The Horoscope

For the Celtic culture the forests, and therefore the trees themselves, were of supreme importance. They symbolized life and they were the center of a great part of their culture.

Celtic astrology could not be less. The different seasons were associated to specific trees that represented them. In all, there are 21 trees.

The 21 chosen trees were: olive tree, oak, birch, beech, fir, poplar, maple, hazelnut tree, hornbeam, chestnut tree, cedar, cypress, ash tree, fig tree, apple tree, walnut tree, elm tree, pine tree, willow, rowan tree and lime tree.

Each of these trees offers its characteristics and protection. The personality of each person is influenced by his date of birth and the tree associated to it. The Celtic horoscope will not make prophecies; it is not a predictive horoscope, but it can serve as a guide to face life.

Astrology in China, the Chinese horoscope, is based on a lunar calendar of 12 years. It is a millennial method, far more ancient than its western counterpart.

In the Chinese horoscope the sign of each person is determined by the year of his birth within the above-mentioned lunar cycle of twelve years. Each of these years is symbolized by an animal which has diverse qualities assigned.

These twelve animals are: the rat, the ox, the tiger, the rabbit, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the goat, the monkey, the rooster, the dog and the pig. Tradition says that these animals were chosen by Buddha himself, the Emperor of Jade, who being close to his death invited all the animals to visit him for the last time. But only these twelve came up and so they were chosen to symbolize the Zodiac.

In addition to the animal corresponding to the year of birth, the annual animal, the character of a person is also influenced by two other animals: the internal animal and the secret animal. The internal animal is defined according to the person’s month of birth. The secret animal corresponds to the specific moment of the day in which the birth takes place; each day is split into twelve periods of two hours.

There are also five elements (water, wood, fire, metal, and earth) that influence, as modifiers, the combined characteristics of the three animals assigned to every person.

Aries, the ram, is the first sign of the Zodiac and it goes from March 21 to April 20.

The sign of Aries is represented from ancestral times by means of the figure of a lamb, or ram. We can even relate this sign to the legend of the Golden Fleece that Jason obtained in Colchis.

Aries symbolizes action, enthusiasm, propulsion, and drive. It symbolizes the new companies, the conquests. It is usually associated with great aspirations. The characteristic drive of Aries is represented to perfection by means of the figure of the battering-ram that is sometimes associated to it. In fact, quite a few battering-rams had the head of a ram in one of their ends.

Aries can fall into abuse of authority and force.

Aries is the sign of Mars, the God of war.

Taurus is placed between Aries and Gemini, and is the second sign of the Zodiac. The Sun is in Taurus from April 21 to May 21.

We can find the symbol of the bull in the history from the most remote times. The Chaldeans represented the Sun as a bull which traveled across the sky. In Egypt the Sun was identified with the god Apis, whose figure was an ox.

For the Romans the figure of the bull also had its symbolism, since it was one of the creatures which Zeus transformed into. The first sign of the Hebrew Kabbalah is Taurus, and in the Hebrew world it is loaded with symbolism; it represents One and the First one, Adam in Paradise.

Taurus represents the animal that makes the ground fertile, the peasant who prepares his fields. Taurus also symbolizes slowness, resistance, stability, and perseverance. Taurus represents immutability, even obfuscation.

The third sign of the zodiac is Gemini and it covers the days that go from May 22 to June 20.

This sign represents friendship, union. We can look for the mythological referent in the friendship between two heroes of the Mesopotamic tradition: Gilgamesh and Enkidu. The Greeks possibly assimilated this tradition, transforming it into the twins Castor and Pollux, whose friendship was legendary.

In Egypt, Gemini represented the god Horus and the god Harpocrates, whereas the Hebrew tradition represents it as a double door.

Gemini symbolizes communication, duplicity, imitation, even hypocrisy.

Cancer is the fourth sign of the Zodiac and it goes from June 21 to July 22.
The symbolic origin of this sign is still somewhat dark, although it can allude to the backward movement of the Sun in this season.

The beginning of the period that Cancer covers coincides with the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere, which implies to a certain extent the rejuvenation and rebirth of the aquatic animals, for a long time one of the staples.

Cancer is a sign that symbolizes conception, intuition, and fantasy. Although it is also true that the natives of this sign can show a certain tendency to become withdrawn.

Leo is the fifth sign of the Zodiac, between July 23 and August 21.

The lion symbolized fire in ancient Mesopotamia, whereas for the ancient Greeks it represented the famous lion of Nemea, killed by Hercules with his own hands.

Leo is a sign of fire that symbolizes monarchy and glory, and also fortune and authority. These characteristics can lead to condescension and even megalomania.

Virgo is the sixth sign of the Zodiac, between August 22 and September 23.

The meaning of Virgo, representing virginity, has changed quite a lot as time went by. For example in Greece and Mesopotamia it represented the goddess who mediated between matter and spirit.

Virgo is a sign of Earth that symbolizes spirituality, order, coldness, abstract intelligence, as well as a yearning for knowledge of the secrets of life. Its most negative aspects tell us about its selfishness, materialism, stinginess, and even excessive criticism.

Libra is the seventh sign of the Zodiac, between September 23 and October 22.

Strangely, it is a sign for which no references can be found in ancient Mesopotamia or Greece. The Greeks only knew eleven signs and the space occupied by Libra belonged to the figure of a scorpion. It was the Romans who divided this sign in two.

Libra, air sign, is the sign of balance par excellence, of harmony, of justice, of peace, and of a knack for the artistic. But it can also lead to instability, unreliability, and even perversity.

Scorpio is the eighth sign of the Zodiac, between October 23 and November 21.

People in ancient civilizations used the scorpion to represent the descent of the Sun after the autumn equinox, the longest night, because of this animal’s predilection for dark places.

Scorpio, water sign, represents sexuality, creative energies, attack, and inventiveness. But it can also lead to overflowing passions, violence, or having no scruples.

Sagittarius is the ninth sign of the Zodiac, between November 22 and December 21.

Half-man, half-horse, Sagittarius is an archer always ready to shoot his arrows. In Greece his figure was associated with that of the centaur Quiron, Achilles' teacher.

Sagittarius, sign of fire, represents lucidity. It symbolizes the teacher, the intellectual, the philosopher, or even the wise hermit removed from human passions. Justice, independence, liberty, sincerity, warmth, and sense of duty are some of its characteristics, but also obstinacy, conceit, unreliability, and even egomania.

Capricorn is the tenth sign of the Zodiac, between December 22 and January 21.

This sign is related to the Babylonian and Egyptian traditions regarding the winter solstice. It is identified with a charitable being that shows us the secrets of life and death.

Capricorn, sign of earth, symbolizes generosity, wisdom, perseverance, caution, and steadfastness of character. Its intelligence is rational. But it can also fall into pessimism, avarice, pedantry, introversion, or even failure to adapt.

Aquarius is the eleventh sign of the Zodiac, between January 21 and February 19.

It is a sign traditionally related to rain and the water that bathes the ground. It has even been associated with the Universal Deluge. Paradoxically, it is an air sign.

The water of Aquarius is intended for the thirst of the spirit, or of the soul. It represents progress, philosophy, the advance of science and of skill, communication between persons. Its negative side leads to selfishness, lawlessness, eccentricity, or even to lack of humanity.

The twelfth sign of the Zodiac is Pisces, between February 20 and March 20.

It is a symbol of the resuming of agricultural work after the Deluge. The fish was also the symbol of the Redeemer that the first Christians adopted.

Pisces is quite a metaphysical water sign. Its fantasy and imagination, intuition, and artistic creation stand out. It symbolizes brotherhood. Among its negative aspects we find disorder, lack of ideals, hysteria, and even lies.

In the signs of Fire we can find a combination of warmth, predominantly, and dryness. Heat provides mobility and expansion, whereas dryness offers rigidity and tension.

These signs of Fire form strong, energetic characters of great vigor with very independent and active personalities. They are brave persons who do not avoid action when it is necessary.

However, the signs of Fire can have a certain predisposition to rage and even aggressiveness. There is a dominating vein in these characters that can lead to despotism.

They are signs that will fight intensely to reach their goals.

The twelve signs of the Zodiac are usually classified into groups to facilitate their study and comprehension. No unique classification exists and tradition has presented different possibilities along history.

If we center on the ancestral idea of four elements as the basis of the universe - water, air, fire, and earth - we find one of the most popular classifications nowadays.
The classification by triplicities divides the Zodiac into four big groups formed by three Zodiac signs each.

- fire signs: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius
- earth signs: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn
- air signs: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius
- water signs: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces

The signs of every group share similar characteristics, generally associated to the element that represents them.

The signs of Earth combine the qualities of cold and dryness, although the latter predominates.

Dryness provides rigidity and tension, whereas coldness offers cohesion, concentration, and even calm. The element Earth is positive and also materialistic.

The signs of Earth form patient and resistant characters, not easily disheartened by defeats. They are firm and stable, very persevering personalities. Determination and common sense are two of their strong points. Stability.

On the other hand, materialism can be exaggerated leading to avarice and selfishness, whereas determination can turn into obstinacy.

In the air signs we can find a combination of humidity and heat, although the former predominates over the latter. Humidity provides fluency, whereas heat offers mobility and expansion.

The personalities associated with the air signs are very adaptable, awake characters with lively reactions. They are intelligent and intuitive personalities, with a notable flexibility, qualities that turn them into excellent diplomats. Very sociable.

On the other hand, there is a certain tendency to unreliability and indecision, even leading to apathy. They are changeable signs.

In the water signs we can find a combination of cold and humidity, where the former predominates. Cold provides calmness and concentration, whereas humidity offers fluency.

The water signs form emotive characters with a certain sensibility. They are moderate personalities. They can be tenacious but at the same time adaptable thanks to the fluency of water.

On the other hand, the water signs can easily fall into indolence, coldness, and to a certain extent in a certain weakness of character. Perhaps they lack a bit of aggressiveness. They are signs that are going to accuse the influence of other persons or external situations.

Another classification of the signs of the Zodiac is the ternary classification. In it, the signs group together in three sets of four signs each.

- cardinal signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn
- fixed signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius
- mutable signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces

The cardinal signs have a predisposition to action and energy. They are active and vital signs. The persons of these signs will pursue their goals, although they can become impatient.

The fixed signs symbolize steadfastness and perseverance. They are signs of great stability that do not look for sudden or important changes in their lives. As negative points, their zeal for stability can lead them to obstinacy or obfuscation, and even to apathy.

The mutable signs are characterized by their instability, but also by their great versatility. They are adaptable personalities with great mental agility, although they can fall into indecision.

The binary classification of the Zodiac distributes the twelve signs into two big groups of six signs each.

- positive, or masculine, signs: Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, and Aquarius

- negative, or feminine, signs: Tauro, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, and Pisces.

The positive signs react actively to events, either by trying to direct them or by trying to dominate them.

The negative signs tend resign themselves to be led by the events without offering too much resistance.

The Moon is the star nearest to the Earth, and therefore it is the star that will influence in a more direct way the character and the behavior of the living beings of the planet. In fact, its gravitational force will affect the whole planet.
In astrology the magnitude of its influence on mankind has not been determined yet exactly, although its influence is quite clear in human or even animal behavior.
 
The Moon revolves round the Earth with relative speed, that is to say, it runs quickly through the signs of the Zodiac. It is in this speed where we should perhaps look for the origin of the changeable character of those people affected, the so-called "lunatics".
The lunar transition has an entire approximate duration of 29 days and 12 hours, and it is during this period that the Moon covers the whole of the Zodiac: more or less a sign every two days and a half.
When making someone’s natal chart, it is of supreme importance to know the position of the Moon in the moment of his birth, or the result will be incomplete.
When revolving round the Earth, the Moon exercises two types of influence on its living beings:
- the influence derived from the transit by the Zodiac signs
- the influence derived by the changes of the light reflected in the different lunar phases

The Moon in Aries: The Moon in Aries may favor changes of residence or short trips. It favors those matters that are of short duration, at the same time that makes those actions that need a long preparation difficult. It is not advisable to celebrate a wedding in this period.

The Moon in Taurus: The Moon situated in Taurus can favor projects thought in the long term, which require will, foresight, and steadfastness. It is a good period for weddings.
The Moon in Gemini: The Moon in Gemini can favor jobs that need creativity and which do not take too long. But it can accentuate indecision and can turn out to be a problem if long trips are intended.
The Moon in Cancer: The Moon in Cancer can facilitate and stimulate affective and family life. It improves the sense of humor and social relationships.
The Moon in Leo: The Moon in Leo can favor the development of the sense of justice and honor. It improves luck. But it can also favor a tendency towards dissoluteness and emotional instability.
The Moon in Virgo: The Moon in Virgo can stimulate the capacity of analysis and investigation of a person, and develops his sense of responsibility, although it can also lead to a certain affective coldness and unreliability.
The Moon in Libra: The Moon in Libra can favor social relationships that need oratorical skills and associations. It improves friendliness. On the other hand, a certain indolence and lack of ideals can appear.
The Moon in Scorpio: The Moon on Scorpio can favor the appearance of a very independent and somewhat aggressive personality, with tendencies to solitude. Also, it can reach perversion or despotism.
The Moon in Sagittarius: The Moon on Sagittarius stimulates the mind, intuition, and artistic skills. It can also promote rebelliousness and even aggressiveness. Social relationships become complicated.
The Moon in Capricorn: The Moon in Capricorn can lead to melancholy, even to shyness. The tasks that need calm and silence will be favored.
The Moon in Aquarius: The Moon in Aquarius can lead to the appearance of a great imagination and an aptitude for artistic jobs. Intuition will be strengthened.
The Moon in Pisces: The Moon in Pisces promotes the creation of dreamy spirits, with a tendency to look for evasion in daily tasks. It can lead to indolence.

A lunar phase is the name given to the different moon phases, which are: full moon, new moon (or dark moon), waning moon, and crescent moon.

These lunar phases really represent the relationship between the Sun and the Moon: conjunction, opposition, and quadratures.

The importance of the phases in astrology is made clear when making the natal chart, if they coincide with important points. The relationships that are established can lead to change the development of events greatly.

Are we compatible? It is perhaps one of the most frequent questions that couples ask themselves. What points or affinities do we have in common? Where can the problems or frictions arise? The horoscope can help us.
The compatibility between persons, either in a couple or in a friendship, depends fundamentally on the attitude of each one and on the effort that they dedicate to support the relationship. But the characteristics of each one’s sign are also going to influence, positively or negatively.
So that the study of compatibilities is precise, the birth charts of both persons should be compared, not only the birth signs. For example one should not neglect the ascendant, of great importance in personal relationships.
The Zodiac sign will give us information; it will indicate where the tendencies are, although its precision is not too high.

Compatibility of Aquarius with Aquarius: Friendship can spring between them, as well as a good work relationship, although lasting love will possibly never turn up.

Compatibility of Aquarius with Pisces: The differences between both signs are very marked, which might make them reject each other at first sight. It is improbable that love and passion spring between them.

Compatibility of Aquarius with Aries: A difficult relationship from the first moment. Aquarius is an independent sign, whereas Aries is somewhat possessive.

Compatibility of Aquarius with Taurus: They are signs that initially reject each other. It is difficult to create a relationship between them. There may be problems of coexistence.

Compatibility of Aquarius with Gemini: The resultant relationship will be very good, with great passion. They are signs with a great compatibility.

Compatibility of Aquarius with Cancer: A strong attraction exists between both signs, which can turn out into a good friendship. But the couple relationship may not have a very positive future.

Compatibility of Aquarius with Leo: They are not too compatible, and the relationship can turn into dislike in some cases.

Compatibility of Aquarius with Virgo: It is possible to become friends, but they are not excessively compatible signs. The couple relationship possibly will not prosper.

Compatibility of Aquarius with Libra: A great compatibility exists between both signs, in friendship and work, as in love.

Compatibility of Aquarius with Scorpio: Passion and attraction can spring rapidly, but it does not always turn into love.

Compatibility of Aquarius with Sagittarius: They are very compatible signs between which passion can arise. At work the relationship can also become very fruitful.

Compatibility of Aquarius with Capricorn: These are two extremely different signs, without trace of compatibility. It is very possible that rejection appears at first sight.

Compatibility of Pisces with Aquarius: Very pronounced differences and little compatibility make the relationship difficult.
Compatibility of Pisces with Pisces: A good friendship can appear, but it is difficult for love to spring. There are also difficulties in work relationships.
Compatibility of Pisces with Aries: Compatibility is not very good, but love can nevertheless spring. In spite of everything, coexistence can become difficult.
Compatibility of Pisces with Taurus: They are not compatible signs, but passion or attraction will be not be missing. Love is usually not a good idea.
Compatibility of Pisces with Gemini: They are not compatible signs and it is difficult that a relationship may prosper between both.
Compatibility of Pisces with Cancer: A good compatibility exists, propitiating lasting relationships. A mutual understanding will take place.
Compatibility of Pisces with Leo: Passion and attraction are frequent between both, but in daily life friction can turn up.
Compatibility of Pisces with Virgo: Although they are not fully compatible signs, friendship is possible between them.
Compatibility of Pisces with Libra: They are not compatible signs in love, but this does not prevent from trying friendship instead. Life together will not be that good.
Compatibility of Pisces with Scorpio: They are very compatible signs, in any aspect: love, friendship, work, etc. They form very good relationships.
Compatibility of Pisces with Sagittarius: A great compatibility does not exist between them and it is possible that rejection appears in the most diverse aspects of life.
Compatibility of Pisces with Capricorn: Compatibility is not so good and daily life regular contact may create tension between both signs.

Compatibility of Aries with Aquarius: A relationship between these signs is difficult, as their personalities are usually quite the opposite.
Compatibility of Aries with Pisces: There is no great compatibility between both, especially in lasting relationships, but love or friendship can spring.
Compatibility of Aries with Aries: A union of two Aries augurs a difficult life together. Both will show some intolerance.
Compatibility of Aries with Taurus: They tend to form complicated unions, in which problems are constant. There is scarce compatibility.
Compatibility of Aries with Gemini: They may have passionate relationships, but not long-lasting.
Compatibility of Aries with Cancer: There is no compatibility with Cancer and potential relationships never prosper.
Compatibility of Aries with Leo: They are two very individualistic signs but nevertheless capable of establishing lasting relationships.
Compatibility of Aries with Virgo: They are not compatible; their characteristics are opposed.
Compatibility of Aries with Libra: Passion may spring between these two signs, but there is no big chance that their relationship prospers.
Compatibility of Aries with Saggitarius: There is a limited compatibility between both signs, which favors friendships or long-lasting relationships.
Compatibility of Aries with Capricorn: Very little compatibility between both, which will show in a relationship that is not very good.

Compatibility of Taurus with Aquarius: They are two signs that tend to repel each other and which don’t have too many things in common.
Compatibility of Taurus with Pisces: They are not too compatible, but it is not an impediment for passion to spring between both, although it may be have problems to last.
Compatibility of Taurus with Aries: They are two signs that do not make a good couple; their relationships tend to end badly.
Compatibility of Taurus with Taurus: The compatibility is limited in this case. Both look for the pleasures of life, but not a lasting relationship.
Compatibility of Taurus with Gemini: They are very different and separated signs. The relationship between both is usually unfeasible.
Compatibility of Taurus with Cancer: A great compatibility exists between these signs, both at affective and work levels. Long relationships are perfectly possible.
Compatibility of Taurus with Leo: Very scarce compatibility. Absence of communication will be a big impediment for any relation between them.
Compatibility of Taurus with Virgo: Together they can build magnificent and lasting relationships, in any field.
Compatibility of Taurus with Libra: They are two signs that will find many problems to support any type of lasting relationship. Too many differences.
Compatibility of Taurus with Scorpio: The compatibility between both is not very high and, although attraction can appear, differences are usually insurmountable.
Compatibility of Taurus with Sagittarius: They are quite opposite signs. Attraction is possible, but lasting relationships are difficult.
Compatibility of Taurus with Capricorn: They are very compatible signs between which a great love can arise, forming stable unions.

Compatibility of Gemini with Aquarius: Both form very good relationships in which compatibility is almost complete, both at work and in love.
Compatibility of Gemini with Pisces: Very low compatibility that makes any possible relationship usually loaded with problems.
Compatibility of Gemini with Aries: Passion can appear between them, but lasting relationships are not frequent.
Compatibility of Gemini with Taurus: Great distances separate them, making almost any relationship quite impossible.
Compatibility of Gemini with Gemini: They are very compatible signs that can give way to great friendship or love.
Compatibility of Gemini with Cancer: Completely incompatible signs; their possible relationship is usually full of problems.
Compatibility of Gemini with Leo: Two fully compatible signs that can form fruitful and lasting unions.
Compatibility of Gemini with Virginity: Compatibility does not exist between them. Problems would arise in all areas.
Compatibility of Gemini with Libra: Very compatible signs, capable of a lasting and passionate relationship.
Compatibility of Gemini with Scorpio: Incompatible signs with few things in common.
Compatibility of Gemini with Sagittarius: Some compatibility occurs between them, but also enough differences. Problems can appear.
Compatibility of Gemini with Capricorn: Almost nothing in common between these two signs; relationships will possibly end nowhere.