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The Signs and Symbols, the Houses, the Elements and Modes
subtitled: How can I have 12 Houses when I live in an apartment?
Visualize a wheel with twelve spokes... This is the astrological chart. Each spoke represents a House.
Each House is primarily associated with one Sign. Each Sign has a specific Symbol associated with it.
Each Sign also has a specific Element associated with it and a Mode for that Element.
When we speak of Signs and Houses we will be speaking in archetypes. Archetypes are wonderful things for they let us see,
with their broad symbolic strokes, the characteristics that make up human personality. In Jungian psychology, an inherited
pattern of thought or symbolic imagery derived from the past collective experience and present in the individual unconscious.
In astrology we use archetypes, fine-tuned for the individual in a natal chart.
To begin with let us define all the terminology we will be using in this 3 part series
Definitions:
Signs: One of the 12 divisions of the zodiac, each named for a constellation and represented
by a symbol. The Signs are the
primary energy patterns and indicate specific qualities of experience
Houses: One of the 12 parts into which the heavens are divided in Astrology. The Houses
represent the fields of experience
wherein specific energy will be most easily expressed and most directly encountered.
Symbols: Symbols imparts information nonverbally and can act as memory devices. For example,
think Sagittarius, think archer,
think arrow, think burning arrow...a fire sign
Elements: One of four substances, fire, earth,
air, and water, formerly regarded as the fundamental constituents of the universe.
These four elements represent a basic kind of ENERGY and consciousness that operates within everyone.
Each person is consciously more attuned to some types of energy than others. The element of any Sign that is emphasized in a chart
(by significant planetary placement within that Sign) * shows a specific type of consciousness and method of perception to which the
individual is strongly attuned. The elements are the energy substance of experience
Fire: expresses the warming, radiating, energizing life principle which can manifest as
enthusiasm, faith, encouragement and the drive to express self.
Earth: reveals an attunement with the world of physical forms and the practical ability to
utilize and improve the material world.
Air: correlates with the mind's sensation, perception, and expression,
especially related to personal interaction and to geometrical
thought forms and abstract ideas.
Water: symbolizes the cooling, healing principle of sensitivity, feeling response, and empathy
for others
One way of understanding these various energy patterns is to analyze them in terms of their modalities
(modes)
"Modes": A given condition of functioning; a status. Each of the 4
elements manifests in 3 vibrational modalities:
combining the 4 elements with the 3 modalities (modes) produces the 12 primary patterns of energy
called the signs of the Zodiac.
-Cardinal : Correlates with the principle of action and symbolize
initiating movements of energy in a definite direction.
-Fixed :Represents concentrated energy gathered inward toward a centre
or radiating outward from a center.
-Mutable : Correlates with flexibility and constant change and may be
conceived as spiralic patterns of energy
Now we will begin this study with the Signs of the natural Zodiac starting with Aries and going
through to Pisces, with their associated Houses.
Note the KEYWORDS; they will help you to remember the key attributes.
Aries: March 20 - April 21
Element: Fire Mode: cardinal
The
Sign, Aries, in the natural Zodiac, is associated with the First House, the
Ascendant, and the House of Personality. The challenge is to avoid inflexibility
and vagueness in goal setting. The task is to establish a personal identity and
a new beginning. Aries is -the- *Initiator* of the Zodiac. Aries, like nature bursting forth in springtime, is eager, enthusiastic
and yes, impetuous too. The symbol, the Ram, epitomizes the way Aries's faces
life's challenges head on. Aries is a Don Quixote tilting at windmills or a Columbus discovering brave new
worlds. A keyword here is courage...more keywords:
initiative, originality, action, and leadership.
Taurus: April 21 - May 2
Element: Earth Mode: fixed
The
Sign, Taurus, in the natural Zodiac, is associated with the Second House, the
House of Resources. The challenge is to find the optimum way to manage assets,
including money, of course. The task is the development of self-confidence and
esteem through the effective control over these matters. Taurus is -the-
*Manager*.of the Zodiac. With uncanny patience, Taurus takes the chaotic energy
of spring (as symbolized by Aries) and calms and steadies it and sets it to a
purpose. The symbol is the Bull, but not the enraged bull of comic book or bull
fight, rather a peaceful one surveying *his* kingdom with a calm and steady gaze
that radiates a quiet strength. A
keyword here is serenity...more keywords: determination, patience, and endurance
Gemini: May 21 - June 21
Element: Air Mode: mutable
The
Sign, Gemini, in the natural Zodiac, is associated with the Third House, the
House of Communications. The challenge is to communicate effectively, by
speaking, writing and by body gestures and also most importantly by listening.
The task is the gathering and sharing of information. Gemini is -the- *Teacher*
of the Zodiac. Gemini will now tell the tale of spring's energy; and like
the storyteller Gemini is, will spread this tale with great glee. The symbol is
the Twins, which accounts for Gemini's multi-tasking abilities.
his combined with many interests might confound others.
The task is to enlighten others not confuse.
A keyword here is communication....more
keywords: intellect, adaptability, versatility, and analysis
Cancer: June 21 - July 23
Element: Water Mode: cardinal
The Sign, Cancer, in the natural Zodiac, is associated with the Fourth House, the
Nadir, the House of Home and Soul. The challenge is to overcome any inherent
shyness and self-absorption. The task is the development of roots and the
establishment of inner attunement. Cancer is -the- *Protector*of the Zodiac.
The Summer Solstice heralds Cancer's birth, creating the home for
spring's energy. Cancer is the nurturer, sensitive and caring. The
symbol is the Crab, a creature so soft that it must build a hard shell to
protect itself from it's environment; and it must build a new shell when it
outgrows the old shell...and for that period of time the Crab is vulnerable.
That shell is Cancer's home and domestic environment.
A keyword here is feelings...more keywords: imagination, loyalty, and
domesticity
Leo:
July 23 - August 23
Element: Fire Mode: fixed
The
Sign, Leo, in the natural Zodiac, is associated with the Fifth House, the House
of Children and Creative Endeavors. The challenge is to create healthy
relationships based on reality and not on wishful thinking. The task is to
develop a creative outlet that mirrors internal processes. Leo is -the-
*Performer* of the Zodiac. It's time for Leo, to add the creative touch to the
unfolding drama. In Leo is found the heat and passion of a high summer day and
of course Leo's are as shy and reticent as Nature herself. As shy as a thunderbolt, as reticent as a tornado! The symbol is the
Lion, sedately dignified and radiating a quiet confidence. The Lion is the King, there is no need to prove anything.
A keyword here is self-expression... more keywords: action, power, pride,
dignity, and generosity
Virgo:
August 23 - September 23
Element: Earth Mode: mutable
The
Sign, Virgo, in the natural Zodiac, is associated with the Sixth House, the
House of Service. The challenge is to avoid work for the sake of work. The task
is to develop a personally meaningful outlet that is of value to others. Virgo is -the- *Technician* of the Zodiac.
Virgo analyzes the unfolding drama that Leo adds a creative touch too.
How it is done can be summed up in one word, technique. The symbol is the Virgin for Virgo's seek
purity both within and from the environment. No other sign is as self-critical; Virgo's must seek to be more accepting
of self.
A keyword here is service... more keywords: intellect, analysis, discrimination, and industry
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