pluto is eccentric, extreme, separating, disruptive, and isolative. Pluto also represents fundamental and drastic changes, likened to a force of nature, whether happening in one?s personal life or as events in the world.

How Bodies Are Distributed Among the Signs
How bodies are given rulerships over the signs are shown below. The original bodies (the Sun and Moon forming a pair called the Luminaries) were shared between two signs each. However, since the discovery of Uranus there have been divergent methods of distributing new signs throughout the bodies. In tropical astrology, Uranus is given to Aquarius, Neptune to Pisces, Pluto to Scorpio. In sidereal astrology it is similar except with Pluto given to Aries. Another sidereal method involves distributing the new bodies in pairs as was done among the classical bodies. To satisfy both sidereal demands I will show a system that fulfills all possible sidereal arrangements.

The bodies below are distributed to signs they have rulerships over, which means signs the bodies govern and is able to completely fill its role. Bodies exalted in a sign is second best, gaining strength in the sign to function positively. A body in detriment in a sign is negative, misused, or weakened. A body in fall in a sign loses its strength and influence. However, for now I will only show rulerships. I will tell about exalted, debilitated, and fallen planets in my discussion of the signs.

Luminaries: Leo & Cancer
Mercury: Virgo & Gemini
Venus: Libra & Taurus
Mars: Aries & Scorpio
Jupiter: Pisces & Sagittarius
Saturn: Aquarius & Capricorn
Uranus: Capricorn & Aquarius
Neptune: Sagittarius & Pisces
Pluto: Scorpio & Aries

Possible extra planets:

Eris(?): Libra & Taurus
Ceres(?): Virgo & Gemini
?Planet X?(?) Leo & Cancer

The Trigons (aka Elements)
A caution to note is that while trigons and planetary rulers are extremely important the signs are extremely important as well. The signs have immense mythologies behind them and as such hold a strong place in our collective consciousness. But I will get to describe the nature of the individual signs later.

A trigon, or element, is a group of three signs that are distinguished by the most prominent planets that rule them collectively. Colloquially the trigons are referred to by their elements. Generally, the signs in the trigon have characters similar to the nature of the elements, and also the temperaments, they are associated with.

Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)
Fire signs are the most ?masculine? of the signs, ruled by the Sun and Jupiter. Fire signs are adventurous and conquering, reaching out to explore new things, take risks, climb the social ladder, and obtain profits and gains. Fire signs harness what is immediately accessible to the senses, giving them an enhanced capacity to handle and deal with the world head on. They are imperial and commanding and seek to utilize resources to conquer obstacles. Fire signs are generally cantankerous and aggressive, prickly in other words, but can also be magnanimous and righteous.

Among fire signs are occupations such as racecar drivers, adventurers & explorers, lottery winners, business executives, and economists. Traditionally fire was given the choleric temperament, a choice that seems appropriate in light of the data. The proposed Jungian type for Fire is sensation while Spirit Science characterizes it as intuition. Fire is focused on the present, what is evident here and now.

Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius)
Air signs are the most studious and intellectual of the signs, being ruled by Mercury and Saturn. Their exceptional mental faculties, strong individualism, and endurance of life?s traumas and in unfamiliar territory distinguish air signs. However they are also aloof and often there is an underlying theme of displacement and alienation. They also marked by ambition and perseverance, as well as a taste for d?cor and acting on stage. Air signs tend to be ascetic and otherworldly, and thus eschew the material world. Valens described Air signs as ?feminizing?, for Air signs have ?feminine? features and behaviors.

Air signs produce a cold list, from kidnappers and assaulters to people struggling with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, hallucinating psychosis, and manic-depressive symptoms. But Air signs are noted for their gifted intelligence from physicists to prodigies and also display a bevy of opera singers and beauty kings and queens. The traditional temperament given to Air is sanguine but melancholic would likely be more appropriate. The Jungian type is intuitive while the Spirit Science type is mental. Air signs focus towards the future, the one area of time they haven?t lived in yet. They may also try to compensate by being pragmatic and acting like the opposite Fire signs.

Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)
Earth signs are ruled by Moon and Venus, and as a result point to earthy physical sensuality and sexual attraction, as well as nurturing qualities. At the same time they possesses a strong mental orientation and curiosity about the world and other people. They possess beauty and sensuousness, and are very photogenic. Earth signs are generally pleasant of disposition and prefer to secure themselves in one comfortable location rather than move around.

Among Earth signs primary themes that emerge are those that are sensuous and sexual such as sex symbols and people in the sex business. Other Earth themes are in entertainment such as actors and TV personalities and themes around teaching and coaching reflecting the nurturing aspect of Earth. Traditionally Earth signs are described as melancholic but maybe sanguine would be better. The Jungian type for Earth is thinking and Spirit Science?s type is physical. Earth signs see time as a continuity from past to present to future and is particularly interested in where ideas originate.

Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)
Water signs are the most ?primitive? and ?feminine? of the signs, ruled by Venus and Mars. Water signs are definitely colored by violence and passion, Mars being a trigon ruler, but whereas Fire signs actively seek conquering Water signs seek to defend and protect what they value. Another one of their distinguishing qualities are their altruism and desire to make the world a better place. Water signs are very receptive to their environment. They need to know people, including themselves, in terms of their feelings and inner life. They have a wide-ranging and nuanced variety of emotions and they strive to stabilize themselves and humanity as a whole.

Water signs definitely show violent themes such as fighters, critics, drug dealers, prisoners, and executed people. But the themes of altruism also show greatly, marked by physicians, journalists, and activists. They also prominently feature in alternate groups such as esotericists, alternate healers, and people with strong secularist or humanist worldviews. Traditionally Water is described as phlegmatic. This fits to a degree. While Water signs certainly do not lack passion, they are also very people-oriented. The Jungian type for Water is feeling and Spirit Science?s type is emotional. Water signs focus on the past and on valuation.

Quality ? Fixed, Mutable, Cardinal (Hub, Spokes, Rim)
Another important characteristic of the signs is their qualities. This is usually referred in astrology as Fixed, Mutable, and Cardinal. Fagen in Astrological Origins likens the signs as being parts of a grand celestial wheel and thus categorizes them as the Hub, Spokes, and Rim of the wheel respectively.

Fixed or Hub (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius)
Fixed or Hub signs are marked as being the most enduring of the signs. Hub signs are driven and independent, traveling down their own road early in life. They are not easily swayed by public opinions, dogmas, or traditions, no matter how popular or sacrosanct, and they will not accept an idea or article of faith unless studied to the very bottom. Because of these qualities they are the most revolutionary and dangerous. The Hub signs? powers of endurance, application, and concentration are limitless, and like the center of the wheel they inexorably guide the other signs down the celestial path. They?re strongly attuned to the unity of the cosmos and the relevance of everything to everything else, form long-lasting personal relationships, and cement their influence in granite for all time.

Mutable or Spokes (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces)
Mutable or Spoke signs are primarily recognized for their dual nature (with Gemini the two twins, with Virgo the maiden and bird, with Sagittarius the man and beast, with Pisces the two fish). As such Spoke signs are multifaceted in their personalities and talents and possess a broad range of knowledge, making them the most scholarly and well informed of signs. But there is a danger for Spoke signs in their constant struggle with different facets inside them. As such they shoot out in many different directions and have difficulty sticking to one task. They have many talents but are poor in the application of those talents and are pliable because of their sensitivity to public opinion. In marriage Spoke signs are often unfaithful and when hurt or in need they withdraw within themselves rather than seek help. Restless and neurotic because of the constant struggle of their different parts, they often seek sedatives to calm them down.

Cardinal or Rim (Cancer, Libra, Capricorn, Aries)
The Cardinal or Rim signs are the most active and busy of the signs. As such they labor all day and even in their sleep, often instigating and motivating other people to do the same. Rim signs often implement the status quo such as executives or as politicians and tend to be very conscientious of their work and their earnings. Because of their constant work they frequently run into obstacles and troubles more than any of the other signs. In addition Rim signs are often insecure, demanding loyalty from their friends and partners and constantly trying to fix problems in the world around them. Ironically they have difficulty recognizing their own short coming and analyzing their weaknesses honestly in order to overcome them. Often administering to people?s wants and needs they obtain the most public recognition than the other signs.

The Signs
The signs are not just one constellation but a neighborhood of many constellations marked the constellation, usually the most prominent one, which the sun passes through on his yearly journey. Remember, the signs are approximate regions of the night sky holding constellations within them. The ancient Egyptians marked neighboring constellations with a symbols representing the most prominent constellation, hence the beginning of the ?signs?. Below I will note the sidereal dates the Sun passes through the constellation as well as the exact dates the Sun passes through the main constellations. If you are a casual reader then you may want to just read the signs where your Ascendant, Moon, and Sun are to get a glimpse of which signs apply most to you.

TAURUS ? THE BULL OF HEAVEN
SIDEREAL: MAY 15 ? JUNE 14
CONSTELLATIONAL: MAY 14 ? JUNE 21

Taurus, not Aries, is the traditional leader of the zodiac, as it was the Age of Taurus when the Ancient Egyptians and Babylonians first formed astrology. The overall impression of Taurus conveys a peaceful and wholesome personality. Taurus is docile, modest, and decent, a creature of habit and the simple life. She strongly values friendships, is motherly and doting on children, and shirks away from any form of coarseness and violence. She is easygoing and her speech is kind, devoid of sarcasm and reproach. Taurus is a great lover of art and beauty, especially dancing and the visual arts. She is youthful and has a strong, sensual, and sensitive sexuality, Eros being a world on its own to her. As a worker Taurus is steadfast, toiling, and reliable, specializing in farming, estates, and managing assets. She is philosophical and devout in religion, searching for beauty and meaning. Taurus is often a late bloomer but when she does her intellect is ponderous and concentrated. Often tropical astrology will speak of Taurus being stubborn and fearful in temper, but this is a really Aries?s martial tendency mixed with Taurus. It is surely a Taurus adage ?Beauty is in truth, truth is in beauty.?

Taurus?s ruling body is Venus, reflecting the pacific nature of this sign with the Moon as her exultant, symbolizing maternity. Her detriment body is Mars, most unfitting for Taurus, while her fall body is most likely Saturn or Uranus (Scorpio?s exultant). In myth Taurus is the sacred cow, symbolizing fertility, generation, and the life of the earth. In Egypt the lunar month of Taurus (Sun in Scorpio), when the Nile receded far enough to herd cattle, and she rules the sexual organs. Of the phases of the archetypical feminine Taurus represents the expecting mother, pregnancy being the most sacred state of being according to Nietzsche. In classical myth Zeus transformed into a bull to elope with Europa. In Egyptian myth Taurus was worshipped as Hathor and Apis, the embodiment of Ptah the creator god and Osiris the god of resurrection and fertility. In Christian myth Taurus is the golden calf idol who swayed the exhaled Hebrews into materialism and debauchery but also frequently accompanies the Nativity scene as a cow or bull. Her horns are often equated with the crescent moon. In esoteric astrology Taurus represents the steady ambition and determination applied to fulfill our goals.

GEMINI ? THE GREAT TWINS
SIDEREAL: JUNE 15 ? JULY 15
CONSTELLATIONAL: JUNE 22 ? JULY 20

Gemini is a child at heart, a youthful sign who enjoys games, child?s play, and children, and when he is older he will frantically hold on to his youth to maintain it. Perhaps the most distinguishing trait for Gemini is his versatile intellect and propensity for communication. Gemini is a rational and quick thinker who assembles trivia and gathers information. In spiritual and religious matters Gemini is a realist and is skeptical of the supernatural. As a result, Gemini tends to be often irreligious. Because of his intellectual and communicative talents, Gemini excels as a teacher, writer, or communications agent. In all cases, communication is the key. Also Gemini is very capitalistic and business venturing, and has talent for enterprising and profit. What tropical astrology often misses is how perceptive and sensitive Gemini is in his senses. Gemini is neurotic, needing constant mental stimulation and is never comfortable. He is uncomfortable with emotions and often is emotionally ?sore? and unstable. Possessing a youthful frame of slight build, Gemini is energetic, speedy, and athletic. A prominent theme for Gemini is dualism, especially in finding a ?twin?, a ?significant other?. Gemini is insecure and needs the attention and acceptance of others, is very afraid of losing friends, companions, and family.

Gemini?s ruling planet is Mercury while his exulting body has been proposed to be Neptune and perhaps Jupiter also (Pisces?s ruler). Likewise, Gemini?s fall is Pluto and maybe Mars (the exultant bodies of Sagittarius), while his detriment is paradoxically Jupiter and Neptune. In Egypt the lunar month of Gemini (Sun in Sagittarius) the twins would grace the night sky, recognized as the Great Twin and Little Twin. They were often compared to air god Shu and the goddess of the sun?s heat, Tefnut. Gemini rules the thighs according to the Egyptians. Since antiquity Gemini has represented the lovers, the couple, and significant others, our other half. In the esoteric Adam and Eve are thought to have been created in the Age of Gemini, inseparable figures and the beginning of humanity. In Greek mythology Gemini were Castor and Pollux, both of the same mother but one father was a god while the other was mortal. When Castor died Pollux begged the gods to make him mortal so he may die with his brother. The gods honored his wish and commemorated them both as the constellation Gemini. A popular Gemini archetype is the Doppleganger, our shadow twin.

CANCER ? THE CRAB
SIDEREAL: JULY 15 ? AUGUST 14
CONSTELLATIONAL: JULY 21 ? AUGUST 10

Cancer is a unique sign encompassing the savvy politician, wise magician, and archetypal mother. A huge facet for Cancer is feeling. She is very moody and sensitive, under the constant fluctuating surges of the Moon, and very attuned to both her emotions and the emotions of others. Insecure, Cancer needs to feel safe and understood before she drops her hard shell. However, Cancer will conceal her emotions underneath the thick shell the crab is legendary for. Acutely artistic, she heavily invokes imagery and storytelling with a tendency for theatrics and exaggeration. The most imaginative artists and dramatists have been born under Cancer. Another facet of Cancer is the politician, adaptable, popular, knows who?s who, the darling of the crowd. In addition she is a strong organizer, enforcer, and delegate, fitting the role of politician. Since ancient times Cancer has been associated with maternal roles and rightly so. She is very connected to the family and home, tenaciously sticking to the family?s values, looking out after family members, and will be sure to entertain guests at home. Cancer also has a noticeable shadow motif for she is often involved in the occult and the mystical and is a dream-weaver. Tropical astrology often portrays Cancer as delicate and thin-skinned and while Cancer is indeed sensitive she does have a thick shell and is very capable of fighting. Cancer is not a stepford wife but a mama bear. In both the savvy politician and archetypal mother, Cancer is noted for her great abundance, warmth, and generosity.

Cancer is ruled by the female luminary the Moon and exalted by Jupiter and maybe Neptune (the other ruler of Sagittarius). Her detriment is in Saturn and perhaps Uranus (Capricorn?s other ruler) and her fall is in Mars and maybe Pluto (Capricorn?s exultant). In Egypt the lunar month of Cancer (Sun in Capricorn) was the winter solstice and as such celebrated the hopes of the Sun and nature returning to life. To this end, Cancer was often identified with the scarab beetle who pushed the ball of dung (the Sun) over the hill, and was identified with the god Kheper of creation, rebirth, and transformation. Cancer rules the knees and shins according to the Egyptians. Among the female archetypes Cancer represents the new mother who protects and nurtures her new children. In Babylon the month of Cancer was a time of extreme heat and famine and as such Cancer has often been associated with death and the traveling of world. In Norse mythology this would mean the Bifrost bridge that connects gods with mortals. In classical myth Cancer is associated with Heracles?s second task. While Heracles was slaying the Hydra, Hera sent a Crab to pinch Heracles to distract him, but he kicked the crab away, killing her. In honor of the Crab?s valiance Hera commemorated her as the constellation Cancer. Appropriately enough, the Hydra is a vast constellation that begins around the constellation Cancer.

LEO ? THE LION
SIDEREAL: AUGUST 15 ? SEPTEMBER 14
CONSTELLATIONAL: AUGUST 11 ? SEPTEMBER 16

The sunny Leo is disposed as dignified, magnanimous, and noble, despising all forms of evil and pettiness. He is a solid and stable character, lofty in thought, and very conscious of morality and purity. Leo is self-assured, secure in his nobility and self-worth, in his ?Divine Right?. Contrast this sharply with Cancer who is always seeks validation. Though Leo more often than not naturally attracts a lot of attention and followers Leo is sincere and warm, gregarious but only asks of people of what he willingly himself can give. He is mellow and calm, conservative in thought and deed. He possesses a natural flair, grace, and magnetism without exaggeration and when in need or in stating his thoughts he states them directly and matter-of-factly. Regarding sexuality Leo is a playful and sweet kitten and indeed can be quite lusty, but his sexuality is ultimately modest and not risqu? nor offensive. In sex Leo enjoys much fun and play, sex not having to be too serious, and ultimately are considerate and gentle lovers. In desire Leo is straightforward with his intentions, without ?feminine? wiles and artifices. Tropical astrology makes Leo to be more emotionally unstable and ostentatious, but these are really traits of Cancer. Leo is really much more stable and dependable.

Leo is ruled by the Sun, with possibly Mercury (Gemini?s ruler) as the exalted body. His detriment body is Saturn and maybe Uranus (Aquarius?s ruler) and his fall body may be Venus (Aquarius?s possible exalted body). In Egypt the lunar month of Leo (Sun in Aquarius), the Sickle of Leo and Sirius, could be seen in full splendor. A sickle, a symbol that carries on in modern symbolic representations of the sign, indeed symbolized the sign Leo. Leo rules the ankles according to the Egyptians. In classical mythology Leo was the lion Heracles sought to kill to complete his first task. Since then the lion?s skin adorned Heracles and countless other great heros and warriors as an emblem to their bravery. In Babylon the lion accompanied Cancer during the months where the line between life and death was at its thinnest. Independently, the lion warned of war among human kingdoms and natural disasters like famine. During these hot months cattle were especially vulnerable to stalking lions. Also, being the ?king of the beasts?, Leo represented humanity?s plane of existence. A baby with a ?lion?s head? or caul is born of a common woman was an ill omen foreboding the arrival of a harsh king. However, if a baby with a caul is born of a noble woman it foretold a king with no rivals, secure in his rule.


VIRGO ? THE MAIDEN OR FURROW
SIDEREAL: SEPTEMBER 15 ? OCTOBER 14
CONSTELLATIONAL: SEPTEMBER 17 ? OCTOBER 31

Virgo is immediately distinguished by her strong intellect. As such she is immensely suited for the role of librarian, secretary, steward, accountant, and manager. Tactical and mentally sharp, she is adaptable and learns new tasks easily, and is dexterous both in body and mind. She is industrious, versatile in all trades, and is the ?gopher? of the signs. Leave it to Virgo to gather the facts since collecting information is a trait she shares with Gemini, another sign ruled by Mercury. Virgo is a lover of the arts but she is not too artistic herself, being too ?mechanical?. Virgo?s other occupations other than the ones mentioned above include disciplines such as mathematics, engineering, mechanics, and science. In disposition Virgo is modest and gentle personality, patient, tactful, discerning of her environment, and often bashful. She is very consciousness of her own behavior, is tolerant, good-natured, and loves surrounding herself with many friends. Virgo strongly adheres to her principles and thus at times can take life too seriously. During abrupt circumstances she reacts quite evenly, sticking by her routines. Unfortunately Virgo is often ridiculed and bullied as a child, often scapegoated for others? problems. She isn?t too fit for authority positions and is best as an employee. She even possesses quite a martyr complex, and generally is hyperactive and neurotic. However, when she needs to stand up for herself she can be very brave. Virgo has a strong touch with the ?common man? and thus is often liberal and seeks to improve everyone?s life. Tropical astrology often describes Virgo as persnickety and scolding. Rather than and old maid, Virgo is a youthful girl.

Mercury naturally rules Virgo, while her exultant may indeed be Mercury as well since in the schema Virgo points to herself, but Ceres may be a better choice. Her detriments are predictably Jupiter and Neptune, the rulers of Pisces while her fall is in Venus, the exalted body of Pisces. The Egyptian lunar month of Virgo (Sun in Pisces) marked the time for flower planting but also the rising of corn, thus beginning harvest. In Egypt Virgo was identified with Isis, the legendary wife of Osiris and mother of Horus, transplanted in Christian myth as the Virgin Mary, mother of Christ. In the Egyptian scheme, Virgo rules the feet. Virgo is also near where the giant Hydra constellation ends. In phases of the archetypical feminine Virgo represents menopause, the aging woman who grieves now her children are grown and her nest is empty. This fits strongly with the goddess Demeter, who grieved when Hades kidnapped her daughter Persephone. In other classical myths Virgo is Astraea, the star maiden who ascended to heaven carrying a pair of scales, which is today identified as Libra. In modern times, Virgo can also be likened to Lady Justice, an archetype she shares with Libra.

LIBRA ? THE SCALES
SIDEREAL: OCTOBER 15 ? NOVEMBER 14
CONSTELLATIONAL: NOVEMBER 1 ? NOVEMBER 22

Certainly a lot can be said about this rather sophisticated sign ruled by Venus. The most obvious thing noticeable in Libra is his polished and sociable exterior. Very conscious of the different kind of relationships he has with all kinds of people, Libra is charming, graceful, and courteous, moving easily and softly without much effort. Ironically enough, Libra needs to overcome many difficulties to comfortably adjust to a group of people. Adding on to Libra's association with relationships, he is either more concerned or holds in higher value, the relationship to himself self and ultimately to the Universe and thus existence as a whole. Though noble and just, he can possess a vengeful streak. ?Misery loves company.? is a Libra adage. Libra is the supervisor of estates, especially of farms and granaries. Libra loves the fine arts as well as much fashion and d?cor, and on the whole possesses a very refined sense of aesthetics. This makes Libra very sensitive to any sort of disfigurement or ?imbalance? in his life and he strives to fix these imbalances. Libra is easy-going, indecisive, mellow, often inactive and lazy, and has difficulty managing his schedules. Libra possesses a weak sense of self and thus seeks himself in others and also has a great fear of rejection. If unconquered, this brings out the dark side of Venus, making Libra very jealous and possessive of his loved ones. But the ancients have revered Libra as wise, just, and fair. Libra carefully balances all options in his mind without biases, thus able to make sound judgments. As a result, many turn to Libra for advice. In tropical astrology Libra is confused with Scorpio and thus Libra?s highly developed and sophisticated eroticism is confused with Scorpio?s raw and primal sexuality. Libra is a romantic and poetic sign and all forms of savagery and coarseness, both in and out the sexual realm, disgusts and repels him.

Venus rules Libra and Libra?s exalted bodies are Saturn and maybe Uranus (Capricorn?s other ruler). Libra?s detriments are Mars and maybe Pluto (Aries? rulers) and his fall is the Sun, Aries? exultant. In Egypt the lunar month of Libra (Sun in Aries) the harvest was waited, stored, and sold. The constellation Libra was identified as Chonsu, the child who traveled the night skies, a handsome boy with youthful locks of hair. In Egyptian astrology Libra rules the head and face. The ancient Greeks venerated Libra for his wisdom and justice. In the night sky Libra is a sort of amalgamation of both Virgo and Scorpio. Virgo carries Libra the scales in the heavens and, like Virgo, Libra is symbolized as Lady Justice. At the same time, Libra is the claws of Scorpio, and some myths even state Libra is the golden chariot Hades used to travel between worlds. In Egypt Libra is also associated with Anubis, the god of embalmment and also the judge of the dead who weighed the deceased person?s heart against the feather Ma?at on a scale. As such Anubis and Ma?at represent consciousness and the responsibility one takes in one?s life.

SCORPIO ? THE SCORPION
SIDEREAL: NOVEMBER 15 ? DECEMBER 14
CONSTELLATIONAL: NOVEMBER 23 ? DECEMBER 18
ALTERNATE: SCORPIO (NOVEMBER 23 ? NOBEMBER 29)
OPHIUCHUS (NOVEMBER 30 ? DECEMBER 18 )

If this serpentine sign could be described by one word it would be ?promethean?. Scorpio is driven and tenacious, bold, iconoclastic, and independent. She fearlessly tackles the difficult and dangerous situations, and has no qualms with undertaking the dark, dirty, and disagreeable tasks if it means her ends will be served. She rocks the boat, jars people from their complacency, expels what is dead and weak, and pushes herself to the limit. Ruled by Mars, life is a constant struggle for Scorpio, whether among people around her or within herself. Among people Scorpio comes across as a socially active and a ?fun? person, yet is withdrawn and emotionally cautious. She is usually friendly with people but has problems with intimate relationships. Many astrology books neglect Scorpio?s keen sense of humor, which is sarcastic, satirical, and biting. She is fork-tongued, appearing to express ?the truth? candidly but withholds crucial information. Possessing sharp analytical and critical faculties, hidden motives rarely escape Scorpio?s attention and she gets to the bottom of any matter. Her intellect is cold but lucid. She integrates several things in thought but is idiographic in application. Scorpio has difficulty for abstractions and instead lives viscerally through the body and emotions. She has little interest in the arts in general but excels in music. Scorpio has accumulated a bad reputation over the millennia and ancient astrologers had much to say about her cunning and evil nature. Scorpio is wily, rapacious, criminal, base, and hater of her family. In sex she is promiscuous and perverse. She is moody, irascible, impulsive, unpredictable, and violent. Modern astrologers describe Scorpio as mysterious and profound, but the ancient astrologers never say this, describing her as martial instead.

Mars and Pluto rule Scorpio, with her exultant bodies being Uranus and possibly Saturn (Aquarius? traditional ruler). Her detriment is Venus and her fall is the Moon. The Egyptian lunar month of Scorpio (Sun in Taurus) oversaw the most arid and oppressive time of the Egyptian month. The Nile was at its lowest point and pestilences blighted the land. In the Egyptian scheme Scorpio rules the neck, throat, and windpipe. Among the phases of the feminine archetype, Scorpio represents the crone and witch, skilled with poisons and herbs and represents the end of life. Scorpio was identified with Serket, ?she who relieves the windpipe?, the scorpion goddess of the desert winds and guardian of the dead. In Babylon Scorpio is similarly identified as the scorpion people who guard the underworld in the Epic of Gilgamesh. In Biblical myth Scorpio is associated with Lilith, Adam?s first wife who was exiled by Yahweh for daring to be Adam?s equal, and the serpent who beguiled Eve in Eden. Near Scorpio in the night sky is Ophiuchus, the ?lost zodiac sign?. Essential to Scorpio is the serpent, an animal with loaded symbolism from the Kundalini to the Ouraboros, and symbolizes male and female sexuality from a blatant phallus to a woman?s body to the creative powers of the womb.

SAGITTARIUS ? PALSIBAG
SIDEREAL: DECEMBER 15 ? JANUARY 14
CONSTELLATIONAL: DECEMBER 19 ? JANUARY 19

Sagittarius is distinguished for his nobility and uprightness, for he is just, greathearted, magnanimous, and seeks a noble reputation. He is renowned and appraised for his respectability, high moral standards, and detestation of all forms of evil. Elitist and ambitious, Sagittarius strives for excellence in whatever target he set his arrow for, pursuing it unwaveringly. He has a strong sense of aristocracy and nobility, and naturally is very proud of himself. His pride is not just for show for he dutifully follows the principles he chooses to live by, is often very devoted in his faith, lofty in thought, and will act according to what he thinks is right. Ironically in spite of his pride and accomplishments Sagittarius has self-image problems, with a persistence feeling of inadequacy and not quite hitting the mark. He needs praise and validation from others and the approval of society to feel secure. Well-behaved, docile, law-abiding, Sagittarius respects the order of his society, is conservative, and respects orthodoxy. His natural occupations are that of the philosopher, scholar, or priest, where serious and edifying reading is required. Sagittarius behaves according to his expected gender role in society and abides the ?rules? of courtship. He is focused on improving what already exists rather than deviating with new ideas. The wildness and excesses typically associated with Sagittarius by tropical astrologers really belongs to Scorpio, yet inexplicably are dumbed down and sanitized in tropical astrology. The jolly, clownish, happy-go-lucky personality so often used by tropical astrologers to describe Sagittarius appears neither in descriptions of Scorpio nor Sagittarius according to the ancients.

Jupiter and Neptune rule over Sagittarius, with Pluto and maybe Mars (the traditional ruler of Aries) being his exalted bodies. Strangely enough then, by this scheme, his fall bodies are paradoxically Jupiter and Neptune as well. Mercury is in his detriment. The Egyptian lunar month of Sagittarius (Sun in Gemini) saw the marching of armies into foreign lands, now that the land was now forgiving and harvest was secure. In Egyptian astrology, Sagittarius rules the shoulders, arms, and hands. In Babylon Sagittarius was known as Palsibag, who would ferry souls through the celestial river to the underworld. Contrary to modern belief, the underworld is not beneath the earth but rather the heavens and the celestial river is none other than the Milky Way. In classical myth Sagittarius was the wise healer Chiron who, accidently poisoned by Heracles? arrow, wished to die rather than endure pain forever. Zeus in kindness spared him and hung him in the night sky. Sagittarius is also associated with Vesta, the sacred goddess keeper of the hearth. At the end of Scorpio?s tail and the beginning of Sagittarius?s arrow lies the galactic equator, the densest clusters of billions of yet unknown stars.

CAPRICORN ? THE GOATFISH
SIDEREAL: JANUARY 15 ? FEBRUARY 14
CONSTELLATIONAL: JANUARY 20 ? FEBRUARY 16

Capricorn is unique for her double nature, being puckish and juvenile on one side and austere on the other. Capricorn has a pronounced sense of humor as a means to ward off melancholy, most often recognized as her great wit and penchant for pranks. Though she is occasionally macabre she is not terribly melancholy in nature. She is light in touch, independent, and free spirited, and prefers to remain distant and cold rather than up front and intense. Due to her independence, Capricorn is rather individualistic, a nonconformist who takes great pleasure in being different with unusual attire and action. However, she is not an iconoclast, ultimately respectful to traditions, the status quo, and social taboos. In spite of her congenial appearance, she is cautious and has little spontaneity. Capricorn, as noted, has an austere side. She is toilsome, and is by all purposes a workaholic. Though she appears easygoing she is very stubborn and is a ?control freak?. Any attempt to change her mind from others and possesses great ability to resist obstacles thrown in her way. She has a strong father image in her mind. She either wants to be like her father, overcome her father, or kill her father. Naturally an enlightened and spiritually oriented person, she takes a strong interest in the occult such as Masonry and has a strongly liberal and humanitarian bent. Tropical astrology portrays Capricorn as an extremely serious and priggish businessman and altogether neglects her wits and charms.

Capricorn?s ruling bodies are Saturn and Uranus with her exalted bodies being Mars and maybe Pluto (Scorpio?s other ruler). Her detriment is the Moon and her fall is Jupiter. In the Egyptian lunar month of Capricorn (Sun in Cancer) waters of the Nile began to rise once more and the Nile became abundant with fish during this time. In the Egyptian scheme Capricorn rules the breasts, chest, and lungs. Gods associated with Capricorn in Babylon was Enki, later known as Ea, the god of water, especially the fertile rains and rivers, and wisdom. In Egypt, Capricorn is associated with Thoth, the god who invented writing, patron of the sciences, and teacher of wisdom. In classical myth Capricorn is the nanny goat that nursed Zeus during his childhood so he may one day overthrow Cronus, his tyrannical father. Zeus hung the nanny goat in the night sky and took her horns, which from then on never dried of elixir. In Greece Capricorn is also associated with Pan and the satyr, not just an emblem of humanity?s naughtiness, but also primal symbol of the earth and the universality and oneness of all of nature.

AQUARIUS ? THE GREAT ONE
SIDEREAL: FEBRUARY 15 ? MARCH 14
CONSTELLATIONAL: FEBRUARY 17 ? MARCH 12

Aquarius is the inventor, the man from the future. He is the most intellectually gifted of all the signs. Prolific in scientific and mathematical fields, he is brilliant, inventive, and delights in investigation and discovery. An avid reader, he absorbs idea quickly to implement them later on. Aquarius has a strong individualist streak like Capricorn does. He is bold and hot-tempered, freely expressing his strong opinions. He finds great appeal in social groups yet likes to remain selective of which groups he associates with. He is automatous even in relationships and marriage and needs to have a lot of free space. He is idealistic and plans for the future but easily gets frustrated when the future doesn?t turn out the way he expected it. Though outwardly good-humored and carefree, Aquarius is troubled most of the time. A worrier, he fears the worst a strenuous situation. He is a little erratic and can at times be rather sensitive and easily hurt. He has a weak self-image and doesn?t take criticism well, and is very image conscious and conscious of his social status. Aquarius is tolerant, not easily excited or angered, and views the world through permissive and non-judgmental eyes. He ignores the barriers of race, class, gender, and age. He is generous, a nod to the sign?s overflowing water, is talkative, and frequently travels. Aquarius has a strong Messiah complex, the need to be the hero people need and to desires to fix humanity?s problems.

Saturn and Uranus rule Aquarius, and the body exalted is Venus. The Sun is in detriment in Aquarius and maybe Mercury (Leo?s exalted body) is in fall. The Egyptian lunar month of Aquarius (Sun in Leo) saw the beginning of the Nile?s inundation. In Egyptian astrology Aquarius rules the heart and diaphragm. To the Greeks was Ganymede, the most beautiful boy born of mortal parents. Zeus abducted Ganymede to Olympus and made him his favorite servant. As cupbearer of the gods, Ganymede represented the ?fountain? of the Nile causing the river to overflow its banks annually. The Egyptians also identified Aquarius as Hapi, the god of the Nile who brought fertility to the land. Aquarius is associated with the Messiah archetype, from Horus to Mithras to Christ, the leader and savior of humanity. In Babylon, Aquarius was associated with the horse and stag, both symbolizing the revival of the sun. To the ancients as well in modern times, Aquarius presides over the time of the year when spring begins to emerge from winter. The weather becomes warmer and more humid, marked by greater rainfall the rivers flowing with much water again.

PISCES ? THE TAIL
SIDEREAL: MARCH 15 ? APRIL 14
CONSTELLATIONAL: MARCH 13 ? APRIL 18

Pisces is the chameleon of the signs and this metaphor aptly conveys her fluctuating nature. Pisces is noted for her frequently changing moods and character. This makes her unsteady and unreliable. Her fortunes fluctuated from good to bad and vice-versa and she is unsteady in her loyalties. Because of her dual nature she is frequently in conflict with herself. Pisces possesses great sensitivity in both the senses and in her mental faculties. She has a strong aesthetic and artistic taste, giving her many talents in music, painting, and poetry. Not being adept with the voice, Pisces is more attuned to dancing. In her work, Pisces is prolific, her fertile and fecund imagination producing many brainchildren. Because of her fluidity with emotions Pisces can easily make herself agreeable, giving her a lot of popularity and appeal. In sex she is sensual and easy. In marriage, she strongly holds to the vows she and her partner made, and her high expectations may make such a commitment difficult or impossible for her partner to bear. Pisces is an idealist, a visionary and, a romanticist, contrasting the pragmatic and down to earth Virgo. She may put her talents in story telling and dramatizing, perhaps a bit too much. She has a penchant to dramatize her feelings and inflates the smallest things. Tropical astrology describes Pisces as being very fragile and withdrawn, but Pisces is really a more colorful and outgoing character.

Jupiter and Neptune rule Pisces, with her exultant being Venus. Her detriment is thus Mercury while her fall may be Mercury also because of how Virgo is placed in the scheme. Maybe Ceres is a more reasonable. The Egyptian lunar month of Pisces (Sun in Virgo) was a time when the Nile?s inundation was so excessive the river burst with fish and other river life. In the Egyptian scheme Pisces rules over the naval, stomach, and abdomen. It is the age of Pisces as of now when I write this, a century marked by journeys in sea and space, the founding of enlightened values, yet also of the mass collectivization of humanity and brutal collectivist regimes. In Greek myth the monster Typhon trapped Aphrodite and her son Eros. The two gods however escaped either by transforming into fish or riding two dolphins. In Christian myth Pisces is associated with the Virgin Mary much like Virgo is, except Pisces especially signifies the womb of Mary. In Egypt Pisces is associated with Atargatis and Hatmehit, goddess of water and fishes, filling the waters with fertility and nourishment.

ARIES ? THE HIRED MAN
SIDEREAL: APRIL 15 ? MAY 14
CONSTELLATIONAL: APRIL 19 ? MAY 13

Proud, distinguished, and authoritarian Aries was traditionally the last sign of the zodiac, and not first as the moderns often believe. Aries is distinguished for his boldness and aggression. He is authoritative and hard on offenders, and when a king or other powerful figure holds sway over life and death. But he also is noted for his inflated ego and intimidating demeanor. Aries leads the world in power politics, often securing himself a strong position to achieve his revolutionary ends. He is action-oriented, an iconoclast, and possessing a libertarian spirit towards himself if not towards others. Aries must lead and control and will disrupt the status quo in order to do so. Aries is forthright in his opinions. Unhindered by modesty, he is romantically aggressive but is sturdy and faithful once he has found his partner. Possessing an analytic mind, he can see through any scheme or trend and his thinking is reliably objective. A pragmatic character, Aries does not concern himself too much with emotions, and has difficulty speaking about them. When criticized he is slow to apologize and overall rarely admits his mistakes. A paradox theme runs through Aries where he possesses opposite or seemingly contradictory traits. This is born from Aries not wanting to be defined, limited, or classified in any way.

Mars and Pluto, rule Aries, with Aries? exultant being the Sun. His detriment body is Saturn and maybe Uranus (Libra?s second possible exultant) and his detriment is Venus. The Egyptian lunar month of Aries (Sun in Libra) was when the Nile?s inundation was at it?s highest, so much so that crocodiles and hippopotamus roamed the erstwhile pastures. From pastures not inundated, farmers separated the ewes from the rams. In Egyptian astrology, Aries rules the buttocks, loins, and kidneys. Also in Egypt Aries was associated with Chnum, the god who built land from the primordial seas and brought power from the gods to humans on earth. Aries is also associated with Hathor, the pregnant hippopotamus-shaped goddess of fertility. In Greek myth Aries was a ram?s golden fleece that was guarded by a serpent at the western-most point of the world. In Egypt Aries, not Libra was associated with House 7, the house of the setting sun. Likewise, Aries was associated with death and descent into the underworld.

Houses
The houses are twelve separate sectors plotted on a person?s natal chart with the first house beginning at the Ascendant. The houses represent separate spheres of life and are associated with the twelve zodiac signs. The Gauquelin Sector Chart in particular goes so far as having the houses represent the twelve signs themselves. For instance, under this scheme, having the Moon in House 9 puts your Moon in Sagittarius. In Ancient Egypt however the signs and the houses are the opposite of what we are accustomed to. House 3 is really the house of Sagittarius while House 9 is really the house of Gemini.

For every other section of this post I have written by combining my research of many different sources into a more cohesive and clear picture. However, for the houses in sidereal astrology I have only one source. It would be pointless to repeat the words from the same source, so I will simply give the source this time.

http://www.solunars.net/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=77

My sources:

Alex-Blaire ? ?put the name of signs in search box for information on them?
http://westernsiderealastrology.wordpre ... astrology/

Astrological Origins - Fagen
Book

Babylonian Texts
http://skyscript.co.uk/forums/viewtopic ... 88&start=0

Esoteric Astrology
http://www.light-weaver.com/astrology/toc.html

Firmicius' Text
http://www.astrologiahumana.com/firmicu ... actice.pdf

Mannileius?s Text
http://www.solunars.net/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=56

Mythic Astrology
(book)

Papretis? notes ? Rising Planets and Signs
http://skyscript.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7695

https://skydrive.live.com/view.aspx?res ... at_DHG_WsQ

Papretis? notes ? Rising Sign Elements
http://skyscript.co.uk/forums/viewtopic ... 5b16b0d353

Papretis? notes ? Sign Ascendants
http://skyscript.co.uk/forums/viewtopic ... 5b16b0d353

Raven?s Tarot Site
http://www.corax.com/tarot/

Soluners ? Sun in Constellations
http://www.solunars.net/viewtopic.php?f ... 8ca0e296bf

Soluners ? Moon in Constellations
http://www.solunars.net/viewtopic.php?f ... 8ca0e296bf

Soluners ? Garth Allen notes on the Constellations
http://www.solunars.net/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=34

Soluners ? Fagan notes on Moon in Constellations
http://www.solunars.net/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=58

Soluners ? Hub, Spokes, Rim
http://www.solunars.net/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=21

Soluners ? Planets
http://www.solunars.net/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=18

http://www.solunars.net/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=96

Spirit Science video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChxvN4WjxWg

Soluners ? The Houses
http://www.solunars.net/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=77

Valens
http://www.csus.edu/indiv/r/rileymt/Vet ... entire.pdf

Vedic Astrology
http://astroveda.wikidot.com/vedic-astrology
http://www.astrologykrs.com/index.html

Zodiac Revealed (notes of Valens, Rhetorius, Firmicius)
Book

NOTE: I added pictures for each sign. It is my attempt to represent them in a deeply archetypal way.

Alternate Constellational Dates

I checked a Vedic Astrology book at Barnes & Noble and they made a list of the degrees of each of the constellations of the night sky. As of 2002 the constellation Aries begins on April 18. So using April as a starting point I can chart out the dates of the signs based on the degrees the book Vedic Astrology provides.

ARIES: April 18 - May 12
TAURUS: May 13 - June 18
GEMINI: June 19 - July 17
CANCER: July 18 - August 8
LEO: August 9 - September 13
VIRGO: September 14 - October 30
LIBRA: October 31 - November 17
SCORPIO: November 18 - December 19
SAGITTARIUS: December 20 - January 20
CAPRICORN: January 21 - February 19
AQUARIUS: February 20 - March 15
PISCES: March 16 - April 17

Bogdan, these are very good descriptions of planets and signs. I especially liked about your description of Leo. The Sun seems to have a strong connection to heroism and adventures, and your Campbell reference is spot on. The Moon (and Cancer) in turn would seem to denote "phlegmatic" public officer attitude, it has to do with the common people, democratic procedures, social work and social sciences. and also with programming.

Sorry, I don't have time to respond more thoroughly. Keep up the good work - it's a pity that more people are not using the sidereal zodiac.

If Therese or Martin happen to read this, to your delight I can tell you that in the ayanamsa studies I've finally ended up with Krishnamurti. It finally gave the sharpest result with people with Mars as their ascendant ruler (I tested 22 different ayanamsas) and it also seems to work best with dashas. I'm putting this here because I don't have time to a more active participation on the forum.

Fantastic! I love this topic!
So much information, all this would be cute in a downloadable PDF. (just a suggestion)
Personally, I found when I did my sidereal chart using Fagan/Bradley system, it was like whooooaaaahhhh! that outdated and distorted tropical placidus system where mainstream media channels it to the masses like "entertainment" is now so "No more!" for me...

I'm only a newbie at sidereal but straight away I observe about half the planets in my tropical placidus chart still remain in the same signs and houses, however a LOT of my life and attitudes, values and behaviour patterns NOW make a lot of sense with the symbolism of this new way of looking at astrology.

Quick question; whats the best or most accurate house system to use for just plain natal chart interpretation? Thanks in advance.

Papretis wrote:Bogdan, these are very good descriptions of planets and signs. I especially liked about your description of Leo. The Sun seems to have a strong connection to heroism and adventures, and your Campbell reference is spot on. The Moon (and Cancer) in turn would seem to denote "phlegmatic" public officer attitude, it has to do with the common people, democratic procedures, social work and social sciences. and also with programming.

Sorry, I don't have time to respond more thoroughly. Keep up the good work - it's a pity that more people are not using the sidereal zodiac.

If Therese or Martin happen to read this, to your delight I can tell you that in the ayanamsa studies I've finally ended up with Krishnamurti. It finally gave the sharpest result with people with Mars as their ascendant ruler (I tested 22 different ayanamsas) and it also seems to work best with dashas. I'm putting this here because I don't have time to a more active participation on the forum.

Don't feel bad about it, Papretis. I'm glad for what you did write.

All I can say about Cancer and Leo is that I pretty much agree. Leo and the Fire signs in general strike me as "regal" and "authoritarian", having to do with conquering and mastering the material world and other people. Striking famous historical people of this kind include Napoleon, Beethoven, and Marquis de Sade, all who had Grand Fire Trines. Karl Marx and Robespierre (Aries Sun and Moon) are also strong revolutionary figures. All were bold and imperious personalities yet also could be rather callous and self-centered.

With Water things are different though. Cancer and the Water signs are "democratic" and "collective". Contrasting the Fire signs the Water signs are emotionally intelligent and attentive to pathos. In addition the Water signs focus a lot on the "internal" life of people, their emotional state and what they choose to value. Nietzshce and Spinoza come to mind. As does J.K. Rowling and her protagonist Harry Potter (who has a Grand Water trine). All have strong and passionate personalities yet are profoundly humanistic.

I actually am interested in what Martin thinks about this. I haven't heard his opinion on things yet and I'd like to see what they are.

Regarding Therese - I will be frank, I don't trust nor like her work very much, and in the Sidereal Signs thread I was too soft in my arguing. - One of the reasons I wrote my Lost Zodiac was to counter her method. Instead of creating dubious theories on what male and female behavior is like and relying on the mainstream views of tropical astrology as fact, I simply went to the source material of the ancient astrologers and relied on data to back it up. Makes sense if one wants to rediscover the "Lost Zodiac of the Stars".

RodJM wrote:Fantastic! I love this topic!
So much information, all this would be cute in a downloadable PDF. (just a suggestion)
Personally, I found when I did my sidereal chart using Fagan/Bradley system, it was like whooooaaaahhhh! that outdated and distorted tropical placidus system where mainstream media channels it to the masses like "entertainment" is now so "No more!" for me...

I'm only a newbie at sidereal but straight away I observe about half the planets in my tropical placidus chart still remain in the same signs and houses, however a LOT of my life and attitudes, values and behaviour patterns NOW make a lot of sense with the symbolism of this new way of looking at astrology.

Quick question; whats the best or most accurate house system to use for just plain natal chart interpretation? Thanks in advance.

Thanks. It took me many days of writing all day and night to do it. I'm glad I finally finished it. I'm glad you like sidereal astrology. And I do share your opinion that tropical astrology is mainstream, and is one of the many "truisms" of society that are really false. But that's just me.

At least I hope you like this Forum and the people in it, but be sure to check out other ones. Unfortunately, Soluners is the only other sidereal astrology forum I know. I wish there were more though.

If anyone knows of other sidereal astrology forums please post below.

Here is a lovely website for all the fixed stars and the properties they possess. These fixed stars could be used to give a lot of detail into reading a natal chart or events by examining the bodies they're conjunct to.

http://constellationsofwords.com/stars/ ... _order.htm