| Starcats' 12 Sign Tour |
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The 12 signs are archetypes.¹ The signs are also considered a basic theory of personality. Many transpersonal psychologists (noteably Jungians and the followers of Hillman, et. al), incorporate natal astrology into therapeutic practice thereby opening the door to an alternative means of exploring the process of individuation. Studies in mythology, psychology, philosophy, and ancient translations of astrological texts (Zoller, Hand, et al.), bring new techniques to bear upon chart analysis, and have enabled astrologers to read charts with astounding accuracy. A knowledge of the signs alone is not enough to provide us with insight into another person. In era where people still ask, "What's your sign," stating that you are a Gemini only fosters Sun Sign Astrology's stereotypes. "Oh, you must be chatty, prone to gossip, flighty, and in great need of variety. You probably work in advertising or sales, and have a lot of friends, none of whom you share your intimate self." Any Gemini reading this description would be insulted. And rightly so. Planetary aspects, the four angles of the chart, the elements, quadrant accent, and a host of other considerations must be examined before any assessment of our "Gemini" can be made. The signs are psychological backdrops wherein we derive the archetypical knowledge necessary to analyze how the 12 domains of life are negotiated. Each house, each sign, the planetary aspects and dispositors offer us keys to inherited and newly developed skills for living. The 12 houses describe our quest towards individuation by presenting us with life challenges that force us to develop our inner resources. See Horoscopic Wheel. The wheel will show you the 12 houses, the life focus associated with each house, the zodiacal sign associated with the houses, and the planetary rulers of each sign. This printable diagram can be easily added to your notebook. Learning astrology requires discipline and dedication. There is a great deal of counterintuitive work required. Memorization of the signs, planets, house definitions, and aspect meanings are just a start. The more sophisticated we become (and that takes practice, practice, practice), we begin to consider horoscopic projections such as progressions, solar arc directions, tertiaries, eclipses, nodal contacts, nodal reversals, ad infinitim. The 12 signs and the 10 "regulars" (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune & Pluto) are enough to keep us busy for a lifetime. Add to that the studies in Asteroids, hypothetical planets, Cosmobiology, and the incorporation of newly translated ancient astrological techniques and we probably have enough work for two lifetimes. None of the above is meant to scare you. In fact, I hope it challenges you to grapple with astrology and the changes it faces at the end of the millennium. Whether we are beginners, intermediates, advanced, or practicing professionals, the basics of astrology need not become "old." We can always add our personal experiences to the body of knowledge that comprises the celestial science. Our personal investment gives astrology heart. In the end, it is the heart that matters. Enjoy the tour! ¹ The original pattern or model after which a thing is made; a model or first form; a prototype. 2. (in Jungian psychology) an unconscious idea, pattern of thought, image, etc., inherited from the ancestors of the race and universally present in individual psyches. The Random House Dictionary of the English Language.  Starcats' 12 Sign Tour is dedicated to David Dikinis, President of Amulet Gems, Amulet. Navigation buttons below are photos of Amulet Gems' Citrine. Visit Amulet for the unique and original in gemstones & jewelery. Libra Email Gif by Moyra's Web Jewels
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