Learning Astrology-The Signs (Part 3)

Let's recap:

First we learned the Sun signs, listed them in order in our notebooks and then numbered them according to our own Sun sign.

Then we began our discussion about the different ways to categorize the signs. We first covered the signs as part of the four elements: Fire, Air, Water and Earth.

Now we will cover the signs and their qualities. The division is based on the common characteristics of each sign and by season.

There are three qualities:

• Cardinal
• Fixed
• Mutable

There are four signs in each quality. These signs share certain traits. Let's take a closer look.

Cardinal signs (these correspond to the first sign of each season): Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn.

Cardinal signs are the starters. These individuals want to get things done. While all of the cardinal signs tend to the same outcome, each has a unique way of achieving it.

• Aries is a pusher. Aries natives want it done...and done their way.
• Cancer is the compulsive of the cardinal signs. It gets the job done by insisting it gets done.
• Libra is about fairness and equality. As a cardinal sign Libra insist on this equality.
• Capricorn seeks success. They want to be the boss and will strive to climb to the top.

Fixed signs (these correspond to the second sign of each season): Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius.

Fixed signs resist change. They have the potential to stay the course. They tend to be stubborn and somewhat moody.

• Taurus takes the "if it isn't broke, don't fix it" approach.
• Leo is about having fun. Leo doesn't want things to end.
• Scorpio needs control. If it is constantly changing, Scorpio can't control it.
• Aquarius is the oddball of the bunch. Not easily thought of as fixed because Aquarius is a pioneer. Their fixed nature is a result of this pioneering spirit. Because they tend to feel they are ahead of the times, the tend towards arrogance that makes them believe they do not need to change.

Mutable signs (these correspond to the third sign of each season): Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces.

Mutable signs are changeable. They adapt well to change. As a matter of fact, they thrive in a changing environment.

• Gemini maintains changeability by absorbing knowledge and passing it along. They are great at piecing together ideas and information. Gemini tend to take on several projects at once.
• Virgo maintains its changeability by employing their skills at being able to see a situation by different points of view. They are capable of finding several solutions to the same problem.
• Sagittarius maintains changeability through a healthy appetite for knowledge and using intuition to seek truth.
• Pisces being the last sign of the zodiac embodies all of the other signs. Pisces possess a great deal of adaptability and will easily offer advice and help.

Let me explain why these categorizations become important. The natal chart is loaded with insight. In order to understand the intricacies of this chart, one must understand the language. What I have done in the past three articles is explain very basic terminology. It will only serve as a starting point to studying astrology.

After these three articles, I can now tell you my Sun sign. I can also tell you what element and quality my Sun sign is in. Furthermore, I can use several key words to help me better understand my personality. Can you do that for yourself?

I think you are now ready to look at your natal chart. In order to have one drawn, you will need to know your birth date, place of birth and exact time of birth. There are several ways to get your natal chart. One way is to pay a reputable astrologer to create your chart and decipher it for you. This of course is the easiest way. Then you will only need to read through it and learn about yourself. A second option is to have your chart created for free and then work through the chart to discover yourself piece by piece.

If you are interested in purchasing a full chart with interpretations, I will recommend www.drstandly.com. For a free natal chart, I often visit www.astro.com. The charts here are very accurate and both sites are loaded with information.

Personally, I had my chart created by a reputable astrologer. I read through it and then set it aside. I learned very little that way. So, I then created my chart and began to decipher each individual nook myself. Hence, this introductory piece.

However you decide to obtain your birth chart you are now capable of checking to see where the signs fall. You will also be able to figure out if you are heavy in one particular element or quality. The strength and/or absence of elements and qualities has an impact on personality traits.

We will continue exploring the intricacies of the natal chart soon!