What do you know about western zodiac signs and meanings? Well, if you're like most beginners in astrology, you're probably familiar with the basic zodiac Sun signs like Aries, Libra, Virgo and so on.
You may also be aware that each sign is associated with specific zodiac traits. But, what you may not about is how astrology came into existence and how the signs associated with the zodiac influence our lives.
What Is Astrology?
Astrology is the study of how the Sun, Moon, planets, and other astral beings in astronomy affect daily life on earth. In Western astrology, zodiac constellations of the night sky are represented as 360 degree circles in the form of a zodiac. Each slice of the circle is 30 degrees. This celestial system takes into account Sun latitude and longitude, Moon, and planetary phases.
A horoscope chart shows the position of the Sun, Moon, planets, houses, and angles at a given time. Horoscopes demonstrate how all of these celestial bodies interact in your life. Birth charts also called natal charts map the time of birth. Positions of the Moon, Sun, and houses interact to create personality gifts and self-conflicts.
What Is Western Astrology?
Based upon ancient Greek traditions, Western astrology uses math and astronomy to understand human behaviors. Ten planets each represent basic human urges. The twelve signs of the zodiac are the major celestial constellations.
The Sun plays a critical role in Western astrology. It's one the most important planetary bodies in astrology. When most people ask, “What's your sign?” they're unknowingly talking about Sun signs.
In astrology, the Sun equals power, leadership, self-expression, and warmth. Our inner strength, joy, and energy is represented by the Sun. This conscious and unconscious expression of the Sun's power in our lives gets the most attention in astrology.
Each zodiac sign tells us how energy from the Sun plays out in our individual lives. Basically, how you use your power and engage life energetically. Every Sun sign is represented by a symbol called a glyph and a ruler (ie: Leo, Libra, etc). Zodiac signs and meanings are based on four elements and three temperaments.
The Four Elements
Fire rnSagittariusrnAriesrnLeo
When we think of fire, we imagine passion, heat,and power. They are the travelers, explorers, and CEO's of world. Fire signs are spontaneous, value autonomy, and be a tad impulse. Too much fire sign energy can lead to risk taking behaviors. Low fire in a chart may show up as diminished energy levels.
AirrnGeminirnLibra rnAquarius
Cerebral and analytical are perfect words to describe air signs. High mental acuity and an idea based detached outlook on life is the picture of a professor or scientist. But, too much air can leave one overly aloof and unable to connect with others.
WaterrnCancerrnPiscesrnScorpio
Whom ever said, “Still waters run deep” must have been talking about water signs. With an exquisite depth of emotion, sensitivity, mystery, and imagination, water signs make excellent writers, poets, and actors. Yet, with too much water in a chart one can be too emotional.
EarthrnCaprico
VirgornTaurus
We picture the Earth as solid, stable, and grounded. Those with lots of air in their charts need Earth elements to keep them from having their heads in the clouds a bit too much. On the downside, those with overly abundant Earth signs in their charts can be overly head strong and stubborn.
The Three TemperamentsCardinal – Creativity is the name of the game for cardinal signs.
CancerrnAriesrnLibrarnCaprico
Fixed – Strong-willed can be used to describe fixed signs.rnLeornAquariusrnTaurus rnScorpio
Mutable – For mutable signs, change is a requirement they thrive on.rnSagittariusrnPiscesrnGeminirnVirgo
Each of the zodiac signs and meanings has a masculine or feminine way of expressing its characteristics. Stereotypical male energy is outward and aggressive. Female energy is introspective and inward focused.
MasculinernAriesrnGeminirnLeo rnLibra rnSagittariusrnAquarius
FemininernTaurusrnCancerrnVirgornScorpiornCaprico
Pisces
By understanding zodiac signs and meanings you empower yourself to reach greater heights and reach your fullest potential. Ignoring Sun sign longings leads to unnecessary frustrations in life and not fully manifesting true inner gifts. So, go ahead, embrace, and love your zodiac traits.