by Beverley Francis

Created on: July 18, 2009

Most people know that the western zodiac is made up of 12 astrological signs designating certain characteristics to each. This is a basic overview of each sign and its ruling element, planet and quality.

The zodiac begins with Aries and ends with Aquarius. For detailed horoscopes you need to know the latitude and longitude of where you were born and it helps to narrow down the time of birth. This determines the planetary alignments unique to your time and place of birth.

ARIES March 21 - April 20

Ruling planet - Mars - represents impulse, action and bravery.

Element - Fire - represents movement, obsession and energy.

Quality - Cardinal - dynamic, authoritative, active and energetic.

Characteristics - courage, drive, heartiness, forthright, creative thinker, affability, talented, enterprising, naive, impulsive, headstrong, complacent, ostentatious, sanctimonious, excessive, willful, busy, egocentric and domineering.

TAURUS April 21 - May 21

Ruling planet - Venus - represents acceptance, vanity and love.

Element - Earth - represents function, practicality and solidity.

Quality - Fixed - concrete, limited, purposeful and conscientious.

Characteristics - amorous, romantic, determination, industry, patience, logic, warmth, sensuality, lazy, prejudice, gluttony, complacency, jealousy, attracted to beauty, love of money, obstinate and hands on.

GEMINI May 22 - June 21

Ruling plant - Mercury - represents intellect, change and adaptability.

Element - Air - represents intellect, aspirations and receptiveness.

Quality - Mutable - adaptable, harmonizing, moving and versatile.

Characteristics - quick-witted, versatile, flexible, dexterous, perceptive, natural performer, impatient, glib, inconsistency, superficial, self-deceptive, indecisive and restless.

CANCER June 22 - July 23

Ruling planet - Moon - represents receptivity, viscera and emotion.

Element - Water - represents emotion, compassion and perception.

Quality - Cardinal - dynamic, authoritative, active and energetic.

Characteristics - affection, imagination, caring, caution, tenacity, insight, moody, irritable, hypersensitive, avarice, home-bodies, traditionalist, good at making money, loyal, jealous and possessive.

LEO July 24 - August 23

Ruling planet - Sun - majesty, assertiveness and will.

Element - Fire - represents movement, obsession and energy.

Quality - Fixed - concrete, limited, purposeful and conscientious.

Characteristics - noble, philanthropic, warm, protective, severe,

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