The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need

by Joanna Martine Woolfold

  THE DECANATES OF CAPRICORN

  FIRST DECANATE: DECEMBER 22

  THROUGH DECEMBER 31

  Keyword: Responsibility

  Constellation: Corona Australis, the Southern Crown, garland of the gods. The constellation symbolizes commitment to knowledge.

  Planetary subruler: Saturn

  * * *

  Saturn, planet of discipline, is both your ruler and subruler, which gives you a serious mien and a talent for handling responsibility. You are precise and orderly and generally don’t trust others to look after details. When you undertake a task you complete it to the best of your ability. Once you’ve set your mind on a goal, you are relentless and determined. There is a quiet force to your personality; other people are always aware of your presence. You are both subtle and aggressive; you have an instinct for knowing how far you can push. Ambition usually motivates you, for you are never content to be an underling. Love brings out your affectionate and demonstrative nature. When aroused you are a passionate person.

  SECOND DECANATE: JANUARY 1

  THROUGH JANUARY 10

  Keyword: Fairness

  Constellation: Lyra, the Harp, formed by the god Mercury from a tortoiseshell. Lyra symbolizes harmony.

  Planetary subruler: Venus

  * * *

  Venus, planet of love, softens Saturn’s stern influence and gives a gentleness and serenity to your personality. People respond to your warmth and charm. Venus here also indicates an interest in beauty and design, and perhaps some creative ability. In your work, you are practical and persistent. You are a doer who does not waste precious time. You enjoy periods of solitude to read, think, explore new subjects. Possibly you carry on a large correspondence, for you write well. Travel holds fascination for you. Your lover, family, and friends take first place in your heart; you are devoted to their wants and needs. You are reticent about your feelings. Love is a deep emotion, and you don’t readily speak of it.

  THIRD DECANATE: JANUARY 11

  THROUGH JANUARY 19

  Keyword: Honor

  Constellation: Draco, the Dragon, the “seeing one” who guarded the Golden Apples. The Dragon symbolizes observation and intuition.

  Planetary subruler: Mercury

  * * *

  Mercury, planet of mental energy, adds impetus to the discipline of Saturn. You have a quick intellect and flexibility of character that allows you to adapt to different people and situations. When you give your word you stick to it; you treat others fairly and with respect. Friends and admirers are drawn to your spiritual nature. You are an idealist and a dreamer, but when motivated you are also an indefatigable worker. Money and material comforts are important to you, and you usually quickly spot where your best financial interests lie. You are a person of deep desires, though this may not be apparent on the surface. Life is often marked by a struggle to fulfill your inner needs.

  THE DECANATES OF AQUARIUS

  FIRST DECANATE: JANUARY 20

  THROUGH JANUARY 29

  Keyword: Knowledge

  Constellation: Delphinus, the Dolphin, ancient savior of the shipwrecked. The Dolphin symbolizes spirituality.

  Planetary subruler: Uranus

  * * *

  Uranus, planet of originality, is both your ruler and subruler, which accentuates your perception and quick mentality. You are capable and intelligent and deal easily with people. Your wit and sense of humor are advantages both socially and in your work. What others may consider obstacles, you think of as challenges. Finding solutions and a better, quicker way of handling things is what you emphasize. You are intrigued by new problems and need change in your activities to keep you from going stale. You have an affectionate and kindhearted nature, although a lover may complain of your detachment. This is probably because you try to apply logic to emotional situations. You are fond of analyzing why a person behaves in this way or that.

  SECOND DECANATE: JANUARY 30

  THROUGH FEBRUARY 8

  Keyword: Frankness

  Constellation: Piscis Austrinus, the Southern Fish that symbolizes knowledge and fertility of mind. The Fish drinks from the Fountain of Wisdom.

  Planetary subruler: Mercury

  * * *

  Mercury, planet of versatility, adds its energy to Aquarius’s Uranus, which gives a liveliness and sparkle to your personality. You have a spontaneity and genuine warmth that draws others to you. One of your most outstanding traits is your honesty and frankness in speech. People know they can depend on what you say, for you speak your true mind. Mercury bestows a gift for language, and you may have literary interests. You probably have the ability to sum up a person or situation in a clever and witty phrase. You enjoy knowledge for its own sake and are always interested in learning more. You want love to be a consuming and passionate experience, but you are too self-sufficient to be swept away.

  THIRD DECANATE: FEBRUARY 9

  THROUGH FEBRUARY 18

  Keyword: Association

  Constellation: Equuleus, the Little Horse, brother of Pegasus. The Little Horse symbolizes loyalty and the harnessing of strength.

  Planetary subruler: Venus

  * * *

  Venus, planet of sociability, combines with Aquarius’s Uranus to make you the most people-oriented of the three decanates. You have the ability to form close and enduring ties. Often your success in work comes through other people. You probably have an artistic nature and take pride in making your surroundings as beautiful as you can. You like people who do what they say they will and who show up on time. In your own life you are careful about details and tend to be critical about the lax ways of others. Travel and new adventure always excite you, for you are a forward-looking person. In love, you are romantic and affectionate and you tend to have a flirtatious eye.

  THE DECANATES OF PISCES

  FIRST DECANATE: FEBRUARY 19

  THROUGH FEBRUARY 29

  Keyword: Imagination

  Constellation: Pegasus, the Winged Horse who bears the rider of good fortune.

  Planetary subruler: Neptune

  * * *

  Neptune, planet of illusion, is both your ruler and subruler, which emphasizes creativity and imagination. There may be involvement in artistic or literary work; you have a talent for expressing your inner thoughts. You are particularly sensitive to the people with whom you share your life. Discord is unbearable to you, and you will do your best to shield yourself from unpleasantness. Your keen mind is open to ideas, and personal achievement is important to you. Often you must struggle to accentuate positiveness instead of letting negative feelings overwhelm you. You may suffer from physical ailments, but your character is very strong. Love is probably tempestuous, for you have deep passions.

  SECOND DECANATE: MARCH 1

  THROUGH MARCH 10

  Keyword: Compassion

  Constellation: Cygnus, the Swan. Also called the Northern Cross. The Swan is the celestial symbol of grace and beauty.

  Planetary subruler: Moon

  * * *

  The receptive Moon combines with the spiritual influence of Neptune and heightens your awareness of others. You have an uncanny way of knowing what those around you think or feel, and can use this power on a much wider scale. You are, or have the potential to become, well known not only in your circle but in the larger world. Your observations are keen; you are able to gather ideas or art forms and transform them with your own unique vision. Social occasions enable you to display your special charm with people and a knack for witty conversation that is one of your strong points. You are a romantic at heart, and love is a transforming experience for you. Unfortunately, you don’t find love easy to hold on to.

  THIRD DECANATE: MARCH 11

  THROUGH MARCH 20

  Keyword: Action

  Constellation: Cepheus, the Monarch who rests one foot on the Pole Star. He symbolizes constancy.

  Planetary subruler: Pluto

  * * *

  Pluto, planet of power, gives force to Pisces’s
Neptune and underlines your need for activity and outlets. You possess imagination and vision; if you harness your energy you can soar to great heights of achievement. Intellectually you are curious and like to explore the unusual or hidden. You are especially drawn to religious, spiritual, or occult matters. Solitude and periods of withdrawal from others are necessary for you to think, review, and meditate. You have a talent for writing or speaking that can move and influence other people. Your emotions are deep and strong; you understand first with your heart and only then with your head. Love motivates many of your decisions.

  WHAT IS A CUSP?

  Acusp is the point at which a new astrological sign begins.* Thus, the “cusp of Aries” means the point at which Aries begins. (The word comes from the Latin word cuspis, meaning “point.”)

  When someone speaks of being “born on the cusp,” he or she is referring to a birth time at or near the beginning or the end of an astrological sign. For example, if you were born on July 23, you were born on the cusp of Leo, the sign that begins on July 23. Indeed, depending on what year you were born, your birth time might even be in the last degree of Cancer. The Sun does not move into a new sign at exactly the same moment each year, and the dates for the different Sun signs may vary by a day or so. Even if the Sun were moving into Leo on that day, what time of day did this happen? Were you born while the Sun was still in Cancer or after the Sun entered into Leo? If your birthday is near the beginning or end of a sign, check the Sun Tables starting on page 425 or cast your chart using the enclosed CD-ROM to be absolutely certain which sign you were born in.

  Astrologers differ about when a person is born on the cusp. Some astrologers claim it means only within the first two days or last two days of a sign. Others say it can be as much as within the first ten days or last ten days of a sign. The consensus, however, is that you were born on the cusp if your birthday is within the first five days or last five days of a sign.

  With cusp-born people there is always the question, “What sign am I really?” They feel that they straddle the border of two different countries.

  To some extent, this is true. If you were cusp-born, you are under the influence of both signs. However, much like being a traveler leaving one country and crossing into another, you must actually be in one country—you can’t be in two countries at the same time. One sign is always a stronger influence, and that sign is almost invariably the sign that the Sun was actually in (in other words, your Sun sign). The reason I say “almost” is that in rare cases a chart may be so heavily weighted with planets in a certain sign that the person more keenly feels the influence of that specific sign.

  For example, I have a friend whose birthday is December 22. On the day of his birth the Sun was leaving Sagittarius and entering Capricorn. At the moment of his birth the Sun was still in Sagittarius, so technically speaking he is a Sagittarian. However, the Sun was only two hours away from being in Capricorn, and this person has the Moon, Mercury, and Saturn all in Capricorn. He has always felt like a Capricorn and has always behaved as a Capricorn.

  This, obviously, is an unusual case. Generally, the Sun is the most powerful planetary influence in a chart. Even if you were born with the Sun on the very tip of the first or last degree of a sign, that sign is your Sun sign, and that is the sign you will most feel like.

  However, the influence of the approaching sign or of the sign just ending is present, and you will probably sense that mixture in yourself. If you are cusp-born, you should recognize yourself in one of the following descriptions.

  THE CUSPS OF ARIES

  BORN MARCH 21 THROUGH MARCH 25

  You are Aries with Pisces tendencies. You are headstrong and impulsive, but there is a part of you that longs for peace and solitude. You resent it when others intrude on or interfere with your plans. Your intellectual powers are keen, and you enjoy probing into new areas and coming up with different ideas. You are clearly an individual. Warmth and sympathy come easily to you. Generally you are fond of entertaining and get along well with people. Your lovemaking tends to be passionate.

  BORN APRIL 15 THROUGH APRIL 19

  You are Aries with Taurus tendencies. You are impatient, high-strung, and volatile, but also determined and at times very stubborn. Ariens have the reputation for not finishing what they begin, but you are able to see a project through to the end. You like to be the one in charge, and your reaction to disorder and sloppiness is irritation. Emotions are a dominant factor in your life. People always know they can get an honest reaction from you. You are fiery and romantic. You have strong feelings, whether it be anger or joy or love.

  THE CUSPS OF TAURUS

  BORN APRIL 20 THROUGH APRIL 24

  You are Taurus with Aries tendencies. You are self-sufficient and determined, but also spirited and independent. You cannot bear being restricted by other people’s rules, and whatever the situation you always assert your own personality. People often come to you for advice; you may be known as having great style and confidence. In truth, you sometimes feel insecure, but you hide it very well. You take the intellectual approach to solving problems. In love, however, you are impulsive and extravagant.

  BORN MAY 16 THROUGH MAY 20

  You are Taurus with Gemini tendencies. You are ambitious, have strong willpower, and are also imaginative and intellectually inclined. You have an attractive personality and possess a special persuasive touch that works well with people. Generally, you deal in a straightforward manner because you prefer to cut through deception or secretiveness and lay things out in the open. You dislike taking orders. Words come easily to you unless you are emotionally involved; then you are often unable to express your deepest feelings. This is especially true when you are in love.

  THE CUSPS OF GEMINI

  BORN MAY 21 THROUGH MAY 25

  You are Gemini with Taurus tendencies. You are inquisitive and changeable, but you also have a stubborn streak and are not easily moved off your course. At times you become irritable when others don’t measure up to your expectations. Generally, though, you deal tactfully with others and you have many friends. Artistic talent may be evident, but you are practical and realistic about making money. Your attitude in new situations is, “Where do I fit in?” Usually you make a marvelous first impression.

  BORN JUNE 16 THROUGH JUNE 20

  You are Gemini with Cancer tendencies. You are quick-witted and communicative, and also analytical, cautious, and conservative in your approach. When you give your word, others know they can trust you to do exactly as you say. You like to be surrounded with familiar objects and people, and you put a lot of weight on charming manners and appearance. Yours is a sensitive nature that is easily hurt by carelessness or selfishness. You are not satisfied with being ordinary; you want to create beauty or be known for your brilliance.

  THE CUSPS OF CANCER

  BORN JUNE 21 THROUGH JUNE 25

  You are Cancer with Gemini tendencies. You have a sympathetic and generous nature, and an incisive, intellectual mind. You may be famous for your brain, but those close to you know you are a softie inside. Sometimes your heart and mind are at odds with each other; emotions affect you more than you like to admit. You have a special touch for getting along with people from all walks of life. You need stimulation and change, and will become discontent if stuck in one place for too long.

  BORN JULY 18 THROUGH JULY 22

  You are Cancer with Leo tendencies. You are idealistic and sensitive, and also clever and forceful, and you probably you have a temper that quickly comes and goes. In work, you like doing things your own way. You possess a pleasing social grace that mixes easily with people, but you take a long time to form truly close relationships. Love is not impulsive. You may be instantly attracted to someone, but you are careful because you fear rejection and won’t let yourself become too vulnerable

  THE CUSPS OF LEO

  BORN JULY 23 THROUGH JULY 27

  You are Leo with Cancer tendencies. You have high aspirations and tend to be creative, an
d at the same time are methodical and studious. You want to make the “right” decisions and hate to be caught unprepared or off-guard. Mental work stimulates you; you have good powers of concentration and an ability to express yourself. Because of your ebullience and warmth, you attract many friends. You are often extravagant with money because you love to buy beautiful things. You also are headstrong and possessive in love.

  BORN AUGUST 18 THROUGH AUGUST 22

  You are Leo with Virgo tendencies. You gain attention because of your strong personality and sense of style. Determination is one of your dominant qualities; you climb over obstacles to reach a goal or get something your heart is set on. You have a taste for elegance and like to travel first class. Though you are very levelheaded when analyzing other people’s problems, you are basically an emotional person. You make decisions first with your heart and then rationalize with your head.

  THE CUSPS OF VIRGO

  BORN AUGUST 23 THROUGH AUGUST 27

  You are Virgo with Leo tendencies. You are kind, gracious, and reliable, and you also possess great flair and personal style. Your optimism, wit, and sense of fun magnetically draw people toward you. Projects you undertake are likely to be successful because of your eye for detail and quick intelligence. Often you end up handling the whole show because of your organizational abilities. Sometimes you are impatient with the irresponsibility of others. You shine in social settings. In love, you tend to be effusive, warm, and loyal.