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.

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.

by Celeste B. Longacre. Ah, love! Who among us hasn't dreamed of the real thing; soul mates together for all time? Happiness and joy with ease for eternity? Some day, somewhere, my Prince (or Princess) will come... surely?

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.

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.