Signs, Houses, Planets
Each sign correlates with a house as well as a planet. In some cases, a planet is assigned to two signs, such as the case of Venus with Taurus and Libra as well as Mercury with Gemini and Virgo. While there appear to be subtle differences between the function of signs, houses, and planets, it is equally as valuable to notice how similarly the three behave. When determining the motive behind each sign, house, or planet, viewing them in such a way can clarify and simplify the process of interpretation. Each sign/planet/house grouping can be understood as an archetype or simply a state of consciousness, a state of awareness. Furthermore, a sign can only be fully understood by studying its relationship with its opposite sign. Therefore, the following descriptions are listed in such a way.
Aries in the chart indicates the impulse to be assertive and direct, unhindered by others' input. At its most basic level, Aries is the urge to be individuated from all others, to be solo. It is unconcerned with its effects on others, because at its deepest level it does not differentiate between the self and the other or the self and the varying components of the environment. That function comes later with Libra. Unlike Aquarius, which also enjoys independence, Aries' individuation is centered on the human being as a separate entity apart from others entirely, whereas Aquarius consistently thinks of itself as intricately bound with the human race and works as an individual toward the betterment of that group. Aries correlates with the first house as well as the planet Mars, and this basic urge can be applied to each.
Libra, which is the sign directly opposite to Aries, is primarly concerned with the other. This is why Libra is known for its ability to relate, to harmonize, and to create beauty. Libra is also known for its artistic sense which results from its delicate interpretation of the ways in which opposites are able to complement one another. Libra is objectively aware of its separation from others and the world it inhabits and is consistently involved in correcting this separation by harmonizing its relationship to this "other". Therefore, style, symmetry, and balance are expressed as essential urges along with the desire to negotiate peace and fairness. Sensitivity also results from Libra's ability to recognize its impact on others, since the subjective awareness expressed by Aries, that all experiences are simply its own experiences, is replaced by Libra's objective recognition of others. Libra correlates with the seventh house as well as the planet Venus.
Taurus is the urge toward form and the building of solid foundations. Its motive is stability. Taurus rules the five senses and the sensuous nature of life. In this phase, the psyche forms stories which reflect the permanent, secure aspect of reality. Taurus builds slowly and does not absorb new information or new possibilities quickly, instead relying on a plodding, stone-by-stone method which ensures weatherment against the storm. Taurus is the building blocks of mountain building, and it eyes its possessions, whether animate or inanimate, as extensions of its own need for security. It is nearly impossible to shift Taurus away from a mindset or set direction with any swiftness. Taurus must come to the conclusion that all is safe before taking important steps. Without this sense of stability, nothing of value could be created in the world and in the human experience, and value is an important issue to Taurus, value which translates into a thing's durability and reliability. Taurus correlates with the second house as well as the planet Venus.
Scorpio, the opposing sign of Taurus, is focused instead on crisis. As the complementary phase to Taurus, Scorpio recognizes the cracks in the foundation and seeks to destroy in order to rebuild. It does this by digging deeply into its own psyche, and often the psyche of others, in order to reveal the innermost urges toward emotional power and sexual union. Scorpio metaphorically sets off earthquakes which penetrate carefully layed layers of earth we are otherwise accustomed to relying on. The purpose of the Scorpio phase is to clear out the stale remnants of betrayal, loss, and abuse which form complexes and weaken the individual. Scorpio senses that which is beneath the surface, particuarly at an emotional level, and witnesses the demons and self-imposed states of hell which the human soul dives into it. Scorpio has the capacity to heal due to its urge to penetrate this deep layer and bring the contents up to the surface to be released and set free, thereby freeing the way for Taurus to rebuild again.. Scorpio correlates with the eighth house as well as the planet Pluto.
Gemini is well-known as the communication sign of the zodiac. Its urge is to splice information into digestible bits. Technology is born from Gemini's ability to do this, since the creation of the number system we use today has given way to advanced communication technologies. Gemini pulls us into the superficial realm, and its interest in a subject matter generally runs deep enough to grasp its existence, then it turns its interest to other things. Letters, sentences, and words are all the realm of Gemini as well as all symbolism. Buried within Gemini is the deeper meaning to all such things, however Gemini itself is mostly interested in labelling in order that we might be able to share such information amongst ourselves. Gemini conducts two-way conversations, in contrast with Sagittarius which disseminates philosophical truths in a one-way direction, i.e. through preaching or publishing. Gemini correlates with the third house as well as the planet Mercury.
