The twelve signs
The following are the characteristics of the Western Zodiac signs as understood by astrologers: Astrologers consider each of the signs to represent an ideal type. In other words, no individual shows all of the characteristics of any one sign. Rather each person is a combination of many signs, which must be assessed as a whole in that person's horoscope or natal chart.
- Aries (The Ram) (cardinal, fire, personal): Keyword: "I am". The Aries person is assertive, brave, energetic, kind, action-oriented, intelligent, individualistic, independent, impulsive, full of strength, competitive, eager, straightforward, forceful, headstrong, pioneering, a leader, focused on the present and freedom-loving. They can also sometimes be intemperate, violent, impatient, fiery, rash, extreme, and arrogant. Suitable occupations are where initiative and enterprise are needed, and preferably physical activity; such as entrepreneurs, businessmen, soldiers, sportspeople and explorers. In medical astrology Aries governs the head and skull. In astrology Aries is ruled by the planet Mars. The sun sign dates for Aries are March 21 — April 19. The fire form of Aries is a wildfire, an uncontrolled fire.
- Taurus (The Bull) (fixed, earth, personal): Keyword: "I have". The Taurus person is resourceful, thorough, dependable, responsible, loyal, patient, placid, stable, sensual, affectionate, comfortable, solid, earthy, strong, money-oriented, practical, productive, cautious, musical, and artistic. They can also sometimes be stubborn, indulgent, insecure, acquisitive, possessive, rigid, stodgy and slow. Suitable occupations are where perseverance, practicality and responsibility are awarded,and security is available; such as builders, farmers, bankers, civil servants, accountants and artistic pursuits, especially singing and sculpture. In medical astrology Taurus governs the throat and neck. In astrology Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus and for a few modern astrologers, the dwarf planet Ceres. The sun sign dates for Taurus are April 20 — May 20. The earth form of Taurus is fertile soil that has green growing plants.
- Gemini (The Twins) (mutable, air, personal): Keyword: "I think". The Gemini person is versatile, inquisitive, whimsical, nimble, articulate, lively, active, curious, independent, talkative, sociable, mercurial, and feminine. They can also sometimes be restless, scattered, dual or two-faced, inconstant, rash, gullible, gossipy and superficial. Suitable occupations are; and where constant variety and/or travel are guaranteed; such as commercial traveller, writer, journalist, clerk, teacher, printing and publishing. In medical astrology Gemini governs the hands and lungs. In astrology Gemini is ruled by the planet Mercury. The sun sign dates for Gemini are May 21 — June 21. The air form of Gemini is strong winds.
- Cancer (The Crab) (cardinal, water, personal): Keyword: "I feel". The Cancer person is protective, sensitive, compassionate, tenacious, retentive, resourceful, empathetic, a great leader, charming, independent, mysterious, powerful, self-contained, intelligent, family and home oriented, maternal, security oriented, philosopher, honest, nurturing, motherly, warm, sympathetic, artistic, passionate, self-sacrificing, patriotic, sentimental, musical, emotional, and loving. They can also be touchy, clingy, over-protective, moody and crabby. Suitable occupations are where shrewd but sensitive nature can be constructively employed, or in looking after others; such as nurses, gardeners, archaeologists, fashion and hairdressing, hoteliers, publicans, estate agents. In medical astrology Cancer governs the stomach and breasts. In astrology Cancer is ruled by the Moon. The sun sign dates for Cancer are June 22 — July 22. The water form of Cancer is a torrent, such as rain, a river, or the flow of the ocean.
- Leo (The Lion) (fixed, fire, social): Keyword: "I will". The Leo person is creative, generous, proud, fun-loving, dramatic, dignified, theatrical, passionate, affectionate, ardent, ambitious, loves attention, independent, noble, a leader, sunny, naive, magnetic, kingly, and powerful. They can also sometimes be bossy, jealous, patronizing, promiscuous, snobbish, egotistical, boastful, over self-conscious, and arrogant. Leos like to think that they are special and important. They love attention, and will do anything to get it. Suitable occupations are where leadership, bossiness, and powerful self-assurance can be displayed; such as manager, director, social organizer, chairperson, acting, person of the year. In medical astrology Leo governs the heart and spine. In astrology Leo is ruled by the Sun. The sun sign dates for Leo are July 23 — August 22. The fire form of Leo is a controlled bonfire.
- Virgo (The Virgin) (mutable, earth, social): Keyword: "I analyze". The Virgo person is practical, industrious, efficient, thorough, methodical, exacting, precise, detail-oriented, observant, intelligent, critical, work and service oriented, painstaking, pragmatic, modest, discreet, health and cleanliness conscious, mentally active, and flexible. They can also be fussy, nervous, pedantic, petty, and over-critical. Virgos often have a long beautiful neck and can be careless with fingernails. Suitable occupations are where analytical and practical, methodical qualities are needed; such as teacher, psychologist, nursing and health and hygiene sectors, scientist, accountant, secretary, inspector. In medical astrology Virgo governs the intestines and digestion. Their is some debate in regards to a modern ruler of this sign with Pallas, Chiron, Ceres and Vesta often considered candidates by some modern astrologers, but the planet Mercury is typically used as the default by tradition. The sun sign dates for Virgo are August 23 — September 22. The earth form of Virgo is a full grown harvest. Totem animal is the Bushbaby. - Libra (The Scales) (cardinal, air, social): Keyword: "I balance". The Libra person is co-operative, diplomatic, sees both sides, open-minded, just, urbane, fair, partnership oriented, avoids conflict, refined, balanced, graceful, charming, debative, idealistic, egalitarian and sociable. They can sometimes also rationalize, be easily deterred, indecisive and lazy. Suitable occupations are where human relationships and a harmonious environment are important; such as artist, poet, diplomat, social worker, cosmetic industry. In medical astrology Libra governs the kidneys and lumbar region. In astrology Libra is ruled by the planet Venus. The sun sign dates for Libra are September 23 — October 22. The air form of Libra is the calm fall winds.
- Scorpio (The Scorpion) (fixed, water, social): Keyword: "I desire". The Scorpio person is passionate, secretive, powerful, penetrating, perspicacious, intense, determined, purposeful, imaginative, insightful, perceptive, deep, complex, analytical, inquisitive, resourceful, ambitious, shrewd, magnetic, hypnotic, creative and mysterious. They can also sometimes be cunning, suspicious, compulsive, aggressive, jealous, and controlling. Suitable occupations are where the penetrating mind and determined attitude can prevail; such as research work, detective, physicist, doctor, surgeon, engineer, butcher, lawyer, the occult. In medical astrology Scorpio governs the pelvis and reproductive organs. In astrology Scorpio is ruled by the planets Mars and Pluto. The sun sign dates for Scorpio are October 23 — November 21. The water form of Scorpio is calm, murky waters that holds unknown things.
- Sagittarius (The Archer) (mutable, fire, universal): Keyword: "I see". The Sagittarius person is freedom-loving, extrovert, straightforward, benevolent, philosophic, idealistic, sincere, intellectual, knowledgeable, philosophical, broad-minded, truth-seeking and telling, just, fun-loving, athletic, adventurous, expansive, and optimistic. They can also sometimes be blundering, careless, exaggerative, know-it-all, over-indulgent, tactless and scattered. Suitable occupations are where free-ranging and versatile qualities are needed and where philosophical traits are important; such as churchman, lawyer, philosopher, interpreter, teacher, politician, explorer, also working with animals. In medical astrology Sagittarius governs the hips and thighs. In astrology Sagittarius is ruled by the planet Jupiter. The sun sign dates for Sagittarius are November 22 — December 21. The fire form of Sagittarius is a campfire or a room with multiple candles in it.
- Capricorn (The Sea-goat) (cardinal, earth, universal): Keyword: "I use". The Capricorn person is prudent, responsible, realistic, formal, patient, methodical, disciplined, traditional, cautious, conventional, hard-working, persevering, self-reliant, ambitious, businesslike, career-oriented, authoritative, conscientious, and competent. They can also sometimes be rigid, suspicious, status-seeking, demanding, insensitive, inhibited and saturnine. Suitable occupations are where responsible, patient and economising qualities can be exercised; such as scientist, engineer, manager, civil servant, mathematician, farmer, builder, politician, director. In medical astrology Capricorn governs the knees and skeleton. In astrology Capricorn is ruled by the planet Saturn. The sun sign dates for Capricorn are December 22 — January 19. The earth form of Capricorn is hard cold winter grounds or mountains. - Aquarius (The Water Carrier) (fixed, air, universal): Keyword: "I know". The Aquarius person is unconventional, detached, intellectual, objective, individualistic, inventive, tolerant, unique, rebellious, sophisticated, future-oriented, friendship-oriented, humanitarian, cause-oriented, believes in groups and society, attractive and progressive. They can also sometimes be unpredictable, dogmatic, over-permissive, aloof, eccentric and elitist. Suitable occupations are where the progressive mental qualities can be developed, preferable in a group; such as, photographer, writer, broadcastor, publisher, social worker, scientist, and the electronics, aviation, and computer industries. In medical astrology Aquarius governs the circulatory and nervous systems and ankles. In astrology Aquarius is ruled by the planets Saturn and Uranus. The sun sign dates for Aquarius are January 20 — February 18. The air form of Aquarius is a hard winter storm.
- Pisces (The Fishes) (mutable, water, universal): Keyword: "I believe". The Pisces person is compassionate, empathetic, imaginative, sensitive, mystical, spiritual, dreamy, passive, easy-going, idealistic, visionary, inspirational, accepting, undiscriminating, charitable, believes in soul growth, self-sacrificing and artistic. They can also sometimes be distracted, detached, illusory, impractical, gullible, neglectful, escapist and lazy. Suitable occupations are where compassionate and intuitive qualities are needed; such as caring for the sick, needy and animals, religious, social workers, hospitals and institutions, poets, writers, actors, psychics, and models. In medical astrology Pisces governs the feet and immune system. In astrology Pisces is ruled by the planets Jupiter and Neptune. The sun sign dates for Pisces are February 19 — March 20. The water form of Pisces is the ocean.
