THE SIGNS OF THE ZODIAC
Zodiac signs are the oldest known dimension of the horoscope and was veery simply just a way for historic astronomers to map the sky by using the constellations of the stars. As planets began to be discovered there was then a way of positioning those planets in certain areas of the sky by using the zodiac signs.  From an astrological viewpoint the zodiac is a static band around the earth which the planets can be seen to move through on their trajectory.  

At each moment of a child’s birth the planets will all be placed in a particular sign.  Where the Sun is placed gives us our Sun Sign.

There are twelve zodiac signs which complete the wheel of a birth chart, the start being with the sign of Aries which is in March at the Equinox.

The static zodiac band around the earth through which the planets move is known as the ecliptic.  It is a full circle therefore of 360 degrees which is divided into twelve equal parts of 30 degrees each.  It starts at the beginning of Aries and moves through the twelve signs finishing with Pisces.

Centuries ago as the planets were discovered they were assigned alliances with certain zodiac signs with which they shared certain traits.  As the planets move through the various signs, the qualities of those signs then become available to the planet on its journey. Rather like a snowball gathering more snow as it rolls down a snow-covered hillside.

 NOTE
At this stage of learning it is important to memorise and practice writing the symbols and brief descriptions of the zodiac signs from the following table.

• Symbols of the signs

Symbol
no. •  sign • range
Description


1 • Aries • 0°-30°
Representation of the ram's head

2 • Taurus • 30°-60°
Horned head of a bull


3 • Gemini • 60°-90°
Roman numeral «two», the twins


4 • Cancer • 90°-120°
Claws of the crab


5 • Leo • 120°-150°
Lion’s heart, the lion’s curved tail 


6 • Virgo • 150°-180°
Coiled serpent, 3 pillars in the earth


7 • Libra • 180°-210° 
Beam of Libra, setting sun


8 • Scorpio • 210°-240°
Sting of the scorpion, 3 pillars in the water


9  • Sagittarius • 240°-270°
Arrow of the archer


10 • Capricorn • 270°-300°
Horns of Capricorn, roof of the world


11 • Aquarius
11. Zeichen • 300°-330°
Simultaneously rippling waves


12 • Pisces
12. Zeichen • 330°-360°
Two Fish, two halves of a being, inside – outside