We feel that Astrology can be used as a powerful and fun tool for understanding ourselves

What's Your Sign?

When a person asks your "sign", even if they don't know it, they are referring to your Sun Sign, which is the zodiacal sign position of the Sun at the time of your birth. 

Sun Sign Astrology gets a lot of press. However, with a little thought, it is rather intuitive to feel that dividing the entire human population into only 12 categories (the 12 Sun Signs) is far too simplistic. The truth is, every individual on this planet is complex. 

While the sign position of the Sun is meaningful, there is much more to Astrology than just the Sun. In fact, Astrology is just as delightfully (and sometimes maddeningly!) complex as people themselves. Besides the sign of the Sun, each person has a Moon sign, Mercury sign, Venus sign, Mars sign, and so forth. Furthermore, each of the planets and luminaries fall in particular houses (there are 12 in all) in their birth charts (also called natal charts). Character is also believed to be influenced by the relationships the planets, luminaries, and points have with each other.

Fortunately, learning Astrology can be a fun and rewarding endeavor, especially for those with a strong interest in learning more about themselves, others, and their lives. Beginning students of Astrology can take the learning process one step at a time, perhaps starting with the Sun Signs, moving on to a study of the Moon, and so forth. The wonderful reward for this step-by-step approach is the gradual unfolding of your own chart and the charts of those you love! 

Aries

When the Sun enters Aries, it annunciates the Spring Equinox, wherein the days and nights are equal. Hence, the characteristic traits of people in this Sun sign are germination, initiation, and emancipation. They are natural leaders and have the ability of empowering others to share in whatever they commit themselves to. Aries is most compatible with other Fire signs like Sagittarius and Leo. If they can keep their egos in check, Aries and Leo can evolve into a mutually felt profound sense of love. The Aries and Sagittarius match, when they hit it off, can become a pair that enjoys sensuousness in all its forms. As for the Aries and Gemini couple, although this pair starts on a high point, it may never become a settled relationship. Even though they are polar opposites, the Aries and Libra pair may find the journey interesting enough to make it worth being together. The Aries and Scorpio love life, however, can often seem like a war zone, although the intensity both share is exceptional.

Taurus

As the Sun transits into Taurus, the germination and initiation of its sojourn in Aries changes into the practical and methodical nurturing of new life. Hence, the Taurean is characterized by principles that involve the formation and practical shaping of life's values, so that they not only actualize their own potential but also create an inspiring legacy for those who associate with them. The Taurean finds Earth signs like Virgo and Capricorn nice and easy to be with. Although Virgo's tendency to be hypercritical can often rock the boat, while Capri must curb her/his tendency to be the boss. The Taurus and Scorpio pair, if they can find the maturity, will achieve great depths of emotional compatibility and a contented stability. The Taurus and Cancer couple can share a comfortable domesticity with each other, although they need to watch out that they don't extinguish the sensual spark from the union. The Taurus and Leo Sun signs, however, get along surprisingly well, as long as they can keep in check their roving eyes.

Gemini

When the Sun visits Gemini, the security that was garnered in Taurus now becomes stable, and there is an effort to branch out. Interconnecting with a complex system of roots is what characterizes Gemini. Geminis, therefore, have a compelling impulse to connect things or people with one another in order to form larger and more inter-linked connections. Gemini thrives on experiencing diversity of thoughts, encounters and sensations. With the new knowledge they glean, they create theories and systems of knowledge, which they like to spread to others. Gemini, therefore, thrives with the mental stimulation that he/she gets from other air signs like Aquarius and Libra, although Libra often gets exasperated with the flighty ways of Geminis. Even though the Gemini and Aries couple will be interesting, because of both their short attention spans, the union generally does not last long. Gemini and Pisces, however, are very compatible with each other since both share the trait of changeability, hence understand each other. Gemini's heart is also often won over by the intellectually adventurous and equally flexible Sagittarian.

Cancer

When the Sun peregrinates into Cancer, it heralds the Summer Solstice, when the light emanating from it is at its zenith. In the natural world, life has assimilated all the nurturing it can glean from the environment and begins to manifest a distinctive form. The Cancerian, therefore, is characterized by having the ability to assimilate impressions from the external environment, especially those involving intimate and nurturing experiences. Cancer creates a stable and secure sense of belonging, both for themselves as well as others. Cancerians feel emotionally compatible with other Water signs like Pisces and Scorpio. Although this works as long as Pisces incorporates balancing factors which provide shape to their sense of self. Cancer and Virgo matches allow the two to shed their well-known defenses, because both know how to bolster each other up. Libra and Aries complement the intensity of Cancer, although they may not be as comfortable with the sensitivity. Cancer and Capricorn together bespeak seriousness, loyalty and family feeling.

Leo

Summer is at its height when the Sun enters Leo, and in nature the fruit has ripened and is ready to be picked. Thus, the personality of the Leo embodies ripening and expressing their creative life force. Leos tap into their creativity and bring it forth so that it is generated outwards, bringing to fruition their ideas. Their personality is touched with a childlike purity and spontaneity. Leo often wins the hearts of other Fire signs, Sagittarius and Aries. Although if Sagittarius is characteristically casual or Aries stops being interested, it can hurt Leo's sensitive pride. A Leo and Aquarius pair is made for growth that can last a lifetime. Leo and Taurean matches are fraught with friction, although with the shared enjoyment of life's finer things, this combination does thrive sometimes.

Virgo

In the natural world, the ripening that had been started with Leo culminates into full harvesting time when the Sun arrives at Virgo. The Virgo personality, therefore, uses his/her efficiency and discernment to be analytical, and is bent upon improving the output of creativity that was generated in Leo. Hence, Virgos employ the discriminative powers of their mind and their sense of discipline to improve upon and make perfect the physical entity they are born as, so that it becomes purified enough to become home to the Divine Spirit. Hence, although Virgo is quite amenable to play the helpmate to Capricorn and is willing to work along with Taurus, both Earth signs like the Virgo, he/she has a need to escape being weighted down by these other Earth signs. Both Virgos and Cancerians are worriers, but both these Sun signs appreciate the small habits they have and hence cherish their lives together. Virgos and Pisceans often find themselves in unions that plummet great emotional depths.

Libra

When the Sun enters Libra, it heralds the Autumnal Equinox, marking the commencement of the fall season, which, in the natural realm, is the harbinger of new beginnings. The shedding of leaves starts the process of fresh humus forming, which will go on to replenish the earth, exhausted with the yearlong growth, thus bringing it back into balance. The Libra personality is therefore marked by equanimity, justice, and balance. The Libra persona tilts towards other Air signs like Aquarius and Gemini. Although, when it stops working, it is because Libra often decides that Aquarius is too rigid about their own views and that the Gemini is not trustworthy. When Libra rubs against other Cardinal signs like Cancer, Capricorn, and Aries, there will be a lot of friction, which makes them dizzy with the challenges thrown up by the relationship. For such pairs to pull it off together, there has to be an understanding about the various ways the Libra takes charge. Being peacemakers, the Libra and Libra relationship works very well.

Scorpio

With the Sun entering Scorpio, it enunciates the commencement of a period when nature turns inwards, wherein external forms begin to decay gradually, with life returning into the Earth's womb. Hence, the Scorpio personality is imbibed with relinquishing the old in order for rebirth to take place. Metaphorically, this implies that we plummet into the depths of darkness and struggle against our own demons. As we overcome our fears, we have the ability to arise again, being the bearers of new light. Scorpios, therefore, often become role models of how to use power at its best. Scorpios get along very well with other Water signs like Pisces and Cancer, although the Scorpio has to learn to show more emotional depths to really win over these two sensitive beings. If the Scorpion and the Taurean get together, they have the ability to create an empire. Two Scorpions together usually fight to keep the union from collapsing inwards, although the sensuality that both share usually resolves things.

Sagittarius

After the decomposition and renewal that takes place in Scorpio, when the Sun transits into Sagittarius, nature begins to teem with new life. The decomposed matter is broken down completely and the Earth completes the process of replenishing itself. The soil expands the simple matter left over and transforms it into complex nutrients required for life to begin anew. Hence, the Sagittarian personality involves an expansion of knowledge by showing how meaning can be created through wisdom. Sagittarians get on very well with other Fire signs like Leo and Aries. The Sagittarius and Gemini pair can often be best of friends along with being lovers. Aquarius, on the other hand, empathizes with Sagittarius' independence. Sagittarius can also find compatibility with Earth signs like Virgo, Capricorn, or Taurus.

Capricorn

When the Sun begins it sojourn in Capricorn, it is time for the Winter Solstice. This is the time when life on Earth begins to preserve its energy so that it can survive the winter season. In this period, when the nights are longer and the days shorter, the Earth endures patiently, as if in a hush, waiting for new life to emerge. The Capricorn persona is thus characterized by self-reliance and the consolidation of authority and power, leading to mastery. Capricornians, therefore, are often positive role models, demonstrating the ability of mastering accomplishments, while also showing how to use authority and power correctly. Earth signs like Taurus and Virgo, therefore, draw the Capricornian, although he/she can often become restless with these two signs and look for relationships that are edgier. Other Cardinal signs like Aries, Libra, and Cancer, with their romantic nuances, also attract the Capricornian. The Capricorn and Aquarius couple give each other a lot of emotional space, hence it is a relationship often imbibed with cool dignity.

Aquarius

In this phase of the Sun's journey across the Zodiac, much of nature's life energy still lies buried deep in the earth. In this period, nature gets rid of all its superfluities. Anything that has not been able to stand the test of the cold season or has become useless is discarded. The Aquarius personality therefore is associated with the breakup and reformation of inner values. The Aquarian often heals wounds, and serves the collective by sharing his/her original visions and insights. They show the people around them how to transform themselves through progressive and positive change. This loftiness in their persona often makes Aquarians want love at a distance, hence they are often drawn to other Air signs like Libra and Gemini. However, the rebel in the Aquarian often balks at Libra's penchant for pleasing people and also might find Gemini to be too wayward. When Aquarius and Leo get together, they often get engrossed in unraveling each other's puzzling personas. Aquarius is often brought down to the ground by Capricorn and Virgo, although the relationship here does not involve too much forced togetherness.

Pisces

When the Sun enters Pisces, it marks the final phase of the cycle of nature. The Earth is getting ready for the planting in spring. In this stage, form is destroyed completely, because the process of decomposition is taken to its culmination. Thus, with the destruction of form in its particulate manifestation, there is a blending into a whole form. The Pisces personality is therefore imbibed with the "I" integrating into the whole. The Piscean shows the people around him/her the value of surrendering themselves so that there is an opening up of the consciousness. When this happens, the Piscean demonstrates how to transcend the sense of separateness and be able to attune themselves to being compassionate about others and experiencing true selflessness. The Piscean often has enigmatic relationships with other Water signs like Scorpio and Cancer. The Pisces and Virgo relationship makes Virgo settle down and enables Virgo to climb out of the mundane and view life from a loftier perspective. Two Pisceans together experience great oneness, although they also usually ensure giving each other enough space.

 The 13th sign of the zodiac, unlike the other 12 signs is actually associated with a real person. In the 27th Century BCE in Ancient Egypt lived a man known as Imhotep. Imhotep was known as ‘Aesclepius’ by the Ancient Greeks, however the attributes are the same under either name.

This is the Zodiac as some astrologers believe it should be:

ARIES = APRIL 19 - MAY 13
TAURUS = MAY 14 - JUNE 19
GEMINI = JUNE 20 - JULY 20
CANCER = JULY 21 - AUG 9
LEO = AUGUST 10 - SEPTEMBER 15
VIRGO = SEPTEMBER 16 - OCTOBER 30
LIBRA = OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 22
SCORPIO = NOVEMBER 23 - NOVEMBER 29
OPHIUCHUS = NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 17
SAGITTARIUS = DECEMBER 18 - JANUARY 18
CAPRICORN = JANUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 15
AQUARIUS = FEBRUARY 16 - MARCH 11
PISCES = MARCH 12 - APRIL 18

I’m not sure myself about the qualities of that of Ophiucus, but perhaps if you mix Scorpio with Sagittarius you may come up with something along the right lines.