I have distanced myself a little from my obsession I had with astrology a few years ago, as I don’t really consider it a spiritual practice anymore. However, I still think it can be a very interesting topic to write about – whether you believe in it or not – as a number of people see it as an esoteric topic. Here is everything I know about astrology!
What is Astrology exactly?
Astrology is defined as the interpretation of the constellations of the planets and the stars. The constellations determine what zodiac sign or what house currently has the most influence on us. Out of this information we can understand the personality and individual character traits of people and can make assumptions about the future.
The Zodiac signs
The day of the year someone was born on, determines the zodiac sign someone has. Depending on that is what will determine the majority of their personality. Each sign is known to have certain traits. The twelve zodiac signs are divided in the four elements. Those signs that share an element have more in common than the rest of the signs. Also, there are certain elements that get along better with on another. Based on your zodiac sign you could then find out whether or not you are compatible with someone. The twelve signs are the following:
- Aries (21.3. – 20.4.)
- Taurus (21.4. – 20.5.)
- Gemini (21.5. – 21.6.)
- Cancer (22.6. – 22.7.)
- Leo (23.7. – 23.8.)
- Virgo (24.8. – 23.9.)
- Libra (24.9. – 23.10.)
- Scorpio (24.10. – 22.11.)
- Sagittarius (23.11. – 21.12.)
- Capricorn (22.12. – 20.1.)
- Aquarius (21.1. – 19.2.)
- Pisces (20.2. – 20.3.)
The Elements
These twelve zodiac signs are equally divided into the four elements.
- Fire: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
- Earth: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
- Air: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
- Water: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Now, Air and Fire signs are known to be more compatible, just as are Water and Earth signs. Water and fire or air and earth though aren’t compatible.
Fire
Fire signs are known to be creative, courageous with lively spirits, self-sufficient, spontaneous, and ‘fiery’. They have the ability to inspire others. However, they are also interested in getting their way and are known to have a big ego. As it says in astrology.com, ‘when they get too hot to touch, it’s a good idea to stand back.”
Water
Water signs on the other hand are very emotional, which is why they don’t always get along with fire. They are very sensitive, compassionate, loyal, understanding and feel things deeply, but also very intuitive. They sometimes though have difficulties expressing their feelings and can be overly sensitive and easily hurt.
Earth
Earth signs are first and foremost the most grounded and down-to-earth of the elements. They are stable, reliable, responsible, and organized. Usually, they like structure and are on-time. They want to get things done, are good at problem-solving and find practical ways to do so. Sometimes, they can be too cautious though, or resistant to change and stubborn, overly critical and harsh.
Air
Now, air signs are the most communicative of the elements. They are known for their intelligence and an analytical mind with an objective view of situations. Air signs have a curious, adaptable and social nature, they like good conversations. They can however come across as detached, more concerned with their own thoughts as with the feelings of others. Sometimes, they can’t commit to an idea or a plan. They are also the
The Natal chart
Of course, not all signs of the same element have the exact same traits. Each zodiac sign has their own characteristics. The main ones are the following:
- Aries: brave, productive, impulsive, impatient
- Taurus: confident, energetic, stubborn, unforgiving
- Gemini: curious, imaginative, restless, careless
- Cancer: intelligent, strong-willed, moody, irritable
- Leo: dominant, courageous, arrogant, impulsive
- Virgo: efficient, calm, highly sensitive, over-critical
- Libra: fair, helpful, superficial, vain
- Scorpio: emotional, determined, compulsive, unforgiving
- Sagittarius: optimistic, fair-minded, reckless, overconfident
- Capricorn: stoic, determined, inflexible, pessimistic
- Aquarius: generous, trust-worthy, detached, rebellious
- Pisces: sensible, warm-hearted, obsessive, lack of self-confidence
Now, the thing is, not all people are exactly the same, of course. Not all people of the same zodiac sign have the exact same character traits, that would be super boring, no? That’s where your natal chart comes in! The natal chart indicates which planets were in which position the time you were born. An example: When I was born (the place matters as well) the moon was in Virgo, Mercury was in Gemini, Venus was in Leo, Mars was in Cancer etc.
Moon
The moon determines how you respond emotionally, your unconscious pre-destination and your self-image. In my case this means that stress and pressure can overwhelm me easily. Apparently, I want to feel useful, and I do this best by helping others.
Mercury
Mercury represents communication. My Gemini here makes me quick-witted with an eclectic and a broad knowledge. My learning, however, can be a little superficial, having too many interests to dive into them more profoundly.
Venus
Venus stands for interests in emotions and values, exchange and sharing with others. I have a Leo there, which means that I love to court and be courted, we need to feel special, but can be very warm and generous.
Mars
Lastly, (I could go into so much detail, but it would be a little much, no?), my mars is in cancer. It stands for the desire for action and physical energy. Apparently, this position makes me a little passive-aggressive at times. We need to feel secure when we act, because we shy away from direct confrontations. We might appear weak sometimes, but can be very strong too.
Concluding…
As you can see, the topic of astrology is immense. There was so much more, I could have written about, since there are many more positions in a natal chart. Also, I listed the characteristics and personality traits only on the surface. And I haven’t even talked about horoscopes. That, I can do another time 🙂
I would definitely recommend you to go calculate your own natal chart, as it delivers so much information about oneself and usually, it’s very accurate. That’s because astrology doesn’t just consist of your zodiac sign, how most people think. No, many factors can influence your personality. Personally, I used astro.cafeastrology.com to calculate my chart. Have fun with that!
