ASTROLOGY

Because moon phases, planets and zodiacal signs play a large part in our lives and in our spellcasting, I have added this section as a way to take some of the mystery out of all of it. You'll find the info very helpful in deciding which planetary traits you want to call on for yourself or your spell, the right moon phases to cast certain spells and grow herbs and what planets can help your spellcasting. This isn't complete of course so email what ya got!

THE 12 HOUSES

ARIES

MARCH 21-APRIL 20: Aries people are generally very strong, courageous and have a zest for life. They are known for knowing exactly what they want and going out after it. Aries are not easily discouraged either and they enjoy a challenge. When they are under pressure is usually when they are at their best and are qualified to overcome any obstacle because of their optimism and youthful attitude. Sometimes the fact that they like things done quickly, aggravates those around them since they are always active and on the go. But sometimes this quality can inspire those having difficulty getting started. On the down side, being tactful is not an Aries trait. Sometimes in their rush to get things done they can be callous and inconsiderate. Aries tend to be impulsive as well and sometimes pretty stubborn, refusing to listen to reason, if things don't go their way they can be irritable and nervous. If you can keep up a relationship with an Aries, their optimism is contagious. RULING PLANET: Mars SIGN QUALITY: Cardinal ELEMENT: Fire PRIMARY COLOR: Red

TAURUS

APRIL 21-MAY 20: Taurans are known for their concentration and tenacity, they are their strongest qualities. They get along with others well because of their tendency to help those in need. Unlike Aries need for quick results, Taurans achieve their goals through perseverance, sometimes taking a longer road to get there, but they never leave work unfinished. They are generally honest, forthright and very thorough in their work. Taurans are tolerant people and don't believe in taking unnecessary risks, so they weigh every angle before making a decision. The down side is that Taurans sometimes are a little too stubborn. Once they make up their minds they won't listen to any other point of view. They also don't like to be told what to do or be told that they are wrong. They have a bad habit of being suspicious because they don't like being deceived or thought of as not too bright and they take a long time to forgive. Tauran's are usually good family people though and can be reliable and loving. RULING PLANET: Venus SIGN QUALITY: Fixed ELEMENT: Earth PRIMARY COLOR: Green

GEMINI

MAY 21-JUNE 20: Gemini are known as being quick-witted and bright. They generally have many different interests and aspire to learn new things. Gem's are also very analytical people and enjoy exercising their minds through mental challenges. They can easily see all sides of a situation and make rapid decisions. Gemini's are mostly known for their adaptability, they can make themselves at home just about anywhere. Also quite imaginative, they tend to be very youthful in outlook and are consummate talkers, the center of attention at any gathering. The down side is that sometimes Gemini's try to do too many things at once and get bored with each easily, as a result they have difficulty finishing any one project. They are easily distracted and impulsive. In relationships Gem's are sometimes considered fickle because like with everything else, they get bored with any one man. If you catch a Gemini's heart though, life will never be boring. RULING PLANET: Mercury SIGN QUALITY: Mutable ELEMENT: Air PRIMARY COLOR: Yellow

CANCER

JUNE 21-JULY 20: Cancers most positive quality is their understanding nature, they are loving and sympathetic people. Cancer's don't like to see suffering and will do as much as they can to help others in need. They are very honest about their feelings and mean what they say. They are very patient people and will bide their time, generally sticking with something till it's finished. Cancer's are domestic in nature and enjoy spending quiet times at home surrounded by family and loved ones. They are maternal, loyal and faithful. Cancer's are very sensitive about their own feelings and the feelings of others. Known to be respectful to their elders, they are very attached to family and will ensure that those they love are provided for. The down side is that Cancer's sometimes find it difficult to deal with obstacles in life, they become timid when things don't go well. They can be very pessimistic and lack ambition, wanting to leave the hard things to someone else. If they are hurt they tend to crawl into a shell and need reassurance from others that they are loved. They are very atttached to their mothers, but will make a wonderfully warm home for their mates if they are domestically inclined. RULING PLANET: Moon SIGN QUALITY: Cardinal ELEMENT: Water PRIMARY COLOR: Silver/White

LEO

JULY 21-AUGUST 21: Leo's make excellent leaders, they are good with organizing and administrating. They find this easy because they are loyal and generous and very hospitable. Leo's are never short on energy and drive, they are blessed with confidence and the ability to make decisions. They tend to be direct, ambitious and honest. People value them as friends because they are good at seeing to the needs of everyone and getting the job done. It is their confidence that inspires others to work well and they will stick with something till it's done. The down side is that Leo's can be arrogant, they sometimes believe no one else is suited for leadership but them. Their opinion of themselves is sometimes very high and this can turn off a lot of people. They tend to be materialistic and occasionally lord it over others. Unfortunately, they care litttle how others think of them. If they find a mate who is as ambitious as them, they will be loyal and generous and keep them on their toes. RULING PLANET: Sun SIGN QUALITY: Fixed ELEMENT: Fire PRIMARY COLOR: Red

VIRGO

AUGUST 22-SEPTEMBER 22: Virgo's are generally busy people, they make good planners and organizers. They are practical and don't fear hard work. A Virgo will never shrink from their duties, but will stick with it till it's done and are dependable, trustworthy people. They tend to do everything to perfection, they will never do anything halfway and are always striving to better themselves. They are very observant, open and earnest, they aren't secretive people and will keep their word. Virgo's like to keep well informed and up to date. They are responsible and not given to excess. The down side is that sometimes Virgo's are too critical, they believe only they can do something the way it should be done. Since they strive for perfection, everyone else tends to fall short of their expectations and are seen as inferior. They tend to quibble over insignificant details and is sometimes tactless in telling others their shortcomings. Sometimes they seem emotionless and are very tidy and neat. With money they can be miserly. Their mates however will never worry about them failing or keeping something from them. RULING PLANET: Mercury SIGN QUALITY: Mutable ELEMENT: Earth PRIMARY COLOR: Green/Amber

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 23-OCTOBER 22: Libra's greatest trait is their love for harmony. They are devoted to achieving balance in all things. Beauty and grace attracts them and they are kind and considerate people. They are very sympathetic and will go out of their way not to hurt someone. Libra's always make great friends because they are loyal and amiable and enjoy company. They generally keep an open mind and take the moderate view of things. They are fair-minded and always strive for justice so you can always find them in the position of moderator in any fight. They like to keep their homes tastfully furnished and enjoy being the hostess at parties and get along with everyone. On the down side though, Libra's can be insincere, in their quest for harmony they will lie to achieve it. Sometimes the truth is too much and they would rather escape somewhere to a fantasy world. Sometimes if an argument gets too heated Libra's would rather give in then continue, even if they are right because they don't like disharmony. They can be jealous people also. Their mate's however will always have a harmonious environment and a loyal friend. RULING PLANET: Venus SIGN QUALITY: Cardinal ELEMENT: Air PRIMARY COLOR: Royal Blue

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 23-NOVEMBER 22: Scorpio's know what they want in life and are determined to get it. They rarely say anything they don't mean and are sincere people. When they set a goal for themselves, they try to achieve it in a direct way and do it with bravery and courage. Obstacles do not frighten them, nor does hard work. Though they are determined they are also loving and can be very tender. They care about sincerity and their feelings about someone tend to last and are very strong. They have a set of principles they will not break from and are constructive people. Challenge brings out the best in a Scorpio. On the down side though, Scorpio's can be hypersensitive much like Cancer's. They sometimes imagine things that aren't there. They sometimes boast to make up for the fact that often they feel unworthy. Scorpio's can be competitive, proud and arrogant. Sometimes in getting what they want they can be ruthless and not care what others think. Scorpio's tend to be vengeful people as well, but they are known for being consummate lovers and are protective of their loved ones. RULING PLANET: Pluto SIGN QUALITY: Fixed ELEMENT: Water PRIMARY COLOR: Black/Red

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23-DECEMBER 20: Sagittarians are honest and forthright people, they approach life with earnesty and openess. They are open minded and tolerant, they do not like pretension or deceit and have high standards. They tend to be very trustful and expect others to return that trust. They aren't prone to suspicion or envy and people enjoy their company because they are easygoing and good humored. They can always be depended on and is imaginative. Sagittarians are forgiving people and enjoy the outdoors. On the down side, Sagittarian's are restless people, they tend to take foolish risks and don't learn from their mistakes. They are bad with money and gamble with their finances too much. Sometimes they are too outspoken and can hurt others by putting their foot in their mouths. They sometimes make promises they can't keep and waste a lot of their energy. They will be faithful however and always trusting. RULING PLANET: Jupiter SIGN QUALITY: Mutable ELEMENT: Fire PRIMARY COLOR: Purple

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 21-JANUARY 19: Capricorn's are stable and patient, they will stick to a task and see it through. They are not averse to hard work and are honest and serious about whatever they do. They are very practical and responsible people. Capricorn's are ambitious, determined and have a good head for business.They spend their money wisely and don't like waste. They are charitable, loyal and trustworthy. Their biggest asset is that they are self-reliant. On the down side they can be overly critical of others. They have high standards and expect others to live up to them. Capricorn's tend to have high opinions of themselves and can be materialistic. Sometimes they think they know what is best for everyone and will be bossy about it. They will try to take over a situation and organize things. They will however be honest and forthright with their mates and money problems will never be a factor. RULING PLANET: Saturn SIGN QUALITY: Cardinal ELEMENT: Earth PRIMARY COLOR: Brown/Green

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 20-FEBRUARY 18: Aquarian's are generally very honest and forthright, they can always be depended on because their word is their bond. They have high standards for themselves but are among the most tolerant of all the zodiacs, they respect others and would never do anything to hurt another. They are considerate and willing to help someone in need. They are however very individualstic and tend to go their own way but at the same time very community minded. They are humanitarians and are free of prejudice and tend to have no trouble getting along with others. On the down side however, Aquarian's tend to be dreamers, they make plans but don't carry them out. Sometimes they are unrealistic and their imagination runs away with them. hey can seem a bit eccentric and out of touch with reality. They can be critical of others and seldom admit their own faults. However a mate will never lack for imaginative things. RULING PLANET: Uranus SIGN QUALITY: Fixed ELEMENT: Air PRIMARY COLOR: Electric Blue

PISCES

FEBRUARY 19-MARCH 20: Pisces are very sympathetic and dedicated to helping others. People often turn to them for advice because Pisces possess a keen intuition and can understand peoples problems. Pisces are very broadminded and will not criticize others for their faults. They are loyal and trustworthy, accepting people for who they are. They are generous, good-natured and love harmony. Pisces often know when something is wrong before that person knows it. They are idealistic and want to make the world better. They believe in everyone doing their part in cooperation with others. The down side is that Pisces are subject to depression and feel they have been given a raw deal. They tend to feel others are taking advantage and that the world is cruel, because of this they are often discouraged. They tend to withdraw into a shell and can be lazy and lacking in willpower. They do however make devoted mates because they tend to be romantic minded. RULING PLANET: Neptune SIGN QUALITY: Mutable ELEMENT: Water PRIMARY COLOR: Light Purple

RULING PLANETS

SUN: The Sun symbolizes the potential of all human beings, it being the source of all life on Earth. It is a representation of the cycle of life, from birth to death. Other planets may have a large impact on their houses behavior, the Sun has a greater influence depending on it's position in the sky. It symbolizes strength, vigor, generosity and ardor, in excess it is pushy, arrogant, demanding and forceful.
MERCURY: Mercury represents the capacity for understanding your desires and putting them into action. It is the planet of communication of all sorts, writing, talking, hearing and observing. Mercury is responsible for forming our attitude and vision of the world for it rules how we interact with it. It also symbolizes intelligence, creativity and the desire to invent. In excess it can cause distraction, impulsiveness, fickleness and a habit of burning the candle on too many ends.
VENUS: Venus symbolizes beauty over all. It represents harmony, radiance, refinement, delicacy and charm. Venus gives us our need for sensitivity, affection and completion. It is also the birth place for that most elusive and intangible emotion, love. Ideally, Venus is the representation of spiritual love, unconditional and eternal. In excess it can be vulgar, tasteless, vain and self indulgent.
MARS: Mars symbolizes raw, elemental energy. It is fury and force. It gives us our energy and drive to pursue new things and adventures. Mars is the force behind courage, initiative and daring. Well channeled it can give you the constructive power to see things through and have self confidence. Call upon Mars if you are lacking in aggression, but be cautious, in excess Mars is cruel, angry, thoughtless, uncontrollable and very hostile.
JUPITER: Jupiter rules good luck, cheer, optimism and joy. It is a symbol of opportunity and new possibilities. It is the birthplace of exuberance, enthusiasm and generosity. If you are at a stagnant period in your life call upon Jupiter to open up new avenues of opportunity. In excess however Jupiter can make you think you derserve more then you do and can influence you to become sloppy, wasteful, careless and rude. It can cause overconfidence and overindulgence. Over all it represents the thirst for knowledge and raw potential.
SATURN: Saturn is the symbol of mysteriousness, forcing us to plumb deeper into our limitations and inner selves. It rules puzzles, enigmas and problems that need to be solved. It influences us to develop method and patience, for only through both can we achieve our ends. It conjures up obstacles and hindrances to teach us where we might not be putting our best into. Since it rules reasonable limitations and responsibility in excess it can bring on depression, jealousy and greed. On the upside, a healthy dose causes serious acceptance of ones responsibilities.
URANUS: Uranus rules unexpected change, upheaval and revolution. It symbolizes freedom from restraint and individuality. It governs great leaps of invention, brilliance and usually causes acccidents, unwanted seperations, eccentric behavior changes of plans but it also rules last minute decisions and unpredictable events that turn out to be for the best. On the the down side, it can cause rebelliousness, irrationality and a bohemian like way of living life, which is to say wasteful, uncaring and unresponsible.
NEPTUNE: Neptune is associated with an escape from reality, the existence of a higher plane and an escape from responsibility. Since it provides a temporary vacation from reality it is the planet that rules illusion, intoxication of the senses, inspiration and spiritual love. It sometimes causes a sense of higher responsibilty, as in a duty to the universe which can cause guilt, worry and anxiety. In excess it represents treachery, deceit, disillusionment and disappointment.
PLUTO: Pluto represents the end of a stage, passing of a milestone and a stage of development that is done and gone. It is a powerful catalyst for all transformations and symbolizes the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. It rules parts of your life that you or society adopt, then outgrow. Pluto is the powerful stage of destruction and creation and the ability to change your lifestyle and adapt. In excess it can bring a lust for power and a need to hang on to things that are outdated and hold you back from moving on.
MOON: The Moon has as large an effect on our lives as the Sun and is as important to our existence. It rules the tides, the movement of sap in plants and trees, the blood in our bodies and our behaviors. It's position and phase has a direct effect on how we act towards each other and our mood changes. The Moon is inconstant and always changing because it reflects the qualities of each sign it passes through, which can be postitve or negative depending on whether it's your sign it's occupying, a compatible sign or an opposing one. The Moon on its own symbolizes dreams, mystery and sensitivity.