mErCurY iS In rETrogRadE?  

This week we will be focusing on a popular controversial topic everybody is familiar with, Zodiac Signs!  

(((Since we have new blog groups this semester, here is a brief disclaimer about how I view Zodiac Signs. ))

At some point in your life, somebody has asked you “Hey, what’s your sign?” You either get annoyed or excited by this question. Everybody has their own opinion on if Zodiac Signs are “real” “fake” or simply not worth anyone’s time. Whether you support your sign completely and know every planet on your chart, or have no interest in nonsense about the stars, everybody has something to learn from their Zodiac Sign. 

Humans are complex beings, we often attempt to understand ourselves and each other and fail miserably. No matter how you feel about Zodiac Signs, they provide a seemingly “foolproof” list of qualities based on the date, time, and place you were born. Nobody is confined to a chart or sign, but the descriptions they provide can help you evaluate yourself. When you read the list of characteristics or synopsis of what each planet in your chart means, reflect on it. What resonates with you?

Every planet, moon, and celestial body is located in the sky when you were born. Each planet dictates a certain part of your being (how you communicate, how you love, how you fight). 

Ever heard of “ Mercury is in Retrograde?!” That comes from Mercury being the planet of communication. 

You can find your star or “natal” charts online using the link below (it is LENGTHY, but it is the best and worth the skim)

https://astro.cafeastrology.com/natal.php 

Or you can download the app “Co-Star” on your phone, for a briefer description.  

Once you find your birth chart, you’ll notice it is not only your sun sign but a bunch of signs. Here is a brief description of what the “Big 6” of your planets mean…

Sun Sign:

Your sun sign shows your character, personal identity, and ego. It represents your will to live and our creative life force. Who you are at your core. Just as the planets revolve around the Sun in our solar system, we derive our life purpose from the Sun in our natal charts. The Sun is the part of us that censors the rest of ourselves reasons things out, and makes final decisions. The Sun also gives clues to our overall vitality. The Sun directs us and can be considered “the boss” of our chart.

((EX: My sun is in Aries, I am fundamentally assertive and fiercely independent))

Have you ever met someone with your same sun sign and found that person to be nothing like you? You probably have different moon signs.

Moon Sign: 

The moon in the chart represents our inner selves, the way we think, and our emotions. The voice you use to talk to yourself inside your head, that’s your moon sign. Your moon sign reveals your unconscious, what goes on inside your head. It can give insight into the way you handle your emotions and fears; it can also give insight into the way you love and feel. 

((EX: My moon is in Gemini, my mind is very restless and I am constantly in an identity crisis :))

Ascendant Sign:

Your Ascendant or “rising” sign is how other people perceive you- your “outer shell.” It is the impression we have on other people and the way we physically look. Ask your friends about their first impressions of you, I bet they are closer to your ascendant sign than your sun sign. It can be the mask or costume we wear to greet the world. It is the prime example of “never judge a book by its cover”. It can also be your personal style and how you choose to present yourself. 

((EX: My ascendant is in Scorpio, I often come off as intense and passionate ))

Mercury 

While the moon reflects our emotions, Mercury reflects logic and rationality. Mercury uses its clever intellect and relentless curiosity to analyze, sort, and classify, helping us synthesize and articulate complex ideas. Basically, Mercury is how you communicate with others and how you process information.

Venus 

The planet venus reflects our interest in art and culture, while its romantic sensibilities reveal our idealized perception of love. Venus is how you love, if you’ve ever heard of a “love language” this is similar but more intense and personal. 

Mars

Mars symbolizes action, determination, desire, impulse, and aggression. This is where your impulses come from and how you deal with conflict. Conflict is not limited to heated arguments, how you handle small conflict in your everyday life is dictated by your Mars sign.