KEYWORDS

Practical and Useful
Structured and Productive
Grounded and Sensual
Tactile and Dependable

The ‘Practical’ Earth Signs are grounded and dependable. All of the earthy metaphors are appropriate here: ‘Salt of the earth’, ‘Feet firmly planted on the ground’, ‘Solid as a rock’, etc. Often referred to as the ‘builders’ of the Zodiac, creativity is a tangible proposition to these natives and they feel best once they have accumulated a goodly number of worldly possessions. Blending in with their natural habitat – grounded – Earth Signs engage life through the five senses and as a result operate at a slower, more thorough, pace than do the natives of other Elements. Often intimately attuned to the dance of nature – most treasure their time spent outdoors – they are masters at assessing, assembling and organizing … things.

The Element of Earth also confers a sense of duty, responsibility and reliability to those in its sphere. Their gift to others is bringing form to ideas: often making them an excellent balancing partner for an idle dreamer with potential. They tend their own garden and inspire others to make the most of theirs. These are the people you can count on to ‘be there’ when you need them. Tending toward caution and conservatism in desire and approach, their logical minds and measured responses display an innate recuperative capacity: much preferring a sure thing, these folks do not take big risks. That said, however, certainly in that they appreciate a good meal, congenial company and fine wine better than anyone else, they are also sensualists.

On the flip side:

Earth Signs can become so caught up in their objectives that they overlook the feelings and opinions of others. And their single-minded focus on the tasks at hand make them vulnerable to the "all work and no play" eddy of life. It is a big picture, after all, but these natives may be more concerned with the finish line than with the journey they are taking. So, while Earth’s orientation toward the real and their need for tangible results in return for their labors can make them very productive, too much of those good things can be stifling to inspiration, faith and a sense of greater purpose. And the ever-present risk inherent in their acquisitive nature is that they may become greedy and far too materialistic.

THE CAPRICORN PROFILE

Positive Traits
Practical and Prudent
Ambitious and Disciplined
Self-Reliant and Persevering
Resourceful and Creative

Negative Traits
Pessimistic and Melancholy
Materialistic and Stern
Conventional and Rigid
Demanding and Cold

Capricorn is one of the most stable and serious of the Zodiac types and these rocklike characters have many sterling qualities. They are normally confident, strong-willed and calm. Born with a sense of purpose and an intense drive for achievement and excellence that never lets up, they are the major finishers of most projects begun by the 'pioneering' Signs. Capricorn exude a sense of being in charge. And they usually are. But, even in their pursuit of status and power, they rarely compromise their integrity to get there. These are the masters of the physical realm and are widely admired for what they’re able to accomplish.

However, while Capricorn have a great respect for authority, they may not be willing to listen to the opinions and suggestions of others. And as the ranking authority figure in a given situation they expect their underlings to be as self- disciplined as they themselves are and to perform every task undertaken to the highest standard. They are often humorless. And a fortress of defenses can keep the curious and insincere at bay in their lives. So that while to the world at large Capricorn often covey an image that is both intriguing and intimidating, those that pass the test of loyalty are allowed to see a more vulnerable side: at heart, these natives are interested in enduring ties and because they have a tendency to pessimism and melancholy that many of them are unable to keep to themselves – especially if they fail personally – Capricorn often look to family and longtime friends for emotional support.

And mood swings are not the only reason Capricorn deserve the adjective based on their name - capricious. They can be surprisingly and suddenly witty and subtle for the quiet, reserved individuals that they seem to be. But they also have a tendency to ruin things by unexpected and utterly irresponsible bouts of flippancy: their penchant for melancholy creates a unique filter for Capricorn humor that is known to veer toward the darkly absurd. Reference: Natalie of Micronesia and Corinne of Gabon

Additionally, Capricorn are very status-minded. Even if their immediate finances don't permit an extravagant lifestyle, the January-born can unconsciously adopt the mores, attitudes and mannerisms of the elite. The trappings of success are important to these natives not only for personal pleasure but also for the impression that they can make on others.

Romantically: Capricorn usually thrive as one half of a power couple. Their ideal partners are individuals who they can respect but who also allow them to take charge most of the time. Once happily settled, they’ll go about the business of building both an empire and a cozy home life.

THE VIRGO PROFILE

Positive Traits
Caring and Loyal
Meticulous and Discriminating
Practical and Organized
Clever and Analytical

Negative Traits
Fussy and a Worrier
Overcritical and Harsh
Perfectionist and Conservative
Negative and Unsocial

Those with Sun in Virgo are constantly on the move, always trying to fine-tune their lives and relationships. They are filled with nervous energy and a desire to make improvements, so they're serene only when they are fulfilling their meticulously planned steps toward a carefully chosen goal.

Virgo is the only Sun Sign represented by a female and it is sometimes thought of as a delicate young girl and sometimes as an intelligent, but rather pedantic and spinsterish, older woman. The latter impression is sometimes confirmed by the Virgo’s precision, refinement, fastidiousness, conventionality and aristocratic attitude of reserve. They are usually observant, shrewd, critically inclined, judicious, patient and practical.

Both sexes have considerable charm and dignity and in their unassuming, cheerful and agreeable fashion, they can be sensible, discreet, well-spoken, wise and witty. But while in many respects Virgo are the epitome of social grace and propriety, their sterling etiquette is more apt to be scripted than spontaneous: the result of careful thought and hours of mental practice.

Intellectually, Virgo is enquiring, methodical and logical, studious and teachable. They combine mental ingenuity with the ability to produce a clear analysis of the most complicated problems. Thoroughness, hard work and conscientiousness are their hallmarks. They have an excellent eye for detail but they may be so meticulous that they neglect larger issues. And, because of their ability to see every angle of a multi-faceted problem, they are as unhappy with abstract theories as they are with intractable philosophies: placing no confidence in either.

Moreover, for as much as his intellect aids analysis, it also abets the Virgo’s compulsion to criticize. Nothing escapes these perfectionists’ eyes. And in their scrutiny of incongruities, these natives leave no stone … nor anyone … unexamined: as critical, and unforgiving, of themselves as they are of others. So that they may bring the art of self-concealment to a high pitch (hiding their apprehensions about themselves and their often considerable sympathy with other people under the mantle of an undemonstrative clinician) with the result that they shrink from committing themselves to friendship, make few relationships, and are careful to keep those they do make superficial.

Virgos often feel compelled to serve others and can find respect in fields where attention to detail and a responsible attitude are rewarded. They are natural healers and are gifted at bringing an unhealthy situation back into balance. But they have to watch out for those who would take advantage of their natures and put them in subservient roles. Finding the courage to place the highest value on what they offer can take a lifetime for some Virgos.

So, given their qualities, Virgo are much more effective in subordinate rather than leadership positions. Responsibility irks them and they often lack the breadth of strategic vision that leadership requires. They are essentially tacticians and excel at the attainment of limited objectives: needing the stimuli of immediacy and prestige attendant to specialization.

Romantically Speaking: The self-contained nature of the Virgo (Virgin) Sun sometimes makes them all the more alluring: someone who will always be whole and complete unto themselves. And this can make them seem unattainable.

Once in a relationship, the Sun in Virgo finds comfort in the routines of daily life. A Virgo who has established a wholesome daily routine is far easier to live with than one that hasn't. And known as loners – there is a physical sensitivity associated with Virgo that could be called high maintenance – they will need plenty of “me” time to maintain their sense of self.

But, when they’ve found a worthy mate, they revel in the patterns and habits of togetherness and can begin to relax into the beauty of the familiar.

THE TAURUS PROFILE

Positive Traits
Patient and Loyal
Warmhearted and Loving
Persistent and Determined
Rooted and Sensuous

Negative Traits
Jealous and Possessive
Resentful and Inflexible
Self-indulgent and Greedy
Slow and Brooding

This Sign’s characteristics are solidity, practicality, extreme determination and strength of will - no one will ever drive Taurus, but they will willingly and loyally follow a leader they trust. They are stable, balanced, conservative and law-abiding citizens and lovers of peace (possessing all the best qualities of the bourgeoisie). They will do everything in their power to maintain the security of the status quo.

So, on rare occasions a Taurus may be an obstinately and exasperatingly self-righteous, unoriginal, rigid, ultraconservative, argumentative and querulous boor: stuck in a self-centered rut. And, whether their characters are positive or negative, they need someone to stroke their egos with a frequent, "Well Done!" Luckily, Taurus has a knack for attracting praise. It is amazing how people will bend over backwards to please them.

They are faithful and generous friends with a great capacity for affection. But Taurus rarely establish intimacies outside their social rank (to which they are ordinarily excessively loyal). And in the main, they are gentle, even-tempered, good-natured, modest and slow to anger. If they are provoked, however, they can explode into violent, uncontrolled outbursts. Lurking within every serene Taurus is the potential for a seething rage that re-establishes a sense of order by force. Equally unexpected are their occasional sallies into humor and exhibitions of fun.

Those with the Sun in Taurus can be the most down-to-Earth of the Signs, so naturally they revel in earthly pleasures. Taurus has a strong aesthetic taste. And allied to his appreciation of all things beautiful is a love for the good things of life: pleasure, comfort, luxury and good food and wine. Their sensuality is legendary, whether they’re cooking up a sumptuous feast or turning on their tantalizingly slow charm.

More firmly rooted in the physical world than the other Signs, Sun in Taurus can be as immovable as a mountain: it’s hard to get a Taurus to rush into anything and that can be frustrating to everyone else. But once they make a decision, it’s usually a sound one. And that same stubborn deliberateness keeps Taurus fixed on a goal long after others have given up. Moreover, these natives don’t like to be pushed around by what they consider flights of fancy. Changes in their surroundings or routines disturb their equilibrium. And if the change is too abrupt or fundamental to his comfort, the shock may be too much for the Bull. He may actually become physically ill.

Taurus are known as the “builders” of the Zodiac and in their work they are industrious and ambitious: unafraid of getting their hands dirty and at their best in routine positions of trust and responsibility where there is little need of urgency, little risk of change and a pension at the end. Yet they are creative and are also often founders of enterprises where the fruits are of their own labors.

Romantically Speaking: Taurus are motivated by a desire for material and emotional security and when they’ve found a suitable partner they’ll stay put where they are and carefully cultivate a stable, deeply rooted life. Respect them and allow them to take their sweet time doing things, and all will be well. On the down side, their reluctance to discard the familiar can sometimes cause Taurus to linger in a relationship that they’ve outgrown.