Tag: signs

Libra: The Scales

The constellation of Libra by Sidney Hall

As day and night reach equal measure during the autumn equinox, the Venus-ruled air sign of Libra espouses the civilized virtues of balance, harmony, and coexistence.

Virgo: The Maiden

The constellation of Virgo by Sidney Hall

A mutable earth sign serving as both the exaltation and domicile of Mercury, the Maiden extols the virtues of practicality, fastidiousness, and support, lending her considerable analytical talents to whatever job is at hand

Leo: The Lion

Sidney Hall’s (1831) astronomical chart illustration of the Leo Major and the Leo Minor.

Endowed with the heat of the summer Sun, the fixed fire sign of Leo shines through leadership and unique self-expression, although the regal Lion may succumb to vanity and dogma.

Cancer: The Crab

Sidney Hall’s (1831) astronomical chart illustration of the zodiac Cancer.

A hard shell, grasping claws and cautious approach protect the gentle, receptive interior of Cancer, the cardinal water sign. But it is the Moon-ruled sign’s symbolic relationship to the Sun and the nourishing role of emotional care that reveal its essential nature.

Gemini: The Twins

Sidney Hall’s (1831) astronomical chart illustration of the zodiac Gemini.

Mentally agile and curious, the mutable, Mercury-ruled air sign of Gemini gathers information, synthesizes, and reports. But at its mythological roots, this sign’s capacity to be two things at once reveals the unifying power of companionship.

Taurus: The Bull

Sidney Hall’s astronomical chart illustration of the Taurus.

The fixed earth sign of Taurus represents the forward momentum of spring, with its placid nature and capacity for creation. But while the Bull’s impulse is toward taking root and building, if its Venusian peace is disturbed it can become a destructive force not to be trifled with.

Aries: The Ram

Sidney Hall’s astronomical chart illustration of Aries and Musca Borealis. A ram and a fly forming the constellations.

Filled with the vitality of spring, Aries is the sign of new beginnings. While the Ram rushes forward to meet any challenge head-on, the flame of this cardinal fire sign peters out just as quickly as it is lit.

Pisces: The Fish

Pisces - Two fish tethered with a ribbon forming the constellations. Sidney Hall.

Sensitive and spiritually magnanimous, watery Pisces is represented by two fish bound by a cord, representing the duality implicit in this mutable sign.

Capricorn: The Goatfish

Sidney Hall’s astronomical chart illustration of zodiac Capricorn. A mermaid goat forming the constellations.

The profound wisdom of Ea, the ancient “antelope of the ocean”, and the influence of rule-loving Saturn give this sign its staid and hardworking nature as the steadfast Capricorn climbs ever higher up the mountain peak of life.

Sagittarius: The Archer

Sagittarius, the archer, colored engraving by S. Hall.

Like the mutable flames of a wildfire, Sagittarius blazes through life with enthusiasm and curiosity, eschewing limits to exploration as the far-sighted Archer fixes their sights on a distant future.