The Sun Signs of Western Astrology

The sun sign is only one aspect of western astrology. It is the broad essence from which an astrological birth chart can be created. There are twelve sun signs, and these are:

• Aries;
• Taurus;
• Gemini;
• Cancer;
• Leo;
• Virgo;
• Libra;
• Scorpio;
• Sagittarius;
• Capricorn;
• Aquarius; and
• Pisces.

Each of these sun signs has specific associations and meanings. When astrology was in its infancy, Greek thought focused on what would become known as the Hermetic Theory. This stated that the human body was a miniature version of the universe, so everything in the universe was reflected in some way in the body. Out of this concept grew a vast system of correspondences for the twelve astrological sun signs.

Dualities of the Sun Signs

Most things in the world are divided into masculine and feminine. It makes sense that astrological signs would be as well. This is the duality of the signs. Today, most astrologers will agree that the masculine signs are strong through action, and outwardly directed. The feminine signs are strong through inner reserves, and inwardly directed.

• Aries;
• Gemini;
• Leo;
• Libra;
• Sagittarius; and
• Aquarius.

The feminine signs are:

• Taurus;
• Cancer;
• Virgo;
• Scorpio;
• Capricorn; and
• Pisces.

Triplicities of the Sun Signs

The twelve sun signs are also divided into four groups, each containing three signs, which are associated with the four elements — Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. These are the triplicities of the signs. Each element has certain qualities and characteristics.

• Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are signs of the element of Earth. They are practical, wise, and stable.
• Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are signs of the element of Air. They are intellectual, creative, and communicative.
• Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius are signs of the element of Fire. They are active, passionate, and enthusiastic.
• Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are signs of the element of Water. They are emotional, nurturing, and intuitive.

Quadruplicities of the Sun Signs

The sun signs of western astrology are also divided into three groups, each containing four signs. Each of these groups has a certain quality — cardinal, fixed, or mutable. These qualities signify interaction with the outside world.

• Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn are the cardinal signs. These signs are outgoing and enterprising, and the initiators of the world. They start things, but rarely finish them.
• Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius are the fixed signs. They are resistant to change, but very persistent. These people may not necessarily be initiators, but they are perfectionists, and they finish tasks that others may abandon.
• Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces are the mutable signs. These signs are flexible, adaptable, and versatile. They can adapt to many different circumstances, and tend to react, rather than act.

Polarities of the Sun Signs

Finally, the sun signs are divided into six groups, each containing two signs. These are the polarities, and each group of two signs are considered opposites of each other, meaning they express opposite characteristics.

• Aries are Libra are a polarity. Ares is the sign of self, while Libra is the sign of partnership.
• Taurus and Scorpio are a polarity. Taurus is the sign of personal possessions, while Scorpio is the sign of shared possessions.
• Gemini and Sagittarius are a polarity. Gemini is the sign of self-expression, while Sagittarius is the sign of philosophy and higher thinking.
• Cancer and Capricorn are a polarity. Cancer is the sign of home life, while Capricorn is the sign of public life.
• Leo and Aquarius are a polarity. Leo is the sign of personal pleasure and creativity, while Aquarius is the sign of large-scale hopes and ideals.
• Virgo and Pisces are a polarity. Virgo is the sign of work and self-improvement, while Pisces is the sign of dreams and self-delusion.

No two signs are exactly alike. For example, Aquarius is the only masculine, air, fixed sign. Gemini is also masculine and air, but it is a mutable sign. So, where Aquarius is outwardly directed, creative, and a perfectionist, Gemini is outwardly directed, creative, and adaptable.

Sun signs are only one part of astrology, and cannot be used to predict the personality of anyone without other important components, such as moon signs, houses, and aspects.