Astrology can be used as a self-development tool. In fact many
astrologers get started in astrology more for its self-help attributes than for
its prediction elements. These characteristics, written for the Rising Sign may also be
applied to the Sun Sign. Find your
Rising Sign, if born in the continental US.
To utilize these sign characteristics more fully, they can be
loosely applied to "read" any house in your chart. You'll need a
copy of the House-Sign Keys and
your horoscope. Apply the characteristics of a sign to the house it governs. For
example, if Aries resides on your second house cusp - your money
house, you'd find that you are an energetic earner, probably an impulsive
spender and likely to identify very strongly with many of your
possessions.
Another example: If Virgo resides on your
twelfth house cusp of unconscious habit patterns and tendencies; those hidden elements of
self that we usually try to suppress even from ourselves, you very likely spend time analyzing this
part of yourself, aiming to somehow identify your own weakest tendencies in
order to achieve a practical mastery over them.
With Aries on the Ascendant, the first impression is of a person whose first
concern is himself and the sign is independent, assertive, and impulsive. Aries
will never waste time and as soon as he makes a decision, which is quickly, he
acts on it. He makes an excellent and energetic leader, but not always the best
follower. He is great at getting things started, but not always so good at
finishing them, leaving them at times for the fixed signs to complete. Highly
competitive, he must constantly be proving himself through action.
Although ruled by Mars and rather quick-tempered, his anger is short-lived and most of the time he is warmhearted
and inspirational. He shows the qualities of courageousness, loyalty,
impatience, and has a strong sense of individuality. Aries attracts and brings
out these same qualities in others and his daily contacts usually start with an
enthusiastic bang! In a way, Aries' appears as naive because he is so trusting
and straightforward and believes that others are as aboveboard as he. Mars in
the 1st house would influence the personality similarly. Key phrase for Aries:
"I am". With an Aries Ascendant, you are attracted to Libra types,
governing your 7th house of partners. Aries is the Cardinal Fire sign and
corresponds naturally to the first house of self-initiative. Learn more about
your cosmic calling at House of the Sun.
Taurus on the Ascendant gives a personality and image of one
who is practical, dependable, and with her feet planted firmly on the ground.
Because her attention focuses on practical values, she makes decisions according
to what will best serve her needs in a tangible way. Once she makes a decision,
it is next to impossible to get her to change her mind. Change is something she
doesn't adapt to very well under any condition. It's best to allow Taurus plenty
of time to digest a new concept. She can be stubborn, but aside from that she
won't allow herself to be pushed or forced into anything and Taurus is the
builder of the zodiac - she will build onto anything - from a relationship to an
empire. Though slow at getting started, Taurus works determinedly and
methodically to the completion of whatever she begins.
Her function is to
achieve mastery over physical matter and she is a great craftswoman. You'll
never find her taking shortcuts or using inferior materials in her projects.
Taurus wants her surroundings to be orderly and comfortable and she has a desire
for all the good things life has to offer. She responds extremely well to
pleasure and comfort. Like the bull associated with her sign, she is slow to
anger, but once she gets to that point, watch out! Venus in the 1st house may
give similar qualities. Key phrase for Taurus: "I have". With Taurus
Rising, you are attracted to Scorpio types, since Scorpio rules your 7th house
of partners. Taurus is the Fixed Earth sign of the zodiac and corresponds
naturally to the second house of earned income and resources. Learn more about
your cosmic calling at House of the Sun.
With a Gemini Ascendant, a person appears to be knowledgeable on a variety of
subjects and very adept in communicating anything currently occurring in his
immediate environment. He is witty and clever, his perceptions are quick, and he
tends to dominate his circles intellectually. Gemini expresses himself well and
easily. Though he may appear as superficial, he will usually have a comment
about his views of the moment - whether or not it is asked for. Since his mind
jumps from one thing to another so quickly, his words act as a grounding device
for his thoughts.
Gemini's most noticeable characteristic is his ability to talk
himself into and out of situations and make it look simple. He is an original
and creative thinker with the ability to visualize his ideas and express them
eloquently. He tends to identify himself with his ideas. Because he is so
dexterous with his hands, this is another excellent outlet for implementing his
ideas. Nervous tension is generally present in Gemini, due to the high voltage
of his mental gymnastics. Similar inclinations would be found with Mercury in
the 1st house. Key phrase for Gemini: "I think". Gemini Rising
attracts Sagittarius, ruling the 7th house of partners.
Gemini is the Mutable Air sign and corresponds naturally to the third house of
ideas and communication. For an in-depth look at Sagittarius, see The
Scoop on Sag'. Learn more about
your cosmic calling at House of the Sun.
With Cancer as the rising sign, the image is of a family
oriented person who is supersensitive to the environment. She is prepared to
cater to the needs and wants of the public, and knows intuitively what it is
they want almost before they do. She is protective and nurturing and as Cancer
rules mothers, all of the motherly instincts show in this sign, regardless of
whether in a male or a female chart. Feelings play a big part in her life and
she usually relies on her intuitions when making decisions.
Because Cancer
associates possessions with emotions, she has an excellent memory. The
personality is moody, changeable, and temperamental. An element of
self-protection causes her to "clam up" when she feels emotionally
threatened. Her ties are strong in close personal relationships and loyal
herself, she can be possessive of another person's loyalty. With her closest
family, emotions run deep. The Moon in the 1st house shows similar qualities.
The key phrase for Cancer is "I feel". Cancer Rising attracts
practical Capricorn, ruler of the 7th house of partners.
Cancer is the Cardinal Water sign, corresponding with the fourth house of
nurture. Learn more about
your cosmic calling at House of the Sun.
Leo on the Ascendant shows a proud
and dignified personality. He can be very demanding of attention, and would like
always to be either the entertainer or the entertained. He is full of vitality, warmhearted, loyal and honest. He also has great faith and confidence in himself along with
superabundant will power. He “knows” he was born to be in a position of
leadership and authority, and at times he will enter into and try to dominate a
situation without an invitation. When given a position of authority, he will
bend over backwards to prove himself worthy and he usually doesn’t remain in a
subordinate position for very long.
Although not a self-analytical person, Leo is
aware of the effect he has on others, and studies what to do to create a better
effect. He likes to look his best and will go to great expense to do so. He
dresses for effect also, but shows good taste in doing so. In general, a Leo
likes to do things with a flourish and the world is his stage. Having the Sun in
the 1st house gives similar qualities. Key phrase for Leo: “I
will”. With Leo rising, you are attracted to Aquarius types, governing your 7th
house of partners. They support your creativity and expand your awareness of
just how much you can truly achieve.
Leo is the Fixed Fire sign, ruled by the
Sun and corresponding naturally to the fifth house of creative desire. Learn more about
your cosmic calling at House of the Sun.
The Virgo personality image is of one
who gives great attention to detail, and is every bit the perfectionist. Especially in her work, Virgo is organized and efficient. She is
analytical, and critical in an objective way, though at times she may tend to
become so involved in trivialities that she misses the significance of the issue
as a whole. Virgo attracts to
herself service type job assignments that many people would consider petty or a
nuisance to deal with. To her way of thinking though, someone has to do it and
she seems to be the only one around who will take the time and patience
necessary to do it right.
This brings up the subject of martyrdom - though most
Virgo’s are too intelligent to allow them selves to be put in this position -
this is the sign most prone to it. Virgo is meticulous about cleanliness, neat
in appearance, and concerned about her health and body. She adopts diets and health maintenance programs to keep herself in top
physical condition and may be a walking encyclopedia when it comes to vitamins
and supplements. This is because she's aware of the need to make practical use
of natural resources, whether physically or in nature. Mercury in the 1st house shows similar tendencies.
Key phrase for Virgo: “I analyze”. With Virgo Rising, you are attracted to
Pisces types. For all your practicality, Pisces idealism is your balance.
Virgo is the Mutable Earth sign, corresponding to the sixth house of service
and the ability to utilize resources practically. Learn more about
your cosmic calling at House of the Sun.
Libra ascending gives a charming and
gracious manner in social situations, which is readily apparent. This individual
is
attractive, either in looks or another facet of the personality. Libra gives the impression
of being more interested in you than in themselves. Diplomatic, they will often be found in the position of mediator
between two people.
Libra wants to make everybody happy - and this often gets them in trouble.
They can easily put themselves into your shoes (and, anyone else’s)
and understand just how you feel. Great believers in fairness and justice, they
are able to see a situation from any angle. Decision-making
is sometimes a long and difficult process. And,
even then, they will sometimes wait for someone else to make the decision for
him, or until absolutely forced. They often take the path of least
resistance.
Beauty, balance and harmony are what Libra's crave: with people
and surroundings. Inharmonious conditions can have an
unfortunate effect on the physical health and mental state. They often have
natural artistic talent and a knack for beautifying their environment. Cooperation with
others is the focus of Libra’s individuality and they are the socialites of the
zodiac. As a rule, they don't like to be alone.
Venus in the 1st house gives similar traits. Key phrase for
Libra: “I balance”. Libra is drawn to "Aries types" as shown on the 7th house cusp of partners.
The partner must somehow stand out and Aries as the initiator usually does. Aries also helps balance out
the indecisive tendencies of Libra.
In their homes, Libra's are great organizers, with a place for
everything and everything in its place. They consider themselves the real
authority or master of the home and may be exceptional disciplinarians.
Libra is the Cardinal Air sign, corresponding with
the seventh house of co-operation. Learn more about
your cosmic calling at House of the Sun.
The Scorpio personality isn’t easy
to pin down. Highly secretive about
her own affairs, Scorpio is quite curious about yours! She has a knack for
getting out secrets and other confidential information. She is intuitively aware
that change is inevitable and that the next one may be right around the corner.
While one aspect of change is the tearing down of the old - the other is the
rebuilding of the new. Scorpio’s function lies in both these areas. She can be
just the person needed in times of emergency or upheavals because she faces a
crisis with great calm. She’s collected and resourceful, showing tremendous
staying power when involved in a cause she feels is worthy.
Disliking weakness, especially in herself, she puts forth great effort
and sacrifice toward goals. She is (on the inside) vaguely dissatisfied with
some aspect of her present situation, and would like to build up enough
conviction to feel that an alteration or change is desirable. When a Scorpio’s
intensely emotional nature becomes linked with her romantic desires she can
become possessive and jealous. Her sensuality is usually quite apparent through
her personality. Pluto in the 1st house reflects similar tendencies.
Key phrase for Scorpio: “I desire”. With Scorpio rising, you are attracted
to Taurus, governing your 7th house of partners. They enjoy the finer
things in life and with a knack for improving conditions you provide continual
opportunities.
Scorpio is the Fixed Water
sign, corresponding to the eighth house of deep transformation.
With Sagittarius Rising the
personality is enthusiastic, optimistic, and always forward looking. He has
absolute faith, and never loses his exuberance for life for very long.
Even when things go wrong he can usually find a bright side, and identify
a meaning behind why something happened the way it did. The Sagittarian has many
philosophies and because he understands that our motivations and thinking has
everything to do with where we eventually stand, his insights can often prove
almost prophetic. On occasion the Sagittarian can have his head so up in the
clouds, however, that he overlooks something right in front of him.
Details he
could easily live without and he has to make a conscious effort to stay on top
of them. He has a tendency to jump to conclusions, and to overextend himself in
his commitments, time, and goals. Honest, straightforward, and outspoken,
occasionally, one of his spontaneous comments offends or hurts someone, and he
is startled and apologetic when he realizes how his words were taken.
Unfortunately there may be a time or two when he won’t even notice the damage
he’s done. Jupiter in the 1st house shows similar traits. Key
phrase for Sagittarius: “I see”. With Sagittarius rising, you are attracted
to Gemini, the sign governing your 7th house of partners. Gemini
furnishes a great deal of input for your theories.
Sagittarius
is the Mutable Fire sign of the zodiac, corresponding with the ninth house of
distant vision. For more, see: The
Scoop on Sag'.
Capricorn rising gives an image of an
ambitious person intent upon achieving material security. She takes into
consideration anything to which she has access, to facilitate her in her upward
climb to success. Because of her
prudence, she is adept at utilizing any information she comes by. She may appear
as aloof, cool, or at least reserved, especially on first impression. Anything she does has a purpose, and is done to reach a practical goal.
Patience, discipline and hard work help her to reach the goals, which were set
early in life.
Though her journey may be slow, she is sure-footed and never
changes direction. Organized and systematic, she is capable of handling heavy
responsibilities and obligations. Her
reputation is very important to her and she feels a need to develop herself
fully. For whatever she contributes, she feels she deserves something in return,
and she wants to feel appreciated. Saturn in the 1st house shows
similar tendencies. Key phrase for Capricorn: “I utilize”. With Capricorn
rising, you are attracted to Cancer, governing the 7th house cusp.
Cancer’s nurturing qualities help balance out a serious business sense.
Capricorn is the Cardinal Earth sign, corresponding in the natural zodiac to the
tenth house of the career and professional goals.
With Aquarius rising, the personality
is of one who functions primarily on a mental plane. His pursuits are
intellectual, and his independent viewpoints usually tend to run against popular
belief. He may be ahead of the
times or possibly brilliant, but others do tend to get stirred up or shocked at
his way of thinking. He is original, creative, and unpredictable in temperament.
He often feels that others do not comprehend his ideas and this annoys him.
Aquarius finds his security through the company of other people where he can
exchange ideas with them. He dislikes hypocrisy, phoniness, and imitation and
those with whom he becomes friends will always have his loyalty.
He is usually
involved in some kind of group concern - an organization or club - where
everyone benefits equally from the group goals achieved. Aquarius is people oriented and the brotherhood of all is important to
him. Because he is a believer in equality, of all the signs, Aquarius is the one
most capable of truly platonic relationships. Uranus in the 1st house
reflects an equally unusual personality. Key phrase for Aquarius: “I know”.
With Aquarius rising, you are attracted to Leo, governing your 7th
house of partnerships. They become a central force in your life and can help you
bring your ideas into fruitful realization.
Aquarius is the Fixed Air sign,
corresponding with the eleventh house of group endeavors.
The
Pisces personality image is ethereal and mysteriously charming, almost fragile.
She appears to be in touch with a plane of consciousness that most of us are
unaware of. Not a materialistic person, she will often put her faith and energy
into a situation that others consider a lost cause. To her, though, nothing is
ever completely beyond redemption. Compassionate and sympathetic, the reality
she feels is just as real to her as is the material world that most people live
in. She possesses an inner peace and remains calm, poised, and collected under
even the most trying circumstances. Visionary and sensitive, she is extremely
responsive to the thoughts and feelings of others. She is able to perceive the
pain and suffering in others lives.
Pisces will often choose to devote all her
time and energy to help someone desolate, and does so with no thought of reward.
She may even work under undesirable conditions to help lighten the load for others. Pisces is usually quite artistic
- especially through music or dance, but including acting, painting, etc.
Unselfish and devoted, she is blind to any defects in those she loves. Neptune
in the 1st house inclines to similar qualities. Key phrase for
Pisces: “I believe”. With Pisces rising, you are attracted to Virgo,
governing your 7th house of partners. Virgo’s practical nature
helps keep Pisces in the here and now.
Pisces is the Mutable Water sign,
corresponding with the twelfth house of the subconscious.
Now
that you know your rising sign, you can assign each of the remaining signs to
the proper house of your horoscope, as outlined at Astrology
Novice, to learn more about yourself.
Go to the Library to
find books for beginners, links for free chart readings and free astrology
software in case you want to calculate your own charts. Go straight to work
using astrology in your life by going to the Tutorial.
©1999 - 2008 Celeste Teal
