Water

The Element of Water is associated with the Signs Cancer,
Scorpio and Pisces, and it also rules the Fourth, Eighth and
Twelfth Houses. The watery words flow with this Element: fluid,
flowing, wavering. These terms can easily apply to an
individual's emotions, which are exactly the realm in which
Water exerts its influence.
Water Signs are intuitive, sensitive and feel more intensely than
the rest. They are emotional and nurturing and, like a river, run
deep. How things feel is what matters to these folks, and they
base their actions on sense, rather than on logic or intellect.
Water is also about compassion and understanding, since the
receptive talents of these individuals are remarkably high. Water
Sign people can take in the feelings of others, process them,
and put forth a plan or solution that will be conscientious to all.
Those graced by Water love to take their sense of the world and
translate it into the artistic. They desire aesthetic beauty -- and
for everyone to be happy as a result of that beauty. Much like
still water can become stagnant, however, an inactive Water
Sign person is not a Water Sign person at their best. Water
Signs feel most fulfilled when they are helping others, and they
do so in an enchanting, considerate and even romantic way.
The flip side of this dreamy Water world is the tendency of these
individuals to brood. Water Signs are susceptible to mood
swings, and, at their worst, they could become self-indulgent,
controlling and hostage to a fantasy world. This also brings up
the ability of these folks to see things more clearly than others.
Call it psychic, if you will.
Water Signs are emotional, empathetic, receptive and feel things
deeply. Alternately calm like the sea or possessing the force of a
torrential rain, the emotions brought forth by this Element are
plentiful, indeed.

Air

The Element of Air is attached to the Signs Gemini, Libra and
Aquarius. It also rules the Third, Seventh and Eleventh Houses.
It is rarefied air which usually surrounds those graced by this
Element, as this is the marker of the intellectual. Airy people are
smart thinkers and handle abstract reasoning well. They love to
analyze, synthesize and probe. Do you have a dilemma? Hand it
over to an Air Sign and watch them go to work.
Air Signs are also about communication. These individuals want
to get the word out, and it's not likely to be fluff. They are alert,
curious and perceptive. The world as seen by an Air Sign will be
an interesting one, as their analysis and subsequent explanation
(hopefully in terms we can understand) will indicate. Those
influenced by Air are inventive and clever. They see all sides of
the equation and are able to glean the best approach. Balance is
important to these airy folk.
So, are Air Signers fresh as a summer breeze or howling like the
wind? Probably both, depending on when you catch them. While
these folks are often cool, calm and collected, they can turn cold
if their equilibrium is upset. A word to the wise: there's little
upside in baiting an Air Sign.
Another plus with Air is that it manifests itself in a most humane
way. Those influenced by Air can truly wear another's shoes, as
it were. They are objective, cooperative and really want to help
make a better world. There's no prejudice with these folks, just a
bright and shiny idealism which can accomplish much.
Air Signs are communicative, intellectual, clever and fair. They
can blow hot and cold, though, so beware of a chilly draft!

Earth

The Element of Earth is attached to the Signs Taurus, Virgo and
Capricorn, and it also rules the Second, Sixth and Tenth
Houses. All the earthy metaphors are appropriate here: salt of
the Earth, feet firmly planted on the ground and so forth. Those
graced by an Earth Sign in their horoscope are practical,
grounded and dependable. These folks aren't taking big risks,
much preferring a sure thing.
Much like the Elements are considered the building blocks in
nature, Earth Signs are the builders of the zodiac. To these
Signs, creation is a tangible proposition. Whether it's building
jobs or homes, or creating comfortable rooms within that home
through the acquisition of possessions, Earth Signers are about
all what is solid around us. Those influenced by this Element feel
best once they have accumulated a goodly number of worldly
possessions. The risk inherent in this, however, is that these
individuals may become greedy and far too materialistic.
The Element of Earth also confers a sense of duty, responsibility
and reliability to those in its sphere. These are the people you
can count on to be there when you need them. Those influenced
by Earth also tend toward caution and conservatism, in both
desire and approach. That said, they are sensualists, certainly in
that they appreciate a good meal and fine wine better than
anyone else.
The logical mind of an Earth Signer is always appreciated. In
keeping with this measured approach, these folks also display
considerable recuperative powers. On the flip side of things,
however, those supported by Earth may be so caught up in their
objectives that they might overlook the feelings of others. It is a
big picture, after all, but these folks may be more concerned with
the finish line than the journey they are taking.
Earth Signs are dependable, practical and conservative, yet
fairly materialistic. They have their feet on the ground but their
eyes on the prize.

Fire

The Element of Fire is associated with the Signs Aries, Leo and
Sagittarius, and it also rules the First, Fifth and Ninth Houses. As
one would expect, those graced by Fire are fiery, indeed. They
are enthusiastic and sometimes larger than life. Just like a fire
that is left untended, however, Fire Signs can burn out of control.
Ouch! It's best to tend those embers.
A Fire Sign is also an indicator of creativity. This Element
manifests itself in creative and unique ways, and those in its
glow are also wonderfully courageous, lively spirits. Those
influenced by a Fire Sign are self-sufficient, spontaneous and
possess a tremendous zest for life.
It also stands to reason that a combustible Fire Signer would be
ardent in the game of love. Yes, these are the sexiest Signs of
the Zodiac, knowing they are the cat's meow and climbing ever
higher in the name of love. To their credit, those touched by Fire
are often an inspiration to others, certainly for their adherence to
solid moral and religious ideals.
If there's a flip side to the Element of Fire, it can be that those
who bear its will can be overly strident in getting their way. Call it
bossy, even. These folks can come across rather forcefully.
Selfishness and an overdeveloped ego can also be seen as part
of a fiery individual's shadowy side.
Fire Signs are strong, self-assured, creative and fun. When they
get too hot to touch, though, it may be a good idea to stand baxk!

The elements

There are two classifications of the Signs of the Zodiac --
Elements and Qualities -- and they each refer to core human
characteristics. The Elements, which are also known as
Triplicities (as in groupings of three), speak to the basic nature
and temperament of a Sign, whereas Qualities address their
manner of expression.
The Elements (Fire, Earth, Air and Water) are based on ancient
Greek philosophy. The ancients took it back to square one, the
building blocks of life: the solid earth upon which we stand, the
running water we use as a resource, the air we breathe and the
fire which keeps us warm and aids in the creation of additional
resources. It's easy to see a kinship to science in this elemental
plan.
With the individual in mind, the Greeks started philosophizing a
bit. In this scenario, the body is considered earthy, feelings are
fluid, thoughts often airy and activity animated and energetic. As
Astrology developed, the ancients attached these elemental
characteristics to the Signs, seeing as how it made sense to
place a watery label on a more emotional sort. Thus evolved the
classification of the Signs to their corresponding Elements.
The four Elements and their corresponding Signs are Fire (Aries,
Leo and Sagittarius), Earth (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn), Air
(Gemini, Libra and Aquarius) and Water (Cancer, Scorpio, and
Pisces). While the Elements in and of themselves help to
describe our basic nature, once combined in our overall
astrological chart, they help to define us as a whole and complex
person.
In looking at an individual's astrological chart, the presence of
more Fire Signs may well indicate a fiery, combustible
personality. Along the same lines, the absence of Earth Signs
would indicate someone who is not very grounded or practical.
The presence of a mix of all of the Elements would be a sign of
a well-rounded individual.
Each Element reflects a quality of human nature and
corresponds with the Suits in both playing cards and the Tarot.

Element	Keyword	Suit	Tarot
Fire	Physical	Clubs	Wands
Earth	Practical	Diamonds	Coins
Air	Intellectual	Spades	Swords
Water	Emotional	Hearts	Cups

 

Pluto: Planet of Power

As the outermost Planet in our solar system, Pluto is also the farthest from the Sun. It has only recently been discovered, having come to light (albeit a dim one) in 1930.
Pluto's energy may be subtle, but its results will hit you like a ton of bricks. This Planet is about transformation, regeneration and rebirth. Things aren't pretty with Pluto, but they do get done.
Pluto says 'out with the old and in with the new,' and we'd better be ready for it. If we're not, this Planet will simply have us wallow in our misery. Pluto asks us to transcend that which we know, redeem ourselves in the process, and come out stronger as a result.
For all that Pluto (re)creates (it also governs the reproductive system), it loves to destroy. This Planet rules destruction, death, obsession, kidnapping, coercion, viruses and waste. That's
definitely not pretty. Pluto also governs crime and the underworld, along with many forms of subversive activity (terrorism, dictatorships). This Planet is about all that is secret and undercover, that which is hidden from view. Is this the story of good vs. evil? Yes.
No one will deny Pluto's power (it rules atomic power, too) and intensity. This Planet's energy is often focused on the masses and what the collective will do. Pluto beseeches the masses to
look inward (and to their subconscious) to see what's there. It may be scary, but Pluto doesn't care. This Planet knows how to push buttons.
It takes Pluto approximately 248 years to complete its orbit around the Zodiac. Due to the eccentricity of its orbit, it takes this Planet between 12 and 31 years to pass through a Sign. It rules Scorpio and the Eighth House. Pluto is the last of the transcendental Planets and is the higher octave of Mars.

Neptune: Planet of Illusion

Neptune, another of the outer Planets, was discovered in 1846. Its slow orbit around our Zodiac ensures that its effect is generational in nature.
Neptune's glyph is the trident of Poseidon, God of the Seas. Much about this Planet is fluid (Neptune rules the oceans of the Earth), changeable and illusory in nature. Dreams, illusion,
abstract thought and the mysterious are all governed by Neptune. Our spirituality is important to this Planet, and how we harness that energy for our personal betterment. Neptune invites
us to let its energy wash over us and to use a meditative state to gain insights and heightened awareness. Poetry, music and dance are among the trance-like activities which this Planet
favors.
Neptune does have its showier side, as it rules movies, television, theater, fashion and all forms of glamour. In essence, Neptune is creating an illusion -- of what is enchanting on the
outside and captivating within. Neptune has a mystique which doesn't reveal itself easily. It can be a poser, too, dabbling in flattery -- and subversion.
The shadow side of Neptune is akin to the aging star who cannot make one more curtain. When the lights are low, this Planet plays in a netherworld of drugs, alcohol, trances and hypnosis. Neptunian energy reeks of escapism on its darker days, a sea of delusion, hypochondria and abnormality. Sleep and dreams are also lorded over by this Planet. At the end of the
day, Neptune keeps coming at you -- how will you receive it? It takes Neptune 165 years to complete its whirl around the Zodiac, spending roughly 14 years at each Sign. It is feminine
energy and rules Pisces and the Twelfth House. Neptune is known as the higher octave of Venus and is the second of the transcendental Planets.

Uranus: Planet of Rebellion

The Planet Uranus wasn't discovered until 1781. As one of the outermost Planets, it moves rather slowly through the Zodiac. The result is that its effect is felt more generationally than
individually.
Uranus brings with it a new way of looking at things, and its approach is best met with an expanded consciousness. Originality, inventions, computers, cutting-edge technologies and
future events are all ruled by this Planet. Uranus sees no need for the status quo, preferring instead to break with tradition and create a new mold. While the building blocks (science, electricity) are safe here, this Planet would rather focus its gaze on a new world order. To that end, rebellion, revolution, dictators, an autonomous state and free will all fall under the
aegis of this Planet.
No one will ever characterize Uranus as subtle. This is the Planet which coaxes erratic and bizarre behavior and byzantine schemes. A bohemian, utopian society is more in keeping with
Uranus's bent, as are humanitarian ideals. Freedom and creativity are important to this Planet; Astrology is also within its realm. Lastly, in keeping with its sudden, sometimes violent and
often unexpected manner, Uranus rules earthquakes and other natural disasters.
It takes Uranus 84 years to complete its trip around the zodiac. It is an androgynous energy and rules Aquarius and the Eleventh House. Uranus is considered to be the higher octave of Mercury and the first of the transcendental Planets.

Saturn: Planet of Karma

Saturn doesn't make things easy. That's the role of the taskmaster of the Zodiac. Saturn commands us to get to work and to work hard. Discipline and responsibility are important to
this Planet, yet if we're eager to conquer the world, that's okay, too.
Much like Father Time, Saturn implores us to look at the clock (its glyph, after all, is the sickle of Chronos, the God of Time). Is there time for everything we want to do, or are there limits? Those limitations are important to Saturn, and we must learn to manage them. Restrictions are the province of this Planet, as is any form of discipline or delay.
In keeping with the passage of time, Saturn governs old age along with the lessons it teaches us. Learning life's lessons is key to this Planet, in keeping with its role as teacher. The
majesty of older age also brings with it a certain sense of tradition, conventionality (our learned patterns of behavior) and wisdom, and Saturn is mindful of these characteristics. This
Planet applauds our perseverance and the fact that we've withstood the test of time (yes, time comes up once again). This senior status further brings with it a measure of authority, and
Saturn lords over that as well.
Structure, order and the way in which we conduct our affairs are all ruled by this ringed Planet. Contraction and the reining in of assets are also important here. Lastly, Saturn, again in its role
as teacher, concerns itself with karma and the lessons which past experiences might bring.
It takes Saturn 28-30 years to complete its orbit of the zodiac. It is masculine energy and rules Capricorn and Aquarius and the Tenth and Eleventh Houses.

Jupiter: Planet of Luck

Jupiter is the thinking person's Planet. As the guardian of the abstract mind, this Planet rules higher learning and bestows upon us a yen for exploring ideas, both intellectually and
spiritually. Intellectually speaking, Jupiter assists us in formulating our ideology. In the more spiritual realm, Jupiter lords over religions and philosophy. A search for the answers is what Jupiter proposes, and if it means spanning the globe to find them, well, that's probably why Jupiter also rules long-distance travel. In keeping with this theme, Jupiter compels us to assess
our ethical and moral values; it also addresses our sense of optimism.
Luck and good fortune are associated with Jupiter for good reason. This is a kind and benevolent Planet, one which wants us to grow and flourish in a positive way. Jupiter may be judge and jury, but it's mostly an honorable helpmate, seeing to it that we're on the right path. While our success, accomplishments and prosperity are all within Jupiter's realm, this largesse can, at times, deteriorate into laziness and sloth (Jupiter, at its worst, is associated with weight gain!). More often than not, however, Jupiter will guide us down the primrose path.
Leisure time is also one of Jupiter's pastimes. Sports of all kinds, games of chance, and a stroll in the park with the family pet (Jupiter loves animals) are all ruled by this Planet. Finally,
Jupiter often presages great wealth, material and otherwise. This is a good friend in the heavens! It takes Jupiter about twelve years to circle the Zodiac (the Planet visits an average of one Sign a year). It is masculine energy and rules both Sagittarius and Pisces and the Ninth and Twelfth Houses.

Mars: Planet of Passion

Mars is the action Planet of the Zodiac. The 'Red Planet,' after all, should be pretty fiery, and Mars does not disappoint. Energy, passion, drive and determination are all right up Mars's alley.
This Planet commands you (and yes, Mars does rule the military) to stand up, be noticed and get things done -- sitting on the sidelines belongs somewhere else in the heavens. Simply
put, Mars speaks to the power and confident expression of the individual.
Ambition and competition are also within Mars's realm. Whether it's at work or on the field of play, Mars encourages us to face challenges and to be our best -- or better. Aggression is part of the plan here, although Mars also values courage and honor.
Assertion and a daring, fearless nature please this Planet. It's important to note that Mars's energy can be constructive or destructive. The God of War in ancient times, Mars could be
brutally violent. While this energy still emanates from the Planet, it also asks us to harness this force for good. Stamina, ambition and achievement are all part of Mars' mantra.
Mars rules our sexuality and sexual energy, and governs weapons, accidents and surgery (the last two illustrating the yin and yang nature of this Planet). In the end, however, the energy
of Mars can be quite useful if used properly.
It takes nearly two years for Mars to complete its orbit through the Zodiac. It is masculine energy and rules both Aries and Scorpio and the First and Eighth Houses.

Venus: Planet of Love and Money

Mercury,Planet,Communication

Venus is all about pleasure, especially pleasure shared with someone else. This Planet concerns itself with love, romance and harmony in our emotional attachments, marriages, friendships and other unions (like business partnerships). Venus is content to spread happiness and tenderness, all the while teaching us how to love and appreciate others and the things that we possess.

We appear attractive -- and we attract others -- thanks to Venus's energy. Socializing with and relating to others are important to this Planet.

Beauty is also strongly associated with Venus. The arts (music, dance, drama and literature, to name a few) and a sense of the aesthetic fall within the ream of Venus. Venus beseeches us to indulge our senses and revel in the beauty of our world. This Planet is inextricably linked to refinement, culture, charm and grace.

Venus also deals with the pleasure we derive from our possessions. Luxuries (jewelry, paintings, expensive cars), good food and drink, a beautiful home and a sense of refinement all please Venus's interests. This Planet asks us to appreciate the exquisite nature of things. It's a sensual -- though not necessarily sexual -- world as far as Venus is concerned.

Venus takes 225 days to complete its orbit of the zodiac; it is never more than 47 degrees from the Sun. It is a feminine energy and rules both Taurus and Libra and the Second and Seventh Houses.

Mercury: Planet of Communication

Mercury,Planet,Communication

Mercury, much like the winged messenger of the gods, comes in on feather-light wings and commands us to speak. Communication, intellect and awareness are all within Mercury's
domain, as are logic and reasoning, our manner of thinking, and how we create and express our thought processes.
A mercurial nature brings to mind restlessness and motion. Rata- tat-tat -- things happen fast here. Mercury is about a quick wit, quick thinking, possibilities, opinions, reasoning and the ability to rationalize things. Mercurial energy can be good or bad, but it will certainly be energizing! This Planet also prompts us to move from one thing to the next and to get answers on both a physical and psychological level. Further, Mercury's energy is both dexterous and perceptive.
Mercury is about short trips: a visit to a neighbor or a friend across town, the workaday commute, a weekend getaway. Siblings, and transportation in general, are also within Mercury's
realm. Speaking, writing, books, online communications and learning are all within Mercury's domain. This Planet implores us to express ourselves often -- and well. When Mercury goes retrograde (the appearance of traveling backward), however, our communications will be challenged.
Mercury is never more than 28 degrees from the Sun; it takes about 88 days to complete its orbit of the Sun. It is neither masculine nor feminine energy and assumes the gender of the
Sign it is in. It rules both Gemini and Virgo and the Third and Sixth Houses.

The Moon - Ruler of the Emotions

The Moon: Ruler of the Emotions

Since the Moon is the closest 'Planet' to Earth, this satellite literally zips around the Zodiac, completing its circuit in less than a month. It also touches us more deeply than most Planets.

As the ruler of the tides, it is fitting that the Moon should be the ruler of our emotions. Still waters run deep? Making waves? A wellspring of emotion? Yes, our emotions have long been portrayed in terms of the sea: fluid, momentous, churning from within. Mood swings, instinct, how we feel about things and how our feelings affect others are all influenced by the Moon.

Whereas the Sun gives us our spirit, it's the Moon which gives us our soul.

The Moon is goddess-like in that it symbolizes mother and the relationship between woman and child. This Planet (also known as a luminary) speaks to the women in one's life and their role as nurturer. Fertility, pregnancy and childbirth are also governed

by the Moon. We see the Moon casting its silvery glow from our earliest moments, when we were stroked and caressed by our mother and felt her tender touch.

Our emotions manifest themselves through our being and set the tone for our daily lives. The Moon is party to this continuum, rendering us vital one moment and fragile the next. We're up and down, naughty or nice, and may laugh wildly or cry at will.

Through the Moon's energy, we endeavor to reconcile these varied emotions in order to make ourselves complete and one with the world. The Moon also helps us see that which we want, and to use memory and the past as part of this process.

The Moon spends roughly 2 1/2 days in each sign and takes 28 days to circumnavigate the Zodiac. It is feminine energy and rules Cancer and the Fourth House.

 

The Sun

SUN,PLANETS

The Sun: Planet of Self

As the Sun puts forth light, so it brings forth life. This Planet (also known as a luminary and a star) represents the self, one's personality and ego, the spirit and what it is that makes the individual unique. It is our identity and our face to the world. The Sun also speaks to creative ability and the power of the individual to meet the challenges of everyday life.

 

One's natural father, husbands and other male influences are ruled by the Sun, as are children. The Sun's energy is a forceful one, and in its wake comes authority, the ability to lead and an individual's essence, their core being. Through the will of this Planet, we learn to manifest ourselves in the world.

 

The Sun is majestic, and in keeping with its regal air, it rules royalty and higher office. This orb also lords over our health and well-being. The Sun's golden glow is a vital life force which imbues us with strength, energy and a will to succeed. It is the Sun which gives strength to the other Planets, which is why this Planet occupies a key role in Astrology.

 

The Sun spends about a month visiting each Sign and takes a year to journey through the twelve Signs of the Zodiac. It is masculine energy and rules Leo and the Fifth House.

 

THE PLANETS

We look at ten Planets in the study of Astrology, beginning with the Sun and the Moon, also known as luminaries. Additionally, there are Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. The energy of the Planets influences our everyday lives. That said, it's what we do with this energy that truly matters.

The more recently-recognized Planets (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) do not dilute the message of the other Planets, they simply add to our spectrum of experience. Many consider Jupiter to be the most benevolent of the Planets, with Venus a close second. The Sun, Moon and Mercury also tend to cast a golden glow. On the flip side of things is Saturn's hard energy, followed by the sharpness of Mars, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.

The Planets move at varying speeds, some faster (the Moon)and some slower (Pluto), depending on how close they are to the Sun. The fastest Planets (Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars)are commonly referred to as the inner Planets and speak to the inner self. The social Planets are Jupiter and Saturn, while the outer Planets (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) fix their gaze on the external world.

Each of the Planets exerts its most powerful energy over the Sign it rules. This is also referred to as the Sign of its dignity. There is a second Sign with which each Planet interacts well, known as the Sign of its exaltation. Directly opposite each
Planet's Sign of dignity is the Sign of detriment; this Planet's energy is generally unfavorable. Opposite the Sign of exaltation is the Sign of fall; these Planets exhibit a weakened energy. A Planet in its natural House (such as Mars in Aries) is accidentally dignified and strengthened as a result. Perhaps the
most important Planet of all is the one that rules the Ascendant. For example, those with Virgo on the Ascendant will find that Mercury, as the ruler of Virgo, exerts a considerable influence over their chart.

The movement of the Planets is categorized as stationary, direct or retrograde. A stationary Planet (which will soon be direct or retrograde) brings with it highly-focused and significant energy. Direct Planets also exert considerable influence. It is the retrograde Planets which serve to mix things up. By appearing to
move backward, these Planets generate a diffused and unfocused energy. The message of retrograde Planets will be garbled and less effective as a result.