Many people dismiss astrological signs and their meanings, saying they are silly superstitions. They look at their astrological signs meanings and say things such as, “I don’t identify with my astrological sign, it must be wrong,” but what they don’t know is that they do not belong to one sign in particular. Humans are far too complex to be summed up inside only one sign, with only a few specific traits. People only generally look at their sun sign, or as more widely known zodiac sign. But there are many signs, represented by different planets. They tell you how you might approach different parts of your life.
What is a Astrological Sign?
A star sign is
a popular idea in Western Astrology. It is the thought that each sign takes up
a sector of 30 degrees in the ecliptic (a large circle on the celestial sphere that represents the sun’s apparent path during the
year) starting at the vernal equinox or more commonly known as the first
point of Aries.
Your star sign depends on when you were born and the aligning of the earth and
sun during that area of time. Whichever 30 degrees sector the earth is facing
through the sun, is your star sign.
Astrological Signs Characteristics:
Aries: March 21st – April 19th The RAM
Aries is an attention seeker and loves to be number one. So it is no surprise that they are the first sign of the zodiac. Aries is a competitive and bold star sign, willing to dive straight into any challenging situation their presented with.
Strengths: courageous, determined, honest, passionate, dynamic, competitive
Weaknesses: impatient, impulsive, aggressive
Taurus: April 20th – May 20th The BULL
Taurus is an earth sign, this means they will most likely be a very down to earth and reliable person. Taureans enjoy relaxing in secluded and safe places, surrounded by soothing sounds and flavorsome aromas.
Strengths: strong, sensual, patient, practical, devoted, stable
Weaknesses: stubborn, clingy, uncompromising
Gemini: May 21st – June 20th The TWINS
Gemini tend to be busy all the time, they often have the wish they could just clone themselves to get everything done. This sign has been appropriately symbolized by the celestial twins, interested in so many ideas it had to double itself to feel at peace.
Strengths: visual, expressive, curious, gentle, adaptable
Weaknesses: twitchy, indecisive, unmotivated
Cancer: June 21st – July 22nd The CRAB
Cancer is a water sign. The crabs ability to live in the sea and on the shore, represent cancers ability to live in both emotional and material realms. They are visceral and highly intuitive. Their psychic abilities are easily manifested in spaces with high tension. They can read the energies of a room or relationship.
Strengths: sentimental, protective, persuasive, imaginative, empathetic
Weaknesses: tenacious, pessimistic, manipulative, insecure
Leo: July 23rd – August 22nd The LION
Roll out the red carpets, Leo has arrived! Leo are definitely the drama kings and queens of the zodiacs. They would never turn down a party and the chance to celebrate themselves. They embrace their status as vivacious, theatrical and passionate. The place to find them, is at the fiery centre of the party.
Strengths: dramatic, extravert, confident, faithful, generous, cheerful
Weaknesses: arrogant, lazy, inflexible
Virgo: August 23rd – September 22nd The VIRGIN
Virgo is historically represented as the goddess of wheat and agriculture, linked strongly to the grounded and deeply present Virgo. They are logical and practical when they approach life. These signs are perfectionists and hard-workers, they aren’t afraid to earn and improve through constant practice.
Strengths: loyal, analytical, kind, steady
Weaknesses: shy, self-criticism, all work
Libra: September 23rd – October 22nd The SCALES
Libra is a sign that strongly relates to its image, the scales. Libra is fixated on balance and harmony. They strive to achieve symmetry and perfection in all areas of life.
Strengths: social, diplomatic, gracious, versatile
Weaknesses: holds grudges, avoids confrontations, self-pity
Scorpio: October 23rd – November 21st The SCORPION
Scorpio is a largely misunderstood sign, due to it’s forwardness and incredible power. This sign is often mistaken for a fire sign, though it is not. Surprisingly, this is a water sign which derives its strength, largely from the psychic, emotional realm.
Strengths: resourceful, brave, passionate, intuitive
Weaknesses: secretive, offensive, forward, jealous, distrusting
Sagittarius: November 22nd – December 21st The ARCHER
Sagittarius is one of the most out there zodiacs. The last fire sign attacks any challenge like one of it’s blazing arrows, chasing after geographical, intellectual and spiritual adventures. Sagittarians are the explorers of the spiritual world.
Strengths: humorous, generous, idealistic, curious, impulsive
Weaknesses: impatient, over-worker, promises more than they can deliver
Capricorn: December 22nd – January 19th The GOAT
Capricorn is the last of the earths signs. This particular sign is represented by a body of a goat and the tail of a fish. Due to this Capricorns are present in both the material and emotional realms.
Strengths: serious, self-disciplined, responsible
Weaknesses: condescending, know-it-all, controlling
Aquarius: January 20th – February 18th The WATER BEARER
Aquarius is unlike it’s name the final air sign of the zodiac. It is a sign that is represented by the mystical water bearer, who creates life in water and on land. As well as this, Aquarius is the most humanitarian sign.
Strengths: deep, original, progressive
Weaknesses: temperamental, aloof
Pisces: February 19th – March 20th The FISHES
Pisces is the last water sign and the last constellation of the zodiac. Pisces is represented by the fishes, the symbol being two fish swimming in opposite directions. This shows how the attention of the Pisces is always divided by the fantasy of their mind and the reality of others. Being the final sign, Pisces has lived through it all and learnt all the pains and joys, becoming mature and more experienced by the other signs.
Strengths: wise, artistic, intuitive, musical, empathetic
Weaknesses: fearful, overly trusting, desire to escape from reality, plays the victim
Astrological Planets:
You can have more than one sign. Each sign is from a different planets aligning on your birth date. Each planet has a different meanings and each planet exerts a stronger influence on it’s sign of the zodiac.
You also have different star signs from different planets. These star signs dictate how you approach a certain aspect of your life. For example: Venus, accordingly, represents how you approach you love life. This clearly shows a link to the greek and roman goddesses of love, Aphrodite and Venus.
What people believe:
A survey I conducted shows that of all twelve signs, Sagittarians were most likely to disagree with their profile. 43% of the Sagittarians deeming their profile inaccurate. Although, Leo’s were close second with 40% of the lions disagreeing with their profile description. Contrastingly, 77% of both Taureans and Virgos agreed with their profiles. This shows how the fire sign are more disagreeable and looking for something to think differently about. Whereas, the calm and steady earth signs, seek out something to agree with.
It is normal not to see your whole self, reflected in your sun sign, as these are only your sun signs. You can also have moon signs and ascendant signs (or otherwise known as your rising sign, this is the zodiac the sun was coming into, closest to your birth.) Of course this is what your birth chart is for.
The great thing about the astrological signs, is that you don’t have to choose to believe them. Even if you don’t they will always be there and if you are ever searching for some guidance into understanding yourself as deeply as possible, you can always start with your star signs. Then orbit from that solar system onto the next of your choice.
By Molly, Year 9