The twelve signs are also divided into three qualities, Cardinal, fixed and mutable. Fire and air signs are considered masculine, while water and earth signs are considered feminine. The twelve signs are divided into four elements fire, earth, air and water. In modern Western astrology the signs of the zodiac are believed to represent twelve basic personality types or characteristic modes of expression. The twelve signs įurther information: Astrological sign § Western zodiac signs Thus, the tropical zodiac corresponds with the position of the earth in relation to fixed positions in the sky (Western Astrology), while the sidereal zodiac is drawn based on the position in relation to the constellations (sidereal zodiac). The Sidereal Zodiac is drawn based on the Earth's position in relation to the constellations, and follows their movements in the sky.ĭue to a phenomenon called precession of the equinoxes (where the Earth's axis slowly rotates like a spinning top in a 25,700-year cycle), there is a slow shift in the correspondence between Earth's seasons (and calendar) and the constellations of the zodiac. The Western Zodiac is drawn based on the Earth's relationship to fixed, designated positions in the sky, and the Earth's seasons. Most western astrologers use the tropical zodiac beginning with the sign of Aries at the Northern hemisphere Vernal equinox always on or around March 21 of each year. Over time they developed the system of twelve signs of the zodiac, based on twelve of the constellations through which the sun passes throughout the year, those constellations that are "Enlightened by the mind". Astrologers noted these constellations and so attached a particular significance to them.
The zodiac is the belt or band of constellations through which the Sun, Moon, and planets move on their journey across the sky. Al-Kindi, in the 9th century, developed Ptolemy's ideas in De Aspectibus which explores many points of relevance to astrology and the use of planetary aspects. Later philosophers retained the close association between astronomy, optics, music and astrology, including Ptolemy, who wrote influential texts on all these topics. Subsequently, Plato described astronomy and music as "twinned" studies of sensual recognition: astronomy for the eyes, music for the ears, and both requiring knowledge of numerical proportions.
In a theory known as the Harmony of the Spheres, Pythagoras proposed that the Sun, Moon and planets all emit their own unique hum based on their orbital revolution, and that the quality of life on Earth reflects the tenor of celestial sounds which are physically imperceptible to the human ear. Pythagoras first identified that the pitch of a musical note is in proportion to the length of the string that produces it, and that intervals between harmonious sound frequencies form simple numerical ratios. Īs opposed to Sidereal astrology, Western astrology evaluates a persons birth based on the alignments of the stars and planets from the perspective on earth instead of in space.Īt the heart of astrology is the metaphysical principle that mathematical relationships express qualities or 'tones' of energy which manifest in numbers, visual angles, shapes and sounds – all connected within a pattern of proportion. This relationship is expressed in the Hermetic maxim "as above, so below as below, so above", which postulates symmetry between the individual as a microcosm and the celestial environment as a macrocosm. Cycles of change that are observed in the heavens are therefore reflective (not causative) of similar cycles of change observed on earth and within the individual. The individual, Earth, and its environment are viewed as a single organism, all parts of which are correlated with each other.
A central principle of astrology is integration within the cosmos.
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