The complicity of learning the science of astrology demands dedication to learning all its facets. It is exciting in the sense that astrology can reveal something more about you and other people you deal with. Half the fun of it is in knowing the different astrology meanings and later on in having that delightful feeling upon discovering that truly, indeed, you aptly belong to a sign that perfectly fits your characteristics.
The beauty in understanding astrology meanings is like being in a journey of discovering yourself and the people in your life. Having such knowledge can help you associate the meanings to yourself, family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers. It helps you to adjust yourself with others knowing that is how their signs depict them. In order to have a full grasp of these meanings, let us look at some of the most common astrology terms often encountered in learning about the science and art of astrology. Have in mind that this is not the complete list because astrology encompasses a wider scope beyond words and meanings.
Zodiac and Zodiac Signs
The first thing that a would-be astrologer needs to do is to observe the sun motion as it moves against the stars. For an entire year, it becomes evident that the sun traces a large circle, which in astrology is called ecliptic. The ecliptic circle is also where the earth orbits around the sun. The thin band that can be found on either side of the circle is called the zodiac, which literally means circle of life. This explains why most zodiac signs are named after people or animals.
There are 12 signs in the zodiac. Each of them is 30 degrees long, not to be identified as time but they are blocks of space. The cycle starts on the ecliptic spot where the sun is located on first spring day. It begins with the zodiac Aries. When a person refers to himself as an Arian it means he was born when the sun is located in the zodiac of Aries. Our calendar is designed in such a way to simulate the sun motion around the zodiac. That is why the 12 signs can be compared to the calendar months based on the zodiac. In the calendar, the months represent time and not space.
Astrological Qualities
The zodiac signs are also formed into groups of four according to their distinct qualities of taking part in human affairs. These qualities are called the Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable. An element is assigned to each group. This means that in each element grouping, there is a sign with the cardinal, fixed and mutable qualities. Each quality is associated with the season. The cardinal signs herald the beginning of the season; the fixed signs stay while the season continues and the mutable signs signal the end of the season and pave the way for the coming of another season.
• The first group is comprised of Aries, Capricorn, Libra, and Cancer belonging to the cardinal signs. People in this group are considered self-starters of the zodiac because they have the qualities of being initiative. They have the potentials of becoming excellent leaders and rulers.
• The fixed signs are composed of Leo, Taurus, Aquarius, and Scorpio. Individuals who belong to this group are the slow type but sure winners. They spend much time in deliberating things before finally making a decision. They are steadfast and firm. It is just appropriate that they belong to a group that implies their characteristic as “fixed.”
• The next group is the mutable signs with Sagittarius, Virgo, Gemini, and Pisces. Persons with this sign are open-minded, adaptable, and welcome new ideas. They are quite adept in communicating. They possess interest in philosophy and cultural differences.
Being familiar with astrology meanings can make you better understand yourself and give you enough patience with others. Instead of asking yourself why people act in certain ways, you are now ready with an answer. You can give it a shrug of your shoulder knowing everyone is just going through a phase in life. Another season is ahead.