What about my Zodiac signs

Cusp Signs

Were you born on the Cusp? Do you know which of the Signs of the Zodiac is your true Sun sign?

Your true Sun sign depends not just on which date you were born, but for those of us born at a time of the month when the sun moves from one Zodiac Sign to another, it is also crucial to know the exact time we were born.

For example, my birthday is May 21st. In some years the sun is in Taurus on that date and in others it is in Gemini. However, because I know my time of birth, I am certain I am a Gemini, as the sun moved into Gemini two and a half hours before I was born. Had I been born on the same date and time, but five years later, I would have been a Taurus, because the sun did not move into Gemini until two and a half hours after I was born.

You will have noticed that different astrologers in different publications tend to give slightly different dates for when each of the zodiac signs start and finish. This is because the actual times and dates can vary from year to year.

These change-over dates and times are the reason why, if you were born on the Cusp, it is important to know exactly which star sign you are if you are reading your horoscope in newspapers or magazines – they always give a date range for each star sign but for some of us it will be wrong.

Below is a list of dates the cusps fall on.

Aries/taurus: April 14 to April 23 Taurus/Gemini: may 15 to may 25 Gemini/Cancer: June 16 to June 26 Cancer/Leo: July 17 to July 27 Leo/Virgo: Aug. 18 to Aug. 27 Virgo/Libra: Sept. 17 to Sept. 27 Libra/Scorpio: Oct. 18 to Oct. 28 Scorpio/Sagittarius: Nov. 17 to Nov. 27 Sagittarius/Capricorn: Dec. 17 to Dec. 27 Capricorn/Aquarius: Jan. 14 to Jan. 24 Aquarius/Pisces: Feb. 13 to Feb. 23 Pisces/Aries: Mar. 15 to Mar. 25

A 'rising sign' is the zodiac sign that is rising in your birth chart. Where is it rising? Well, it's the sign that makes up the part of your chart called the Ascendant, which is at the cusp of the first house. Cusp is an astrological term used to describe the lines between the Sun signs and the lines between the houses.

The houses of the birth chart are complex. While the Sun signs are always 30 degrees, the sizes of the houses changes depending on where and what time you were born. This is why good astrologers will always nag you about your time and place of birth.

There are 12 houses and each one relates to a different area of your life. The rising sign is the sign that is in the first house of your natal birth chart. The first house rules your personality and your countenance. Your rising sign can only be determined if you know your time and place of birth as well as your date of birth. The houses of the birth chart cannot be accurately placed without this information.

Your rising sign reveals a lot about you. Along with your Moon sign and Sun sign this makes up your primal triad. Your rising sign is a good indicator of how you interact with others and the world around you, and what kind of first impression you make.

The strength of your rising sign depends on where your Sun sign is in your natal chart. If your Sun sign isn't in a particularly strong position, you may even behave more like your rising sign than your Sun sign. It could account for why your Sun sign's traits sometimes don't match your personality.

THE PLANETS

Sun Signs

When the Sun enters a Zodiac Sign it becomes a Sun Sign and is determined by the month and day a person enters this world.

Sun Signs will reveal much regarding our essential personality, particularly our inner self. It reveals the part of our personality that is our basic self, or who we are when we are not surrounded by other people. In other words our essential personality is our most basic, broad, inner traits.

WHICH SUN SIGN AM I?

The answer to which Sun sign you are is complicated. Your Sun sign is always determined by your date of birth. As a general rule, the signs are divided up as this:

Aries: Spring equinox (21 March) to 19 April Taurus: 20 April to 20 May Gemini: 21 May to summer solstice (20 June ) Cancer Summer solstice (21 June) to 22 July Leo: 23 July to 22 August Virgo: 23 August to autumn equinox (21 September) Libra: Autumn equinox (22 September) to 22 October Scorpio: 23 October to 21 November Sagittarius: 22 November to winter solstice (21 December) Capricorn: Winter solstice (21 December) to 19 January Aquarius: 20 January to 18 February Pisces: 19 February to spring equinox (21 March)

Looking at that list, you'll see that the beginnings and endings of some signs depend not on a set calendar date, but on the equinox or solstice. How do you know determine the dates for these events? That's where knowing what Sun sign you are gets tricky, since the equinoxes and solstices are determined by the movement of the Sun, and that fluctuates slightly year to year.

On some websites you'll see you are one sign, yet on other sites you'll have moved backward or forward a sign. They're not wrong; it just all depends on where the equinoxes and solstices fell in the year that you were born.

If you were born 'on the cusp', where you're caught between the signs, then the only sure way to know what sign you are is to have your chart done by a reputable astrologer. It's important to have your place and time of birth if possible, because the charts are cast using complicated mathematical calculations.

A couple hours off on the time, or a timezone difference in the place of birth could make the difference between you being one sign or another. When this happens, you're said to be born 'on the cusp.' Yes, you'll absolutely be one Sun sign, (because the Sun can only be one place at once!) However, when you're 'on the cusp', it's wise to read both horoscopes, because you're a unique blend of both of the signs.

WHY DOES MY SUN SIGN SOMETIMES CHANGE?

The answer is rooted in astronomy and the movements of the Sun. The solstices and the equinoxes don't always fall on the same date each year. The imaginary lines that divide the Sun signs mean that some years that calendar date will be in one sign and some years it will be the next.

This happens at the spring equinox between Pisces and Aries; the summer solstice between Gemini and Cancer; the autumn equinox between Virgo and LIbra; and at the winter solstice between Sagittarius and Capricorn.

The only way to know for sure what sign you are is to have your birth (sometimes called natal chart) drawn up by a reputable astrologer. You'll need to provide your date of birth, and your time and place of birth, too. This is because the charts are cast using mathematical calculations to position the planets in their signs when you were born.

Astrologers use what is called an ephemeris, which is a book that gives the locations of the planets at a fixed time and place. Then they have to use complicated formulas to ascertain exactly where the Sun was when you were born. A time zone, or a couple of hours difference in birth time might put you from one sign to the next; it's that much of an art!

Of course, anyone who is born close to another sign (the astrological term is 'on the cusp') should take into account the traits of both of the signs. Think of it like the weather -between summer and autumn there are going to be some cooler days in summer and some warmer days in autumn. It's a blending of both seasons. If you're born 'on the cusp,' then you're a blending of the energies of both Sun signs.

HOW COME MY SUN SIGN'S TRAITS DON'T MATCH MY PERSONALITY?

There are many reasons why your Sun sign's traits don't match your personality. The short answer to this is because astrology is complex. Your birth sign is simply the sign that the Sun was in when you were born.

The Sun is one of the most important factors in your astrology. The Sun in the birth chart always represents the self, and the ego. It's therefore going to have quite an important role to play in your birth chart, but it's not the only influence that makes you who you are!

All the popular newspaper daily horoscopes and predictions are based around the Sun signs, but you also have a Moon sign, a rising sign, and signs for all the other planets, too-Venus, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.

In addition to that, some astrologers take in other planetary features like fixed stars, comets (like Chiron), or rhythms like the Moon's north and south nodes. If your Sun sign is not prominent in your birth chart, you could well take on the personality traits of what is dominant, as opposed to the characteristics reflecting your Sun sign.

You're more than just your Sun sign, which is why you're not exactly the same as other people who were born under the same sign. Not only does the position of the other planets influence you, but also their relationship to each other. Astrologers call this exchange of energies between the planets and other astrological points aspects.

These aspects will have both positive and negative repercussions regarding the way a planet behaves. If other features in your chart are more heavily aspected than your Sun sign, you're probably going to see those attributes featured in your character more strongly than those of your Sun sign. This is why the best idea is to have your full chart done by a reputable astrologer, so you can fully understand all the planetary intricacies that make you who you are.

What are Moon Signs?

Moon Signs help define our emotional development, or express the unconscious side of our personality. It explains why we do what we do. This is where we retreat for comfort, childhood memories, and peace. This can also be the place where anger, hate, jealousy and fear may be found.

The Moon also influences our senses depending on its placement in the birth chart. Most people will have their Moon in a Sign that is different from their Sun. This is why many people with the same Sun Sign can be so different from each other. They may feel that when they read a description of their Sign, that it is not representative of them. It may feel incomplete, or even completely inaccurate. Moon Signs may be a much more accurate description of what a person is like.

If your Moon Sign is the same as your Sun Sign, you may find that it amplifies the traits of that Sign. This would make you a "double" of your Sign, such as a "double Gemini." The Moon also governs the heart, stomach, brain, bladder, bowels and the left eye. It has influence with the glands and fluids of the body.

The Moon is said to represent your instinctual self, which many people keep hidden. On points where your Sun and Moon Signs are compatible, they will work together to help you get through the hardships and accomplish your goals. Where they are not compatible, you will feel conflicting desires or be at odds with yourself in some way. For example, if your Moon is in Gemini, you may be very changeable emotionally. You may get stressed out easily, and the more people you discuss your issues with, the more confused you may become. Scorpio Moons also deal with a lot of stress, but tend to keep it all under wraps. Jealousy may be a big problem for a person with a Scorpio Moon. Aries Moons are headstrong, aggressive and may be difficult to control. They do best if they can find a physical outlet for their emotions, like sports. Our Moon Sign also offers insight in how to reach our inner child.

What are Rising Signs?

Your Rising Sign, otherwise known as an Ascendant, is the Zodiac Sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the moment you were born. It can be abbreviated on a birth chart as ASC or AS. When you know the time you were born, your Ascendant Sign can be calculated to the exact degree.

It is believed that if the Ascendant falls closer to the beginning of the Sign, the stronger the effects will be felt in the individual. This is also held to be true if the Sun is in a weak position in the birth chart (such as if the individual was born at night). It’s also thought to be weaker when the individual is born towards the end of the Sign's Ascendancy, just before the next Sign appears.

Because the Ascendant Sign is specific to the time and place of the individual birth, it represents the environment and conditioning a person may be influenced by during their childhood and is considered as important and significant as the Sun and Moon Signs, because all other aspects on the chart are filtered through this Sign.

The Ascendant is said to be the mask one wears in public… it is the first impression we make when we meet new people. Often, if you are confused at how others have described you, it is because they are describing this aspect of your personality. The Ascendant takes part in your appearance and personality, going as far as influencing physical characteristics sometimes. The Sign becomes expressed in your image, style and mannerisms. It is also expressed in how you act. Some astrologists theorize that the Sign becomes weaker after a person reaches 30 years of age, as their confidence grows in who they are.

Your Rising Sign appears as the first personality traits you exhibit. It is your autopilot it responds to your environment. Your Sun Sign gradually becomes more noticeable over time. The two Signs will eventually blend, creating an outer layer and an inner layer, enclosing the Moon Sign deep inside.

Like other Signs of the Zodiac, Rising Signs fall into fire, earth, air or water categories. Fire Signs like Aries, Leo and Sagittarius appear energetic, optimistic and enthusiastic. They usually appear friendly and non-critical, and they generally do well with others in social gatherings. Earth Signs like Taurus, Capricorn and Virgo come off as practical and secure. They may appear a bit shy, or cautious and serious. Air Signs like Gemini, Libra and Aquarius are good at communication. They are perceived as sociable and friendly, if a little independent or detached. The Water Signs of Pisces, Scorpio and Cancer are seen as emotional, intuitive and feeling. These people will usually hide their true feelings and feel a need to protect themselves from the world. How they present themselves to the world is done for effect so they do not feel they are at risk.

What are Love Signs?

A Love Sign is the Zodiac Sign that Venus was in at the time of your birth. Venus is famously known as the Goddess of Love, hence the name.

Venus represents the qualities of love, romance, sensuality, culture, beauty, affection and social appeal. The Planet Venus is therefore very prominent in aspects of love; influencing how you attract love as well as how you act in a relationship.

Sometimes a persons Venus Sign will be the same as their Sun Sign, but it may also be different. Your Venus Love Sign is never more than two signs away from your Sun Sign. By reading your Love Sign interpretation you may find answers to why you act so differently than your Sun Sign dictates when you are in love. You'll notice when you fall in love that these attributes become more noticeable.

Each of the four elements found in the Zodiac will also influence your Venus Sign. Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are all Fire Signs, Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are Earth Signs, Gemini, Libra and Aquarius are Air Signs and Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are Water Signs. Each Sign in an Element takes a different angle on the general ways we interact with others. For example, Fire Signs all seem to have a dramatic flair, tend to initiate things, and are demonstrative. Earth Signs, on the other hand, seem to be more possessive, focused and steady. Air Signs tend to be intellectual, poetic and versatile, while Water Signs tend to be sensitive, sentimental and idealistic. Each individual Sign within these elements take these generalized characteristics and put their own twist to them. Take a look at how you behave when you're in love… you'll see aspects of yourself you may not have understood before.

You may think that all the characteristics for your Venus love Sign do not fit you. Perhaps that is true. Remember, each of your Signs is tempered by the others. If you really look at yourself and how you behave, you are sure to find at least some of the characteristics for your Love Sign that describes you to a tee and hopefully you’ll understand why you do the things you do in the name of love.

What are Mercury Signs?

Mercury Signs are connected to communication, reasoning, intellect and awareness. Due to its affect on brain power, Mercury will show short term planning, observation and deductive reasoning abilities.

Unemotional and curious; Mercury looks for opportunity to act. It inspires ideas, thought processes and the unconscious mind, which all must be coordinated. Analytical ability, sorting and grouping and other methods of making sense of things all come from this planet.

Mercury expresses thoughts effectively to others depending on how this planet is represented in the birth chart. The senses are also in this planet’s domain, and that is why we learn so well using our senses. Mercury is willing to charge into the unknown, and in the process, may be able to learn something more than his more timid peers. Many detectives, spies and other daring seekers of knowledge have a prominent Mercury; while some with a negative aspect may resort to intellectual trickery to get ahead.

Your Mercury Sign may indicate whether you enjoy large groups of friends around you and if you’re fond of children. It may also show your love of books and writing, and if you enjoy putting pen to paper. Natural study habits are also bestowed by Mercury. If study comes hard, your Mercury Sign may not be found in a positive aspect. While you can learn better study habits, you may find out that no matter what you do, they will always be a chore. However, this planet is nothing if not adaptive. It can appreciate the opposition’s viewpoint, and due to this ability, often gets what it wants using the art of diplomacy. It has a great knack for problem solving and with its short rotation around the sun, is known for its quick thinking, quick wit and brilliance.

Mercury also goes into retrograde, which can affect even those with a positive angle to this planet. This can challenge all attempts at communication. When your natal Mercury is shown as retrograde, you may find some challenges of your own in communicating, learning and other areas.

What are Mars Signs?

While Venus Love Signs are in charge of romance, Mars Signs take charge of basic sexual attraction, tempered only by the astrological houses they are placed in. They will influence how sex is approached, from cool detachment to hot intensity and everything in between. Mars makes us assertive, forthright and adventurous. It can also make us impulsive, rash, impatient and forceful. Success or frustration… they can both be products of your Mars Sign’s influence.

Mars is energy, action and desire; the animal instinct. Unlike the Sun, which is the embodiment of creative energy, Mars is raw energy. It’s divisive, scattering energy in an outward direction. It represents how a person goes after their goals, their drive and energy, their initiative, courage, and combativeness. It’s aggressive and aids our survival. Angry? That is Mars coming through.

Mars takes risks, even if they may cause divisions or feuds. Courage belongs to Mars, and Mars revels in lively competition. Associated with masculine energies, Mars is the life force, the chi. It fights to survive and rises to meet any challenges along the way.

On the negative side your Mars Sign can spell trouble. It can show areas where you may be argumentative, pick fights, and even get violent. When positive, your Mars Sign energizes the passions so you can meet your goals. This planet gives momentum and flow. Given a good outlet, Mars can accomplish anything. When stifled, Mars will boil under the surface until it finally breaks free as anger, temper tantrums or constant irritability.

Mars is often described as passionate, determined, motivated, impulsive, angry, intense and ambitious. These attributes can come in every range of the spectrum, from mild to extremely intense. This is what fuels Mars to succeed, to put themselves first, and to achieve their goals. Mars drives a person to do almost everything, from getting up in the morning to getting that promotion to the person lost in the snowy mountains who finds the fortitude to find a way to civilization. Often attached to the ego, Mars is fairly straightforward and simple. It wants what it wants, and goes out to get it, end of story.

Mars goes into retrograde for approximately 11 weeks every 25 months or so, and when this occurs in a chart, there can be problems. Instead of sending energy outwards to achieve their goals, Mars in retrograde must turn inwards to find their motivation. A good example of this phenomena is Sigmund Freud, the father of modern psychoanalysis. He was born with Mars retrograde in Libra. This lent passion to his lifelong study of his own and others' motivations and sexuality.

What are Jupiter Signs?

In the overall scheme of things, Jupiter Signs are associated with luck and good fortune. Jupiter is optimistic, has a great sense of humor and is full of good will and mercy. Generous and tolerant, Jupiter helps improve one's life.

Take your clues from your Jupiter Sign on when to trust fate and when to rely on your own devices. Just as the physical planet gives off more heat than it absorbs from the Sun, a person favored with Jupiter can be inspired by their own internal source. Wealth of all kinds emanates from Jupiter.

If you find Jupiter is not favorable to you, you may find yourself making your own luck. Words used to describe Jupiter may be generosity, blessings, prosperity, optimism, lucky breaks, hope, honor, gratitude, morality and expansion.

Jupiter Signs colors how we absorb new ideas, cultures, people and passions. Jupiter rules higher learning. Both spiritual and intellectual ideas appeal to Jupiter, and they are happy to jump right in and explore them.

Philosophers and religious gurus have a prominent Jupiter. This planet likes to think, and abstract concepts may come more easily. Those who are willing to go to the ends of the earth for answers are following Jupiter's path, for long distance travel also falls under this planet's influence. Jupiter assesses our ethical and moral values, and helps us create our own ideologies.

Jupiter is the planet of Sagittarius, and thus covers many of this sign's attributes. For those who were born during the rest of the year, it may highlight your own personal spirit quest.

Optimism, faith and adventure may await you if you learn to understand your Jupiter Sign’s call. Jupiter would like nothing better than to help you find your highest fulfillment and happiness in life. The trick is to understand how to spot your opportunities and when to take advantage of them for the best results. Sports and leisure is Jupiter's other passion, as well as games of chance and relaxation. Possible Jupiter occupations include doctors, healers, lawyers, judges, politicians and the civil service.

On the negative side, Jupiter can cause one to become lazy and prone to gaining weight. Usually, however Jupiter would rather help you than hinder you.

If you learn how to work with your Jupiter Sign, you should get the feeling that your life is unfolding as it is destined to, and you should find your happiness along the way. This planet can be very beneficial if you know where to look in your life.

What are Saturn Signs?

Saturn Signs present challenges to us which make us grow up. Saturn represents restrictions, limitations, delays and authority. If you've ever heard your parents tell you they were doing something for your own good, well, that's Saturn.

Just like listening to your parents, our Saturn Sign is out to teach us mastery over our lives. And, as usual, that means plain hard work and practice, practice, practice. Saturn is a big fan of the schools of trial and error and hard knocks. What better way is there to learn, right? For some of us, that means being ridiculed for our errors, feeling inadequate and inferior. Feeling like you need to measure up to a standard is part of your Saturn Sign’s lesson.

Saturn Signs help us mature. It takes almost 30 years for Saturn to return to the place it was when you were born… is it any wonder there is a big difference in those under 30 and those over that age? Later it's in opposition to our natal Saturn at just about the time the proverbial middle age crisis sets in. This is the age where decisions are made that can result in a vibrant, active older life or one of disappointment and depression.

Structure and discipline are needed for life and society to succeed. Saturn keeps reminding us how true that is and makes sure we learn it. Saturn energy also affects our body's growth. Too much Saturn energy can cause overgrowth, such as calcifications appearing where they shouldn't. In our culture, too much Saturn energy is reflected in the rule of tyrants and dictators.

Even with all this negativity, Saturn is also in control of cultural achievement. CEOs and government officials often have a strong Saturn influence. Rigid cultural systems of behavior are very Saturnine in their development.

Those people who are described as having a Saturnine disposition are usually rather grim and without humor. Those with a strong Saturn influence may feel overwhelmed by the challenges they face in life and may proceed with excessive caution. On the other hand, someone with a prominent Saturn may achieve quite a bit, overcoming their adversity with sheer determination. These achievements may be material, financial or spiritual. It is how we react to our challenges that determine the outcome.

Saturn Signs’ seriousness keeps us on the straight and narrow, forcing us to go through lessons we may otherwise wish to avoid. This balances out the optimism given by Jupiter. This planet will define your sense of responsibility by bringing definition and setting limits and rules. Depending on your outlook, your Saturn Sign can actually be helpful in guiding your achievements and focus in life.

What are Uranus Signs?

Uranus Signs represent change. Associated with innovation, technology and discovery, Uranus helps bring about progressive change in all aspects of our lives. This Planet takes us into the future; tradition is made to be broken.

Uranus Signs also represent enlightenment, novelty and ingenuity. Uranus is intuitive and sometimes ahead of its time when you are in tune with its energies. This intuition may cause you to research or investigate a new angle.

If you do not develop your Uranus energy, it can react. You may experience sudden chaos in your life, or get a serious disruption in your everyday life. Uranus basically gives the Sign it's in a cosmic two by four to the head. You may be in for more than you bargained for. Sometimes it can feel amazingly liberating, and at others you are totally overwhelmed.

Since Uranus moves so slowly, an entire generation can share the same Uranus Sign. Wherever it falls in your chart will give you a clue to areas of your life where you will stand out and refuse to blend in. You may find areas where life will be erratic and unpredictable. It takes about 40 years for Uranus to get to the opposite position that it was at your birth, hence the mid-life crisis. Uranus can give people the courage to make the changes they need to, or follow their dreams instead of the status quo.

Words used to describe Uranus' effects are: independence, invention, surprise, disruption, awakening, liberation or rebellion. Uranus can affect the entire world, a country, or an individual equally. Uranus sets us free when we become too rigid. It often takes something drastic to break us out of our patterns, and Uranus is the impetus for these surprises to happen. This planet can help wake us up, sharpen our focus and remind us what we really want. Uranus rules Aquarius, and this Sign is used to feeling ahead of its time. Uranus Signs are destined to shake things up for all of us.

What are Neptune Signs? A bridge to all things mysterious,

Signs slowly guide each generation to its destiny.

Your Neptune Sign’s influence reaches further than the ordinary senses, so there may be aspects of extrasensory perception at work. Illusion, fantasy and dreams are the playing field here, and the spirit is the primary force.

Named for the Roman God of the Sea, Neptune's watery depths are associated with dreams, visions, and the imagination.

Is it reality or is it an illusion? With Neptune, it is hard to tell. Those with a prominent Neptune may be drawn towards mysticism and spiritual pursuits. Ruler of Pisces, this is especially true if these two are paired in your chart. Your Neptune Sign also holds influence over many forms of entertainment… it usually puts on an illusion, after all.

On the negative side, Neptune may drag its followers into the depths of drugs, alcohol, delusion, hypochondria and abnormality. It may resort to trickery, deceit, deception, and guilt.

On the positive side, Neptune is compassionate, and the planet of divine Love, as opposed to Venus' personal love. Words that may be used to describe Neptune would be delusion, illusion, dreamy, psychic, sensitivity, bondage, obligation, fog. If there is no sacrifice, there is no joy. Neptune makes the sacrifice joy itself, as the love knows no restrictions or boundaries. Neptune works subtly, and suddenly you find yourself enveloped in the mystery.

Known as a generational planet, it takes 14 years for Neptune to move from one Sign to the next. It is interesting to look back and see the effects on a generation that Neptune created. An example would be the 1960's, when Neptune was in Scorpio. The '60s saw lots of drug experimentation, trance-like music, and more interest in the occult.

What are Pluto Signs?

Pluto Signs are connected to transformation and life challenges. Pluto's energy is subtle, yet strong. The results may slam you against the wall. While Pluto doesn't wrap it all up in a nice neat package, things happen when this planet is around. Its motto is "out with the old and in with the new.

Pluto is all about secret and undercover information. When it all comes to light, your world is changed. It is often considered to rule the masses more than the individual.

Pluto may bring an end to things that need to be let go of. This could be a job, a relationship or anything else that is dragging you down. It may not be easy to do, but you need to pick up the pieces and go on with your life. The psyche can't hold on to everything and remain healthy. While it is scary to let things go, it will be better in the long run.

Pluto Signs also deal with social and personal power and powerlessness. Old hurts can build up, leaving us feeling powerless and victimized. This is Pluto at work. It attempts to compensate and pushes us to re-evaluate painful events and feelings. Once we do, we can attain a higher level of enlightenment and happiness.

A good example of Pluto in action would be the book “The Secret”. It has a Pluto name for starters, and this tiny book literally transformed the masses. If we as individuals heed the book’s significance, we will undeniably empower our personal lives. An interesting point to note is the fact that Pluto was in Sagittarius when the book was first published; and of course Sagittarius rules over publishing.

The message of your Pluto Sign is Self Empowerment. Look inward and examine what is there. Pluto will continue to push your buttons until you examine yourself and deal with what you find. It wants you to evolve and become more than what you are.

There are many asteroids in the belt between Mars and Jupiter as well as other bodies traveling through our solar system. Some of them are large enough to make a difference as they pass through the signs of the zodiac. Many astrologers use them in their charts to add extra knowledge to the signs they are influencing.

The primary asteroids that are used in a birth chart include Ceres, Juno, Pallas Athena and Vesta. Another cometary body that is large enough to be used in birth charts is Chiron, which is found between Saturn and Uranus.

The asteroids were all named after the female family of Jupiter. Ceres his sister, Juno his wife, Pallas Athena his daughter and Vesta another sister. Much of the feminine is left out of astrology aside from Venus and the Moon. The asteroids help add the feminine back into the astrological chart.

Chiron was a centaur in Greek mythology who was known as a great healer and the most significant of the "centaur" asteroids.

The Asteroid Signs

Chiron

Chiron is located between Saturn and Uranus and is considered a "centaur" asteroid. In reality it is a comet nucleus. It was discovered in 1977. Also known as the Planet of Healing, Chiron deals with all aspects of health and disease and how they affect our spiritual path.

Chiron was wounded himself, and despite his great skills, he never healed. He symbolizes everyone who finds their strength through their suffering. Everyone gets wounded in some manner. Whatever our wounds are, Chiron influences us to overcome our condition and go on. Like Chiron, we may find that in healing others we gain some insight and salvation even though we are unable to fully heal ourselves.

Chiron has an unusual orbit, rather like Pluto. Many astrologers think of Chiron as a "mediator" between Uranus and Saturn. Chiron gives wisdom and patience as well as mastery over the darkness of our souls. Our wounds are gifts when looked at from a different angle. They give us character, lessons in life and perseverance. Chiron teaches us these things whether we are ready to learn them or not.

Ceres

Ceres was the first to be discovered in the asteroid belt. It has since been reclassified as a dwarf planet, which would make Ceres at least as important as Pluto in the astrological chart since they are both dwarf planets.

Ceres was the sister of Zeus (Jupiter). She is the quintessential Earth Mother, and rules over food, cooking and nutrition. Wherever she appears in your chart, she shows how best you feel nurtured. This is also the area where you can easily provide love and comfort.

Your Ceres Sign influences mothering, hard work, parenting, and gardening as well. It will show how well we go with the flow… the universal one, that is. This is the unification of both giving and receiving through ourselves as an exchange of energy. Ceres is associated with fertility, the uterus and stomach. On her negative side, she influences grief, work problems, eating disorders, custody issues and kidnapping. She may influence low self esteem, fear of abundance, feelings of abandonment or unworthiness, over-attachment, possessiveness, parent-child complexes and barrenness.

Pallas Athena

Pallas Athena was the second asteroid discovered. Named after Jupiter's daughter, Pallas Athena is intelligent and cerebral. She is the weaver of patterns, linking ideas together. She is strategic command in both the warrior and the peaceful general.

Cities are her domain. She has an interconnection with Libra because of her focus on ideas. Like Libra, she can see both sides. She is not blind justice… she is only just. She is creative and artistic. She is a survivor. She expects everyone to claim their personal power.

Where her influence falls is where you will find talents in the following areas. Jupiter's daughter carries influence over many things, such as the immune system, the arts, the father/daughter relationship, intuition, justice, wisdom, defense, horses and the kidneys.

With her spotlight on daddy's little girl, Pallas Athena will help determine how you interpret your relationship with your father, and in turn how you treat all males in general. On her negative side, Pallas Athena touches on conflict, legal battles, injustice and illnesses due to a weakened immune system.

Juno

Juno was the third asteroid to be discovered. Juno is the wife of Jupiter. She has some similarities to Venus, but while Venus sparks that initial attraction, Juno makes the commitment. She sings of soul mates. As she moves through the sky, the face of relationships change, but she still stands for commitment of one kind or another.

Where you find Juno in your chart is where you may meet someone that you will remain with for a long relationship. She covers marriage, fashion and beauty. She is the patron of relationships and true love. Diplomacy is part of her sphere.

She has influence with the weather, flowers, fairness and female genitalia. She also dealt with many of Jupiter's infidelities, and thus has influence over the negative issues of spouse abuse, powerlessness, women's rights (both positive and negative), rage, inferiority complexes and unfairness. She may also affect issues of denial, betrayal, inequality and of course bitterness.

Vesta

Vesta is the second largest asteroid in our solar system and the fourth to be discovered. Vesta is a sister of Jupiter, the virgin goddess. Vesta is the keeper of the hearth. She is focus and dedication. She is mental clarity and self-respect.

Vesta brings out your purest potential and Essence into being. Vesta is organized and perfect. She has a talent for breaking things down into its components. She rules the metabolism and the upper intestine. She carries influence over locks and keys, sisters, security, investments, insurance, and inheritance. She is the epitome of the home and family, ritual, chastity and sexuality, and devotion.

Her negative aspects include insecurity, lack of focus, promiscuity, segregation, secret societies and family troubles. There may be a fear of sex or intimacy, as well as an invalidation of self. Denial can be a big aspect when she is negative.

What are Midheaven Signs?

Your Midheaven Sign is the Zodiac Sign that was at the southern highest point above the horizon at the moment you were born. This southern highest point is also known as the Medium Coeli, or MC for short.

The Midheaven is the entrance to the tenth house and relates to your career, reputation and social standing. These are your most visible achievements in the eyes of the world. This will guide you to your professional achievements and responsibilities. Your life's purpose, if you will. Your highest aspirations in life.

Your Midheaven Sign should give you some insight into what you need to realize your full place in life. You also must consider any planets that may be found in your ninth and tenth houses; they will modify the end results and make a difference in what career you ultimately choose and how successful you will be.

Of course, sometimes one must work at a job that isn't right, and it can wreak havoc upon you, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. By focusing on your MC, you can refocus on your ideal. Coupled with your natural talents and inclinations, you should eventually find your place in the world and become re-energized.

You can also use your Midheaven Sign to understand your personal and spiritual goals. You can gain insight into why you react the way you do to stressful situations. Being social is different for everyone. The MC can help you learn to trust your best social qualities to cultivate. It will show you how others perceive you. This can help you ascertain if your public "face" is helpful to you or not.