Astrology: Signs of the Zodiac

The Zodiac signs fascinate me. The attributes listed for the various Zodiac signs make for interested reading even if you have doubt as to their applicability to real life. Nowhere are human personalities discussed in such practical easy-to-read terms. It is not surprising that psychologists (see previous two posts) have turned to astrology with its very readable discussions of personality attributes. Normal psychology books have a "cold " read.......astrology scripts have an "alive" read.

In view of the above, it is time to begin discussing the various Zodiac signs:


Aries - Generous Optimistic Moody Short-Tempered - March 21 to April 19

The Aries Zodiac symbol has been said to symbolize a seed "shooting out of the ground." Being new-born, the Aries is untrampled and is know for independence, initiative, enthusiasm, and impulsiveness.

Aries are activists and their enthusiasm often leads other less dynamic personalities to follow them.

Aries are short tempered individuals and, if they don't get their way, they can be childish. Also, they can easily become bored and often do not finish what they start.


Taurus - Dependable Persistent Stubborn Materialistic - April 20 to May 20

Taurus does not have the initiative that Aries has. Instead, he is the strong follower that can finish what Aries starts. He is the sturdy one, very dependable and loyal.

Taurus has a way with business and finances. Their perserverance helps get things done.

Taurus has a stubborn streak and, if you pick at them, they can become infuriated and charge (symbolically or actually) charge like a bull!


Gemini - Energestic Imaginative Superficial Restless - May 21 to June 21

Geminis are the communicators of the Zodiac, clever, imaginative, and witty. They make a point of knowing what is going on in the world. They like people and like to gossup. They are often social butterflys.

Geminis can superficial and impulsive. Being restless, they often don't finish tasks.

Cancer - Loyal Caring Adaptable Moody Self-Pity - June 21 to July 22
The Cancer sign is known for its contradictions. It is the most complex of all the signs.

Cancers may be independent in certain ways but they still need the support of people. They can be adaptable to a great extent but still be slingy and self-absorbed. Cancers may also be prone to depression.

The contradictory nature of Cancers may cause them to have wild mood swings.

With their great sensitivity, Cancers can be very successful in business and in accomplishing things in general.

Leo - Confident Ambitious Loyal Domineering Melodramatic Vain - July 22 to August 23
Being a Leo myself, I often have my defects explained away by a friend or relative stating that "thats just the Leo in him." I don't protest since Leo appears (to me) to be one of the more desirable Zodiac signs.

Leo is often identified with leadership qualities. Leos are confident, ambitious and can be domineering. They can also be pretentious and melodramatic.

In short, Leos can be spoiled.

Leos need a group of followers who look up to them. They often have such a following due to their leadership qualities.

Virgo - Analytic Observant Skeptical Inflexible Cold - August 24 - September 23
Virgo contrasts with its predecessor sign, Leo. Leo is an extrovert.....Virgo is an introvert. Leo is a sign of aggressive leadership.....Virgo is more detailed-minded. Virgo is given to scrupulous analysis.

Because of Virgo's contration on details, it has sometimes been called "The filing clerk of the Zodiac."

In short, Virgo has a powerful mind but it is often given over to over-analysis.

Libra - Diplomatic Idealistic Superficial Vain - September 24 to October 23
Libras are the diplomats of the Zodiac. They love mingling with people and making friends, etc. These are excellent qualifications for leadership but Libras often don't want to put out the effort necessary for them to climb to a leadership position.

Due to their sensitivity, Libras often gravitate to the arts and become innovative creators.

A trait I partiularly like about Libras are their love of justice and fairness. They won't usually stand around when someone is being mistreated. You won't find many Libras at Quantanamo.

Scorpio - Loyal Fierce Competitior Intense Goes to Extremes Jealousy - October 23 to November 21
Scorpios represent the intensities of the Zodiac. For example, Scorpios never give up and their intense drive gets them far in the business world.

Scorpios can hold grudges and can be very jealous but, on the other hand, are very loyal to their friends.

With their intense probing minds, Scorpios have a great interest in the mysteries of life and death.

If not controlled, Scorpio's intense feelings can get them and others in a great deal of trouble.

Sagittarius - Independence - Love of Adventure - Curious - Well Adjusted - Nov. 23 to December 21

Sagittarius is a lover of adventure, mobility, & travel.

They make excellent friends, do favors for their friends, and expect nothing in return. They are very likable people.

Since their minds are always racing ahead, they are likely to be late for events.

Sagitarius leads an exciting life and are full of ideas because of their adventurous nature.

Sagitarius are well-adjusted with few emotional problems. They are optimistic folks who just want to have fun.

Capricorn - Responsible Patient Ambitious Dictatorial Conceited - December 22 to January 20
Capricorns make strong friends, very helpful and expect nothing in return.

Capricorns are driven towards leadership and achievement. They are very ambitious and are excellent organizers.

Capricorns are strong with good self-discipline. They love to live structured lives.

They have strong powers of concentration and tend to see things in black & white.....no gray areas!

Capricorns have problems in that they can be dictatorial and conceited. They may also be on the unimaginative side compared to the other signs.

Aquarius - Non-conventional Humanitarian Aloof Stubborn - January 20 to February 18

Aquarius likes doing things with people and make excellent politicians. They are progressive thinkers and are usually intelligence.

They are stubborn but respect other people's opinions. Aquarius people seek wisdom.

Aquarius often likes to shock conventional people with their unconventional thinking.

Pisces - Compassionate Adaptable Devoted Over-Sensitive Self-Pity - February 19 to March 20

It has been said that the somewhat flighty Pisces needs a dominant partner in their life or they may fall into the bad habits of self-pity, day dreaming, etc. A good partner can keep them grounded.

Pisces are not often successful in business because they lack self-discipline.

Bad news......... Yes, Pisces are nice people but they have their share of human weakness.

The Astrologer as Psychologist

Even many non-believers in astrology acknowledge that people can receive some benefit from visiting an astrologer, having their horoscopes prepared, or, at the lowest level, having their fortunes told or their palms read. This is particularily true if the person seeking advice is very anxious and facing an uncertain time in his life. These folks will often do almost anything to relieve the anxiety and uncertainty. They need someone to tell them, essentially, that everything is going to be O.K. and to point them in the right direction.

Enter the astrologer!

(Even the fortune teller or palm reader can serve the anxiety-relieving purpose but on a much lower level).

Most astrologers I have read of or talked to are intelligent enough, perceptive enough, and human enough to want to help their fellow man and, certainly, to not harm an anxious person. It seems to be a trait of the astrology "profession" that most astrologers are not mean-spirited. They are not in it "just for the money."

So, a competent and ethical astrologer, on occasion, can serve an important (psychological) function. He can be the "expert" that an anxious person needs to point the person gently in the right direction. The "patient" can go forward somewhat relieved of his anxiety.

If the astrologer is also trained in the field of psychology, the benefits he can offer may be great, indeed!

Astrology Revival

About 25 years ago, at the dawn of the personal computer age, I was desperately looking for advice on what type of computer system to buy. I knew nothing. Of all things, I found Matrix Software, an astrology software firm, gve the most practical advice. I started reading their publications and, soon, I became an admirer of their highly efficient staff although, being a materialistic engineer, I had trouble accepting astrology. But the astrologers were such an honest, helpful group that I followed their activies for a few years. Then I lost touch.

Recently, I read articles on astrology, and particularily, on the marriage of astrology and psychology which ignited in me a strong interest in astrology. It appears many astrologers are downplaying horoscopes and the prediction of the future (via reading the stars) and, instead, are turning the almost religious background of astrology into a tool for doing some great work. For example, it is amazing how astrology and psychology can complement one another in the treatment of persons passing though a difficult time.

I still have trouble accepting much in astrology theory but, if astrology works well with psychology, good for it.

So, with that, I open this blog on the revival of astrology.