Astrology

Astrology is called the "Divine Science," and has to do with the movements of the planets and stars, and their influence on those of us here below. It began the first time our ancestors gazed up at the heavenly canopy of stars. The foundation of what we know today was laid thousands of years ago and based on observations made by the earliest sky watchers.

With the Enlightenment in the West, there was an emphasis on rational thought, and intuitive arts like astrology were minimized and discredited. Understanding it takes a kind of intuitive wisdom that has not been given value in the last few centuries. Today there's a renewed interest in all things beyond the physical, or "metaphysical," which includes astrology.

Notable believers in history include Benjamin Franklin, Carl Jung, Galileo and Sir Isaac Newton, who famously countered a skeptic with the retort, "I have studied the subject...you have not."

If you consider the Moon's influence on the ocean tides, it might not seem as far-fetched that other planets have an effect on each of us personally, as well as all of humanity. There are the longer cycles of the slow moving planets like Pluto, Uranus and Neptune that shape the events and outlooks of entire generations. Then there are the personal planets like the Sun, whose 12-month journey through the Zodiac directs the seasons and makes imprints on those born under a particular constellation.

In astrology, each of the planets has an essence, which is filtered through a particular sign as it is broadcast to Earth. It may be new agey to say, but it is all about the flow of vibrations or energy. For those sensitive to these "vibes," they are real. But you don't have to have this faculty to benefit from astrological wisdom.

There's much to discover about the planets on their own, and how they interact with each other. For an individual, the birth chart is a snapshot of the cosmic energies at play and the "energy" relationships between planets at the moment of birth.

The Sun Sign
The Sun sign is just one of the things considered in Astrology, the study of which can take you deep into the mysteries of the universe. But from a random peek at horoscopes to becoming a devotee of the art, it all begins with the Sun.

What's your sign?
When someone asks, “What’s your sign?” they’re talking about the Sun sign, which is the basis for most horoscopes today. There are twelve Sun signs, each with its own character traits, inclinations, leanings, motivations, etc.

Sun Sign Dates:

• Ares - March 21st to April 20th
• Taurus - April 21st to May 21st
• Gemini - May 22nd to June 21st
• Cancer - June 22nd to July 23rd
• Leo - July 24th to August 23rd
• Virgo -August 24th to September 23rd
• Libra - September 24th to October 23rd
• Scorpio - October 24th to November 22nd
• Sagittarius - November 23rd to December 21st
• Capricorn - December 22nd to January 20th
• Aquarius - January 21st to February 19th
• Pisces - February 20th to March 20th

The Meaning of the Sun Sign in Astrology
Your sun sign describes your basic nature and the personality traits that remain constant through the ups and downs of life. It is the image you shine out to the world, but it comes from that truest, innermost part of you. The sun, which is actually a star, is at the center of the Solar System, and likewise, your sun sign describes your unique personal center.

The sun sign describes the particular way that you’re vital or powerful in life. For example, those with the sun in Cancer are known to be homebodies. More than just a quirky trait, being at home makes the Cancer feels powerful and vital, and where great things can be achieved. The sun sign shows what kind of environments and situations light you up.

From the pursuit of a mate to a career, the sun sign shows how your ego or will pushes out into new experiences. Each of the twelve signs does this a little bit differently, which is part of what makes the human parade endlessly fascinating. And that’s why knowing someone’s sun sign can help you understand all the people in your life from the intimate sphere to the work place.

In romance, knowing how certain signs behave at close range can save you a lot of heartache -- or help you plan your strategy. The sun sign gives crucial clues to understanding the dating behavior of the opposite sex.

The Moon Sign

What is the Moon Sign in a Birth Chart?
The Moon is in a new constellation every couple of days, and its position at the moment of your birth is your Moon sign. On a birth chart, it is symbolized by the lunar crescent.

The Meaning of the Moon Sign in Astrology
While the Sun sign is the core self through which you find expression in the world, the Moon sign is the inner life that only close companions get to experience. It’s the private you that reveals itself behind closed doors, when you’ve put on something more comfortable. It’s also the unguarded you that has to act on instinct, the one that comes out in a crisis.
In astrology, the Moon sign is the instinctual self, and because of that, some might not feel comfortable with its full expression. In times of great stress, these qualities could be exposed and make the person feel strangely out of control. If you’ve ever completely lost it, you’ll know what it's like when the Sun is eclipsed by the Moon and you become a full-fledged “lunatic.”

But in daily life, the Moon sign is what you fall back on to restore your sense of emotional security. It’s the little private habits that are comforting. For some this means reaching out socially, but for others this could mean retreating to a solitary corner of the mind. It also speaks volumes about how you handle your intimate life. Some Moons have a detached air, while others cast a welcoming luminescent glow.

A key relationship in astrology is that between the Sun and the Moon. If someone has an ongoing tug-of-war between the will to act and the emotions, it often shows up there. When you understand the essence of the Moon sign, you’re no longer “in the dark.” This is valuable information for understanding the interior life of family members, friends and of course, potential romantic partners

What is the Rising Sign in the Birth Chart?
It is the zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of your birth. When people say Ascendant, they're just using another name for the Rising sign. On a chart, you might see it abbreviated as ASC.

How is the Rising Sign Determined?
When the time of your birth is known, an exact calculation by degrees can be made. There are also ways to compute the Rising sign using some basic mathematical calculations. You'd need to know the exact time, along with the longitude and latitude of your birth place. Then, you'll need to convert the time to Greenwich time, followed by making the adjustment to Sidereal time. The Sidereal day, based on the stars, is four minutes shorter than a day based on the Sun.

The Meaning of the Rising Sign in Astrology
The Rising sign is known as the mask of the persona, and the first impression we make on those we meet. It could be said that the qualities of the sign that was rising on the eastern horizon imprints on the outer self as we emerge into the world. After that, each time we encounter a new situation or person, this is the "face" we reveal.
If you've ever been puzzled by how others describe you, it could be that they've encountered the Rising sign qualities. It's the image facing outward, and might not be how you see yourself at all. It is the front door of the self, but as much a part of the personality as the Sun sign.

The Rising sign deals with First House issues like appearance and personality, and can even influence physical characteristics. If the Sun is the core self, taking action in the world, the Rising sign is the vehicle with which to do it.

It's qualities show up immediately, while the full essence of the person's Sun sign become known over time. For example, a Virgo with Leo Rising may have a big mane of hair and come across as showy and proud, but after awhile, you'll discover the true humble and modest Virgo, always ready to serve in some way. The Rising and Sun sign blend into an inner and outer layer, with the Moon obscured deep within and behind the shifting clouds of the self.

Ruling Planets

What are Ruling Planets?
Each of the planets has rulership over one or two of the Zodiac signs.

What does it mean that a planet is "Ruler" of a particular sign?
It means that the Ruling Planet, and all its energies, are in charge and is the primary influence. For example, if your Sun is in Gemini, the influence of Mercury prevails as far as your Sun sign is concerned. The "energy" of the Sun is harnessed by Mercury, whose influence overrules the Sun's unique qualities, and determine the way that solar power is expressed.

The Planets and their Zodiac Sign Rulership:

• The Sun rules Leo.
• The Moon rules Cancer.
• Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo.
• Venus rules Taurus and Libra.
• Mars rules Aries and Scorpio.
• Jupiter rules Sagittarius.
• Saturn rules Capricorn.
• Uranus rules Aquarius.
• Neptune rules Pisces.
• Pluto rules Scorpio.

Based on Your Guide to Astrology

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