Aries: The Ram (21st March – 19th April) is concerned with self-assertion, initiation, new beginnings, action, daring, challenge, adventure, exploration, pioneering, enterprising, discovering, aggression, impatience, creativity, personal goals, control, domination, competition, winning, perseverance, courage, honesty, independence, nobility and openness. Aries thinks he or she is more interesting and better than those with whom they are in competition. They appear to be self-assured but worry about not being valued or respected. They are interested in winning, whatever the challenge. They lead rather than follow, expecting loyalty. They fearlessly take risks, express opinions and help others achieve their dreams. They are an inspiration to friends and a conquering hero to the underdog. Negative attributes may include bossiness, brashness, intolerance, jealousy, selfishness, inability to listen or see their effect on others, impulsiveness, poor judge of character and rebelliousness. Aries is the cardinal fire sign and so they can propel themselves in any direction. They can be likened to a rocket, gun or engine, using energy and initiative to bring about changes. The glyph or symbol depicts the ram's horns.

Spiritual Goal: To learn the meaning of selfless love.

Taurus: The Bull (20th April – 20th May) is concerned with beauty, romance, sentimentality, sensuality, materialistic values, wealth, prosperity, harmony, love of living things, possession, control, security, dependability, loyalty, determination, patience, habit, organisation, tenacity, kindness, shyness, cautiousness, trustworthiness, calmness and appreciation of values, talents, abilities. Taurus takes a long-term view and proceeds slowly but surely because the best of everything is worth waiting for. They luxuriate in sensual delights, comfort, security and material prosperity. They prefer real to artificial and fear being disturbed (frustrated) or left wanting (unsatisfied). They have a strong set of personal values (integrity), practical common sense (down-to-earth) and are attentive, affectionate, artistic and peaceful. Negative attributes may include self-indulgence, stubbornness, slow-movement, materialism, too much thought before action, being too introverted, easily embarrassed, boring and insensitive. Taurus is the fixed earth sign and can be likened to an ancient rainforest full of old trees and rare plants or an ancient castle full of valuable antiques. It represents an enduring, practical reality. The glyph or symbol depicts the bull's horns.

Spiritual Goal: To learn the value of insight.

Gemini: The Twins (21st May – 20th June) is concerned with communication, interaction, articulation, speech, dexterity, nimbleness, light-footedness, wit, persuasion, variety, movement, curiousity, exploration, short journeys, education, learning, collecting facts, attention to detail, adaptability, intellect, intuition, youth and freedom. Gemini multi-task and are constantly on the go, running errands. Contact through words, ideas, gossip or philosophy makes them happy. They can sell anything to anyone and talk themselves out of difficulty. They are inquisitive, entertaining, charming, versatile, liberal, broad-minded, quick, inventive, stimulating and sociable. They long to find their soul-mate, the mysterious twin who will complete them but the wholeness they seek may be found within if they can gather together their many sides. Negative attributes include restlessness, impatience, irritability, anxiety, impracticality, capricious, fickleness, manipulativeness, non-committal behaviour and superficiality. Gemini is the mutable air sign and can be likened to the constantly moving wind. They are motivated by their instincts, are agreeable and constantly adjust in order to create harmony. The glyph or symbol depicts duality and changeability.

Spiritual Goal: To learn how to cooperate.

Cancer: The Crab (21st June – 22 July) is concerned with receptivity, sensitivity, self-defense or preservation, home, comfort, domesticity, food, nurture, mothering instincts, nostalgia, sentimentality, family, history, memory, antiques, money, business, response to public need, patriotism, dreams, the psychic and telepathy. Cancer have a fear of insecurity and use a hard outer shell to protect themselves from the world. They absorb and reflect every emotion experienced. Their emotional moods change according to the waxing and waning of the moon. They are contemplative, tenacious, shrewd, intuitive, compassionate, gentle, kind, helpful and caring. They tend to have a lunatic sense of humour, based on their accurate observation of human nature. They often like to be inconspicuous, avoid discussing their personal life and use indirect tactics to get what they want. Negative attributes include possessiveness, too easily hurt, moody, crabby, unforgiving, selfish, manipulative, introspective and overpowering. Cancer is the cardinal water sign and can be likened to a safe harbour where boats can take shelter from the dangers of the sea. The glyph or symbol may symbolise nurturing breasts.

Spiritual Goal: To learn how to take a balanced view of things.

Leo: The Lion (23rd July – 22 August) is concerned with playfulness, liveliness, entertainment, creativity, romance, love affairs, sex, offspring, children, activities, childishness, taking risks, gambling, sports, games, performance, drama, limelight, applause, entertainment and hospitality. Leo are not interested in winning but in being king or queen, a sovereign or ruler. They have a mature sense of responsibility. They are courageous, authoritative, magnanimous, proud, dignified, loyal, caring, open, honest, friendly, charming, trusting, accepting and generous. They appear popular, confident and extroverted but may secretly harbour self-doubts and undervalue themselves. They crave love, adoration, appreciation and recognition. They can be a source of life-enhancing warmth, joy and pleasure. Negative attributes include stubborn or wilfulness, contempt or arrogance, sulkiness, smug or boastfulness, indifference and cold-heartedness when hurt. Leo is the fixed fire sign and can be likened to a fire burning in its proper place, such as a camp fire around which everyone can gather. They can transform things with their energy. The glyph or symbol depicts the lion's mane.

Spiritual Goal: To learn the true meaning of love.

Virgo: The Virgin (23rd August – 22nd September) is concerned with self-perfection, critical faculties, altruism, honesty, responsibility, cleanliness, hygiene, health, healing, efficiency, daily routines, reliability, strength of character, veiled sensuality, passivity, modesty, incisive communication and shrewd logical thought. Virgo are pure-minded by not naive, quick-witted, charming and emotionally warm. They worry too much about every personal imperfection and are never satisfied with their own standards. They are composed, reserved, helpful, humane, sympathetic, conscientious, painstaking, analytical and intelligent. They crave the opportunity to serve others and take charge of apparently mundane matters that are the foundations of success. They are usually interested in acquiring information and communication by writing. Negative attributes include scathing criticism of the lazy, crankiness, irritability, dogmatic, untidy, hypochondriacal, nervous, prudish, undemonstrative, over-demanding and eccentric. Virgo is the mutable earth sign and can be likened to a semi-shaded patio, which has been adapted to make a delightful organic garden. It represents adaptable practicality. The glyph or symbol usually portrays a fair maiden, sometimes with a sheaf of wisdom (linked to the harvest) and represents privacy or the female sexual organs.

Spiritual Goal: To learn to discriminate between destructive criticism and simple wisdom.

Libra: The Scales (23rd September – 22nd October) is concerned with partnerships, relationships, romance, ideas, opinions, politics, diplomacy, music, harmony, equilibrium, tact, argument, self-control, manners, appearance, refinement, sophistication, taste, spending, rational thought and ideas for social well-being. Libra make effective mediators or negotiators (peace-makers). They give advice freely and are interested in all the facts so they can come to a balanced decision. They are cooperative, charming, sociable, sincere, good-natured, trustworthy, loving, gentle, fair, artistic, opinionated, communicative and have strong beliefs. They are secretly terrified of being alone, despite appearing calm, collected and in charge of the situation. Negative attributes include narcissism, indolence or sulky, petulance, objectionable to taking orders, fearful, indecision, fickleness, manipulation, overbearing and flirtatious. They attempt to gain an even balance in regards to the inconsistency in their behaviour. Libra is the cardinal air sign and can be likened to a finely tuned wind instrument, producing powerful, moving music in perfect harmony. It represents ideas put into action, even though they may think for a long time before making a decision and acting on it. The glyph or symbol represents the setting sun and the equation approximately or equal to.

Spiritual Goal: To learn the meaning of selfless love.

Scorpio: The Scorpion (23rd October – 21st November) is concerned with birth, life, death, sex, sensuality, passion, pushing boundaries of discovery, regeneration, transformation, metamorphosis, finance, investments, wills, inheritance, hidden matters, secrets, taboos, magic, collective unconscious, defence systems, social revolution, reformation and change. Scorpio have intense focus and concentration and understand their own failings. They are intractable and impenetrable, hiding their true nature / depth. They are passionate, emotional, compassionate, protective, tenacious, magnetic, dynamic, probing, investigative, un-shockable, psychological and determined. They exercise power through 3 evolutionary stages: emotion / instinct, intellect or love. Negative attributes include self-destruction, possessiveness, cunning, ruthless, overbearing, suspicious, jealousy, dangerous, quick-tempered, obstinate, moody, sadistic, insulting, secretive, intolerant and vindictive. Scorpio is the fixed water sign and can be likened to still waters that run deep. Their relentless power penetrates and transforms and they cannot easily be deflected from their purpose. The glyph or symbol can portray either a scorpion or an eagle and represents drive, desire, striving upwards or the male sexual organs.

Spiritual Goal: To learn the meaning of selfless love.

Sagittarius: The Archer (22nd November – 21st December) is concerned with philosophy, idealism, religion, spiritual growth, optimism, enthusiasm, forward-planning, travel, independence, freedom of movement, the outdoors, generosity, justice, morality, imagination, aspirations, open-mindedness, wit, intellect, flashes of intuition, generosity, pleasure, sensuality and romance. Sagittarius are happy-go-lucky, stimulating, inspiring, fair-minded, hold no grudges and always see the best in people. They may be tactless but are not deliberately cruel. They are open, honest and direct and unconventional or uncommitted in relationships. They are adventurous, gambling, risk-takers and enjoy physical danger. They deny their own sadness and fear any responsibility that curtails their freedom. Negative attributes include argumentative, impatience, restlessness, hot-headed, impulsive, irresponsible, indulgent, fanatical, preachy, uncivilised, animalistic, blundering and inept. Sagittarius is the mutable fire sign and can be likened to stars, a thousand lighted candles or rising sparks. They can transform negative situations with their optimism. The glyph or symbol depicts the centaur (half man, half horse) and the arrow pointing towards a higher direction or purpose.

Spiritual Goal: To learn to use their talents to guide others.

Capricorn: The Goat (22nd December – 19th January) is concerned with practicality, realism, hard work, accomplishment, planning, persistence, success, high status, good quality, reputation, responsibility, difficulties, problems, paternalism, authority, discipline, money, wealth, long-term projects, wisdom and sensitivity to beauty. Sure-footed and practical, Capricorn always reach their ambitions eventually, beating others who are faster but less determined. They take life seriously and a sense of duty or a fear of embarrassment often stops them from acting out their desires (secret romantics). They worry about physical, social and emotional security. They are conventional, concerned, reserved, cautious, scrupulous and organised. They give sound advice, take risks when necessary, respect authority, are loyal to tradition and have high standards. They can allow inner fears to dominate their decisions. Negative attributes include egotistical, slave-driving, unforgiving, anxious, critical, perfectionist and fatalistic. Capricorn is the cardinal earth sign and can be likened to the oldest, most valuable tree in the forest. The glyph or symbol depicts the beard of the goat and the tail of the old sea goat.

Spiritual Goal: To learn to understand the feelings and needs of other people.

Aquarius: The Water Bearer (20th January – 18th February) is concerned with scientific analysis, experimentation, detachment, friendship, courtesy, kindness, tranquility, mystery, intrigues, magic, genius, originality, eccentricity, independence, humanitarian issues, fame, recognition, politics, creative arts, electricity, magnetism and telecommunications. Aquarius are idealistic, intellectual, inventive, assertive and opinionated. They stand for freedom, equality, evolution, individuality and independence of thought and action. They are communicative, cooperative, dependable and enjoy sharing their knowledge. They are caring, loyal friends and have an intense interest in human beings. They can be uncertain of their true identity since they are precarious, non-conformists. They often have original, unexpected ideas. Negative attributes include tactless, rude, perversity, voyeuristic curiousity, self-interest, lack of confidence and unwilling to share ideas or fight for beliefs. Aquarius is the fixed air sign and can be likened to a paraglider, jumping off the earth to explore a rainbow, yet aware of how to ensure a safe landing. Ideas may be unusual or original but once formed they tend to remain fixed. The glyph or symbol represents the eternal flow of spiritual energy.

Spiritual Goal: To learn how to develop true self-confidence.

Pisces: The Fishes (19th February – 20th March) is concerned with compassion, sympathy, love, altruism, dreams, the psychic, precognition, sixth sense, illusions, magic, film, fantasy, make-believe, art, drama, music, poetry, prose, dance, unusual talent, memory, wisdom, versatility, sensitivity, intuition, humour, satire, secrets, fulfilment of life and eternity. Pisces can accept the challenges of life and rise to the top, or can give in to the easy way of oblivion and sick to the bottom. They must find peace through beauty, music and harmony. They need to turn their private, mystical, dream world of love and compassion into a reality. They are romantic, shy, spiritual, open-minded, receptive, impressionable, perceptive, creative, sympathetic, tender, hospitable, humane and compassionate. They can lose touch with reality, become too emotionally involved with others problems and tend to blame themselves for everything. Negative attributes include self-pitying, gullibility, indecision, dependency, escapism, sensationalism and depression. Pisces is the mutable water sign and can be likened to a warm, turquoise lagoon, twinkling in the sunshine or a strong ocean current rising from the depths. The glyph or symbol depicts being pulled in two opposite directions.

Spiritual Goal: To learn the meaning of peace through service to others.

The Modes

Cardinal = Initiating; gets things going 
Fixed = Persisting; gets things done
Mutable = Alternating; adaptable, flexible

The Elements

Earth = Physical (common sense, practicality, consolidation) force that holds the atoms together
Air = Mental / Intellectual (thinking, communication) the energy that shapes things to come
Water = Emotional (feelings, reception, intuition) power of the unconscious mind
Fire = Action (practicality) Directed will; energy radiating out from the center

Evaluating the strength of elements in an individual

Assign 4 points to the element associated with the Sun
Assign 3 points to the element associated with the Moon
Assign 2 points to the element associated with Mercury, Venus, Mars
Assign 1 point to the element associated with Jupiter, Saturn

If 8 or more points are concentrated in one element = a preponderance

Key Reference Used: Zodiac Types by Collins Gem