Horoscope

Aries
(21 March - 20 April)


Planetary symbol: The Ram
Element: Fire
Type: Cardinal
Ruler: Mars


Aries is ruled by the planet Mars, which radiates the Aries colour: red. Being a fire sign, Arians are motivated by goals and challenges, but because they are also a cardinal type, they tend to lose interest or run out of energy before the goal is reached or the project is completed. In general terms, the fire signs are not the most diplomatic types in the zodiac, preferring to be honest rather than tactful. They are best suited to situations where energy and enthusiasm are required, as they have these qualities in abundance.

Arians are usually courageous, independent and forthright – what you see is what you get. In mythology, Mars (or Ares) was the god of war, and Arians can display some of the Mars war-like qualities when the need arises.

Arians enjoy the outdoors and walking in particular, which seems to relieve stress and clear their minds of worries. I have noticed that when an Arian has a problem they seem unable to resolve, despite a few days spent indoors pondering the issue, they can usually sort things out with a brisk 30-minute walk. It is as if the physical act of walking helps them to think towards a destination or solution.

As children, Arians prefer to be outdoors exploring and, because this is a masculine sign, Arian girls often prefer exploring to dolls or more passive pursuits.

Often original and easily inspired to action, Arians are quick to start new projects, but can become impatient if the planning stage takes too long. They need to develop patience with those who prefer a steadier, more moderate approach, for their enthusiasm can be interpreted as bossiness by some of the less hasty signs.

Arians are usually impulsive and bold in their approach to life. When opposed in their plans, they are liable to counter with force, either physical or verbal, to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

When emotionally mature, Arians are able to take into account the wants and needs of others, making them efficient and inspiring leaders. An Arian leader will not usually ask a subordinate to do anything that they are not prepared to do themselves. They lead by example and are happy with a hands-on approach.

Arians are suited to goal-oriented careers such as professional sportspeople and salespeople, and outdoor careers such as farmers, travel guides and explorers. They respond positively to challenges in the workplace and thrive on competition. The military, surgical medicine, demolition (building industry) and butchery are also Arian careers.

Relationships

Since Arians thrive on challenge, they enjoy the thrill of the chase, sometimes even more than the relationship itself. Their authoritative natures can cause friction if they ignore the opinions and needs of their partners.

Independence is another Arian trait and they need plenty of room to pursue their own projects and goals. If these goals relate to their careers, they may neglect their partners for long periods as they throw themselves into the task at hand.

Although Arians are passionate about their own independence, they do not appreciate independence in their partners. The typical Arian needs to learn to cooperate more and to lead less.

When out of temper, their outbursts are usually noisy and short-lived – short-lived, that is, for them. By the time they have released their frustrations and have calmed down, their partners are likely to be feeling pretty wound up as a result.

Health

Arians tend to suffer from headaches or from bumps to the head. As they usually love the outdoors and exercise, they often enjoy good blood circulation.

If they have an accident, it usually affects the head area and a close examination will often reveal many small scars from past mishaps. They are also prone to fevers.

Negative Aries

When negative, Arians can be self-centred, loud, forceful and aggressive. They can become so passionate about an idea or goal that they will trample over others in order to fulfil their desires. The innate arrogance of negative Arians hampers the smooth running of any relationship or business partnership, because they refuse to listen to others or acknowledge that there might be a different way to do things.

Negative Arians have a tendency to dismiss the ideas or opinions of others, or to become rude and impatient when other people fail to share their enthusiasm for a particular goal. Impatient for results, they will force others to adopt their views, regardless of the consequences. They seem unable to delay gratification, so when a project slows down or becomes complicated, they are apt to discard it in favour of something new. The typical Arian, whether positive or negative, is often better at starting a project than completing it.

In the negative type, the Mars qualities are evident, and the negative Arian is constantly at war with those around them. They are bullies who fight with coworkers, harass the next-door neighbours and make life hell for their partners or children.

Aries lesson

The lesson for Aries is one of self-discipline. Self-discipline sounds easy enough to master, but when paired with enthusiasm and impatience of the typical Arian, it can prove elusive.

When Arians master self-discipline, they are able to pace themselves better, successfully completing more of the projects they begin. Having learned their lesson, Arians soon build a reputation for keeping their promises and ‘delivering the goods’.

Taurus
(21 April – 21 May)


Planetary symbol: The Bull
Element: Earth
Type: Fixed
Ruler: Venus


Taureans are placid, level-headed, reliable people who resist change and enjoy their physical comforts. Being an earth sign, Taureans are practical and determined by nature. They move slowly but resolutely towards a goal, usually achieving what they set out to achieve. Taureans are good to have around in times of crisis, as they lend an air of stability and security.

Taureans are trustworthy and loyal, and they prefer their friends to be faithful and reliable. They favour routine over change and usually have a favourite chair in the living room and particular habits or routines by which you could set a clock.

The planet Venus rules Taurus, hence Taureans appreciate beauty, particularly in music. It is often possible to pick a Taurean man by the size or quality of his home music system. A little background noise is not for them, and they are often prepared to go to great lengths to own a stereo system capable of producing good, clean sounds.

In their later years, many Taureans enjoy gardening and often produce healthy herb or vegetable gardens.

When out of themper, soothing music or a favourite food usually calms Taureans down. The typical Taurean enjoys food and has a tendency to go through phases with preferred foods. One month it may be a desire for shavings of soft cheese inside a warm roll, the next month it may be ice-cream.

When a Taurean assists you in some way, consider it a trade, as they will doubtless expect assistance in return at some stage. This is not to suggest that Taureans are calculating, but that fairness is important to them.

The nature of the Taurean is one of accumulation. Whether itÂ’s money, possessions, houses, musical instruments or simply stockpiling food, they work hard to get what they want and derive great fulfilment from ownership.

Whenever Taureans want to purchase something they search hard for a bargain. They want good quality. But it need not be fancy. They expect their possessions to last a very long time, which they usually do because Taureans look after their possessions carefully.

Taureans need to guard against valuing things above people, for their pursuit of material possessions can sometimes come between them and their partners or families.

As parents, Taureans are patient and compassionate. They rarely lose their tempers and will put up with a great deal before they become angry. However, they can be very stubborn and it is difficult to move a bull when it digs in its heels.

Singers and musicians often have strong Taurean influence in their charts, as Taurus rules the neck and throat, enhancing self-expression through the voice. They are suited to careers in music or selling and maintaining musical instruments. They prefer a steady, stable work environment and resent being rushed to complete a project. Being essentially methodical and practical, they are suited to work where patience and steady application are required. This includes engineering, accounting and real estate.

Relationships

Taureans are generally affectionate and sensual, typical earth sign characteristics. However, they can be possessive and are happiest in a relationship which is based around routine, as this increases their feelings of security.

Essentially realistic, Taureans are prepared to work hard to win the one they love and to build a relationship and a lifestyle which centres around all the creature comforts. The way to a TaureanÂ’s heart is through their stomach

Because they are slow to change patterns, Taureans like plenty of time to think things through, in order to get used to the idea of a new behaviour before they have to embrace it. This is why Taureans plan relationship changes carefully. When a Taurean spontaneously tells you about a change they are going to make, you can be sure that they have thought it through very carefully. They like to appear to be spontaneous, while enjoying lifeÂ’s routines.

Health

Taureans often experience tension in the neck and throat when stressed and, because of their sensual nature, they respond well to massage to relieve tension.

The thyroid gland, located in the neck, regulates the rate of metabolism and, consequently, body growth. This is another area of concern for Taureans when they are placed under great stress.

Earth signs value their physical health, and Taureans usually exercise regularly and maintain a balanced diet as past of their routine, thereby ensuring continued good health. If they do not exercise regularly, excess weight can become a health issue in later years.

Negative Taurus

Negative Taureans can be lazy, jealous, stubborn, self-centred and extravagant. The usual Taurean sense of fairness and loyalty are missing in this type, and they will often insist that their relationship partner changes to suit them. They can be unfaithful in love and greedy, both in their physical and sensual appetites. Sometimes, as a result of a great loss, the negative Taurean can become detached from everyone and everything, using relationship partners only for sensual fulfilment and then discarding them. This type often fails to value material possessions, which they routinely lose or destroy.

Some negative Taureans, however, value material things above people and spend their lives in pursuit of material possessions.

Taurean lesson

The most important lesson for Taureans is to decide what is valuable in like. As earth signs enjoy the material world, there is a tendency for Taureans to place a greater emphasis on possessions rather than people and learning. Also, because Taureans prefer stability to change, they need to be aware that theirs is not the only way to do things, not the only way to live a life, earn an income, raise a family and so on.

Taureans need to guard against single-mindedness as this can lead to a narrow view of life. When Taureans learn detachment, they can see there is more to like than possessions. Once this lesson is learned, true peace and contentment awaits.

Gemini
(22 May – 22 June)


Planetary symbol: The Twins
Element: Air
Type: Mutable
Ruler: Mercury


The typical Gemini has an active mind and body, loves a good conversation and is capable of seeing both sides of an argument at once. Like mercury, the silver-white metal remarkable for its fluidity at ordinary temperatures, Geminis are remarkable for their fluidity of mind. They can switch from one thing to another in an instant.

Mercury, GeminiÂ’s ruling planet, is named after the Roman messenger of the gods, who was renowned for his business acumen, his eloquence and his physical dexterity. This sums up the Gemini type in a nutshell.

Geminis are drawn towards businesses where their communication skills are an asset. Geminis are not afraid to speak out and are rarely at a loss of words. If you want to hire someone with contacts, hire a Gemini. If they donÂ’t know who can help you, theyÂ’ll know someone who knows someone.

Geminis often have amazing memories for numbers and quirky data. Telephone numbers and birth dates are stored away for retrieval at a momentÂ’s notice. The Gemini memory can work to their disadvantage, however, when they need to decide between several alternatives. Typically Geminis will scan their memories in search of relevant information, sometimes becoming overwhelmed with information in the process.

As an air sign, Geminis often display an adaptable intellect, adaptability also being a common characteristic of the mutable signs of the zodiac. They have a thirst for information, so television, newspapers and books are highly valued. It is not unusual for Geminis to be halfway through five or six books at one time.

Naturally perceptive, Geminis are also eloquently witty in their appraisal of others. Their ability to see both sides of an issue can make it difficult for Geminis to make decisions, not because they want to be sure they select the best option, but because they want every option. Watching a Gemini trying to make a decision can prove exhausting. They will often discuss the choices with everyone who happens to walk by or with whoever answers the phone, just to make sure there is not a point of view they have overlooked.

Gifted communicators, Geminis are well suited to careers in fashion, teaching, advertising, writing, editing, sales, journalism, medicine and natural therapies, the diplomatic corps and the law. In legal battles, Geminis are able to turn the tide of an argument by seizing the moment and speaking convincingly and clearly, using their extensive memories to support their views.

The next time you have a conversation with a Gemini, take note of the way they seem to receive more information than they give. Geminis prefer to ask the questions; when questioned about themselves they will steer the conversation to another topic, or will clam up tight.

Sport appeals to Geminis, especially those disciplines which call for physical dexterity, such as gymnastics, high-jumping, dancing and so on. As Geminis tend to want to try everything possible and often several things at once, they are not the most reliable sign of the zodiac. They also have a strong natural curiosity, so if privacy is an issue, beware the prying eyes of a Gemini.

Relationships

Preferring reason and logic to emotions, Geminis often fall in love with someone for the way their mind works or for their conversation. Instead of the Taurean sensuality, Geminis flirt with words. Long phone conversations that cover every topic imaginable are a natural part of the typical Gemini courtship, as the telephone enables them to be intimate yet physically distant.

Emotionally, Geminis can be somewhat inconstant, and you cannot expect them to be feeling the same way about you this afternoon as they were this morning. After all, hours may have passed since your last communication and, in that time, many conversations, thoughts, decisions, and actions have taken place. As a mutable air sign, Geminis can be like a wind which blows hot and cold.

When frustrated in a relationship, Geminis can become critical, their tongue every bit as sharp as a razor. Sometimes it is deliberate; at others, they fail to realise the power of words.

If you are in a relationship with a Gemini and experiencing communication difficulties, it may be worth your while to venture outside with your mobile phone or find a telephone booth and call them. A conversation which isnÂ’t face to face can sometimes allow Geminis to open up more easily.

Geminis prefer plenty of freedom in relationships to explore life and its myriad possibilities. When feeling trapped or unable to leave a situation because of their commitments, Geminis will often escape via the telephone, enjoying conversations with people who are removed from their present situation.

Health

The nervous system is a weak area for Geminis, and if they exhaust themselves on a daily basis, you can often see a tremor in their hands. Asthma and bronchial trouble need to be guarded against, because Geminis have a tendency to develop problems with the chest and lungs. All these areas need extra attention when Geminis are feeling stressed.

Negative Gemini

The sharp wit and quick mind of the Gemini can make this type caustic when negative, and somewhat two-faced. As they tend to agree with whoever is standing close to them at the time, it is easy to change the mind of a negative Gemini.

Negative Geminis can find it difficult to make a commitment to one partner at a time and can end up juggling several part-time lovers. They are usually able to justify their actions, no matter how inconsistent they may be, often believing that rules are for other people.

Often restless, critical and impatient, negative Geminis are quick to tell you that they can do your job better and more accurately than you, but in reality they have no intention of doing so, as action requires more effort than words. Their powers of observation are brought to bear upon those close to them, and they know how to inflict the deepest wound with the minimum number of words.

In the negative type, paranoia is often evident and because they know the power of information, they are reluctant to give out any information about themselves. Sometimes the negative Gemini can leave you feeling like you have just been interviewed by an investigative journalist.

Negative Geminis can be sceptical and are quick to ridicule any ideas or beliefs you hold with a savage comment or an off-hand verbal slap. They can become chronic complainers who criticise everyone and everything around them.

As forgers or counterfeiters, negative Geminis excel, for lying comes as naturally to them as speaking. In sales positions, they have no conscience. They’ll rent you a room in a hotel that hasn’t yet been built or sell you a car that isn’t theirs to sell and throw in a case-load of your own clothes at ‘half the usual price’.

Gemini lesson

The lesson for Geminis is to learn to decide. This sounds easy, but in deciding between several alternatives, it is necessary to choose one and eliminate the others. Geminis have difficulty accepting this, because they donÂ’t want to exclude any of the other options.

Making a decision can be difficult when you only have your mind to guide you. Geminis need to apply their mind, heart and feelings to decide the best path in a given situation.

Mental discipline is another part of the lesson for Gemini. When the mind is disciplined, the heart can be heard, which is especially important when making significant life choices.

Cancer
(23 June – 23 July)


Planetary symbol: The Crab
Element: Water
Type: Cardinal
Ruler: The Moon


Cancerians have a strong nurturing instinct. The glyph for Cancer depicts a motherÂ’s breasts, because the first nurturing a child receives after birth is usually suckling at their motherÂ’s breast. The crab is also an apt symbol for this sign because, like the crab, Cancerians have a hard outer shell and a soft centre. They rarely move forwards to achieve a goal, preferring to approach it sideways, as if siding up to their opportunities. Being a cardinal type, they are ambitious and will initiate action to achieve their desired goals.

Cancerians understand life through feelings, a characteristic of the water signs, and it can be difficult for them to understand something they cannot feel. They are naturally intuitive, able to sense the emotions of a group of people rapidly and adjust their response accordingly.

Cancer is ruled by the Moon, which has a noticeable effect on Cancerians. When it is a Full Moon, they are often more energetic or restless than usual, and around the New Moon, more sluggish. They prefer the evening to the early morning, and their vivid imaginations make them valuable writers, painters and storytellers. Many Cancerians have slow lymphatic systems and are consequently somewhat slow physically, which heightens their imaginative tendencies.

Cancerians are patient, sympathetic and protective people. They are suited to careers that involve caring and compassion, such as child care, infant or primary school teaching, or managing a bed and breakfast or private hotel. They have a subtle sense of colour, which suits them to interior design and interior decorating. They can enjoy working in the hospitality industry and when grounded by financial fears and insecurities, they often seek clerical or accounting work as it is secure.

Cancerians enjoy the sea, rivers and lakes, but prefer appreciating the beauty of these things to getting wet. Work involving boats or liquids (including alcohol) appeals to them.

Natural hoarders, Cancerians collect mementos of every event or phase in their lives. Once in a while they will gather together their photographs, books, records and CDs and wallow in nostalgia. They can be quite acquisitive, and again the crab is symbolic of their nature, its strongest parts being its claws. They are apt to want to live in the past, so a Cancerian or someone with strong Cancer qualities would be the person to consult for historical details if you were putting together a family tree.

Cancerians often possess deep memories, especially for emotional hurts, and it is not unusual for them to recount an incident from 10 years ago in great detail if it has upset them in some way.

Home and family are important to Cancerians, and a characteristic of their homes can be that every ledge and flat surface is crowded with books, cards, trinkets and collectibles. They love cooking, and usually prepare more than necessary.

Cancerians are inclined to be emotionally possessive of their loved ones and need to curb their tendency to worry about family and friends. As parents, they can find it difficult to let go of their children when they want to leave home or assert their independence. With smaller children, however, Cancerians excel. They are patient and doting, and because of their vivid imaginations, are excellent storytellers.

Essentially romantic, Cancerians enjoy travel and learn languages easily by absorbing the sounds around them and committing them to memory. They are much better learning a language when immersed in the culture than in a school-type environment.

Cancerians are often highly intuitive, particularly through their dreams at night, and keeping a dream journal can be a very rewarding process for them. With a little training, the average Cancerian can program their dreams to give them solutions to problems in their daily life. Sometimes, when lifeÂ’s problems overwhelm them, Cancerians can retreat into their dreams and their rich fantasy life.

Cancerians can be moody, especially when they feel insecure, and logic doesnÂ’t help them feel better. Emotional reassurance is necessary and they respond well to hugs. Being such good nurturers, they also respond well to a little nurturing in return. When a Cancerian feels unappreciated, they tend to moan, nag and criticise, dampening the mood of all those around them.

Relationships

With their active imaginations and vivid memories, Cancerians delight in romance. When separated from the one they love, they like to know they are remembered, so sending cards, letters, flowers or small gifts to a Cancerian partner goes a long way towards winning their heart. All these gifts or letters are carefully tucked away for later review, to be savoured hundreds of times at leisure. In return, Cancerians love to send cards and letters, and will spend hours dreaming of how their partner felt when they received them.

Cancerians are very nurturing and are usually gentle in their displays of affection. Fond of family life and domestic harmony, the Cancerian enjoys a homely abode which is often cluttered with family photos and collectibles.

Being a water sign, the Cancerian is usually in tune with their partnerÂ’s feelings, even when they are apart from one another. These people tend to worry about their financial security, their loved ones and the state of the world generally, so emotional turbulence in a relationship can be very debilitating for them.

Owing to their romantic nature, Cancerians sometimes love their partner more intimately when that person has left them or is unavailable. ‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder’ aptly describes the Cancerian approach to relationships.

Health

The sign of Cancer rules the stomach, the digestive system, the breasts and the lymph glands. A slow lymphatic system is characteristic of Cancerians.

The Cancerian imagination is usually well developed, and it is important for these people to recognise that their minds can direct their imaginations towards creative things or towards fearful events. When directed towards fearful events, Cancerians worry incessantly, stressing their already delicate stomachs and digestive systems, which can result in ulcers.

Negative Cancer

Negative Cancerians are worriers. Often crippled by fear of disastrous consequences, they fail to seize the moment and succeed with their plans. Their vivid memories are cluttered with past hurts, both real and imagined, preventing them from forgiving and living in the present. They tend to be martyrs who moan loud and long about lifeÂ’s injustice. They can be quite selfish, stingy and loath to spend money.

When negative, Cancerians are unable to give or receive nurturing, and they often retreat into dreams when presented with problems. This hardening of their soft natures can be a result of difficulties in childhood, which seem to affect Cancerian types more than any of the other signs. In many cases, they hold a grudge against their mother, blaming her for ruining their life. Their lymphatic disposition means they retain wastes in their physical bodies; in turn, they can experience emotional retention and an inability to forget or release past hurts. They are moody, often retreating into themselves without warning and proving unreachable to those around them.

Being a water sign, the negative Cancerian can be an emotional and psychic sponge, draining those around them and casting a gloomy shadow over everything. Slovenly in habit, they invariably choose the path of least resistance while expecting the greatest success.

Fearful of emotional and financial bankruptcy, negative Cancerians hoard all that they can, both physically and emotionally. These people are usually unsuccessful in their own business, as they worry too much. Negative Cancerians can also seem emotionally unavailable in relationships, as they are still emotionally attached to some past partner. The Cancerian tendency to love someone more once the relationship is over is stronger in the negative Cancerian. A negative Cancerian could cling to the dream of fulfilment with a past lover for over 20 years.

Decisions prove very difficult to make for the negative type, as their sense of loss can be overwhelming

Whereas fire signs look forward to opportunities with anticipation, water signs (especially Cancerians) often look back to past opportunities not taken, particularly when they are in need of an escape route from their current circumstances.

Cancerian lesson

The lesson for Cancerians is to decide through a combination of feeling and thought, and then to fulfil their plans despite fears and obstacles.

While Geminis attempt to decide using only thought, Cancerians can become overwhelmed by feelings and lose sight of the rational approach.

When deciding, Cancerians often consider the effects any choice they make might have on those around them, as their sense of community is well developed. This meant that they can take quite a long time to make decisions and they can feel the need to make sacrifices to ensure the happiness of those they love.

Leo
(24 July – 23 August)


Planetary symbol: The Lion
Element: Fire
Type: Fixed
Ruler: The Sun


Leos think of life as a great adventure, with risks to be taken and glory to be won. They are naturally enthusiastic, energetic, flamboyant and, at times, tactless – all typical characteristics of a fire sign. As a fixed type, Leos are determined and persistent, but they also possess the qualities of positivity and optimism,

Leos are ambitious people, yet they are rarely ruthless or cunning in their pursuit of a goal. They think in grand terms, with a disregard for the tiny details.

Leos have a tendency to organise the lives of others, which can lead to arguments and disagreements. It is often out of genuine caring for others that Leos offer solutions, but they sometimes fail to realise that their help is neither sought or needed.

When angered, Leos are inclined to put their noses in the air and treat the offender with condescension. They can be outspoken when out of temper, revealing an arrogant side that is both abrasive and intolerant. However, their anger usually does not last long and their positivity and good humour returns swiftly. Leos quickly forget past arguments, but those they were arguing with may not be so quick to forget, especially after some of the things the Leo has said.

Where money is concerned, it is as though Leos possess a diploma in spending. They seem to believe that there is ‘plenty more where that came from’, and spend it as they please. They believe that tomorrow will provide for today’s purchases, so happily live on credit. Leos have bold plans and dreams, and take risks which lead either to riches or to poverty. They can often find others who will fund or support their dreams, enabling their dreams to become reality.

Leos believe that quality lasts long after price has been forgotten. Even poverty-stricken Leos have one good outfit or possession.

When financial problems loom, Leos are more likely to increase their incomes than decrease their expenses. Essentially spontaneous, they will risk overextending themselves financially from time to time.

Leos can be very generous, but sometimes their generosity is simply a show to attract the admiration of others. They tend to see themselves in terms of how they want to be seen by others, and this can lead to self-compromise.

With their natural flair for socialising, Leos are a boon to almost any gathering, and are unafraid of being the centre of attention. Even shy Leos are happy to be in the limelight when it suits them. Leos thrive on attention, praise and recognition from others, and these things are likely to motivate the typical Leo to work tirelessly towards a goal. They respond well to praise and even an occasional positive comment can rekindle their commitment and enthusiasm.

Leos are loyal and courageous, and, in their later years, when their outer pride has softened, they often reveal themselves to be big-hearted, soft-centred people, with a sense of playfulness and fairness. They enjoy strong leadership abilities and a natural creativity. When these skills are harnessed, Leos can achieve great success, especially as they also possess an inborn vitality and a confidence in their own abilities.

Leos may stubbornly resist change when shown a new idea or method but, given time to think it over privately, they are able to appreciate the other viewpoints. However, if pressed to change their beliefs or accept a new concept, they will often be loud in their condemnation, as they would rather dismiss something outright than admit they lack knowledge.

Leos make wonderful teachers as they are enthusiastic and can easily inspire their students. They love to talk and thrive on an audience, which suits them for sales and leadership positions. Their innate need to express themselves suits them to creative careers, provided they can find the inner strength to pursue their goals.

Relationships

In love, Leos are incredibly romantic, but sometimes they are more in love with the idea of being in love than with the person they are courting.

Sometimes Leos can irritate their partners by forgetting that their partners are not merely an extension of themselves. A LeoÂ’s partner may find it necessary to assert themselves from time to time, especially when Leo orders dinner for them, tells them what to wear or offers advice which is uninvited.

Generally, Leos are loyal in relationships and although they may seek the attention of others to feed their egos, they prefer one partner at a time.

Health

The heart is a main area of concern to the Leo, as is the spine. As their bodies are quite flexible, they can sometimes suffer from back problems.

When under emotional stress, Leos can experience occasional muscle cramps or spasms. When depleted of energy, fevers can be a common complaint, but generally Leos have good recuperative powers.

Negative Leo

Negative Leos are usually vain, ego-driven, intolerant and given to wearing ostentatious clothing.

By nature domineering, negative Leos bully their friends and dominate conversations, believing what they are saying is most important. They seek recognition shamelessly and sulk if they cannot win at everything they attempt. Competitive and dismissive of the success of others, negative Leos arrogantly claim to able to do better and are usually conceited enough to believe their own empty posturing. Cruelty can replace the usual Leo big-heartedness, resulting in the negative Leo being alone and bitter in old age.

As parents, these people can abuse their authority with an aggression which saps the childÂ’s confidence.

Another type of negative Leo exists, and this is the shy, nervous Leo. This person wants to please others and will say or do whatever it takes to win approval. Once they have this approval, however, they are likely to be resentful of others having control over them. What this type of Leo fails to understand is that they chose to surrender themselves to others for approval, and that at any time they can also choose to disagree with that point of view. They need to become aware that they can hold different opinions from others and still be on good terms with them.

When negative, the Leo partner can be demanding and intolerant. They are stubborn and self-absorbed, preferring to be the ruler rather than an equal partner. The negative Leo partner often seeks drama to give them a sense of ‘aliveness’, favouring passion over love.

Leo lesson

The lesson for those born in the sign of Leo is to find their inner strength. This lies beyond the ego and its quest for recognition, and is found in humility and open-heartedness, which involves the expression of the creativity that is unique to each of us.

Finding the strength to reinforce ego boundaries is necessary for Leos, as they can lack an awareness of where they end and others begin, physically, emotionally and mentally. This lack of awareness can result in them traversing physical boundaries (for example, borrowing other peopleÂ’s possessions without asking), emotional boundaries (for example, not knowing when to give their partners emotional space) and mental boundaries (for example, assuming ownership of ideas which other people originated).

Once they have found their true strength, the lesson for Leos involves expressing their individuality through some creative means. More than any other sign, Leos have an innate need to express themselves. They can find it difficult containing themselves at times, as their enthusiasm is overwhelming.

Virgo
(24 August – 23 September)


Planetary symbol: The Virgin
Element: Earth
Type: Mutable
Ruler: Mercury


Being a mutable earth sign, Virgo shows the adaptable side of the practical element of earth. The glyph for Virgo represents the female sexual organs and the planetary symbol is that of a young woman; a virgin.

The typical Virgoan is analytical and exacting, with a mind that prefers to reduce things to their purest form in order to understand them. Virgoans are usually industrious and reliable. When a delicate job needs to be completed in a precise and thorough manner, a Virgoan is the person to do it.

Unlike the sometimes ostentatious Leos, Virgoans prefer to be understated in dress and in their surroundings. If the atmosphere becomes too noisy or flamboyant, Virgoans are easily spotted because they will be observing rather than participating.

These people are conservative by nature, and can be effective organisers who manage to remain in the background. As business managers they excel, for the Virgoan ability to judge a personÂ’s nature and select the right person for the job helps everything run smoothly. Virgoans dislike drama, so any business venture has to run with minimum of fuss for the Virgoan to be content.

Virgoans are systematic, especially where numbers are concerned, and their precision suits them to accountancy, medicine, small business, chemistry and natural therapies. They possess an innate love of order and symmetry, so can often be found as craftspeople. Whatever they do for a living, Virgoans do it with a desire to be perfect.

With their gift for detailed work, Virgoans will continue to work on a project long after others are satisfied, until they have satisfied themselves. Their excess of nervous energy means they are often restless and their minds are usually more active than their bodies.

Virgoans love puzzles, problems which require careful reasoning to arrive at a solution and the opportunity to test their mental powers. These people usually have good, clear memories, which increases their problem-solving skills.

As they push themselves towards perfection, Virgoans can be hard on themselves, expecting more of themselves than others expect of them. This can be extended to friends and family, and they can become critical of those close to them when they feel that better results could have been achieved.

Being an earth sign, Virgoans look after their health and their physical bodies, and are careful about diet, exercise and rest. They can become obsessed with their physical health to the point where they are fanatical about what they eat and tend towards hypochondria.

Virgoans prefer to go about things quietly without drawing any attention to themselves. They are suited to positions involving service to others. Whereas the Leo usually wants to be the king, the typical Virgoan is content to take second place. Their reward is not the praise they receive form others, but the inner satisfaction they derive from a job well done.

Virgo children are serious students, who work hard and enjoy routine and discipline as it gives them a sense of security. Even when young, these people are neat and tidy.

Virgoans like to surround themselves with subtle colours and simple lines in furnishings. Subtle, earthy tones suit them, as these allow the Virgo mind to ponder without distraction.

Virgoans can appear to be aloof when you first meet them, but chances are that they are observing you, deciding who you are before they commit themselves in any way. They choose their words carefully, meaning exactly what they say. Unlike the Gemini who is happy to talk, the Virgoans sense of humour is subtle and quick. Comments are often offered quietly and with a straight face; if you are not alert, you can miss the humour entirely. In the film Being There, Peter Sellers (a Virgoan) demonstrates the typical subtlety of the sign with brilliant understatement.

At any age, Virgoans benefit from a quiet period each day to rest and to reflect. Although their bodies relax, their minds are usually active, and they resolve problems while they work, Idle hands are not usually Virgo hands

Relationships

In love, the typical Virgoan is an example of emotional restraint. In place of splashy demonstrations of affection, the Virgoan helps their partnerÂ’s life to run more smoothly.

Happiness for a Virgoan lies in the smooth running of day-to-day living, and the Virgoan is able to ensure that most things run according to plan.

Sometimes Virgoans are not as quick to praise their partners as to criticise, but when they do offer praise, it is deserved. To the typical Virgoan, the very fact that they have chosen you as their partner is enough to ensure that you are not like the rest of humanity. These people are extremely discerning and they usually choose their partners carefully, knowing that a wrong choice can result in chaos and pain.

Virgoans are reliable and loyal partners. It takes time for a Virgoan to open up to their partner, so patience is necessary. When hurt in love, the Virgoan can retreat into themselves and become critical of others and of life. In particular, they can be critical of themselves for not anticipating the turn of events.

Virgoans usually work hard for their families, finding service to others a worthwhile expression of love.

Health

Virgoans tend to be overly conscious of their health, often needlessly. Areas which can be of concern include the hands, the intestines and the pancreas.

As the pancreas helps to regulate sugar levels in the blood, Virgoans need to limit their intake of sugary foods. Virgoans tend to prefer savoury rather than sweet foods and they are usually moderate in food, drink and exercise.

Regular physical exercise to offset the mental exercise helps to keep Virgoans balanced. In the negative type, Virgo people can become health obsessed.

Inflammations of the intestines is another area of concern for Virgoans, and this can sometimes be avoided by following a high-fibre diet.


Negative Virgo

When negative, Virgoans possess a great deal of scepticism. In their search for the purest form of any thing, belief or quality, they risk eliminating many acceptable alternatives. Highly critical, the negative Virgoan often considers the opinions of others worthless and they are quick to reveal the flaws in any argument.

Negative Virgoans can be aloof and self-centred. Those who are not fully conversant with their current interests are considered fools. The Virgoan powers of observation allow these people to inflict the greatest pain with the minimum effort. They can be condescending and scathing with their dismissive remarks.

Extremely exacting and neat, these people bring a sense of fanaticism to the word ‘orderliness’. They sometimes see only the cracks in the china, the hair out of place, the tiny piece of food on the chin of the small child or that someone has moved the sofa 4 centimetres to the left.

Life can be miserable for the negative Virgoan, because no amount of effort seems to rectify the imperfections they see around them. Their friends and family suffer too, because they bear the brunt of this quest for perfection, and are constantly criticised, compared and examined for faults.

The fear of making mistakes can sometimes prevent any action at all, and the negative Virgoan fears criticism for not getting it right the first time. They donÂ’t seem to realise that nobody is as critical of their achievements as they are themselves, and until they see this, they fear new things, in case they appear foolish.

Time spent with Arians or Sagittarians helps the negative Virgoan to relax a little, as these other signs are usually prepared to try everything once, and often laugh off any mistakes.

Virgo lesson

In learning, there are often three distinct stages. The first is desire or planning; the second, action; the third, reflection. First you desire, then you act upon your desires, and lastly you think about which actions were useful and which were wasted. While Arians are eager for the action part of learning, Virgoans prefer the reflection.

In observing, and reflecting upon the actions of others, Virgoans can often learn without having to make their own mistakes. This appeals to the Virgoans, as they detest mistakes. However, this approach stifles experimentation and can limit invention, which is unfortunate because mistakes have lead to some of the greatest inventions in history.

The lesson for Virgo is to learn to analyze. It involves scrutinising life and sorting each component according to its use and purpose. To do this, Virgoans need to step back from life, in order to observe it clearly. In learning their lesson, Virgoans need to be aware not to stay too long observing, for it can limit the true understanding which comes from doing and being.

The last six will follow in a few days time...

[Gemini
(22 May – 22 June)


Planetary symbol: The Twins
Element: Air
Type: Mutable
Ruler: Mercury


The typical Gemini has an active mind and body, loves a good conversation and is capable of seeing both sides of an argument at once. Like mercury, the silver-white metal remarkable for its fluidity at ordinary temperatures, Geminis are remarkable for their fluidity of mind. They can switch from one thing to another in an instant.

Mercury, GeminiÂ’s ruling planet, is named after the Roman messenger of the gods, who was renowned for his business acumen, his eloquence and his physical dexterity. This sums up the Gemini type in a nutshell.

Geminis are drawn towards businesses where their communication skills are an asset. Geminis are not afraid to speak out and are rarely at a loss of words. If you want to hire someone with contacts, hire a Gemini. If they donÂ’t know who can help you, theyÂ’ll know someone who knows someone.

Geminis often have amazing memories for numbers and quirky data. Telephone numbers and birth dates are stored away for retrieval at a momentÂ’s notice. The Gemini memory can work to their disadvantage, however, when they need to decide between several alternatives. Typically Geminis will scan their memories in search of relevant information, sometimes becoming overwhelmed with information in the process.

As an air sign, Geminis often display an adaptable intellect, adaptability also being a common characteristic of the mutable signs of the zodiac. They have a thirst for information, so television, newspapers and books are highly valued. It is not unusual for Geminis to be halfway through five or six books at one time.

Naturally perceptive, Geminis are also eloquently witty in their appraisal of others. Their ability to see both sides of an issue can make it difficult for Geminis to make decisions, not because they want to be sure they select the best option, but because they want every option. Watching a Gemini trying to make a decision can prove exhausting. They will often discuss the choices with everyone who happens to walk by or with whoever answers the phone, just to make sure there is not a point of view they have overlooked.

Gifted communicators, Geminis are well suited to careers in fashion, teaching, advertising, writing, editing, sales, journalism, medicine and natural therapies, the diplomatic corps and the law. In legal battles, Geminis are able to turn the tide of an argument by seizing the moment and speaking convincingly and clearly, using their extensive memories to support their views.

The next time you have a conversation with a Gemini, take note of the way they seem to receive more information than they give. Geminis prefer to ask the questions; when questioned about themselves they will steer the conversation to another topic, or will clam up tight.

Sport appeals to Geminis, especially those disciplines which call for physical dexterity, such as gymnastics, high-jumping, dancing and so on. As Geminis tend to want to try everything possible and often several things at once, they are not the most reliable sign of the zodiac. They also have a strong natural curiosity, so if privacy is an issue, beware the prying eyes of a Gemini.

Relationships

Preferring reason and logic to emotions, Geminis often fall in love with someone for the way their mind works or for their conversation. Instead of the Taurean sensuality, Geminis flirt with words. Long phone conversations that cover every topic imaginable are a natural part of the typical Gemini courtship, as the telephone enables them to be intimate yet physically distant.

Emotionally, Geminis can be somewhat inconstant, and you cannot expect them to be feeling the same way about you this afternoon as they were this morning. After all, hours may have passed since your last communication and, in that time, many conversations, thoughts, decisions, and actions have taken place. As a mutable air sign, Geminis can be like a wind which blows hot and cold.

When frustrated in a relationship, Geminis can become critical, their tongue every bit as sharp as a razor. Sometimes it is deliberate; at others, they fail to realise the power of words.

If you are in a relationship with a Gemini and experiencing communication difficulties, it may be worth your while to venture outside with your mobile phone or find a telephone booth and call them. A conversation which isnÂ’t face to face can sometimes allow Geminis to open up more easily.

Geminis prefer plenty of freedom in relationships to explore life and its myriad possibilities. When feeling trapped or unable to leave a situation because of their commitments, Geminis will often escape via the telephone, enjoying conversations with people who are removed from their present situation.

Health

The nervous system is a weak area for Geminis, and if they exhaust themselves on a daily basis, you can often see a tremor in their hands. Asthma and bronchial trouble need to be guarded against, because Geminis have a tendency to develop problems with the chest and lungs. All these areas need extra attention when Geminis are feeling stressed.

Negative Gemini

The sharp wit and quick mind of the Gemini can make this type caustic when negative, and somewhat two-faced. As they tend to agree with whoever is standing close to them at the time, it is easy to change the mind of a negative Gemini.

Negative Geminis can find it difficult to make a commitment to one partner at a time and can end up juggling several part-time lovers. They are usually able to justify their actions, no matter how inconsistent they may be, often believing that rules are for other people.

Often restless, critical and impatient, negative Geminis are quick to tell you that they can do your job better and more accurately than you, but in reality they have no intention of doing so, as action requires more effort than words. Their powers of observation are brought to bear upon those close to them, and they know how to inflict the deepest wound with the minimum number of words.

In the negative type, paranoia is often evident and because they know the power of information, they are reluctant to give out any information about themselves. Sometimes the negative Gemini can leave you feeling like you have just been interviewed by an investigative journalist.

Negative Geminis can be sceptical and are quick to ridicule any ideas or beliefs you hold with a savage comment or an off-hand verbal slap. They can become chronic complainers who criticise everyone and everything around them.

As forgers or counterfeiters, negative Geminis excel, for lying comes as naturally to them as speaking. In sales positions, they have no conscience. They’ll rent you a room in a hotel that hasn’t yet been built or sell you a car that isn’t theirs to sell and throw in a case-load of your own clothes at ‘half the usual price’.

Gemini lesson

The lesson for Geminis is to learn to decide. This sounds easy, but in deciding between several alternatives, it is necessary to choose one and eliminate the others. Geminis have difficulty accepting this, because they donÂ’t want to exclude any of the other options.

Making a decision can be difficult when you only have your mind to guide you. Geminis need to apply their mind, heart and feelings to decide the best path in a given situation.

Mental discipline is another part of the lesson for Gemini. When the mind is disciplined, the heart can be heard, which is especially important when making significant life choices. quote]

This is so true


Please post tth other 6 as I would really like to read them.

Thanks[/quote]

Here is the next installment of horoscopes...

You will have to wait a bit longer for the last 5 though...

I will post a new one each day until I have posted all of them



Libra
(24 September – 23 October)


Planetary symbol: The Scales
Element: Air
Type: Cardinal
Ruler: Venus


The sign of Libra is represented by the scales and Librans tend to weigh things up carefully before making any decisions. Balancing scales can be difficult task, and keeping them balanced requires a different effort.

Whereas Geminis cannot decide between two alternatives because they want both of them, Librans take time to make decisions because they are more aware of the consequences of actions. Librans also like to please those around them and include the needs of others in their decision-making. This can make deciding a difficult and drawn-out process for Librans, but, when they do decide, they are usually sure of themselves, having weighed up the consequences carefully.

New ideas, conversations and perspectives appeal to Librans because, as an air sign, they usually have active minds. The sign of Libra is also a cardinal sign, meaning that these people are ambitious and eager to start new things.

Librans often possess a strongly developed sense of fairness and will vigorously defend the rights of others, sometimes before defending their own rights. Librans are usually diplomatic, tactful and aware of the needs and feelings of others. Being naturally cooperative and sociable, Librans enjoy group participation and often work at securing group consensus and harmony. Essentially idealistic and helpful, Librans excel where negotiation is required and they work hard for the benefit of a group rather than for personal gain.

These people are typically generous, especially in giving up their own time to help others or in sharing whatever resources they have, even if they are in short supply.

Keenly sensitive to balance in their environment, Librans need pleasant and harmonious surroundings to feel a sense of inner harmony. When their surroundings are disharmonious, Librans are often unable to function well or maintain an inner sense of balance.

Ruled by Venus, the planet of love, Librans prefer the company of others to being alone. In some cases they will go to great lengths to ensure that they are not alone, even when it means being in company that does not suit them. They can display a tendency to want peace at any price and will compromise themselves for the sake of outward harmony. This can lead to inward disharmony and to stress and health imbalances.

Librans are subtle organisers and can have others around them hard at work on a project without the workers realising that they are fulfilling the LibranÂ’s plans. Being tactful and diplomatic, Librans are able to motivate others and oversee a project without treading on the toes of those involved.

Librans are able to present criticism in a way that is palatable to almost anyone. They are suited to careers where handling delicate matters or difficult people is part of the job, such as telemarketing, the law or any job, which involves mediating between two parties.

Librans are also attracted to working in art or craft galleries, as their Venusian rulership suits them to working with anything that is aesthetically pleasing. The hospitality industry appeals to Librans because they thrive on social contact.

Relationships

Relationships are never far from the minds of most Librans, and they seem happiest when in the company of their partners. These people tend to think in terms of ‘we’ rather than ‘I’ and will often go to great lengths to ensure that they are not alone.

Their need for company can sometimes prevent Librans from leaving a destructive relationship and their need for peace at any price can allow a partner to take advantage of them. They need to guard against co-dependence in a relationship as this stifles their growth and keeps the Libran scales out of balance. Generally, Librans are happy when those close to them are content, and to this end they will make great sacrifices.

When Librans are in a happy relationship, all is right with the world as far as they are concerned. They can live without many of lifeÂ’s basics if they have love.

Health

The primary area for concern with Librans is the kidneys. With Venus ruling Libra there is tendency to prefer sweet foods, which can increase the stress placed upon the pancreas as it tries to re-balance the blood sugar levels. When stressed, Librans can experience hormone imbalances.

Generally Librans enjoy good health and this contributes to their optimistic outlook on life. However, if they overindulge in food and drink, they are prone to skin problems such as acne and blotchy skin.

When negative, Librans can reach for food as a substitute for love, putting sweetness into their mouths instead of their hearts. Prolonged habits of this sort can lead to obesity.

Negative Libra

When negative, Librans need constant reassurance that they are attractive, as they cannot see this for themselves. This can lead to more than one relationship at a time, or a collection of admirers who serve to remind the Libran that they are indeed attractive to others.

The Libran need for peace and harmony can lead this type to put up with an unfair or imbalanced relationship rather than resolve a problem, for they can fear conflict. But there is another type of negative Libran: the war-maker. This type looks for an argument and sets up conflict between people who would otherwise be friends. It is still similar to the peacemaker, however, for this negative Libran gains a sense of being worthwhile when they step in to make peace. Those who are involved in conflict are usually too focused upon their own issues to notice that the person making peace is the same one who created the conflict in the first place.

In love, the negative Libran likes to play one suitor off against another to increase their sense of being wanted or valued. The negative Libran longs to be loved and valued more than anything else, but they are unable to receive love, so they sabotage relationships. It seems that the dream of ideal love is more rewarding than real love for negative Librans. This is because the planet Venus is associated with learning to value self and others. When a person does not value themselves, it is unlikely that they will actually value the love that someone else is offering them, for they experience difficulty receiving what they do not believe they deserve.

Negative Librans can be lazy and self-indulgent. Unlike the Virgoan, who does their best thinking when they are busy, the negative Libran will do nothing for long periods of time if they have a problem or a decision to make. They are often indecisive and can depend upon others to make decisions for them or to do the hard work necessary for the Libran to achieve their desires.

Being natural organisers, the negative Libran can have everyone around them working industriously while they find a comfortable chair to sit in and a magazine to read.

Negative Librans are likely to say whatever is required to keep the peace and to avoid putting in too much effort, despite what they really believe.

Libra lesson

The lesson for the sign of Libra is to learn to transform their ideal of a loving relationship into physical reality.

It sounds easy, but Librans are idealistic where love is concerned and translating the dream into a physical reality requires a great deal of communication, cooperation, negotiation and effort.

In each day there are a hundred opportunities to demonstrate love for someone close in real and physical ways. The LibranÂ’s lesson involves deciding which opportunities to pursue in order to ensure a close, loving relationship. A healthy relationship requires effort for rewards, such as making their partner a cup of tea in the morning, and sharing food and conversation.

Librans tend to form a mental picture of what constitutes the perfect relationship, which they update according to what they read, hear about or observe in othersÂ’ relationships. This can result in thoughts and plans that remain untested in the physical world.

Unlike the negative Cancerian, who will often love someone more when the relationship is over, the Libran has to decide whether to pursue the current opportunity or to wait for something more suitable.

Scorpio
(24 October – 22 November)


Planetary symbol: The Scorpion
Element: Water
Type: Fixed
Ruler: Pluto


The glyph for Scorpio represents the male sexual organ, which is indicative of the Scorpio fascination with sex. The sign of Scorpio is usually represented by the scorpion, although it is sometimes pictured as an eagle. When cornered, a scorpion will sting you or, if unable to do so, will sting itself. This tells us a little about the pride of those born in Scorpio. However, the eagle can rise above past hurts, maintaining its inner peace and achieving great heights of spiritual and emotional development. The eagle is representative of a Scorpio who has reached emotional maturity.

Scorpio is a water sign, so these people feel what is right for them intuitively. As a fixed sign, they can be stubborn and firm of purpose. Try dissuading a Scorpio from some plan or purpose and youÂ’ll soon understand what fixed signs are like.

As water is not suited to be fixed in nature, Scorpios can experience inner distress from time to time. Water flows, evaporates and falls, but rarely does it sit still for too long. One way to keep water fixed is to freeze it, and when applying this to emotions, it suggests periods of emotional coldness or stagnation due to unreleased emotional pain. When the heart is warmed and the ice melts, tears follow as the emotions flow once again. After the tears, Scorpios are usually open to understanding and emotional healing.

Scorpios often experience life as distinct chapters, and people and situations belonging to one chapter disappear from their lives when the chapter closes. This is due to the ruling planet for Scorpio: Pluto.

Pluto is the bringer of change, and sometimes finds it necessary to destroy the old to make way for the new. As a result, Scorpios often have only a few close friends who travel through life with them; the rest are acquaintances who pass out of their life with the closing of a chapter.

Most Scorpios have a strong intuition which usually emerges as a ‘gut feeling’ when they meet someone new. The typical Scorpio will size someone up in a matter of seconds and once they have made up their mind about them, they rarely change their opinions. To be fair, they are often right first time when deciding about people. They may not know a great deal about those they meet, but they know whether they can trust them.

Scorpios do not make friends easily, but they are loyal to those friends they have, and defend their friends vigorously should the need arise. They are strong, silent types, who lend weight to the saying ‘still waters run deep’. Naturally secretive, they can be relied upon to keep a secret, unless they have strong air aspect (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) in their chart.

Scorpio people tend to test their friends and their partners, in order to discover their limitations. Although they lose some friends and partners as a result of this process, it does not seem to dissuade them.

Scorpios have the ability to penetrate to the core of a matter, and this predisposes them to investigative work. Police detectives, insurance investigators, private detectives, psychiatrists, psychologists and clairvoyants all utilise the penetrative qualities which Scorpio people possess.

Owing to their investigative nature, it can be very difficult keeping a secret from a Scorpio. Their intuition tells them that something is amiss and this activates their investigative skills, prompting them to scour their surroundings for evidence to support their feelings.

Those who attempt to deceive a Scorpio are usually unsuccessful and it is unlikely that they will be forgiven for their transgression. However, although strangers usually only get one chance to cross a Scorpio, friends are excused from time to time. ItÂ’s that Scorpio loyalty again. They may forgive you, but donÂ’t delude yourself that you wonÂ’t have to pay for hurting the Scorpio. YouÂ’ll have to pay; probably with interest for the time they have spent waiting to even the score.

Scorpios love the sea and prefer stormy or turbulent seas to tranquil waters. Standing at the edge of a cliff overlooking turbulent seas seems to refresh them, and they are usually fearless where danger is concerned.

Relationships

Scorpios prefer strong partners. Emotional strength is tested thoroughly before a Scorpio trusts deeply. Upon meeting a partner for the first time, a Scorpio person often knows how strong they are emotionally, yet despite this they still feel the need to test their partners before they let their guards down.

Deeply passionate people, Scorpios are not ideal partners for those who desire a comfortable, peaceful relationship. Disliking any type of weakness in others, Scorpios are likely to push their partners to overcome their weaknesses, which can be an obstacle to intimacy. However, pursuing a relationship with a Scorpio is usually worth the effort.

Sex for Scorpios is about a meeting of souls, and this deep intimacy can show their partners levels of themselves they had not previously realised. For those who approach sex as a sensual act, a Scorpio partner could prove intimidating, however.

Having a relationship with a Scorpio can be like taking the fastest, most challenging ride at the fairground. It is a challenge worth pursuing.

The typical Scorpio is jealous, although they may not show it in any obvious way. Loyalty is very important to them and once they are confident that they have someoneÂ’s loyalty, they tend to relax the rules a little. It is inadvisable to cheat on a Scorpio partner, as these people have a way of instantly knowing when something is wrong. They usually find out about an affair and they are apt to get even, as in the case of Blair and Anita.

Health

Scorpios are prone to problems with the nose, the adenoids, the sex organs, the bladder and the bowel.

In their later years, Scorpio women may need surgery owing to problems with their reproductive organs.

Negative Scorpio

When negative, Scorpios can turn their stings out towards others or in on themselves.

When they turn inwards, any anger or resentment is suppressed, leading to depression or passive-aggressive behaviour. When turned outwards, the Scorpio sting can be lethal. This is summed up neatly by the saying ‘Revenge is a dish best served cold’.

The negative Scorpio can display an unusually well-developed appetite for sex, drugs and alcohol. These people are magnets for conflict and make excellent spies, private investigators and contract killers.

Private investigators utilise some of the Plutonian qualities of investigation and the search for truth.

The negative Scorpio has a great deal of difficulty trusting their relationship partner, because they know how easy it is to cheat on someone. They cannot believe that their partners chose to be faithful to them.

Negative Scorpios are secretive, mistrustful and seek control over everyone and everything they come across. They clearly remember the times when they have been powerless and seek to redress these memories by gaining as much power as possible.

The negative Scorpio needs to learn how to forgive and release the past, in order to live more fully in the present.

Scorpio Lesson

The planet Pluto rules Scorpio and Pluto brings change, often by destroying or removing the present structure. The lesson for those born in the sign of Scorpio is to learn that there can be strength in surrender. Sometimes, the most appropriate thing to do in a situation is to surrender to a force greater than yourself. The pride, tenacity, stubbornness and determination of the typical Scorpio makes it almost impossible for them to surrender.

Scorpios have no time for emotional weakness, so before they can surrender to a force that is greater than themselves, they need to understand that they are not being weak.

Knowing when to give up and when to hold on is a part of the lesson for Scorpio, and this can be simplified with the use of their intuition.

Sagittarius
(23 November – 21 December)


Planetary symbol: The Archer
Element: Fire
Type: Mutable
Ruler: Jupiter


The glyph for Sagittarius represents the archer’s bow and arrow. Traditionally, Sagittarius has been represented by a centaur – an animal whose upper torso is that of a man and whose lower torso is that of a horse. Part of the lesson for Sagittarius is to learn to balance the needs of the man and the animal within.

Sagittarians are enthusiastic, energetic and keen to learn new things, but they can become bored soon after they have mastered what they are learning. Owing to their need to learn and to understand new things constantly, Sagittarians are natural teachers, as they are able to simplify a technique or subject without losing its essential qualities.

Being a mutable sign, Sagittarians are adaptable and flexible. They are usually straightforward, honest and optimistic. They love to travel and even a walk outdoors can give them a much-needed sense of freedom and space. They enjoy their most productive thinking when they are out walking.

Although Leos have the reputation for enjoying the limelight, it is in fact Sagittarians who really thrive on the stage. Whether it be upon lifeÂ’s stage, through politics, business or higher learning institutions, or in films and in the theatre, Sagittarians flourish when given the attention of others.

Sagittarians prefer freedom to commitment, for freedom allows them to explore lifeÂ’s possibilities, enabling them to seize suitable opportunities.

Sagittarrans are ambitious, forthright and honest, and they make friends easily. They consider themselves to be independent, yet need to guard against expecting others to assist them in their endeavours. This in itself is not a problem, but it is also not independence.

Sagittarians are usually optimistic and friendly. They are keen travellers, preferring the back roads to the well-trodden path, and are likely to take the most direct route possible when endeavouring to reach a destination. These people usually have a well-developed sense of direction and if they travel the same route everyday, they are likely to experiment, finding as many variations as possible.

Although Sagittarians can be clumsy physically and verbally, it is easy to forgive them for they usually mean no harm. When they are physically clumsy, they usually follow the incident with a bout of laughter, as it eases the tension for them. Of course, it can increase the tension for others.

The SagittarianÂ’s verbal clumsiness is also unintended, but can be every bit as damaging if you donÂ’t know that they are Sagittarian.

Philosophy appeals to the mature Sagittarians, as does gambling in all its guises. Their gambling can take the form of betting on the horses, or simply leaving town in order to live elsewhere, without any job or home awaiting them when they arrive. Things usually fall into place for Sagittarians, as they are enthusiastic and full of optimism.

Sagittarians enjoy sports and healthy competition, and they make good sports coaches or team managers. They are goal-oriented, seeking new challenges to stimulate and teach them. They are suited to careers in teaching (either in universities or places of adult learning), acting, singing and sales, especially when the sales position requires them to travel from place to place.

The most effective way to get a Sagittarian to do something is to forbid them to do it or to dare them to do it.

Relationships

Sagittarians often derive more pleasure from anticipating the conquest of a lover than the conquest itself. Loving freedom as they do, they are apt to want to pursue more than one relationship at a time.

It is important to remember that Sagittarians are half human and half horse. They can display the appetite of a horse in more things than food.

Sagittarians prefer plenty of space in a relationship, which allows for varied interests and friendships. They are usually forthright in their approach to love.

In love, the Sagittarian is ambitious for their partner, and plans, organises and helps them to achieve their goals.

Sagittarians have the innate ability to see their partners weaknesses and faults clearly. The archerÂ’s arrow hits its mark when the Sagittarian is called upon to change the negative behaviour patterns of their partner. Unfortunately, this ability does not extend to themselves, and they can remain blind to their own negative traits while perceiving the faults of others clearly.

When their partner needs help, the Sagittarian offers practical advice and enthusiasm, and is genuinely eager to help find a solution. If a solution is resisted or is not immediately forthcoming, the Sagittarian can lose interest and focus on something more rewarding.

Health

Sagittarians can experience difficulties with the hips and thighs, and they need to take care with their insulin levels.

They have strong appetites and while regular exercise keeps their weight down when they are young, they need to guard against weight gain in their later years.

Even when Sagittarians gain weight, they have a firmness about them. They tend to put weight on the hips, thighs and buttocks and, even when quite large, the buttocks do not lose their shape. The men tend to have quite a lot of body hair and they can be prone to baldness.

Sagittarians need to guard against accidents, cuts, bruises and burns resulting from their impatience and occasional clumsiness.

Negative Sagittarius

When negative, Sagittarians tend to exhibit increased clumsiness, both physically and verbally, and they can display an air of arrogance.

The negative Sagittarian can also be irresponsible, leaving behind a trail of debris as they focus on some goal as yet unreached. When they end a relationship, they donÂ’t spend time agonising over the past. Tomorrow holds another opportunity and they intend to find it.

When negative, these people can attempt to take over their partnerÂ’s lives. They donÂ’t necessarily mean any harm, but they can have all the subtlety of a road train when they think that they know what is best.

Negative Sagittarians can use honesty to suit their own purposes. They have no hesitation justifying their own actions and yet insist upon others detailing their motives. These people have difficulty being monogamous, preferring to seek out novelty through new relationship partners.

Sagittarius lesson

As they are likely to act upon their impulses rather than reflect, those born in Sagittarius have to learn to know when to move and when to wait.

The ancient I Ching (Book of Changes) works on the principle that when problems arise there are only two alternatives: to move or to wait. To extend this principle, moving or waiting can be physical, emotional, mental or spiritual. Including these four levels of moving or waiting makes the lesson more complicated than it first appears.

Capricorn
(22 December – 20 January)


Planetary symbol: The Goat
Element: Earth
Type: Cardinal
Ruler: Saturn


Capricorns are actively practical: their cardinal nature makes them ambitious and their earth sign qualities make them practical enough to work actively towards their goals.

Generally serious, responsible and patient, these people are usually prepared to work hard for their achievements. Being practical, they have little time for fate, preferring to create their fate through effort and perseverance. This is one of the key elements in the typical CapricornÂ’s success. While other signs might await the right opportunity, Capricorns prefer to do something that will move them even slightly towards their desired goals. Naturally, they encounter many obstacles along the way, some of which might have been avoided by waiting for the right opportunity, but their determination usually helps them to succeed in their plans.

Capricorns take their responsibilities seriously and can become critical of those around them who do not share their sense of seriousness, especially in the workplace.

Capricorns tend to be serious and responsible even as children, and often seem like old souls in young bodies.

Capricorn children are often good with money from an early age and it is not uncommon for them to lend money to their parents. Saving comes naturally to Capricorns and they often deny themselves in order to save money for a goal.

Capricorns love structure and they tend to increase the structure or the rules of any situation in which they are involved. This is why politics appeals to the Capricorn type. They are suited to any career that involves administration and organising others by implementing structure, such as law, politics and accountancy. They are astute investors and can be very disciplined financially.

Capricorns often prefer their own company to crowded social situations. They are careful in their choice of friends, being essentially reserved and traditional in their thinking. Capricorns often feel inferior or undeserving and to compensate, they work very hard to justify their rewards.

Reputation is extremely important to Capricorns, and they tend to feel that it is slowly earned and easily lost. They go to great lengths to ensure a good reputation, especially in their first 30 years of life. When they reach their sixties, Capricorns tend to relax a little, feeling that they have discharged their duties and responsibilities adequately. At this point they start the childhood which they did not have time for when they were younger.

In simple terms, Capricorns tend to start life as old people and grow younger in their later years. They can even become a little eccentric in their seventies and eighties.

Capricorns make important decisions slowly, thus reducing the likelihood of mistakes. In a crisis, these people are likely to offer practical, realistic advice and a helping hand. They are slow to change direction, slow to embrace new opportunities and slow to forgive past hurts. They prefer to remain in a different situation which is familiar than to risk losing what they have by changing to another potentially unsuitable situation.

‘Better the devil you know’ is an apt description of the Capricorn attitude to life.

Capricorns tend to be serious and even a little pessimistic about themselves and lifeÂ’s possibilities.

Capricorns have an innate respect for law and order and for tradition, and they tend to resist change. As parents, they can appear to be stern and strong disciplinarians; alternatively, they can be lax, for they are rarely around the home as their careers consume all of their time and energy.

Being long-term planners, Capricorns appreciate the value of education and a good start in life. They work hard to provide all those things necessary for their childrenÂ’s education or to improve their career prospects.

Capricorns tend to avoid showy displays of wealth, preferring instead to save what they can or to invest in real estate. They can be hoarders, afraid to throw away anything that might be useful later on in life.

They often possess a dry, understated sense of humour, which can go undetected due to their straight-faced d