Zodiac Signs - 3

Influence of each Sign

The essential archetypal influence of each sign of the tropical zodiac as as filter on the character of any planet, luminary or house cusp.


Aries

Aries embodies the will to commence, and to launch new activities, without much regard for where they are leading, just following the impulse to act and to manifest in reality what is already held in potential in its inner nature. The grain springing forth from the earth suggested in one interpretation of the glyph for Aries symbolizes this dynamic drive. Aries lacks moderation and focuses more on the present than the future, which often leads to reckless over expenditure of assets.

Aries resembles its symbol of the horned ram in its forcefulness and impulsiveness, and its tendency to throw itself into endeavors with little forethought. Energy is sent forth wildly and with excitable but often short-lived enthusiasm, and flashes of inspiration and passion which are muted almost as suddenly as they are released. Centered in the assertion of the personal will, Aries can be naive and oblivious to the effects of its forward reach on others, and in the face of unexpected opposition may shrink backwards, surprised and hurt.

Viewed as a metaphysical fork in the road, the glyph for Aries illustrates choice of direction. Aries relishes its autonomy and power to freely decide upon its own destiny.

Aries rules the head down to and including the upper jaw; and the Aries glyph as a mark of the human nose and eyebrows emphasizes the concentration of the sign's energy in the front of the brain. Intelligence, and the power to forge new ideas, is key to the successful exercising of Arien free will.


Taurus

Taurus forms the initiative of Aries into substance. The glyph shows a continuing upsurge in power, hewn usefully into the shape of a wheel that is able to regulate and manage this energy, and to support material weights. Thus, Taurus harnesses the Arien life force, transmuting it into practically utilizable form, and setting down firm roots with a view to durability.

The horned bull associated with Taurus holds clues to the fertility, solid physique and at times primal eroticism of Taureans. Taurus gravitates to the realm of its finely-tuned senses, yet also feels emotionally, and loves intensely but sustainedly. Straight-talking and consistent, Taurus has a strong and stubborn will, and having established an opinion or desire will persist with unflappable resolution. Faced with opposition or dissent, the normally placid Taurean spirit can slowly build up anger, which when finally released can be powerful and dramatic. Occasionally Taurus can manifest in bullying behavior to the end of enforcing its will. However, the more bullish Taurean type is usually tame able into a peaceable family-oriented type centered in a purpose of secure homemaking.

Taurus has a careful eye and steadily motivating will for conserving and building material resources, assets and possessions. The acquisition of financial wealth is a strong and spiritually rewarding drive and natural ability.

The glyph for Taurus has also been interpreted as a crescent Moon rising above the Sun, symbolizing the succession of the solar principle of vital self-expression (related by exaltation to Aries) by the lunar one of feeling and response (related by exaltation to Taurus).

Taurus rules the neck, the lower jaw, and the throat.


Gemini

The glyph for Gemini evokes an integrated network or circuit forged between dual columns, representing the principle of inter-relation and interaction, with emphasis on reasonable, co-operative interpersonal communication, and more abstractly the metaphysical web of causality.

Sometimes the interconnected 'duality' of Gemini's glyph, and of its archetypal 'twins' symbol, is interpreted as an indication of the ability of this versatile, playful sign to assume multiple identities or personalities, shifting its persona to suit the occasion; or as a reminder of its ability to spread itself across multiple fields of activity with speed and ease.

As a human sign, Gemini is unwilling to orient itself solely in primitive animal impulses, demanding a connection to the essence of spirit, which it seeks out and integrates within its world concept by applying its inherent intelligence. Thus, the connection of the divine with the material in human consciousness is highlighted.

Gemini has the inclination to study and the capability of deciphering the connections inherent in any observed phenomenon or between apparently separate entities. Logic and rational order are attributes of Gemini's outlook, with comparison, contrast, categorization and systematization being natural drives, and verbal skill being pronounced.

Gemini rules the human nervous system, conferring a strongly mental orientation and acute nervous sensitivity to the sign, and a rapid speed of thought and movement. It also rules the arms, hands and lungs.


Cancer

Cancer's glyph, with its strategically placed curves to front and rear, shielding the womb-like circles in which the vulnerable inner self is symbolically wrapped up, evokes the defensive self-containment for which the sign is noted, and its preference for what is securely known and trusted, with roots in the past. The crab image also evokes Cancer's self-defensiveness and tough outwardly projected manner, with its hard shell concealing and protecting a soft inner core.

The two curves are snugly locked together (likened thus to male and female partners) as though in mutual support and protection, and exclusion of the outer world, which fittingly describes Cancer's instincts to gravitate closely towards loved ones, and especially family, while keeping outsiders at bay. Cancer invests a great amount of motherly, caring interest in every detail of the lives of those it takes under its wings. Indeed, once something or someone is accepted as an insider to its realm, tenacious emotional attachment sets in, often manifesting in clinging and possessive orientations, as symbolized by the crab's claws. When its feelings are denied, Cancer can suffer but persist unrelentingly. But if they are injured beyond a certain point, it may withdraw intractably and close off its vulnerability from further exposure to hurt.

The symbol has additionally been perceived as two bowls or receptacles, the upper one of which, upturned, releases its contents, while the lower one holds its contents. This describes the sign's observable polarity of inclination between tenacity and self-centered acquisition, on the one hand, and giving and self-denial, on the other.

Cancer is subjective, responsive, anxious, maternal, sheltering, domestic, tenderly feeling, in contact with the unconscious self and with the sentiments of the masses, and naturally attuned to the rhythms of the Moon and the waves of the sea. It associates food with love, spends cautiously, is inclined to hoard keepsakes, and has the ability to magnetize dependents.

Not especially noted for its physical strength, Cancer rules the chest and stomach, which are connected with the sign's natural functions of feeding, nurturing and general physical sustenance.


Leo

The outward-facing curved glyph for Leo, evoking the sun's rays coursing out liberally, or an upturned cup releasing all its contents, symbolizes free, extroverted self-expression.

Leo is concerned with individuation, establishing itself with a distinct identity, and then seeks uncompromising self-mastery without interference, pursuing its personal goals and interests willfully.

Leo is proud, has a flair for dramatic self-projection, thrives on admiration and attention, possesses a regal air, demands respect, likes to be looked up to in status, and manoeuvres itself by instinct into positions of influence and power over others. It follows its feelings, but those feelings are referenced back to self-esteem and how that is supported, glorified or contradicted by the apparent perceptions of and responses to it by others. It thus expresses generosity and magnanimity to those who show respect and support its vulnerable ego, and can indeed be genuinely very warm to them, but tends towards chilly exclusion of those who do not. It can also extend this behavior on behalf of friends, loyally pitching in to defend their interests and reputations from perceived threats.

Leo's attitude to finances would be considered reckless by some. Given a choice, it veers towards the upper end of the price range, seeking out what it regards as of high quality in preference to economy.

Leo rules the heart and spine.


Virgo

Virgo's glyph, in addition to representing female virginity generally, marks out the letter 'M' in representation of the Virgin Mary. These associations are symbolic of Virgo's aspiration for purity, refinement and perfection of adherence to its own self-set ideals (which rarely literally include sexual abstinence: on the contrary, Virgo will simply apply high and particular standards of expectation to the sensual areas of life as all others). When a tempting relationship prospect does not quite adhere to Virgo's ideals, Virgo will typically be self-denying although its desires can be strong and its emotional sensitivity acute. Yet it can often seem one small step away from letting go of inner guilt and totally immersing itself in its wilder impulses.

The picture of the virgin holding a sheaf of wheat is an indication of Virgo's powers of fine discrimination: it harvests only the best according to its particular self-programmed criteria. Indeed, Virgo is sharp-minded, alert, highly observant of detail, meticulous, analytical, organization-conscious, and impeccably orderly, with a very precise sense of timing and the mental power to discern the component factors underlying every observed phenomenon, and the rational flaws and weaknesses in any theory, argument or proposition.

Virgo has a strong work ethic and drive, and is comfortable with positions of juniority to others, and willing to undertake persistent, routine tasks as an ethically sound means to the end of subsistence and financial security, regarding work as a moral duty, and service as being next to godliness, although any status and recognition conferred in the work arena will be much prized by it. Interpersonal communication is second nature to Virgo.

One manifestation of Virgo's detail-consciousness and desire to be of service is its attraction to medicine. It also has a strong interest in diet, health and hygiene; and it is drawn to nature as adapted to human needs and desires.

Virgo rules the stomach, pancreas, intestines and digestive system.


Libra

Libra's glyph, showing the Sun half-set below the horizon, represents the Autumn equinox when the Sun enters Libra and days and nights are of equal length. Yet symbolically it describes the sign's sense of balance, fairness and equality, which is more directly shown by the picture of the scales held by Justice in one hand, through its association with the weighing up of opposing interests.

Yet, Justice holds in its other hand a sword. Indeed, in the absence of its sense of justice being fulfilled, Libra suffers internal distress and disharmony, and holds out strongly on the position it advocates until the matter is put right. Tranquil and conciliatory when all is well in its world, Libra will not shy from the war-path when faced with opposition to its ideals; and its strong debating skills, aided by its objectivity, will stand it in good stead for victory.

Libra's leaning to harmony and balance and sensitivity to feeling out of balance confers it also with fine artistic sensibilities, a love of beauty, and a keen awareness of social decorum and propriety.

The parallel lines of Libra's glyph are a reminder of Libra's strong attraction to relating and partnership, and frequent idealization of love and marriage. Libran identity is bound up with the idea of connection to another or others in general. Yet Libra will not enter into partnerships lightly, regarding them as important commitments, and often exercising its right to choose at the outset not to get involved.

Libra rules the kidneys and endocrine system, both of which serve in their essential function the regulation of balance within the organism.


Scorpio

The glyph for Scorpio shows the legs and tail of the scorpion, signifying the power of the sign to suddenly and fatally (often with a hint of willful cruelty or vindictiveness) 'sting' whatever and whomever may have hurt its feelings or denied its strong-willed desires. The glyph has also been interpreted as a modification of that for Virgo into a symbol of male sexuality and generative power; and in this regard the scorpion image evokes the baser, more sensual and selfish instincts of the sign; but on a psychic level Scorpio possesses penetrating insightfulness.

An alternative image connected with Scorpio, that of the eagle, describes its potential for applying its creative energies to higher and wiser and more universal purposes. The eagle holds aloft symbols of war (arrows) and peace (an olive branch), representing Scorpio's choice between the two, yet fixes its eyes firmly on the peace symbol.

The sign's capacity for the regeneration and resurrection of viable vital states from the waste of the past is symbolized by its further association with the image of a phoenix rising from ashes; and dramatic self-transformation is no stranger to this sign, often following the realization that its current state or situation is not affording the fulfillment of its deepest desires and needs.

Scorpio, like Virgo, is highly discriminating and selective; and it will often quite brutally reject what does not meet its demanding self-set standards. Yet its key criteria in discriminating are perceived usefulness and depth. Its eye for usefulness makes it an unrestrained destroyer of all that is obsolete and an efficient handler of finances, particularly funds owned by others; and like Taurus it has an acquisitive drive. Its fascination with depth of experience and understanding interests it in psychology, sex, danger, death, and theories of an afterlife.

Scorpio has a potent and mysterious charisma that operates below surface consciousness and polarizes others into strong feelings of attraction or repulsion. It admires intelligence, strength of character and a forthright manner, is fiercely loyal to friends, and can be a very unforgiving foe once offended.

Scorpio expresses itself directly, to the point, without regard for others' sensitivities; sometimes with a barbed wit. It will hold forth on its ideals and beliefs with consistency, and fight to the bitter end. Yet it also is a master of reserve and control, and can hold back from speaking its mind when appropriate, then release its contents for maximum effect at the most timely moment.

Scorpio rules the reproductive organs.
 

Sagittarius

The arrow of Sagittarius's glyph, aimed heavenward, symbolizes the desire of this sign for elevation to new heights, and its harboring of high ideals and moral principles. It envisions an ideal prospect, then sets its sights on the pursuit of its vision. Very often its visions lie in the mental sphere of higher understanding, as for example via religious or philosophical contemplation, but they can centre around the seeking of any more advanced level of knowledge. Exuberant and enthusiastic, Sagittarius is also openly communicative about its discoveries and theories, is a natural teacher or preacher, sometimes veering into proselytization; and enjoys appreciation for its mental ingenuity and foresight.

Sagittarius is the consummate truth-seeker, and regards honesty as a primary moral imperative, failure to honor which by anyone results in that person fundamentally forfeiting the Sagittarian's respect. Whereas Scorpio is often motivated to honesty more strategically, as though purposely to sting by truth-telling, Sagittarius is naive to the potential effect of its own bluntness on others, and is so forthright and straightforward in expressing its view of the truth that sometimes it makes unwitting social blunders.

Sagittarius also often demonstrates an off-beat, detached way of looking at the world; and a disregard for small but important details as it prefers to focus on the broader picture. It has a natural eye for comedy (although with some surprising blind spots), and an attraction to the jokers, clowns and show people of the world.

This sign tends to be over-optimistic and excessively trusting in others' honesty until proven wrong. It can therefore suffer many disappointments in human nature, and depression of its own optimistic inclinations periodically. It also has a weakness for gambling.

Sagittarius has a vibrant, rapid, slightly highly-strung energetic quality, similarly to its polar sign Gemini. Yet it rules the thighs, in keeping with the love of the sign for freedom of movement, mental and physical alike, and attraction to sports and games, walking and running, or at least driving and travel. Its representation by a centaur, with the body of a horse, highlights its rapid mobility and inclination to 'buck' and rebel in the face of any restrictive imposition on its freedom.


Capricorn

The symbol of Capricorn, the goat with a fish's tail, derives from the Greek legend of Pan, a God who so amused the other Gods by transforming himself into this form that they created his likeness in a constellation. Yet it is relevant to the purposeful practicality and ambition of Capricorn tempered by a more sensitive, psychic inner potential and a knack for swimming with the flow of society.

Capricorn has the capability of rendering abstractions and visions into material, durable form. It champions the disciplined establishment of social order and structure on behalf of the collective. Like Virgo, Capricorn is willing to work hard playing second fiddle for the greater good, and in keeping with the rules of the system, at least for as long as it takes to earn the right to a higher position. It is outwardly humble and often self-effacing, and prone to bouts of pessimism bordering on depression, yet unflinchingly maintains an inner flame of determination, and is strongly ambitious to attain the realistic goals it sets itself. Steady and capable persistence along tried and tested paths are its key to achievement. By respecting procedures, authorities and superiors along the way, it is favored for promotion. Just as the mountain goat by which it is depicted slowly but surely ascends the mountain without looking back, so Capricorn methodically pursues its long-term goals with an eye to the peak of attainment.

However, Capricorn can sometimes barely hide its unvoiced contempt for those it regards as its inferiors, while its desire for personal preferment and valuing of worldly achievement can lead it to approach the successful and influential with an almost mercenary exaggerated solicitude and attentiveness.

A strong Capricorn skill is persuasion. It is able by its manner to engage popularity; and when it expresses some personal desire in interaction with others it will turn on the charm until they submit, not taking 'no' for an answer. Capricorn has a strong attachment to its family and feeling of duty towards it. It also has abundant sympathy for non-human animals.

Capricorn is known for caution and reserve of expression, at least in unfamiliar and formal situations. Among the most trusted friends and loved ones, it can dissolve its impassive veneer, releasing and generously sharing its vast expanse of inner feeling potential. Indeed, while it appreciates quiet moments to itself, Capricorn is otherwise a very socially oriented breed, and will typically take its assumed responsibilities for social organization just as seriously as its career. For all its long-term resilience, Capricorn can be very impatient with short-term irritations and frustrations.

As the cardinal Earth sign, Capricorn is prone to strong physical attractions to others. It is at home in the material world, frequently possessing craft and cookery skills, and enjoying fabrics and food immensely.

Capricorn rules the knees, bones, joints, teeth and nails.

Aquarius

The Aquarian glyph denoting electrical vibrations is a clue to this sign's psychic attunements. Aquarius connects spiritually with all of humanity, acknowledges no superiors and inferiors, championing equality, and is capable of radiating through this psychic attunement the highest forms of good will towards every being, but also of receiving disturbing precognitions and revealing insights into the inner psyche of other individuals.

Because of its vibration sensitivity, Aquarius demands plenty of space, and suffers from being cramped, made demands of or restricted in any sense. By its essential nature, it prefers to relate collectively to a group rather than individually; and its tendency to analyze can sometimes pose a barrier to intimacy. Sometimes it harbors ideals of social reform and seeks to have them implemented by promoting them within like-minded campaign groups.

Mentally, Aquarius is original and visionary, as well as being objective and analytical. Although it is also concerned with more abstract ideals and artistic innovations, Aquarius is most strongly associated with scientific discovery and the germination of new ideas that have a distinctly practical application or social value; and it is often attracted to new technology and to the creative molding of matter, with applications ranging from home improvements and architectural vision to body art and abstract sculpture.

The Aquarian mind is fast, and is inclined to make decisions suddenly on the intuition of the moment, but then keeps to them rigidly, and can come to seem set in its ways and conservative about certain issues, although prior to arriving at such determinations it is open-minded towards almost everything, and it has a fascination for what stands out as obscure or unusual in its own culture and era, which may include ancient history, early music and all forms of esotericism.

Like Capricorn, Aquarius generally works steadily and hard and is moderately ambitious for career success, along lines of work that are socially meaningful or exercise its particular practical skills. But it will never forsake its principles of equality in serving its own personal ambitions.

Occasionally Aquarius detaches itself so far from the norms of society as to be perceived as an eccentric, rebel or outcast. But the sign generally enjoys a good measure of unpressured social involvement albeit without having to compromise its own particular style or suffer the bonds of heavy commitment.

Aquarius rules the aura, the ankles and the circulatory system.

Pisces

The symbol of the two sea-horses tied together and attempting in futility to swim in opposite directions has been viewed as shedding light on the sign's internal contradictions of intent and direction, with confusion frequently being experienced, but the complementary coexistence of such opposing drives being attainable through applied self-awareness.

The glyph has also been interpreted as a pair of crescent Moons, highlighting the lunar qualities of impressionability and imagination for which Pisces is known. Sometimes charged with escapism, self-deception or fantasy, Pisces is generally simply perceiving and exploring deeper realms of sensibility, consciousness, possibility and creativity than many are willing to countenance. Like Aquarius, Pisces is frequently psychic, and highly intuitive.

Pisces is one of the most creative and artistic of all the signs, attractions to dancing, music, poetry, drama and painting being common among those in whose nativities it is strongly marked. It is also a deeply spiritually motivated sign for which material ambition is not typically a primary goal. It desires to explore the full range of life's experiential possibilities, and personally craves union with the divine on whatever level it perceives that to exist. Yet, being sensitive to negative feedback, it does not always wish to draw too much attention to its inward differences with the rest of humanity in everyday life, and can sometimes seem to repress its own nature in striving to mould itself outwardly into the norms of the social and economic environment.

The Piscean mind is deeply attuned to the unconscious, yet in addition to being open to realizations unfathomable to most signs, and naturally skilled in philosophical and religious contemplation, it can be very orderly, numerate and scientifically adept.

Pisces is at times shy of personal emotional involvement because it is so impressionable and finely tuned that it can easily be hurt or have its sensitivity overwhelmed by others bringing their energies too close. But it is a very empathetic sign, and has the potential to share love and sympathy on many levels.

Pisces rules the astral body and feet.


Decanates

The twelve signs have been traditionally subdivided into decanates or decans, each of ten degrees. Tropical astrology copied this practice from ancient sidereal astrology, which accorded ruler ship of one third of each constellation to the most prominent star in it. There are two principal conventions:

1. The most common in use today involves the attribution of a secondary sign influence from the same sign triplicity (or element) to each decanate of each sign.

By this system, the first decanate is considered the pure or physical form of the sign; and planets posited therein should be interpreted with reference to their aspects to Mars in the nativity.

The second decanate takes a secondary influence from the next sign of the same element after it in the zodiac, and is considered the mental form of the sign, any planet posited therein being interpreted with reference to its aspect to Mercury in the figure.

The third decanate takes a secondary influence from the previous sign of the same element, and is considered the spiritual form of the sign, any planet posited therein being interpreted with reference to its aspects to Jupiter and Saturn in the figure, pinpointing how the spiritual will manifest (Jupiter) and where it will be tested (Saturn).

Thus, the decanates takes on this pattern of colorations:

A further subdivision of the decanates with their secondary sign influences as expounded in the first table above is into 2º portions called Dwa-da-Shamsas or Dwads. The tertiary sign influence of the first dwad in each decan is accorded as for the secondary influence of the decan; then each subsequent dwad takes on a tertiary coloration of the following sign in the zodiac. Thus, for example, the complete dwad listing for Aries is as follows:

The Twelve Houses | Ascendant | Zodiac Signs Part I |