Astrology is one of the oldest methods of explaining the processes of life, based on thousands of years of experience in observing the planets. This so-called, recommendatory science gives an interpretation of the impact of celestial bodies on the earthly world and man.
Astrology is quite difficult to categorize. Many consider it a variation of ancient psychology, and from the point of view of science, Astrology is a group of predictive practices that postulate the influence on the human destiny of the heavenly bodies, their movement across the sky, and their mutual location relative to each other.
Whichever group we do not refer to, it is reliably known that Astrology has been honored for thousands of years by great philosophers, scientists, and rulers, among them such big names as Pythagoras, Paracelsus, Churchill, and Reagan. And until the XVII century, astrology was part of the compulsory knowledge received in universities. In ancient Babylon, astrology was a royal science, intended exclusively for the rulers of ancient empires. The horoscope showed them which way it was better to lead their people and how to build relations with other states. And finally, today astrology is available to all of us.
Astrology is a symbolic system. It uses a complex multilevel structure of symbols, which allows describing any phenomena, systems, and objects, even the most complex ones. The most famous astrological symbol is the sign of the zodiac, the circle of zodiacal constellations.
For ancient astrologers, the zodiac was considered the “soul of nature”, i.e. that which gives form and order to life. The basis of the signs of the zodiac is the four elements – fire, earth, air, and water. There are a total of 12 signs in the system, and three zodiac signs belong to each element. It is about the signs of the zodiac that we are going to talk about in the most detail today.
The vault of the sky has been above people’s heads throughout the history of mankind. Since time immemorial, people have distinguished some signs and phenomena that could be called eternal, so stable and steadily repeated.
Observing the stars provided answers to many practical questions. For example, it made it possible to predict the change of seasons. Thanks to such predictions it was possible to determine, for example, the time of river flooding, the beginning of sowing and reaping, and the beginning of grazing livestock. So, the work of Stargazer was in honor among ancient peoples. And, for example, in Mesopotamia step pyramids-ziggurats were erected for astronomical observations.
Origin The word “Zodiac” in translation from Greek literally means “animal circle”, and “circle of animals”, but the origin of this concept is associated not with Greece, but with a more ancient civilization – Mesopotamia. Here, between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, the oldest civilization on Earth – Sumerian – emerged. Its representatives laid the foundations of science, and many of their achievements are still used today.
For example, it was the Sumerians who divided an hour into 60 minutes, a circle into 360 degrees, and established a seven-day week – according to the number of planets available for observation before the invention of the telescope (the Sun and Moon were also included in this number). One of the most important activities of the Sumerian sages was the observation of the celestial sphere. Having noticed that the Sun makes a full circle on it every year, they began to use this phenomenon for counting time. The Sumerian counting system was duodecimal, so the belt along which the Sun moves during the year was divided into 12 parts, each of which corresponded to a certain constellation.
It turned out that day by day the zenith point shifts relative to the celestial sphere. After a year, the Sun returns to its former position, describing a full circle in the sky. The constellations through which this circle passes are called the Zodiac. The word comes from the Greek word “zoon” (“living being”, “animal”). From the same word comes the name of the science of zoology. What does this have to do with animals? Yes, because the constellations that the Sun visits during the year are almost all named after animals or living beings. These constellations:
Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.
The Sun enters the territory of each constellation on the 22nd day of each month and leaves for the next constellation on the 22nd day of the following month. For example, the Sun is in Aries from March 22 to April 21, in Taurus from April 22 to May 21, and in the constellation of Scorpio from October 22 to November 21.
What purpose pursued Sumerian sages, creating the doctrine of the zodiacal circle? Initially – purely utilitarian: counting time. It was an agricultural calendar, each zodiacal period of the year corresponded to the time of any agricultural work or other circumstances with which the names of constellations were associated: Taurus – the beginning of plowing (plowing on bulls); Libra – the time after the harvest, when the grain is weighed; Aquarius – the rainy season.
Similarly, each sign was conceptualized. But science in Mesopotamia was practiced by priests, and the religion of that time had a strong magical beginning, so astrology was born together with astronomy: they tried to predict the future according to the signs of the Zodiac. This system was adopted by ancient Greece and inherited from it by medieval Europe and the modern world.
Thousands of people are born on earth who have similar character traits, motives of actions, and stereotypes of behavior. Astrologers explain such similarity by an indisputable fact – the date of birth, the influence of the position of the celestial luminaries on the fate of man.
At the moment of a person’s birth celestial bodies occupy a certain place concerning the Sun. The annual path of the Sun among the stars is conventionally divided into twelve equal parts, which are designated by certain symbols of constellations close to them, called the signs of the Zodiac. Each sign of the Zodiac has its period of validity:
Each Zodiac sign is patronized by one or two planets: Aries – Mars, Taurus – Venus, Gemini – Mercury, Cancer – Moon, Leo – Sun, Virgo – Mercury, Libra – Venus, Scorpio – Mars and Pluto, Sagittarius – Jupiter, Capricorn – Saturn, Aquarius – Uranus and Saturn, Pisces – Jupiter and Neptune.
These planets give people certain character traits:
Zodiac signs have the nature of the four elements: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. People born under the signs of one element have similar temperaments and common physiological and mental characteristics:
At all times astrologers have seen the universe in miniature in man. Certain organs and body parts correspond to the signs of the Zodiac in the Cosmos: Aries – head, Taurus – neck, Gemini – arms, Cancer – chest, Leo – back, Virgo – stomach, Libra – lower back, Scorpio – genitals, Sagittarius – buttocks, thighs, Capricorn – knees, Aquarius – calves, Pisces – feet.
Studying the characteristics of people belonging to a certain sign of the Zodiac, it should be remembered that a person born in one of the last three days of the period of this or that sign, borrows the character traits of the next sign of the Zodiac.
Zodiac signs by month of birthday can tell you a lot about people. All signs have their nature and peculiarities that will tell you how to find your path to success. Astrology will help you to understand the mysteries of zodiac signs.
Astrology is a doctrine that describes the influence of the planets on people’s lives, their present and future. The main tool of astrology is the horoscope. It reflects the characteristics of the location of the planets at a certain point in time concerning the signs of the zodiac. Each planet affects a person differently.
The Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars are the personal planets. They are closest to the Earth and therefore move through the zodiac the fastest. Even if people are born on the same day a few minutes apart, the personal planets can have very different effects on them.
Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are the higher planets. They are farther from the Earth than the others, so they change their position slowly. The higher planets determine the characteristic features of entire generations.
The 12 zodiac signs are divided into 4 elements: Fire, Air, Earth, and Water. Each element leaves its imprint on the characteristics of the signs. Signs on the circle are located in such a way that when the signs of one element are united, a triangle-trigon is formed. In addition to the elements, the zodiacal circle is divided into crosses – depending on the dynamics of the psyche of the group they are divided into cardinal (strong-willed, purposeful Aries, Capricorn, Cancer, Libra), fixed (stable, not prone to sudden changes Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) and mutable (fickle, maneuvering in the waters of life Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces).
Each sign of the zodiac is named after the constellation to which the Sun is closest in the current period: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.
There’s a reason for this. Neighboring planets affect the character of the representatives of the sign, and are responsible for ambition, giftedness, and propensity for various activities.
The patron planets of the zodiac signs:
In addition to the zodiac sign that determines the Sun at the time of your birth, you also have an Ascendant. This is the sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at a particular time over the place where you were born. While the Sun sign sets your inner worldview, the ascendant determines how others perceive you, how you interact with others, and how you show yourself.
Each sign has its own set of archetypes, similar to each other. Roughly speaking, astrologers perceive the world as a theater, arranged by the Universe itself, where each person is assigned one or another role, which he plays according to a predetermined script.
Representatives of this sign are purposeful and usually know what they want. However, due to excessive pressure, they do not always get everything. Aries are passionate, temperamental, honest, and courageous people, thanks to which everything that surrounds them is filled with drive and energy.
This sign is both modest and romantic, thanks to Venus, the planet of love. Taurus, as a rule, are reliable, strong, patient, and responsible people. But sometimes they can be stubborn, indifferent, and jealous. Taurus is a loyalist, cultivator, and preserver.
A savvy and intelligent sign, for whom it is important to constantly learn something and communicate with someone. They can empathize and sympathize. However, due to excessive energy, they become restless and are unable to make decisions and focus on one thing for a long time. Gemini is the mediator, actor, and trickster.
Of the best qualities in Cancer can be identified creativity and sensitivity, of the worst – the habit of manipulating someone and being pessimistic. Although representatives of this water sign are homebodies by nature, they will never refuse an exciting trip. Cancer simultaneously assumes the role of parent, child, and nurturer.
Leos, ruled by the Sun and Fire, truly behave like kings or queens of the jungle in life. This sign can be a true leader – creative and active, but it is also inherently dramatic, shy, selfish, and arrogant at times. Leo is seen as king and creator. Lions know better than anyone how to “follow your heart” and not be afraid to do so.
Virgos are known for their attention to detail, logic, and pragmatism. This sign is deeply loyal, kind, and generous to people. However, there are negative sides to Virgo. Representatives of this sign like to criticize themselves and others, as well as worry about nothing and work more than they should, forgetting about rest and entertainment.
This sign respects the personal space of another person and knows how to listen. Knows what and when to say, and when it is better to keep silent. Representatives of this sign, as a rule, are very kind, diplomatic, caring, and generous people who try to do only the right thing. But they also tend to hold a grudge and not take responsibility, even if they become a participant in some conflict.
This is a bright and perceptive zodiac sign. However, despite this energy, they often give the impression of withdrawn people. Calm and relaxed – this is the atmosphere that representatives of this sign like to create around them, regardless of how they feel. Scorpio is a transformer, a “gray cardinal.”
Those born under this zodiac sign do not like to obey, because of this they are often on their wavelength. In astrology, representatives of this sign are considered cheerful and charismatic adventurers with their philosophy, the essence of which is to make this life a little better. Sagittarius is a teacher and philosopher.
Known for their responsibility, discipline, and sense of tact, Capricorns tend to have successful careers. But in family and love, there can be problems with them because of Capricorns’ excessively demanding nature – they put too high expectations on those around them. Representatives of this sign are strong and resilient people who like to achieve goals.
Representatives of this sign are rebels, who as no one knows how to find solutions to old problems and penetrate the essence of what is important, without listening to the opinions of others. However, at times they can seem heartless and adamant. They have a hard time expressing their feelings. Aquarius – innovator and humanist.
At first glance, this sign may seem overly romantic and dreamy, but Pisces can also cool down quickly if they are offended or disrespected. Represented by two fish swimming in opposite directions, it seems that this sign always has to choose between one path or the other – sometimes reality and their fantasy world. Pisces are wise, generous, and have well-developed intuition, but because of their excessive gullibility, are often frightened and worried about something.
Aries dates (March 21 – April 19)
The prototype of the Aries symbol according to one of the versions was the hero of the ancient Greek myth – the golden ram. The sign simultaneously resembles a modified letter “V”, and the head of a ram, as a symbol of progressive power, courage and initiative, striving for life.
Taurus dates (April 20 – May 20)
The symbol of the Taurus sign resembles two horns placed on the circle. From the point of view of esotericism we have a combination of images of the circle (the sign of the Earth) and the semicircle (the sign of the Moon), which symbolizes the creation of matter and space.
Gemini dates (May 21 – June 20)
The sign of Gemini schematically looks like two letters “I” or the Roman double, at a glance revealing the duality of the character of people born under this sign. Division of matter into two parts as the division of the human soul in two – the background of the sign is multifaceted and ambiguous.
Cancer dates (June 21 – July 22)
The symbol of Cancer is similar to two claws and is also quite complex, it represents duality, but with a feminine character. The combination of femininity, self-sacrifice and perseverance turn the two arcs into two beginnings that give impetus for new life.
Leo dates (July 23 – August 22)
The symbol of Leo is an elegant and graceful curl with a circle at the end – is a direct reference to the Sun, which is the patron saint of this sign of the Zodiac. It reflects the Spirit and inner core, strength of character and bright creative abilities.
Virgo dates (August 23 – September 22)
The sign of Virgo is a stylized letter “M”. Sometimes the Virgo symbol acquires the image of three ears of wheat, which speaks about the connection of the sign with the Greek goddess Demeter, the patroness of nature, crops, fertility.
Libra dates (September 23 – October 22)
Libra is the only constellation personified by an inanimate object. Schematically its symbol exactly corresponds to its name and reflects the ideas of justice and balance. It is a symbol of the bifurcation of the spiritual and bodily, heavenly and earthly, the balance between the outer and inner world.
Scorpio dates (October 23 – November 21)
The sign of Scorpio is also very similar to the Latin letter “M”, but with a venomous stinger at the end. This speaks eloquently that Scorpio will stop at nothing to achieve its goal. Like Virgo, this zodiac sign exists in close interaction with energy flows, only more takes from the outside than gives to the outside world.
Sagittarius dates (November 22 – December 21)
A simple memorable symbol of Sagittarius is one of the arrows in Chiron’s quiver. In esoteric sense it is an arrow burning all karmic tails of a person, getting rid of the burden of the past and unnecessary responsibility. The same arrow gives a person a vector for further development.
Capricorn dates (December 22 – January 19)
Capricorn is one of the most mythical creatures of the zodiacal circle, appears to us in the image of the cheerful god Pan, although most often depicted in the form of his distant prototype – the Babylonian god Ea, who had the body of a goat with a fish tail. The symbol of Capricorn is the personification of wisdom, determination and courage, which help to overcome any obstacle.
Aquarius dates (January 20 – February 18)
The symmetrical Aquarius symbol is composed of two identical wavy lines, placed one above another, with the peaks drawn sharply. The first association with this symbol is, of course, the ocean waters, however, knowing that Aquarius is a sign of the Air, you can also interpret it as the windy waves. Interestingly, the two waves have not always been a symbol of this zodiac sign. Before the Aquarius was represented by a complex image of a man, pouring water from two jugs on a fish swimming beyond his figure.
Pisces dates (February 19 – March 20)
The Pisces symbol looks like two rounded brackets, drawn facing each other and connected by a thin horizontal line. According to one of the versions, it is a depiction of Aphrodite and Eros, whom Zeus turned into two fishes, but for a good reason — saving them from a monster. The other version says that the symbol denotes the conflict between the soul and consciousness, with which the representatives of the Zodiac sign live.
Astrology is popular and undoubtedly occupies an important place in our consciousness. At the same time, there are people who have polar positions towards this phenomenon: some believe in astrology fiercely, others no less vehemently refute it. However, even the opponents of astrology find it difficult to deny that this is one of the oldest knowledge, which has been accumulated for thousands of years from the observation of natural and cosmic phenomena. The first, most primitive astrological practices are reliably recorded as far back as 40 thousand years ago. The existence of predictive astrology in ancient Mesopotamia is documented.
In simple terms, the significance of astrology lies in the fact that the Sun, Moon, and planets of the solar system move visibly across the sky against the background of zodiac constellations, and the position of the planets, relative to specific constellations at the time of a person’s birth affects his fate. Believe it or not.
By analyzing the position of the luminaries at the right moment, astrologers can say a lot about a person, including his character, inclinations, and much more. Moreover, these data can be used to tell about the most probable turns of a person’s fate throughout life, because it is believed that each planet, being on the background of a particular constellation, affects the fate quite a certain way.