Southern Hemisphere Astrology - Rulers and Houses of the Signs

The attributes of the signs (Western) or rashis (Vedic) is the most complex issue for Southern Hemisphere astrology. To determine the attributes of the signs, we must analyze how the Western and Vedic traditions assigned their attributes in the Northern Hemisphere. If we apply the same logic to the Southern Hemisphere, we can determine the qualities of the signs/rashis.

We see that each sign/rashi obtains its attributes from five roots:

ConstellationHouse/BhavaModePlanetary RulerElement

When we view the zodiac from the Southern Hemisphere, we immediately see that the constellations and natural houses are reversed. The sign containing the vernal equinox is associated with the 1st house. The next sign is associated with the 2nd house, and so on. Libra (Thula) is the vernal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere, so Libra is the 1st house, while Aries (Mesha) is the 7th. Capricorn (Makara) is the 4th house, Cancer (Karkata) the 10th. So our first conclusion is that the constellation and houses are reversed or opposite. The three other fundamental roots (mode, ruler, element) must align with either the constellation or the house.

We note the fortunate symmetry of mode. Cardinal signs remain cardinal. If a sign is on an equinox or solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, it is on a cardinal point in the Southern Hemisphere. The same symmetry applies to the fixed and mutable signs. The hemisphere makes no difference in mode. Our second conclusion is that there is no change in mode. The assignment of cardinal, fixed, and mutable modes remains the same as in the Northern Hemisphere.

We must give more thought, however, to the planetary rulers of the signs. The ancients assigned planetary rulers according to seasons. The luminaries (Sol/Surya and Luna/Chandra) were assigned the signs/rashis of greatest heat. The other planets were assigned rulerships moving outward in Ptolemaic order (Mercury/Buddha, Venus/Sukra, Mars/Mangala, Jupiter/Guru, Saturn/Sani) until Saturn/Sani (and Uranus) were assigned to the coldest months. If we do this in the Southern Hemisphere, we start by assigning Luna rulership over Capricorn and Sol rulership over Aquarius. Mercury has rulership over Sagittarius and Pisces. We continue until Saturn (Western) has rulership over Cancer, Uranus over Leo, and Sani (Vedic) over Karkata and Simha. Our next conclusion is that planetary rulership is associated with the house, not the constellation.

If we temporarily ignore element, we see that the only difference between Southern and Northern Hemisphere signs is a reversal of the constellation. Thus, the first house, Mars-ruled, cardinal sign (rashi) is Libra, not Aries. We need to integrate the symbolism of the Scales to that of Mars, the 1st house, and cardinal mode to define Libra. The final, and most intriguing root, however, is the element. Would Libra (Thula) be air or fire in the Southern Hemisphere? This is the most controversial aspects of Southern Hemisphere signs/rashis.

Copyright (c) 2012 Franz Josef Stern

Franz Josef Stern has studied astrological traditions for over 30 years. He offers current Western and Vedic astrology, and reconstructed Arabic and Norse astrology through Alt Horoscopes, LLC for individuals seeking psychological and spiritual knowledge from alternative perspectives. Through Alt Horoscopes, LLC, Franz Josef Stern offers informative, intuitive, and accessible forecasts for both the novice and astrologically sophisticated.

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Zodiac Signs - Where They Actually Come From

Have you ever wonder how these signs were formed? How could man see them in the shape they are known to us? Were they actually in shape of animals like Aries, Taurus, or Pisces? Have you ever tried to locate them in sky? Well that is what we are going to discuss here. In addition to this, we will be discussing all signs and their characteristics in brief.

The zodiac signs that are present today were identified by a human being long time ago. Man noticed that after every particular time period there is a different pattern of stars and planets visible in the sky. First thing he could do after identifying these patterns was to compare them to things available in his surroundings. This is how he named all of them: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.

All of these astrological signs hold different characteristics but some common behaviors can also be seen between all of them. All of these signs represent the sector of 30 degree of large ecliptic. Celestial bodies like Sun, Moon, stars and other planets are considered to determine them. They are also influenced by the time and location. Currently there are different methods that are used by astrologers to predict the nature and behaviors of these astrological signs but most popular are:

Western astrology

Vedic or Indian astrology

Chinese astrology

All of them are based on same factor that position of The Sun at the time of birth of an individual. They find out the exact position of Sun at the time of human birth. Sun takes a year to complete his journey throughout this circle of ecliptic. There are different periods of 30 days created which starts from Aries (March 21 - April 19) to Pisces (February 19 - March 20). These dates can change slightly by the difference of day as positions and timing of Sun are always changing.

It is said that there are four elements that rule these signs. Each element has 3 signs in it.

Fire element rule Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.

Earth sign rule Taurus, Capricorn and Virgo.

Air element rule Libra, Aquarius and Gemini.

Water element rule Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.

In astrology zodiac signs are also governed by specific planets. We consider only 7 traditional planets for this purpose. Astrologers have termed the Sun and Moon as Lights. Following are the signs and their ruling planets:

Aries: Mars

Taurus: Venus

Gemini: Mercury

Cancer: Moon

Leo: Sun

Virgo: Mercury

Libra: Venus

Scorpio: Mars

Sagittarius: Jupiter

Capricorn: Saturn

Aquarius: Saturn

Pisces: Jupiter

Zodiac signs are classified according to the qualities seen in their nature. Based on it there are 3 types which are:

Fixed type:

These types of signs are of stable nature.

Example: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius

Mutable type:

These types of signs easily adjust them in adverse conditions.

Example:Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces

Cardinal type:

These types of signs are most unstable in nature.

Example:Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn

Come, learn more about yourself and improve your life at zodiac signs, horoscope signs and astrology signs

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Astrology Forecast for April 2012 - General Tendencies for All Sun Signs

April will bring a return to the norm. Mercury and Mars will be turning direct, and the outer planets will be mostly quiet. We've got some good days coming and some bad ones, but nothing that will last for any length of time. If you happen to be under clear skies on Earth Day, April 22nd, be sure to look up. You may just see a falling star from the Lyrid meteor shower.

There could be some really cute pranks on April Fool's Day, April 1st, with the Moon in fun loving Leo. But, Mercury will be turning direct on Wednesday, April 4th, while Venus argues with Neptune. On top of the usual travel and communication problems that comes with Mercury changing directions, there could also be some emotional confusion through Thursday, April 5th.

We have the Libra Full Moon bringing balance on Good Friday, April 6th, but Easter weekend may begin with a few acts of stupidity with Venus and Mars fighting on Saturday, April 7th. Things will improve on Sunday. In fact we may find ourselves ready to really forgive others on Easter Sunday.

Pluto will be turning retrograde on Tuesday, April 10th. Pluto is the planet of powerful transformations. Those with dominate Scorpio in their charts may be extra sensitive Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, April 10th through the 12th. The rest of us may find that our tempers are short, or we may encounter a small tragedy.

The grand red planet, Mars, will be turning direct on Orthodox Good Friday, April 13th. Whenever a planet is switching directions, it can make things difficult. Mars is our energy and our sex drives. Mars' direct station may bring feelings of lethargy, or we may find our anger creeping up, especially those with dominate Aries in their charts. But, on the plus side, Mars is very close to the Earth right now and ready for viewing. Get out and take a look at the bright red star. Look for Mars in the eastern sky shortly after sundown. It will be 2 years before Mars is this close again!

Work could be piling up, and relationships may get neglected for the Orthodox Easter Weekend and the last day of Passover, April 14th and 15th. But, life will definitely improve on Monday April 16th as Mercury reenters Aries. The rest of the week will have little planetary activity, and we should be happy with our normal routines. Our nerves may be a bit frayed on Friday, April 20th, but the New Moon in Taurus early Saturday morning should bring a calming effect.

Earth Day weekend, April 21st and 22nd, could bring some very positive events into our lives. The Sun will be shaking hands with Neptune and dancing with Mars. This could bring our creative and psychic energies to the surface. Mercury will also be teaming up with Uranus, which means brainstorms ahead! As I mentioned above, the Lyrid meteor shower will also be happening above us. Viewing may not be really great this year, but if you're lucky, you may just catch a falling star.

The week of April 23rd will begin with accomplishments with the Sun and Mars still doing the Tango. It will be a great day for staff meetings and meeting new people. We may hit some minor obstacles on Wednesday, April 25th, with Mercury taking a poke at Pluto, and the week will end homeward bound under the influence of the Cancer Moon.

The last 3 days of April, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, April 28th, 29th, and 30th, should bring progress with the Sun and Pluto singing in harmony. The Moon will also be in Leo, so weekend getaways will be the best! No matter what we decide to do (or not do), April will end on a grand note.

Venus will begin her biennial retrograde in May, and some will want to reexamine lost loves. Also, we have a very positive aspect, a double grand trine, creating a hexagram in the zodiac for Mothers' Day. Check back next month to find out more.

Janet (Sparrow) Moon is a professional psychic and astrologer. You can visit her web site for more articles about upcoming events in astrology, and to read her daily astrology general tendencies forecast. (This article can be reprinted freely online, as long as the entire article and this bio is included.) http://www.sparrowmoon.com/

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Astrology Forecast for June 2012 - General Tendencies for All Sun Signs

There's a funny thing about the planets. Because they're always moving, when you have a spell of really positive aspects, like we did back in February, March, and April, there will be a spell of negative aspects in the future. I don't mean to be preaching doom and gloom, but June does not look good. June will begin on the crest of a lunar eclipse under the umbrella of Venus' retrograde and an approaching clash of outer planets. Needless to say, June could be a rather tough month, from beginning to end. There could be financial problems, relationship problems, and personal losses. Tread lightly this month, and for Heaven's sake, leave the big sticks in the woods. Conflicts could turn into disasters.

The first 3 days of June could be good for some but bad for others. It could be especially difficult for those with dominate Sagittarius, Gemini, Aries, Virgo, or Pisces in their charts. There will be a partial lunar eclipse on June 4th, (it will be visible from most of North America), and Neptune will be at his retrograde station at about the same time. Venus will be very close to the Sun when the eclipse occurs, and Mars will be squaring off with the Sun and Venus and the Moon creating the dreaded astrological T-square with this eclipse. Eclipses bring changes, and most of us find change difficult. Add Mars, the God of war, and there could be some incredible conflicts to deal with. Neptune switching directions could create confusion, and this could cause some of us to reach for our addictions to escape. Be careful what you say, be careful where you go, and by all means, be careful driving. Mars rules cars, so accidents will be more likely. And, watch out for the drunken driver, until at least Tuesday, June 5th. But, if you really want to be sure, wait until Friday, June 8th, before making any life changing decisions. Life should improve by the weekend, with Mercury and Neptune shaking hands on Friday, June 8th, and the Moon entering the humanitarian sign of Pisces, on Saturday, June 9th. The Pisces Moon will encourage healing and forgiveness, which may be very needed by then.

As I mentioned above, we have outer planets also squaring off this month beginning with Uranus and Pluto. Uranus and Pluto will be maintaining their square for the next five months, but we will get our first taste of it on Sunday and Monday, June 10th and 11th, with Mercury lining up to create a T-square with these two. Uranus can bring sudden, unexpected events, and Pluto rules jealousy and criminal behavior (when afflicted). Add Mercury to the mix, the God of short trips and communication, and there could be some tremendous arguments (and possibly accidents), to say the least. Jupiter will also be on the cusp between Taurus and Gemini during this time, and this could create restlessness. Stay focused, stay sober, and drive defensively.

By Tuesday, June 12th, things should begin to calm down. The Moon will enter Aries bringing new beginnings, and the Sun and Saturn will be working together to help increase patience and understanding. In fact, things should settle down and maybe even begin to improve through the New Moon on Tuesday, June 19th. Dad's, your day, Sunday, June 17th, should be rather good. It will be a great day for a drive and for sharing ideas with friends and family under the Gemini Moon.

The Moon will enter Cancer just a few hours after the New Moon on Tuesday, June 19th, and the Sun will enter Cancer (the first day of Summer) on Wednesday, June 20th. Also during this time, Venus, in retrograde, will be trying to soothe the Uranus-Pluto square, but Mercury will be teasing Saturn while shaking hands with Mars. Top it off with Jupiter and Neptune beginning their very own outer planetary conflict, and the trouble could begin again. Many of us will be feeling very emotional under the Cancer Sun and Moon influence, and those emotions could get aggravated to the extremes with all the planetary conflicts. There may be problems with authority figures, loved ones, and finances. But, there may be a pleasant surprise pop up for a few of us through Thursday, June 21st.

We may have a few good days between Thursday and Saturday, June 21st and 23rd, but maybe not. The Sun and Neptune will be working very hard to stimulate our imaginations and creative natures, and if you can, try to have all important projects finished by June 23rd. Uranus and Pluto will hit the first peak of their conflict on Sunday, June 24th. Then, Jupiter and Neptune will hit their peak on Monday, June 25th. Saturn will also be at his direct station (the point where he shifts from retrograde to direct) at almost the same time that Jupiter and Neptune peak out. Murphy's Law, "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong," will probably be the rule to follow until Tuesday, June 26th. Be cautious doing everything!

We'll still have problems through the end of the month, but they may calm down a bit by Tuesday, June 26th. Venus will turn direct on Wednesday, June 27th, and this could bring up more money and relationship problems. The Sun will be poking at the Uranus-Pluto square on Friday, June 29th, and that means jealousy, arguments, and sudden unexpected problems. But, Saturday, June 30th looks nice! The Moon will enter Sagittarius Saturday afternoon, and it will be a great evening for a road trip, or just to get outside and breathe the fresh air.

July will still have its ups and downs with another Mercury retrograde on the way, but not nearly as difficult as this month. In fact Independence Day could bring a pleasant surprise. Check back next month to find our more.

Janet (Sparrow) Moon is a professional psychic and astrologer. You can visit her web site for more articles about upcoming events in astrology, and to read her daily astrology general tendencies forecast. (This article can be reprinted freely online, as long as the entire article and this bio are included.) http://www.sparrowmoon.com/

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