Astrology is a very curious topic with many differing opinions regarding it.  Some call it fake, while others revere it. Simply put, astrology involves looking at the planetary movements and stars for guidance and recognizing them as controlling occurrences in daily life.

Though some religious figures consider astrology idol worship, it is not.  My Jewish view regarding astrology is that God created the universe, including the stars and planets.  This creation, not solely made for our viewing pleasure, serves as a mode of guidance for direction and enlightenment.  I do not see astrology as idolatry because I am not worshipping the stars, I am using them the same way I may use a self help book.

The most commonly known aspects of astrology are the twelve zodiac signs.

1. Aries (March 21-April 19) – Aries, a fire sign, is represented by the Ram and ruled by the planet Mars, the planet of aggression, drive, and action.  Aries is known for being headstrong, bold, and temperamental.

1. Taurus (April 20-May 20) – Taurus, an earth sign, is represented by the Bull and shares rulership with Libra in Venus, the planet of sensuality, romance, and money.  Taurus is known for being loyal, appreciating beauty, and stubbornness.

1. Gemini (May 21-June 20) – Gemini, an air sign, is represented by the Twins and shares rulership with Virgo in Mercury, the planet of communication, intellect, and logic.  Gemini is known for being adaptable, extraverted, and indecisive.

1. Cancer (June 21-July 22) – Cancer, a water sign, is represented by the Crab and ruled by the Moon, the rock of emotion, moods, and instinct.  Cancer is known for being nurturing, protective, and secretive.

1. Leo (July 23-August 22) – Leo, a fire sign, is represented by the Lion and ruled by the Sun, the star of ego, drive, and expression.  Leo is known for being courageous, affectionate, and dramatic.

1. Virgo (August 23-September 22) – Virgo, an earth sign, is represented by the Maiden and shares rulership with Gemini in Mercury, the planet of communication, intellect, and logic.  Virgo is known for being caring, critical, and perfectionist.

1. Libra (September 23-October 22) – Libra, an air sign, is represented by the Scales and shares rulership with Taurus in Venus, the planet of sensuality, romance, and money.  Libra is known for being fair, sociable, and superficial.

1. Scorpio (October 23-November 21) – Scorpio, a water sign, is represented by the Scorpion and is primarily ruled by Pluto (which is still a planet in astrology), the planet of transformation, death, and power.  Scorpio is known for being mysterious, passionate, and ambitious.

1. Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) – Sagittarius, a fire sign, is represented by the Archer and is ruled by Jupiter, the planet of luck, optimism, and growth.  Sagittarius is known for being freedom-loving, optimistic, and restless.

1. Capricorn (December 22-January 19) –  Capricorn, an earth sign, is represented by the Goat and is ruled by Saturn, the planet of rules, authority, and self control.  Capricorn is known for being pessimistic, disciplined, and pragmatic.

1. Aquarius (January 20-February 18) – Aquarius, an air sign, is represented by the Water Bearer and is primarily ruled by Uranus, the planet of creativity, innovation, and rebellion.  Aquarius is known for being independent, apathetic, and eccentric.

1. Pisces (February 19-March 20) – Pisces, a water sign, is represented by the Fish and is primarily ruled by Neptune, the planet of intuition, imagination, and spirituality.  Pisces is known for being mythical, gullible, and idealistic.

In the sign descriptions, you may have noticed that I specified which sign is classified as a fire, earth, air, or water sign.  Fire signs are passionate, energetic, and driven.  Earth signs are grounded, loyal, and materialistic.  Air signs are intellectual, curious, and analytical.  Water signs are intuitive, emotional, and deep thinkers.

One of the most common questions about astrology surrounds compatibility.  Every element is most compatible with their own element.  For example, Gemini and Aquarius are soulmates because they are both air signs.  Though, fire signs with air signs (air fuels fire) are also compatible as well as earth signs with water signs (water runs through the earth).

These are only the sun signs which represent your basic identity, the core of who you are.  However, everyone has an entire natal chart which consists of multiple signs, all ruling different parts of your identity including moon signs, ascendants, and more. Astrology is very complicated and contains a lot of information, but this serves as a quick guide to the basics.