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Signs

The basic thing that almost everybody knows about astrology is planets and signs. So I thought it fitting to start with a chapter on signs.

There are twelve signs in astrology beginning from Aries to Pisces. Many people think astrology is all about learning by rote the characteristics of these signs. Even I thought so when I started my study of astrology. However soon I realised that sign characteristics need not be learnt. They were just logical implications of some very simple rules.

Positive and Negative signs
Firstly, signs are divided into positive and negative signs. This notion though is quite misleading. Negative signs are not at all bad in any way; its just that positive signs usually are the ones who act (take the initiative) while the negative signs react usually to these initiatives. This is however a very general description. Positive and negative signs occur alternately with Aries being a positive sign Pisces being a negative one.
Positive signs - Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius.
Negative signs - Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces.

The Elements
Now, we move on to the next division. Signs are divided into air, water, fire and earth. Actually positive signs are divided into air and fire while negative signs are divide dinto earth and water. Each element give a particular set of characteristics to its sign.

Fire Signs - Aries, Leo, Sagittarius.
Fire signs are very enthusiastic and optimistic. They are idealistic and often fight for lost causes. They have a zest and a zeal within themselves which keeps them in very good spirits even when things go wrong. They have a very social nature and are usually spendthrifts. They are mostly ruled by the heart than the mind. They are also impulsive and sometimes leap before they look.

Earth signs - Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn.
Earth signs are practical minded. They are usually frugal in finances and like to accumulate money. They are usually quiet people and ones who believe in the cocept of strong family ties. They are very methodical in their work and they put in a lot of thought before acting. They are also very hardworking.

Air signs - Gemini, Libra, Aquarius.
Air signs like to talk, discuss and debate. They can be creative, imaginative and are usually very intelligent. They tend to be very curious about everything and have a lot of interests. But they also get bored quickly which sometimes is a hindrance to their objectives. They are ruled by the mind and their relationships too are very much mental in nature.

Water signs - Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces.
Water signs are very sensitive by nature. Most of them have psychic capabilities of some sort. In the very least they have a highly developed intuition. They have a very good memory.They have a tendency to brood over things though. They can forgive but it is very difficult for them to forget.

Cardinal, Fixed or Mutable?
Finally we come to the third division of signs which is whether they are cardinal fixed or mutable? Each of the three element signs belong to a different category under this classification which makes the signs unique.

Cardinal signs - Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn.
Cardinal signs like to lead. They like to be at the helm of affairs and are also the ones who are most likely to take initiatives.

Fixed signs - Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius.
Fixed signs are usually the organisers. They implement ideas and manage the things. They are also stubborn in nature.

Mutable signs - Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces.
These are involved in communication and dissemination of information among people. They usually like to talk and communicate with others.

Symbol of the sign
The symbol of a sign has a lot to do with its characteristics too. The characteristics of a particular sign can be easily obtained by combining the three attributes mentioned above as also visualising the symbols of the signs. Of the twelve signs, four signs - Gemini, Libra, Aquarius and Virgo are symbolised by non-animal symbols (except Libra the rest have human symbols). This clearly shows a lack of animal instincts in these signs. All air signs fall into this category. This is because air signs are usually not competitive at all and do not have that fierce determination to succeed. They usually take life as it comes.

Consider one example - Scorpio. Its a negative reactive sign. Its also a water sign showing sensitivity. However it is fixed which indicates stubbornness. Fixed water is ice and hence inspite of their inner sensitivity Scorpians appear very cool from outside, not showing the tremendous emotions concealed within. The symbol of Scorpio is the scorpion which is known for its sting. However it will sting only when stepped upon. Scorpians when threatened are thus very dangeropus creatures. They dont forget that easily and sometimes their revenge can be extremely painful.

Another example is Taurus. It is a negative reactive sign. The earthy character shows in the practicality and frugality of this sign. As the sign is ruled by Venus though, Taureans are fond of luxury; however they will not spend money like water. They like to accumulate it. Now, the symbol of Taurus is a bull. A bull normally likes to graze in its field undisturbed by anyone. Similar is the case with Taureans. These people like to be left alone and they do not interfere in the matters of others too. They are extremely patient, cautious and hardworking. But try their patience once too often and the bull will crush you in a violent eruption.

Similarly the characteristics of other signs can also be found. We now move on to the planets.

Next

Get to know the logic behind various sign characteristics.

Learn about the planets.

Get to know the houses in astrology.

Something about the aspects between planets

An introduction to the natal chart.