Please NOTE that the content on this page was contributed by Karen Carter-Seagan.
Copyright © 1999 by Karen Carter-Seagan. All rights reserved.
Licensed under a Creative Commons License.

[ Aries | Taurus | Gemini | Cancer | Leo | Virgo |

Libra | Scorpio | Sagittarius | Capricorn | Aquarius | Pisces ]

Aries

March 20 - April 20

Aries is ruled by the planet Mars, and those born under this sign tend to be fiery and action-oriented individuals. Aries people are often considered to be egocentric, a result of Aries' position as the first sign of the zodiac - the equivalent of a newborn baby (Me! Me! Me!). Many Aries have so much energy they sometimes burn themselves out and should take care to replenish their resources.

Any planet in the chart that is moving through Aries at the time of birth will have a strong Arian influence. For example, if Venus (the planet of love and relationships) was in Aries at the time of your birth, then you will be somewhat aggressive in your pursuit of partners, and you will want a lot of attention. You will probably not stay for long with a partner who does not show you a great deal of attention, and you often consider the initial pursuit better than an actual relationship.

Likewise, planets that are in sitting in your first house will also display Arian characteristics. The first house is generally considered to control the entire personality. The first house contains the Ascendant (determined by the time of birth), and most astrologers consider the Ascendant as important as the Sun sign. Also, any planet that appears in the first house is considered to have a tremendous influence in the chart. The first house determines body types, the way you feel about yourself and the personality.

Taurus

April 20 - May 21

Taurus is ruled by Venus, and is considered the most sensual of signs. As the fixed earth sign, it is also considered stable and practical. However, fixed signs can be very stubborn, and the term Bull-Headed comes from Taurus! Being ruled by Venus, many Taureans have a great appreciation for beauty and possess artistic talents. They like comfort and safety, and engaging in productive work. They generally do not adapt well to change. However, Taureans are often extremely good money managers.

Planets that were in Taurus at the time of birth will be influenced by that sign. If you were born with Mars in Taurus, you have very practical business sense, but you may have trouble adapting to changes in the work environment. Those born with Mercury in Taurus will be slow, methodical thinkers.

The second house emphasizes money and material possessions, as well as attitudes about them and how one goes about acquiring them. It also rules safety, possessions, what you will give in bed, your values and your sense of self-worth.

Gemini

May 21 - June 21

Gemini is the first of the split personality/duality signs (the other is Pisces), represented by The Twins. Geminis can have distinctly different personalities at different times or under different circumstances - they can argue one point of view one day and play their own devil's advocate the next and argue the opposite viewpoint. Gemini is ruled by Mercury and is dominated by logic and rational thought. Geminis love thinking and communicating - they must keep their minds constantly stimulated. They often have excellent writing and/or speaking abilities.

Planets that are moving through Gemini at the time of birth will always be influenced by intellect. For instance, people born with Venus in Gemini will value intelligence over looks in their partners. Those with Mars in Gemini will want to have mentally stimulating careers.

Like Gemini, the Third House influences how a person communicates, as well as the nature of the mind. The Third House also plays a role in short journeys, lower grades of education, how we read, write, and speak, brothers and sisters and some electronic devices.

Cancer

June 21 - July 22

Cancer, the first water sign, is ruled by the Moon, and combines the emotions of the water signs with the leadership of the cardinal signs. Cancers are compassionate and are the ultimate homemakers and mommies, and even male Cancers will have strong maternal natures. Cancers are emotionally vulnerable and often hide their tender hearts beneath a confident and sometimes tough exterior.

Planets moving through Cancer at the time of birth will be strongly influenced by the emotions. People with Venus in Cancer want emotional security in relationships. When Mars is in Cancer the emotions can be a detriment to the career - or the individual may go into one of the caring professions like nursing.

The fourth house rules the home and family, and indicates the type of home a person needs to create for happiness, also the country of birth, real estate and the father (usually).

Leo

July 22 - August 23

Leo is ruled by the Sun, and is the most proud and self-centered of the signs. Leo is the sign of the actor, and they like to be the center of attention. At their best they are artistic and creative and warm. However, they can easily become vain and egotistical. Leos can be difficult to work with or in relationships, as they do not like limitations of any kind and get miffed if they do not get their way. They almost always think they are right.

Planets located in Leo will have characteristics of the Lion. If the Moon was in Leo at birth these people tend to be very egocentric and hard to live with. Those with Venus in Leo tend to dress flamboyantly in order to draw attention to themselves.

The fifth house rules romance and the arts. The sign it occurs in will indicate how an individual manifests his or her creative abilities. The fifth house also rules children, art and drama, how you have fun, risk taking, schools, sports and gambling.

Virgo

August 23 - September 23

Virgo, like Gemini, is ruled by Mercury. The Mercurian influence in Virgos manifests itself through analysis - Virgos analyze, analyze, analyze! Virgos are often fussy in certain areas of their lives, and they tend to extremes in their personal habits - either they are meticulously neat and clean or they are slobs. They have very high standards but can be overly critical. On the up side, they are very practical and productive.

Planets in Virgo will also be very practical. Mercury in Virgo is extremely analytical and loves intellectual order. The best individuals with this planetary placement use their minds for the practical good. Venus in Virgo individuals can be overly critical of their partners and are very hard to please.

The sixth house rules work, health, the diet and food, pets, your attitude toward cleanliness, your choice of clothes and the principle of practical service.

Libra

September 23 - October 23

Libra share its ruler Venus with Taurus. Being ruled by Venus, a big focus of Libra is on relationships. Libra's symbol is the Scales of Balance, and Libras are born diplomats because they always try to find a middle ground and to never offend anyone. Their lives are ruled by possibilities, and they can always see at least two sides to every issue. A problem with this is that they often have trouble making choices - sometimes to the point that they are paralyzed by indecision.

Planets in Libra will focus on balance. Mercury in Libra indicates a balanced intellect. A Venus in Libra person always wants to maintain balance in relationships, and will usually present a very pleasant face to the world. They dislike arguments and will attempt to maintain harmony at almost any cost.

The seventh house rules relationships of all types, but especially love relationships. Traditionally it is the house of marriage. It indicates a person's attitude toward relationships, as well as the needs that relationships fulfill. It also rules business partnerships, best friends, mentors, enemies, contracts and diplomacy.

Scorpio

October 23 - November 22

Scorpio, ruled by fierce Mars and obsessive Pluto, is probably the most intense of all the signs. Passion boils in these people, and you often know it from their piercing stares. An emotional water sign, Scorpios feel with an intensity only imagined by some of the other signs. They feel vulnerable, and therefore they are secretive. When they have been hurt they plot bitter revenge - even if they only carry it out in their heads. But once hurt they almost never forgive the perpetrator. They are often obsessed with death, sex, and things hidden in the deepest recesses of the psyche.

Any planet that is moving through Scorpio at the time of birth will be influenced by the intensity of that sign. Venus in Scorpio people are often extremely passionate, but also jealous and possessive. Those with Mars in Scorpio will be emotionally committed to whatever they do, and are often drawn to deep, committed causes.

The eighth house rules sex, death, secrets, the occult, psychology, soul mates, reincarnation, psychic powers and other people's money. Is that intense enough for you?

Sagittarius

November 22 - December 22

Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, the planet of expansion. It is the sign of the philosopher, and adventurous Sagittarians love to travel. Often, all of this will be combined, and Sagittarians will take long journeys of the mind or spirit in their search for wisdom. Their ultimate quest is for Universal Truth, and those born under the sign of the archer tend to be restless souls, as truth is elusive.

Planets moving through Sagittarius will express Sagittarian traits. Those with Mercury in Sagittarius will philosophize their thoughts, and will care more about theories and opinions than facts. Those born with Venus in Sagittarius will be attracted to adventurous mates who are philosophical and who will place few emotional restrictions on them.

The ninth house rules philosophy, religion, foreign countries, long-distance travel, higher education, the law and publishing.

Capricorn

December 22 - January 20

Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, the planet of fate. As an earth sign, Capricorns are very materialistic and make excellent businesspeople. Capricorns are usually conservative, practical and cautious. They can be very emotional, but have trouble expressing their feelings. As a result, they sometimes try to manipulate those they are trying to influence.

Planets in Capricorn will express this conservative and practical characteristics. This can be a problem with a planet like the Moon, which indicates how people express their emotional and domestic natures. Those with conservative Moon in Capricorn have problems expressing their feelings and often form relationships for purposes of financial security. Those with Mars in Capricorn usually excel at their careers, and they make exceptional engineers, mechanics or just about anything they set their sites on. These people start out in the mailroom and in 5 years they are CEO.

The tenth house rules the profession, one's sense of responsibility, the reputation, what you are trying to be, authority figures and your attitude toward them.

Aquarius

January 20 - February 18

Aquarius is ruled by Saturn and Uranus, planets with opposing natures - the first seeking order and the second looking to tear it down. Aquarius focuses on spreading new or radical ideas, and is often considered eccentric and sometimes awkward in social settings. Aquarians demand complete personal freedom. They are often frustrated when trying to spread their ideas for they are often impractical. They need strong planets in other areas of their charts in order to implement those ideas, or sometimes the help of other people.

Planets moving through Aquarius at the time of birth often express themselves in extreme ways. People with Mercury in Aquarius often have radical ideas and never want to be told what to think. Those with Venus in Aquarius resist traditional relationships and seek partners who will indulge their radical ideas and provide them with a great deal of change and stimulation.

The eleventh house rules friends, the social circles one moves in, associates, advisors, your hopes, your income, peer pressure, the advice others give you, and your wildest dreams.

Pisces

February 18 - March 20

Pisces is ruled by Jupiter and Neptune. Those planets rule religion and mysticism, respectively, and as such the focus of Pisces is often out of this world - literally! As a result, Pisceans are often impractical and sometimes struggle with their jobs, balancing their checkbooks, and relating to other people. However, kind Pisceans are also amazing listeners and are extremely perceptive. But being ruled by Neptune, they are dreamers and often seem like they are somewhere else - they are! Pisceans are often very artistic, expressing themselves through music, art and/or photography.

Planets in Pisces often highlight these artistic talents. Those with Mercury in Pisces are dreamy and poetic, and often express themselves through artistic thought. Venus in Pisces produces the world's greatest romantics, but they are often impractical in their relationships.

The twelfth house rules our eternal longings to merge with All That Is - The Creator. It also rules psychic gifts and healing, spiritual and emotional service, past lives, the unconscious, and the past.

[ Aries | Taurus | Gemini | Cancer | Leo | Virgo |

Libra | Scorpio | Sagittarius | Capricorn | Aquarius | Pisces ]