What do you think of when you think of astrology and the zodiac? Your daily horoscope that you might find on a suspiciously ad-filled website, or maybe how compatible you and your significant other’s signs are paired together? In history, astrology takes on a much deeper meaning.
Descending all the way back to 1800 B.C in the time of the ancient Babylonians, astrology was used in two different but equally important ways. Considered perhaps the most popular of the pair, natural astrology was used to surmise the effects of the cosmos in nature, including the effects on people. Judicial astrology was used to predict the future, and in more modern times was considered heretical by the church. The Babylonians were so enamored with what the sky could tell them that they created a massive data catalogue called the Enuma Anu Enlil that contained almost seven thousand sky and weather omens with their possible outcomes.
Before creating the Enuma Anu Enlil, the ancient astrologists invented the astrological zodiacs with their respective houses based off the seven planets known to them: Mercury, Mars, Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon. This process has evolved in many different ways in many different countries over thousands of years to give us the basic astrology we know today. Continue reading to find out more about your zodiac sign and be sure to read next month’s issue to be updated on your horoscope.
ARIES
Aries have a tendency to take charge in a situation, but be careful, people can mistake you for being pushy or bossy. Nonetheless, you’re fearless, passionate, and bold, with an undeniable warrior-like attitude. Nothing will stand in your way, except for maybe your impulsive tendencies.
Celebrities: Lady Gaga; James Franco; Quentin Tarantino
Tarot Card: The Emperor
Symbol: The Ram’s Head
Ruling Planet: Mars
Ruling House: 1st House of Self
Element: Fire
Color: Red
TAURUS
Taurus have a particular love for beauty, food and art. Although you enjoy the finer things in life, you can still enjoy simplistic luxuries. Don’t let your determination to stick to your guns turn into refusal to budge, stubborn Taurus.
Celebrities: Mark Zuckerberg; Adele; George Clooney
Tarot Card: The Hierophant
Symbol: The Bull’s Head
Ruling Planet: Venus
Ruling House: 2nd House of Worth
Element: Earth
Color: Green
GEMINI
Gemini, you have an incredible thirst for knowledge so use it wisely! You’re versatile in your ways, which flatters many people. However, some may think of you as easily distracted or too talkative, perhaps you’re just excited?
Celebrities: Neil Patrick Harris; Prince William; Angelina Jolie
Tarot Card: The Lovers
Symbol: The Twins
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Ruling House: 3rd House of Communication
Element: Air
Color: Yellow
CANCER
An emotional and intuitive lover, Cancer thrives off of subconscious thought and feeling. Many of your peers appreciate your nurturing attitude. Don’t take things too personally though, Cancer, more often than not you’re putting heart over head.
Celebrities: Meryl Streep; Selena Gomez; Tom Hanks
Tarot Card: The Chariot
Symbol: Crab
Ruling Planet: Moon
Ruling House: 4th House of Security
Element: Water
Color: Silver and White
LEO
Leos are ferociously loyal lovers who are a great joy to be around. You’re a natural born leader but have a tendency to be arrogant. Sometimes you’re considered dramatic, but you just chalk it up to your extroverted personality.
Celebrities: Mick Jagger; Leonardo DiCaprio; J.K Rowling
Tarot Card: Strength
Symbol: Lion
Ruling Planet: The Sun
Ruling House: 5th House of Pleasure
Element: Fire
Color: Gold
VIRGO
An incessant perfectionist, you’re considered productive and efficient. Your superiors rave about your reliability and timeliness, that is…if you’re not already a superior. Take time to breathe, Virgo, and remember to not be too critical.
Celebrities: Beyonce; Michael Jackson; Tim Burton
Tarot Card: The Hermit
Symbol: The Virgin
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Ruling House: 6th House of Routine
Element: Earth
Color: Brown and Green
LIBRA
Full of harmony and grace, you’re the sign dedicated to beauty. You focus on equality and logical reasoning, and have an unabashed sense of right and wrong. However, many would appreciate it if you would hone your decision making skills….
Celebrities: Zach Galifianakis; Gwen Stefani; Kate Winslet
Tarot Card: Justice
Symbol: The Scales
Ruling Planet: Venus
Ruling House: 7th House of Relationships
Element: Air
Color: Pink and Light Blue
SCORPIO
Scorpios are intense and steadfast with a magnetic personality. You’re constantly curious, and always on the hunt to solve unanswered questions. Be careful with keeping too much emotion inside, when you finally release it all some people may become intimidated.
Celebrities: Hillary Clinton; Emma Stone; Leonardo DiCaprio
Tarot Card: Death
Symbol: Scorpion
Ruling Planet: Pluto
Ruling House: 8th House of Intimacy
Element: Water
Color: Black
SAGITTARIUS
Sagittarius, you have an intense need to explore, you’re the definition of wanderlust. You’re friendly and outgoing which attracts a plethora of friends and lovers. Beware though, don’t let your reckless abandon and firm bluntness get you in trouble.
Celebrities: Walt Disney; Taylor Swift; John Lennon
Tarot Card: Temperance
Symbol: The Archer
Ruling Planet: Jupiter
Ruling House: 9th House of Expansion
Element: Fire
Color: Purple
CAPRICORN
Capricorns are traditional, classy and reserved. Overall, you’re hardworking, and whomever is under your care will always be supported. However, don’t be too rigid and uptight, remember to be vulnerable with your loved ones.
Celebrities: Betty White; Princess Kate; Martin Luther King, Jr
Tarot Card: The Devil
Symbol: Mountain Goat
Ruling Planet: Saturn
Ruling House: 10th House of Career
Element: Earth
Colors: Gray and Brown
AQUARIUS
You’re the progressive and rebellious sign. You’re filled to the brim with great ideas and you know how to execute them. Most consider you amiable, but those close to you may speak of your lack of intimacy.
Celebrities: Alicia Keys; Ashton Kutcher; Ellen DeGeneres
Tarot Card: The Star
Symbol: The Water-Bearer
Ruling Planet: Uranus
Ruling House: 11th House of Groups and Visions
Element: Air
Color: Blue
PISCES
Pisces, you’re soft and soulful. Your compassion and sensitivity make you an incredible friend. You live in a world of fantasy though, so be careful to distinguish that from reality.
Celebrities: Rihanna; Drew Barrymore; Kurt Cobain
Tarot Card: The Moon
Symbol: The Fish
Ruling Planet: Neptune
Ruling House: 12th House of Subconscious
Element: Water
Color: Light Green
thesalemite.org 