Written in the StarsBY ELIN WOODS
Astrology is having a resurgence . Here ’ s a beginner ’ s guide .
For the longest time , astrology has had a negative reputation , likely to be blamed on the horoscope page and the fact it ’ s a pseudoscience , among other reasons . Recently , however , it ’ s been experiencing a bit of a revival , particularly among millennials and Gen-Zers . “ Young people are flocking to astrology ,” read a headline in the Washington Post last year . The likely reason ? In February , a Harris Poll report noted that 69 % of millennials turn to astrology “ for comfort and confidence during challenges .”
Astrology has been around for ages , and many people , including notables like Elizabeth I and Ronald Reagan , have used astrologers to guide some of their decision-making processes . For most of us today , however , astrology is viewed as a fun tool , something akin to a personality test . So that ’ s where we ’ ll start with our Astrology 101 course .
There are traditionally 12 zodiac signs , sometimes called sun signs . There are various schools of astrology , but I ’ ll only be talking about Western astrology . Starting with the spring equinox in March , the sun travels through each sign for 30 days , beginning with Aries and ending with Pisces . Each sign has different qualities that make it unique and that tell your individual story . Here ’ s some insight into each sign . ARIES is ruled by Mars and is a cardinal fire sign . Mars is associated with the god of war , and Aries natives can be known for their hot tempers , but thanks to their cardinal modality , they also make for amazing leaders . They ’ re the first sign for a reason , as they like to move quickly , use up a lot of energy , and get things done . However , they may not always finish what they started . TAURUS is ruled by Venus and is a fixed earth sign . Venus is the goddess of love , and Taurus loves the good life and pretty things . Their fixed modality means they have a penchant for being a bit stubborn and set in their ways , however , their earthiness makes them stubborn enough to see a job through . They are also known to be very salt of the earth . GEMINI is ruled by Mercury and is a mutable air sign . Mercury is our communication god , and Geminis can be quite the social butterflies , easily flitting around from one conversation or idea to the next . The rest of the world might not be able to keep up with them , though , and they ’ re often too far ahead to realize they ’ ve left a few people behind . CANCER is ruled by the moon and is a cardinal water sign . The moon is thought to rule the memory and emotions , and Cancers are often quite emotional and nostalgic . However , the cardinal modality means they can take charge , get projects going , and inspire others , albeit with a softer touch than other cardinal signs . LEO is ruled by the sun and is a fixed fire sign . The sun is kingly and radiant , and Leos often make great hosts , gracious
34 | NW GEORGIA LIVING NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2024 leaders , and inspirational figures . Their fixedness makes them ideal for rallying around in ongoing work and social situations , and they can see long projects to a satisfying completion . VIRGO is ruled by Mercury and is a mutable earth sign . Here , our communication god from Gemini becomes earthy and practical . Virgos handle details and contracts with ease yet sometimes show impatience waiting for the rest of the world to catch up with their very obvious ( to them ) conclusions . LIBRA is ruled by Venus and is a cardinal air sign . Libras care about the high life and nice things like their Taurus counterparts but are more outwardly focused , with ideas for the improvement of other ’ s lives as well as their own . Their cardinal qualities lend them a leadership quality and can inspire others to action . SCORPIO is ruled by Mars and is a fixed water sign . In modern astrology , this sign has been assigned to Pluto . Either way , people born under this sign are considered strategic and secretive in behavior . Mars ’ traditional temper has been turned to long-term planning . Scorpio natives can be fantastic working in anything that can be described as a campaign , such as advertising , publishing , or travel arrangements . SAGITTARIUS is ruled by Jupiter and is a mutable fire sign . Jupiter is our god of higher learning , traditional religion , and people in authority . Sagittarians lean into the changeable nature of mutable fire , frequently with inspiring words and songs and a desire to move around and burn energy . They are more likely to be writers , poets , musicians , and people who speak on behalf of others , like lawyers and politicians . CAPRICORN is ruled by Saturn and is a cardinal earth sign . Saturn is our god of time , agriculture , and old age . Capricorns often are seen managing large resources with proficiency and patience , with an eye to the long game . While Capricorns share the stubbornness of the earth signs , they also have a seemingly surprising ability to turn on a dime and innovate , should they find it wise to do so . AQUARIUS is ruled by Saturn and is a fixed air sign . Modern astrology assigns Aquarius to Uranus . Either way , this is the sign of the outsider . Aquarians often feel slightly out of step with the rest of the world and can frequently identify where structures we take for granted are not performing at their best . Many Aquarians are idealistic , dedicating at least some of their work towards the fixes they want to see in the world . PISCES is ruled by Jupiter and is a mutable water sign . Modern astrology assigns Pisces to Neptune . A Pisces is often considered a dreamer and a mystic . While many Pisces will easily maintain a so-called normal life , they ’ ll frequently have a rich imagination and a holistic outlook when approaching everyday problems .