10. The Signs: Introduction

Here are explained very nice the four triplicities. Fire means will, activity, energy, yang, optimism, dynamic emotions, operates within the universe by energizing and transforming.

Earth signifies concern with physical, practical, common-sense matters. No ideas, no philosophy. Earth is stable, passive and resistant to change.

Air is a yang element, positive, interested in exterior matters, who needs freedom, likes abstractions, organizing. It is objective, sometimes insensible and more practical, more efficient than fire. 

Water is a yin element, has difficulties in communication, in expressing the feelings in words. All the experiences are taken very personal.

You will find all these characteristics detailed and very good explained in the book.

Then Rob tries to link the four temperament types (thinking, feeling, intuition, sensation) of the psychologist Carl G. Jung with the triplicities but the conclusion is that they are not matching. It is normal, because astrology can show everything much more realistic and in a complex manner than could Jung think.

After that are the explanations for cardinal, fixed, mutable signs and dignities. Rob has a different position about dignities than others. He does not use terms and faces and even for the important dignities (rulership, detriment, exaltation and fall) he has great reserves. Let see a quotation:

“For example Saturn is exalted in Libra, the sign ruled by Venus, even though Saturn is considered to inhibit Venus. And while Mars is exalted in Capricorn, Saturn`s sign, Saturn is said to be in his fall in Aries, Mars`s sign. Why should one combination  of Mars-Saturn symbolism be beneficial while the other is not. Of course part of the answer is that planets are not identical with the signs they rule: Mars is not Aries and Saturn is not Capricorn. But one would logically expect Mars in Capricorn to be just as conflicting as Saturn in Aries. Clearly, whatever logic there is in the assignment of planets to rulership is lacking in the assignment of planets to exaltations”.

11. The Signs: Core Meanings

Here is detailed each sign. I will briefly show what seemed to be more interesting and original for each sign.

Aries. To manifest his yang energy he must establish a good relation with others, be a social person. To be antisocial is easier for him, but in this way he will not be realized. He does not want social power to rule other people, he just wants to be what he thinks he can be and doesn't need others approval. Planets in Aries act more decisively, quickly, ego-oriented and is not a good position for Venus, Neptune and the Moon.

Taurus. It is a sign that totally belongs to the material world, is satisfied with what he is, does not need the social world and is very interested in sexuality. Interesting supposition here by Hand “Not Venus rules Taurus, but Earth!”. Planets in Taurus act more slow, precise and are practically oriented. Is not a good placement for Mercury, Uranus and Mars.

Gemini. Understands very quick, is sociable but when it comes to deep emotions is reluctant. It is not constant or consistent, loses interest quickly and tries to avoid problems instead of confronting them.  Planets here act more quick and work at a more abstract level which is bad for the Moon and Neptune.

Cancer. The emotional faculties are very strong putting one back in contact with one's source, roots. He can't express in words what he feels. It is not a good position for Mercury, Uranus, Mars.

Leo. Here the basic structure of the individual entity is complete. Mainly what started in Aries with “I want to become what I am” is actualized here with “I am”. But if he is individually complete, socially is not. He wants everyone to be impressed by what he realized. Is not selfish, is honest. Planets here are more stable, steady.