Astrology - Stars and Zodiac Signs
"Everything is determined, the beginning as well as the end, by forces over which we have no control. It is determined for the insect, as well as for the star. Human beings, vegetables, or cosmic dust, we all dance to a mysterious tune, intoned in the distance by an invisible piper."
Albert Einstein :-)
In ancient times, the connection to the canopy of the sky was direct and intimate. People would sit outside in the evening, beneath the vast, clear sky spread out above them, free of air and light pollution. They began to observe and understand the correlation between the movement of celestial bodies and events occurring on Earth.
Ancient tradition tells us that Hermes, who is Mercury, the messenger of the gods, brought astrological knowledge and disseminated this wisdom throughout the world. Abraham our Patriarch is considered one of the first and most important astrologers in history.
The literal translation of the word astrology is "the study of the stars": Astro - star, Logos - study/word.
Throughout history, astrology was considered the "mother of all sciences," laying the foundation for modern science. Up until the 17th century, there was virtually no distinction between astrology and astronomy; the study of the stars was primarily intended to understand their influence on the destiny of humanity and the world.
The initial motivation of ancient civilizations to track and record the movement of celestial bodies stemmed from the desire to predict the future. To this end, astrologers mapped the heavens, identified planetary cycles, and sophisticated observatories were built around the world.
Calculating astrological charts required advanced computational abilities. The need to understand the aspects between planets and to predict solar and lunar eclipses drove significant developments in trigonometry, geometry, and algebra.
Astrology served as a tool for weather forecasting and formed the basis for the calendar and the calculation of sowing and harvesting times, which was critical for the economic survival of agricultural societies.
Medical astrology was an integral part of every physician's training. Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, saw astrology as an inseparable tool for diagnosis and treatment, stating that "a physician without a knowledge of astrology has no right to call himself a physician."
The microcosm of the human body reflects the macrocosm of planetary movements and the seasons. Every organ in the body is associated with a specific zodiac sign or planet, and medical treatment was timed according to planetary positions to provide maximum support for the patient. Medical astrology places an emphasis on a person's innate temperament. Knowing which element is in excess or lacking allows for preventive medicine through corrective nutrition.
Kings and rulers around the world employed astrologers in their courts. John Dee served as the astrologer to Queen Elizabeth I. Giant scientists like Johannes Kepler and Galileo Galilei, who laid the foundations for modern physics and astronomy, earned their living, in part, by casting astrological charts for the nobility.
The components of the astrological language are numerous; it is one of the most complex disciplines, encompassing vast and broad knowledge:
The Fixed Stars bring with them mythological stories and hero's journeys. They add an ancient hue, a profound essence to human qualities. Their movement is extremely slow, advancing one degree every 72 years.
The Planets are in constant motion. They carry frequencies that reflect the soul of the universe and influence the world, much like a melody played on strings producing different notes. Through their movement, they awaken and stimulate various areas of life, telling the story of events in our lives.
Retrograde planets allow us to review the areas receiving focus, providing a time for introspection and reorganization.
The 12 Houses reflect the earthly dimension—the mundane manifestation here on Earth. They represent defined areas of life: work, family, love, relationships, children, siblings, friends, studies, and career. The Ascendant (the rising sign) changes its degree every 4 minutes, representing the most individualistic element in the chart.
The Zodiac is located on the ecliptic plane. The planets travel along this plane within a range of a few degrees above or below it.
The Hebrew word for zodiac sign, Mazal, likely derives from the Akkadian word manzaltu (or manzalu), meaning an inn or resting place. The zodiac signs act as a hostelry for the planets as they leave their home signs and begin wandering from one inn to another on their journey, traveling through different lands, some hostile and some friendly.
Each sign has a distinct frequency that it radiates to the world. Together, they symbolize the intelligence of the universe and the forces acting upon our world.
Asteroids are a belt of rocky celestial bodies located between Mars and Jupiter.
The first four asteroids discovered were named after the great goddesses: Ceres, Pallas Athena, Juno, and Vesta.
Symbolically, all four represent different facets of the feminine archetype. I expand on each of them on a separate page.
A small glimpse into the world of symbols and frequencies of the Zodiac Signs:
Aries - March 21 – April 20
A Fire sign, cardinal/initiating, masculine. Its ruler is Mars—active and energetic. It opens the zodiac wheel on the spring equinox, representing the beginning of individual awareness. It ignites the flame—full of enthusiasm, initiative, momentum, adrenaline, and pioneering energy; an ambassador of a new path. Aries is like a starter motor—excellent at beginning things, tackling tasks, conquests, and challenges, but struggles to maintain and persevere over time. There is a competitive drive and a strong urge to win.
Taurus - April 20 – May 21
An Earth sign, fixed, feminine. The ruler is Venus. People who appreciate quality and aesthetics, connected to their bodies with highly developed senses. Taurus loves art and music, good food, and would happily receive a massage. Characterized by patience and a relaxed nature. Methodical, consistent, and possessing staying power. Determined in their path, which can sometimes lean toward stubbornness. They have a need for peace and a calm atmosphere, for continuity and stability.
Gemini - May 21 – June 21
An Air sign, mutable, masculine. People with a highly developed sense of orientation. The ruler is Mercury—associated with movement in space and mental agility. Intelligent and clever, quick and perceptive. They need travel and trips, expanding their horizons. A curiosity that drives a need for mental stimulation, reading, learning, and staying updated. They bring an energy of developed communication, forming social connections, and an attraction to multiculturalism. They can pick up languages easily.
Cancer - June 21 – July 23
A Water sign, cardinal, feminine. The ruler is the Moon. People who experience the world emotionally. They bring great empathy and softness, with an ability to create a personal and intimate space. Cancer connects and attaches us to home, relationships, family, community, tribe, or country. A system of mutual support, tradition, a sense of belonging, and security. On the other hand, its ruler, the Moon, is the fastest celestial body, in constant motion and change. This element can also symbolize nomads or people who have a complex relationship with the concept of family.
Leo - July 23 – August 23
A Fire sign, fixed, masculine. The Sun is the ruler. Fire is in motion, at the center of the action, like a bonfire radiating heat and light. It symbolizes vitality, a consistent life force, and creative energy. It inspires confidence, leadership, and a charismatic aura. It depicts the Sun at the peak of its power. The Lion, king of the beasts, is aware of its presence and is given its rightful place-the center stage.
Virgo - August 23 – September 22
An Earth sign, mutable, feminine. The ruler is Mercury, which is exalted in Virgo. People who want to take their fate into their own hands. Creative and talented. Grounded, with a desire to channel their creative energies into productive avenues. They seek to fulfill themselves in an efficient, aesthetic, and perfect manner. They bring practicality, high functional ability, implementation, and application. Blessed with talent, skills, and high standards. They possess a strong sense of service.
Libra - September 23 – October 23
An Air sign, cardinal/initiating, masculine. Venus is the ruler. Libra symbolizes weighing, comparison, justice, and law. The mental dimension of air—intellectuals and people of the spirit. They wish to create harmony through conversation, dialogue, and encounters. Social individuals with personal charm and excellent expression skills. They possess developed rhetorical abilities; they know how to speak, articulate, and persuade. Characterizes people who engage in highly developed human interaction. Common among those involved in politics and statesmanship.
Scorpio - October 23 – November 21
A Water sign, feminine, fixed, a nocturnal sign belonging to the night sect. The traditional ruler is Mars, the modern ruler is Pluto. Scorpio is a sign of growth. Characterizes total, uncompromising individuals with strong willpower and high demands of themselves. Deep waters—they experience the water element profoundly: intense, concentrated, and deep emotional experiences, possessing strong passions. Connected to turbulent processes that demand immense emotional involvement. A desire to understand the psyche and see the naked truth.
Sagittarius - November 22 – December 21
A Fire sign, mutable. The ruler is Jupiter. The centaur is half-human, half-beast—a hybrid of the two. A high intelligent side with a religious/philosophical inclination, but also the primal, wild urge for adventure. Sagittarians have a drive to break out of the boundaries they grew up in. To be in motion, to seek freedom and new places. The archetype of the traveler and explorer who wants to rub shoulders with life and sit with the locals. A love for nature and the wild. They don't want mediation; they want direct experience. They learn experientially.
Capricorn - December 22 – January 20
A cardinal, initiating sign—the last of the worldly cross. Crystallization reaches its peak. The ruler, Saturn, sets boundaries, bringing focus, perseverance, and the ability to implement and ground things. Earth grounds. The ambition is to reach the top of the mountain. They do this slowly, patiently, and thoroughly. One of the emphases of Earth is economical expression, efficiency, good production, and the drive to build durable things. A strong Capricorn possesses the ambition to advance, build, and become a professional.
Aquarius - January 20 – February 19
An Air sign, fixed. The traditional ruler is Saturn, the modern ruler is Uranus. Depicted by a man carrying a pitcher of water. Connected to individuality. To the ability to see tomorrow, to create a more advanced and high-quality world. They bring humanitarianism, lofty ideas, a social perspective, and ideals. A unique observation that maintains objectivity.
Pisces - February 19 – March 20
A Water sign, mutable. The ancient ruler is Jupiter, the modern is Neptune. Symbolizes the power of unity. The relinquishing of the individual and assimilation into the great and infinite. An introverted sign with a rich inner world. Gentle, soft, amorphous. They can be anything. Water takes the shape of its container. Like a sponge, there are no filters. An extremely high capacity for empathy; they can adopt different identities. They bring compassion, empathy, and containment. They will stand and listen, embracing whoever is in need. Connected to the abstract dimensions of existence.
