ASTROLOGY FOR BEGINNERS

ZODIAC SIGNS

Previously, we’ve looked at natal charts in general; what factors create a natal chart [birthdate, exact time, and location], and the main elements that can be found in a natal chart [planets, houses, and Zodiac signs]. Then, we looked at themes, attributes, and the significance of planets in natal charts.

Today, we’ll look at the Zodiac signs. Most people know their “Sun Sign”. This is the Zodiac sign that the Sun was in at the moment you were born. While knowing your Sun sign will identify a few traits common to most in that sign, that one sign alone only scratches the surface of revealing your strengths or weaknesses, your opportunities or challenges. Your natal chart contains all 12 Zodiac signs, and each is a significant indicator in understanding yourself as a whole person.

Let’s start with a very brief overview of traits of each sign:

I’ve placed them in two columns because on a natal chart, these signs are opposing each other. Aries will be opposite Libra; Taurus opposite Scorpio, etc. When looking at the traits, you will see that they generally oppose or counterbalance the other. Aries, being bold, while Libra is more about harmony; Virgo, analytical, with Pisces being more intuitive.

We all have these traits in varying situations depending on the House the sign is in and what planets are affecting the sign and/or the House. This is where it begins to get more complicated and why some people prefer to have an experienced astrologer study their natal chart with them.

As I mentioned before, each sign has multiple facets. Looking at medical astrology, each sign rules various parts of the body; and depending on House/Planet relationship and current transits, may indicate where you’ll have a tendency to have issues. [This is not medical advice by any means; for entertainment purposes only.] You will notice that the first sign, Aries, starts at the top of your body, and the last sign, Pisces, ends with the feet.

Aries: head, skull, brain, optic area/eyes, teeth

Taurus: Neck, hearing/ears, taste buds, vocal cords, tongue, cervical vertebrae

Gemini: hands, arms, fingers, trachea, lungs, clavicle, scapula

Cancer: stomach, breasts, rib cage, elbows [because with arms down, they align with the rib cage], spleen, liver, uterus, diaphragm

Leo: back, spinal cord, heart

Virgo: pancreas, intestines, colon [with Scorpio], abdomen, nervous system, solar plexus

Libra: kidneys, hormonal balance, fallopian tubes, urinary system, veins [along with Aquarius]

Scorpio: prostate, pelvic region, colon [with Virgo], rectum, bladder, sweat glands, [processes of elimination; and as such, the nose!]

Sagittarius: hips, femur, thighs, arteries, sympathetic nerves

Capricorn: knees, skin, bones, nails, cuticles

Aquarius: ankles, calves, circulation

Pisces: feet, toes, heels, lymphatics

On a lighter note, let’s look at food related to the signs. Now, don’t jump to your Sun sign, but read all of them and determine which [maybe more than one] sounds more like the way you enjoy eating. Most likely that sign or those signs are prevalent in your natal chart, whether Sun sign, Moon sign, Ascendant, or some major aspect.

Aries tends towards bold and spicy flavors, and foods that provide a quick burst of energy [maybe that necessary cup of coffee to get started in the morning?]

Taurus prefers to be indulged with rich, gourmet foods, and high-end comfort meals.

Gemini loves variety; would delight in a buffet!

Cancer wants home-cooked, comfort foods, meals that evoke pleasant memories. Having that traditional holiday meal is a must.

Leo enjoys being pampered with luxurious meals and delights in a beautiful presentation. Even if the meal is not completely luxurious, set a nice table.

Virgo appreciates garden-fresh, healthy meals with a touch of creativity.

Libra needs balance in their meals, not too heavy, not too light; and likes plating to be stimulating.

Scorpio favors complex spicy dishes that offer a richness and indulgence to them.

Sagittarius gets enthused by being adventurous, trying international dishes, something new and different.

Capricorn is quite happy with hearty meals prepared properly, like a perfect stew or home-baked bread.

Aquarius delights in unique health foods, like the superfoods that purportedly heighten mental focus: sweet potatoes, salmon, chickpeas, and avocados, presented in an appealing way.

Pisces avoids rich, heavy foods, leaning more to lighter, delicate dishes but also with a penchant for sweets.

If you would like a free copy of your natal chart so you can follow along on this journey exploring Astrology for Beginners, email me at astrologywithann@gmail.com with your birth date, exact time of birth [on your birth certificate] and location of birth. Feel free to email me with questions, comments, or suggestions.

Next session: The Houses