Astro Girls Astrology Horoscopes

Virgo Myth and Personality is intimately tied to the constellation of the Virgin. The constellation of Virgo is believed by some astrologers and historians as being the first imaginary, starry construct identified by early man. Being the second largest constellation after Hydra (by only 9°), it has been identified as a goddess in almost every culture on earth. The glyph for Virgo is thought to depict the female body.

Virgo is home to the densest nebular region in the heavens, and it was here that the minor planets Ceres and Pallas were discovered. The ancient Greeks described this goddess as “inhabiting the stars.” Virgo, Andromeda and Cassiopeia are the only constellations which represent women. These can be seen as the three aspects of femininity – maid, mother and spinster.

The constellation’s brightest star Spica (Latin for “stalk of grain”) possibly refers to a time when the sun passed through this constellation during the inundation of the Nile and the Egyptians’ springtime harvest (15,000 years ago). Virgo has long been associated with the Sphinx (generally claimed as prehistoric). Greek tradition explained the mysterious figure as the head of Virgo on Leo‘s body. The ancient Egyptian zodiacs of Denderah and Thebes portray her as Isis, the thousand-named goddess, with wheat ears in her hand that she dropped to form the Milky Way.

Astraea (“starry”) was a Greek title for Virgo along with Erigone (“Early Born”) perhaps indicating its great age. Greek “eri” is cognate with English “early” from the Indo-European root “ayer- day, morning”.

The tropical zodiac places the Sun in Virgo from August 23 to September 22, exiting the sign for Libra at the autumnal equinox, while the more astronomically correct sidereal zodiac places the sun in Virgo from September 17 to October 17.

In astrology, Virgo is considered passive, negative, and introverted. Virgo is traditionally ruled by the planet Mercury, but Ceres, “Vulcan”, and several other planets have been suggested as more appropriate by some modern astrologers. Being the sixth sign of the zodiac, Virgo is the ruler of the astrological sixth house.

The Sixth House, governed by the Planet Mercury (which also rules the Third House) concerns service, work and health. Associated with the work ethic, it is the measure of personal integrity, usefulness, productivity, and the manner in which humankind functions.

Virgo Characteristics and Personality:

Their minds are such that they need the stimulus of practical problems to be solved rather than the mere routine of working to set specifications that need no thought. The great strength of the Virgo-born is in their practicality, sharp mind and attention to detail. Mercury is the zodiac’s active and rational mind. The Virgoan possesses a well balanced mind and superior intellectual abilities. Body and mind are as one to them.

There is seldom much room for emotional involvement because the mind is always engaged and dominant. They are practical, mental people, possessing inquiring and logical minds. It can be beneficial to take up a pastime which occupies the mind and the hands, while providing a sense of accomplishment. Many are especially interested and concerned with physical health, and some are attracted to mind-body awareness exercises such as yoga.

Virgos belong to a group of people known for their perfectionism and highly analytical minds. In their mind there’s no point in doing anything half-heartedly. It is possible however that their narrow mindedness causes their creativity to suffer and they may lead regular routine lives. Some people find them cold or emotionally detached because they live in their minds, not in their emotions and feelings. Virgos are intelligent with an excellent memory and a highly analytical mind, however, they must have the proper attitude for their life to be happy and successful.

They need to be organized in their mind, sometimes all their energy is taken from organizing their mind that they have a difficult time organizing their surroundings. To the world, Virgo presents a calm and collected exterior but on the inside, nervous uncontrolled intensity is trying to figure things out – how to improve everything, analyzing and thinking. They are conventional, so do not do anything spontaneous or that forces them to make hasty decisions. They take their time. Don’t attempt to probe their mind because their emotions are pretty much closed off until a relationship is solid, and they will be the ones to decide when that time is.

Erigone will direct to study, and she will train the mind in the learned arts. Virgo natives seek complete realization of the mind, being logical, practical and methodical with an intellect which subrogates the instinct. The one with the tick-tock mind, clicking away the hours neatly and methodically – noticing the smallest details. The first thing you’ll notice about the typical Virgo is the definite impression he gives that there’s a serious problem on his mind that he’s struggling to solve, or a vague feeling that he’s secretly worried about something. You may run across a Virgo who is so busy keeping the corners of his (or her) mind neat and orderly that he’s become careless about his clothing or his surroundings.

Practical Virgo often appears “dreamy” – as if they were all wrapped up in the very rainbows that their logical minds refuse to believe in or follow. It’s just that this orderly, curious, Mercurial mind can’t stand procrastination, neglected details or confusion of purpose. It’s interesting to note that Virgos’ alternate ruler Vulcan, in Greek mythology, is the lame god with the brilliant mind. The Virgo, with mind made up moves on, and having moved on, all your tears, pleadings, and apologies are useless in changing his/her mind.

Virgos look for a partner who is clean in body and mind, and who dresses well, but not in flashy extremes of fashion. Pure-minded, they are certainly not naive. They notice, the after shave lotion/perfume, the lint, your hair, your clothes, your shoes, and your manners. Considered by some to be boring and unimaginative, what would we do without the sharp eye and mind of Virgo. So, keep your fingernails clean if you’re on the trail of a virgin.

The printed word often isn’t enough for the inquisitive, painstaking Virgo mind. They will need practical (preferably personal) proof. Like the tiny ant industriously going about its business, Virgo is absorbed in the tiniest detail of whatever he/she is involved with at the moment. Their power of concentration and oblivion to the world and the “big picture” is legendary.

Actually, his mind is working at Mercury (warp) speed, though mere speed will never be allowed to replace cautious, methodical procedures. Virgo employees don’t mind working in the background, or at the “bottom”. But, in the position of right-hand man or gal Friday, the boss can confidently relax and head for the golf course, content in the knowledge that someone totally reliable is covering his back at the office. Virgos are often put down by many astrologers being fussy and narrow-minded, but if you’ve got a job that needs to get done – and done right – this is the zodiac sign for you.

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Leo, Lion of Judah is the zodiac sign and the symbol and biblical representation of Jesus the Messiah.

On the morning of August 12, 3 B.C., about an hour and twenty minutes before sunrise, Jupiter, having just left the Sun, rose as a morning star conjunct with Venus. Known astrologically as “Father of the Gods”, Jupiter symbolizes deity. Associated with the birth of kings, it is also called the “King Planet”. To the Magi of Mesopotamia Venus was Ishtar the Mother, and the Goddess of Fertility.

By August 27, all the major planets, except Saturn, had rendezvoused in Leo, with Jupiter at 142.6°, Mars 142.64°, Venus 141.67°, and Mercury 143.71°. As the Moon enters Leo and the Sun enters “The Virgin”, three starstruck “Wise Men” mount their camels, and begin their journey toward the “Day-Star”.

The Bible says the Magi followed the “star” until it “stopped over the child”. On December 25th, 2 B.C., just before dawn, as viewed from Jerusalem, Jupiter came to a stationary position on the meridian directly over Bethlehem at an elevation of 68°. Fixing itself in the center of the constellation of the Virgin, the “King Planet” ceased its lateral motion through the stars and payed homage for six days. Coincidentally?, while Jupiter was “standing still” over Bethlehem, the Sun was also “standing still”. Solstice means “Sun stands still”. With God’s glorious spotlight upon the newborn Jesus, our three Kings humbly dismount and adore the “Lion of Judah” with their gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

For many Christian “astrologers?” the Zodiac does not begin at the Vernal equinox of Aries, but with Virgo and the virgin birth and ends with the Alpha and Omega – Leo, The Lion of Judah. Virgo was originally marked as the beginning of the Zodiac, the last time that this “house” was in the correct position was 240CE. At the time the fixed Zodiac was adopted for astrological purposes, it had been observed that each of the twelve sections that divided the cosmos into segments or zones of 30 degrees each, indicated certain definite characteristics peculiar to each section. These properties were decisively identified with the particular section of the sky in which they were first observed and each segment of the Zodiac thus was eventually distinguished and described by the specific conditions to exist in it.

Jacob (Israel) as the dying patriarch in the Book of Genesis, blesses Judah, his fourth son, as Gur Aryeh (“Young Lion”). The constellation of Leo imagines a lion standing with one leg raised – a phrophetic representation of Jesus as the Lion of Judah triumphant over his enemies.

The Lion is a fitting symbol of this tribe, from which came David, and the Son of David, Shiloh, the true “Lion of the tribe of Judah,” to whom all powers shall finally bow and all nations render homage. The lion is a symbol of pride, potency, virility, royalty, majesty, authority, invincibility, fearlessness and bravery. “Lion” is mentioned more than 100 times in Scripture. During biblical times lions were considered instruments of God’s punishment. Daniel’s testing in the lion’s den (Dan.6) demonstrates an oriental rulers use of the lion as a means of execution, and divine protection. When the king of Assyria planted foreigners in the land of Israel, God sent lions to attack the settlers because they did not fear the LORD. Even during the Middle Ages, stone lions represented justice in the ecclesiastical courts. The connection is made between the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world, and the Lion of Judah.

The carcass of a young lion which Samson had killed with his bare hands had attracted a swarm of bees that made honey in it. The carcass of the dead lion (Jesus) would bring forth salvation. “Out of the eater came something to eat, And out of the strong came something sweet.” David tells Saul, the king, that he is prepared to face the giant Goliath because he has killed a lion (1 Sam.). Some believe the lion killed by David the shepherd boy is a symbol of the devil or the pride which could so easily have engulfed him (1 Sam 17:34).

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Lilith (Hebrew: Night-Hag) makes a single, solitary, and brief appearance in the Old Testament, as a wilderness demon shunned by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 34). While not mentioned again in the Bible, she does resurface in the Dead Sea Scrolls found at Qumran, in passages clearly based on Isaiah. The Qumran sect seems to have been engrossed with demonology.

Lilith, or “Dark Moon”, represents one aspect of the Great Goddess. Black moon Lilith is really a point in the moon’s orbit, not a body in the sky. An ellipse has two focal points, and the other focal point, not occupied by the Earth has been called the Dark Moon, the Black Moon or Lilith. Just as there a “mean” and a “true” Lunar Node, so there is a “mean” and a “true” ellipse and a “mean” and a “true” Lilith. The glyph used for Lilith is a black Moon, as opposed to that used for the real Moon.

Lilith represents jealousy, anger, revenge, rage, witches, psychics, the temptress, sexual passion, and the shadow in your astrological chart. The legend of Lilith serves to demonstrate how, when unchecked, female sexuality is disruptive and destructive. Lilith’s powers are at their height during the waning of the moon, and her association with the owl, a predatory and nocturnal bird, bespeaks a connection to flight and night terrors. “Lilith’s Lantern” is an old Witch-name for the Moon.

In the Hebrew mysticism of the Kabbalah, Lilith is associated with the lunar position on the Qliphotic Tree, the so-called “World of Shells” that contains the “negative” and dark energies. The Qlippoth of Lilith represents worldly pleasures. For women Lilith represents the power she has in her chart. For men, Lilith may also represent hidden powers, struggles, and unresolved issues with the women in his life. For both sexes Lilith shows us what we are most secretive about. October 24th is considered by some to be “Lilith’s Day”.

Lilith (or Lilitu) has over 100 names and variations, and abounds in many mythologies which makes it difficult to pinpoint her exact origin. The ancient Hittites, Egyptians, and Greeks recognized and feared her “dark side”. The legend (like much of Western culture) may have originated in Babylonian religion, then absorbed into early Judaism, and then on into Arabic literature. The liliths are known particularly from the Aramaic incantation bowls from Sassanian and early Islamic Iraq and Iran (roughly 400–800 C. A drawing of a bound lilith or other demon often appears in the center of the bowl. There is a relief of her, from Northern Syria, dated about 2000 BC. She is the most important of a small collection of named female demons in Jewish legend. Lilith’s type is the free and unrestrained animating, pulsating, transforming sexuality that evokes the original orgiastic aspect of The Great Goddess. The Queen of Sheba in the Kabbalah, the Zohar, and Arabic legends” is identified with Lilith, who is also associated with the concubine of Abraham, Hagar “the Egyptian”, whose son Ishmael, having been begotten on the Black stone of the Ka’bah, became the ancestor of the Arab peoples. Arabic legends show Alilat (a form of Lilith) as the daughter of Allah and Goddess of the night, and her symbol is an owl.

Some claim the name is derived from Hebrew layil (night) while others insist that it’s from the Sumerian word lil (wind). She often appears as a hairy night-monster in folklore. Solomon suspected the Queen of Sheba of being Lilith, because she had hairy legs. Hieronymus identified Lilith with the Greek Lamia, a Libyan queen deserted by Zeus, whom his wife Hera robbed of her children. The Lamiae, who seduced sleeping men, sucked their blood and ate their flesh, as Lilith and her fellow demonesses did, were also known as Empusae, “forcers-in”; or Mormolyceia, “frightening wolves”; and described as “Children of Hecate”. Lilith represents the evil or the dark side of the Self that appears to men and women at night in dreams.

Lilith is the woman who refuses to nurture men, and thereby threatens their survival. Lilith insisted from the outset on equal treatment, a fact which caused constant friction between the couple and ended when whe refused the sub-servient “Missionary” position. Ordered to obey, Lilith (considering herself to be Adam’s equal) refused, promptly uttered the name of God, took to the air, and leaving the Garden, settled on the Red Sea coast. Lilith then went on to mate with various demons she found beside the Red Sea, creating countless lilin. Lilith and Satan form an unholy alliance and embody the dark, negative sphere of the depraved. She became a demon in her own right, accompanied by four hundred and eighty hosts of evil spirits and destroying angels. She is constantly howling. Some say, because Lilith left the garden and never ate the forbidden fruit, she is not tainted by original sin, and thus can never die. The legend has found its way into dozens of recent feminist works about attitudes toward and equality for women.

Lilith not only embodies people’s fears of how attraction to others can ruin their marriages, or of how risky childbearing and raising children are, but also represents a woman whom society cannot control – a woman who determines her own sexual partners, who is wild and unkempt, and who does not have the natural consequences of sexual activity, children. Through the literature of the Kabbalah, Lilith became fixed in Jewish demonology as the strangler of children and a seducer of men.

The legend has been given added impetus by the Bible’s dual accounts of the creation of the first woman, which indicate to some that Adam had a wife before Eve. Although it is repeatedly cited as a “Rabbinic legend” or a “midrash,” it is not recorded in any ancient Jewish text. Found in The Zohar (a central work in the Kabbalah) Lilith binds together many earlier legends and demonstrates a long and important element of Jewish culture. Usually representing the dark side of the female, she dares to be Adam’s equal, and is tied to both the Devil and the Serpent, as well as Eve. The feminine opposite of masculine order, she is banished from fertile territory and exiled to barren wasteland.

Lilith slept with Adam after his expulsion from the garden and gave birth to the evil spirits. In Islamic tradition, she slept with the devil and gave birth to the jinn (Jinni). In response to Adam’s request, God sent three angels to bring her back to Eden. Lilith refused to return to Adam and vowed that she would harm male infants up to the eighth day after birth and female infants up to the 20th day. Lilith is associated with the death of children and especially with the death of newborn infants. As late as the 18th century, it was a common practice in many cultures to protect new mothers and their infants with amulets against Lilith. Sometimes a magic circle was drawn around the lying-in-bed, with a charm inscribed with the names of the three angels, Adam and Eve and the words “barring Lilith” or “protect this newborn child from all harm. If a child laughed while sleeping, it was taken as a sign that Lilith was present.

A powerfully sexual woman against whom men and babies felt they had few defenses and, except for a few amulets, little protection, Lilith highlights how women, beginning with Eve, use their sexuality to seduce men. Believed to be Queen of the Succubi and matriarch of demons, Lilith has a deadly poison attack she will cast when you get up close.

Lilith was held responsible for populating the world with evil by her insubordination to her husband Adam. In the Darby translation of Isaiah 34:14 the original Hebrew word is rendered as “lilith”; according to Isaiah, when God’s vengeance has turned the land into a wilderness, “There shall the beasts of the desert meet with the jackals, and the wild goat shall cry to his fellow; the lilith also shall settle there, and find for herself a place of rest”.

In the Latin Vulgate Bible, Lamia is given as the translation of the Hebrew Lilith. In other translations it is given as “screech owl” and “night monster”. By inventing evil spirits like Lilith, Lamashtu, and Lamia, parents were not only able to identify the enemy but also to know what they had to guard against. Amulets with the names of the three angels were intended to protect against the power of Lilith. In the Middle Ages, celibate monks would attempt to guard against these nocturnal visits by the lilith/succubus by sleeping with their hands crossed over their genitals and holding a crucifix. Men who experienced nocturnal emissions during their sleep believed they had been seduced by Lilith and said certain incantations to prevent the offspring from becoming demons. It was thought each time a pious Christian had a wet dream, Lilith laughed.

In her demonized form, Lilith is a frightening and threatening creature. Inasmuch as female sexuality, as a result of this fear, has been repressed and subjected to the severest controls in Western patriarchal society, so too has the figure of Lilith been kept hidden. Eve and Lilith become inextricably intertwined and blended into one person. It is this Eve/Lilith amalgam which is used to identify women as the true source of evil in the world.

Today the tradition of Lilith has enjoyed a resurgence, due mainly to the Jewish feminist movement of the late 20th century. Ignoring or explaining away Lilith’s unsavory traits, feminists have focused instead upon Lilith’s independence and desire for autonomy. Joining the feminists are neo-pagans, listeners to contemporary music by women (the Lilith Fair), poets, and modern writers who invent ever more stories. Enjoying something of a revival in literature, she has been heralded as a symbol of Mother Earth. Retellings of the myth reflect each generation’s views of the feminine role, and survive because Lilith is the archetype for the changing role of woman.

Before explaining a Cardinal T-Square, let’s review a little of Astrology’s Three Modes in general. Cardinal signs impact identity. Fixed signs impact self-worth. Mutable signs impact healing and reasoning. We will also discover the commonality that the four signs in a Grand Cross have.

Cardinal signs are typically focused with the question of self and identity, and actions surrounding these. Cardinal signs encourage action, initiation and the ability to impulsively express ourselves (Aries), our emotional identity (Cancer), our social and intellectual identity (Libra) or the tangible manifestation of our identity (Capricorn). Cardinal signs are about taking action.

In essence, the Cardinal T-Square is an astrological aspect which triggers a crisis of identity. The test with a Cardinal Grand Cross is reflected whenever there is a transiting aspect to it. The main purpose of the Fixed signs is to uphold and maintain the activity that the Cardinal signs created and initiated.

Mutable signs, similar to Cardinal signs, are easily scattered and disjointed when under pressure. The Cardinal T Square’s most prominent feature is its impulsiveness. Planets in Cardinal signs feel a need to act immediately. This current configuration is very potent because it is taking place at the early degrees of the cardinal signs with Pluto in Capricorn stationing direct and Mercury in Libra stationing retrograde. And then if you count Juno (soul mate asteroid) in early Aries, we’ve got a cardinal Grand Cross. The Cardinal quality is prone to lots of action but whether or not that action is productive is another question because often the impulsivity wastes energy.

Focusing on what the core issue of each modality is (Cardinal signs are concerned with identity, Fixed signs with self worth, Mutable signs with healing and completion) can also help to discover what all four of the signs in the Grand Cross have in common, and therefore to also discover the point of balance and strength. The Cardinal Cross, then, is essentially an identity crisis.

The key to utilizing the T-Square is to move forward – to become proactive with the apex planet, while minimizing the scattered feelings that may result when the T-Square is being triggered. Take note that when a transiting planet moves into the opposite of the apex, forming a pseudo Grand Cross, it could be providing the individual with an opportunity to release the productive energy of the T-Square in the most direct approach because the transit shines on the Apex placement. This brings an awareness of the need for balance to the Apex planet while tapping onto the two squares. To properly assess the needs of the T-Square, take note of the element of the sign that the Apex planet is in. The element provides guidance in understanding the nature of the action that the T-Square will likely produce: Fire = spirit, enthusiasm and identity orientation; Earth= practical, tangible, worth and value; Air = intellect, social and intuitive; Water = perceptive, emotional and spiritual.

The key to getting a T-Square to become productive is by defining these areas in the chart so that the individual can have access to the most supportive features of these elements and house placements and comprehend the best way to release the pressure imposed on the Apex planet. Similar to the Cardinal Grand Cross, the Cardinal T-Square focuses on the identity of the individual. The Cardinal T-Square tends to be the most active of the T-Squares, although not the most productive. Being aware of the “empty space” opposing the Apex planet can give the individual guidance for a Cardinal T-Square. The Apex planet in a Fixed T-Square will reveal where the individual is most inflexible.

With a Fixed T-Square, the compromise between the two realms may only be reached after a very ugly confrontation. The Fixed T-Square that learns how to incorporate flexibility into the decision making process receives the best rewards. The most difficult factor for the Mutable T-Square is focus and consistency. For the Mutable T-Square, the Apex planet will be the one most likely to be disturbed since this is the planet under the most pressure. Unlike Cardinal or Fixed T-Squares, the opposition aspects are less aggressive or confrontational since the nature of the mutable sign is to adapt.

The T-square planetary pattern consists of three or more planets at three of the four vertices of an imaginary square. The T-square is the most common of all planetary patterns. The T-square is often found embedded in larger planetary patterns like the “Bowl”, “Bucket” or “Hourglass”, but sometimes these larger patterns are either absent or so far from ideal that the T-square scaffolding underneath becomes the most relevant pattern for interpretation.

The characteristics of a square are obstacles and challenge, creating dynamic inner tension and leading to conflict and change. The T-square presents conditions that need to be overcome, usually accompanied by great energy and a drive to do so. Although the difficulties presented by a T-square are demanding, the dynamism it sparks is sufficient to the task. Mature marshalling of one’s resources can bring about great accomplishments, and many famous people have used their T-square as an impetus to success. In a T-square, the tension and awareness created by the two planets in opposition is resolved either by the planet receiving the double square, by the empty point opposite that planet, or, if there is one, by the planet most closely trining or sextiling any planet in the T-square.

The T-square symbolizes a lot of difficulty in one’s life, but it also sparks action and the drive necessary to achieve resolution. Living with the demands of a T-square can be very challenging, but when the energy of this configuration is well directed by a mature individual, it often leads to significant accomplishments. Whereas the T-square is a dynamic influence, the Grand Cross tends to diffusion. Most T-squares emphasize the quadruplicity of their quadrature; that is, the two opposed planets mutually squared by a third (more if there are conjunctions) are usually all cardinal, all fixed, or all mutable.

A Cardinal T-square can be approached by correct action. This is appropriate to many obstacles, because the squares and oppositions in all T-squares are dynamic and inherently promote action for their resolution. Mutable T-squares can be approached by correct thought, or by restructuring or approaching anew how you conceptualize the issues in question. Fixed T-squares can be approached by humbling the will.

In the present Cardinal T-square configuration, Mars has been the catalyzing factor, travelling through Gemini and its formation in a mutable (changing, adapting, transitioning) T-square into Cancer and its place in this cardinal (new directions, initiatives, leadership) T-square. Our personal goals, motivations and what we really want are the connecting force here between these two T-squares that are packing a one-two punch. This is the very, very beginning of a long series of cardinal squares we’re going to be dealing with over the next six years. Mercury in Libra creates the cardinal T-square and acts as mediator between the concrete-goals-in-the-public-realm evolutionary desires of Pluto in Capricorn and the more immediate Mars in Cancer personal goals for emotional security, nurturing and people and place that feel like soul home.

The fourth leg of the cardinal T-square is Aries, so the stabilizing factor in all this is us the ability to stand in who we are, no matter what. This Mars opposition to Pluto (like the recent Venus opposition to Pluto) has ties to the opening square we experienced between Mars in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn. We have two planets being opposite (180 degrees) each other and the third one squared (90 degrees) to each opposite planet.

The t-square is part of the squaring the circle path. The focal planet is the apex of this configuration or the planet the opposite planets are squared off. This point gives us a great deal of information for the energy expression of the T-square. Beginner Astrologers will often mistakenly look at the T Squaresas negative in the natal chart. However, many presidents, actors, and just plain great people have had T Squares in their chart and were successful because the T Square energy offers focus on seeking the balance.

The challenge with a Cardinal Grand Cross is that whenever it is triggered, all four planets want to take action simultaneously, and each in their own direction. Fixed signs follow the Cardinal signs, and their purpose is to sustain and maintain what the Cardinal signs created and initiated.

The hardest part is learning to control the impulsiveness of the Cardinal planets long enough to get them to work together. The early degrees of the cardinal signs  (Aries, Libra, Cancer, Capricorn) will be a ablaze with energy and activations this year. For cardinal signs, the astrological aspects may feel energizing and thrilling. One thing we can be certain of is this cardinal t-square seeks expression of radical, total and breathtaking change of our lives.

These three placements are called a Cardinal T-square and send energy to the empty Aries 4th house. If you have any planets in early Aries, this will turn into a Cardinal Cross and a major shift  will move you forward. If you have any planets in early Aries, you are looking at a Cardinal Cross.

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Square Aspect Astrology is crucial in love match astrology and what are called compatibility horoscopes or synastry charts. This is especially true when “squares” fall in love. Square aspect astrology is also of major importance when casting business and financial charts. In fact, a square aspect in almost any chart is of primary concern.

A Square forms a right triangle, and in sacred geometry, right triangles operate on the level of what the Greeks called “nous” which is the realm of the spirit and of the higher self and higher guidance. Squares also operate on the mental/emotional level (what the Greeks called the “soul” level) and therefore can be quite challenging and stressful configurations. The key to working with astrology squares is to learn how to tap into the higher levels of guidance and to discover different and more supportive ways of releasing the stress and pressure through taking action with the apex planet.

Squares are one of the major aspects of astrology that occur when the Sun, moons, planets, and other bodies in our solar system are at right angles (90 degrees). In astrology, squares always indicate tension, motivation, and action, and they are perceived as uncomfortable influences. The tension develops over time, and once it reaches a certain point, we take action to reduce some of the pressure. Squares, and particularly very tight orbed squares, can be hard aspects to ignore. Squares are initiative aspects placing the apex planet under considerable pressure to act and react when the T-square is triggered.

Square angles indicate action that be can be either constructive or destructive, but because squares are a 4th harmonic aspect and related to the world of form and structure, they usually require some sort of physical, external expression. Squares, particularly very tight squares, are very difficult aspects to ignore. The apex planet, receiving two simultaneous squares, is under the greatest pressure. Squares are an aspect of irritation and annoyance.

A Grand Cross (also called a Grand Square) involves four signs, four planets, four houses, and four areas of life that are connected together. Not only are there four squares in the Grand Cross, there are also two oppositions. Essentially, a Grand Cross consists of four planets in the same mode or quality (Cardinal, Fixed or Mutable), which form the four squares and two oppositions.

Because the Grand Cross involves a combination of squares and oppositions, it is an aspect pattern that affects action and drive (squares) as well as perspective and balance with others (oppositions). Depending on our actions/reactions, squares can be both constructive and destructive. When the opposing influences are balanced, then they are wielding the same amount of force on the planets that are connected by the square aspects and create a solid foundation. With too much attention being directed to one influence over the other, the structure can not hold up, and the squares (frustration) take center stage.

The T-Square consists of three planets in the same modes (qualities) that include two squares and one opposition. A T-Square is similar to a Grand Cross, but is missing a 4th planet. Because of this, the T-Square functions differently than the Grand Cross. The T-Square is less stable. All of the pressure is placed on the planet that receives the two squares, the apex planet. On the other hand, T-Squares have a built-in focus planet, which the Grand Cross lacks. The apex planet of a T-Square is the focal point. This is the planet that provides motivation, drive and is also the most critical placement of the T-square.

When examining the energy influence of the T Square we look at these factors: what is the mode of the T Square. This element usually illuminates the kind of action that the T-Square will tend to generate. The Cardinal T-Square is concerned with the question of identity. Again we examine the focal planet in a Fixed T-Square. So we would look to the opposite planet of the focal planet to focus on stability for this t-square. With a Mutable T-Square the challenge is focus and coherence on the transformation mutable signs seek. In this t-square, the focal planet often is the energy that is scattered the most largely because it doesn’t handle stress well. The practice of escapism is a characteristic of the energy of this t-square. The knowledge of the sign and house of the empty leg of the chair shows us where the much needed balance and guidance for that T-Square. The “empty leg” of the T-Square is where this anchor is found. You can see how this looks on the Grand Cross example when we add the planet Chiron to the T Square to form the Grand Cross.

Where the planetary ruler is positioned in the natal chart also clues us in on the energy of the t-square, particularly if it is part of the configuration. Examine closely any aspects from the ruler to the t-square. Does the ruler assist the T-square resolution or does it work with the tension of the t-square. Does the t-square consist of the personal planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars), luminaries (Sun and Moon), or social planets (Jupiter and Saturn) or transpersonal (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto). If the t-square is of the personal planets, the t-square energy has been and gone. It is safe to say this individual will most likely understand the energy of the resolution of this t-square later in life so this is not as passing as the personal planets. Do any other aspect configuration intersect with the points of the T Square. The point is you can not just look at the t-square in a vacuum.

See a story unfold with the energy of the T-Square as it interacts with the other planets within the chart. Check the degrees of the 1st and 4th houses and see if there are planets forming the t-square. When considering a T-Square, pay close attention to the element of the sign that the Apex planet occupies. This will help describe the kind of action that the T-Square will tend to generate (Fire = physical, tangible, identity-oriented – Earth = material, practical – Air = mental, social – Water = emotional, spiritual). There’s a lot of anticipation (fear, dread, excitement, etc) about this year’s cardinal t-square and grand cross. The “keys” to effectively handling the Cardinal T-Square challenges involve each of the big cosmic players – Pluto, Saturn and Uranus.

A Grand Cross consists of four planets in the same modality (Cardinal, Fixed or Mutable), which form four squares and two pairs of oppositions. Because the Grand Cross is composed of Squares and Oppositions, it is an aspect pattern that is concerned with both action (Squares) and perspective and balance (Oppositions). When the Opposing planets are balanced, then they are exerting the same amount of pressure on the planets that they Square, creating a solid foundation. When the Oppositions are out of balance, however, the structure can not hold, and the Squares take center stage again.

The T-Square consists of three planets in the same modality, and includes two squares and one opposition. A T-Square is simply a Grand Cross with a missing planet. A T-Square functions quite differently than a Grand Cross, however. Instead of forming a potentially stable structure, a T-Square is far less stable. All of the pressure is placed on the planet that receives the two squares, the apex planet. T-Squares then have a built-in focus that the Grand Cross lacks, and they can often become extremely productive and a key motivating force for an individual. The apex planet of a T-Square is the key. Some astrologers consider this point (the point opposite the apex planet) to be the “release point” of the T-Square. A T-Square is about moving forward, taking action with the apex planet, not about diffusing or redirecting that action. When a planet transits this point, creating a temporary Grand Cross, it often indicates an opportunity to unleash the power and energy of the T-Square in a very focused and directed manner because the transiting planet provides the awareness of balance for the Apex planet, and at the same time triggers the two squares.

As with the Cardinal Cross, the Cardinal T-Square is concerned with the question of identity. And also as with the Cardinal Cross, impulsiveness is a very prominent concern with a Cardinal T-Square. The Cardinal T-Square is by far the most active of the T-Squares, but it is not necessarily the most productive.

An awareness of the empty leg and house can provide some much needed balance and guidance for a Cardinal T-Square. The Apex planet in a Fixed T-Square, being under the greatest pressure, will also tend to be the planet and area of life in which the individual is the least flexible and has the most resistance to change. With a Fixed T-Square, however, this cease-fire between the Opposing planets may seem only to exist because each planet has decided to confront the apex planet as a common enemy. Ultimately, the Apex planet of a Fixed T-Square will need to take action, and to change ­ something that Fixed signs are perfectly happy to do so long as they feel that the action or the change was their idea and not something that is prompted by any outside influence. The lesson of the Fixed T-Square is one of flexibility, particularly with respect to the planet, sign and house that makes up the Apex of the T-Square.

With a Mutable T-Square, as with a Mutable Grand Cross, the challenge is focus and coherence. The Apex planet in a Mutable T-Square is the one that will tend to scatter the most, because this is the planet that is under the most pressure. Working with the opposing point, and maintaining an awareness of the energy and lessons of the opposing sign is particularly important with a Mutable T-Square because this can provide a sense of focus and direction for the Apex planet. Uranus opposes Saturn during this time and Pluto squares it. What not as many people know is that the stress from clashes between outer planets often manifests when there’s a considerable distance between the outer planets, often around 8-10 degrees from a square or opposition. Cancer is the release point of the cardinal T-square, the point at which a person can find some relief from the “storm” of planets in his head. Therefore, having Saturn, Uranus and Pluto transit your Sun (or other planet or point) all at the same time, during this cardinal t-square is a once in a lifetime event.

During the Great Depression Jupiter was in square aspect to Pluto, an aspect which suggests great tension. While a square aspect and an opposition aspect are different, what they both have in common is that they indicate tension and difficulty. Saturn /Pluto conjunctions, squares and oppositions have often been associated with either war or economic depression.

In July we have  Uranus retrograde on the 6th, a Solar eclipse on the 12th, Saturn’s ingress into Libra on the 22nd, Jupiter’s retrograde station on the 23rd, Jupiter square Pluto on the 25th and Saturn opposite Uranus on the 27th. Some of the outer planets square and oppose each other again in the next couple of years, but not all at once as they are doing now.

In astrology, any kind of a T-square creates tension between two lights and/or planets to such an extent that neither planet can be “expressed” comfortably. The T square will involve Uranus and sometimes Jupiter in Aries, opposite Saturn in Libra. For some people, a simultaneous cardinal T-square and a Saturn-Uranus opposition could be a perfect opportunity to just take a step back and go do something else, but for others, it might feel like there’s absolutely nowhere to step, so all you can do is dwell.

When 3 planets square each other, they form a triangle called a T-Square. In a T-Square, there is one planet that squares 2 other planets that oppose each other. If you envision a planet at 0 degrees Aries with a planet square it from 0 Capricorn and another at 0 Cancer, this is a T-Square. If there is also a 4th planet in square with the others, for example a planet at 0 degrees Libra, this creates a Grand Square pattern. A T-Square is a challenging aspect that signifies a struggle that intensifies and eventually leads to a resolution. While T-Square configurations are common, they signify an inherent challenge that forces growth or change that can lead to success in life.

The focal planet, or planet that squares the opposing planets, is the key to the T-Square and shows where tension is most likely to show up. Conflict resolution may be aided by the missing or empty part of the Square (opposing the focal planet).

Due to the coming Cardinal Uranus, Saturn, and Pluto T-Square, astrologers worldwide are talking about its possible effects – everything from the economy to climate change, and of course your personal life could mirror what is going on out there. Bear in mind that the “hard” aspects (squares and oppositions) do not always forebode great difficulties, nor are the “soft” aspects (sextiles and trines) always favorable.

The t-squares start off with fewer planets and less cardinal energy involved, but as we move through late July and early August, the Moon, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Pluto are all active in the t-squares and all in cardinal signs. This may be even more challenging than the others, as the square between Saturn and Pluto is exact. The set-square configurations whack directly into the natal charts of about 2 billion people. In personal charts, the cardinal signs of Cancer, Libra, Capricorn and Aries will be effected by this square, especially those born in the very early degrees of these signs. The focus of the event is on a difficult triangle of astrological influences called a cardinal t-square that Pluto, Saturn, and Uranus are forming in the sky for many months this year and next.

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Zodiac Signs are grouped into four essential elements that when combined, create the world and allow life to flourish. Zodiac elements are extremely symbolic with the astrology sign that they represent and will help you gain a greater understanding of people’s zodiac signs and what they do in life. Zodiac is also used to refer to the zodiacal cloud of dust grains that move among the planets and the zodiacal light that originates from their scattering of sunlight.

Zodiac signs are often confused in the popular mind with zodiac astrology and “sun signs”. Zodiac sign reflects the major traits of a person. Zodiac characteristics not only help you know your personality better, but also help you learn more about the people around you. Zodiac sign ranges or zodiac date ranges are the 12 demarcated periods of the year which determine your zodiac sign. Zodiac signs and dates can provide us great insight about our day to day lifestyle and the various talents and qualities we posses.

Zodiac signs have fascinated one and all, for a long time. Zodiac signs are a fascinating journey to a human’s soul. Zodiac symbols making up constellations outline the earth and create the Zodiac. Zodiac signs were originally determined by which constellation the Sun was “in” on the day you were born. Zodiac signs are not the same as Sun signs. Zodiac signs are also known as sun signs or star signs. Zodiac is an invented band in the universe that is centered on the ecliptic. Zodiac signs are mostly represented by animals or people. Zodiac signs are also known as Sun signs or Star signs.

Zodiac Taurus, for example, has the common characteristics of stability, practicality and extreme will power. Zodiac signs correlate with qualities of planets as per the friendliness or harmony principle. Zodiac signs reflect that basic human need to pigeon hole and organise.

The signs of the Zodiac can give us great insights into our day to day living as well as the many talents and special qualities we posses. You can discover a great deal of relevant information about yourself through reading about your Zodiac sign. Find out about your zodiac sign meaning to help you in the business world, friendships, dating and life in general. The astrology elements are just as important to the characteristics and personality traits of a person as their zodiac sun sign.

The truth is that the zodiac signs in which the Sun appears is assigned much more importance in modern astrology than was the case in ancient times. In particular, the planet that rules the ascendant (the zodiac sign rising at birth), and its sign and house position, was seen as having special significance for the individual. Another way of classifying the zodiac signs is according to their so-called Modes or qualities. Combine the Four Elements with the three quadruplicities, and we find that each of the zodiac signs has a unique combination of the two.

In astronomy, the zodiac is the ring of constellations that lines the ecliptic, which is the apparent path of the Sun across the sky over the course of the year. The Moon and planets also lie within the ecliptic, and so are also within the constellations of the zodiac. In astrology, the zodiac denotes those signs that divide the ecliptic into twelve equal zones of celestial longitude. As such, the zodiac is a celestial coordinate system, to be more precise, an ecliptic coordinate system, taking the ecliptic as the origin of latitude, and the position of the sun at vernal equinox as the origin of longitude.

The term zodiac may also refer to the region of the celestial sphere encompassing the paths of the planets corresponding to the band of about eight arc degrees above and below the ecliptic. By extension, the “zodiac of the comets” may refer to the band encompassing most short-period comets. The term zodiac derives from Latin zodiacus, which in its turn comes from the Greek, meaning circle of animals, derived from (zodion), the diminutive of (zoon) animal. The name is motivated by the fact that half of the signs of the classical Greek zodiac are represented as animals as well as two mythological hybrids. Although the zodiac remains the basis of the ecliptic coordinate system in use in astronomy besides the equatorial one, the term and the names of the twelve signs are today mostly associated with horoscopic astrology.

50 BC, is the first known depiction of the classical zodiac of twelve signs. Hindu astrology adopted the Hellenistic zodiac during the Seleucid period (2nd to 1st centuries BC), a period of intense Indo-Greek cultural contact. [citation needed] The transmission of the zodiac system to Hindu astrology predated widespread awareness of the precession of the equinoxes, and the Hindu system ended up using a sidereal coordinate system (as opposed to the Tropical System followed by the Greeks), which resulted in the European and the Hindu zodiacs, even though sharing the same origin in Hellenistic astrology, gradually moving apart over two millennia that have passed since. Under the Greeks, and Ptolemy in particular, the planets, Houses, and signs of the zodiac were rationalized and their function set down in a way that has changed little to the present day.

Of the 13 zodiacal constellations (constellations that contain the Sun during the course of the year), Ophiuchus is the only one not counted as an astrological sign. Ophiuchus is not recognised as a general Zodiac. The present day zodiac symbols emerged during the Roman Era. The word “zodiac” literally means “circle of life”, since most of the zodiac signs are animals or people. The zodiac is divided into 12 signs, each 30 degrees in length.

The cycle of zodiac signs starts with Aries, which begins at the spot on the ecliptic where the Sun is on the first day of spring. With this information about the zodiac signs and the zodiac symbols, it should become easy to understand the basic impulses of each sign. Did you know that you have all twelve Zodiac Signs in your personality?

Each zodiac sign reflects a different side of your personal experience and personality, even though some of them are more emphasized than others for you personally (like your Sun Sign or your Moon Sign). Learning about compatible zodiac signs can be a great tool for fine tuning your personal life. Knowing which element is associated with your zodiac sign helps you to understand yourself better and those around you.

The fire signs Aries, Sagittarius and Leo are the natural leaders of the zodiac. Curious, playful and extremely verbal, these are the natural communicators of the zodiac. The Gemini woman breaks more heart than woman in other Zodiac. And finally, each sign is either masculine or feminine, alternating around the zodiac. Cancer is known as the peacemaker of the zodiac. Leo is the leader of the zodiac.

The Egyptians also practiced astrology and were the creators of the zodiac signs that we use today. Each zodiac sign has its own unique traits and tendencies. The natal horoscope plots the alignment of planets in the solar system and their locations in the zodiac at the time of a person’s birth.

Your Zodiac sign gives a glimpse of your inherent personality. Each of these Zodiac Signs is also classified into one of the four Elements. The Zodiac sign to which one belongs to gives an idea about the person’s nature and personality traits. Using the zodiac signs, one can gain a fair idea of the characteristics of an individual’s nature. Thus one can gain an insight into what kind of person he/she will best get along with, based on the Zodiac Signs compatible with each other. All of the zodiac signs are grouped into four elements or categories: fire, earth, air and water.

Scorpios are often the most powerful beings among the zodiac signs, and they love and seek power. The most sensitive sign in the zodiac, Pisceans often battle conflicting inner emotions. Which two zodiac signs are most compatible? There are not only just two zodiac signs that are the most compatible, astrology does not work that way.

Basically, every zodiac sign is most compatible with a sign that has it’s own element. The twelve Zodiac signs represent the “houses” or divisions into which the heavens are charted by the astrologer. The Zodiac signs represent the placement in the sky where the sun was during the time of birth. Each sign of the Zodiac influences people who were born between certain dates. The signs of the Zodiac change on, or about, the 22nd of every month.

Astrologers use this information to show which zodiac signs are compatible with one another and why, as well as which signs are less compatible and why. This is not to say that a Taurus and an Aries have no hope in forming a lasting, happy relationship, even though they are one of the least compatible matches in the zodiac. There are certain factors which make up the overall personality of each star sign in the zodiac.

Cancers are the largest majority of criminals among all the zodiac signs. The sometimes contradictory nature of the horse can make it difficult for people with this zodiac sign to succeed in conventional careers, especially in an office environment. This zodiac sign is particularly notorious for getting along poorly with rats in particular, and these two zodiac signs are often greatly attracted to the each other, which is unfortunate, since their relationships are typically chaotic and tempestuous.

Their truthful and shocking sense of humor if different than that of any other zodiac sign and the Scorpio makes an amazing, powerful interesting friend that can be trusted.

The ongoing lesson in life for those born under the Scorpio zodiac signs, is to channel their powerful energy into positive goals and not succumbing to the darker forces in life such as manipulation and greed, they will then have great success in their life and have a clean, happy conscience and a circle of friends they can trust and hold dear to them. The genitals are everybody’s erogenous zone but since the Scorpio is the most sexually charged of all zodiac signs, the genitals are extremely sensitive and will ignite a passionate fire that cannot be extinguished.

Compatibility defines the other signs that your sign is most compatible with. Compatibility within these zodiac signs is not likely unless there are some strong mutual planetary configurations, especially in the 7th house. Zodiac signs compatibility reports, based on zodiacal sign’s meanings can make you take a fascinating new look at your family and friendships. These compatibility reports have been written according to the individual traits of zodiacal signs to help everyone find out how two people with different habits and characters influence each otherWill they manage to get along.

Using these zodiac signs compatibility reports you will be able to advance incommunicate with other people easily. You can use it to know more about your compatibility with family, friends, colleagues and everyone who you would like to know more about.

When two zodiac signs share more of similarities than differences, their compatibility becomes quite obvious. In this section, we bring you the love traits of the twelve zodiac signs and also bring out a compatibility chart between different zodiac signs. Adult compatibility horoscopes (love match astrology) will tell you all about your love matches for all twelve of the Zodiac signs. Although similar to Sun Sign compatibility, Venus Sign compatibility hones in on the individuals’ love nature, and can therefore be very illuminating. This is because Sun Sign Compatibility takes into account only one of hundreds of compatibility factors. Use these compatibility texts to compare Venus signs or Sun signs.

A lot of factors go into the cosmic soup of compatibility, and when these factors are just so, voila. So, what makes this recipe just right for compatibility. Most compatibility horoscopes only deal with the sun sign characteristics since there are so many other components in any two individuals’ charts, but keep in mind that many elements go into making a compatible zodiac sign connection. It’s extremely important to realize that a lot of factors go into the compatibility of zodiac signs.

Zodiac sign compatibility and analysis has been an ancient attraction, as old as the quest to know the future. There are several other factors at play when the compatibility of two individuals is to be seen, even from an Astrological point of view. Sun Sign Compatibility is not supposed to be a limiting factor in relationships. Instead, zodiac compatibility only aims at creating a better understanding among two individuals. Sexual compatibility is very important to the long-term success of a relationship. When determining compatibility, people focus on your animal sign. Each of these groupings holds certain characteristics in common that create a basic level of compatibility.

A much more accurate reading about your love interest and your compatibility is possible if the exact times of birth for both you and your potential mate are known. For instance, in determining compatibility through zodiac signs, a person born with their Moon in Cancer (aka Moon children) is easily driven to tears. They simply will not know how to deal with the waterworks, and Virgo can get downright annoyed because there is no base zodiac compatibility.

Love and compatibility with another is something that we all strive for. This notion of love and compatibility is always a hot topic when discussing your “sign” with someone. The compatibility is based on whether the horoscope signs belong to the same element. Precisely how these elements connect with one another is actually important when using zodiac sign compatibility to find out a love matching. To find out about this compatibility, your element group will be compared to the various other element groups within the zodiac data or chart. In terms of love compatibility, zodiac signs are paired with each other on the basis of their romantic attributes and traits.

There have always been debates regarding the results of love compatibility that zodiac signs generate. Signs in astrology are attributed by various characteristics; different symbols are allocated to the signs and a table for compatibility of signs is made. Though it is true that Love is blind, yet one can always trace some effect of zodiac signs on love. In some cases, if a person of particular zodiac sign is more aggressive then a calmer zodiac sign strikes a perfect balance with the former sign. What makes the perfect love math is the balanced approach to both the positive and negative traits of a particular zodiac sign.

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Astrology’s Water Element is what makes us human in a very real sense. It’s the reason that we, above all creation, can laugh, cry, and feel anything (emotionally). If the element cycle simply began with fire and ended with air, humanity could survive and thrive. Yet, we’d tend to be somewhat mechanical in our responses to one another almost like members of an active ant or bee colony – organized, industrious, teeming with energy, but rather flat and soulless in our interactions.

Should a member of our human hive perish, we’d feel nothing but the urge to efficiently dispose of the corpse and continue on with our endless tasks at hand. No tears would be shed since we’d feel no sense of real loss regarding our dead co-worker (perhaps the air in us would be curious about what caused this death and if it could have been prevented, but that’s about it).

Since the element cycle does conclude with water, it adds one very critical facet to our human experience – the development of our feeling-nature and our ability to sensitively tune in to others. Water also helps us reflect on the subtleties of our inner life. Welcome to the world of emotions from the raw to the sublime. This most receptive of elements symbolizes powerful, invisible currents that at times stir internal turmoil for us, but that also move us to act with selfless compassion for others.

Thats because water enables us to feel deeply connected to all living things at a soul level, and this helps dissolve our usual sense of being separate entities. If water sounds a bit mystical, it is. This is the only element that has a true feeling for inner states of Oneness and Unity. Water allows us to become a part of all that is, as we merge our consciousness with our environment. Merging seamlessly with our surroundings, however, does have its problems.

On one hand, this fluid ability gives water a chameleon-like quality. Water excels in the art of camouflage it loses its distinct form while blending in with its habitat, something that has proven invaluable to the survival of the fittest from an evolutionary perspective. Water is absorbed by what it contacts and thus it loses its sense of self somewhat. The boundaries become blurred. On the other hand, this characteristic of water is exactly what makes it so empathetic, so able to get under other peoples skin and experience their internal realities.

For example, fire may state, I am me and nobody else. Earth may claim, This is mine and that is yours. Air may realize, I’ve got my own ideas, but what about you? Each of these elements clearly retains an awareness of its own identity, a basic sense of self remains intact. Yet only water says, I’m feeling exactly what youre going through, as if it’s happening to me. That’s quite a radical shift of awareness. In a sense, water invades its surrounding space without asking for permission to penetrate. Its instinct is to ignore all boundaries and instead to quietly seep into otherwise inaccessible places that are hidden from view.

Yet feeling little need for protective barriers in relationships can prove problematic, especially when we become too absorbed by somebody who is filled with turbulent energy or is loaded with negativity. Water signs can get sucked in to this kind of dark scenario, but sometimes they become the troubled ones who pull others deeply into their vortex. A lack of boundaries can also imply poor self-preservation instincts. Water signs can be reluctant to fend off the dominating influences of others. They are not fighters by nature (except for Scorpio, who nonetheless can still feel conflicted when engaging in emotional battles).

Water suffers from its passive tendency to take in other peoples energies indiscriminately. It needs to learn to devise a better filtering system by borrowing a few natural defenses that the other elements use (such as fire’s self-interest, earth’s territorial streak, and air’s emotional detachment).

One very important condition that water enables us to feel is love, not gushy romantic love which is more a social invention, but love as a measure of caring and intimacy that reveals a deeper concern for the welfare of others. Water offers love as a uniting force to help dissolve all barriers that keep people at odds with or isolated from one another.

With such love emerges many soul refining traits, such as gentleness, kindliness, unselfishness, charity, and patience (especially the patience required to cope with the difficult temperaments of others). Water has the inner strength needed to endure external conflict, although such conflict can be very jarring initially to this highly impressionable element.

Water may appear weak and vulnerable during times of stress, yet its deep, uncanny understanding of human nature suggests it has the power to withstand much turmoil before collapsing or falling apart. However, such psychological endurance can seem self-punishing at times and even irrational. Imagination is the realm belonging to the water element. Water has a direct pipeline to our unconscious, from which a vast and colorful assortment of wondrous images can emerge whenever we are in a proper state of receptivity (i.e., when were sleeping and dreaming).

Such energies aren’t always pleasant, since the underground caverns of our psyche also harbor images that are terrifying or filled with darker desires that we usually manage to keep from consciously surfacing. Our angels and demons within reside in our unconscious, and the water element therefore symbolizes a wide range of emotional states – from bliss to hysteria.

Having access to our mysterious but alluring inner dimension is a must for strong water types. The rewards to be had in the external world are not enough to provide true contentment. In fact, an almost divine discontent can plague water signs when life pressures them to neglect this private reality of the soul. Emotional disturbances can crop up as well.

Historically, just as men have been programmed to channel their fire energies into being manly, women have been identified almost exclusively in the minds of men as possessing the qualities of water, in large part because of this elements association with maternal urges and mood swings. Women, as mothers, were viewed as tender caregivers by nature, rather than by social dictate. They also have long been saddled with the task of maintaining domestic harmony and order, suggesting (to the men in their lives) that they inherently have a stronger need to be sheltered (due to their assumed nesting instincts) and protected, as the so-called weaker sex.

While fire-identified men were to go out to eagerly fight life’s battles and even literally bring home the bacon, their women were expected to keep the home fires burning and to have food ready on the table for when these strong, brave warriors returned from their vigorous outdoor adventures. This fixed pattern of gender role-playing has gone on for thousands of years, and it has deprived both sexes of their greater human potential.

Thankfully, much of that is changing in today’s transitional world regarding the sexes. The concept of men becoming Mr. Moms who work at home while doing housekeeping and raising kids, while their ambitious wives fearlessly climb the corporate ladder is now a reality. Of course, its still not something every man would consider doing (the routines of housekeeping alone are perceived as undesirably feminizing to many men).

Yet, modern men with a water emphasis in their charts feel a natural affinity for many realms traditionally deemed to comprise a womans world. They find that they are naturally domestic by temperament, and probably love the quiet joys of cooking and gardening. They also may believe that crying is a natural, healthy, human response and not just what sissies do when they can’t cope with what life tosses their way. Men who deny or reject their touchy-feely parts are also choking off a supply of vital, psychological fluid in ways that may later render them rigid and calcified as they age, with deadly health consequences to pay.

Water keeps our soul moisturized and able to go with the flow instead of resisting the unfoldment of our real feelings with all our might. Water signs are adept at understanding peoples needs, which gives them an advantage when it comes to perceiving another’s hidden motivation. They are drawn to what is secretly going on below the surface of people’s observable behavior. Thus, expect water to bless us with an instinctive urge to investigate the deeper mysteries of being human. Water’s not afraid to go to the heart of such complexity, eventhough potential turbulence can be found as we descend into the underground of our unconscious.

There’s a logic behind the sequential order of the elements. Fire is followed by earth and earth by air, for good reason. Water not only rounds out our cycle of human experience, it also succeeds the air phase in order to ensure that our understanding of life doesn’t neglect the emotional underpinnings of subjective, psychological reality.

Having surface knowledge about ourselves and others is not enough to help us evolve. We must dig deeper in order to contact our soul. This is what water encourages, a journey within, where we get to uncover repressed or underdeveloped potentials whose released power can renew our total being. Water can be a soothingly, restorative element, refreshing our spirit, especially if our approach to life has become too dry, sterile, or cynical.

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Astrology’s Air Element is all in our minds. Airy people need a flash of genius before getting out of bed, a dazzling, bright diamond of an idea. Why waste energy spinning our wheels? Blood, sweat, tears, and time are valuable commodities that should not be squandered. So, let’s not get bogged-down in details, I’ve got a million things to see, and people to do before lunch.

Brazen fire urges us to get out there and just do it, whatever it is. Don’t think about it, don’t analyze the pros and cons, just act. Get your motor running, jump on the opportunity, take the big plunge, and hit the ground running – now, not tomorrow. And, don’t fret too much about the possible consequences of any bold actions taken. Fire’s outcomes can have a flash in the pan quality – sparkling and energizing, but here today, gone tomorrow.

Security-conscious earth, wants us to slow down the tempo, get settled, and consolidate what we’ve enterprisingly initiated for ourselves. Sustaining our earthy focus helps us fortify our efforts better, thus enabling our accomplishments to last longer. Earth is looking for permanent results, even if this takes time and demands much stick-to-it-tiveness. The earth signs advise us to ground our actions more fully in the practical world by laying down solid foundations, and by attending to all pertinent details. We can then keep our steady system of operations running as reliably as a Swiss watch.

Whoa, gasps air, let’s call a timeout to think about all this talk about full-time commitment. Sure enough, the air element seeks a bit of breathing space. Air doesn’t want to become too immersed in earth’s big building projects. Creating a little healthy distance helps air get an objective handle on things – some needed perspective, so that it can think more clearly about what has materialized thus far. Air is afraid that earth will want to stop fires momentum for good and instead remain stuck in dull, even stagnating, routines.

It’s air’s nature to circulate and to distribute its energy broadly. Air is not comfortable with becoming too settled in matter. It’s not interested in tightly compressing energy into something that ends up densely packaged and immovable. So, air intuitively backs off from any condition that appears time-consuming or too slow to take shape. Instead, the realm more natural to air is that above the ground. It’s obvious that the higher up we go, reaching even cloud level, the more widely we can observe the terrain below. Details may seem less sharp, but the greater our altitude, the grander the overview we can achieve.

We can also feel an expansive sense of freedom. Thus, expect this element to be interested in comprehending life’s bigger picture. Air also likes to mix life’s ingredients and then step back to witness the unpredictable results. This element enjoys observing how two or more things link up. It looks for apparent similarities between such factors as they combine, while noting obvious contrasts to be found as well. If I join this with that, what will happen and why?, wonders air. This sounds like the dawning of scientific inquiry, or perhaps just human mischief in the making.

Our capacity to undergo experimental, trial and error stages in life that hopefully enlighten us is something related to air, an element that’s always eager to teach us something new. Highly conscious and wide-awake, air is related to our ability to think and reason. It’s the brainiest of all the elements, the one that loves to live life in its head and to create brilliant ideas to share with the world. Where would we be if we couldn’t connect our words and thoughts in intelligent ways? We’d sound unintelligible, and that could lead to social isolation, something that all air signs dread.

Not a big fan of gibberish, air demands that language be clear and precise if real communication is truly our objective (air can set the standards here, I guess, because it even invented language). Yet that doesn’t mean air cant have fun playing with words. It comes up with new, catchy phrases now and then; plus, lots of (hot) air produces chatterboxes at times. As air rules the wind, it’s the element of wind-bags, talking up a storm.

Air is the one element of the cycle that keenly focuses on cause and effect – bang head against wall, get dizzy, pass out. One condition not only influences another, but apparently can be the very cause or the catalyst of that other condition. That’s basically what air notices, as it busily takes mental notes on how life appears to work, at least on the surface. Of course, it’s on life’s more observable surface where many superficialities are to be found, being the home turf of much that is shallow and trivial. Yet air gladly takes it all in, appreciating such things as momentary stimulations or fleeting distractions, if nothing else.

Fire can be passionately singular in its short-lived interests, while earth can be downright fixated on its long-range goals. But all air-signs need a lot of variety and change; they wither from too much monotony or a life that lacks detours (or even a room without windows). Air doesn’t enjoy feeling as driven as headstrong fire, nor is it as task-oriented as earth. Actually, air can adapt to these and other states of consciousness, as long as they are experienced in small doses, for short periods of time. The bottom line, however, is that air is elusive and cannot be pinned down for long. Its not an easy element to grab onto and tightly control.

Highly curious air believes that life is a buffet table. Sample an assortment of whatever items look tasty, but don’t pig out on any onething and fill up too fast. Life is too short not to spread one’s attention everywhere, and thereby mentally benefit from the open-mindedness such diversity encourages. Air types can be very cerebral in temperament. They sound smart and seem to know a lot. They even make up the bulk of life’s eternal students, forever feeding their minds knowledge. Along with such brain power comes a cool detachment that can be invaluable when confronting life’s more unsettling twists and turns.

When others become hysterical during disruptive times of great chaos, those with air emphasized in their charts are apt to keep their wits about them and not abandon logic or clarity. However, this airy, cool-and-collected disposition doesn’t work as well with life situations that require emotional depth and intimacy. While it can appear to understand someone else’s life predicament sympathetically, air does not empathize very easily (that’s more a strength of the element water). There is a bit of aloofness to be found hidden beneath what otherwise seems to be an alert, inquisitive, likable nature that is eager to meet life straight-forwardly.

Air’s cleverness at times can make it seem to be a bit of a trickster, playing loose with the facts, but by nature it’s not a deliberately sneaky, deceitful element. Still, it has a hard time being real with it

Astrology’s Earth Element is the needed structure, organization, and stability that all matter requires for its existence. Such necessary containment logically follows creation by fire throughout the zodiac. We live in a material realm that imposes all sorts of constraints, yet activity on Earth requires a slower pace so that we can better deal with most issues of physical reality. The heaviness of gravity abounds, and time is ever-present, but together they help us feel securely anchored to the solid, comforting world of form.

Fire is more at home with a rapid, even agitated, alteration of conditions. It’s a highly kinetic force, but to undergo too much of that could prove hectic and disorienting (not to mention physically debilitating). We instead need a more leisurely pace in order to function reliably, and thus earth makes sure that fire’s dynamic energy is grounded and better conserved. Humankind long ago learned the value of harnessing fire, rather than wasting it by letting it burn itself out. Astrological earth is urging us to do the same, especially on the psychological level.

Earth is admittedly less showy and vibrant than fire. It appears passive and inactive (a clump of dirt or a log of wood seems inert and dull compared to the high drama of a raging inferno). Nevertheless, earth provides a necessary stillness and an economy of movement that helps fire’s energy endure longer and thereby extend its potential.

The Earth doesn’t like to use things up too quickly or to run out of needed supplies prematurely. Less refueling is required by this stable element because it conserves fire’s life force in smart, effective ways. Actually, earth is not so much smart in its operations as it is blessed with common sense, an instinctual know-how that is not based on mere intellectual knowledge. As a result, earth is very savvy when it comes to understanding the material world and figuring out what can and cannot be accomplished with available resources.

Earth signs all share a respectful awareness of life’s inherent limitations. Fire may balk at accepting that life issues restraining orders now and then, but earth makes peace with this obvious fact and learns to function well within such conditions. All elements have their own take on reality. But, earth’s version of what actually exists (something highly dependent on what our physical sense’s register), seems less open to debate or subjective interpretation – at least that’s how earth sees it.

Earthy reality is tied to the tried-and-true rhythms of the physical world, with its predictable, natural cycles. Earth depends on repetitive, reliable phenomena. lt’s obvious that this element plays a key role in the scientific disciplines, where an earthy capacity for clear-headedness, painstaking testing, and sober observation are a must. As humans, we are so unavoidably earthbound and attached to our physical impressions of life that it’s no wonder this element is so darn sure about what it regards as real. After all, the tangible proof that earth needs to function is clearly found all around us – matter undeniably exists.

Earth signs steadily focus on this most evident level of experience, yet they run the risk of assuming that this tangible realm of ours is what counts the most and what truly makes up our prime reality the only one on which we should fully depend. All else has less worth in the long run. Well, we can quickly see how this attitude may lead to narrow, materialistic assumptions concerning life’s potential. Things in the outer world potentially hold more attraction to earthy types than do internal, psycho-spiritual realms of being.

Earth is skeptical of anything as abstract as a soul or a psyche. If close-mindedness and inflexibility can be avoided, then earth becomes a wonderful element blessed with the power to manifest the deeper potential of the other elements. Earth helps less tangible energies incarnate and enclose themselves in matter suitable for their purposes – earth gives spirit needed shape.

We all have the signs Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn located somewhere in our chart, indicating areas where we can express our needs and demonstrate our abilities inworldly, concrete terms. Earth has a talent for building something solid and supportive for us, and it believes in working long and hard to achieve what it wants.

Patience is its virtue, and time is its friend. And yet, because it is astrology’s less glamorous element – one not given to colorful display, emotional depth, or imaginative thinking – Earth is typically treated with less fanfare. It evokes a ho-hum response. No one ever says, except sarcastically, Wow, it must be so exciting to be born with all that earth in your chart.

Earth is more like a little brown sparrow, in contrast to fire’s gloriously, strutting peacock. Earth is as plain and functional as a sensible pair of shoes, compared to diamond-studded high heels. lt’s as comfy and familiar as an old sweater. Being highly praised as someone who’s trustworthy, dependable, and humble (all earthy traits) seems less a compliment than being touted as dashing, witty, and effervescent. Nonetheless, earth quietly makes sure that much of our ordinary world runs in a timely, organized fashion. It tries to keep things operating smoothly, day by day, and this typically involves setting up systems of efficiency.

Should this conscientious element decide to pack it up and remove itself elsewhere in the Universe, chaos on our planet would soon spread like wildfire, and we’d all be horrified at how messy life would quickly become, as everything broke down or became misplaced (nothing would stay put). Earth signs thus do what they can to keep such chaos at bay, mainly by devising and enforcing necessary rules and regulations that ensure order.

Earth is the custodial element of life, dutifully straightening up the world whenever it gets out of control, while also carefully attending to all-important details, no matter how small, that help prevent future trouble from brewing. But just so we don’t pigeon-hole earth as all work and no play, realize that the realm of bodily sensation also belongs to this element. Earth (especially Taurus) enjoys the creature comforts of being human. It believes that there’s nothing wrong with feeling contentment in very physical ways. The body is not such a bad thing to own and satisfy. Earth wants us to proclaim, Yeah, I’m part animal and proud of it.

Varying degrees of sensuality play a role in the life experiences fostered by this element. We shouldn’t automatically think that means sex, since our earthy needs can also be met by taking a long, hot bath or even by having a professional massage. And, let’s not forget the satisfaction of eating a wonderfully cooked meal while in comfortable, visually pleasing surroundings. Earth also realizes that physical well-being is very important in life, and thus this element will urge us to listen to our body’s signals and know when to quit doing whatever could turn out to be abusive to our health. It’s as simple as this: When tired, earth rests. When hungry, earth eats. When stressed out, earth . . . shops.

Fire, in contrast, will keep going until it runs out of gas. lt often can’t even tell that it’s exhausted until it collapses (and even then it expects to rally quickly). Wise earth respects its physical limits. In real life, however, people with a Virgo or Capricorn emphasis in their charts need to monitor their workaholic tendencies, since overwork and other taxing mundane pressures can drain a body’s resources.

It’s the fiery factors of our chart that make us never want to stay still and relax. Fire always looks for more excitement, more action, more hustle and bustle. Earth is an element that carefully plans its activities, but it needs sufficient time to do so. Nothing is to be rushed, since haste makes waste (earth is less forgiving of its dumb mistakes than fire and air are of theirs). Poorly organized folks depend on earthy types to get things finished, and done correctly. As a result, earth can take on more responsibilities than it should. It can carry heavy weight on its shoulders by over-obligating itself, which becomes burdensome.

Remember, earth likes to have things running efficiently and will therefore see all projects to their completion, no matter how demanding (it may complain a lot, but it gets the job done). Nothing is to be left in the air, dangling. All bothersome loose ends are to be wrapped up. Earth can therefore run a tight ship, especially when a deadline is fast approaching. lt’s no wonder that all the other elements tend to leave poor, dependable earth holding the bag. Earth is a sucker for doing the dirty work that no other element wants to touch. Yet earth is quietly confident that it can handle the task and successfully end up with solid results.

A common problem with earth is its tendency to hold back emotions, to restrain feelings that sometimes need proper venting. This kind of self-control makes earth look composed and mild-mannered on the surface. This also gives this element the appearance of awesome strength and composure. No wonder the weak and the easily frazzled are drawn to Rock of Gibraltar earthy types. Still, more animated elements (fire and air) often want to give earth a good shake, and tell it to loosen up. They feel earth needs to show what it’s really going through on the inside for a change, and to start reacting to life more dramatically.

Well, sorry, but earth doesn’t get fired up quickly about anything. It would rather evaluate people and situations with a degree of level-headed calmness and from a safe position if possible (You never know who or what’s going to explode in your face, warns earth). Still, earth needs to work at learning not to repress its emotionality, or even its anger, in favor of playing it safe throughout life by not making waves.

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Astrology’s Fire Element symbolizes a particularly dominant cultural force throughout the world. Fire is associated with doing rather than with thinking or reflecting. It’s an action oriented element that freely moves out into life to dynamically seize the moment. Think of flames energetically shooting upward and outward. Fire’s burning urge is to experience life adventurously and with full gusto.

Although not particularly organized, logical, or even considerate of others, fire motivates us to take quick, decisive action in the here and now, to strike boldly while the iron is hot and our passions are running high.

Until relatively recently, the archetypal world of fire has been the exclusive domain of traditional male behavior, reinforced by centuries of unquestioned and unbroken social conditioning. Society permits men to do their fire without much penalty. Boys will be boys, at least, until males overdo their fiery expression and become destructively macho. Fire is a fighting element, ready to attack whatever tries to thwart its energy or get in its way. Applied on a mass level, this becomes warfare – a collective drama where men, historically, have released fires potential fury by engaging in largescale violence.

Many men of today also vent their fire by being active in sports, by sexual conquest, by hunting, or by plunging into exciting forms of physical risk. Daredevils are born of the fire element. Abhorring timid, wishy-washy behavior, fire is no coward when it comes to finding ways to satisfy its urges. Women today are also learning firsthand and perhaps cautiously, that it is psychologically and physically beneficial to own and openly express what fire represents – our human ability to move bravely out into the world according to the spontaneous impulses of our desire and self-will.

More and more females are joining the ranks in such fields as boxing, football, soccer, weightlifting, and so on – formerly, all male-dominated activities. More women are also running big businesses in the corporate world, and are taking on high political office, all due to their readiness and willingness to embrace the strengths of fire, and thus break gender-based stereotypes.

Newborn babies come into this world already displaying their raw, untempered fire drives. They’ll cry a decidedly impatient and angry cry as their immediate way of asserting their being, as if claiming, I am alive and I am here. Deal with my needs now! This is a purer, uncultured fire at work, accenting its customary focus on fulfilling me concerns.

Although not exclusively associated with fire symbolism, despite the fact that astrologers relate it primarily to the Sun, the ego knows how to burn this element’s volatile fuel when needing to draw attention to itself. Fire pumps up the ego’s sense of commanding power. Thus, expect fire to be very self-focused and concerned with fulfilling its own desires, first and foremost. The signs Aries and Leo have very much been accused of this, but less so Sagittarius.

Strongly fire-oriented people can spend an entire lifetime acting as if their personal needs require urgent attention. They are not to be postponed or denied. Instant gratification is what fire wants and expects. However, in the process of exuberantly expressing who they are, fire types can deplete the energy of others. They can indulge in too much of a good thing, and in an uncontained manner. We tend to assume that fire people give of themselves in abundance. They warmly and generously radiate their light and heat, but they also need fresh energy sources to refuel themselves.

It’s exhausting to be around people who colorfully flare out all the time, who happily expend themselves, but then consume some of your vitality just to keep their own blaze going. Fire is thus a very demanding, even draining, force to be around for long periods of time. It can wear out other less energetic elements, most so earth and water, who prefer cooler temperatures, anyway. Still, its no wonder that this headstrong, self-assured element has long been associated with natural leadership ability and royal command (especially Leos proud and dignified, if not bossy, display of fire).

Fearlessly moving ahead into the challenging world, to take chances left and right, while leaning on no one for supervision and support, fire will stand tall on its own. Yet again, once it has used up a temporary source of energy, leaving only ashes, fire needs a fresh supply to keep going. Fire can be a very hungry element, due to its huge appetite for living. Give me more of what keeps me vibrant and active, roars fire.

So far, we get a sense that this element can come on strong and will fight to survive. It is willing to do battle to ensure that it will continue to thrive. Our capacity to thrust ourselves bravely out into life, and thereby develop a momentum for vigorous expression, belongs mainly to the fire element. Aries is a dynamic example of this. It’s also a cardinal sign and thus has an advantage when it comes to initiating energized action in the world. Because it’s such a natural self-starter, fiery Aries proves a smart choice as the sign to begin the zodiac (our cosmic Twelve-Step program for living a better, fuller life).

Although fire can foster selfishness, it’s this elements somewhat innocent self-absorption that allows it to retain its streak of independence, which then reinforces its instinct to follow a self-chosen path. Pioneers and trailblazers thus honor the fire principle within them when they show guts by going off in new and even controversial directions. They don’t need permission to go where they wish to in life, nor is gaining the approval of others what determines whether fire types single-handedly embark on a chosen course of action. (Sure,they’d enjoy having such support, but ultimately they don’t need it to initiate a major undertaking of personal interest.) I’m here to please myself, first and foremost, fire honestly admits.

There is a bit of a loner streak in fire. This is not an element that easily attaches itself to others for long periods of time. Fire doesn’t comfortably settle into structured relationships, and even the security of enduring intimacy is not what it wants, especially if that means its freedom to spontaneously move about will be curtailed. (Trap fire in a tiny metal box, and eventually its life-spark will extinguish.) Thus, in matters of close involvement, expect fire to have problems with total commitment. Loyal Leo has more staying power in this area, as long as few restrictions are imposed.

Settled relationships also hint at a shared life of expected behavior and routine habits, something that fire fears will prove too tedious to bear. Where’s all the excitement and pizzazz of living? That’s what fire craves. Since fire isn’t all that deeply absorbed in others, it’s not one to merge or share. It won’t allow itself to get sucked into the complicated worlds of people in need (that’s more water’s dilemma). Fire doesn’t even feel it has to blend with the other elements in order to enhance itself (which is not true). Its too self-centered to even realize the value of exploring other ways of perceiving the world. It’s much too sold on its own way of sizing up reality.

Still, our growth process involves a skillful and conscious integration of many astrological factors that initially appear to have little in common, or that typically clash when combined (the old incompatibility issue). Some of us may be born with a heavy fire emphasis. Besides Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, there are also fire planets to contend with (the Sun, Mars, and Jupiter). Since there are other signs and planets in our chart associated with the three other elements, we need to better combine our fire energies with these other components. This will help us develop a more well-rounded awareness of ourselves and of the world in which we live.

We can’t afford to take an exclusively fired-up approach to living, plus others would soon take issue with such a headstrong manner of behaving. We’d be accused of being arrogant, pushy, conceited, bossy, opinionated, or even too self-righteous. So, when it comes to courageously living the life we were meant to live, unfazed by the attempts of others to censor us or rain on our parade, fire is the element that points us in the right direction. It believes in authentic self-expression and relishes displaying an upfront, spirited sense of self and to heck with what the neighbors think.

Fire has a hard time bowing down to the dictates of others. It won’t blindly follow set rules of conduct, especially when they prove to be stifling. We need fire in our veins to give us the gumption required to take on the world in a lusty, passionate manner. Dramatic fire makes sure that our life won’t be dull and anemic. It’s good to note where our fire-signs are located in our chart, for here is where we will be supported by a more robust and honest approach to people and situations.

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