You Are More Than Your Sun Sign

To understand yourself and to understand every­one else using astrology, you must explore not only the sign the Sun is in but also Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. Every one of those planets (we call Sun and Moon “planets” in astrology) is also in one of the twelve signs.

In a way it doesn’t really matter where you start with astrology because you’re deal­ing with a spherical body of wisdom: you can pick any point on the sphere and go in there, and it will take you to every other point. It makes sense to start with the Moon because she’s the closest thing to us. But the real reason I start with the Moon is because I want to give you a sense of what I do when I’m trying to figure things out.

Is your ideal lover someone who just loves "Air Supply" and Barry Manilow? Someone who starts crying at the beginning of Walt Disney reruns?

If you just adore folks with hot pink hair (on the half of their head that isn't shaved), rows of small pierced silver rings in the most interesting places

Are you in the market for a lover who's ultra responsible, In Charge, and Right On Top Of Things? In other words, a workaholic who takes their organizer, cell-phone, and portable fax machine everywhere

Looking for a lover who will automatically suspect you of lying at all times? Someone who will be obsessively jealous of everyone around you, regardless of their age or sex?

Don't ever ask a Libra a question that involves a choice unless you want to camp out wherever you happen to be while they're trying to choose

If you're thinking of dating a Virgo, your best bet is to invest in a lint brush, some spearmint dental floss, and an expensive pair of double-thick, lined, sanitized, yellow rubber gloves.

Looking for an easygoing, low-maintenance, and independent partner? Someone who can always roll with the punches, never takes anything personally, and is always able to separate their ego from the situation at hand?

Cancers are known to be private types who are fond of their homes and very, very tight with their families. Don't ask them any personal questions for at least a year, regardless of whether or not you're married by then.

Geminis aren't nearly as fickle as folks make them out to be. They're just, oh,....easily distracted. If you're dating a Gemini, always have Plan B ready

Don't date a Taurus if you're not Looking For A Relationship, because once you ask them out they'll consider themselves engaged and want to shop for rings.

Looking for a lover who's mature, gentle, thoughtful, considerate, and entirely unselfish? Well, then, don't even consider dating an Aries.

On the transcendental level, Virgo governs karma yoga, the path of service extended to all beings. By coming to know the needs of others and learning how best to satisfy their natural desires, we experience the unity of each and every creature woven into the web of life.

Perennial non-conformists, the natives of winter's second astrological month are reform minded, protective of individual liberties, and in search of the truth no matter what consequences await them at the end of their quest.

A practical earth sign, Capricorn (December 22 to January 19) is the month when fanciful dreams become well-plotted schemes. It took Benjamin Franklin (born Jan. 17, 1706) to proffer the adage that a "penny saved is a penny earned". Capricorns love to master the moment and set up systems which seem capable of lasting forever.

As the twelfth and final spoke in the astrological wheel, it is up to Pisces to break things down into their subtlest forms. Governed by cloud-enshrouded Neptune, the sign of the Fish is associated with refined spiritual energies on the transcendent level.

Libra (September 23 to October 22) holds aloft the symbol of the Balance, those scales long associated with objectivity, impartiality, and justice.

Natives of Sagittarius often exhibit expansive thinking, philosophical speculation, and musing over spiritual and religious matters. This is the zodiacal month that lures us out of our limited perspectives and beyond the familiarity of our home bases.

Scorpio reigns over birth, death, and rebirth. In a few words, total change. Scorpio is the magician, the transformer, the maker of higher things out of the lower and of lower things out of the higher. The processes of regeneration and degeneration are governed by the Scorpion and its planetary partner, Pluto.

Here the Moon shines with a clear brilliance, as on a frosty winter's night. There is real glamour and dynamic power of attraction, and those coming into contact with a Moon in Aquarius type

The inherent need for independence, and the Aquarius flair and originality, will be present but may not be immediately apparent. As far as general impressions are concerned, the qualities that make the Sun-sign Aquarian "different" and individual may not strike those who only know people with Aquarius rising, and only know them somewhat superficially.

Aquarius is the individualist of the Zodiac. Show two people with this sign prominent in their birth-charts a list of characteristics of the sign, and the only thing they will agree on is the fact that they share none of them. This sign bestows a great need for independence, which very often emerges in the building of a rather special and somewhat different lifestyle.

The instinctive reaction to all situations when the Moon is in Aries will be a fast one, leading to immediate action. This may or may not be a good thing, and it is very much up to the Moon in Aries type

Those with Aries rising will make a considerable impact on others. They will instigate large, successful projects, and will devote much of their time and energy to the achievement of horrendously ambitious objectives.

Aries is known as the pioneer of the Zodiac, and Ariens like to be first. Those who have this as their Sun-sign are generally uncomplicated in their attitude to life. They plan straightforwardly, and convince the rest of us that there are no complications in what they suggest.

Because the Moon rules Cancer and has such a powerful bearing on our instincts, intuition, and emotions, the Cancerian characteristics will be very strong indeed in someone with the Moon in this sign.

The powerful Cancer characteristics will be primarily directed towards the partner and family, and apart from the strong self-defensive system, may well not be at all obvious to those who come into contact with the individual on a day-today or casual basis

Challenge a Cancerian and at once you will see his or her natural self-defensive system come into play. The need to protect themselves and their loved ones is an extremely basic instinct with people of this Sun sign. Used positively it is marvelously helpful, but sometimes it can result in their becoming too easily annoyed, so that a slight "huffiness" is displayed at the mildest opposition.

Those with the Moon in Capricorn will react to situations and people very coolly and calmly indeed, perhaps to the point where an element of remoteness surrounds them.

Capricorn is the sign of the Goat. Here we have someone who is sure-footed and negotiates every obstacle with care but with a lively step. Only getting to the top will do, and a great deal of determination will be present in the character to help Capricorns every step of the way.

Capricorn rising gives considerable stability, and practical common sense second to none. According to the Sun-sign, however, there is often conflict between the positive expression of emotion, and its suppression.

Reactions to situations will be remarkably quick. Short, relevant answers to questions, witty responses, and a straight-to-the-point directness will do much to put the Moon-in-Gemini type way out in front

Someone with Gemini rising will find that the Geminian characteristics will marry in an interesting way with their Sun-sign characteristics. Should you, for instance, have Gemini rising but a "strong silent" Sun-sign such as Scorpio, there will be a very lively, talkative, perhaps adventurous person

Perhaps the most dominant Geminian characteristic is versatility. Gemini will never only be involved in one specialist area of one subject and will never get stuck in a rut. If, of necessity, he or she is forced into that position, they will suffer considerably not only from boredom something which they come near to fearing but more deeply psychologically, too.

The immediate response of anyone with the Moon in Leo will be to take situations into their own hands, and to cope very well, becoming a good source of inspiration to others.

The well-known British astrologer Margaret Hone (who had Leo rising) used to say that the only thing to do when Leo rises is to keep it down. There does seem to be quite an element of truth in this statement, for Leo rising can, at times, make the individual autocratic a big fish in a small pond

Leo, the lion, the king of the jungle, must of necessity have his or her own individual kingdom whether it is large or small. The ability of people with this Sun-sign to organize their own lives and the lives of others is paramount, as is their ability to lead. There is no doubt about it, a really flourishing Leo will make the most of this potential, sometimes stretching ability too far.

The immediate response could well appear to be lackadaisical. There will be no rushing into sudden action, and the appearance of calm will be notable.

The need for a good, rewarding, and permanent relationship is paramount when Libra rises, and achieving this becomes an important part of the Libran's psychological motivation. But the need to express affection in an outward and immediate way is less in evidence.

Perhaps more than with any of the other signs of the Zodiac, the symbol for this sign the balance sums up very accurately the basic motivation and needs of the individual who has it emphasized in his or her birth-chart. Balance and harmony are crucial if Libra is going to function at all well, and it is the vital factor if they are going to live a fulfilled and satisfying life.

Because the Moon has a powerful effect on our emotions and intuitions, and because Pisces is a sign denoting a high level of both, the sign and the planet complement each other very well.

When Pisces rises, there seems to be no question that the characteristics of the sign will work at the deepest level of the personality. Here, perhaps more than in any other case, the Sun-sign will dominate, but underlying that particular set of characteristics will be the sensitivity and emotion

Pisces is the poet of the Zodiac. With signs of the Water element, emotion is plentifully expressed at a moment's notice: the dilating pupils of the Piscean eyes will at once tell us when the individual is moved.

There will be a quick, enthusiastic response to all situations; here is someone who will never "beat about the bush", and will come up with a ready and understandable answer. If suggestions are needed the chances are that they will be practical and sensible

Many Sagittarian qualities complement and enhance the characteristics of the individual's Sun-sign. They will, for instance, counter the somewhat heavier, practical side of the Earth signs, and give a longer-lasting enthusiasm and strength of will to those who have an Air Sun-sign.

Challenge, and a need to feel free to express themselves in their own individual way, are the two most important requisites for those who have this sign emphasized in their birth-charts. They cannot function satisfactorily without either.

Sudden outbursts of emotion and the expression of powerful feelings occur when the Moon is in Scorpio. Certainly this creates an immediate impression, but it is one that can be very different indeed from the real person

When Scorpio rises, drive, energy and dedication are still very much present and energy resources will give terrific force to the individual's mode of expression, whatever that might be.

This, the eighth sign of the Zodiac, is the strongest, offering the greatest resources of both emotional and physical energy. Those born with Scorpio prominently placed in their birth chart must find ways of using these resources positively and in a fulfilling way. This is best achieved by expression in a career.

When the Moon is in Taurus, its influence is of even greater strength and importance than in most other cases. Immediate reactions to situations will be slow, but once an opinion is formed the individual will speak up with determination and authority

Although the individual with Taurus rising may not give the impression that he or she needs to feel more than usually secure, the underlying need will be very much present, and, as is the case with Sun-sign Taureans, will relate to both financial and emotional security.

Taurus, to function properly, need to live their lives in the knowledge that they have the security of a regular income and a stable emotional relationship. When this is achieved they are in the right position to achieve a great deal. Their most outstanding virtue is patience, they will plod very steadily onwards, and soon learn that short cuts are usually disastrous for them.

The Moon works well from Virgo, since it intensifies the speed at which the individual reacts to all situations. That reaction is practical, helpful, and extremely logical. This makes them sharp in debate and argument

The Mercurial need to communicate will be particularly important to people with Virgo rising, and although because of their Sun-sign they may not be especially talkative, once a good relationship has been established a pleasant liveliness will blossom.

Of all 12 signs, Virgo is the busiest. Those who have it as their Sun- or Rising-sign will surround themselves with a great many tasks, so that their day is full of activity. It is very difficult indeed for them to relax totally putting their feet up and doing nothing has no great appeal, so the best way for them to cut out is to move from work which is intellectually demanding to something that makes greater demands on their physical energy.

If you are in love with an Aquarius, give him or her a very long leash and your respect. This is one of the most freedom-oriented of all the signs and this individual will not tolerate nagging or any cramping of his(her) style.

If you are in love with an Aries man or woman, give this person flattery and firmness. Aries like to be noticed and will bask in the glow of your affection and attention.

If you are in love with a Cancer man or woman, give him or her your understanding. This is a sensitive soul who needs to be brought out of the shell with attention and discussion. Patience is important here as often (but not always) this individual is quiet or shy.

If you are in love with a Capricorn man or woman, give him or her encouragement and support. This is one honey who will work diligently to provide you with the best that money can buy and all you have to do is notice. Quiet and competent, he or she goes about business with a professional attitude and a desire to please.

If you are in love with a Gemini man or woman, give him or her elusivity and a lot of space alone. This individual needs a great deal of stimulation to stay interested and you will be much more appealing if you have some interests and friends of your own.

If you are in love with a Leo man or woman, the most important thing you can give him or her is your attention. This is one mate who will charm and caress you, make passionate love with you, dance with you into the wee hours of the morning, give you the Sun, the Moon and the Stars

If you are in love with a Libra man or woman, give him or her your attention and your company. This is one individual who truly wants to share as much as possible in life and will be a faithful and dedicated partner if given the chance

If you are in love with a Pisces man or woman, give him or her attention and sympathy. You have met here an individual who will quietly listen to the tales of your days -- good and bad -- and desires only the same consideration in return.

If you are in love with a Sagittarius man or woman, give him or her freedom and honesty. This is one honey who will resist any and all efforts to be pinned down too definitively and you would do best to understand this from the start. He(she) needs plenty of rope.

If you are in love with a Scorpio man or woman, give him or her your full attention and devotion. Sharp as a tack, this person definitely notices everything. You will be able to keep no secrets here; this individual is an expert at ferreting them out.

If you are in love with a Taurus man or woman, understand that this person is a one-woman man or a one-man woman (unless Gemini predominates elsewhere in the natal chart). Primarily interested in security, this being is looking to settle down

If you love a Virgo, give him or her attention to detail. Some -- but not all -- Virgos are neatniks and cannot stand living in a mess. Others need for you to acknowledge their ideas or accomplishments