Signs and Houses
We do not care to "convince a man against his will," and deem a defense of astrology
superfluous, but feel that it may benefit beginners to know the astrologer’s views.
When the Sun's rays slant, as they do morning and evening, they give less heat than at noon when they are more nearly perpendicular. Although we are millions of miles nearer the Sun in midwinter than in summer, it is coldest in winter because the Sun's rays are more nearly horizontal then than at any other time of the year. In summer the scorching heat of the perpendicular ray is not lessened because we are then farthest from the Sun. Thus it is evident from observation that the angle of the ray is practically sole determinator of its effect upon the Earth.
Astrology deals also with planetary angles and their observed effects upon humanity. It teaches that varying angles of Sun and planets give different physical, moral, and mental tendencies. The discovery of Copernicus does not render the tabulated statistics of astrologers null and void any more than it eliminates heat from the solar ray. When a certain angle has been established, a corresponding heat is felt today as before the days of Copernicus, and the finer influences dealt with by astrology are not missing, either. Neither is it an argument against the truth and utility of astrology that predictions sometimes fail. If all came true, it would prove life an unprofitable struggle against inexorable fate and the human will of no avail.
The path pursued by Sun and planets among the fixed stars, year after year, is called the ecliptic, and the fixed stars grouped near this great circle are called the natural zodiac.
In each of the twelve months the Sun appears to travel through a certain group of the zodiacal stars, and therefore they have been divided into twelve natural "signs" of the zodiac. Astrologers also speak of twelve "houses," and it is often a sore puzzle to the beginner to differentiate between these "signs" and "houses," and to understand their relation to one another in the horoscope. We shall therefore try to elucidate the matter as plainly as possible. Procure an orange, apple, or any other soft, ball-shaped article, and six long knitting needles. Pierce the ball with them in such a manner that they resemble twelve spokes in a wheel. The ball will then represent the Earth, and the projecting parts of the needles are dividing lines between house and house, each house being located between two needles.
Fire Water Air Earth
Aries Taurus Gemini
Cancer Leo Virgo
Libra Scorpio Sagittarius
Capricorn Aquarius Pisces
Sign Symbol Keyword House Body
Aries Ram Self 1 head,face
Taurus Bull Possessions 2 neck,throat
Gemini Twins Communication 3 lungs,arms
Cancer Crab Home 4 breasts,
digestion
Leo Lion Pleasure 5 heart, back
Virgo Virgin Health 6 stomach,
intestines
Libra Scales Partner 7 kidneys
Scorpio Scorpion Sex 8 sex organs
Sagittarius Archer Philosophy 9 hips, thighs
Capricorn Sea Goat Social Status 10 skin, teeth,
bones
Aquarius Water
Bearer Friends 11 ankles
Pisces Fish Unconscious 12 feet
Sign Element Quality Day/Night Ruling Planet:
Aries - Fire - Cardinal Day - Mars
Taurus - Earth - Fixed Night - Venus
Gemini - Air - Mutable Day - Mercury
Cancer - Water Cardinal Night - Moon
Leo - Fire - Fixed Day - Sun
Virgo – Earth - Mutable Night - Mercury
Libra - Air - Cardinal Day - Venus
Scorpio - Water - Fixed Night - Mars/Pluto
Sagittarius - Fire - Mutable Day - Jupiter
Capricorn - Earth - Cardinal Night - Saturn
Aquarius - Air - Fixed Day - Saturn/Uranus
Pisces - Water - Mutable Night - Jupiter/Neptune
