In ancient times people used to look into the night sky and see the twinkling stars that stand out in the dark. They observed what the stars said about a person and created a unique science. Astrology is a way to better understand who people are in their lives. It is a study of the inner self, and is considered a mystery to most.

The Western or traditional zodiac is made of twelve signs: Aries (March 21^st – April 20^th), Taurus (April 21^st – May 20^th), Gemini (May 22^nd – June 21^st), Cancer (June 22^nd – July 22^nd), Leo (July 23^rd – August 22^nd), Virgo (August 23^rd – September 21^st), Libra (September 22^nd – October 22^nd), Scorpio (October 23^rd – November 21^st), Sagittarius (November 22^nd – December 20^th), Capricorn (December 21^st – January 19^th), Aquarius (January 20^th – February 18^th), and Pisces (February 19^th – March 20^th). Each carries its own strengths and weaknesses in all areas of life.

The first sign, Aries, is like the lead ram, straight forward and always wants to be first. People with this sign have a drive to be a leader and to guide others to their goals. This can also lead to their downfall; they believe that their way is the best way and will push others over to get what they want.

The bull, Taurus, perfectly describes the people born under this sign. They are reliable and will stand adamantly to defend what they believe in. They will become a rock for others, but at the same time they can also be stubborn and will not respond to reason.

The third sign, Gemini, is the sign of the twins. Like two siblings, these people will talk to anyone who lends an ear. They also seem to have two minds; they are able to remember twice as much information and can answer faster than normal people would. If they are not careful with their words, however, they can slip and hurt someone.

People born under the crab or Cancer sign have the urge to nurture and help people who cannot care for themselves and feeling the emotions of others around them. This can also cause problems and they can react to negative moods or emotions and will hide in their thick shell.

Leos are the type of people who love the spotlight and will do anything to be the center of attention. They, like the Aries, are born leaders, brimming with self-confidence and creativity. While all of this is positive, the lions can become arrogant if they get their way too often.

People under the Virgo sign are seen as picky and very critical. These people are natural at finding any faults and, depending on what the fault is, they will help and try to repair the fault. However, they can start to lose the people close to them with over-criticism.

Libra loves balance; it is the scale of the universe, so naturally people that have this sign want harmony -not only in their lives, but in the lives of others. They are great in social groups with grace and charm, but they themselves will do anything to be near someone, even selling out their own needs to be in a group.

The most misunderstood types of people in the world are the Scorpios. They hide their emotions and will look in control, but hide any turmoil on the inside. The best Scorpios are loyal and determined, while the true scorpions are filled with jealousy and always seek revenge.

The centaur or archer is the symbol for Sagittarius and no other symbol can be more accurate. They have vision and can see what they want and work to get to it. However, these people must keep goals that are obtainable, and be careful not to exaggerate their abilities or their goals.

The goat, Capricorn is like the leader of a flock of sheep, they will keep everything organized and can wait upon the ones falling behind. People under this sign must be wary of becoming attached to what and who they manage, and must keep an upbeat attitude to avoid depression.

Aquarius, or the water carrier, can be compared to people who talk while waiting for something. They are intelligent, and have an ability to understand abstract ideas. They only have a problem when another sees their ideas as wrong or a little off, and can unleash a flood upon those who fight their ideals.

The final sign, Pisces, the two fish are very attuned to others emotions and almost seem psychic when it comes to them. Because of that they need to stay away from people with negative emotions and bad company.

Some may read this and think that this does not match to who they are; they must keep in mind that these are only guidelines and might not fully describe who they are. If we listen to the energies around us, we can see that astrology can lead the way to a better future.

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Works Cited

• “The Twelve Signs” http://www.astrology.com.tr/. Aler. n.d. Web. Sep. 11, 2013
• “Astrology: The Zodiac.” www.eastrolog.com/astrology-zodaic  eAstrolog.com. n.d. Web. Sep. 11, 2013