introduction to astrology

astrology 1 the study of the motions and relative positions of the planets, sun and moon, interpreted in terms of human characteristics and activities.

Guess the Sun Sign : by Joanna Watters

Astrology and the Tarot : A Personal Interpretation by Melanie


Astrology is a vast subject which can take a lifetime to master.  What we are covering here is simply a snapshot of the subject to give you a taster of what's involved.

The study of Astrology dates back to as early as the year 4 BC. Since then many variations on the subject have emerged. Nowadays only three branches are still well known.  Namely :


Western Astrology is the one we are all likely to be familiar with.  It's impossible to avoid horoscopes in magazines, online astrological birth charts, relationship compatibility quizzes and son on.  All these things are based on Western Astrology practices and beliefs.

Below is a chart depicting each sign of the zodiac, its element and its modality :

sign	date from	date to	element	modality
capricorn	22-dec	21 jan	earth	cardinal
aquarius	22 jan	21 feb	air	fixed
pisces	22 feb	21 mar	water	mutable
aries	22 mar	21 apr	fire	cardinal
taurus	22 apr	21 may	earth	fixed
gemini	22 may	21 june	air	mutable
cancer	22 jun	21 july	water	cardinal
leo	22 jul	21 aug	fire	fixed
virgo	22 aug	21 sep	earth	mutable
libra	22 sep	21 oct	air	cardinal
scorpio	22 oct	21 nov	water	fixed
sagittarius	22 nov	21 dec	fire	mutable

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personality traits of the zodiac signs

capricorn
Capricorns are natural goal setters. They willingly handle many tasks if it helps them get what they want. Many things get accomplished simply because they happen to be part of Capricorn's overall efforts to reach higher goals. They need definitive guidelines. Rules and regulations provide structure they need for establishing the pattern of their own actions. They must learn however, that the end never justifies the means.

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aquarius
Aquarians are born looking for ideologies to which they can stubbornly cling. They refuse to budge whenever an issue involves what they believe to be a "matter of principle. " As in the case of the Aquarian Abraham Lincoln, society greatly benefits when these principles happen to be noble ones.

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pisces
Pisceans adapt emotionally to the influence of their environment. Often painfully shy, they are adept at imitating the mannerisms of other people as a way of hiding their own personality. Pisceans can too easily become victims of their considerable ability to identify with the personality and problems of other people, since it severely restricts the development of their own personality traits and talents.

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aries
Aries people need to keep physically busy. They accomplish many things simply because of their restless energy. They need to learn how to make constructive use of their energetic efforts. The typical Aries urge is to take on more projects than can be done reasonably well. Though others may find it difficult to physically keep pace, they are attracted to the animation and spirit of Aries personalities.

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taurus
Taureans stubbornly cling to their own ideas and habits, and may fail to take advantage of new ideas or situations simply because they cannot see their practical use. They have to understand that while tenacity and a stable temperament yield rewards in many endeavors, tolerance and flexibility are the best assets when it comes to personal relationships.

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gemini
Using their communicative skills, Geminis adapt to any situation they encounter. However, they must learn to speak with candor instead of simply repeating what others want to hear. Clever-tongued Geminis develop the amazing ability to obscure the facts in their stimulating and imaginative chatter.

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cancer
Cancerians get things done through the power of their emotional commitment. Not only do they aggressively work to accomplish the goals inspired by their own feelings, they also know how to appeal to the emotions of others. By making other people feel like family members, Cancerians effectively inspire others to help get projects accomplished. They have to learn how to reach an emotional balance since they tend to be overly sensitive and moody.

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leo
Leos stubbornly cling to their pride. They resent the indignity of altering their opinions or behaviour in front of or at the request of others. Their stubborn nature makes it hard for them to accept that there is no virtue in giving what they want to give rather than what may really be wanted or needed, and no reward in misguided loyalty to those who are not worthy of it.

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virgo
Virgos adapt to different people and situations by finding ways to make themselves useful. To hide their vulnerability, they focus attention on what they're doing rather than who they are. To deflect attention away from themselves, Virgos will also focus on other people by praising their talents and virtues, or just as likely, by listing their faulty behaviour or personal defects.

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libra
Librans accomplish things because they intellectually evaluate what needs to be done, and then they charm others into cooperating with them to achieve the goal. By unselfishly sharing the success of accomplishment with those who assisted, Librans continue to engender the cooperative efforts of others. They have to learn how to deal with confrontations. Fear of hurting others or avoidance of hostile situations can keep them from pursuing their goals.

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scorpio
Scorpios stubbornly cling to emotional attachments. They rarely forget or forgive emotional rejection. They have to learn that jealousy and possessiveness are self-defeating. Rechanneling negative feelings and experiences into constructive activities benefits others as well as themselves. No other sign has the emotional strength of Scorpio.

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sagittarius
Restless energy and the need for personal independence keeps Sagittarians moving in many directions. They become experts at adapting to whatever culture and clime happens to fit their current interest. Always ready to travel for business or pleasure, and sometimes because of an overwhelming urge to escape (either figuratively or literally), they are all too willing to bypass the confinements of responsibility and work.

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