by Lin Barrett

Created on: July 23, 2009   Last Updated: July 25, 2009

Astrology is the very first of mankind's efforts at knowing his own mind. It was a mathematically-intensive art for many years, enough to frighten away all but the most number-minded; fortunately, computers have changed that for us. Now, with the acquisition of four separate sets of knowledge and a few "favorites" on our browser, anyone can enjoy astrology's benefits.

The four sets of knowledge are: the qualities inherent in each sign, the processes governed by each planet, the siting of each planet in the horoscope, and whether and how the planets interact with one another. There are infinite elaborations on this knowledge, but those four ideas are a terrific starting point.

Aries expresses the qualities of being aggressive, willful, and powerful. Taurus expresses the qualities of earthiness, groundedness, and being in touch with the body. Gemini expresses the qualities of curiosity, cleverness, skill, and communication. Cancer expresses the qualities of mothering, emotional and physical nurturing. Leo expresses the qualities of being self-centered, arrogant, and persistent. Virgo expresses the qualities of perfectionism, being unassuming, and practicality. Libra expresses the quality of interrelatedness, sociability, and balance. Scorpio expresses the qualities of intensity, passion, and magnetism. Sagittarius expresses the qualities of idealism, religiosity, enthusiasm, and generosity. Capricorn expresses the qualities of being serious, determined, disciplined, and focused. Aquarius expresses the qualities of idealism, far-sightedness, impersonality. Pisces expresses the qualities of mysticism and psychism.

The Sun represents the conscious ego, personal power, and pride. The Moon represents the emotional make-up, unconscious habits, and moods. Mercury represents the mentality, thinking patterns, and reasoning. Venus governs balance, feelings, affections, and sense of beauty. Mars is associated with aggression, energy, and impulsiveness. Jupiter governs expansion, prosperity, and inner sense of morality. Saturn represents the energies of duty, practicality, ambition, and structure. Uranus resonates with the principles of genius, individuality, and unconventionality. Neptune describes spirituality, creativity, imagination, and altered mental states. Pluto describes destruction to facilitate renewal, and the need for transformation.

The first house governs the self we project to others, our mask for interactions. The cusp (beginning) of the first house

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