Astrology is knowledge about human beings read from the pattern of the heavens. Its followers believe that it turns life into something more than a string of accidents and coincidences – it helps you get to know yourself better and steer your fate more consciously. If you are just starting out with horoscopes, this guide explains the key concepts: the elements, modalities and polarity of the signs, as well as the role of the planets that rule each sign of the zodiac.
Astrology – a body of knowledge that keeps growing
Astrology is one of the oldest fields of knowledge in the world. For centuries, philosophers, mystics, astrologers and spiritual teachers watched the stars, wrote about them, refined existing theories and pondered the meaning of astrology in human life. Each generation not only draws on this ancient wisdom but also adds something new to it – the best example being the inclusion in horoscopes of planets discovered only in modern times.
Three traits the zodiac signs share
Every sign of the zodiac has its own individual qualities, but it also shares three common categories with the other signs: element, modality and polarity.
The elements
All the zodiac signs are assigned to four elements: Fire, Earth, Air and Water. Each sign belongs to one of them, although traces of the other elements are present in every person. Your element shapes your general way of being, your values and your temperament.
- Fire – Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
- Earth – Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
- Air – Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
- Water – Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Modalities
Besides its element, every sign has a modality, which describes how it acts and reacts. This is what makes signs of the same element so clearly different from one another. There are three modalities:
- cardinal – initiating, full of enthusiasm for starting new ventures (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn),
- fixed – persevering, focused on maintaining and consolidating (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius),
- mutable – flexible and quick to adapt to circumstances (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces).
Polarity
Polarity shows whether a sign is dominated by the extroverted (positive) or introverted (negative) principle. Someone in whom the negative pole prevails is more inward-looking and subjective. The positive pole, on the other hand, points to someone more open to the outside world, objective and sociable. The fire and air signs are counted as positive, while the earth and water signs are negative.
A horoscope is more than your Sun sign
When drawing up a horoscope, an astrologer takes into account not only the Sun sign – the one we usually give when asked about our zodiac sign – but also the positions of the other planets and the aspects, that is, the angles they form with one another. Only a complete birth chart like this reveals more about a person. How it is interpreted depends largely on the astrologer’s experience and intuition.
The planets – rulers of the zodiac signs
Each zodiac sign is under the special influence of one planet (in some cases two), known as its ruler. In astrology the planets symbolise different human qualities, and for centuries their character has been linked with the mythological deities after whom they were named. Although astronomically the Sun and the Moon are not planets, astrology treats them on an equal footing.
Mars – ruler of Aries
Mars, accompanied by two small moons – Phobos and Deimos – was the Roman god of war and, in myth, the lover of Venus. It symbolises initiative, energy, courage and fighting spirit, as well as decisiveness and realism. People strongly influenced by Mars are people of action: brave to the point of recklessness and not afraid to speak their minds. They keep their word, though they can hold grudges and be hot-headed. In love and friendship they are intense and passionate, which may intimidate more sensitive souls. According to astrologers, Mars in a fire sign promises an exceptionally ardent lover.
Mars endows those born under Aries with warmth and a will to fight. If it is your patron, however, you should learn not to rise to petty provocations. In traditional astrology Mars also ruled Scorpio.
Venus – ruler of Taurus and Libra
After the Moon, Venus is the brightest object in the night sky. It was called the shepherd’s star because it can be seen low over the horizon at dawn and dusk. The Roman Venus, identified with the Greek Aphrodite, was the goddess of love and beauty, and in earlier times also the protector of fields and gardens.
Venus is a symbol of love, beauty and harmony, as well as abundance and pleasure. In Taurus it shows itself as sensuality, a love of nature and comfort, and a desire to possess. It softens the character, making Taureans kind and warm-hearted. In Libra it is expressed through a sense of aesthetics, personal charm and a need for harmony in relationships. A strong Venus in a horoscope traditionally promises success in matters of the heart.
Mercury – ruler of Gemini and Virgo
Mercury is the planet closest to the Sun. The Roman Mercury was the messenger of the gods, the protector of merchants and travellers, and the patron of communication and exchange. In astrology it governs logical thinking, intelligence, quick-wittedness in any situation, and the need for contact with people and the exchange of ideas. Those under its influence have a cool, analytical mind, yet they can still be warm and sincere.
In Gemini, Mercury shows itself as curiosity about the world, sociability and a love of travel and learning – Geminis also stay in close touch with family and friends. In Virgo it awakens a hunger for knowledge and a wish to test theories in practice, which suits Virgo’s down-to-earth, matter-of-fact disposition.
The Moon – ruler of Cancer
The Moon is the Earth’s natural satellite and the celestial body closest to our planet. When it passes between the Earth and the Sun, it causes a solar eclipse. Because it changes shape – from full, through crescent, to new – it has long been regarded as a symbol of change and transformation, as well as of intuitive knowledge.
The Moon rules Cancer and awakens sensitivity, intuition and mediumistic abilities. It has a strong influence on how we approach life’s problems and how we react to different situations. People strongly under its sway change their minds easily and may find it hard to see things through. Tradition attributes special power to the Moon when it is full.
The Sun – ruler of Leo
The Sun is the only star the zodiac refers to, and astrology treats it just like the planets. The Sun bestows warmth, energy and talents on everyone. Traditionally it brings recognition, fame and the gift of winning people over – its “subjects” are candidates for the highest positions and honours. It awakens idealism and a love of open space, and strengthens the will to achieve your goals and the drive to move forward. People born under Leo have strong personalities and can be commanding, sometimes even authoritarian.
Pluto – ruler of Scorpio
Pluto, named after the Roman ruler of the underworld, is known in astrology as the planet of death, rebirth and transformation – including social transformation. It grants insight and a mysterious charm, and teaches how to transform yourself and put the knowledge you gain to use in life. Together with Mars, which gives Scorpio initiative, energy and realism, it shapes the sign’s intense character.
Jupiter – ruler of Sagittarius
Jupiter, the Roman king of the gods, is the astrological planet of success and good fortune. It brings peace of mind, self-confidence and strength in the face of adversity, as well as abundance – both spiritual and material. People under its influence usually do well in business and have a gift for making friends. Under Jupiter’s influence people become more balanced, strive for growth and are fairer to themselves and others. The planet’s shadow side can be a fondness for the easy life and a tendency to give in to temptation. Jupiter rules Sagittarius, and in traditional astrology it also ruled Pisces.
Saturn – ruler of Capricorn
Saturn is considered a stern, cold planet – a symbol of time, destiny, duty and limitation. It grants ambition and perseverance, as well as a desire for intellectual growth through scholarship and research. It gives life strength and direction, reinforces individualism and the longing to learn the truth about life. Although it is seen as a demanding teacher, it can also reward its charges with recognition and wealth earned through patient work. In traditional astrology Saturn also ruled Aquarius.
Uranus – ruler of Aquarius
Uranus is the planet of freedom. It opens up new horizons and spurs those under its influence to fight for independence and a better tomorrow. It gives Aquarius originality, intuition and an inventor’s spirit, and together with Saturn – individualism and a quest for truth.
Neptune – ruler of Pisces
Neptune, named after the Roman god of the sea, embodies intuition, the subconscious, dreams and a rich inner life. It is associated with romanticism, contemplation, mysticism and spiritual communion, as well as mediumistic gifts. That is why Pisceans are so sensitive and long to get to the bottom of every problem. Jupiter also plays an important part in their horoscope, and according to some astrologers so do Venus and the Moon.
Sign rulers at a glance
- Aries – Mars
- Taurus – Venus
- Gemini – Mercury
- Cancer – the Moon
- Leo – the Sun
- Virgo – Mercury
- Libra – Venus
- Scorpio – Pluto (traditionally Mars)
- Sagittarius – Jupiter
- Capricorn – Saturn
- Aquarius – Uranus (traditionally Saturn)
- Pisces – Neptune (traditionally Jupiter)
First published (Polish original): 6 December 2010. Written by astrologers and esoteric specialists working with our editorial team; edited and translated for HOROSCOP.SPACE. © All rights reserved.
