Astrological sign
Sun signs, or signs of the zodiac, are used in astrology to assign personality characteristics to people using what are known as horoscopes.[1] One's sun sign is the constellation that the sun was directly in front of on one's date of birth. People also have moon signs, rising signs, and a sign for every planet, each of which supposedly influences different aspects of one's personality.
| Style over substance Pseudoscience |
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| Popular pseudosciences |
| Random examples |
v - t - e |
The signs
| Sign | Birthdates | Element | Symbol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aries | March 21-April 20 | Fire | |
| Taurus | April 21-May 21 | Earth | |
| Gemini | May 22-June 21 | Air | |
| Cancer | June 22-July 22 | Water | |
| Leo | July 23-August 21 | Fire | |
| Virgo | August 22-September 23 | Earth | |
| Libra | September 24-October 23 | Air | |
| Scorpio | October 24-November 22 | Water | |
| Sagittarius | November 23-December 22 | Fire | |
| Capricorn | December 23-January 20 | Earth | |
| Aquarius | January 21-February 19 | Air | |
| Pisces | February 20-March 20 | Water |
Besides astrology, alchemy also relied on the "elements" (fire, earth, air, water) for its pseudoscientific endeavors.
It is interesting to note how despite containing the root Aqua and its symbol being the water bearer Aquarius is of the element air, as well as that those signs are also often identified with some of the Tarot's Major Arcana (the easiest to guess are Leo with Strength -as said animal is featured on said arcanum-, Libra with Justice for obvious reasons, Capricorn (of course) with the Devil, and Aquarius with the Star as both represent someone pouring down water. All others are trickier and have to see with them sharing some traits, or something alike)
By this system, we should honor people born between December 23 and January 20 (Capricorn) above all others, for their sign is the goat. Wow, this includes Jesus Christ, b. approx, 12/25/03 BCE. (No, not really. If we believe that whole "shepherds watching their flocks by night" thing in Luke 2:8, He was a summer baby.)
- But all other than Geminis, er, suck. Repeat as necessary.
- But all other than Sagittarians, er, suck. Repeat as necessary.
- But all other than Aquarians, er, suck. Repeat as necessary.
- But all other than Leos, er, suck. Repeat as necessary.
- But all other than Pisces, er, suck. Repeat as necessary.
- Oh, no, I don't want to play with Scorpio children. And Taurus children are even worse — they're so stubborn and they charge around like they own the place! I'm awfully glad I'm a Virgo!
- It's strange that Leonardo DiCaprio is neither a Leo nor a Capricorn.
- Cancer has become such an unpopular term, due to a certain pernicious disease, that many astrologers refer to those born under this sign as "Moon Children" instead.
In early 2011, the internet launched itself into headless chicken mode, with the announcement of a 13th sun sign, "Ophiuchus," and the fact that many people would now be falling under a new sun sign.[2]
But if astrology isn't real, why do I identify so much with my sign?
The signs are written vaguely with many adjectives that possibly contradict each other. No person is going to look at their sign and say "Well, that's 100% not me!". If you read the descriptions for other signs, you might find elements in them that fit you just as well, perhaps better than your birth sign.
See also
References
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