Astrology and the Zodiac

Astrology is all about what is up above us. Astrologists study the position of the stars, planets, sun, moon, in relation to the Earth’s yearly journey around the sun.

The Zodiac is a described as a belt that circles the Earth. Within the Zodiac belt are an arrangement of stars, which we know as constellations. There are 12 constellations that make up the Zodiac belt are what we know as our astrological signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. Much of what I know is from years of being interested and “studying” Astrology as well as a resource that I have been using to sharpen my skills called The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need by Joanna Martine Woolfolk.

I have had a lot of people ask my questions about their signs and what it all means and how it all ties in together. Astrology is more than just what sign your birthday falls on, it is a complex look at the entire zodiac and what makes you unique to not only your sun sign, but your moon sign, ascendant, Venus sign, etc. I am only going to get into Sun Signs, Moon Signs and the Ascendant also known as the Rising Sun sign in this piece. These three signs are also referred to as the main three or the big three. I will get more complex and in depth in coming articles. If you don’t relate to your sign exactly or at all that could be because of the unique position of the world above us.

So, what does that all mean and how does it come into play with how Astrology an open a path into deeper self-knowledge and exploration?

Sun Signs

There are many factors. The most popular, and the one that we refer to as our “sign” is known as a Sun Sign. It is as basic as it sounds: it is when the Sun passes through the constellation at the time of birth. For example, my birthday is December 18th. The Sun is passing through Sagittarius therefore that is the sign that I refer to as mine. “The position of the Sun in your birth chart governs your individuality, your distinctive style, and your drive to fulfill your goals in life,” (Martine Woolfolk, 3). Being a Sagittarius means being adventurous and spontaneous and I will relate that by saying, “That’s the Sagittarius in me!” or when my husband is being stubborn, I’ll say things like “Quit being such a Taurus!” Like I said though, we are more than just our Sun Signs, that is only the tip of the iceberg.

Moon Signs

Your Moon Sign is the position of the Moon at the moment of your birth. The Moon Sign is a more intimate sign. “In astrology, the Moon stands for emotions, instincts, and unconscious,” (Martine Woolfolk, 193). The Moon Sign is more about the inside, instead of what shines on the outside like the Sun Sign. I think it is pretty easy to remember by thinking of them each as they reflect in our world. The Sun is bright, gives energy and provides a way for us to survive. The Moon comes out when it is dark, we only can see what is on one side of it, there is a mystery and about it and a time for rest and sleep. The way of finding your Moon Sign is by a chart, or even easier by using a website (there are many options on a Google search), to find out where the Moon was at the time of your birth. My Moon sign is Sagittarius.

Ascendant/Rising Sun Signs

The Ascendant, or Rising Sun Sign is the last sign making up this trio of important signs. “The word outer is significant in defining your Rising sign, for this is the sign that represents your outer personality. In modern terminology, it is your image,” (Martine Woolfolk, 221). This is likely people’s first impression of you. It is your Rising Sun that compliments your Sun into what really makes the personality that you project. The Rising Sun is the sign that is as it sounds, rises with the Sun on the day of your birth. My Rising Sun sign is Leo. It represents the becoming of an individual, away from the connection and lifeline of one’s own mother.

I am doing a multipart series of articles that explain and explore all the aspects Astrologers have come to find when it comes to your unique place on this Earth and within time and space as well. I will go over the 12 signs, elements, planets, health, etc. Like I said, there is so much more to Astrology than what one’s sign is and I think it is a fun.

Source:

Woolfolk, Joanna Martine. The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need. First Taylor Trade Publishing, 2008.