Symbolism of the Signs
Introduction to Zodiac Signs - 2
- written by Philip Graves - 1 Jan 2004
Symbolism of the Signs
Aries is represented by the horned head of a ram, traditionally a weapon of the gods, and a symbol of will and the power to attack; by a sprouting grain, indicating the flourishing of new life; or by a metaphysical fork in the road. Aries is considered as the embodiment of Self.
Taurus is represented by the horned head of a bull, which is related to the ancient Egyptian sacred Apis cult, whereby bulls were buried in tombs and regarded as incarnations of Ptah, the god of Memphis, and Osiris, the god of the dead and resurrection. Taurus is considered the manifestation of the Self.
Gemini is represented by two pieces of wood joined together, indicating the conflict between two opposing processes of mind. The symbol is associated with Castor and Pollux, and with the Pillars of Hercules. Gemini signifies the relationship between the Self and substance.
Cancer is represented by the claws of a crab, or the male and female progenitors of new embryonic life - in line with the sign's association with nurturance and parenthood. Cancer describes the living organism.
Leo is represented by the lion's tail, or the nimbus of the Sun, indicating the creative energy and splendour of the cosmos.
Virgo is represented by the Girdle of Hymen, referring to the Immaculate Conception of a saviour of the world. It is also represented by a virgin holding a green branch or an ear of grain. It indicates the differentiation of sex.
Libra is represented by the balancing scales, signifying justice and equilibrium - clues to the sign's association with co-operation; or by the Sun setting on the horizon. Libra signifies cosmic reciprocity.
Scorpio is represented by the two legs and tail of a scorpion, its diagonal upwards-pointing arrow of tail signifying the sign's attacking power and traditional domicile rulership by Mars. It stands for cosmic purpose.
Sagittarius is represented by an arrow drawn upwards from part of a bow, indicating aspiration and effort applied to far-flung ideals. Sagittarius stands for cosmic progress.
Capricorn is represented by the head of a goat with the tail of a fish, which has been thought to symbolise the union of Christian and Jewish religiosity, and perhaps the contrast within the sign's psychology between practical aspiration and a sensitive inner consciousness. Capricorn signifies cosmic order and justice.
Aquarius is represented by a stream of water, depicting vibrational waves, such as those of an electrical nature, highlighting the sign's sensitivity on such levels; and by a man upturning a jug of water, denoting the liberal cosmic distribution of subtle vibratory energies. Aquarius denotes the co-ordination of spirit and matter via the humanitarian principle.
Pisces is represented by a pair of sea-horses tie together with a yoke, yet attempting to swim in vertically opposite directions. This symbol indicates being bonded to others, inhibited from self-expression, and torn between death and life, between failure and success, or between the unconscious depths and the surface of consciousness. Pisces stands for self-denial.
This article taken from
HOROSCOPESCHAT
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01.10.2006.