There are also the natural affinities and antipathies between people of different signs because of diametrically opposed points of view, of themselves and of the universe around them. Awareness of the fundamental differences allows choices for contact with or avoidance of some personality types.

So, make a start and consider both the virtues and the faults of your Astrological sign and determine your first Self Analysis through careful consideration of these aspects of yourself, knowing that a fair degree of this exercise will be shared with others born under your Sun Sign.

Of the 12 Zodiacal signs, your birth sign is the sign the Sun was in at the moment of your birth. However, often it occurs that someone is born during the time of transition from one sign to another in the natural cycle of the zodiac. This takes place between the 21-22^nd day of each month by our western calendar. In this case we need to check the degree of the Sun’s position in order to determine if your home sign is in the latter degrees of Aries, for instance, or in the first degree of the next sign, Taurus. However, it is often simply perceived that if we are born ‘on the cusp’ as described, we will naturally partake of the features of both signs.

It is stressed that our birth sign is only the first of the ingredients in one’s unique recipe of qualities. After this must come identification of the sign rising above the horizon at the moment of our birth; what constellations and influences were in the mid-heaven as we took our first breath, as well as what planets or stars were setting at this moment.  All of these present further paths for your exploration of factors that have a powerful influence upon your nature and circumstances.

The strengths which are indicated as potentials in our Astrological sign must be exercised and utilized in some constructive manner until we learn to express the energies to a positive outcome – of assistance to ourselves and to our fellow human beings.

Over time, each of us is required to nurture our full potential and learn to direct all the energies without exception.

Astrology teaches us that the personality is the natural soil in which we cultivate our life energies.  The seeds of all human sins and virtues are our inheritance from the family of mankind.  It is our freedom of choice that allows us to select the qualities we wish to cultivate or to eliminate from the garden of our character until we feel at ease within ourselves. Then we are most likely to feel able to accept others who do not share our own approach to life and yet remain true to our own inner values.

There is some similar relationship in astrology when we realise the importance of light itself and are interested in analysing the seven colours of the spectrum into which light reveals itself when applied to the seven fold spheres of human beings.

This is nothing new, but modern interest is causing a revival in order to relate it to and have it complement what we know of modern psychology and astro-psychology so that we can better understand the planetary energies that rain upon us.

The spectrum range of colour is well known with red as the basic, slowest vibratory rate to purple, with the fastest, finest vibration. These, in extremely subtle delicacy, are visible in the aura to those trained to observe.

It is essential is to realise that we all express ourselves through these different colour moods, attitudes and actions but we are all capable of tuning in and perfecting expression of the full range of the spectrum. At that stage we are capable of transmitting the White light that is the sum total or synthesis of all seven.

Red -in our nature as well as a love of this colour spells practical action, excitement, passion, intense desires, ambitions, courage, outgoing nature with a will to ‘come first’. When polluted or insipid could represent selfishness or rash nature. It is essentially male.

Orange- is a very warm and also outgoing energy indicating a warm heart, optimistic attitudes, and interest in health and good cheer. It is a sociable colour and although extrovert, is often seen as associated with the Moon. It is vital influence in understanding our subconscious mind.

Yellow, the colour of the Sun is naturally a powerful energy associated with creative thought, dignity, spirituality, universality and abundance. It represents pure gold or wealth, leadership and wisdom.

Green -is the soothing tone of Nature and it is rare that someone who loves green is not a nature lover of the forest, flower, seaside etc. Such a colour allows one to feel at home in natural surroundings rather than social environment. Green is the balancing agent and restorer.

Blue – the wonderful colour of harmony and peace – the colour that is attributed to the female goddesses and the Virgin Mary, or the Mother of the Earth. Blue soothes troubled waters and seeks the sea or sky for comfort. It is the nurturer, gentle and understanding.

Indigo – intense colour of the midnight sky. It represents the Mother principle but rather as the maternal carer of the sky rather than the earth. Those who love this colour tend to be investigators and researchers, seeking truth and the cause of things. Lover of the heavens.

Purple is a colour appreciated by religious devotees, by those who are purists in their chosen sphere, and by those who aspire to high ideals or have visions of helping the world by their existence and dedication. This is the highest spiritual colour keynote in us that permits self sacrifice for a greater good.

It is customary after concentration upon the spectrum colours or after meditating upon them, particularly after red or the other extreme, purple, that we conclude by return to green.

Meditation on White Light allows us to inwardly balance and harmonize all these colours to feel inwardly secure and at peace.

It is encouraging to be reassured that certain good qualities are uppermost or more readily available because of our birth sign and that certain bad habits are usually commonly shared by all others born under our sign of the Zodiac.

Astrology aids us in seeking self confidence on one hand, and guides towards focus upon the part of our personality requiring some analysis and discipline.

In the case of people born on a cusp – that is between the last degrees of one sign and the first degrees of the next – the exercise is much harder as we must allow that we possess a mixture of both. There are many other serious factors to consider in our character and reactions to life if we wish to understand ourselves. There are no psychologists who will say otherwise than that each of us is complex.  However, there are some simple guiding rails offered through Astrology.

Aquarius          sociable, group worker                            unconventional, rebellious

Pisces              selfless, sensitive, spiritual                     vague in practical aims, self pity

TAURUS          I stand firm to build and seeing all is Light, I sing  I see and when the eye is  opened, all is light

GEMINI            I sing with delight in life and then Create I recognise my other self and in the waning of that  self I grow and glow

CANCER            I create a home wherein may reside That which we call OM – I build a lighted house and therein dwell

LEO                   I rule and direct those therein the sacred home, to Love I am That and That am I

VIRGO               I lovingly desire to help and heal and Serve I am the Mother and the Child. I God, I matter am.

LIBRA                 I serve and in serving learn and aspire to Beauty At the Sign Libra, man is weighed in the balance between spirit and matter. I choose the way that leads between the two great lines of force

SCORPIO         Through beauty I am stirred to plunge into the heart of  Nature – Warrior I am, and from the battle I emerge triumphant

SAGITTARIUS   Loving Nature, I am taken into Her embrace and then  must Teach her secrets-  I see the goal – I reach that goal and then I see another

CAPRICORN      I try to use the secrets of Nature’s Law to help  mankind Lost am I in light supernal, yet on that light I  turn my back

AQUARIUS       I love mankind and wish each one be free-  Water of Life am I, poured forth for thirsty men

PISCES             In perfect Freedom I lose myself and find my Maker to issue forth again in some far future as Arian and rule again. I leave the Father’s House and turning back, I save

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

There are also the natural antipathies between people of different signs because of diametrically opposed points of view, of themselves, of others and of the universe beyond. Awareness of these fundamental differences gives us exercise in tolerance and encourages a wider understanding of other soul types.

But it is our own self image that gives us the profound sense of inner confidence that we need in order to move forward and feel free of burdens of doubt or inadequacy and with a sense of purpose without fear of the future.

Once we have applied ourselves to some reasonable system of accounting for our virtues and failings and have studied the perhaps still latent powers and faculties that are heightened by astrological influences and are prepared for some degree of self improvement, we begin to find a base on which to create or recreate the picture we have of ourselves.

Remember the wisdom teaching that the Birth Chart and planetary influences, although powerful in earlier years, constitute only about one third of the factors that determine our destiny – the other two thirds represents our free will.

This is why it is inadvisable to place too much importance upon the birth chart and any seeming limitations.  We have the gift of free will. We must only take the time to formulate what we really want to personally achieve, to become, and to contribute in some way to the world before we leave it.

Our self image and self culture entwine in a growing process. Our inner comfort depends largely upon keeping a clear focus about our aims; becoming our own friend, our own hero or heroine; and maintaining a simple faith in our finest and enduring principles.

So, what are they?

The planet Mercury is the basic influence upon our thinking, aided by the Moon’s helpful placement in the Chart that will ensure good physical brain function.

In early self analysis we can be certain that if Mercury for instance, is in the sign of Taurus a large component of our thought processes will be inclined towards construction, creating beauty, and usually some dedication to the arts such as singing or opera and we will place strong importance on the human character regarding stability, fidelity and security and a constructive lifestyle.

We must also allow that if Mercury is say, in the third House that encourages study and short travels there will probably be an easy acceptance of intellectual and physical study and training needed or associated with our mental interests or career. If the Moon is harmoniously placed it will accent the emotional need to enjoy or express these qualities and encourage studious application in these interests.

Should we find Mercury placed in a different position in the natal chart, say in the fourth house, we will tend to focus upon more domestic issues than career and in a female chart is likely to result in a contented sphere particularly if Venus is prominent, but the situation will again be affected by the relationship to the Moon.

Life teaches us that it is important to add our feelings to any enterprise we choose, to avoid the likelihood of differences between our thought and emotions. We may have certain mental interest in a subject but if we do not also have a love or desire or ambition to provide us with an emotional element (Moon influence upon Mercury) to motivate us, it is likely that our thoughts and feelings will be on separate tracks. When the mind and the emotions are at odds, it is most common that the emotional or Moon factor will be dominant.

A simple example of this is when we make a conscious decision to spend an hour studying until we see the sun come out and forgetful of our mental decision, choose to follow our emotional impulse and just go fishing!

It takes considerable self discipline and life experience before we can be confident that our priorities are wise and that we are able to balance responsibilities and pleasures.

We must cultivate our minds and intellect as we must develop our emotions but further, we must work to inter-blend the two spheres of energy for a single cause so that our internal world functions with our thoughts and emotions in friendly partnership.

However, we all experience inner conflicts through contrary impulses with one part of our nature pressing for one thing and another driving us in an opposite path. This forces us to make conscious and deliberate choices of free will. But when there are internal motivations that are either of strong subconscious and often self serving properties, for instance, they may overcome any balancing influence of our consciousness that speaks of caution or of consideration of others. This is one example that often results in selfishness directing our decision or action.  If on the other hand our nobler consciousness is inclining us towards selfless action and is extremely strong, it may overcome the lesser and produce a more generous outcome.

We generally know when our inner choices are wise when we feel psychological comfort and free of any nagging of our conscience.

But the human life experience involves the exercise of finding solutions to the many energies, abilities, mental attitudes and emotions which are components in the nature of each of us.  We all make our personal effort to do this in diverse ways with varying degrees of success.

To many of us the astrological factors in our horoscope identify some of the major energy conflicts that are components inherent in our nature at the start of our life.  Once identified by our conscious mind it is possible to modify or change our responses within the framework of our personality culture.  If we have lived well and wisely we could anticipate that at the conclusion of our life our nature will have become simpler to better reflect the qualities we value most.

We can begin to simplify and integrate our nature now, if we consider the following……

To consciously choose responses, reactions and our manner of expression that is appropriate and in accordance with our vision and purpose

We need a clear vision in our minds – our own desired ‘self image’ to inspire us

Best to know the ‘tools’ we have to work with by understanding the prominent astrological components in our nature – the harmonies and the difficulties

There is no recipe for constructing a perfect human nature – there are only principles. If the natural principles and disciplines are followed each of us will feel greater affection, contentment and inner peace.

With the blending of all the best within us we are likely to feel more self respect, like ourselves more and have increased understanding and respect for others.

Life will begin to be freer of complexities to seem a simpler and more joyful experience as we feel centred at the controls and in familiar company with our friendly planets, zodiacal signs, sun, moon and the starry heavens that light our way.

These natural affinities offer us natural attractions to people of like mind and type and provide opportunities to share similarities.

Antipathies are equally natural to us and many will agree to have had the experience of an instant dislike when meeting a stranger of whom little is known. It may be simply two people of different signs clashing because of diametrically opposed points of view, of themselves and of the universe around them. It may be our feelings only that are involved, or a mutual antipathy that is sometimes a subconscious recognition of the souls’ previous contact as enemies in past lives.

It is well acknowledged that opposites also attract and different personalities can stimulate exchanges that can be to our advantage or to personal growth. We find that natural attractions generally present opportunities to feel comfortable with others and if it is mutual, then a basis for constructive relationships and friendships.

Antipathies are there to be overcome by understanding or as a lesson of avoidance and a warning that there are unknown elements or potential dangers in an association with a fundamentally different personality. When a really strong antipathy is felt, it is best to listen to one’s intuition if the soul whispers that avoidance is the best policy.

It becomes evident, that, for whatever reason, we tend to be naturally grouped in a mould of talents and behaviour common to others born within the same zodiacal framework and birth time. To accurately draw up an astrological chart, it is important that we relate to the true moment of birth, to the minute if possible. This is calculated by reference to astronomical calculations published in an ephemeris and is readily available to professional astrologers. For those who are happy with a rather broader interpretation, there are many quick calculating systems to use as a beginners’ guide.

The satisfaction of studying the human psyche within the astrological system is that it recognizes the extreme complexity of human nature but gives us with a simple starting point to observe why we share a similar body type with others; why our circumstances share similar points with others of the same zodiacal sign; why our latent talents can be seen from a young age; where our weaknesses in character exist; and many other features that are inherent in our overall psychological pattern or ‘recipe’.

When we have absorbed the basic studies of the zodiacal signs we then learn to see that the placement of the planets in the heavens at our birth. The planets then focus the particular influences rather than the previous generalities of the zodiacal sun sign or birth sign. These activate the difficult energy patterns or advantageous ones relative to our health, wealth, relationships, emotional fulfilment or intellectual goals.

Further, beyond the physical personality, the ancient science of astrology is complete in recognizing the attributes of the soul and the spirit of the individual that inhabits the psychological mechanism known to modern psychology.

The most potent reminder through astrology is that you, as an individual are unique and so will experience life uniquely and can offer a rare gift to the world.

If you are born under this sign, or have it Rising at your time of birth, you will feel that there is an unknown or mysterious influence that seems to pervade your life.

If you can accept this Scorpio gift somewhat as the Good Fairies bless the child in the Sleeping Princess fable, and translate its energy wisely, it will help create great success in your constructive undertakings and in your personal understanding of life. It can equally be devastatingly successful in its employment in negative actions and be capable of creating inner turmoil and drama in your personal psyche (and relationships) should your choose unwisely.

It is a matter of recognizing your inherent power that you have – as a potential, or as a tool if you already have a current channel for its energy in your life. But to remember the responsibility that is always attendant to this gift and to temper your sense of ego and power with the gentleness that you also possess, is important. Others may not have come to know you well.

Be kind to yourself, and to others.

Other factors in your chart will always add to the mix of your character traits but rarely does a Scorpio fail to possess intensity, whether it is interest in sexual expression of their emotions, ambition in their enterprises, or a capacity to research the depths of human nature, or to investigate the higher truths of the heavens.

To moderate your inner intensity is necessary for your inner peace.

Meditation helps you to realise how to best use your will and find the truth you seek.