Most people identify astrology with the wheel of the zodiac and its twelve signs. Even those totally ignorant of astrology know their sun sign.
The term zodiac is derived from the Greek zodiacus, which means ‘little creatures’.
The zodiac is a small band of the sky, about eight degrees on either side of the ecliptic, which contains the motions of most of the planets. This band is divided into twelve 30-degree sections called signs.
The zodiac can be seen as a 12-stage life cycle:
Aries—emergence, birth of the individual
Taurus—physical security in order to grow
Gemini—urge to interact with our immediate surroundings
Cancer—sense of belonging to our immediate family
Leo—ability to express ourselves
Virgo—learning practical skills
Libra—learning about relationships and balancing our needs with others
Scorpio—our longing to share intense encounters, leading to transformation
Sagittarius—gaining a broader perspective of life
Capricorn—establishing our public image
Aquarius—group solidarity
Pisces—identification with the whole, dissolving all to allow for new birth
The zodiac signs represent specific human qualities that colour the way in which we respond to the basic urges (the planets) within us.
The twelve signs of the zodiac are each associated with a trump card of the Major Arcana and a Court Card. By getting to know each of the individual sun signs, the connection with the assigned trump and court cards will become apparent – and debatable!
Fire Signs |
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| Aries
(March 21st – April 20th) Characteristics: enthusiastic, dynamic, impulsive; impatient, domineering, sometimes reckless. Tarot Cards: The Emperor, Queen of Wands |
Leo
(July 23rd – August 22nd) Characteristics: generous, self-assured, optimistic; intolerant, arrogant, autocratic. Tarot Cards: Strength, King of Wands |
Sagittarius
(November 24th – December 21st) Characteristics: adventurous, confident, expansive, optimistic; restless, unreliable, moralistic, insensitive. Tarot Cards: Temperance, Knight of Wands |
Water Signs |
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| Cancer
(June 22nd – July 22nd) Characteristics: sensitive, protective, tenacious, intuitive, shrewd; fearful, touchy, clinging, manipulative. Tarot Cards: The Chariot, Queen of Cups |
Scorpio
(October 24th – November 23rd) Characteristics: imaginative, deep, healing, compassionate, fearless; self-destructive, vindictive, jealous, secretive. Tarot Cards: Death, King of Cups |
Pisces
(February 20th – March 20th) Characteristics: sensitive, compassionate, impressionable, receptive; confused, overemotional, escapist Tarot Cards: The Moon, Knight of Cups |
Air Signs |
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| Gemini
(May 22nd – June 21st) Characteristics: versatile, chatty, curious; flippant, shallow, restless. Tarot Cards: The Lovers, Knight of Swords |
Libra
(September 22nd – October 23rd) Characteristics: fair-minded, diplomatic, perfectionist, cooperative; insincere, indecisive, frivolous. Tarot Cards: Justice, Queen of Swords |
Aquarius
(January 21st – February 19th) Characteristics: independent, progressive, rational, original; impractical, erratic, cranky, detached Tarot Cards: The Star, King of Swords |
Earth Signs |
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| Taurus
(April 21st – May 21st) Characteristics: stable, methodical, affectionate, restrained; stubborn, passive, possessive. Tarot Card: The Hierophant, King of Pentacles |
Virgo
(August 23rd – September 21st) Characteristics: efficient, dependable, practical, observant, modest; fussy, critical, narrow-minded. Tarot Cards: The Hermit, Knight of Pentacles |
Capricorn
(December 22nd – January 20th) Characteristics: organised, industrious, conventional, persevering; calculating, dictatorial, manipulative, pessimistic. Tarot Cards: The Devil, Queen of Pentacles |
Back to Introduction to Tarot Astrology
Would you like to learn more about Tarot Astrology? Check out the Starlight Tarot Astrology course.
Warmest wishes,
Christiane
