The zodiac is a round ruler around the earth, marked off in stars. As the earth whirls and circles in her own rhythm, she sees the constellations turning around her, moving always in the same order. Against their background appear the sun, moon, and planets.
Our calendar is based on the tropical zodiac that charts the sun's year-long journey through the signs which begins with 0° Aries on Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. As the sun illuminates each sign in turn, we can boldly express the unique genius of that sign.
The sun represents vitality, pride, creative energy, and the outward expression of self-knowledge. In your natal chart, your sun sign is only one influence among many, but it shows the traits that you strive to develop in order to become most fully yourself. To love your sun-sign is to love yourself.
Each sign belongs to a particular element (fire, earth, air or water) and quality (cardinal, mutable or fixed). Within the language of the zodiac, the ancients packed a great deal of esoteric knowledge, and so the signs tell a story about the process of realization. Perhaps their wisest message is that this path is circular, like a spiral staircase that takes you forever higher. All signs both lead and follow each other.
ARIES (March 20-April 20):
Aries is the essential hero, triumphing over obstacles, shaping herself through action. She is the perennial innocent, always beginning anew.
When the sun moves through this cardinal fire sign, you are more spontaneous and independent. Your blood stirs and you're ready to follow it into a new day.
TAURUS (April 20-May 21):
Taurus moves through the physical world with tranquility and strength, responding to what's real, encouraging us to look honestly at our lives. She builds slowly but for life.
When the sun goes through this fixed earth sign, you can put down enduring foundations. Take time also to revel in the sensual pleasures of the moment.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21):
Gemini is quick and her mind always dancing. She makes lightning connections between one idea and another, between one person and another. Like a cat, closed doors drive her crazy.
When the sun goes through this mutable air sign, let your feet and mind roam and check out the interesting people in your neighborhood.
CANCER (June 21-July 22):
A Cancer woman is both mother and child. She is the gentle care-giver and also the tearful tot gripping her stuffed bear. She is vulnerable and sensitive, so her trust is a precious gift.
When the sun is in this cardinal water sign, open yourself up to emotional experiences. Join other womyn who are building caring communities.
LEO (July 22-August 23):
Brilliant Leo is always the center of attention as she gives everything she is. One minute she's dramatic and the next playful, mesmerizing her audience. Her will is like the magician's wand, a tool for transformation.
When the sun moves through this fixed fire sign, celebrate your creative gifts, your passion and joy.
VIRGO (August 23-September 23):
Virgo, the worker, trains her considerable intellect on the practical realm. She grows plants, heals bodies, fixes broken chairs, and draws up intricate plans.
When the sun moves through this mutable earth sign, you are very sensitive to details and can handle small, complicated tasks. Your goal is order.
LIBRA (September 23-October 23):
Libra is the idealist. She is the one who looks out for justice in the world and champions the disenfranchised. Her focus is the shifting energy between two people or ideas.
When the sun is in this cardinal air sign, take initiative to promote harmony and balance in relationships and community.
SCORPIO (October 23-November 22):
Scorpio may be quiet and soft-voiced, but she has a definite sense of what's hers. Her emotions run deep -- rushing waters filling underground caves. Her strong desires are the source of her power.
When the sun goes through this fixed water sign, reach for a friend or lover and explore your own hidden desires.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21):
Sagittarius, the Amazon, is always exploring new territory, racing horseback into the wild unknown. She looks for the spark of inspiration and then fans it into a fire.
When the sun goes through this mutable fire sign, you respond to the heat of the moment. You may travel or join others in a noble cause.
CAPRICORN (December 21-January 20):
Capricorn, with sustained hard work, reaches the top of the mountain. She feels proud, strong, capable. But then she turns, sees another mountain, and she's off again.
When the sun moves through this cardinal earth sign, you are more disciplined and persistent. Whether running for Congress, developing your spiritual practice, or building a house, you get it done.
AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18):
Valuing truth above everything, Aquarius works to make the world a more enlightened place. She shares everything she has -- her wisdom, experience, and integrity. When the sun is in this fixed air sign, teach people and learn from them. If you join with other likeminded souls, as Susan B. Anthony said, "failure is impossible".
PISCES (February 18-March 20):
Pisces is lyrical and sensitive and endlessly mysterious, even to herself. She absorbs the energy around her, merging, melting, shape-shifting. When the sun's in this mutable water sign, open yourself up to fantasy. Sing, dance, and tell the old stories. Watch for the little people as you walk in the woods.
Article Source:
We'Moon: Gaia Rhythms for Women (1999 edition).
Published by Mother Tongue Ink. Reprinted with permission of the publisher. www.teleport.com/~wemoon
About The Author
We'Moon is a yearly appointment book, a handbook in natural rhythm and a lunar calendar. There are hundreds of women from all over the world who contribute art and writing and who help to weave the yearly editions together. It is published in English, with multilingual calendar pages and international astrological signs and symbols. There is also a German edition.We'Moon is distributed widely in over ten countries. The author of this excerpt, Jenny Yates, can be reached at http://www.astrologerjenny.com/
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