Overview of Chinese Astrology

The Chinese Zodiac is a complex system. It’s origins predate Buddhism. The Twelve Earthy Branches were created first. It is thought they were originally used to predict planting and harvest time.

Later, the Ten Heavenly Stems were created based on the Chinese myth that the Earth had ten suns. Each sun was supposed to rise each day, in order. They Ten Heavenly Stems were created during the Shang Dynasty to mark this cycle.

Today, these symbols overlay the Twelve Earthly Branches and are vital to both the Chinese calendar and the Chinese Zodiac. In the Zodiac, each Heavenly Stem has both a Yin and a Yang designation, and each Stem has a relationship with its Element. The Ten Heavenly Stems are their Element associations are as followed. (all Stems are listed in Pinyin).

ji? and y? – Element – Wood

b?ng and d?ng – Fire

wù and j?- Earth

g?ng and x?n– Metal

rén and gu?- Water

The person’s Yin or Yang is determined by the year of their birth, based on the Chinese calendar. Those years which end in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, or 8) are Yang. Odd years (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) are Yin.

It is very important to remember that the Chinese New Year falls on a different day from the Western New Year. Even though China recognizes the Western calendar, they do not use it for the purpose of traditional Chinese astrology. The Chinese set their holidays, astrology and celebrations based upon their traditional cyclidic calendar. Also, Chinese New Year is based on the flow of the cycles. It is not the same day or date each year, but always falls somewhere in the months of either January or Febrary. For this reason, many people who have birthdays in either of those months may have incorrectly drawn charts.

Natal chart

In astrology, your natal chart (sometimes called birthchart) is a graph that shows the positions of the planets and astrological houses in the sky at the moment of your birth. Your natal chart is much more detailed and accurate than your horoscope. A popular horoscope considers only the position of the Sun, whereas your natal chart includes hundreds of pieces of data. Mark Twain once said: The difference between a good word and the right word is like the difference between fire and firefly. Similarly, your popular horoscope may hold some hints of truth, but your natal chart tells us the real story of your natural personality.

Analyzing the planetary positions and relationships in your natal chart affords a remarkably profound and revealing glimpse into your natural character, with its inherent strengths and weaknesses. Among other things, your natal chart will tell you: A) what type of partner and relationship you seek and will be best matched with, B) what type of job or career your natural strengths and weaknesses are best suited for, and C) obstacles that need to be overcome in your life. Most importantly, your natal chart will help you to understand your desires, motivations, and why you are the way that you are.

For a natal chart to be accurate, we must know the exact positions of the stars at the exact moment of your birth. Since the houses of the zodiac revolve one degree every four minutes, an accurate time of birth is necessary to determine your Ascendant sign and some planetary

aspects. Although you can generate a natal chart without these highly time-sensitive positions included, to have a more accurate chart that is generated with an exact time and place of birth.

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Virgo

Now sometimes, we’re not too sure just how right-on these astrological profiles are. I mean, consider Virgo (August 23 – September 22), your intrepid author’s sign. Virgos are universally considered to be very buttoned-down, methodical and detail-oriented. Geesh. Meticulous and reliable. I have to wonder if my mother didn’t lie about my birthdate. I’m about as flaky and they come and as far as methodical is concerned, I never do anything the same way twice.

Anyway, for you archetypical Virgos, here’s your profile, according to the experts.

Now intelligent and analytical, we can agree with. It does say that we’re shy and can be difficult to land as a partner. Maybe that’s why we’re writing this on a Saturday night when all those Aquarius and Pisces are out there living it up.

The age of Virgo in the astrologers’ Great Year took place circa 13000-10750 BCE. Not too much going on there. It was the end of the Ice Age (well, we’re also considered cool and aloof – it figures). It was also marked by spawning the hunter-gatherer culture and clay pottery has been discovered in artifacts from this period of time. This also marked the first use of agriculture by Man…er, WOMAN. Virgo IS represented by a woman, you know. The only zodiac sign that does so.

The best match for Virgo is Capricorn and the worst is Aquarius. One thing some experts say about the Virgo is that while they appear cool and aloof on the outside, they may be hiding emotion that is almost too intense. We’re so grateful someone recognizes this that we may have to briefly disappear and weep in a corner somewhere for a few minutes.

Some of our favorite authors and other celebrated figures were also Virgos. Leonard Bernstein, Mary Godwin Shelley (author of “Frankenstein”), Margaret Trudeau and…Mickey Mouse!

Chinese Lunar Calendar

Prior to adoption of the Western solar calendar system, China exclusively followed a lunar calendar in determining the times of planting, harvesting, and festival occasions. Though today people in China use the western calendar for most practical matters of daily life, the old system still serves as the basis for determining numerous seasonal holidays. This coexistence of two calendar systems has long been accepted by the people of China.

A lunar month is determined by the period required for the moon to complete its full cycle of 29 and a half days, a standard that makes the lunar year a full 11 days shorter than its solar counterpart. This difference is made up every 19 years by the addition of seven lunar months. The 12 lunar months are further divided into 24 solar divisions distinguished by the four seasons and times of heat and cold, all bearing close relationship to the yearly cycle of agricultural work.

The Chinese calendar - like the Hebrew - is a combined solar/lunar calendar in that it strives to have its years coincide with the tropical year and its months coincide with the synodic months. It is not surprising that a few similarities exist between the Chinese and the Hebrew calendar: An ordinary year has 12 months, a leap year has 13 months. An ordinary year has 353, 354, or 355 days, a leap year has 383, 384, or 385 days. When determining what a Chinese year looks like, one must make a number of astronomical calculations:

First, determine the dates for the new moons. Here, a new moon is the completely black moon (that is, when the moon is in conjunction with the sun), not the first visible crescent used in the Islamic and Hebrew calendars. The date of a new moon is the first day of a new month.

Traits of the Rooster

The tenth sign in the circle of Chinese astrological chart is the Rooster. Like the reputation of its namesake, people born under this sign are usually pretentious, and conceited.

Roosters are almost always preoccupied with their looks. You will never find a rooster with a hair out place, and they are always perfectly dressed. They are attractive, and they like to dress to impress.

Those born to the rooster will be the first to notice when you wear a new outfit. And, when they say you look stunning, they mean it. On the other hand, they are just as likely to notice and comment when you’re not looking your best.

For all this preoccupation with looks, the rooster is equally hard on himself. “You’re your own worst critic” describes the rooster perfectly.

Roosters love to be in the middle of everything. They truly shine when all attention is on them. Throwing a dinner party for fifty of their closest friends is fun and relaxing for them. Don’t forget to bring along a friend or two, as well. Roosters love meeting and impressing new people. They thrive on the unexpected.

Attention to detail is their strong point. Roosters revel in the opportunity to show off their skills with small details. Those with the rooster sign make wonderful lawyers and doctors.

Roosters are typically traight-forward in their dealings with other people. You can always count on them to give an honest opinion. Sometimes to a fault. Their lack of tact can leave others feeling hurt and offended, athough that is not usually the rooster’s intention.

On the other side, rooster people are wise, and compassionate. They are confident in their opinions and judgments. Brave and willing to help, roosters are good people to have on your side during a row of bad luck.

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Traits of Pisces

The last sign, Pisces, the two dancing fish, is the most deep and sensitive sign of them all. Ruled by both Jupiter and Neptune, Pisceans are creative and adaptable, but not very organized. Traditionally, Pisces is considered to be at the highest spiritual plane.

Pisces is the ultimate artist of the Zodiac. There are more Piscean poets than any other sign, and their empathy for others is legendary. No other sign is better able to understand another’s pain like Pisces. At the same time, Pisces is the most free-spirited of all the Signs, too.

The empathy of a Pisces makes them not only artists, but also perfectly suits them for nursing and medical careers.

All of the Water signs—Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces—are sensitive. But the other two have one thing that Pisceans lack, and that’s the hard outer shell. Pisces do not have the natural defenses around their sensitivity, and when insulted or hurt, will often “swim away” and hide. Pisces is very good at withdrawing from the world or turning invisible.

There is a bright side to that invisibility talent, though. It manifests as an almost chameleon-like ability to fit in. Pisces will happily join into their mate’s hobby—not because they’re interested in the hobby itself, but because learning it allows them to understand their mate better.

Many Pisceans are fascinated with movies and photography. There’s a natural affinity there, because film—like Pisces—is very sensitive and picks up everything it sees.

The Piscean’s sense of style is practically none at all. Pisces is far more concerned with spiritual enlightenment than on the annoying little detail of whether or not their socks match. Personal style is trivial and meaningless in a monastery. Far more important than style is the emotion attached to things; the furniture may not match, but the battered rocking chair that Aunt Edna told her stories from, that’s important, it stays put.

Astrology And Its Influences

Taking much of the country by surprise, and causing a great number of negative reactions, was when it became publicly-known that then-president Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy not only frequently consulted an astrologer, but based numerous important decisions on astrology, such as Reagan's chances in the 1976 presidential election, and his eventual choice of George Bush as his vice-president. While governor of California, Ronald Reagan signed into law a new chapter and section of the government code, which granted astrologers the right to practice astrology for compensation. Even more surprising was learning that a number of previous presidents had also followed this practice as well as such famous world-leaders as Winston Churchill.

Celebrities are also known to believe in and follow the paths of astrology when deciding the course of their careers, often being quite outspoken about their beliefs. David Coverdale, of the popular group Whitesnake, has commented that he and his wife rigorously follow astrology; actor Robert Downey, Jr., and singer Britney Spears are also amongst those who consult astrologers on a regular basis. J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books series, liberally sprinkles astrological symbolism in her material. "Astrologers to the stars" occasionally become as much in the spotlight of the public eye as the stars who consult them.

If world-renowned politicians and stars in the entertainment industry have been placing so much value on the subject of astrology, is it any wonder that many average Americans are doing likewise? A recent Harris Poll has concluded that at least thirty-one percent of Americans have some degree of belief in astrology nearly half of these being in the twenty-five to twenty-nine-year old age group, with the belief in this practice falling to fourteen percent for those over sixty-five years of age.

The highest percentages of American adults who believe in astrology as being a valid and significant influence in one's life are women, democrats, and those who have a high school or less education-- yet even Benjamin Franklin professed and wrote about his own personal belief in astrology, which illustrates that this subject is by no means limited to any certain categories of individuals, and that its popularity is most definitely not new, as it has long been embraced by well-known, respected people in all fields.

Astrology is described as studying the celestial bodies in relation to their influence on natural events and human experiences. It is called pseudoscience, proven science, superstition, anti-Christian, and a host of other descriptions based primarily on individual viewpoints on the subject. But for celebrities, politicians, world leaders, and a large segment of the population of average citizens alike, it is frequently a very strong influencing factor in people's lives.

The Importance of Astrology

Many people do not recognize the importance of astrology. Astrology is an important part of history, as well as our daily lives. Astrology can also predict future events to some degree. It influences our moods, the moods of others, and the reactions that we have to everyday occurrences.

The importance of astrology was well known to people of ancient history. Maps of the stars and evidences of the use of astrology in daily life have been found in pre-historic cave drawings, ancient manuscripts, and Egyptian pyramids. The most recent, and possibly the most astounding, discovery about astrology in history involves the birth of Christ according to the Christian bible.

It has been determined that the star of Bethlehem was actually an astrological event, consisting of many stars and astrological meanings. Scientists and astrologists now believe that it was not a star at all. The wise men from the east understood that the major event would happen in Judah based on the alignment of planets within the constellation of the Lion. In other words, the wise men used astrology to discern the event of the birth, not a star.

The importance of astrology is still well known to many cultures. The people of India and China put great stock in astrology even today. They practice the art of astrology in their daily lives, and base major decisions on the science.

In the Western world, astrology has become more of a form of entertainment. Horoscopes based on sun signs are published in every major newspaper and magazine across the United States. Horoscope scrolls and booklets can be purchased in most supermarket checkout lanes. And so-called astrologists charge $1.99 per minute to get your astrological reading over the phone.

But many people do not understand that astrology in its truest form is actually of the utmost importance. Astrology is quite simply the study of the planets and stars and their influence on our lives. These influences are quite real.

Have you ever noticed that around the time of the new moon you have difficulty making decisions? The phases of the moon actually affect our minds and emotions much more than many people realize. This is only a small part of the importance of astrology.

Perhaps you have noticed that your moods change drastically during stretches of time that seem to have no pattern at all. A study of the planetary movements or alignments during those times might reveal that a pattern actually does exist. The position of the planets in your astrological chart at any given time can be viewed in relation to their position in your birth chart. These comparisons can show reasons for changes in mood and daily reactions to events.

In short, the importance of astrology lies in the direct influence that the moon, sun, and stars play in our lives. Our lives are affected by many people and events. These people and events are influenced by astrology as much as you are.

When you understand how astrology affects others and yourself, you can begin to use the knowledge of those influences to your benefit. When your astrological chart shows that your emotions will be unsteady for a few days, you can put off major decisions until that time has passed. In reality, the importance of astrology is really the importance of your life.

Issues And Problems About Astrology

Current and longstanding issues on the subject of astrology consist of a wide range of arguments about its negative, destructive nature in general, as well as negative, destructive practices which are alleged to be associated with it. While on the practical end of the spectrum one might be duly cautioned about such factors as unscrupulous individuals who claim to be knowledgeable and professional in the field of astrology while in fact are nothing more than con-artists attempting to scam curious and/or desperate potential clients into paying for their services, an equally-valid argument about the practice of astrology is that a person may be prone to becoming dependent, and using it in a negative manner, such as using "what the horoscope says" to rationalize or justify wrongful behavior and traits which they should be attempting to change.

However, in discussing arguments against the belief in and practice of astrology, there is nothing that holds more weight, power, and expressing of influence, than that of the religious sector known as Christian Fundamentalism. Although both the Old and the New Testaments contain detailed references to the belief in and practice of astrology, the fundamentalist interpretations of the subject are decidedly different from the references written in the Bible. While the Biblical references to astrology range, in various parts and situations, from pointless and benevolent to wrong to powerful, fundamentalism takes the angle that astrology is not only Godless but one-hundred-percent evil and demonically-inspired.

Preferring to categorize astrology in the same terms as other forms of the occult and supernatural phenomenon, Christian Fundamentalism believes and teaches that practices as simple as reading one's horoscope in the daily newspaper is a matter of opening oneself up to the evil spirits known as demons. Fundamentalists believe that in practicing astrology one is making himself to be a channel for demons and, therefore, open to all of the power and influence of satan himself.

Fundamentalist Christians place astrology in the same category as sorcery and enchantment, connecting the same negative view to all of these subjects. They state that if a person dabbles in astrology, he will soon find himself under the control of a "strange, evil power," ultimately becoming fatalistic and unconcerned about the prospect of his own death.

While some passages in the Bible may speak of the impotent nature of astrology, such as stating that an astrologer does not even have the power to save himself, much less anyone else; and that when relying on astrology one's focus shifts away from his reliance on God, it is generally just the fundamentalist segment of the population which deems the entire concept to be evil, and choosing to be influenced and led by satan. It may be interesting to note that the Bible itself, even where clearly stating the potentially-negative aspects of astrology, does not make any such connections.

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Traits of Sagittarius

If there was a “most likely to succeed” Zodiac sign, it would likely be Leo.

On the other hand, if there was a “most likely to put his foot in his mouth,” that would be Sagittarius.

He doesn’t mean to, of course. He does mean well. Sagittarius is the Archer, and every now and then, one of those arrows is totally off target. They are creatures of the extreme—either that arrow will hit perfectly, dead center, or it will rebound off the target directly back into the archer’s face.

Sagittarius thinks big. He doesn’t have time or patience for details, and that’s where his weakness lies—because such things as social graces and tact can fall into those “little details” sections. Likewise, a job that demands attention to detail, like assembly line work, would leave an Archer breaking his bow in impatience and frustration. Deep down, Sagittarius is the most insecure of all the signs.

The Archers are messy and scruffy, the “Oscar Madison” of the Zodiac. Ironing shirts and combing hair can easily become one of those little details, too. Don’t expect a neat and orderly house when there’s a Sagittarius living there.

Like the Centaur that the constellation Sagittarius represents, Archers love to travel. Even better is traveling in something as rough and ragged as they are, four wheel drive and covered in mud.

Archers do well in entertainment. They want to be liked, due to that deep insecurity, and they want an audience, because of their high level of pride.

Sagittarius generally leans one of two ways. One, they are intellectual, thinking big, well read, opinionated, and willing to debate for hours on end—though often having a problem admitting when they’re wrong. Or two, they thrive on athletic competition. If you want to spot the Sagittarius in the backyard football game, look for the muddiest member of the winning team.

Aspects of Astrology

There are many aspects of astrology that are not often considered by those who do not actually study the subject. Most people think that astrology consists of sun signs. However, there are many other aspects of astrology that must be considered for the art to be truly accurate and useful.

The Planets

There are ten planets studied in astrology. The number ten is arrived by adding the sun and the moon. The earth is not counted, because our perspective is from the earth. Each planet influences both the sun sign and the house in which it resides in the astrological chart.

Each planet represents the influence that it holds over the sun sign and the house in which it rules. Saturn, for example, represents the limitations of man. Jupiter represents leadership and prosperity. The other planets have their own representations and influences.

Planetary movements and alignments are also very important in astrology. Various planetary alignments and movements can indicate extreme influences over all aspects of our lives. For example, when Mars is in retrograde, conflicts will be more dominant in our lives.

The Houses

There are twelve houses in the Zodiac, or astrological chart. Each house represents an aspect of our lives such as romance, career, or family. The houses are very important in the interpretation of astrology. The house in which a planet resides shows what influences will be held over that aspect of our life.

Because there are twelve houses but only ten planets, each astrological chart will have two vacant houses. These vacant houses represent areas of the life that are unimportant in this life. It is believed that either you have been successful in that aspect of your life in another life, or other aspects of life are in more immediate need of attention than those represented by the vacant houses.

The Signs

The Zodiac sun signs are the most common aspect of astrology. There are twelve sun signs, based, roughly, on the months of the year. Each sun sign rules for approximately twenty eight days.

The twelve signs of the Zodiac are well known to most people. They include Capricorn, Sagittarius, Aquarius, Scorpio, Gemini, Libra, Leo, and Ares, among others. The sun signs are most often used to create typical horoscopes.

The Moon Signs

The moon also has twelve signs that are used in the interpretation of astrology, as well as the phases of the moon that are commonly known. The twelve signs of the moon are named after the twelve signs of the sun. However, these signs do not meet often.

The twelve signs of the moon circulate monthly rather than yearly. Therefore, each sign of the Zodiac occurs within its own sign of the moon one time each month. This may occur for one to three days. It is when the sun sign and moon sign are the same that the individual's mental clarity is at its peak.

When the sign of the moon is the opposite of the sun sign of the individual in question, conflict will ensue. Some phases of the moon are detrimental to decision making regardless of the sun sign held by the individual. In any case, the moon's energies and emotions influence the overall readings of the rest of the aspects of astrology.

How to use Astrology to Improve Relationships

Astrology is the study of the stars and their influence on our daily lives. The study of astrology can allow you to understand how these influences affect your life and the people around you. This can help you to better plan and deal with all of your relationships.

The first step in using astrology to improve your relationship is to obtain your own astrological birth chart. Your astrological birth chart and its interpretation can help you understand your origins and underlying forces behind your behavior and reactions to others. With further study of astrological influences you will begin to understand the best times for you to make decisions and work through problems that can occur in relationships.

The next step in using astrology to improve your relationships is to obtain the astrological birth chart of the people that you want to become closer to. These astrological birth charts and their interpretations will enable you to see some things about these people that you may have not yet seen. They will also allow you to learn more about their origins, and the events that may have occurred in their lives to bring them from this pure personality to the person that they are today.

With further study of the art of astrology you can learn how the various planets, planetary movements and alignments, the position of the sun and the moon affect your moods, reactions to events, and reactions to others. You will also be able to learn how these astrological influences affect the people that you have relationships with. This information will arm you with the necessary tools you will need in order to confront problems in relationships at the most opportune times.

The next step in using astrology to improve your relationships is to obtain software that will enable you to track planetary movements, planetary alignments, and other astrological phenomena. The most helpful astrology software will also provide descriptions of how these astrological phenomena will affect various signs and personalities. This information will allow to you plan discussions, events, and major decisions.

The best thing about using astrology to improve your relationships is that when you have all of this information you will be better prepared for your own emotions and reactions as well as those of the people in your relationships. This will allow you to understand the basis behind the actions, reactions, and emotions of these people. It can help you understand when you are the cause of a problem, when they are the cause of a problem, and when astrological influences are simply making resolution difficult.

When you have this information you are able to better communicate with the people in your relationships. You will know when to distance yourself emotionally from decisions, and when you are most likely to have conflict so that it can be avoided with effort. When you understand astrological influences on yourself and your loved ones you will be better prepared to deal with anything that comes your way.

Where to Find Books on Astrology

Many books containing horoscopes and the like are readily found. You see them in supermarket checkout lanes and on the shelves of bookstores. But the best books on astrology, those that actually explain all aspects of the art and how to apply them to your life, are harder to find.

The best way to find books on astrology is to visit a New Age or occult shop. When you visit these types of stores you will have two advantages to finding the books on astrology that you need. The first advantage is that these stores will only carry books on real astrology. You will not find mere horoscopes or books of sun signs on the shelves.

The second advantage is that you will have someone to help you find the books on astrology that are best for you. The attendant at the New Age or occult shop can easily point out books for the beginner, books for the avid astrologist, or books for those interested only in astrological concepts. Since books on astrology can be expensive, it is nice to know that you are leaving the store with exactly what you came for.

If you do not have a New Age or occult shop in your area you can find books on astrology on the internet. Doing a search for New Age books on astrology can bring up many online book stores. If you are unsure what you are looking for, you can email the store owner or help desk for information.

While you can find lots of books on astrology at Amazon.com, it is best to visit websites of e-commerce New Age book stores first. Amazon.com will list hundreds of books on astrology, but not all of them are realistic or helpful. Many of the books will negate to mention aspects other than sun signs. Other books will be strictly horoscopes.

This is not to say that you cannot find real books on astrology at Amazon. There are many great books available on the website. However, if you are not sure what you are looking for it can be difficult to determine the best books on astrology from the mere entertainment.

There can be a couple of advantages to buying books on astrology from websites such as Amazon.com and EBay. Sometimes you can find used books on these websites that contain extensive notes from experienced astrologers. These notes can often be extremely helpful in learning the art, and filling in the blanks left by most books on astrology.

The other advantage to buying used books on astrology is that they are significantly less expensive. The best books on astrology are rather large, and can often cost around fifty dollars or more. When you buy these same books used you can often save as much as thirty or forty dollars.

Another way that you can find books on astrology is to visit a large book store such as Barnes and Noble. You will have a better chance of finding books on astrology in these book stores than in smaller book stores. However, you are more likely to find horoscope books than true astrology handbooks on these shelves.

Traits of the Horse

The seventh house of the Chinese Zodiac is the Horse.

Like a wild mustang, horse people are said to be independent, and confident. They tend to be free spirits who need ample space to run free. They intensely dislike feeling confined or penned up.

Horse people are good at thinking on their feet. This tendency to be quick witted combined with natural horse sense means prosperity, luck and happiness are the horse’s pasture.

Giving, attentive and good listeners, horse people make great friends and partners. They are gentle with the thoughts and feelings of others. Although, horse people tend to get excited and aren’t very good at keeping secrets. They don’t mean to betray trust, their enthusiasm just get the best of them. Horses are known for their honesty and determination. Horse people know how to set a goal and achieve it.

Known for being intelligent, most horse people will tell you they are cunning, not smart. They’re great with numbers and have a natural aptitude for recognizing patterns.

Horse people are the life of the party, the center of attention, and they love every minute of it.

Do you have an innovative new idea? Go find horse person to share it with. They will be the first to tell you how wonderful it is. And, they’re excitement will help spur you into action. Who knows, maybe some of their wonderful horse wisdom and advice will give you a start on making your idea a reality.

Of course, all this energy, enthusiasm, and spontaneity can lead the horse astray. They are prone to jumping from one great idea to the next, without finishing much.

Carefree and persuasive, you’d never guess that the horse does such a great job of hiding their inner feelings and doubts about themselves or their abilities. Also, those born under the sign of the horse will do very well to avoid those who carry the sign of the Rat. It could lead to explosive results

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How Astrology Can Be Helpful In Your Life

Astrology can be much more than an entertainment, it can also be very helpful to you in many situations and many areas of your life. Astrology can be beneficial when you are confronted with difficulties, dilemmas, and questions; and it will also serve a good purpose in your average, everyday life. If you have either specific problems or merely general, basic concerns, gaining insight into astrology will help provide you with the answers you may be searching for.

Many people first develop an interest in astrology because they wish to know about their futures what is on their particular horizon, what to expect in the day ahead or the coming weeks, months, or even longer. But while this surely is one of the most interesting aspects of astrology, it becomes even better when you are advised that the wealth of information which is presented to you in your readings is not solid, unchangeable fact, but rather more like a map which, with assistance and determination, you can learn to navigate. Your readings will tell you what is likely to occur but it is your responses to each set of circumstances in your everyday life which will determine the ultimate outcome. Being able to know the "possible future" in advance can be a great help when you are making your daily choices and decisions.

The subject of relationships is a topic-of-interest to many people who consult astrology for information and advice. Regardless of your relationship-status, astrology can be helpful. If you are in a longterm, committed relationship, such as marriage, astrology can assist you in better understanding your mate, and better communication. If you are considering a special person as a "potential," astrology can help you to determine whether you and your special person are compatible. If you are, as many who become astrology-curious are, wishing for there to be a significant person in your life, it can help you gain a better view to what type of person you are looking for, and what kind of person would be best for you.

Whether you opt for the generalized horoscopes in your daily newspaper or to consult with a professional astrologer, astrology will give you a much clearer view into your own personality and its workings. While it may sound odd, or even impossible, that being born under a certain sign almost universally points toward specific personality traits and characteristics, if you do a bit of investigating into what your sign states about you, you may be surprised at how accurate this information is! In addition, when this information is directly in front of you to look at, you will then have the opportunity to decide if there are traits and characteristics which you wish to affect some degree of change upon, as well as seeing all of the positive aspects of your personality and focus on them to make choices for such factors as what type of career you are best suited for.

Astrology is also handy when it comes to relating to other people. Upon learning the personality characteristics of your own sign, and following that with the traits of those with whom you interact in your everyday life, you can achieve a better grasp on the dynamics of interacting. Learning about how each person's sign-determined personality traits affect their interactions with others will be a great asset in understanding your family members, coworkers, and others in your daily life. It will help you to appreciate each person's strengths; and it will also help you in avoiding possible friction; therefore creating better relationships and better communication.

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Skeptics

Skeptics of Astrology often say that horoscope readings are so general they could apply to anyone; and that people will look for what they want to see and ignore what doesn't seem true for them, thus deluding themselves that the horoscope is accurate.

This skepticism would most likely be eliminated if the skeptic actually looked at a real horoscope done by a competent professional astrologer, using his unique time and place of birth. But in this second part of the series, we'll look at an example of how a skeptic of Astrology can come to a false conclusion and go on saying that Astrology is bunk or fake to others - by NOT using a real horoscope to prove his point.

Although astrology will always have its skeptics, they should consider some of the following before making up their minds.

---Astrology probably gave birth to Astronomy. There is nothing supernatural about casting a horoscope, most of it is done according to precise astronomical and mathematical principles.

--Many famous scientists have been into Astrology:  Tyco Brahe, Karl Jung, Kepler, Huxley, and Copernicus. Many others remain anonymous.

--Astrologers do not necessarily believe in fate. They believe the stars impel not compel.

-- There are 10,000 practicing paid Astrologers and millions of horoscope followers. There are hundreds of books on the topic. Only 10 percent of Americans believe there can't be anything to it.

--. Many astrologers believe in a natural synchronicity between the stars and events. Other countries place even more value in it.

--It is an undisputed scientific fact that the planets have a measurable magnetic, gravitational and electromagnetic influence on the earth. Most people agree that bizarre behavior tends to peak on full moons.

--Astrology is not limited to natal. There is also electional, horary, mundane, medical, meteorological, Chinese 12 year and millennial.

--The vast majority of those who look at their own chart (not just a newspaper column) find uncanny accurate hits.

A History of Western Astrology

The history of Astrology begins around 2000 BCE, in ancient Babylon.  There, they began to develop a complex system of celestial omens.  The priests used the positions of the planets and the stars to state the desires of the gods.  They would document the movements in the sky and the earthly activities that followed them, and build a list of good and bad omens.  For example, if a full moon and a cloudy sky were followed by a great victory over an enemy the next day, then "full moon with clouds" would be recorded as a good omen.  Over time, this system spread across the ancient world.

The Egyptians were very focused on astronomy, with good reason.  The Sun and Sirius were used to predict when the Nile would flood.  Traditionally, Rameses II is known for defining several of the signs of the Zodiac.

Horoscopic Astrology made its first appearance in Alexandrian Egypt.  This new version of Babylonian and Egyptian astrology focused on the positions of the planets and constellations at the time of a person's birth.  Ptolemy codified the system in his work Tetrabiblos, and very little has changed to this day.

Through the middle ages, astrology and astronomy were almost interchangeable.  The majority of the early astronomical observations of sun, moon, and planets were all done by astrologers.  Where much of astrology was forgotten in Europe during the dark ages, the Persians kept the knowledge alive, and returned it to Europe with the Renaissance.

With the Scientific Revolution starting in the 17th century, however, the two began to split apart, with astronomy becoming a science and astrology viewed more as occult superstition.

In the twentieth century, astrology became popular in the United States around 1900 to 1950.  Astrology writers also tried to simplify some of the more confusing parts, which made astrology more available to the general public.  As a result, today there is a market for astrology books and "sun-sign" predictions.

Aries

Aries the Ram (March 21 to April 20) is called the first sign of the Zodiac. We think of the beginning of the year as January, because that’s the start of the new calendar year. But this is the Zodiac year, remember, and is governed by matters more celestial than mundane! March 21 is the Spring equinox, which signifies the beginning of the Zodiac year. And when you think about it, this makes sense. Spring is the time of renewal and rebirth.

If you are born under this sign, you can tend to have the same traits as a young ram. Enthusiastic, adventurous, forthright and energetic. You’re courageous and confident. You could be a little impulsive though, right. Maybe something of a daredevil. Where the world be though, without daredevils, willing to strike out and do something completely different. Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most famous Aries ever born. Think of some other famous Arians, such as Thomas Jefferson, Booker T. Washington, Francis Ford Coppola, Jane Goodall and Marlon Brando. None of them afraid to break new ground; all of them changed the world or their chosen fields in some way.

People born under the Aries sign are passionate lovers and intense friends. They risk driving people away with their intensity and need partners that can match them without fueling the fire and creating explosive situations.

Arians make good doctors, athletes and explorers. This isn’t to say that people born under the sign of the Ram are all action, though. They have a softer, lamb-like side as well and if you’re an Aries, make sure you draw on this side of yourself as well when dealing with other people. You may have difficulty in certain jobs, because you’re an idea person and the person to get things started rather than finish them up. Surround yourself with people who can supplement these traits and you’re sure to be a success.

Planning the Chart

The actual drawing of a horoscope is very simple in theory, but carries a variety of complex calculations. The horoscope chart can be considered a two-dimensional snapshot of a four-dimensional concept—because the horoscope is meant to not only track the locations of the planets in space, but to tie them down to an exact time, also. It’s a snapshot of the solar system at the moment a person was born.

First, and most important, we need to know the exact place and time that a person was born. Obviously, not every detail will be known, but the more accurate the better. The time has to be calculated against GMT, or Greenwich Mean Time, and the location has to be translated into latitude and longitude.

Why is location important? Because one of the most important aspects of the horoscope is the Ascendant, or the constellation that was rising at the birth. That constellation is different depending on where the birth happens. Two people born at the exact same moment on opposite sides of the planet will not have the same horoscope.

Next, the astrologer draws a circle (or, in a more modern setting, hits the “print” button). This circle represents the twelve signs of the Zodiac and the Houses they rule.

The last thing needed is an Ephemeris. This is a chart that tells the locations of the planets on a given day.

With all of these pieces in front of the astrologer, he or she is now ready to create the chart. Using the Ephemeris, the location of each planet is calculated and noted. The Sun and Moon, though not really planets, are still counted as such for purposes of the chart. Each planet will fall into one of the twelve Houses.

After that, lines are drawn to connect the planets so that their angles (called Aspects) can be measured. Close aspects—the Conjunctions—have an amplifying effect, making their influence stronger, and wide aspects, called Oppositions, have a countering effect.

Once all of the drawings are done, the astrologer can write out the results, in language like “Mercury is in your house of Health, conjunct to Venus in the house of Children.”

Greeks – fundamental astrology

Greek astrology is often, and more properly, referred to as Hellenistic astrology. It actually originated in Egypt at some point after the conquest by Alexander the Great and the beginning of the Christian era. Hellenistic astrology also comprises Byzantine and Roman astrology. It’s therefore more a reference to the general geographic area and an era in history, rather than to one particular society or culture.

While Hellenistic astrology can’t be linked to any one individual or culture, it is the root of all modern, or Western astrology. There are numerous documents written in Greek, although some are written in Latin, that are devoted to natal astrology. This is the branch of astrology that concerns the individual. Part of the reason that it’s difficult to source these documents to any one individual or culture is that they span a period of time of about 800 years.

But that doesn’t mean that important Greek philosophers and scientists haven’t been part of the development of astrology. Hippocrates used astrological interpretations as part of his medical diagnostic system. Pythagoras studied in Egypt, and while nothing in writing exists of Pythagoras’ theories, he is attributed with stating that the Earth, Planets and fixed stars revolved around the sun, thousands of years before Galileo! Later though, his theory was refuted by Aristotle who declared that the Earth was the centre of the world.

Following Alexander’s conquest of Mesopotamia, Greek astrology began to take on a more personal approach. The Zodiac and planets being made to correspond to figures from their mythology; the Stoic philosophers are especially receptive to astrology. Greek astrology influences the metaphysical astrology of India. In approximately 70 BCE, the Greeks devised the first personal horoscope based on time of birth and in 30 BCE, the Emperor Augustus had his horoscope charted and interpreted by Thrasyllus.

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Traits of Virgo

 

Shy, reserved, and sensitive, Virgo is complex, intellectual, and perfectionist.  Virgos tend to be punctual, organized, and disciplined, and these, on top of the shyness, all lead people to believe that Virgo is also cool and uncaring.  Nothing could be further from the truth, as Virgo is almost as sensitive as Cancer or Pisces.

 

Shyness tends to hurt the Virgo in relationships.  Some people will confuse shyness with coldness, and assume Virgo wants to be left alone, and keep their distance.  This isn’t necessarily true.  The Virgo wants company, but she’s picky about just who that company will be.  And even then, she will be more comfortable chatting about work or current events than anything personal.

 

Virgo is ruled by Mercury, which means Virgos are ruled by their head as opposed to their hearts.  They tend towards skills in logic and analysis, making them quite capable scientists, writers, and editors.  When they set out to do something, they set out to be the best.

 

Unfortunately, the perfectionist strength of Virgo is also her greatest weakness.  Virgos tend to be their own worst critics, beating themselves silly until either they achieve their goal of being the best…or they quit in frustration.  That same critical streak can interfere with relationships, as well, since many partners don’t appreciate the perfectionist criticisms that can come from their Virgo partner.  This means that the few people who manage to break through the Virgo’s shyness and cool exterior are often presented with someone who expects perfection from them, just like they expect from themselves.

 

Virgos tend to keep a neat and clean house, and are the sign most likely to have an alphabetized CD collection.

 

Virgos tend to dress in ways that compliment both their shy attitude and their perfectionist outlook.  They don’t wear colors that will draw attention to them, and their clothes will match.  They tend to blend into the crowd.

Traits of the Rat

The ancients considered the rat to be a protector. It was thought to bring material wealthy and prosperity. Aggression, charm, death, wealth, pestilence, order, war, and the occult were all ruled by the rat.

Those born under the sign of the rat are said to be leaders. The rat is the first sign of the Chinese Zodiac, through cunning and manipulation, it is said, the rat was the first animal to reach Buddha when he called the animals together.

Organized and intelligent, rat people are strong willed and ambitious. They tend to adapt easily to new situations and environments.

However, charming as they may be on the outside, Rat people are also known to be cold and calculating, even cruel if that is what is need to reach their goal or promote there personal agenda.

Intelligent, and passionate, Rats make friends easily and tend to chose friends carefully. They are practical and hardworking and have tight control over their emotions. Rats do not trust easily, but are fiercely loyal to those few who manage to win their trust. Sometimes, however that loyalty can get them in trouble. Rat people are usually quick tempered and vengeful. They will not thing twice about seeking revenge when they, or someone they love is wronged.

Rats tend to value money and power and will usually use any means at their disposal to acquire what they want.

Rats fair in business and become injured when others are not. A Rat who feels they have been deceived is a rat who will look for ways to get revenge.

Those born under the sign of the Rat will do well to learn patience, tolerance. They should be patient with themselves as well.

Rat people tend to be perfectionists and easily become obsessed with the minor, often unimportant details of daily life. In order to build their sense of self and worth, time spend in relaxation is important.

Tropical astrology

Tropical Astrology is the old astrological division of the sky. When the Zodiac was invented, the position of the constellations were written down. But since then, the whole Zodiac has shifted almost a whole sign due to the Precession, so whoever was once born a Virgo, is now probably born a Leo - with the personality changes that come with it. Tropical Astrology ignores this, and keeps using the old tables - which have nothing to do with where the planets actually are in the sky.

Sidereal Astrology acknowledges the problem with the shifting signs, but digs itself deeper into the ludicrous: The more sidereal astrologers try to follow the real division of the sky, the more they are distancing themselves from the old wisdom. Sidereal astrologers cannot claim to build on ancient knowledge, but have to change the signs and characteristics over time. They are in turn making the whole concept of Astrology invalid. The real astronomical signs are a few days off from the Sidereal system by now - so not even Sidereal Astrology is using the correct star signs.

Sidereal astrology uses the actual constellation in which the sun is located at the moment of birth as its basis; tropical astrology uses a 30-degree sector of the zodiac as its basis. Tropical astrology is the most popular form and it assigns its readings based on the time of the year, while generally ignoring the positions of the sun and constellations relative to each other. Sidereal astrology is used by a minority of astrologers and bases its readings on the constellations near the sun at the time of birth.

According to some astrologers, the data support the hypothesis that there is a connection between heavenly bodies and human events. There are correlations too synchronous to be mere chance between astrological signs and such things as personality, emotions and human destiny.

Traits of Capricorn

Capricorn is the workhorse of the Zodiac, working his way up the ladder of success, slowly and steadily.

Goats have a strong sense of tradition and structure, and make excellent teachers. They respect history and believe in passing on an inheritance. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, which means that they take the long view on things. Like the tortoise racing against the hare, they know too well that “slow and steady wins the race.”

Capricorns are probably the most far-thinking of all the signs. Where Sagittarius and Leo are partying for the moment, Capricorn is planning his schedule four years in the future. But this focus on the future comes with a price.

Capricorn can get so preoccupied with the future that he starts to focus on death, and then becomes easily and deeply depressed. It’s very easy for a Capricorn to fall into a “woe is me” attitude, worrying about the never ending series of bad things that always seem to hit them at their most vulnerable. Thankfully, because of their long-term views, most Goats can overcome this handicap by just putting their head down and working even harder.

Capricorns understand the meaning of sacrifice, because each of those hurdles that force them into the long and slow path to success means sacrificing something to overcome them.

Capricorns tend towards black, which is perfectly suited to their depression. They also lean to the traditional in home and style and especially food. Goats tend to eat plain and straightforward meals rather than something exotic.

Capricorns tend to do well in large corporations, where their work ethic allows them to work their way up a long ladder. Capricorns are also uniquely suited to handling numbers and data.

Finally, because of their traditional outlook and innate teaching skills, Capricorns make excellent parents. Children give them an heir, someone to pass along the family legacy to, which is one of the core pieces of the Goat’s makeup.

Ascendant sign

Technically speaking, your rising sign, or ascendant, reflects the zodiac sign that was ascending on the Eastern horizon at the moment you took your first breath in this world. This is why an exact birth time is so vital to finding your accurate rising sign. Located on the cusp of the first house of your astrological chart -- or at the nine o'clock position -- the rising sign can exert an influence almost as powerful as your Sun and Moon signs.

If you were to think of your Sun sign as your soul -- your inner personality and potential -- and your Moon sign as your heart -- your emotional core -- then you could say that your rising sign is your physical self or the face you present to the world. For example, though your Sun sign might be Taurus, your rising sign could very well be Gemini. While you're feeling laid-back, others will tend to see you as a ball of nervous energy and cerebral wit.

At times, your rising sign may act as a mask, hiding some aspect of your inner self you don't feel like revealing. Your Ascendant sign describes your temperament, your outward mannerisms and behavior, the personality you put on public display. It is the part of yourself you are most willing for other people to see in casual, impersonal situations. Changes here will explain why even people born on the same day as you will have very different personalities, different strengths and interests, and different life experiences.

The Ascendant is also called the Rising Sign of a person's chart. Astrologers use the two terms interchangeably. It is literally the sign that was rising on the Eastern horizon of the sky at the time you were born in the place where you were born. This is why it is essential to have both a birthplace and a birth time in order to cast a completely valid Natal Chart.

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Are We A Match?

One of the major reasons people check their horoscopes is matchmaking. After all, if personality is clearly laid out by a person’s sign, then it should be pretty easy to tell whether or not that person is going to be compatible.

It’s not as simple as that, of course. Other factors in a person’s horoscope can influence those basic rules, or even counter them entirely. Just because a person falls within a sign does not mean they’re going to be a perfect match for the general depiction of that sign. Still, it’s fun and interesting to check for compatibility through a horoscope.

As a general rule, your “perfect match” is likely to be at the opposite side of the Zodiac from you. That is, Aries with Libra, Taurus with Scorpio, Cancer with Capricorn, Leo with Aquarius, Virgo with Pisces, Sagittarius with Gemini. Those signs opposing each other across the Zodiac tend to balance out, supporting each other’s strengths and countering each other’s weaknesses—provided, of course, that the personality differences can be smoothed over.

As an example, Cancer has a very strong “family instinct.” Cancers want to have a strong and secure home life. This mindset is likely to drive away several other signs, like dominant Aries or travel-oriented Sagittarius. Capricorn, however, has a similar attitude towards home and in general, the two would get along just fine…provided, of course, the Cancer could learn to cope with the Capricorn’s penchant for gloom and depression.

The signs that definitely do not get along are the ones that have a core difference. Sagittarius is known for traveling, and would drive the home-focused Cancer to distraction. Detail-oriented and critical Virgo would grate on the nerves of self-centered and bossy Aries. And bright and cheerful Libra would never be able to handle a life darkened by shady, mysterious Scorpio.

Mythology of Libra, Virgo, Pisces, Aquarius

Libra is a relatively young sign. 

Originally, in the Zodiac developed by ancient Babylon, there were only eleven signs.  Scorpio took up a double-sized slice of the sky, and was immediately followed by Virgo. 

The mythology relating to Virgo is very difficult to pin down, because there are so many maidens spread across mythology.  The most common, though, have been Ishtar, Demeter, or Astraea.

At some point, Scorpio's claws were cut from his constellation and attached to Virgo as her scales.  This made Virgo the blindfolded goddess of Justice we know today.  But that still didn't work, because now Virgo took up an oversized slice of the sky.

The ancient Romans solved the problem by cutting the scales from both Scorpio and Virgo and making them a constellation--and a Sign of the Zodiac--in their own right.  Libra remains the only sign that is not a person or an animal.

The sign of Pisces, a faint constellation, has always been known as two fish.  The Greek myth most likely to be associated with Pisces is the story of how Aphrodite and her son Heros escaped from the monster Typhon.  The pair turned into fish, and tied their tails together to make sure they weren't separated.  Even today, many depictions of Pisces show a line or bar connecting the two fish.

One of the oldest signs of the Zodiac, Aquarius is widely associated with the Greek myth of Ganymede, the cup-bearer of the gods, and the first mortal ever to be turned into an immortal.  Zeus had a fondness for him, turned into a bird, and swooped down to carry him off to Mount Olympus as their servant, a sort of mythological cabana boy.  Ganymede is surrounded by water constellations.  Near him are Pisces the fish, Eridanus the river, Delphinus the dolphin, and Cetus the sea monster.

Claudius Ptolemy

The astronomer Claudius Ptolemy lived from approximately 100-170 CE. Very little is known of him, including where he was born. Claudius means citizen of Rome, while Ptolemy means resident of Egypt. Some sources indicate that he was a citizen of Rome, others that he lived in Alexandria, Egypt.

He was also a mathematician, geographer and astrologer. In a way, he was to his era what Leonardo da Vinci was to the Renaissance. While many of Claudius Ptolemy’s work has been refuted, his treatises on astronomy, astrology, geography and music were the foundations from which subsequent scientists built their theories.

The Ptolemaic system of the universe became the dominant cosmological model for centuries thereafter, and was not displaced until the seventeenth century by Kepler and Copernicus.

Modern astrologers consider Ptolemy as the author of one of the oldest complete manuals of astrology, - the Tetrabiblos (Greek) meaning Four Books. Although we know Ptolemy did not invent his methods of astrology we recognize his contribution as being one of orchestrating the mass of Eastern star lore into an organized and reasoned exposition. The Tetrabiblos offered a detailed explanation of the philosophical framework of astrology, enabling its practitioners to answer critics on scientific as well as religious grounds.

As a leading intellectual of his day, Ptolemy's patronage and approval of astrology added to its academic respectability. By preserving its credibility as a science as well as an art, he safeguarded its practice during the medieval period when many other occult studies were persecuted on religious grounds. He spoke of astrology with authority and lucidity, establishing the Tetrabiblos as the definitive reference for astrological students. It was used extensively by Arabic scholars, who regarded Ptolemy as the final word on the subject, and later by European ones when it was translated back into Latin in the 12th century.

The Importance of the Moon in Astrology

Many people believe that astrology only concerns the sun. This is due to the Western world view of astrology, which has taken on the form of Zodiac horoscopes. However, in truth the study of astrology goes well beyond sun signs.

In the Eastern world, such as in China and India, the moon is actually the primary consideration in studies of astrology. The moon signs and cycles are used to determine the best time for activities, and is a part of daily life. This may seem backward to some, but actually results in more accurate predictions in many cases than Western astrology can ascertain.

The moon plays a large role in astrology and astrological phenomena. The position and phase of the moon influences the other aspects of astrology, including sun signs and planetary movements. In fact, the moon influences other aspects of astrology as a whole.

Envision that astrology is made up of the study of all of the planets and the sun. The astrological birth chart and the study of how planetary alignments affect sun signs are based on these aspects of astrology. The moon actually influences this overall picture, and can cause certain aspects of astrological phenomena to influence our lives differently than was otherwise predicted.

The moon, for the most part, influences our emotions. In certain phases of the moon, the predictions made through the study of astrological phenomena that would otherwise occur fail to happen, because our emotions do not produce the reactions to the astrological phenomena that would normally be expected. In other phases of the moon, astrological phenomena of planetary alignments and their effect on the Zodiac sun signs are not altered from their original reading.

The influence of the moon on the Zodiac is a study in and of itself. When you are aware of your sun sign, you can use information about the cycles of the moon and the moon signs to determine the best time to make decisions or avoid certain activities. The moon signs are named the same as the Zodiac, but do not coincide with them.

The signs of the moon cycle each month rather than each year. Each sign has three phases: ascending, true, and descending. Each sign influences our emotions differently, depending on our sun sign and natural tendencies. The phases of the moon also affect our emotions and other aspects of astrology.

When we learn these influences that the moon holds over us and astrological phenomena, we can use this information to our advantage. For example, during the new moon most people are not capable of rational thought. Knowing this can help you to avoid major decision making during the time of the full moon.

There are many books and websites that provide detailed explanations of the moon and its effects on the study of astrology. There are also many books that explain the signs of the moon and their effects on sun signs and our emotions. You can generally find these books by searching your local book store, new age shop, or Amazon.com.

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The Azure Dragon

The Azure Dragon of the East represents the season of Spring and the east. There is no traditional relationship between the Azure Dragon of the East and the mythological yellow dragon of the Emperor.

There are seven mansions, which make up the Azure Dragon of the East. These mansions are referred to as Horn, Neck, Root, Room, Heart, Tail and Winnowing Basket.

Each mansion is further broken into Asterisms. The Asterisms in the Horn mansion are as follows: Horn, Flat Road, Celestial Farmland, Recommending Virtuous men, Tripod of the Zhou, Celestial Gate, Justice, Arsenal, Pillars, Railings and Southern Gate. The Asterisms of this mansion each contain as many as eleven stars. The constellations in this Asterism are known to the west as Virgo, Hydra, Centaurus, Lupus, and Coma Berenices.

The Asterisms of the neck contain no more than seven stars. They are the Neck, Great Horn, Left Conductor, Right Conductor, Trials, Gate of Yang and Executions.

The next Mansion is the Root. Its Asterisms are named as follows: Root, Celestial Milk, Twinkling Indicator, Celestial Lance, Mattress of the Emperor, Boats and Lake, Battle Chariots, Imperial Guards, Chariots and Cavalry, Celestial Spokes Chariots and Cavalry General.

The Room mansion contains the Asterisms of Room, Lock, Door Bolt, Punishment, Eastern Door, Western Door, Sun and Retinue. They are most usually associated with the modern constellations of Scorpius, Libra and Lupus.

The mansion of Heart is the smallest mansion, it contains only two Asterisms. These are Heart and Group of Soldiers. These equate to the modern constellations of Scorpius and Lupus

The mansion of the Tail is made up of six Asterisms. They are named Tail, Changing Room, Tortoise, Celestial River, Fuyue, and Fish.

The final mansion is made of three Asterisms. Winnowing Basket, Chaff and Pestle relate to the western constellations of Sagittarius, Ophiuchus and Ara

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The History of Astrology

The history of astrology is actually quite interesting. Astrology has been a major part of many cultures going back to pre-historic times. Some of the history of astrology is masked in controversy and mystery, because astrology was used before tools were developed to see planets that cannot be seen without the naked eye.

Astrology made its first appearance in pre-historic times. Maps of the heavens were found on cave walls, much the same as other cave drawings. These are the most controversial and mysterious of all evidences of the history of astrology. These cave dwellers could not possibly have had the tools necessary to see the planets. How did they know where they were?

The next appearance of astrology was in ancient Mesopotamia and other ancient cultures. These cultures also had extensive astrology charts that cannot be explained. However, the study of astrology was likely passed to Greece through trade with these ancient civilizations.

Astrology in Greece expanded to the form that we recognize in the western world today. Astrology was a daily part of life in Greece, and the Roman Empire to follow. The names of the planets, the constellations, and the sun and moon signs are all named for Roman deities and other names.

Greek and Roman scholars were often guaranteed positions in the court of the current king or emperor. Their knowledge of the stars was regarded as a necessary part of royal decisions, battle planning, and other aspects of royal life. However, astrology experts of these times often found their lives ending abruptly when the current government did not like what they had to say.

For these and other reasons the art of astrology was lost. However, it made a nice come back in Western Europe during the time of the Renaissance. Astrology was once more a revered art form, and those who studied astrology were thought to be some of the greatest minds of the period. However, when the age of enlightenment ended, astrology once more became an obscure and little discussed topic.

In the late eighteen hundreds astrology once more came to light. A few brave souls formed a foundation for the study of astrology. The interest in the study of the stars became wide spread throughout Western Europe, and spread to America in the early nineteen hundreds.

In the 1930's, the art of astrology became very common place. In the middle of that decade, Gerald Gardner formed the religion now known as Gardnerian Wicca. Wicca, like pagan religions before it, focused on astrology for the use of divination. Astrology was also brought to popularity in America through the publication of American Astrology, a magazine credited for the first horoscopes.

Astrology became a form of entertainment for many in America as horoscopes became commonly found in major newspapers and other popular print media. However, astrology as an art has once again begun to fade in the Western world. Christian groups still rile against the study of the stars, and many "reasonable" people refuse to see any truth in the astrological predictions. Still, astrology remains a popular study in many cultures today.

Mythology of Scorpio, Leo, and Cancer

There are many variants of the mythology of Scorpio, but nearly all of them also include the constellation of Orion, the Hunter. In some versions, Scorpio was an assassin sent by Artemis to kill Orion.  The reasons vary. Sometimes, it's out of rage at her defeat at his hands.  In another, it's to protect the bull of Taurus, and in another, it's for his bragging of his skills and glory in hunting (Artemis believed in hunting only for food). And in yet another version, the scorpion was a punishment for Orion's pursuit of the goddesses of the Pleiades.

Regardless of the version you like to believe, the assassination of Orion plays out again and again every night in the stars.  Orion is opposite Scorpius in the sky, so as the scorpion arrives on the scene, Orion "dies" by dropping below the horizon.

Leo and Cancer both owe their existence--and their deaths, unfortunately--to the great Olympian hero, Hercules. 

Hercules was charged with killing the vicious and giant Nemean Lion.  None of his weapons could cut through the lion's skin, so he was finally forced to wrestle it to the ground and strangle it with his bare hands.  

Hercules kept the lion's skin, and it came in very handy.  His next task was the Lernean Hydra, a dragon with seven heads.  And, as if multiple heads weren't enough of a problem, when any head was cut off, two more would grow in it's place!  The Lion's skin helped protect Hercules from the heads while he set about to find a way to kill it.

Hera, Zeus's wife, wanted Hercules dead.  She sent a crab to distract Hercules from his fight with the Hydra.  Unfortunately, Hercules was only distracted long enough to crush the crab under his foot.  Hera placed the crab in the sky to remember it's sacrifice. 

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Taurus

Think about characteristics of a Bull other than the well-known phrase of bull-headed. Taureans (April 21 to May 21) are steadfast, loyal, grounded. They are stable and balanced. They’re smart without being overly intellectual. They’re not likely to strike out for the unknown, but will prefer familiar territory. They’re patient, reliable and loving.

In the workplace, Taureans are good craftspeople, good with their hands. You can trust a Taurus; they make good managers and foremen. They’re good in the fields of banking, architecture, farming, medicine or chemistry. These are fields in which you can be creative, but within a framework of stable practices and science. Taureans are good workers and not giving to goofing off. Because they’re not big risk-takers, they can be trusted with the company finances and are completely reliable and trustworthy.

In the zodiac Great Year, the Age of Taurus took place approximately 4300-2150 BCE which witnessed the rise of Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations. This was the era of the Bronze age in Greece, rise of Minoan and Mycenaean cultures. This was a period characterized by the growth of agriculture, and the building of pyramids and megaliths. Bull cults were prevalent in Assyria, Egypt, Crete.

Famous Taureans have excelled in all walks of life. They include Socrates, George Lucas, George Carlin, Martha Graham and Margot Fonteyn, Audrey Hepburn and Jerry Seinfeld.

As a partner or lover, Taureans are faithful and home-loving, patient parents. Not given to sexual experimentation. Taureans are grounded in practicality. They’re stable and like harmony. They love pets and the outdoors, and like biking, hikes and enjoying nature in general.

Every positive characteristic has another side to it, and in the Taurean, this reliability and steadfastness can manifest itself as jealousy and obstinacy. Fortunately, they’re also highly intelligent and can soon reason their way out of the occasional dark mood and depression.

Love signs

The stars can provide much insight about ourselves, including how, when, and with whom we are most likely to fall in love. Of course, astrology is not destiny, so while the one you love may not be a classic match for you in astrological terms, that doesn't mean all is lost. By understanding the universal forces that attract you to your lover, you can learn how to make any relationship work, and better understand your own self in the process.

First consider how accurate your own horoscope is. There are similarities among many of them, but find the resource that best describes YOU. Then use that same resource to do a little research on your beloved. You certainly don’t have to reject someone because he’s a Water sign and you’re a Fire sign. But, it can certainly provide some insight into why you two clash, or why you think he’s a wet blanket sometimes.

You can really go into detail about the ideal zodiac mate for you, but it’s hard enough to find someone, isn’t it. So don’t walk away from that Water or Earth guy. Use your knowledge to understand him. Maybe you need to borrow some tips from Air or Earth to help manage the communications between the two of you or to help resolve conflicts.

There are many really good books and Web sites to help you figure out the details of your zodiac match. Do a little research. And make it fun! What’s your sign can be a cliché, but if you deliver the line in the right way, it can also be a good ice breaker. If you’re a Virgo, and you’re introduced to, say, a Libra, tell him he’s got his work cut out for him. Everyone loves a challenge and it’s an easy way to flirt and start to get to know someone.

Indian Vedic Astrology

Indian astrology is based on the theory of fate. The good and the bad actions of the past life determine your fate or Karma of your present life, and the actions of your present life determine your future Karma. According to Indian astrology a person is born at that place, on that day and on that moment when his individual fate is in perfect mathematical harmony with the progress of the stars in heaven.

However it does not preach total dependence on fate. Astrology lets you know what you were born with, what your possibilities are, the limitations, your strong points and your drawbacks. What type of life partners and professions suit you and to expect is also indicated. It also prescribes various remedial measures to ward off the bad effects and to enhance the good results. Astrology is your roadmap of destiny. However your fate is in your hands. The scriptures guide us by telling us what is good and what is bad; what to do and what not to do; how to do and how not to do. You are given a piece of land and the seeds to sow. How much effort to put in to it, what amount of manure and water to add and when how to reap the produce is your job.

After that it is you who have to act using your knowledge intelligence, discrimination and experience. Fate is like a game of cards where you cannot help the cards that have been dealt to you but how to play them is in your hands. You may get good cards but if you play badly you will lose and you may get bad cards and still may win if you play carefully. Don’t blame the roadmap if you get drunk, drive badly and have an accident!

History Of Chinese Astrology

The development of Chinese astrology dates back to at least the Zhou Dynasty ( 1122 BC – 256 BC). Some sources claim it began as far back as 2150 BC. The ancient Chinese astrologers began by using the position of planets, moon and stars to accurately predict the change of seasons, and flow of the tides. These predictions were vital to the success of farming at the time, as they were used to predict the best times to plant and harvest crops.

To help them keep track of passing time, the Ten Heavenly Stems and Twelve Earthly Branches were created. These important signs we used to mark the passing of what we know as hours, days, months, and years. During this time in history, only the elite could read and write, so animals were used to symbolize each of the Twelve Earthly Branches.

Legend has it that during the celebration of New Year Buddha was to decide upon the order of animals to be used for the Twelve Earthly branches. He asked all the animals in the kingdom to join him for a meeting. Only twelve animals answered the call of Buddha and attended the meeting.

Buddha granted each of those twelve animals sovereignty over an Earthly Branch. Each animal was to lead the Branch and have influence over those born during its Branch.

We know the Twelve Earthly Branches as “Years”. In the traditional Chinese calendar, these twelve animal signs repeat themselves in a never-ending circle, to remind us that time is a constant and has flow.

The Twelve Earthly Branches are, in order, the mouse, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

Some ancient Chinese valued the Earth over the stars. These scientists looked for the reasons behind the natural order of things. They agreed that all things had a basis in one of Five elements. To their understanding, all things were made from Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, or Wood.

They examined how these basic elements worked together and against each other. Wood creates Fire, Fire turns to Earth, Earth creates Metal, Metal creates water, and water creates Wood.

Traits of Sheep

Eight in the circle of Chinese Astrology is the Sheep. Some cultures refer to this sign as the Ram or Goat.

Whichever you call them, people born to this sign are creative, interesting and emotionally sensitive.

Sheep have a flair for the artistic. Their innate sense of drama and rhythm make them great actors and musicians. In fact, almost the entire list of “famous Sheep” is comprised of well known actors, cartoonists and musicians. These are beautiful people, who enjoy creating beautiful things.

Sheep people should gift themselves with a career or hobby in the creative arts. Painting or fashion design, or crafting will provide a terrific outlet for all that wonderful Sheep energy.

On the same token, Sheep people need to surround themselves with beautiful things. They can not function when their environment is in disarray or just plain ugly.

Those for whom the Sheep rules are considerate and respectful They will never dream of intentionally hurting your feelings, and being sneaky or manipulative is against their very nature. If a Sheep injures in any way, they will quickly step up and do all within their power to make amends.

The Sheep can be needy and dependant. They need the approval of their family and friends and can sometimes demand a lot of reassurance.

Sensitive and loving, Sheep oftentimes have trouble coping with the harsh realities of our modern world. They cry while watching the news and ache for the crime or war victim. It doesn’t matter that they have never me this person, or that they are half a world away. The pain and level of caring is the same as if it were themselves or their best friend.

Sheep tend to avoid confrontation. Tense situations pull at their natural love of all things. Sheep thrive when they feel protected and loved.

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Cosmos & Psyche

According to Richard Tarnas, who also wrote of The Passion of the Western Mind, history is on the verge of a major shift, comparable to the one wrought by Copernicus and Galileo, but a seemingly antiscientific one: an astrological turn that can only be understood thorough chronicling planetary alignments as they correlate to the rise of the modern mind over the last 500 years. Understanding planetary alignments, for Tarnas, is crucial to the world's future and requires a genuine dialogue with the cosmos, by opening ourselves more fully to the other, to ancient and indigenous epistemologies, even to other forms of life, other modes of the universe's self-disclosure.

The book is filled with philosophical, religious, literary and scientific thinking ranging from Luther and Kepler through Hemingway and even Hitchcock and Dylan. Reading it will require a strong background in the history of modern thought, an advanced knowledge of astrology, a willingness to withhold skepticism about the role of planetary alignments of the past in understanding life today and the avoidance of imminent world catastrophe. Tarnas's call to redefine what we consider as legitimate knowledge will resonate in some sectors, but it will be a tough sell with the more scientifically hardheaded.

In terms of planetary cycles, our present condition in history is most comparable to the period five hundred years ago—that era of extraordinary turbulence and creativity, the High Renaissance. Not since Copernicus conceived the heliocentric theory has the human community faced such a profound realignment of the way we think.

Perhaps it’s time for us to move back to the philosophy that man is part of the universe, not placed here to conquer it. Just as we’re finding some older medical procedures, such as the use of leeches, to have value today, perhaps we should open our minds to the distinct possibility that astrological forces can be a powerful influence on our lives.