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?

Providing their critical ability is reserved for self improvement and is moderated regarding the efforts of others, a Virgo person is successful in helping create order and also adding aesthetic properties and improvements by making practical aspects of life also decorative. In a female this often leads to interior design, fashion, and many tend to find work in writing and reporting, including the scientific sphere if this is their chosen interest and males can excel in architecture and the exact sciences.

Virgo children are not devious and usually show a high degree of integrity and intelligence at an early age and have a natural interest in hygiene – a characteristic that perhaps was once instrumental in directing many girls towards a career in nursing!  Health remains a focus in Virgo people of any age throughout their lives – health of both body and mind.

Others have to remind these wonderful people to take the pressure off themselves and not to expect too much from others who will show resentment if they are not diplomatically persuaded to co-operate in any venture or goal. Family life presents ample opportunity to exercise understanding.

Virgo is usually very discriminating in choice of friends or lovers and although not externally seen as warm in their affections, are often passionate and faithful in their private life and relationships.

All the qualities of such a perfectionist influence from the stars are decreased, magnified or modified by the other zodiacal energies show in the birth chart unique to each person.

A chart of the astrological energies can be drawn up to record any given moment in time and can be for different purposes including the initiation of an enterprise or the birth of an idea.

However, we are concerned here with the Birth Chart that describes so much that we wish to know about ourselves. The Birth Chart is retained for years and upgraded by astrologers who can give continued counsel by drafting subsequent planetary changes in later years by what is known as the system of Progressions.

The western system adopts a circle as the basic symbol in the chart to represent the whole sky or cosmos. The individual is perceived as the dot in the centre around which the 360 degrees of the heavens revolves. The circle is divided into the twelve zodiacal divisions of equal size 30 degrees known as the ‘Houses’.

Perspective is taken from the individual central dot in marking the line of the horizon – with the termination of the line on the left representing the east or point of ‘rising’ of the sun and other planetary bodies. The horizontal line termination point on the right represents their settings as they slip below our sight. The highest central point above is known as the Midheaven.

Now we must refer to an astronomical ephemeris and use the exact minute, or near as possible, of the individual’s birth time and date, to establish the degree of the Sign on the horizon. This could be any one of the twelve signs of the Zodiac. We enter this information on the left horizon, using the appropriate symbols to register what is now identified as the individual’s Rising Sign. The House below the horizon will be known as the First House, ruled by that Sign.

The other zodiacal signs can then be placed, following an anti-clockwise sequence. Each Sign will have a strong influence over the House over which it is ruler.

What follows are the placements of the Sun, Moon and planets in their appropriate astronomical positions as described in the ephemeris, together with the degree which will directly affect their placement in the chart and help to determine also which House or section of the chart they will occupy.

Attendant to the drafting of a Chart, once the Rising Sign and planetary positions are entered, are further important entries of reference. These are entries that record the number of planets in certain elements. Tradition identifies the twelve Signs as having a classification of either Fire, Earth, Air or Water. The number of planets in Fire signs indicates the proportionate energy relating to courage, motivation and spiritual aspiration. Those in Earth account for a person’s practicality, reliability and material values. The Air element indicates intellectual, abstract or communication abilities. Water signs show the degree of emotionalism, mutability and adaptability.

Most complex of all and of great importance are the Aspects that represent the relationships between the different planets. These are vital to result in clear analysis, in giving guidance, helping to determine a life path or career, to indicate health details, and to identify our talents and failings, good fortune and difficulties.

Your Astrological Chart should therefore begin to appear as a complex map of your nature requiring time and interest to learn the extent of its secrets. Most of us are content to understand the simple basics of Sun Sign, Moon Sign, and Rising Sign in seeking to understand ourselves.

However it must be always that we allow that free will is the magical tool whereby we change and that any indication of astrological ingredients in our make-up, is made more plastic by the use of it.

Basically the psychological insights are threefold, namely your strong birth sign qualities that are perceived through the personality; then the deeper inner marriage of the sun influences and those of the moon – these represent your inner nature of the soul; and finally the spiritual purpose and quality of your present life or incarnation.

Remembering these factors we can describe the classic Aries person as being rash, impetuous, adventurous, quick tempered, impatient, forceful, direct, self confident, fearless, and vital.

Adding the deeper constructive qualities that motivate creative efforts and the capability to be engaged in fighting for right or just meeting the challenges of life that give you satisfaction . But care that you are not insensitive to others.

Then the spiritual influence which tends to mould you as heroic, a warrior, a defender of goodness,  an energetic protector of the weak, and a powerful active influence upon others – if you choose to develop this energy positively.

You will seem outwardly very self confident, but strong sense of ethics or faith brings you self doubt that you do not choose to share with others, but balances you, to remind you of humility. Your natural courage can be focussed physically in warfare, sport, or facing difficulties to achieve in your career or your goal seeking or perhaps upon the subtler aspects of life that require a different kind of courage. This can allow you to overcome pain, emotional disappointment, rejection in relationships, to keep dominant the more important issues and avoid the emotional eddies of passing consequence.

Whatever other factors in your chart you must feel confident that you have inherent qualities that make a hero or heroine but this must be first, that you become your own hero and use discrimination in fighting larger issues that you feel are worthy.

You are a thinker and a doer rather than an emotional person unless planetary energies influence you otherwise.

Perhaps you will find a few words ring true here and there. It is not advisable to anticipate more than this.  Your personal chart will modify or confirm your knowledge of the self to which you must befriend and remain true.