Gemini

(22 May to 21 June)

Animals: dog, squirrel.
Birds: parrot, linnet.
Colour: yellow, although most are liked.
Day: Wednesday
Origin and glyph: Two children, from Castor and Pollux of Classical mythology, which are bright stars.
Ruling planet and groupings: Mercury; masculine, mutable and air.
Flowers: lavender, lily of the valley, snapdragon.
Food: salads and fruit, fish.
Gemstones: the most suitable stones for this period are agate, chrysoprase diamond and jade, but all gems that sparkle brilliantly are in harmony with Gemini.
Metal: quicksilver.
Number: five.
Trees: elder, filbert, any tree producing nuts.


The Sun passes into the zodiacal sign of Gemini on approximately May 21, but this sign does not begin to exert its full and unalloyed power until about May 27, since for a week or so its influence is blended with that of the preceding sign, Taurus. Therefore, persons born between May 21 and 27 are also ruled in part by Taurus. Gemini continues in full force until about June 21.

These include such characteristics as liveliness, versatility and intelligence, but these are tempered to some degree by a nervous energy and a certain inconsistency at times. They are logical, ordered and very quick of mind, seeking variety in their lives, both at home and in their work. They tend to be good communicators but at times let their desire to communicate dominate all else. They can take in information very quickly if they are concentrating enough, but run the risk of knowing a little about a lot rather than grasping one topic in great depth. This is not necessarily a bad thing, of course.

They may seem to be nervous people, but that is largely because they are restless and inquisitive. They have to know everything, so they chatter to anyone who's around.
Geminis have vivid imaginations, and sometimes find it hard to distinguish between fantasy and reality. It is not because they really want to lie: they just can't help embroidering on the truth.

A Gemini will often seem to be two different people at the same time. Madly happy one minute, and unbearably sad the next. And then five minutes later he or she will have forgotten what the problem was.
In ancient days Gemini was symbolized by twin children— the Castor and Pollux of Roman mythology. Its astrological symbol consists of two columns united at the top and bottom, an apt illustration of the marked duality of mind and character displayed by those born under this sign. Gemini is known astrologically as an airy sign, and this again accords with the character of its subjects subtle, intellectual, and versatile, but restless, undependable and diffuse.
The moral and intellectual make-up of a subject of Gemini is like a house divided against itself. This lack of unity is observable in all his or her actions, and often leads him or her into the most perplexing situations. Gemini is ruled by the restless planet Mercury, and a Gemini subject is truly 'mercurial' in everything, for he or she seems to be governed alternately by the attraction of two widely different poles. At one time he or she is full of ardour, energy and enthusiasm, with sparkling wit; but before long a sudden change occurs without any apparent cause, and he or she appears cold, lethargic and unresponsive. Gemini subjects are usually intelligent to a remarkable degree; their intellect penetrates
rapidly to the root of any matter and strips it of difficulties, and thus they are extraordinarily apt at acquiring knowledge.

But the interest soon wears off, and their attention wanders to something fresh and untried; and for this reason their knowledge, though covering a wide range of subjects, is, as mentioned before, seldom more than superficial.

In their relations with friends they are most undependable   at one moment affable and effusive, at another, so cold and unapproachable that the perplexed acquaintances are driven to conclude that unwittingly and unintentionally they must said something deeply offensive. But when next they meet the Gemini he or she is cordiality itself. However, when the mood suits them, the subjects of Gemini are remarkably good company, being exceptionally witty, merry, generous and—at least, to all appearances—sympathetic and considerate. Actually, however, this itself is only a passing whim or caprice, and they are only kind-hearted when it suits their mood of the moment.

Their nature being what it is, they crave change of scene and activity more than anything, and so are driven on by an insatiable thirst for travel and novelty. They are happy and successful travellers, being able to adapt themselves to any kind of circumstances and environment, though not for long will they make their home in one place, if they can avoid it. Gemini people have very fair and unbiased critical faculties. They are able to look dispassionately at both sides of a question, and put themselves in the place of the other person. Their intentions are generally disinterested and honest, but are frequently spoiled by their lack of dependability.

They are often brilliantly clever, ingenious and inventive, and, given some fixity of purpose, there is no intellectual height to which they cannot climb, no depth of thought which they cannot sound.

Gemini subjects are usually refined, possessing artistic tastes of a high order, and are gifted with wonderful tact.Their keen penetration extends to their fellow beings, and they are excellent judges of character and ability. Since they readily divine the character and intentions of an opponent, and as a result are able to use his or her own weapons against him or her, they nearly always triumph in an argument or a battle of wits.

Most Geminis find it difficult to be punctual, since they are always being distracted by new things which they want to investigate. So if you make a date with a Gemini, you should be prepared to wait quite a while before he or she turns up (if indeed they do actually turn up).

Geminis have a great sense of humour, and if you have a good story to tell, you can be sure of a rapt audience. But if you start a long explanation with lots of small details they are bound to interrupt you or become bored: they probably worked out the punch line ages ago and can't be bothered to listen to all your waffle.

Their inventiveness and love of change causes them forever to be devising ingenious schemes or launching money-making projects, but these are often abandoned before they have a chance of coming to fruition. The lower types make clever crooks and sharpers, who usually succeed in evading detection.