Friday, February 24, 2012

The Astrological Sun Signs: The Details of Cancer

The fourth of the sun signs is Cancer, and those born between June 21st and July 22nd are often under its influence. Cancer can appear gruff and grumpy, but this is often a defense mechanism, protecting a more vulnerable heart. Though the personality of Cancer is often discussed in astrology, often the details that go into determining this personality are ignored.

The Cancer Personality

There are many factors that must be taken into account when determining the personality profile for anyone born under a specific sign. In regards to the sign of Cancer, these factors come together to describe someone who is loyal, sensitive, and imaginative.

Cancer is a cardinal, feminine water sign. Feminine signs are inwardly directed and strong through inner reserves. Cardinal signs are enterprising and initiators of the world. Those born under a water sign are emotional and intuitive. All this comes together to indicate a person who might be sensitive and kind, often conceiving of great ideas, but rarely seeing them to fruition.

Cancer is ruled by the Moon. The Moon reigns over emotions and intuition, and is connected to the subconscious mind. Those born under a sign ruled by the Moon may be shrewd and canny, often seeing into the heart of complex situations.

The primary symbol of Cancer is the Crab. The Crab is cautious, possessing an impenetrable shell that protects the vulnerable flesh underneath. When threatened, the Crab retreats into its shell, keeping itself safe. The glyph (written symbol) of Cancer represents the claws of the Crab. Those ruled by the sign of Cancer may have a desire to store memories and possessions, sometimes at the expense of friends and family.

The Correspondences of Cancer

Each sign rules a particular part of the body. Cancer rules the breasts and stomach. People born under the sign of Cancer may enjoy eating and have to work against becoming overweight, especially in their later years. They may also be prone to digestive ailments caused by tension or stress.

Monday is considered to be a lucky day for Cancer, as are the numbers three and seven. Pearls are associated with this sign, and are said to transform the good into bad and create harmony from chaos. They are also thought to bring support from influential people.

Some other correspondences of the sign of Cancer are:
  • Silver and sea green, the colors of the moon and water;
  • Cities such as Algiers, Amsterdam, New York City, and Venice;
  • Countries such as Holland, New Zealand, and Scotland;
  • Trees which are rich in sap;
  • Flowers such as acanthus and larkspur;
  • Silver; and
  • Animals covered by shells, such as crabs and snails.
Many of the details of Cancer are associated with water and emotion. Those born under the sign of Cancer may be susceptible to accidents in the home. They may also be prone to being the victims of theft. For the most part, however, Cancer is a cautious and careful sign.

Weekly Astrological Horoscopes: February 25th to March 2nd 2012

Aries 

A situation will crop up this week that just seems beyond your grasp. Look again, and try to keep an open mind. There are bits and pieces to this situation that you haven’t noticed yet. Details may be subtle and likely to escape you if you’re not paying attention. Don’t take anything at face value.

Taurus

Your desire to be a part of the group isn’t a bad thing, but beware of being unduly influenced this week. Don’t let yourself get talked into doing something you really don’t want to do. If your instincts warn you off, listen to them. Someone has an ulterior motive that is contrary to your own best interests.

Gemini

You’ll need respect in the workplace if you’re going to get ahead. Determination and confidence will go a long way to getting you the respect you need, but remember that respect is earned, not bestowed. You can’t make people respect you, but if you take the lead and show good judgment, the people you need will come around.

Cancer

A typical Cancer often feels the need to be in control of themselves. This week, however, you might be tempted to control others, or at least try to. It won’t work, and will likely backfire. Instead of trying to control the world around you, focus on your reactions to the situations you face this week.

Leo

If you need to get emotional, this is the time to do it. Don’t worry so much about being in control and hiding your inner turmoil from others. It’s okay to lean on the shoulders of friend and family when you need to. Everyone needs a little help now and then, even the fiery and powerful Leo. Don’t be ashamed to ask for it.

Virgo

Your natural magnetism gets a boost this week as the planets move to help you get what you need. Don’t hesitate to grasp the opportunities that float your way, for they may not come again. Your feisty nature will attract those who can help you toward your goals, so don’t blow people off, especially when you might need them in the immediate future.

Libra

Physically, you’ll be ready to run this week. Your energy is up, your desire to get something done is high, and the opportunity to accomplish a powerful goal is ready to present itself. But in order to take advantage of all this, you’ll need to be open minded and ready to accept new ideas.

Scorpio

Pluto, as your ruling planet, is getting ready to change your life in a big and positive way, but if you’re not careful, you’ll miss the chance. It’s time to come out of your shell and take a risk now and then. Get involved in the world around you and Pluto can help you to really shine.

Sagittarius

Roaming is your nature, but that doesn’t mean you can’t see the benefits of staying put once in a while. Your instincts might encourage you to do just that, and your instincts are rarely wrong. Stay close to home and remember the value of family and friends. You’re going to need their support very soon.

Capricorn

Your life starts moving quickly, but you’re ready to shine. Greet new situations with zeal and you’ll find that things move along right in line with your goals and desires. But back away due to fear or nervousness and you’ll miss out on something big. Don’t let others hold you back and stop you from pursuing your dreams.

Aquarius

If you’ve been working hard toward a special goal or desire, things can start to pay off now. This pay off might be in the form of cash, but as is typical of Aquarius, money wasn’t necessarily the primary goal. Your focus might start to shift to another project, so let your creative mind flow. Don’t listen to your detractors. Follow your heart and it won’t lead you astray.

Pisces

Everything’s lining up to help you move forward with your life, but only if help yourself first. Stop looking to everyone else to make you happy and search within. The key to accomplishing your goals and finding happiness lies inside yourself. Until you respect yourself enough to believe that you can achieve your dreams, you’ll never even get close.

Friday, February 17, 2012

The Astrological Sun Signs: The Personality of Cancer

Those born between June 21st and July 22nd are born under the sign of Cancer, the fourth of the sun signs. This sign symbolizes loyalty and sensitivity. Cancer is the sign of the Crab, and individuals with this trait often express the words, “I feel.”

True astrology is much more than interpreting sun signs. To create an accurate birth chart, factors such as moon sign, aspects, and houses must also be considered.

The Character of Cancer

Cancer is a truly complicated sign, and those born under its influence can be difficult to understand. If you are a Cancer, you may change faces faster than those around you can appreciate. You may be gentle, patient, sympathetic, and kind one moment, then cranky, snappish, and perhaps indifferent the next. You’ll be helpful and solicitous before breakfast, then start complaining and wallowing in self-pity not fifteen minutes later.

The sign of Cancer is like the shifting tides of the ocean. Beneath the surface, powerful forces are at work. Many born under this sign offer no clue to the inner workings of their own minds, building up elaborate defenses to hide their deep feelings and extreme sensitivity.

If you were born under the sign of Cancer, it is likely that you desperately seek approval, and resist needing this approval all at the same time. When you do get the approval you need, however, you will often give your undying loyalty to those who made you feel secure and loved. Once someone has gained your loyalty, it is unlikely that anything will change your positive opinion of that person. Cancerians tend to develop a blind spot particularly to those who have earned their love.

As a Cancer, you tend to guard your secrets well. While others may pour out their hearts to you, you might only rarely do the same. If offended, you are likely to pout instead of retaliating. If often works, as those closest to you cannot stand to see you upset.

The Sign of Cancer and Its Relationship With Others

Though you likely present a tough outer shell to the world, inside you have a heart of gold. When someone asks for a favor, you may initially say ‘No,’ but this answer will usually become a ‘Yes’ in short order.

You are likely highly possessive, and this can sometime alienate you from others. Anyone who becomes a part of your life may never be completely free of you. Your need to stay in contact with classmates, coworkers, friends, and family could easily turn into obsession. Those who do leave your life likely do so against your will, and once they’ve gone, you never really forget them.

You are most probably difficult to deceive. Others usually know this, and don’t bother trying. When someone does attempt to deceive you, you are likely to take great offense. You may desire to retaliate, but you are too much like the Crab to do this directly. Instead of approaching the issue directly, you probably prefer to sidestep the issue, possibly for long periods of time. You may be discreet, and you may take your time, but you almost always accomplish your goals in the end.

In business, you may be unexpectedly shrewd. If you can master your shyness and turbulent emotions, you might find that your heightened intellect can take you quite far. Your natural sensitivity may be channeled into an instinct for business that often leaves colleagues in awe. The classic Cancer can achieve anything he or she desires, and this is especially true in regards to business endeavors.

Cancer is a combination of sensitivity, kindness, and intuition. Those born under this sign may be crust on the outside, but only to hide a more vulnerable nature. The correspondences of Cancer are a power influence on this sign, contributing to the gentle kindness that is Cancer.

Weekly Astrological Horoscopes: February 18th to February 24th 2012

Aries

January may have been a rather slow month for you. It may have seemed as if any intentions you had or projects you launched simply didn’t get off the ground. This week, however, these things may start to gather momentum. The glitches and slight irritations of last week might begin to fade, giving you a new confidence in yourself. You might also have the sudden desire to change your look, perhaps with a haircut or a makeover. After the previous week, it may not be such a bad idea to give in to this desire.

Taurus

As spring slowly comes closer and the Sun heightens in power, you might feel a surge of vitality. This may give you the desire to reassess your love life, but proceed with caution. This may not be the best time to make any changes. If you do, make sure you approach the situation with your customary pragmatism.

Gemini

Ruled by Mercury, you may have felt its effects in the past weeks. Now, however, things start to change. This may open doors that have been recently closed. It also means that the mistakes and miscommunication that you may have experienced should be passing. If these mistakes lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings, take the time to correct those things. Gemini may also wish to search for guidance during this week, perhaps from a colleague at work.

Cancer

For Cancer, this might be a week of clarification. If you’ve been waiting for a key piece of information or news, it may reveal itself this week. It also could be the time to start a new venture. This might be the beginnings of a new business, especially one started with a friend, or it might be a new love affair. Whatever it is, it is quite possible that this venture will be incredibly successful, even if it doesn’t seem so at first.

Leo

The Sun always has a powerful influence on a true Leo, and now this is especially telling. This could be the week to dust off your résumé or CV and tweak it in the hopes of gaining a new job. You might consider using this week to shine, to show others the unique qualities and skills you have to offer. If you’re lucky, you’ll find you’re much in demand in a good way.

Virgo

For Virgo, this could be a very positive week. You may find that financially you are better off than expected. Perhaps you receive unexpected money from a variety of sources, such as an inheritance, bonus, or even a payment due to you that you had forgotten about. Traveling can also prove beneficial, so if you feel the urge to visit family and friends, consider following it. You may also decide to take off to some unknown local for the week, and this isn’t necessarily a bad idea.

Libra

Though you may have to face disapproval from someone close to you, this week is generally bright. You might find that you are more optimistic than you have been in weeks and that you feel the need to complete old projects and start new ones. It’s also possible that you’ll be able to communicate your thoughts and feelings with greater clarity, so take advantage of this.

Scorpio

You may have found it difficult to fulfill all your obligations and live up to all your responsibilities recently. This week might be a time to step back from these things, if only temporarily. Try attempting to reconnect with anyone you might have ignored lately. It might be worth your while.

Sagittarius

You may find yourself tempted to satisfy your each and every whim. It may become important to resist temptation this week. Fortunately, the Sun’s steadying influence can help you to do this; consider using its bright energy to focus on a healthy balance between work and play. While you’re at it, you might discover something that you had thought lost.

Capricorn

This is the week for Capricorn to gain support. If you have been having difficulty getting anyone to agree with you, put your argument together in a logical fashion and people might just come around to your way of thinking. This may be especially true at home, so having friends and family over for dinner might work in your favor this week.

Aquarius

This week looks to be one of progress for the creative Aquarius. Projects that you’ve wanted to complete may get done with exceptional speed, and you will probably want to start something new in many areas of your life. You may choose to start a new romance, upgrade your computer, put new floors in the bathroom, or simply have a new idea.

Pisces

While there are many weeks where Pisces can mix business with pleasure, this isn’t one of them. Financially, this week may be good to you, and you may even make good career decisions, but be prepared to have a friend or two envy your success. Try to keep some distance between your friends and your career.

Friday, February 10, 2012

The Astrological Sun Signs: The Details of Gemini

The third of the sun signs is Gemini, and those born between May 21st and June 20th are often under its influence. Gemini can be responsive and engaging, and often have dual personalities. However, there is much more involved in interpreting the complexities of this sun sign. Quite often, the personality of Gemini is addressed without acknowledging the details associated with this fickle sign.

The Gemini Personality

Astrology is a complex thing, and creating personality profiles for those born under specific signs involves many factors. In regards to Gemini, these factors come together to describe someone who is creative, persuasive, and an excellent communicator.

Gemini is a mutable, masculine air sign. Masculine signs are outwardly directed and strong through action. Mutable signs are flexible and versatile. Air signs are intellectual and creative. Together, these three things indicate a person who is often personable, adaptable, and excels in the areas of communication and creativity.

Gemini is ruled by the planet Mercury, the ancient messenger of the gods. Mercury reigns over communication and travel, and its influence can foster a nervous temperament. Those born under this sign might be included to travel, but may be too nervous to actually do so.

The primary symbol of Gemini is the Twins. The Twins are versatile and associated with duality and humanism. The glyph (written symbol) of Gemini represents the two figures of the Twins. Those ruled by the Twins may be the picture of adaptability, changing to meet any need. However, they may be too eager to please in some situations.

The Correspondences of Gemini

Each sign has certain traditional correspondences, usually determined by observation and history. Gemini is no exception, having many classical correspondences. Most of these have remained unchanged for the last century.

Gemini rules the hands, arms, shoulders, and lungs. People born under this sign may be prone to strains and accidents involving the arms and hands. They may also experience occasional bronchitis and respiratory ailments.

Wednesday is considered to be a blessed day for a Gemini, and the numbers five and nine are thought to be lucky. The stone agate is associated with Gemini, and is said to protect from deceptions and bestow eloquence.

Some other correspondences for the sign of Gemini are:
  • Yellow, the bright and luminous color of novelty;
  • Cities such as London, Melbourne, San Francisco, and Versailles;
  • Countries such as Belgium, the United States of America, and Wales;
  • All nut-bearing trees;
  • Flowers such as lavender and lily-of-the-valley;
  • The metal mercury; and
  • Whimsical animals such as brightly colored birds and butterflies.
Many of the details associated with Gemini are connected to travel and communication. Those born under this sign might be prone to accidents while traveling, especially by air. In addition, the fickle nature of Gemini might arouse anger in others, the depth of which Gemini may underestimate. But, for the most part, Gemini is a fun-loving and exciting sign.

Weekly Astrological Horoscopes: February 11th to February 17th 2012

Aries

The influences of Pluto and Venus mean you’re more likely to get what you ask for. So ask away, but only for what you truly desire. Fact is stranger than fiction in your life this week, so roll with it. You might want to watch out for someone trying to chip away at your confidence. A little faith in yourself will go a long way.

Taurus

The link between Mercury and Neptune might knock you off your center this week. You might find yourself questioning beliefs you’ve had for your entire life, and this might be disturbing. But questioning can be good. Your idealistic nature may also try to take over. Embrace it.

Gemini

Work may seem a little uncertain at the moment. Look for advice or assistance from someone older and more experienced, but don’t doubt your own instincts. Keep an open mind this week and you’ll find some interesting ideas. But these ideas may be challenging to implement. Stick with it and you’ll find your way.

Cancer

The urge to travel may be strong. If you can’t actually take a vacation, try indulging in foreign films or music. It’s not as good as the real thing, but it’s still a culturally rich experience that might help suppress the travel bug. Watch closely for an opportunity you’ve been waiting for, but don’t forget to be supportive at home.

Leo

Watch your finances this week. Avoid spending money you don’t have and don’t engage in anything too financially risky. Money management is important. If you’re feeling particularly restrained, look to spend some time with a friend who might help you let go.

Virgo

You might face intense confusion this week, both at work and at home. Take a deep breath and calm your erratic mind. Take a few steps back from any situation that seems too much to handle. Problems may be difficult to solve, but nothing is impossible. Perseverance goes a long way.

Libra

This could be a week of surprises and unexpected encounters. Be open to the surprises that are heading your way. One of them might just change your life in a big way. But don’t let these surprises push you into acting without thinking or you’ll end of regretting it.

Scorpio

Your creative side wants a turn, so let it out of its box. This will really help you at work and you’ll get the credit and accolades you deserve. But you’ll have to be diplomatic as well as creative. Otherwise you’ll end up passing all the grunt work to someone else, and this will not endear you to someone higher up the ladder.

Sagittarius

You might find yourself drawn toward a change at home. This could be something as simple as rearranging the furniture or adding an addition onto your existing home. Perhaps you’ll consider moving to a new home. But if you do need a change, this is the time to explore your options.

Capricorn

You might yourself in conflict this week. These conflicts can be difficult to resolve, but your imagination has the solution. All you have to do is get all involved parties to sit down and listen to you. Not an easy task, but it’s certainly possible.

Aquarius

You have a unique view of life and it’s something you appreciate and thieve on. However, others are going to have a harder time that usual keeping up with your quick mind. Your tendency is just to brush others off when they don’t quite get you, but try slowing down a little. Take a little time to explain your train of thought and watch the effect it has on others.

Pisces

If you’ve been trying to live up to your potential, this could be a good week for you. Mercury and Neptune get together in Pisces, unlocking gifts and abilities you may have suppressed. Inspiration may strike unexpectedly. Follow this inspiration wherever it may lead and you may discover what you've been looking for.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Weekly Astrological Horoscopes: February 4th to February 10th 2012

Aries

You may find your interests shifting this week. This isn’t a bad thing, so don’t be afraid to try out a few new things. Venus may influence you to enhance your current relationship or seek out a new one. A little spontaneity goes a long way.

Taurus

Your idealistic streak will rise unexpectedly this week. At the same time, you’ll need your traditional practicality to get a handle on your finances. Find a balance between idealism and practicality and your week will end on a high note.

Gemini

You may have been taking people for granted lately, and this will quickly come back to haunt you. Take the time to show your children, partner, friends, and co-workers how much you appreciate them. Also be prepared for some changes in your work life.

Cancer

Let old grudges go and you’ll find someone with whom you’ve quarreled with in the past is suddenly your greatest supporter. Friendships can blossom this week, so keep your eyes open. Watch your finances this week and don’t make any major decisions until you’ve sought some advice.

Leo

Time to get out and be around people. Your engaging attitude may result in meeting new friends and rekindling old relationships. You might want to look into taking a course or class that will upgrade your skills. You may need these skills in the near future.

Virgo

Your desire to have fun rears its head this week. Indulge it and enjoy yourself. However, make sure your fun doesn’t hurt anyone, now or in the future. If you’re feeling lonely, recruit a friend or two and you’ll all have a week filled with fun and excitement.  

Libra

If you’ve been feeling taken for granted lately, now is the time to reassert yourself. You must firmly establish your own boundaries before anyone will respect them, so take the time to focus on what you want and need.

Scorpio

Mars may be your ruler, but it certainly isn’t helping you right now. It may cause problems in most of your relationships, so you might want to take some time to yourself. A little time to think things over might be just what you need.

Sagittarius

You might suddenly find yourself yearning for a more settled life at home. Achieving this might involve smoothing over a personal relationship or getting started on those home renovations, but either way there will be some work involved.

Capricorn

You may find that you need to escape from the everyday, and this isn’t like you. But everyone gets fazed now and then, so step back if you must. Take the time to explore a new interest and you’ll find yourself back on track in no time.

Aquarius

Luck is with you this week, so if you were thinking of entering a contests or submitting an application, this is the time. You can also get a little obsessive this week, so try not to focus on those things you cannot change.

Pisces

You’ll have the urge to spend money this week, but watch it. While this week might look cheery and bright, you’ll need that money later on. It might be time for some long term financial planning. Seek out professional assistance if you must.