Western Astrology

Almost everyone knows his or her zodiac sign and the personal characteristics associated with it. Many of us read their daily Western astrology horoscope as a source of entertainment and amusement, but also as a guide for the day. Through the daily horoscope, people will be able to find out if they will have a good fortune for that day. The horoscope can also be used as a guide for the day, because usually what is written on someone's horoscope is a prediction of what will happen to them on that day. This means that the horoscope offers accurate Western astrology predictions about health, wealth, and love for each zodiac sign. Read on to find out more about Western astrology and the twelve zodiac signs.

Ever since ancient times, people have looked to the sky and the planets for guidance. Originally astrology was developed as a form of divination, in order to determine the future of people and the intentions of the gods (in ancient times, planets were considered to be physical manifestations of the gods). Modern Western astrology has its roots in Mesopotamia. The Mesopotamians believed that there is a connection between the earthly events and the celestial movements. They eventually developed the Western zodiac and the concept of natal astrology by the 5th century BC. According to the zodiac and natal astrology, the life of people can be determined, based on the position of the planets at the moment of their birth. From Mesopotamia, astrology slowly made its way into ancient Greece around 6th century BC. Astrology's entry into Greece coincided with the beginning of the first great Greek philosophers and with the rise of the Greek state and culture.

Western astrology in popular culture is usually narrowed down to sun sign astrology, which considers only the individual's date of birth or the exact position of the Sun at that date. The twelve sun signs are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. In modern Western astrology, the twelve zodiac signs are said to represent the twelve basic personality types and different talents. The twelve signs are divided into four elements fire, earth, air, and water. Fire and air signs are considered masculine, while earth and water signs are feminine. The zodiac signs are further divided into three qualities - cardinal, fixed, and mutable.

Planets In Western Astrology

In modern Western astrology the seven planets including the Sun and Moon, represent the basic drives or impulses of people. Each planet is believed to be the ruler of one or two zodiac signs.

Sun - Ego / Self
Rules the sign: Leo

The Sun is the ruler of the sign of Leo and tells us of the actual core of a person, the inner self.

Moon - Emotion / Moods
Rules the sign: Cancer

The Moon rules the sign of Cancer and represents the true feelings and emotions of a person.

Mercury - Communication / Thinking
Rules the signs: Gemini and Virgo

Mercury is the ruler of the signs of Gemini and Virgo. This planet represents reason and common sense.

Venus - Harmony / Affections
Rules the sign: Libra and Taurus

Venus rules the signs of Libra and Taurus and gives us a sense of beauty, aesthetic awareness, love of harmony and the enjoyment of pleasure.

Mars - Confidence / Energy
Rules the signs: Aries and Scorpio

Mars is the ruler of the zodiac signs Aries and Scorpio and symbolizes the energy and drive of an individual as well as their courage and determination.

Jupiter - Prosperity / Good Fortune
Rules the signs: Sagittarius and Pisces

Jupiter rules the signs of Pisces and Sagittarius and represents the search for individual meaning and purpose, hope, the sense of justice and the striving for spiritual growth.

Saturn - Limitations / Practicality
Rules the signs: Capricorn and Aquarius

Saturn is the ruling planet of the signs of Capricorn and Aquarius. This planet shows how we experience "reality", where we discover our limitations and represents the conscience and moral conviction.

Western Astrology - Zodiac Compatibility

Most individuals are curious as to what their love life will be like and when will they meet their soulmates. The sign under a person is born can determine the type of person he/she is and can also tell which signs are most compatible when it comes to love, friendship, or marriage. The following Western zodiac compatibility chart is meant as a rough guideline to help you discover your most compatible zodiac signs.

Aries - Compatible with Leo and Sagittarius
Aries is a fire sign, so it is most compatible with the other two fire signs which are Leo and Sagittarius. These two signs share Aries' enthusiasm and passion for life which makes them the perfect compatibility matches for Aries.

Taurus - Compatible with Virgo and Capricorn
As a sign ruled by the element of earth, the best matches for Taurus are the other earth signs, i.e. Virgo and Capricorn. They share Taurus' cautious, practical and materially-oriented approach to life.

Gemini - Compatible with Libra and Aquarius
Gemini is an air sign which is most compatible with the other air signs like Libra and Aquarius. These zodiac signs have the same objective and people-oriented approach to life, which contributes to a happy and harmonious relationship.

Cancer - Compatible with Scorpio and Pisces
Ruled by the element of water, Cancer is most compatible with Scorpio and Pisces. They have the same intuitive approach to life and share Cance's level of sensitivity.

Leo - Compatible with Aries and Sagittarius
The fire sign Leo is most compatible with Aries and Sagittarius because they share Leo's passion and gloriously upbeat and warm outlook on life.

Virgo - Compatible with Taurus and Cancer
Ruled by the element of earth, Virgo is most compatible with Taurus and Cancer. These two signs share Virgo’s practical and cautious approach to life and are equally diligent and hard-working.

Libra - Compatible with Gemini and Aquarius
Libra is an air sign which is most compatible with Gemini and Aquarius. Both signs are great matches for the charming Libra since they share the same thinking and objective approach to life.

Scorpio - Compatible with Cancer and Pisces
As a water sign, Scorpio is most compatible with the other water sign - Cancer and Pisces. These signs are sensitive and highly intuitive which makes them good compatibility matches for Scorpio.

Sagittarius - Compatible with Leo and Aries
Ruled by the element of fire, Sagittarius is most compatible with Leo and Aries. Both signs value their own freedom highly, so they find it easier to handle Sagittarius's desire for independence.

Capricorn - Compatible with Virgo and Taurus
This earth sign is most compatible with Taurus and Virgo. They are the perfect matches for the responsible and diligent Capricorn who has a practical approach to life.

Aquarius - Compatible with Libra and Gemini
Aquarius is an air sign and therefore, it is most compatible with the other air signs like Gemini and Libra. They share Aquarius’s thinking and desire for freedom and independence.

Pisces - Compatible with Scorpio and Cancer
As a water sign, Pisces is most compatible with Cancer and Scorpio. They are highly sensitive and emotionally vulnerable like the Pisces, so they find it easier to sympathize with their constant mood swings.