| Introduction: | | | | Modalities: |
| This article covers the basics of Astrology and | | | | Each sign is connected to one of three modalities; |
| how they are inter-related. Astrology is defined as | | | | cardinal (sometimes referred to as movable), |
| 'the art or practice of determining the supposed | | | | fixed, and mutable. |
| influences of the planets and their motions on | | | | There are four quadrants following the order of |
| human affairs and human disposition'. From this | | | | the zodiacal signs, with three signs in each. Each |
| practice a horoscope can be produced - a diagram | | | | quadrant describes a season, beginning with a |
| (or chart) of the relative positions of planets and | | | | cardinal sign, continuing to a fixed sign, and ending |
| signs of the Zodiac at a specific time, usually the | | | | with a mutable sign. |
| time of birth. A forecast can then be produced. | | | | Modalities and Related Zodiac Signs: |
| The Zodiac: | | | | * Mutable signs are related to adaptability, |
| Western Astrology originated way back, around | | | | resourcefulness and holism. They are Gemini, |
| 500 BC, with a concept called the Zodiac being | | | | Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. |
| developed. This comprised of an imaginary sphere | | | | * Fixed signs are related to determination, focus |
| surrounding the earth, which followed the path of | | | | and individuality. They are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio |
| the Sun through the constellations during the year. | | | | and Aquarius. |
| The Zodiac was split into twelve sections, each | | | | * Cardinal signs are related to creativity and |
| named after the specific constellation noted in | | | | initiation. They are Aries, Cancer, Libra and |
| that area. | | | | Capricorn. |
| Elements: | | | | Summary of Zodiac Sign Characteristics: |
| Many ancient philosophies used a set of classical | | | | * Aries (cardinal, fire, personal): defensive, |
| elements to explain the way nature behaved. | | | | energetic, head down, assertive, impulsive. |
| Each sign was connected to one of the classical | | | | * Taurus (fixed, earth, personal): patient, indulgent, |
| elements (fire, earth, air, or water) and was also | | | | resourceful, thorough, devoted. |
| related to a region of focus; social, personal or | | | | * Gemini (mutable, air, personal): quick, logical, |
| universal. | | | | inquisitive. |
| * Water signs are related to growth processes, | | | | * Cancer (cardinal, water, personal): clinging, |
| identification and emotion. In tandem with the | | | | protective, sensitive. |
| other elements, water feels that fire will make it | | | | * Leo (fixed, fire, social): theatrical, generous, |
| boil, air will evaporate it, but earth will shape and | | | | proud. |
| channel it. | | | | * Virgo (mutable, earth, social): critically, practical, |
| * Fire signs are related to action, passion, and | | | | efficient. |
| energy. In tandem with the other elements, fire | | | | * Libra (cardinal, air, social): lazy, co-operative, fair. |
| feels that earth will smother it, water will drown it, | | | | * Scorpio (fixed, water, social): anxious, |
| but air will fan and enliven it. | | | | passionate, sensitive. |
| * Air signs are related to thought, perspective and | | | | * Sagittarius (mutable, fire, universal): careless, |
| communication. In tandem with the other | | | | free, straightforward. |
| elements, air feels that water will obscure it, earth | | | | * Capricorn (cardinal, earth, universal): suspicious, |
| will suffocate it, but fire will inspire and uplift it. | | | | prudent, cautious. |
| * Earth signs are related to sensation, stability, | | | | * Aquarius (fixed, air, universal): detached, |
| and practicality. In tandem with the other | | | | democratic, unconventional. |
| elements, earth feels that air will dry it, fire will | | | | * Pisces (mutable, water, universal): distracted, |
| dry it, but water will refresh and nourish it. | | | | imaginative, sensitive. |