Scales, a scorpion and a man who is half a horse
Learning Astrology
In an astrological birth chart when there is a cluster of planets in particular signs, we can begin to see a pattern emerging. Many birth charts have planets scattered across several zodiac signs and in some cases (not often) there are planets centered in less than a few signs. In these astrological learning articles, there is specific focus on the seven major planets. This article will cover Libra, symbolized, by the scales, Scorpio, symbolized by a scorpion and Sagittarius, symbolized by half man and half horse. Libra is the seventh sign and correlates to number seven. Scorpio is the eighth sign and correlates to number eight. Sagittarius is the ninth sign and correlates to number nine.
Libra, the scales, is ruled by the planet Venus (please see my article on Venus). The qualities of Libra are naturally influenced by Venusian rulership. Libra is an odd numbered zodiac sign and as a result may be expressed as a more active and masculine energy. The symbol of the scales is a pertinent reminder of balance, fairness and justice. The value of fair trade and exchange is one of the greatest teachings Libra shares with us. This extends to the exchange which occurs in relationships. Relationships, healthy boundaries and a sense of feeling appreciated are essential ingredients for healthy relationships. Libra is showing that there is always some form of trade or transaction occurring. We exchange puberty for adulthood. We exchange feeling lighter and healthier with some discipline and responsibility in lifestyle choices. We do things for others to keep a flow of energy between ourselves and others.
Libra is a cardinal sign and this shows that Libra is able to initiate, develop quickly and begin a new cycle. Libra falls within the air element. The air element is full of mental activity and thrives in the realm of ideas and thought processes The number seven is a major time of realization. It is the time of retirement. When we have to let go of identities strongly tied into careers. It is a time of accepting our limits, and accepting our bodies are not as agile and fast as they used to be. It is a time of accepting the end of a chapter of our life and realizing that old age is upon us. The notion of ‘the end’ is paramount with seven, yet it is entwined with the notion of an exchange or trade. You may end a manipulative relationship and instead be traded back your peace of mind. A person may end a work-intensive career and trade it in for a more relaxed environment. When we use a scale, it represents a transaction. For example, one weight of coins will be exchanges for so much corn or grains of rice. There is an end to owning some coins in exchange for gaining something that nourishes, clothes or medicates us. The number seven can severe us off from something or from a certain state of consciousness. Seven shows there is a conclusion of something, yet it also enables development into another state of awareness. At this position in the zodiac cycle, the awareness focused on the external and material now transforms into awareness on the internal and spiritual, as we step into the next sign.
Scorpio, the scorpion, is ruled by the planet Mars (please see my article on Mars). The qualities of Scorpio are naturally influenced by Martian rulership. Scorpio is an even numbered zodiac sign and as a result may be expressed as a more passive and feminine energy. The animal symbolizing Scorpio is a small creature and some of them (not most) are potentially deadly if you are stung by one. Scorpions tend to be in hidden places and are not so easy to spot out, due to their small size. A scorpion is a potent animal, despite its small physical size. An aspect of Scorpio people is an ability to dig deep into the mysterious and in matters that are taboo. Scorpio people enjoy research and delving into subjects like psychology, detective work or have interests in reptilian pets. The occult, psychic sensitivity and deeper perceptions into understanding the mind are linked with Scorpio. The zodiac sign of Scorpio inspires us to search deeper within for answers, yet also reminds us to beware of not becoming entwined in a web of fear, jealousy, hatred and guilt (as these are low vibrations). The low vibrational states of fear, excess anxiety, hate, shame and envy bite like a tiny unseen poisonous scorpion. Evolving from number seven with Libra, Scorpio is encouraging us to go within and become empowered to emerge with higher aspirations and awareness of higher development. Scorpio falls within the water element. The water element is emotional, sensitive, spiritual, highly perceptive and receptive. Scorpio deals with the psychic and deep unconscious.
The scorpion can survive in water for about 48 hours, through its ability to swim and breathe submerged in water. This shows that Scorpio is able to handle emotions. Cancer and Pisces can dwell deep in emotions as they are the crab and fish. Scorpio is a fixed sign and this shows that Scorpio is more rigid, stubborn and slow to make a change, and as a result is rather predictable in staying with one particular path or focus point. Yet with Scorpio there is always a sense of mystery. The number eight is when we had the conclusion or trade with seven, and accept that we do not need external validation through a job title, or career, and status. In number eight we are seeking inner growth. We desire to not make external friendships and relationships with others, but rather to reflect and make friends with ourself. There is a need to search for deeper meaning. Eight may be when a person is retired and not yet in a retirement home. Psychological therapy, and new physical activities are part of the healing that occurs in the number eight. We begin to understand that our physical well-being is intricately influenced by our inner emotional, mental and spiritual state. We begin to realized that it is better to have an internal locus of control, rather than an external locus of control. We don’t blame the career, children, spouses, ex partners for our woes as we develop in number eight. Instead, we begin to see our own power and feel more empowered by accepting our role in situations. The number eight is a profound and deep number often dabbling in the hidden aspects of human consciousness.
Sagittarius, the only zodiac sign which is composed of half man and half animal, is ruled by the planet Jupiter (please see my article on Jupiter). The qualities of Sagittarius are naturally influenced by Jupiterian rulership. Sagittarius is an odd numbered zodiac sign and as a result may be expressed as a more active and masculine energy. The symbolic picture of Sagittarius includes a bow and arrow. The bow and arrow indicate aiming towards something and having a target in sight. The zodiac sign of Sagittarius is associated with higher learning at university level or studying subjects like philosophy, spiritualism or religion. The opposite sign of Gemini was associated with gaining learning through trial and error. In Sagittarius one is beginning to have higher aspirations to develop awareness, to have a goal of higher consciousness and spiritual aspirations. The horse is a powerful animal that can gallop and carry man, and in history the horse was essentially like having an effective mode of transport.
Sagittarius is a mutable sign. Mutable signs are more agile and able to show flexibility and adaptability. Sagittarius falls within the fire element. The fire element has bouts of powerful abundant energy which can destroy or create. With the number nine, we move away from the deep inner digging and reflection in number eight, to one of beginning to understand that we are part of everything and everything is part of us. There is a process of becoming more involved in the community, volunteering, joining the local bowls club or local tennis club. We enter into a retirement village and become part of a community. Forms of faith become more supportive as they give us the candle flame to continue. energy.
Each of the zodiac signs have correlations to the four directions (north, south, east and west), associations to colours, to geographical places and to different types of environments. All of these deeper associations with each zodiac sign, enable an astrologer to decipher critical information when analyzing an astrological chart. The zodiac signs beginning with Libra, are moving towards a wider perception of life on this planet. The appreciation for fair exchanges develops in Libra, then Scorpio encourages inner development of empowerment to enable Sagittarius to take aim for the high aspiration for advanced developed states of consciousness.
By
Anastacia Sampson
COSAPA Specialist Astrologer
D.N. Med. BA(Hons) Psych
Images sourced from Pinterest
References:
• Jaimini Upadesa Sutras
• Yavana Jataka
Translations and interpretations credited to Michael Douglas Neely and Ryan Kurczak