Aries (March 21-April 19)Element: Fire
Modality: Cardinal
Ruling Planet: Mars, Pluto
Part of Body: Head, skull sinuses, jaws
Herbs: Pepper, garlic, hemp, poppy, holly, thistle, onion, fern, mustard
Stones: Bloodstone, ocher, diamond, ruby
Keywords: Self, ego, imitative, action, courageous, pioneering,adventurous, freedom-loving, independent.
Business Types: Exploration, design, engineering, athletics.
Aries starts off the Zodiac, and it is self-motivation that is the hallmarkof this sign. Aries people often take a bit of a bad rap as being selfishand vain, but the truth is they are more often self-seeking than self-absorbed. Other signs have bought into the “self-sacrifice” mantra of thePuritans (and to some degree New-Age movement), but Aries can see that inorder to achieve enlightenment the first step is to know thyself. Thesecond step is to love thyself. Aries knows you can’t help others if youare miserable yourself, so they have less trouble staying on their personalpath than many of the other signs. The Ram is definitely a leader in the “lead, follow or get out of the way”template. They don’t mind if someone else is apparently in charge, providedthey are the power behind the throne. They tend to be a bit blunt in speechand manner and it is the rare Aries that is truly shy. In a sign noted for independence it is often difficult to tie an Ariesdown. If you have trouble getting your Aries partner to settle down, keep acopy of “If you love someone, set them free” handy, because chances are youare always going to have to give them some space of their own. This signdoes not like to be stifled.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)Element: Earth
Modality: Fixed
Ruling Planet: Venus
Part of Body: Neck, throat, tonsils, thyroid gland
Herbs: Licorice, Fenugreek, Slippery Elm
Stones: Emerald
Keywords: Possessions, practicality, values, stability, persistent,sensual.
Business Types: Banking, accounting, real estate, architecture, fine art.
You won’t get much argument out of a Taurus if you call them stubborn,inflexible and unchanging. Most of them see their inherent stability andpracticality as a virtue. Taurus loves good food, a good laugh, and thefiner things in life, anything that feels good in a “touchy-feely” way. Youcan leave a Taurean for years, but count on them to be the “same old Joe”years later. They do kind of get stuck in their ways – but they are usuallyvery comfortable with themselves. They don’t feel the need to brag, to blowtheir own horns, in fact, if you want to confide a secret and be sure itwill be kept, make friends with a Taurus. You can count on this sign toback you up once they have decided to make you part of their “collection ofoddities”. And they do like to collect – both people and tchotchkes.Astrologers don’t talk much about “imagination” and Taurus, but in myexperience, Taurus people are greatly imaginative, perhaps because of thestrong influence from Venus. George Lucas is a Taurus, and there is noarguing he’s one of the great creative visionaries of our time. Taurus SunSaddam Hussien could also be called visionary in his own cruel and twistedway. Their path to success is not usually the rocket-fast path, they pick aslow, steady pace, and once they have decided they want something, theyalmost always get their way. Taurus can be incredibly stubborn.Perhaps under-rated as lovers because of their dowdy reputation (and lackof interest in bragging), the true Taurus type is in fact one of the moreromantic and passionate, if at times unimaginative lovers. They are
faithful and reliable to a fault, because they hate change. Once they getstuck in a comfortable rut it can take the heaven and earth shaking beforethey’ll move on.Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Element: Air
Modality: Mutable
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Part of Body: lungs, bronchial system, nervous system, arms, hands
Herbs: Yarrow, tansy, vervain
Stones: Beryl, garnet, topaz, aquamarine, marble
Keywords: Communication, thought, ideas, logical, spontaneous, sharp,modern.
Business Types: Broadcasting, journalism, travel, tourism, communications,education.
Gemini is the sign of “communication” – you’ll often find adisproportionate number of Gemini Suns in the telecommunication,publishing, public relations, radio and news fields. They make wonderfulwriters and commentators.These folks love to talk. Clever, self-effacing humor is a hallmark ofGemini funnyman Tim Allen. The jokes and laughter fly at a mile a minute,the influence of Mercury being strong in this sign. Gemini does take a bad rap for being shallow and vain, but the truth isthat they are sensitive and easily hurt, so they protect themselves bykeeping intimacy at arms length. If you take the time to get past the textto the data stream, you’ll find they are really quite deep – they arethinking all the time, after all.Gemini has been accused of being a fickle lover too, but you’ll find nomore interesting or engaging partner. Why would you want to tie them down?It would only stifle them, and make you both unhappy in the long run. Ifyou are determined to marry a Gemini, make sure they have enough personalspace so they can still feel they have some freedom. Angelina Jolie andElizabeth Hurley are examples of the kind of spontaneous passion this signis known for. Once they truly fall in love, though, they are capable of
remarkably long-lived fidelity. Look at Paul McCartney. There are alwaysexceptions to the rule, especially when there is also a lot of Water in thechart. The problem with Gemini is the impulsiveness the sign brings tonearly every area of life. Another area I have personally observed a Gemini weakness is their love forshopping. Consumerism and the credit card are Gemini inventions in my notso humble opinion. Gemini women are those women who have a closet full ofclothes they “had” to have but have never worn.Cancer (June 21-July 22)Element: Water
Modality: Cardinal
Ruling Planet: Moon
Part of Body:
Herbs: Lily
Stones: Crystal, moonstone
Keywords: Mother, home, sensitivity, nurturance, protectiveness.
Business Types: Staples, domestic goods, hospitality, real estate.
Cancer is the sign of “Home, Moon and Mother”, and as such it can beincredibly sensitive, compassionate and nurturing. Male Cancer natives tendto overcompensate because of the sexism innate in modern culture. They willoften claim to be rational and unfeeling, but close family will tell youthey are highly sensitive and often psychic. Manic comedian Robin Williamsis a good example of Cancer at work – this is a man who is fiercelydedicated to his family, and his craft, a man whose human compassion hasbeen shown in the many roles he has chosen and in his dedication to friendslike Christopher Reeves. Inversely, Cancer females tend to be a lot tougher than they appear atfirst. If you doubt, just get between a Cancer female and her children orloved ones. You’ll feel the sharp edges of her pincers in a hurry!One other celebrity personifies one of the interesting aspects of Cancer –Imelda Marcos, known for her collection of shoes, is really acting out theCancer need to hoard and store. It can get extreme, even obsessive. I know
a Cancer woman who has a huge collection of what others might call “junk”.It’s her security blanket, to keep unwanted people from her home. She knowsshe will never use 90% of the material she’s hoarded, but the thought ofparting with it brings great anxiety.Leo (July 23-August 22)Element: Fire
Modality: Fixed
Ruling Planet: Sun
Part of Body: heart, upper back, spinal column
Herbs:
Stones:
Keywords: Power, authority, generosity, expansiveness, leadership.
Business Types: The “CEO”, leader, president, theatre, sports.
Leo likes the spotlight. Just imagine the proud, roaring lion, soakinghimself in the sun, while his harem of lionesses go out to hunt, and youhave the perfect picture for most Leo’s you’ll meet. Oh, they are not lazy,far from it! But they will be happy to leave the less glamorous work fortheir “entourage” to mop up, while they take the glory and the spotlight,and in most cases, we’ll love them despite it all. Why? They really dobrighten up the room.Leo is among the most creative of signs. Lots of entertainers, producersand showpeople have this sign strong in their charts. Hot, passionate and sexy, Leo is not the most faithful of signsnecessarily, though strong Water or a strong Saturn in the chart canmoderate this somewhat. The truth is they like to be the centre ofattention in all things including love. Just look at Leos Bill Clinton andMick Jagger.
Virgo (August 23-September 22)Element: Earth
Modality: Mutable
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Part of Body: pancreas, small intestine, spleen, liver
Herbs: Blackberry, Dill Seed, Fennel
Stones: Sardonyx
Keywords: Critical, discerning, methodical, modest, service-oriented,cultured, discerning.
Business Types: Bio-tech, medicine, pharmaceuticals, farming, accounting,any work that serves others and involves exacting detail.
Virgo is often described as critical, methodical, and even “nitpicky”.
Virgo does suffer from some “bad press” over the past 100 years or so, someof it thinly-veiled sexism directed at the symbolism of the sign, as hasbeen charged by more recent feminist writers, however, there is some truthin the description. I have never been treated to as sharp and detailed acritique as I have when trying to make the case in a chat room full ofVirgos that Virgos suffer from this trait.Virgo people are some of the most selfless, dedicated, and hard workers inthe Zodiac. Highly intelligent, they are great at storing and organizinginformation. Virgo is often associated with healthcare, healing and servicework for this reason. They make fantastic doctors, nurses and alternativehealthcare practitioners, and are often found healing in other ways. Theyare also excellent managers, secretaries and organizers. As lovers Virgo has a totally undeserved reputation as reserved and cold.In fact, they are passionate, devoted, and occasionally kinky lovers. Theyhave a wonderful sense of creativity, and have just enough independence tokeep things interesting. The reputation of course comes from Victorianastrologers and their simple-minded association of “Virgo” with “virgin”goddesses. In fact, the original meaning of “virgin” did not mean “sexuallychaste” but “a free woman in charge of her own destiny”. This is muchcloser to the true behavior of modern Virgos.Libra (September 23-October 22)Element: Air
Modality: Cardinal
Ruling Planet: Venus
Part of Body: lower back, kidneys, bladder
Herbs: primrose, violet and yarrow
Stones: Blue Lace Agate, Chrysoprase, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise
Keywords: Harmony, beauty, balance, diplomacy, idealism, justice
Business Types: The judge, police, fashion, art, luxuries, precious metals,artists, diplomats
Despite this sign’s association with “relationships, harmony anddiplomacy”, Libras don’t always find that it is a simple matter to meet theperfect mate. In fact finding a mate does seem to be a struggle for most
Libras. Perhaps it is their fixation on pleasing others, or the constantneed to see the other person’s point of view that stymies them.Libra does have a reputation for being indecisive, but the truth is thatthey are chronic fence-sitters because they have a strong pull to discoverall the facts, analyze every position, before they jump into an issue. Oncethey have done so, they can be incredibly stubborn. Another strong Libra trait is their desire for and association withjustice. Libras make good diplomats, lawyers and judges because they areable to see all sides of a given story, and are devoted to the truth andfairness above all else. Libras are also one of the more creative signs and tend to be goodcommunicators. Their desire for beauty and physical harmony makes themexcellent artists and decorators. Brandi Jasmine, the Libra horoscopewriter at Astrology.ca is also an experienced editor, writer, and artist.Libra lovers tend to be devoted and committed, this being the sign of“committed partners” after all. Though that can change if there is a lot ofWater in the chart.Scorpio (October 23-November 21)Element: Water
Modality: Fixed
Ruling Planet: Pluto
Part of Body: reproductive system, sex organs, large intestine
Herbs: Dong Quai, Black Cohosh
Stones: Opal
Keywords: Sex, secrecy, investigation, rebirth, intensity, determination,integrity, imagination.
Business Types: Law enforcement, religion, military, mental health.
Ah, Scorpio the sign of sex! Of course like any key concept in astrology,the natives of this sign are saddled with prevailing social preconceptions.Leonardo DiCaprio, a Scorpio Sun, has mastered the ability to project sexappeal, depth and mystery. But like all signs, there is a lot more hidden under the surface, if youare prepared to spend the time. Scorpio does like to hide its inner depths,
and Scorpios are among some of the most profound psychics and healers inthe zodiac. Determination, strength and emotional fortitude help the bearer of thissign in every effort. Their personal power, sensuality and magnetic appealmake them wonderful lovers, but that intensity can be overpowering to thefreedom-loving signs. They can lose themselves in the magic of the moment,getting emotionally and psychically lost in the power of bonding. That psychic sensitivity can be as much a curse as a blessing to Scorpio.Their natural bluntness makes it difficult for them to share their insightswith others in a way the recipient finds easy to accept. They tend to seedeep into any situation, have profound intuitive powers and make terrificinvestigators.Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)Element: Fire
Modality: Mutable
Ruling Planet: Jupiter
Part of Body: Thighs, sciatic nerve
Herbs: Dandelion, Horsetail, Onion, Garlic
Stones: Topaz
Keywords: Freedom, travel, knowledge, learning, optimism, broad-mindedness.
Business Types: The Internet, computers, science, technology, publicservice, social work, some publishing
Sagittarians often complain to astrologers that they are misunderstood.Perhaps it is that their minds, if not their bodies, are so busy floatingaround the world (or the universe), that they fail to make contact withpeople in a meaningful way. Energetic and interesting, they seem to comefrom “another place”. Brad Pitt is one example of a Sagittarian, whoseconstant changes of style, mood and direction confuse his family, friendsand fans alike.Sagittarius is the world traveler, often in both thought and deed. They dolove to travel, and when that is not possible, they spend a great time onthe Internet, or with their noses in books learning about other culturesand peoples. They are often found in the publishing industry as a result.The sign’s association with higher education also pulls a great number of
Sagittarians into college and universities, both as students and asteachers. They are always pushing the boundaries, searching for new ways toexplore their inner minds. For this reason they are also drawn to newtechnologies, the Internet and computers.Good natured, energetic, optimistic and loving, they tend to makeinteresting and exciting partners. They are also freedom-loving though, anddon’t like to be tied down. The Sagittarian lover is a challenge for anyonewho is conservative or old-fashioned.Capricorn (December 22-January 19)Element: Earth
Modality: Cardinal
Ruling Planet: Saturn
Part of Body:
Herbs: Hemlock, nightshade, black poppy
Stones: Onyx, jet, coal
Keywords: Ambition, conservation, power, social status, discipline,prudence.
Business Types: Global trade, civil service, music, building, science.Leaders, CEOs, managers.
Capricorn is one of the “power-house” signs. Dedicated, passionate,ambitious and practical, many of the world’s corporate captains of industryhave strong Capricorn somewhere in their charts. Capricorns are known for a strong “workaholic” tendencies, excellentleadership skills and comfort in the public arena. This is not because theyare all that interested in money necessarily, but because they seek therespect and power that comes from social status. They will often sacrificemuch to maintain or improve their position in the social hierarchy. Without other planetary support in a chart, Capricorn lacks the simplicityand groundedness of Taurus, and the analytical though-processes of Virgo.With supporting planets in air or fire signs though, Capricorn is acreative force that cannot be denied. It seeks for “the top” in everythingit touches. David Bowie is one example of this dichotomy inherent in thesign, Elvis Presley was another. Despite the practical, earthy, heavy nature of the sign, however,Capricorns do have their share of quirks. Capricorns are known for havingsome strange creative and sexual eccentricities that they like to keep
secret. Additional Water and Air in the right place in their charts makesthem devoted, passionate and creative lovers.Aquarius (January 20-February 18)Element: Air
Modality: Fixed
Ruling Planet: Uranus
Part of Body: Circulatory system, ankles, spinal cord
Herbs: Frankincense, Myrrh
Stones: Blue Sapphire, black pearl, obsidian, slate
Keywords: Unique, humanitarian, independent, idealistic, inventive
Business Types: The Internet, computers, science, technology, publicservice, social work, some publishingAquarius is one of the more eccentric, flexible, unusual, and avant-gardesigns. Aquarians tend to be intelligent, philosophical, communicative andopen-minded. They tend to be drawn to group efforts, philanthropy, andcharitable efforts. They may be perceived as odd, unusual or eccentric byothers. Occasionally they are perceived as “aloof” as well. I say“perceived” because Aquarians are never quite what they appear to be. Theymay express their emotions in intellectual terms, but are self-sacrificinghumanitarians, often philanthropists, constantly searching for the idealand for truth and vision. It is important for Aquarians to develop self-love, and the personal application of spiritual practices to their dailylives.
Pisces (February 19-March 20)Element: Water
Modality: Mutable
Ruling Planet: Neptune, Jupiter
Part of Body: Lymph system, feet immune factors
Herbs: Clematis, Goldenseal, Echinacea
Stones: Aquamarine, Hematite
Keywords: Secrecy, investigation, rebirth, impressionable, sensitive,psychic, adaptable.
Business Types: Health care, public service, sea-fairing businesses, water-related businesses, film making.
Famous for psychic ability and emotional sensitivity, Pisces natives tendto be, like their polar opposite (Virgo), excessively focused on the“other”. They are the unselfish peacemakers and soothers who make lifeeasier for others. Unfortunately, this means they often neglect their ownneeds. Pisces can literally work themselves to ill health in serving theconstant demand to be helpful to others. Neptune and Jupiter are both saidto “rule” Pisces, an indication of the dreamy imagination that is often a
feature of the talents of high-profile Pisces like Drew Barrymore.One potential roadblock for Pisces is its association with drugs, alcohol,and mood-altering experiences. Under stress, Pisces does tend to look tothe medicine cabinet for answers. Expressed in higher terms, this canresult in a fixation with metaphysics, the occult, and meditativetechniques.Pisces make wonderful diplomats, counselors, healers and psychologists, andare terrifically emotive actors, artists and musicians. They use theirgentle sensitivity to make an empathic connection with the audience. Theirdeep imaginations permit them to plump much greater depths. Dreams andvisions are like second nature to them.Pisces make wonderful friends, always giving more than they take, and arepassionate, deep and committed lovers. It helps if they can hook up withpartners who stimulate their creative mystical qualities and can allow themsome solitary time to dream and create and reconnect with theirotherworldly source of inspiration on a regular basis.