Western astrology, as the name suggests, is the astrological tradition widely prevalent in the western countries. The origin of the Western astrological tradition can be traced back to Mesopotamia, from where it gradually spread to the other parts of the world. The first place to be influenced by the tradition was Egypt, where many further developments took place. This was followed by its entry into the Greek or Hellenistic culture. The person who can be credited with the introduction of western astrological traditions is Ptolemy.
A Greek astronomer and astrologer, Ptolemy laid the foundations of the Western tradition in his work, Tetrabiblos. The astrology of the west is mainly based on the construction of a horoscope for a particular point of time, like the time of birth of a person. It is believed that for different timings, the position of the cosmic bodies is also different, leading to dissimilar influences. In the modern western sun sign astrology, the location of the Sun is the most important consideration. The astrological knowledge suffered a major setback in Europe, during the Dark Ages.
However, it was the Arab and Persian scholars who revived as well as expanded the knowledge and then re-imported the same to Europe in the Middle Ages. Slowly and gradually, astrology again gained back its position in Europe. Infact, in medieval Europe, astrologers were always consulted before taking any important political and military decisions. Today, astrology is recognized as a form of pseudoscience and is used primarily while making personal decisions or attaining information about an individual.
Western Astrology Signs
The western astrology, like any other modern astrological tradition, is composed of twelve zodiac signs. These twelve zodiacal signs are supposed to be representatives of twelve basic personality types. In other words, they can be said to reflect the characteristic modes of expression. The twelve signs or symbols are subdivided into four basic elements, namely Fire, Earth, Air and Water. More.
Western Astrology Signs
The western astrology, like any other modern astrological tradition, is composed of twelve zodiac signs. These twelve zodiacal signs are supposed to be representatives of twelve basic personality types. In other words, they can be said to reflect the characteristic modes of expression. The twelve signs or symbols are subdivided into four basic elements, namely Fire, Earth, Air and Water. Another basis of division of the signs comprises of the three basic qualities, Cardinal, Mutable And Fixed. The twelve western astrological signs, their basic traits as well as symbols have been provided below:
Aries
The first zodiac sign of the western astrology is Aries, represented by The Ram. It is a fire sign, which has cardinal qualities and the major area of concern as the personal self. The basic trait that defines the Aries personality is “I am”.
Taurus
The zodiac sign that comes next is Taurus, represented by The Bull. It is an earth sign, with fixed qualities and the major area of concern as the personal self. The basic trait that defines the Taurus personality is “I have”.
Gemini
The third zodiac sign in the western astrology is Gemini, represented by The Twins. It is an air sign that has mutable qualities and is mainly concerned with the personal self. The basic trait that defines the Gemini personality is “I think”.
Cancer
The zodiacal sign of Cancer, represented by The Crab, is on the fourth number in western astrology. A water sign, Cancer has the cardinal qualities and is the last zodiac with personal considerations. The basic trait that defines the Cancer personality is “I feel”.
Leo
The next sign in the zodiac series of western astrology is Leo, represented by The Lion. Leo represents a fire sign, which has fixed qualities and is more concerned about the society. The basic trait that defines the Leo personality is “I will”.
Virgo
The sixth zodiac sign is represented by Virgo, represented by The Virgin. It is an earth sign with mutable qualities and the basic are of concern as the society. The basic trait that defines the Virgo personality is “I analyze”.
Libra
One of the most sociable zodiac signs in the western astrology is Libra, represented by The Scales. Belonging to the air sign, Librans have the cardinal qualities. The basic trait that defines the Libra personality is “I balance”.
Scorpio
The next sign that comes under the western astrology is Scorpio, represented by The Scorpion. It is one of the three water signs, with fixed qualities and has the social aspect as the main consideration. The basic trait that defines the Scorpio personality is “I desire”.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius, the ninth sign of the zodiac, is represented by The Archer. It is a fire sign with mutable qualities and a universal concern. The basic trait that defines the Sagittarius personality is “I perceive”.
Capricorn
The zodiac sign that is next in the series is Capricorn, represented by The Sea-goat. One of the three earth signs, Capricorn displays cardinal qualities and has a universal area of concern. The basic trait that defines the Sagittarius personality is “I use”.
Aquarius
The second last sign of the western astrology is Aquarius, with the symbol of The Water Carrier. The last air sign, it is characterized by fixed qualities and a universal concern. The basic trait that defines the Aquarius personality is “I know”.
Pisces
Pisces, represented by The Fish (two fish), is the last sign in the western astrology. The third, and the last, water sign, it shows mutable qualities and a universal consideration. The basic trait that defines the Aquarius personality is “I believe”.
The Three Qualities
Cardinal
The moveable signs of the western astrology represent cardinal qualities. The people born under the signs with cardinal qualities tend to be forceful, dynamic, initiators and leaders.
Mutable
The bicorporeal or double-bodied signs have the mutable qualities. The people born under the signs with mutable qualities are quite flexible, gullible, caring, talkative, imaginative, fidgety, inconsistent, anxious, indecisive and careless.
Fixed
The four fixed signs of the western astrology represent the height of the four seasons. The people born under the signs with fixed qualities are firm, strong, determined, dependable, loyal, confident, resilient, static, obstinate and resolute.
