Western Astrology

Western astrology is structured on solar cycles. Asian astrology is structured on lunar cycles. By following both natural systems, the yang solar calendar and the yin lunar calendar, we can flow with the eternal cycles of nature.

For your complete Western astrology charts with your Chinese Four Pillars charts, schedule here.

The Western solar year starts with zero degrees Aries at Spring Equinox. Each of the 12 astrology signs cover 30 degrees. All 12 signs times 30 degrees = the 360 degree circle of the zodiac. The 4 major calendar points of the solar year are:

SPRING EQUINOX (Vernal Equinox)  Equal day and equal night. The Sun enters cardinal Fire sign Aries. Occurs on March 20 or 21.

SUMMER SOLSTICE  The longest day in the northern hemisphere. The Sun enters cardinal Water sign Cancer. Occurs on June 20 or 21.

AUTUMN EQUINOX  Again, equal day and equal night. The Sun enters cardinal Air sign Libra. Occurs on September 21 or 22.

WINTER SOLSTICE  The longest night in the northern hemisphere.The Sun enters cardinal Earth sign Capricorn. Occurs on December 21 or 22.

All four elements Fire, Water, Air, and Earth are highlighted at 4 solar points. These solar dates are close to the 20th or 21st of March, June, September, and December.

Four minor solar holidays mark the midpoints between Equinoxes and Solstices.

CANDLEMAS (Imbolc) on February 2 marks the midpoint between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. Animals awaken after winter hibernation, hence Groundhog Day for augury from the movement of animals.

HALLOWEEN on October 31 marks the solar point between Autumn Equinox and Winter Solstice. Halloween is the most popular pagan holiday, and celebrated as the Celtic festival of Samhain. It’s the eve of Hallomas on November 1. Mexican Día de los Muertos and Catholic All Souls’ Day are on November 2.

In many traditions it’s time to celebrate the life of those who died this year, ancestors, and the Crone aspect of the Goddess. This is the 3rd and final harvest festival after Lammas and Autumn Equinox. 

ARIES – Active Fire sign Aries the ram correlates to the magnificent Dragon of Taoist astrology.

TAURUS – Taurus the bull correlates to the wise and beautiful Snake of Taoist astrology.

GEMINI – Gemini the twins correlate to the popular fun-loving Horse of Taoist astrology.

CANCER – Cancer the crab correlates to the kind, artistic Sheep (Goat, Ram) of Taoist astrology.

LEO – Leo the lion correlates to the ingenious, brilliant Monkey of Taoist astrology.

VIRGO – Virgo the virgin correlates to the impeccable Phoenix (Rooster) of Taoist astrology.

LIBRA – Libra the scale correlates to the loyal Dog of Taoist astrology.

SCORPIO – Scorpio the scorpion, serpent, eagle, or phoenix correlates to the sensual Pig (Boar) of Taoist astrology.

SAGITTARIUS – Sagittarius the archer correlates to the clever Rat of Taoist astrology.

CAPRICORN – Capricorn the sea goat correlates to the patient, diligent Ox of Taoist astrology.

AQUARIUS – Aquarius the water bearer correlates to the daring, impulsive Tiger of Taoist astrology.

PISCES – Pisces the fishes correlates to the gentle, diplomatic Rabbit (Hare, Cat) of Taoist astrology.

A place to start understanding Western astrology is to know your Sun sign. “What’s your sign?” means what’s your Sun sign. Your Sun sign is part of the zodiac (“wheel of the animals” in Greek) that begins with Aries at Spring Equinox. You can determine your Sun sign if you know your birthday. (For example, I was born on March 15 while the Sun was in the sign of Pisces.) Your birth chart is far more complex than just your Sun sign. But read below about your Sun sign’s basic traits. 

A cardinal Fire sign ruled by the planet Mars. Aries are the leaders and pioneers of the zodiac. They love adventure and believe that they are destined to achieve success and make a huge impact on the world. They are passionate, direct, and ruled by their hearts.

Aries are extremely independent and require an environment that allows them to express their creativity and nurture their personal growth. But they must not allow their idealism or enthusiasm to turn into indolent daydreams. Aries the ram correlates to the magnificent Dragon of Taoist astrology.

A fixed Earth sign ruled by the planet Venus. Taureans are creative and talented, sensitive, humorous, and caring. They love making friends and creating networks and contacts. They are very determined and often strive for things they desire, regardless of circumstances. Yet they have patience.

Their clothing reflects their artistry and fine tastes. They can be frugal if necessary, but prefer the luxuries of the materially rich life if they can afford it. They must avoid being too stubborn or narrow-minded. Taurus the bull correlates to the wise and beautiful Snake of Taoist astrology.

A mutable Air sign ruled by the planet Mercury. Geminis possess a sunny disposition, are bright, open, and cheerful. They are full of charm, alert in action, and dislike hidden agendas. They find people and crowds exciting, they love parties, and are not loners. They participate in activities they enjoy, such as team sports, and their childlike innocence attracts many friends.

Because of their carefree nature, Gemini need ample room for self-expression. When put in a constrained environment and restricted by rules, they can become bitter and exhibit self-destructive behavior. Frank and direct, Gemini like to tell you what is on their mind and prefer to resolve problems in a quick and direct manner. Care must be taken to not let their quick opinions alienate others. Gemini the twins correlate to the popular fun-loving Horse of Taoist astrology.

A cardinal Water sign ruled by the Moon. Cancers have a gentle, patient, and graceful nature. They are artistic, creative, and have exquisite tastes for beauty, especially in decorating their home. With a tendency to be introverted, Cancers resolve issues and problems by contemplating in seclusion. They need solitary peaceful moments to replenish their souls.

Cancers make decisions based on their accumulated experiences as well as their highly developed intuition. Cancer’s accomplish their goals in life by progressing in small steps, one at a time. They are giving and loving partners and must take care to not spoil their children. A negative trait could be over-indulgence or overspending on luxuries. Cancer the crab correlates to the kind, artistic Sheep (Goat, Ram) of Taoist astrology.

A fixed Fire sign ruled by the Sun. Leos are quick-witted, alert, romantic, playful, and extremely talented. In addition to their mental activities, they are also full of physical stamina. They are uninhibited and rarely get embarrassed by anything. They are free to express themselves fearlessly in all areas of life.

Leos are generous, sensitive, and love to help others. They win trust easily and have strong leadership potential. But problems could develop from being too self-indulgent over their small accomplishments and forgetting the big picture. Leo the lion/ess correlates to the ingenious, brilliant Monkey of Taoist astrology.

A mutable Earth sign ruled the planet Mercury. Virgos possess a sense of duty and pride. They are equipped with keen judgment, sharp wit, are good planners, and are very perceptive. They can predict the outcome of circumstances and act accordingly. They are quick and flexible, and if thrown into any situation at a moments notice come out winners.

Virgos have little tolerance for those who waste time or are lazy. They are perfectionists who care what others think of them. They desire praise for doing a great job. Be aware that their criticizing tendencies do not drive away others, especially their partner. Virgo the virgin correlates to the impeccable Phoenix (Rooster) of Taoist astrology.

A cardinal Air sign ruled by the planet Venus. Librans are honest, trustworthy, and make an excellent friend because they are always on your side. They have a strong sense of fair play and honor their commitments. They won’t hesitate to make self-sacrifices for people and ideas they believe in. They are sensitive and compassionate, easily moved to tears due to their strong emotions.

When Librans fall in love, they fall hard. They are dedicated to their partners and therefore are selective in the beginning stages of dating. Once they find the right person they are ready to devote themselves. Success is achieved by remaining balanced and not going to extremes. Libra the scale correlates to the loyal Dog of Taoist astrology.

A fixed Water sign ruled by the planets Pluto and Mars. Scorpios hurry to the aid of people they love. They are concerned with the welfare of others and like to surprise people with little gifts to show their appreciation. They have a strong sense of responsibility and once their mind is set on something they won’t easily change their direction. They are devoted to their chosen paths and careers.

Scorpios don’t like to be alone and will actively seek their “other half”. Naturally psychic and intuitive, they are attracted to the shamanic and otherworldly. Care must be taken to not become too intense in their interactions with others. Scorpio the scorpion, serpent, eagle, or phoenix correlates to the sensual Pig (Boar) of Taoist astrology.

A mutable Fire sign ruled by the planet Jupiter. Sagittarians are clever, sharp, athletic, and humorous. They are very observant and quick to take action. They are popular in social circles for they adapt easily to different environments and their quick wit and broad smiles win admiration wherever they go.

Sagittarians are very instinctual and trust their instincts over logic and reality. Sagittarians are free souls who love adventure, travel, and the outdoors. Being in nature is most healing for them. Care must be taken to not become scattered or irresponsible. Sagittarius the archer correlates to the clever Rat of Taoist astrology.

A cardinal Earth sign ruled by the planet Saturn. Capricorns are hard working, methodical, honest, independent, careful, and ethical. They are noted for their perseverance in attaining their goals and in their ability to get the job done. They are self reliant, and believe deeply in what they are doing as well as in the own ability to accomplish the task.

Capricorns are not easily swayed by other people’s opinions. They achieve success step by step. They do not take short cuts and often disrespect those who do. Sometimes they feel under-appreciated, especially when their journey is long and the rewards are uncertain. They rarely seek social connections in order to achieve success. Instead, they believe that as long as they apply themselves and perform, they will be recognized and rewarded. They must watch out to not become bitter or frustrated, for their temperament either enhances or hinders the success of their endeavors. Capricorn the sea goat correlates to the patient, diligent Ox of Taoist astrology.

A fixed Air sign ruled by the planet Uranus. Aquarians are vigilant, jovial, courageous, poetic, sensitive, determined, and charismatic. They aim high and pursue their goals with vigor and passion. They stand out in a crowd because they are free thinkers and do not conform to the actions of the masses. They are leaders, not followers. do not always make the best team players because they are used to being alone.

Aquarians don’t mince words, and once they make a promise or declaration, you can count on them to be true. Regardless of how many obstacles may lie in their path, their courage will not diminish. They must take care that their loner attitude does not prevent them from seeking assistance when they are faced with an endeavor that requires the resources and talents of others. Aquarius the water bearer correlates to the daring, impulsive Tiger of Taoist astrology.

A mutable Water sign ruled by the planet Neptune. Pisceans are kind, psychic, sweet, romantic, friendly, and adaptable. They long for companionship and dislike being alone, so they make every effort to conform. Their empathy and diplomacy make them welcome in various social circles. They appreciate and strive to create a peaceful and harmonious work and social environment. They go out of their way to avoid arguments and conflicts due to their love of peace and beauty.

Pisceans are extremely intuitive and can sense danger. Noncompetitive, they don’t pursue glory at the expense of their peers. They have no great desire to fight for social or political causes. Instead, they are content to enjoy the peace and quiet of the little magical circle they create. Care must be taken that their fear of conflict does not make them weak or indecisive. Pisces the fishes correlates to the gentle, diplomatic Rabbit (Hare, Cat) of Taoist astrology.

For more than your Sun sign that indicates your life purpose, do your complete astrology chart! Contact me to schedule your Western and Chinese Four Pillars charts.