The Essences of the Territorial Elements – Part 14 of The Chemistry of Time
The calendar and its system for interpretation are fundamentally built upon the territorial elements known as the twelve zodiac signs. Each of these are responsible for their 1/12th portion of the total elemental combination that produces the times. Any given moment is said to be constructed from all twelve in relative volume, adjusted for the presence of active elements which modify, highlight, and otherwise alter the expression of the twelve signs. The active elements (primarily the planets) handle the task of producing actions and events, while the signs define the territory upon which events occur. They are the stage set, the decoration, the backdrop, and the context. They are the temperature, the speed, and the design. The signs tell us how things will go and their properties and characteristics tell us what things actually consist of. We have already discussed the triplicities and the modalities and other technical matters regarding the functioning of the signs and here we will explore their essence to help you begin to recognize them out in the world.
Aries
Aries is the sign of the Ram. It is the first sign of the zodiac, ruled by Mars, and is associated with the beginning of things, the spark that starts a fire, and quick action in general. Aries starts quickly without hesitation and can be aggressive, angry, and divisive. It is not known for its stamina and as quickly as it starts it can lose interest and start something else. It’s known as the exaltation of the Sun – the place where the Sun is at its most effective. Aries goes out and does things, because that is what Aries is.
Taurus
Taurus is the sign of the Bull. It is ruled by Venus and is associated with value and the land. It is concerned with things which are substantial and essential. Taurus is slow to begin but is a fixed sign and has tremendous stamina. It is about things which last, which are old, and which are genuine. Taurus is linked with the beauty of the feminine, wealth and currency, food and land. The element of Taurus is primarily concerned with receiving.
Gemini
Gemini is the sign of the Twins. It is ruled by Mercury and is in the Air triplicity. It is primarily concerned with ideas and speed. Gemini is classically doing more than one thing at once, as though there were two identical versions able to act at the same time. It is also known to be on two sides of a matter, or show communication. Gemini is very quick, very flexible, and very light as if traveling by air. Gemini is linked with transactions, language, ideas, and theories. It is inherently neutral, concerned more with the activity than with the substance.
Cancer
Cancer is the sign of the Crab. It is ruled by the Moon and known to reflect and respond to that which it encounters. It is moody, active, protective, and well-meaning. Cancer is a sign of giving and it does so in an active manner. Cancer is primarily concerned with what is needed and maintaining the flow of that. The crab is armed and will oppose all that which interferes with it.
Leo
Leo is the sign of the Lion. It is ruled by the Sun and is characterized by persistence, reliability, and the need to shine. It’s role is to be the light and like the Sun it must be unstoppable. Leo is concerned with reliability and loyalty and can be obstinate in ensuring those things. Leo is the hot fire that requires constant fuel to continue burning brightly. Leo is associated with good spirits, positivity, and trust.
Virgo
Virgo is the sign of the Virgin. It is ruled by Mercury and is concerned primarily with purity. It is the place of analysis, service, and precision. Virgo is associated with small things, details, exactness, and objection to that which is dishonest. Virgo is the sign of perfectionism, planning, and correction.
Libra
Libra is the sign of the Scales. It is ruled by Venus and is the sign of the fall of the Sun. Libra is concerned with cooperation, negotiation, and diplomacy. It is where the idea of what is needed is acted upon. Libra is on the cutting edge and outwardly-focused, seeking to maintain balance at all times. Libra is the sign of the image, appearance, and what is just and equitable.
Scorpio
Scorpio is the sign of the Scorpion. It is ruled by Mars and is concerned with depth. Scorpio is persistent, armed, and decisive. It is where the extremes are found through division, research, and thoroughness. Scorpio is the sign of investigation, defense, energy, and fuel.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius is the sign of the Archer. It is ruled by Jupiter and is concerned with pursuit. Sagittarius is out to explore so as to confirm and is associated with discovery. Sagittarius is the wide view of what is possible and is in persistent motion. It is nimble, shallow, and excitable. Sagittarius is the sign of belief, exploration, and affirmation.
Capricorn
Capricorn is the sign of the Goat. It is ruled by Saturn and is all business. Capricorn concerns the structures, limits, and hierarchies of what is. It is about sizing up the situation, acceptance, and doing the work. Capricorn is slow but sure-footed, clever, knowledgeable, and ambitious. It is the sign of mastering the playing field, climbing the mountain, and going the distance. Capricorn is concerned with structure, perseverance, and completeness.
Aquarius
Aquarius is the sign of the Water-bearer. It is ruled by Saturn is the detriment of the Sun, where it has the least power. Aquarius is associated with that which is to come and the structural ideas that go with it. The Water-bearer is an Air sign and is known to be light, crafty, and rigid. Aquarius is the idea of form, limits, and what is possible with what exists. It is associated with systems, change, and the new rules.
Pisces
Pisces is the sign of the Fishes. It is ruled by Jupiter and is the twelfth and final sign of the Zodiac. Pisces is associated with wisdom, adaptability, and faith. Pisces is symbolized by two fish swimming in opposite directions and is known for placidity, changeability, and slipperiness. Pisces is where things experience the least resistance, limitation, or structure. It is associated with fluidity, revelations, and that which is beyond the bounds. Pisces is certainty and the lack of concern.
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