Aries, the Ram
(March 21-April 20)
Mars rules the sign of Aries. The `Fire' Element of Aries brings assertive "I" energy, drive and a desire to do something! The will is full of tension and passion -- the "I" bringing a need for independence. This is `springtime' and in the spring seeds germinate in an unfolding energy and growth. Aries seems to have an instinctive identity, finding early extroversion, spontaneity and a very direct approach. "Fire" can rage out of control, "Cardinal" assertiveness can become too willful and we then find wild spring weather -- a storming nature -- a passion for power. Spontaneity becomes impulsive (as only a sign ruled by Mars can be!) Balance comes through adding gentleness to the need for independence and to temper the "Self" in self-awareness.
Taurus, the Bull
(April 21-May 20)
Venus rules Taurus. The `Earth' Element of Taurus brings strengthening and a desire for solid ground, form and structure. Preservation is important. The `Fixed' motivation is then inspired to stabilize, to produce. There is a great depth to Taurus, and ruled by Venus, feelings have very deep roots. Taurus represents consistency, loyalty and patience. Fixed `Earth' can be very rigid too, too cautious to take some of the risks necessary in life and sometimes ends up temporarily stuck in the mud, not rising to all of the wonderful potential that is there. And stubborn? Ah yes! The Taurus Bull may always surface. The Yin can go too far, and we may find a Taurus very, very passive {which can be translated as `lazy' at times}. To balance, A little Yang, a solid plan takes Taurus to great highs!
Gemini, the Twins
(May 21-June 21)
Mercury is the ruler of Gemini. The `Air' Element of Gemini brings communication, intellect and exciting Yang energy! This is one of the `joy of life' signs, a sign that indicates reaching out, expanding and communicating. Gemini is an inquisitive student, with a quick grasp of subjects. Mutable motivation brings adaptability {which is wonderful because Gemini needs change}. It also is the perfect energy to ensure Gemini will be connecting with others. The Yang energy can go too far however, and then we have the Gemini who can't seem to find direction -- calling for Yin to stabilize and find stability. The desire to communicate, quickly and rapidly, makes receptivity something that might also be gleaned from Yin -- for then the Gemini will not only communicate, but will listen in return -- utilizing the Yin-side of the Yang-Mercury that rules the sign! Balance can mean just slowing down, listening, and learning the fine art of follow through!
Cancer, the Crab
(June 22-July 22)
The moon rules the sign of Cancer. Cancer represents `Water' in Element. Water needs to give and receive feelings, security and be wrapped in an environment of love and comfort. Truly a wonderful example of Yin receptivity, Cancer seems to absorb memories, feelings and psychic messages from the universe -- while sending back their own good vibes in the process. The `Cardinal' motivation adds the ability to provide with great energy. Few work as hard and as tenaciously as Cancer. Without the balance of Yang energy however, confidence can be a bit wobbly -- often because Cancer is so very sensitive to everything. Just as the sign's ruler the Moon goes through phases, Cancer may also find mood-swings a series of waxing and waning emotions. The desire to love, often results in too much love, or overly-protective or dependent love that can benefit from bringing in some of Yang's need for independence! Balanced, the Cancer adds gates to the walls it may build.
Leo, the Lion
(July 23-August 22)
The sun rules the sign of Leo. Leo is `Fire' to the core! Fire brings a desire to create, to innovate, to lead. The sign represents mega-confidence that seems to radiate out. Of course there must be an audience there to applaud! The `Fixed' motivation adds self-reliant action that works well in leadership positions. Fixed means Leo is a formative energy, with an ability to consolidate and stabilize. And of course Fire can rage out of control, so the extremes can bring a need to balance the self-confidence with humility! To become the humble but lovable lion. The playfulness associated with Leo, can regress to childish `demand' for attention rather than just acknowledging recognition and applause. This is when the Yang needs the Yin -- allowing peaceful receptivity to surface. To allow that big, beautiful heart and `sunshiny' spirit to balance giving and receiving.
Virgo, the Virgin
(August 23-September 22)
Mercury is the ruler of Virgo. Virgo is `Earth' with a need for solid ground and solid form. Virgo not only works hard to achieve this, but will analyze and organize life so that foundation is built solidly and firmly. A good educational background is important to the Virgo. `Mutable' motivation surfaces in the form of helping, teamwork and cooperation. The humbleness and ability to work behind the scenes without complaining, often causes Virgo to miss more opportunities than they should. A dose of Yang, would help Virgo promote Self -- for what talent we may be missing when they don't! Too much Earth, and it is possible to get `stuck' in trying too hard to learn, to build that solid foundation, perfectionism gets out of control. Work becomes such a source of motivation {because of the desire for security} worry is constant: "What if they don't need me anymore?" "What if I make a mistake?" Balanced, the confidence is there to know we will be ok, that im-perfection is ok too!
Libra, the Scales
(September 23-October 23)
Venus rules the sign Libra. Libra represents the `Air' Element. Since it is also a Yang energy, it is a sign that is more extroverted and active. For Libra, beauty, balance and harmony are important and Venus-inspired. There is a great need to share, to be fair and impartial. `Cardinal' makes Libra a very active, outwardly radiating motivation. Libra is the cheerleader we all need to work together, and build a team! With all of the positives here, how can this be unbalanced we might ask! We can need others too much, becoming dependent on them. We aren't a person unless we are part of another person. We give away our Self to others and have little power of our own, life is in control of us and we aren't in control of it! Trying to be soooo fair, may result in having trouble making a decision, in fear of making the wrong one or upsetting others. To balance, a little Yin is called for -- to be more `in-ward' directed -- to begin to learn that "I" am someone alone.
Scorpio, the Scorpion
(October 24-November 22)
Pluto rules the sign of Scorpio. Scorpio is a `Water' Element, and this makes it a somewhat enigmatic sign, for Water is more receptive and introverted. The influence of Pluto is why Scorpio is a sign capable of the greatest metamorphosis and renewal. If we think about it, we may look at a lake and see light and shadows interplaying, but without exploration of some type we may not know just how deep it is -- or what is going on within -- and we find great love, feeling, desire and sensitivity when we probe to the depths of the Scorpio. The `Fixed' motivation makes Scorpio always try to stabilize. Without Yang, or the balancing energy, Scorpio can go too far within, or too far outside -- using the strength that is there as a powerful force. Love becomes a stronger passion than even the Scorpio can handle, and possessiveness or jealousy can surface. Yang brings the balance of independence, letting partners explore, and being receptive to their need *to* explore.
Sagittarius, the Archer
(November 23-December 21)
Jupiter is the ruler of Sagittarius. Sagittarius is a `Fire' energy and is a very active, extroverted, mobile, expansive sign. We find the Sagittarius ready for action, loving interaction and filled with idealism. To others, the Sagittarius is a personification of the Jupiter-outward bound, enthusiastic energy, the ultimate cosmic host or hostess with the mostess. They can be spellbinding in their philosophies! The `Mutable' motivation adds spiralac energy, that brings action and others to the Sagittarius. Change and variety is important, and they won't hesitate to initiate it. Without Yin or the balancing energy, Sagittarius can become too `mutable' bending to every force or source. Restlessness can diffuse energy, and finding a secure position in life isn't as easy as we would think. Quiet contemplation can temper the `fire' and heighten the intuition. Receptivity can slow the impatient desire to move way too fast at times. What a wonderful balanced energy this is!
Capricorn, the Goat
(December 22-January 20)
Saturn rules the sign of Capricorn. Capricorn is a very `Cardinal-motivated Earth' sign. Here is a stabilizing force that is very Yin in energy - very Saturn-esque. The Capricorn is one of the hardest-working signs of the Zodiac. With the in-ward Yin, there is a concentration on Self, but not in an egotistical form. In fact there is a great deal more confidence found in the `what' they do than in the `who' they are. Earth hangs-tough when it comes to stabilization, so achievement provides that stability and structure. Capricorns are very high-achievers! Without the Yang balance however, Capricorn can become too rigid -- as in the tall palm tree, falling to the ground under heavy wind-gusts. The Capricorn needs to be bending and flexible, moving with the winds of change! That can make change easier for the Capricorn. Capricorn can also become too focused on achievement, they forget the little joys of life. And when relaxed and enjoying life -- no one has the most delightful sense of humor than the Capricorn. Oh that they might let us bask in their warm smile more :-)
Aquarius, the Water Bearer
(January 21-February 18)
Uranus is the ruler of Aquarius. Aquarius is an `Air' Element that is very much the epitome of the planet that inspires it. The Yang energy brings intellectual and communication skill. With all this going on, it represents social interaction and social consciousness that gives Aquarius the title "Humanitarian" of the Zodiac. For a `Fixed' motivation, Aquarius has a lot of adaptability -- probably motivated by trying to accommodate others. There is a nice passion for life, for new things, new situations that send Aquarius in all directions! Without the Yin balance however, directions are erratic. When we try so many new things, we may truly master none, and that can stifle the great success potential here. Yin forms a solid base or foundation Aquarius might need to left. Yin is also receptive, and that can calm the rebellion and the `Fixed' energy that may not see the bosses' side in *any* way! A bit of Yin, and Aquarius is a wonderful grounded energy that has had the advantage of being well into the 25th Century!
Pisces, the Fishes
(February 19-March 20)
Neptune is the ruler of Pices. Pisces is a `Water' Element. Yin, Yin lots of Yin. Very receptive, very nurturing and compassionate and other-directed. As with Scorpio, we have to explore and probe to find out the depths of the `water' or feeling -- and with Pisces it is very, very deep. The `Mutable' motivation, makes this a very adaptable and unifying energy -- somewhat as the water that flows downstream, moving gently around the rocks and obstacles in its path. Receptivity can become a psychic energy -- Pisces knows all and sees all, but probably won't `tell' all -- keeping the secrets of the universe within -- and the secrets to themselves within too.
Without Yang balance, Pisces can sink into the whirlpool of emotion. This can bring out fears and insecurities hidden deep within. Then the lack of ego-strength makes them more dependent and powerless, the savior or martyr that is Pisces. Yang balance will help Pisces share their own difficulties, problems and feelings, with those who truly owe them for the Pisces-support we've needed at the tough times in our own lives. And a happy, confident Pisces brightens the world and all our lives.
