What Are Zodiac Signs?
Definition of the Zodiac Signs
The zodiac is an imaginary belt of site around the earth, based in the ecliptic or the apparent path of the sun around the globe. There are twelve signs of the zodiac. Each label occupies 30 degrees of the zodiac belt, for a total of 360 degrees. In outmoded times, the signs coincided with the constellations that have the same names as they. However due to a determined broad phenomenon, called the precession of the equinoxes, this is no longer the case.
The Names of the Zodiac
The twelve zodiac signs are, in order from first to last: Aries the Ram, Taurus the Bull, Gemini the Twins, Cancer the Crab, Leo the Lion, Virgo the Virgin, Libra the Scales, Scorpio the Scorpion, Sagittarius the Archer, Capricorn the Goat, Aquarius the Water-Bearer and Pisces the Fishes. The mark Aries coincides with the advent of spring in the northern hemisphere, and thus heralds the beginning of the solar year.
Background of the Zodiac
From the very beginning, old-fashioned astronomers and astrologers (originally, the same) noticed a correlation between the run of the sun through the zodiac and events on the human world. Thus came about a idea in the powers of the stars, planets and other pretty bodies to influence human destiny. Astrologers looked to the skies for signs and omens that can foretell what would happen to their cities, their kings and even individual clients who came to them for consultation about their fortunes.
The signs were connected with gods. In time, astrologers assigned each effect a ruler, which was both a god and a planet. Anciently, Mars ruled Aries and Scorpio, Venus ruled Taurus and Libra, Mercury ruled Virgo and Gemini, Jupiter ruled Sagittarius and Pisces and Saturn ruled Capricorn and Aquarius. The sun ruled Leo and the moon presided over Cancer.
Astrological Influences
When a child is born, astrologers occupy that the power of the stars ruling at that time cast an notice on his or her personality. This note lasts for the lifetime of that individual and colors how he or she experiences life. The zodiac signs, when strong in the astrological birth chart, may confer clear talents, abilities, and character traits. The chart as a whole may suggest sure career choices, the nature of marriage and family life, financial condition, and more. While faded astrology was very fatalistic, fresh astrologers choose a more psychological concept and claim that the free will of a person can override the influences of the stars.
What Are Zodiac Signs?
