LESSON FOUR
SIGNS ARIES THROUGH VIRGO
* Introduction *
In the previous lesson you were introduced to a basic portrait of the twelve signs of the zodiac. The following two chapters will afford the student a more elaborate description of each sign. You will learn the history of each symbol and its relationship to the sign. This is very important for your complete understanding of the signs. In short, you will learn the biography of each sign and its relationship with other signs. It is crucial at this stage in the course, for you to develop a sound basis of comprehension for the individual signs. It is impossible to tell you how many times during the course, and your career, you will refer back to this basis. The stronger your conception of the signs, we guarantee the stronger the confidence of your client in your analysis.
In ancient Thessaly, part of the present day Kingdom of Greece, much strife surrounded the crown. It seems that the affections of the King were so alienated from his spouse, the good Queen Nephele, that she felt that the lives of her two children, the Prince Phryxus and the Princess Helle were endangered. The queen, in a desperate state of anxiety and fear, appealed to Mercury for aid. This great and busy deity possessed a ram whose fleece was so lovely that it shone like gold and who could leap so far and so fast that none could out distance him. Mercury persuaded Queen Nephele to seat her two children on the back of the Ram to carry them to safety. While swooping through the air over the Dardanelles Strait which separates Europe from Asia Minor, the little princess lost her balance and fell into the water below. Even now the tip of Gallipoli Peninsula is known as Cape Helles or Hellespont. Lonely and sorrowful, the little Prince Phryxus, astride the Ram, landed in Colchis on the shores of the Black Sea. Here on the shores of the Black Sea his royal father-in-law, Acetes, welcomed him. Phryxus promptly sacrificed the Ram to Jupiter in a sincere Thanksgiving for his safety. First he skinned it and took the Golden Fleece and nailed it to a tree in the sacred grave that was dedicated to Mars, where a fearsome dragon was appointed to guard it. Covetous of the valuable trophy, however, King Acetes then murdered his youthful son-in law. Jason who commanded the heroic and famous Arganauts, heard of this atrocity and vowed to avenge it in the name of the good Queen Nephele. Along with his fearless comrades he boarded the vessel Argo, setting sail from Ioclus to the land of Colchist. A tremendous battle ensued in which the Golden Fleece was recovered. Another series of battles followed after which Jason regained his own throne back from his daring Uncle Pelias, who had stolen it during his absence. As a fitting end to this galaxy of victories, Jason was coronated King. Then to assure the safety of the Golden Fleece for all time, the gods transported it to the sky, where it maintains it's place with golden splendor as the Constellation Aries, the sign of the Ram.
Aries is of the Fire element. Cardinal quality and intellectual trinity. It's keywords are dauntless and ardor. (Before reading further review all characteristics of Aries in Lesson III.) In nature, this sign is masculine or positive, active, expressionable and dominant. Some unfavorable qualities are: restless, impulsive and hot-tempered. Some favorable qualities are: ambitious, energetic, witty and strong in military matters. They make good police officers. If thwarted, Aries can demonstrate fierce anger but it possesses sufficient spirituality not to harbour resentment too long. Strong planetary tenancy of this sign gives power to the natives of any other sign. It's fearlessness can be a detriment as it may lead to a reckless abandon.
In employment, he generally succeeds in any line paralleling the affairs of his birth sign, or the interests of the house in which the Sun finds itself in his horoscope. In alliances, such as business, fraternal and marriage, he gets along well with those born under his own sign or one that is opposite. (180° is opposite) (trine to it, 120° from it) (sextile, 60° from it). To understand this position clearly see Illustration I.
(1) The Sun - Moon* relationship (1) is most conducive to a successful marriage. This means that this statement also assumes there are no other aspects of both parties horoscopes which may negate or modify this favorable condition.
(2) Decanate division* shows that those born when the Sun was in the first ten degrees (decan) of Aries are endowed with activity, adventure, zeal, notoriety, sometimes dishonor and misfortune. Those born with the Sun in the second decan show affections as the source of power to sway others and the mind joining the promptings of the heart. If the third decan is involved they are easily victimized by propaganda, the spiritual possibilities of the valiant soul at grips with sordid conditions.
The essential dignities of Mars, the planetary ruler of Aries, are; it governs Aries and is exalted in Capricorn; the essential debilities of Mars are; it is in detriment (danger) when in Libra and in fall (washed out) when in Cancer.
In mundane astrology (mundane astrology means astrology of things and affairs rather than people), Aries indicates the style of policy followed by the government; changes in expression, such as constitutional amendments and creation of laws that liberalize or restrict the people.
The pagan religions of ancient times praised and worshiped the bull as if it were a god. The Egyptians and Persians also held the animal in high esteem. To this day, it is looked upon as a crime among some oriental races to harm a bull.
The relationship of the bull and the sign Taurus stems from the old Greek legend recounting the infatuation of Jupiter for a lovely mortal maiden named Europa. According to the legend Jupiter was forbidden to court a mere mortal. He took the form and shape of a white bull to attract Europa secretly. While innocently toying with her brothers in a meadow one day, Europa spied a white bull and was delimited and astounded with its sheer beauty. Gleefully and expectantly, she approached the bull and found it friendly and inviting. She mounted its broad and handsome back and instantly the bull galloped off toward the sea, taking with him the frightened maiden before her startled brothers could run to her rescue. Plunging into the raging waters, the bull began to swim with the grace and assurance of a great fish. From the shore the startled brothers could only see the bull's head and paws as he slowly disappeared on the horizon. The rest of the bull's body was submerged and this accounts for the partial outline of the bull's forepart in the Constellation Taurus. Europa was visibly shaken and very puzzled at what was happening to her. Jupiter sensed this and to quell her growing fear, he explained his actions and intentions to her utter amazement. She immediately fell in love with Jupiter and to commemorate their happy romance, Jupiter transformed himself once more. This time he took the form of a planet - the largest in the solar system, as was befitting his importance. Then to honor his mortal love the legend says he named the Continent of Europe after her. Look at the stars on a clear night and observe the Constellation Taurus in the Zodiac. The bull's bright right eye is the star Aldebaran. You can see the head and shoulders of the bull.
Taurus is the sign of production yield and together with Virgo, a sign of the working masses, Taurus is related to the gross national product in mundane astrology. It embraces all that concerns instruments of monetary value. The Sun usually enters Taurus on or about April 21. Taurus is Earth element. Fixed in quality and Intellectual in trinity. Some key words used with Taurus are endurance and stamina. Before continuing refer back to your chart of Taurus in Lesson III and review it's basic characteristics.
In nature, this sign is feminine or passive, it is dormant, silent and reflective. Some favorable qualities are: self reliance, patience and affection. Some unfavorable qualities are: jealous, stubborn and hot-tempered. It is hardworking, indifferent, industrious and domineering. Very intense, Taurus makes a good friend but a bitter enemy. Materialistic, it is deeply mathematical.
In employment, he generally succeeds in any line paralleling the affairs of his birth sign, or the interests of the house in which the Sun finds itself in his horoscope. In alliances, such as business, fraternal and marriage, he gets along well with those born under his own sign or one that is opposite, trine to it or sextile: Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces. The Sun-Moon relationship is most conducive for a successful marriage. (See footnote 1 on page 6.)
Decanate division shows that those born when the Sun was in the first ten degrees of Taurus have determination. Those when the Sun is in the second decanate: struggle and the conflict for superiority. Third decanate: mastership and triumph over physical and environmental limitations. (Bear in mind that these general statements will undoubtedly be enhanced, diminished or even negated when considered in, light of a client's entire horoscope. Remember this is always true when we mention any general indication.)
The essential dignities and debilities of Venus, planetary ruler of Taurus, are: dignities - it governs Taurus and Libra and is exalted in Pisces; debilities - it is in its detriment when in Scorpio and in its fall when in Virgo.
III. 
GEMINI is the third sign of the zodiac and is known as the twins. It is accepted that Gemini suggests the mutability - the "from one to the other" idea - of the signs quality, double-bodied or bi-corporal. Legend speaks of the twins, Castor and Pollux, who are immortalized in the sign Gemini.
A lovely young maiden named Leda took Jupiter's fancy. Once again as with Europa, he took another form to attract her. This time he took the body and shape of a graceful swan. Leda immediately took a liking to Jupiter and allowed him, as a swan, to court her. As a result of this union, the twins Castor and Pollux were born. They had great mutual admiration for one another and became inseparable friends. They were so close that one was never seen without the other.
They soon became crew members of the great and famous Argonaut fleet, and they were of great assistance in the restoration of the Golden Fleece. Castor trained the Argonauts to ride horses. It is fitting that the Romans considered him as the patron of their cavalries. Pollux's great talent was as a fighter. They were courageous and knew no fear, their fame swiftly spread around the world. On a particularly stormy night with the ship Argo in extreme danger, they set an incredible example of sheer courage which is still remembered today. For this reason, the Olympian gods set them apart from mere mortals and placed them as twin stars in the Constellation Gemini. Ever since, seafaring men have used the light of these dual stars to plot the course of their ship. You can locate this sign and constellation in the evening sky by finding the two bright stars named after the twins Castor and Pollux.
Gemini is the sign of opinion and discussion e.g. the teacher-pupil relationship. Gemini embraces all forms of communication including the scientific. The Sun usually enters this sign on or about May 21st.
Gemini is of the air element, mutable and intellectual in trinity. The key words are vivification, intellect and diversity. (Before reading further review all characteristics of Gemini in Lesson 3.) In nature this sign is masculine or positive, active, expressionable and dominant. Some favorable attributes are: clever, intuitive, refined and affectionate. Some unfavorable: restless, sometimes too clever, often misunderstood.
Gemini is the quickest walker, physically moving faster than the other eleven signs. Geminis think on their feet and are as mentally agile as they are physically swift. They have unruly curling hair at the temples seeming to fringe out and away from the temples in a wind-blown effect. The general facial expression is open, as if ready for speech. The body remains slim and trim throughout their lives.
He is generally successful in employment in any line parallel with the affairs of his birth sign or the interests of the house in which the Sun appears in his horoscope. He is compatible with those born under his own sign or one that is opposite it, trine to it or sextile: Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius, Aries. Once again the Sun-Moon relationship is best for marriage (see footnote 1 on page 6.)
Decanate division shows that those born when the Sun was in the first ten degrees of Gemini give evidence of mastership, activities on the mental plane and deduction after assimilation. Those of the second decanate; fidelity and the drive for progressive causes. Third decanate; reason and the power of the objective mind. The essential dignities and debilities of Mercury, the planetary ruler of Gemini, are: dignities - it governs Gemini and Virgo and is exalted in Aquarius; Debilities - it is in its detriment when in Sagittarius and Pisces, and in its fall when in Leo.
In the mundane astrology, Gemini rules universities, villages, schools and all activity connected with them; and all modes of transportation and delivery of messages. Gems - there is no authoritative list of gems according to astrology, though many lists are in existance. They are the arbitrary choices of those compiling them.
Gems - there is no authoritative list of gems according to astrology, though many lists are in existence. They are the arbitrary choices of those compiling them.
Once again the legend behind the crab, the symbol of the sign Cancer, is very interesting. At the summer solstice, when the Sun has reached its northernmost point in its travel through the sky, the solar recession begins toward the south. This backwards movement was associated by the Egyptians with their sacred beetle, called the scarab. The gait of this little crustacean is peculiar. It travels backward, while rolling a ball of food toward itself. To the ancient Egyptians this seemed symptomatic of the Sun's fiery ball being pulled southward after the summer solstice.
Cancer is of the water element, cardinal quality and maternal trinity. Its key words are expansion, tenacity, domesticity. (Before reading further review all characteristics of Cancer in Lesson 3.) In nature, this sign is feminine or negative; silent, dormant, receptive. Some favorable attributes are: self-reliant, kind, deep thinking. Some unfavorable: selfish, feelings too easily hurt. It is psychic, sensational, clinging, sensitive, not happy in surroundings where emotions might easily be upset. Having a strong feeling of compassion, they make good in charity work. Their instinct of guardianship finds them at ease when caring for the very young or very old. They may take offense easily but soon forgive those in their charge. They are good homemakers and make good inn keepers.
Like the crab that is its sign Cancer prefers to live near the water of its emotions, in an environment that is familiar. It is considered the laziest sign because it has to be emotionally aroused before it can be made to move. This is not always easy. During the unimpressed periods, when Cancerians have resisted ideas that have not touched them, they slow down in a lethargy. Stir them emotionally, and you have them on the run. They act out their emotions, which is very good for them, for then they are able to expend their tremendous emotional energy. The energy of cancer is all stored in emotional urges.
The ideas that aroused Cancer must be practical. Cancerians love food that is emotionally appeasing. Cancer businessmen will often work out a business deal at lunch or dinner. China is regarded as a Cancer nation. The office buildings in Shanghai used to supply kitchens as part of the office unit. Food was often served during business appointments and during the transactions. The Chinese believe a man is more vulnerable if he is well fed. They soften him; a hungry man is nervous, irritable and difficult.
In employment, Cancer natives succeed in any line paralleling the affairs of their birth sign, or the interests of the house in which the Sun appears in the horoscope. In alliances, such as business, fraternal and marriage, Cancer gets along well with those from under his own sign or one that is opposite, trine, or sextile to it: Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces, Taurus. In marriage the Sun-Moon relationship is excellent. (See footnote 1 on page 6.)
Decanate division shows that those born when the Sun was in the first decanate ten degrees of Cancer have strong moods and emotions; they are poetic and have good dramatic expression. Those of the second decanate have good resourcefulness and great energy; powerful emotions; may have trouble with sex problems. Third decanate; research, curiosity, discontent, restlessness; love of nature may have a stormy life.
The essential dignities and debilities of the Moon, ruler of Cancer, are: dignities - it governs Cancer and is exalted in Taurus; debilities - it is in its detriment when in Capricorn and in its fall when in Scorpio.
In mundane astrology, Cancer rules a nation's land resources, ecology, farms, homes, mines, mountains, lakes and so on.
Leo is sometimes referred to as symbolic of the nine months of gestation. If we count the signs counter clockwise beginning with Leo as number one we come to the first sign Aries, the sign of new life - beginning of spring. It is, therefore, the sign of love affairs between man and women, the sign of children and young people in general. It is creative, the angle of personal joys; the entertainment world, personal adornment and attraction. The Sun usually enters this sign on July 23rd. Leo is a sign of the Fire element, fixed quality, maternal trinity. Some keywords are compassion, courage and assurance. (Before proceeding please go back to Lesson III and review the basic characteristics of Leo.)
In nature, this sign is masculine or positive, active, expressionable, and dominant. Some favorable qualities are: kind, courageous, altruistic, just, forgiving. Some unfavorable: impulsive, misunderstood, sometimes egotistical. It is powerful, jovial and reciprocal.
In employment, he generally succeeds in any line paralleling the affairs of the birth sign, or the interests of the house in which the sun appears in his horoscope. In alliances, such as business, fraternal and marriage, he gets along with those born under his own sign or one that is opposite, trine to it or sextile: Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius, Aries, Gemini. Again the Sun-Moon relationship has proven to be excellent for marriages. (See footnote 1 page 6.)
Decanate division shows that those born when the Sun was in the first decanate (ten degrees) of Leo have qualities of rulership, fiery love, and the desire to dominate others, extremes of pleasure whether in love or asceticism. Those of the second decanate; reformation, a convincing leader, given to ruthless onslaughts against his enemies, clear vision as to weaknesses in politics and religion. Third decanate; ambition, a determination to rise in life at the sacrifice of anything or anybody.
The essential dignities and debilities of the Sun, the ruler of Leo, are: Dignities - it governs Leo and is exalted in Aries; debilities - it is in its detriment when in Aquarius and its fall when in Libra.
In mundane astrology, Leo rules the entire entertainment world, in all creative arts, true romance, all affairs affecting young people, especially children.
Leo is the second fire sign and the second fixed sign. The first fixed sign was Taurus. The first fire sign was Aries. Leo is the most determined of the fire signs. The first fire sign, Aries, is cardinal, and therefore, changeable. The third fire sign is Sagittarius, which is mutable, amendable, adaptable. It is not stubbornly determined to reach the goal; the fixed sign Leo is. Aries is the bonfire of the fire signs. Leo is the consolidated fire of the furnace. Sagittarius is the log fire. There are three ways of expressing enthusiasm: The bonfire that rallies or arouses starting you off with enthusiasm for a new idea (Aries); the fire that the rallier started, consolidated (within the furnace) into a determined idea, pinned down, fixed until the idea becomes a reality (Leo); the final fire of the idea (the log fire) can now be put into a book as theory, for practical uses; for example, the textbook that measures ideas, or the philosophy written concerning the forum, the Supreme Court, or the lecture hall of wisdom (Sagittarius).
The Leo fires wish more than anything else in the world to excite you with their new loves. Leo rules love and the loved ones. Leo is the lover in love with love. Leo is always in love with something, for Leo is the sign of the heart, youth, amusement, games and speculation. What more lovely way to speculate than with the heart? Since the heart interests are uppermost in the atmosphere of the Leo born, Leo is the most reliable lover and the most constant lover of the romantic fire signs.
Debilities of the planets are their detriment and fall. The twelve signs are listed in order, six in this lesson separately by name and six in the next lesson. After each sign the dignities and debilities of the ruling planets are listed. /n order for the student to grasp the complete meaning of the planets in relationship to their sign an understanding of debilities and dignities is essential.
Ceres was the daughter of Satun and Rhea. As the betrothed of Jupiter, she became the mother of Persephene who was kidnapped by Pluto, the keeper of the underworld regions. Finally Ceres appealed to Pluto, but she could not manage a full release for her daughter. She had to agree to a compromise whereby Persephene would spend half of every year with her mother, and the remaining six months with Pluto.
In a sense this explains the Nature's fertility as well as dormancy, six months of verdant growth in the temperate zones, and the remainder of the year without the strength to impart warmth to the seeds and foliage of the Earth. Thus for the association of Ceres with growing things, early civilizations connected her with Mother Nature, and in the heavens depicted her as the celestial virgin, or Virgo. She represented everything pure and noble.
Virgo is the sign of honesty, pure health, food production, productive labor and the labor force. The sun usually enters this sign on August 24th. Virgo is of the Earth element, mutable quality, and maternal trinity. Some keywords are chastity, purity, assimilation. (Before reading further review all characteristics of Virgo in Lesson III.)
In nature, this sign is feminine or negative, passive, silent, receptive, dormant. Some favorable attributes are: altruistic, just, clever, intuitive, oratorical, self-respecting. Some unfavorable characteristics are: worrying too much and demonstrative when upset. A Virgo makes a good friend, loyal worker, seeker after the facts, good mathematician, critical and exciting.
Virgo is the critic, the analyzer, the servant, it is the sign that rules statistics figures, and details. Virgo is the petty side of life and is the workhouse of the zodiac. Virgos are happy only when working. The continuous desire to work need not necessarily be constructive for they can do the same routine duty day after day; it means many times, only that they must be at it. They will perform the same routine job again and again, compulsively, unaware that they have finished the chore.
In employment, he generally succeeds in any line paralleling the affairs of this birth sign, or the interests of the house in which the Sun finds itself in his horoscope. In alliances, such as business, fraternal and marriage, he gets along well with those born under his own sign, or one that is opposite, trine to it or sextile: Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces, Taurus, Cancer. For marriage the Sun-Moon relationship is excellent. (See footnote 1 page 6.)
Decanate division shows that those born when the Sun was in the first decanate (ten degrees) of Virgo have a good mentality can tackle gigantic tasks, achievement. The second decanate: possess a great deal of experience, mind is easily assimilated and a great deal of talent for diplomacy, great temptations are likely to come; excellent power of discernment and compassion, love of worldly honor, very susceptible to the allurements of the flesh. Third decanate: work in behalf of others, successful in science without a thought for reward; forsakes everything for duty.
The essential dignities of Mercury, planetary ruler of Virgo are, it governs Gemini and Virgo and is exalted in Aquarius. The Debilities are, it is in its detriment when in Sagittarius and Pisces and in its fall when in Leo.
In the mundane astrology, Virgo rules the harvest, the working classes, armed services, animals and farm livestock, the general health of the public, ecology, together with Taurus it is inherently tied in with the country's gross national product.
* Conclusion *
It is important to realize that we are dealing at this point with one half of the individual signs of the Zodiac. As you will learn later, everyone has each of these signs someplace in their horoscope, so you must know them as well as you know your own name. This lesson should be re-read as often as necessary for you to learn the characteristics of these six signs by memory.
The Sun is one of the most important and powerful elements in a horoscope. You are now beginning to comprehend the importance of the meanings of each sign. Be sure you learn them well. In the next lesson, we will treat the remaining six signs of the zodiac.
It is important to note here that there is a great deal of discussion in astrology relating to the possibility of additional signs; Cetus following Aries and Ophiuchus after Scorpio. Cetus and Ophiuchus are in the Zodiac but they have never had general acceptance among astrologers. Further research is needed to establish the significance of the two signs and whether they should be included in Zodiac influence. We will devote more material to this subject later in the course. It is only necessary at this time that you know of this recent development in Astrology.
In this lesson and the others you learn that the names of the signs and planets were arrived at through stories in Greek and ancient mythology. Mythology was only a method of nomenclature. The celestial bodies contained in the signs are all very real and their radial effects on human beings have been unquestionably established through scientific proof and historical evidence. Remember it is not just the effect of the ascendant or rising sign but the total change that has taken place in the position of all the celestial bodies as each ascendant sign appears. This total change in the universe at the time of each change in sign is what produces change in human beings. This is pure logic. The human being is part of the universe and changes as it changes. This is why each person's birth makes him different from every other one. The proof of this is the birth of astro twins whom we will discuss later.
