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π Astrology – Between Science and Symbolism
Astrology is neither a religion nor a belief system. It is a structure that is at once astronomical, psychological, and predictiweelve. Unlike many other divinatory techniques that have traveled through the centuries, astrology has maintained its popularity for one simple reason: it works.
Although today we know that the Earth orbits the Sun, this was not known in Antiquity. Astrologers at that time believed that the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars all revolved around the Earth. Even today, both astrologers and astronomers still refer to the apparent annual path the Sun takes in the sky as seen from Earth – this imaginary trajectory is known as the ecliptic plane, or more simply the ecliptic. It is most often referred to as the zodiac.
π Three Words to Understand It
- Astrology means "the study of the stars"
- Horoscope means "a map of time"
- Zodiac comes from ancient Greek and means "a circle of animals"
The term “zodiac” shares the same root as “zoo” or “zoological garden,” the prefix “zo-” referring to a group of living creatures. Along the ecliptic, twelve constellations can be observed, corresponding to the zodiac signs. Ancient astrologers associated these constellations with animals or mythological figures that were once considered gods. The gods have long been forgotten, but their symbols and names remain.
☀️ The Solar Astrological Signs
The twelve zodiac signs are commonly known as solar signs, because – from our earthly perspective – the Sun the Sun passes through each of them at regular intervals each year.
For example, the Sun is always in Capricorn at the start of the year and enters in Aquarius, around January 20.
However, the Sun does not pass from one zodiacal position to the next on exactly the same date each year.
So, if you were born during a transition period between two zodiacal positions, you will need to consult an astrologer or a specialized app to accurately determine your solar sign. This is a simple process, and most astrologers will not charge for it.
♻️ The Zodiac – A Wheel of the Seasons
Beginning with Aries, the zodiac wheel starts in spring, at the time of the equinox – when day and night are equal.
The 12 zodiac signs (each associated with specific energies, traits, and seasonal transitions) symbolize the different stages that Nature goes through over the course of a year, in other words, the seasons:
♉ Taurus – a feminine sign that embodies fertile Earth
♊ Gemini – represents the Air dispersing pollen and encouraging fertilization
♋ Cancer – a Water sign, symbolizes human warmth and maternal protection
♌ Leo – expresses the peak of light and summer vitality
♍ Virgo – the refinement and selection of nature during harvest
♎ Libra – the balance of autumn, elegance, and harmony
♏ Scorpio – transformation, symbolic death and rebirth in nature
♐ Sagittarius – a sign of spiritual expansion and idealism
♑ Capricorn – structure, discipline, and accumulated wisdom
♒ Aquarius – the visionary preparing renewal
♓ Pisces – the dissolution of boundaries, empathy, and the end of the cycle
That is why someone born in winter (for example, Capricorn), in a cold and dark environment, will have different inclinations than someone born in the summer (like Leo), when everything is flourishing.
Professional choices, social relationships, even food preferences are subtly influenced by the state of the world at the moment of our birth.
For example, more dynamic signs may tend to view Air signs as fickle because their desires shift easily, while Earth signs may appear slow or lazy.
In reality, it is simply a difference in rhythm and approach, not a matter of value judgment.
π΅ Gender, Element, and Quality of the Astrological Signs
The 12 signs are classified based on three essential criteria:
- Gender (Polarity) – alternating between masculine (Yang ♂️) and feminine (Yin ♀️)
- Element – Fire, Earth, Air, Water – in this specific order
- Quality (Modality) – Cardinal (initiates), Fixed (stabilizes), Mutable (adapts)
Just like lunar nodes reveal karmic lessons, so too the elements influence the temperament and character of each native.
You will find a detailed table below:
Sign | Birth Dates | Gender | Element | Quality |
---|---|---|---|---|
♈️ Aries | March 21 – April 19 | Male (Yang) ♂ | π₯ Fire | Cardinal |
♉️ Taurus | April 20 – May 20 | Female (Yin) ♀ | π Earth | Fixed |
♊️ Gemini | May 21 – June 21 | Male (Yang) ♂ | π¬️ Air | Mutable |
♋️ Cancer | June 22 – July 22 | Female (Yin) ♀ | π§ Water | Cardinal |
♌️ Leo | July 23 – August 22 | Male (Yang) ♂ | π₯ Fire | Fixed |
♍️ Virgo | August 23 – September 22 | Female (Yin) ♀ | π Earth | Mutable |
♎️ Libra | September 23 – October 23 | Male (Yang) ♂ | π¬️ Air | Cardinal |
♏️ Scorpio | October 24 – November 22 | Female (Yin) ♀ | π§ Water | Fixed |
♐️ Sagittarius | November 23 – December 21 | Male (Yang) ♂ | π₯ Fire | Mutable |
♑️ Capricorn | December 22 – January 20 | Female (Yin) ♀ | π Earth | Cardinal |
♒️ Aquarius | January 21 – February 19 | Male (Yang) ♂ | π¬️ Air | Fixed |
♓️ Pisces | February 20 – March 20 | Female (Yin) ♀ | π§ Water | Mutable |
πͺ More Than the Solar Sign
Your solar sign reflects the Sun’s position in celestial coordinate system at the moment of your birth. But a full natal chart involves much more:
- The Moon sign – reveals emotional needs and instinctive reactions
- The Venus sign – speaks to relationships, pleasures, and aesthetics
- The Mars sign – relates to how we take action and assert ourselves
- The Ascendant – the sign rising in the East at the moment of birth, reveals social presence and personal energy
The astrologer will also consider:
- Astrological Houses – the areas of life impacted
- Planetary aspects – the angles and interactions between planets
- and of course, the broader energetic and karmic context
π΅ Understanding Our Place in the Stars
By delving into the ancient patterns of celestial movements and the energies they represent, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of the forces that shape our individuality and life journey. These cosmic influences offer valuable guidance that helps us recognize our strengths, challenges, and potential paths for growth. Embracing this knowledge fosters greater self-awareness and harmony with the natural cycles that govern both our inner world and the universe around us.