essay about zodiac signs

ESSAY SAUCE

FOR STUDENTS : ALL THE INGREDIENTS OF A GOOD ESSAY

Essay: Zodiac Signs and Personality Characteristics

Essay details and download:.

• Subject area(s): Psychology essays
• Reading time: 19 minutes
• Price: Free download
• Published: 29 March 2016*
• Last Modified: 30 July 2024
• File format: Text
• Words: 5,420 (approx)
• Number of pages: 22 (approx)

Text preview of this essay:

This page of the essay has 5,420 words.

Introduction

The sky is the most mysterious part of our everyday experience. Familiarity may make the amazing events going on at ground level seem almost ordinary. Plants and animals grow and die, rain falls, rivers flow. We feel we understand that.

But the sky is beyond comprehension. Two great objects travel through it, one hot and constant, the other cold and changeable. In the daytime it is moody; there may be blazing sun, or racing clouds, or darkness followed by thunder and lightning. And yet on a clear night the sky is the very opposite – predictable, if you look hard enough, with recognizable groups of stars moving in a slow but reliable manner.

Man’s interest in the sky is at the heart of three separate stories – astronomy, astrology and the calendar. .

Astronomy is the scientific study of sun, moon and stars. Astrology is a pseudo-science interpreting the supposed effect of the heavenly bodies on human existence. In early history the two are closely linked. The sky is the home of many of the gods, who influence life on earth. And the patterns in the sky must surely reflect that influence.

Astrology is an elaborate system of knowledge and there are voluminous treatises containing very intricate calculation based on the position of stars and planets and the inter-relation existing between them and the various phenomena on earth including human life.

“Astrology does not offer an explanation of the laws of the universe, nor why the universe exists. What it does, to put it in simplest terms, is to show that there is a correspondence between macrocosm and microcosm. In short that there is a rhythm to the universe, and that man’s own life partakes of this rhythm.” (Miller, 2006)

Astrology’s major focus is the zodiac which help in determine the characteristics of a person and the events that may take place. Therefore, at this point it becomes impertinent to cast a glance at zodiac signs,

The zodiac is the term used to describe the circle of twelve 30° divisions of celestial longitude that are centered upon the ecliptic – the path of the sun. The term zodiac derives from Latin zōdiacus, which in its turn comes from a Greek word, meaning “circle of animals”.

From the earliest of times, the zodiac has been universally used to predict or reflect characteristics of personality, whether from the Chinese, Mesopotamian, Indus Valley, Egyptian or any other culture, echoing the ancient philosophy ‘As above – so below’… what we today call astrology.

The zodiac further categorizes into the planets and the elements which consist or represent the 12 zodiac signs, also known as the Sun signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.

Zodiac Signs

The Zodiac signs, also known as the Sun Signs, represent the 12 equal divisions of the topical zodiac which begins with the positions of the Sun. The twelve signs have the same names as the 12 segments of the constellations. The dates for each sign is determined by the Sun passing one sign to another. The dates are as follows:

Glyph Sign Birthdates Symbol

♈ Aries (the Ram) March 21 – April 20

♉ Taurus (the Bull) April 21 – May 21

Gemini (the Twins) May 22 – June 21

♋ Cancer (the Crab) June 22 – July 22

♌ Leo (the Lion) July 23 – August 23

♍ Virgo (the Virgin) August 24 – September 23

♎ Libra (the Balance) September 24 – October 23

♏ Scorpio (the Scorpion) October 24 – November 22

♐ Sagittarius (the Archer) November 23 – December 21

â™’ Capricorn (the Goat) December 22 – January 20

â™’ Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) January 21 – February 19

â™” Pisces (the Fish) February 20 – March 20

Element: Fire

Ruling Planet: Mars

Symbol: The Ram

Psychological Need: To be self-confident and free; to lead

Best Quality: Leadership

Key Traits: self-esteem, initiative, activity, pioneering, ambition, enterprise, courageous, energetic, impulsive, optimistic, egotistical, innovative, original, strong drive, leader, enthusiastic, extroverted, competitive, self-reliant, self-assured

Downside: egotistical, quick tempered, aggressiveness, hatred of restraint, officiousness (minding other people’s business, meddling)

Aries is a Fire sign whose ruling planet is Mars. This planet represents action, anger, energy and sex. This is considered a masculine sign, positive, extrovert.

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and also represents spring. The personality characteristics of this signs are as follows:

• This sign has a “me first” attitude

• Are courageous and have an energetic drive to get the work done and to achieve goals

• Pure honesty is expected by an Aries personality

• Independence is a keyword of Aries personalities of astrology signs.

• The Aries person has a tendency to be quick-tempered, opinionated, and critical.

• Labelled as intolerant, selfish, cruel, and arrogant.

• Aries personalities of astrology signs may have strong drive, high leadership qualities and be quite ambitious

• Have strong self-reliance and self-assuredness.

• They have a determined personality of astrology sign along with a powerful ego.

Element: Earth

Ruling Planet: Venus

Symbol: The Bull

Psychological Need: To be resourceful and productive

Best Quality: Stability

Key Traits: affectionate, dependable, patient, stable, determination, endurance, thoroughness, conservative, harmony, possessions, practicality

Downside: obstinacy, stubbornness, argumentative, possessiveness, love of rich food, dull

Taurus is an earth sign ruled by the planet Venus in the common man and Vulcan in the man on the path to discipleship. Venus is the planet of harmony, love, beauty and music. The personality characteristics of this signs are as follows:

• They can be patient, reliable, warmhearted and loving. But, the flip-side is also just as common where they become possessive, overly emotional, self-indulgent and jealous.

• Are known for their stability, reliability and dependability.

• They are prone to being inflexible, short tempered, argumentative and the most stubborn

• Taurus can be quite materialistic and greedy

• They are conservative, conventional and introverted.

Element: Air

Ruling Planet: Mercury

Symbol: The Twins

Psychological Need: To communicate

Best Quality: Versatility

Key Traits: versatile, adaptable, nonconformist, inquisitive, curious, quick-witted, communication, networking, congenial, tactful, mentality, thinking, writing, speaking, literacy, speech, intellectual

Downside: changeable, fickle, indecision, superficiality, restless, nervousness

Gemini is an air sign ruled by Mercury in the common man and Venus in the man on the path to discipleship. Venus is the planet of harmony, love, beauty and music. The personality characteristics of this signs are as follows:

• Gemini are known to be “sociable.”

• They appear to be restless or often scheming

• The Gemini person is usually very versatile, flexible and a jack-of-all-trades making them appear quite intelligent

• Gemini are scatter brained, silly and at best flexible

• These lively, youthful people are not only quick-witted but great conversationalist.

• Are vain, cold and insensitive

• Are superficial because of their changeable nature.

• Some can be very rigid idealists

Element: Water

Ruling Planet: Moon

Symbol: The Crab

Psychological Need: To give and receive emotional warmth and security

Best Quality: Tenacity

Key Traits: domesticity, sympathy, sensitiveness, artistry, tenacity, protectiveness, caring, nurturing, maternal

Downside: touchiness, timidity, clannishness, restlessness, indolence, overemotional, over-sentimental

Cancer is a water sign ruled by the Moon in the common man and Neptune in the man on the path to discipleship. Neptune is the planet of mystical consciousness, or the innate sensitivity which leads to higher vision. The personality characteristics of this signs are as follows:

• Intimate relationships and close friendships are important to a Cancer than another personality of astrology sign.

• Cancers are homebodies who love their families and their homes.

• They have a strong intuition

• Safety and security are important

• The Cancer person can be deeply emotional in fact overly emotional or sensitive at times to the point of being clingy, moody and irritable.

• Cancers make loving and caring intimate partners.

• Cancers are generous and kind to others spent.

• Cancers thrive on emotional stability.

• They can be too cautious, lazy, selfish and self-centered at times.

Ruling Planet: Sun

Symbol: The Lion

Psychological Need: To create and express oneself

Best Quality: Kindness (generosity)

Key Traits: affection, nobility, generosity, loyalty, dignity, leadership, radiant, vitality, authority, will, power

Downside: domination, arrogance, autocracy, cruelty, overbearing, vanity, ostentatious, false pride

Leo is a fire sign ruled by the Sun in the common man and also the in the man on the path to discipleship. The Sun represents your ego structure. The personality characteristics of this signs are as follows:

• Are confident individuals who are the most extroverted and flamboyant

• These people can be very magnetic, sunny, and charismatic,

• Leos have been known to over dramatization and act vainly when they express themselves.

• They have a strong sense of character.

• Leo rules the sense of self-worth.

Symbol: The Virgin

Psychological Need: To analyze and find order

Best Quality: Analytical

Key Traits: discrimination, analytical, methodical-ness, service, helpful, studiousness, hygiene, purity, mentality

Downside: criticism, cynicism, fear of disease, perfectionism

Virgo is an earth sign ruled by the planet Mercury in the common man and the Moon in the man on the path to discipleship. The personality characteristics of this signs are as follows:

• Virgo people are the most health conscious

• A Virgo would be a careful planner, calm, helpful, and dependable

• They have a perfectionist attitude with fragile egos.

• Virgos are very practical and responsible, but at times they can be picky, disorganized and even dependent.

• If a Virgo becomes melancholy, they can project the worst of their negative side of fault finding, picky, superficial, critical and petty.

• They are delightful people who will do anything for you in an unselfish, dependable and meticulous way.

• Virgos can go overboard and become nervous hypochondriacs with their health consciousness.

• They make romantic partners, with a good sense of humor, and can be impressive conversationalist.

• They have excellent organizational skills

Symbol: The Scales

Psychological Need: To create harmony and balance

Best Quality: Affability

Key Traits: balance, harmony, companionship, charm, social grace, justice, courtesy, hopefulness, artistic ability, attractiveness, fairness

Downside: always needing approbation, indecision, lack of poise, emotional fluctuation, can’t say no

Libra is an air sign ruled by Venus in the common man and Uranus in the man on the path to discipleship. Venus influences your love nature. Venus is the Goddess of love and beauty, as well as the light of inspiration and devotion to truth. Uranus rules your search for freedom. It represents that which transcends the limits of the finite life. The personality characteristics of this sign are as follows:

• A Libra person has a strong sense of what they consider right and wrong.

• They have a need for peace, as well as to please everyone and have everyone like them.

• Balance is their goal

• When the worst comes out in a Libra can be insincere, fickled, self-indulgent who can be quite apathetic.

• They are extroverts and sociable

• They are charming fair-minded person will be poised gracious and kind.

• Libra’s have been known to be somewhat flirtatious, tending towards gossip since others feel very comfortable around these sociable types.

• But they are known for their the white lies, self-indulgence, and their need for peace at any price

• They are easily influenced and quite gullible at times.

• They will be loyal and fair

Ruling Planet: Pluto/Mars

Symbol: The Scorpion

Psychological Need: To experience intense emotional transformation

Best Quality: Resourcefulness

Key Traits: regeneration, courage, desire, resourcefulness, cunning, secretive, austere, determined

Downside: discord, misuse of sex, passion, temper, willfulness, vindictive, resentful, jealousy, envy, possessiveness, troublesome, uncompromising

Scorpio is a water sign ruled by the planets Mars and Pluto in the common man and Mars also in the man on the path to discipleship. The personality characteristics of this signs are as follows:

• Desire of all kinds rule this sign.

• Scorpio are strong-willed, bold, courageous, competitive, resourceful, mysterious and direct.

• Scorpios have one of the most intense, intuitive and complex souls of the personalities of astrology signs

• They are one of the most secretive of all

• Some would call them controlling, jealous, destructive and sarcastic.

• Scorpios are very suspicious and intolerant and cruel or violent.

• As a friend, Scorpios are very loyal and helpful.

Sagittarius

Ruling Planet: Jupiter

Symbol: The Archer/Centaur

Psychological Need: To explore and expand horizons

Best Quality: Loyalty

Key Traits: aspiration, love of freedom, expansion, exploration, idealism, luck, orthodox religion, philosophy, law, generosity, optimism, honesty

Downside: over-confidence, dogmatism, bluntness, exaggeration, fanaticism, sportiveness, gambling

Sagittarius is a Fire Sign. In the orthodox man the ruling planet is Jupiter with tendencies like ambitious desire and direction. The personality characteristics of this signs are as follows:

• This is the most free-spirited, easy-going, inquisitive and straightforward

• Sagittarians think deeply about the big picture

• Maintaining a fun, child-like quality throughout life

• They are the most optimistic of all the personalities of astrology signs, possessing idealistic philosophical feelings.

• This sign is a seeker of knowledge

• Sports are of great interest to a Sagittarian with abundant energy.

• A true Sagittarian has grace, beneficence, and is full of harmony and completion.

• This sign loves to travel and makes friends easily.

• They are hot-headed.

• They are eternal procrastinators

Ruling Planet: Saturn

Symbol: The Goat/Sea Goat

Psychological Need: To find structure and social acknowledgment

Best Quality: Diplomacy

Key Traits: ambition, conservatism, conscientiousness, organization, position, honors, justice, caution, economy, authority,

Downside: pride, suspicion, selfishness, resentfulness, pessimism, unforgiving, deceitfulness, justice without mercy

Capricorns are an Earth Sign in which both the orthodox man and the disciple are ruled by the planet Saturn. The personality characteristics of this signs are as follows:

• They love power, respect and authority.

• Capricorns are cool, calm, self-disciplined and possess a powerful inner strength

• They are prudent, conservative, very practical and responsible.

• Capricorns approach finances with prudence, planning and discipline.

• Capricorns are the eternal opportunists

• Their general outlook is fairly rigid and unmoving.

• Many will consider this sign to be an egotistical, demanding and intolerant status seeker.

• They will provide stability, loyalty and security for life.

• They display a degree of pessimism.

Ruling Planet: Uranus/Saturn

Symbol: The Water-bearer

Psychological Need: To innovate, be original, and break forms

Best Quality: Altruism

Key Traits: humanitarianism, independence, originality, progressiveness, cooperation, brotherhood, diplomacy, altruism

Downside: argumentative, impractical, emotionally-detached, dictatorship, stubborn or closed-minded, rebellious

This is an Air Sign ruled by Uranus and Saturn in the ordinary man, and Jupiter in the disciple. The personality characteristics of this signs are as follows:

• They are idealistic unconventional thinkers

• In fact some will think an Aquarian to be impersonal, too radical, rebellious, unrealistic and impractical

• They are progressive, unique, logical and ingenious.

• Aquarian is smart, quick, fun and a memorable person.

• Some may appear unsympathetic and cold fanatic.

• These personalities of astrology signs tends to stay free and self-reliant.

Ruling Planet: Neptune/Jupiter

Symbol: The Fish

Psychological Need: To gain faith and belief in transcendence

Best Quality: Sympathy

Key Traits: compassion, universality, intuitiveness, inspiration, renunciation, sacrifice

Downside: worry, psychic negativity, introspection, lack of confidence, secretiveness, seclusion, procrastination, sorrow

Pisces is a Water Sign ruled by Neptune and Jupiter in the conventional man, and Pluto in the disciple. The personality characteristics of this signs are as follows:

• Pisces are patient, perceptive, spiritual, peace-loving and imaginative person

• Pisces like to influence others through their compassionate, charitable and imaginative natures, but they are often influenced and vulnerable.

• Are considerate and sensitive

• This is an artistic, creative and psychic sign with a keen imagination.

• They are easily influenced or impressionable.

• They have qualities of decisiveness, timidity, melancholies

• Pisces will be a deep caring individual

• The Piscean worker is personable, easygoing and charming

(Weaver, n.d.)

Every zodiac sign is allied with a planet which defines it in terms of personality traits and characteristics.

Through thousands of years of observation, two things have been noted:

• Each planet represents an energetic part of our being, or a component of life (i.e. emotions, communication style, and love style).

• The position of each planet in the heavens indicates the style in which the planet’s component is manifested.

Natal astrology observes that the positions of the planets at the moment of your birth indicate the style in which each planet’s component is manifested in your life.

Greeks believed that the planets were gods or the living instruments of gods. This means that they were considered agents, in the same sense that human beings are considered agents: they could act and be acted upon in ways comprehensible to us, at least in principle. One aspect of the planets’ life and behavior we can observe and even predict: their motions and their positions relative to one another, to the zodiac, and the horizon.

The planets acquired their personas from the Greek gods whose manifestations they were. This is true in a primary way of the five, and in a secondary way of the two luminaries, for the Sun acquired some of the traits of Apollo and the Moon some of the traits of Artemis/ Diana. Primarily, though, the Sun carries the persona imputed to the Sun god — which is of course a tautology, indicating only that in the ancient world the Sun was divine. Likewise the Moon.

Each Greek God has his/her own personality which is reflected through the planets. The descriptions below describe how each planet is represented as well as the sign equivalent to it.

☉ The Sun

Best quality: Rulership

Worst quality: Dictativeness

The Sun tells us of the actual core of a person, the inner self, of that which is of central concern. It also shows us the general vitality and the ability to assert oneself, it describes a general tone of being which colors everything else.

Sign equivalent: Leo

☽ The Moon

“I feel”

Best quality: Adaptability

Worst quality: Inconstancy

The Moon represents our feelings and emotions, the receptivity, imagination and basic feeling tone of a person. It also has an effect on the sense of rhythm, time and timing, it influences our adaptability to change, our mobility and versatility.

Sign equivalent: Cancer

☿ Mercury

“I think”

Best quality: Expression

Worst quality: Restlessness

Mercury represents reason, reasonableness (common sense), that which is rational. It stands for the spoken and written word, putting in order, weighing and evaluating, the process of learning and skills.

Sign equivalents: Gemini and Virgo

“I love”

Best quality: Affection

Worst quality: Pliancy (bending too easily, taking the easy way out)

Venus gives us a sense of beauty, the enjoyment of pleasure, aesthetic awareness, love of harmony, sociability, taking pleasure in relationships and eroticism.

Sign equivalents: Libra and Taurus

“I act”

Best quality: Initiative

Worst quality: Harshness

Mars represents the energy and drive of a person, their courage, determination, and the freedom of spontaneous impulse. It also describes the readiness for action, the way one goes about doing things as well as simple aggression.

Sign equivalent: Aries

♃ Jupiter

“I grow”

Best quality: Benevolence (kindness)

Worst quality: Conceit

The search for individual meaning and purpose, optimism, hope and a sense of justice are represented by Jupiter. So also faith, a basic philosophy of life, the striving for spiritual growth and expansion.

Sign equivalent: Sagittarius

â™” Saturn

“I achieve”

Best quality: System and Organization

Worst quality: Selfishness

Saturn shows how we experience “reality”, where we meet with resistance and discover our limitations. It represents the conscience and moral conviction, the laws and rules which we choose to obey. It also tells us about our powers of endurance and the ability to concentrate, it lends qualities like earnestness, caution and reserve.

Sign equivalent: Capricorn

â™… Uranus

“I evolve”

Best quality: Originality

Worst quality: Rebellion

Uranus stands for intuition, it transmits sudden inspiration and lightning insights. An openness for all that is new, unknown and unusual. A sort of wrong-headed contrariness is also associated with this planet. It is said to be characteristic of astrology as such.

Sign equivalent: Aquarius

♆ Neptune

“I dream”

Best quality: Idealism

Worst quality: Vagueness

This planet gives us the supersensory, opens doors to mystical experience and the transcendental. On this level it is hard to discern where perception moves into deception, illusion and false appearances, and so Neptune is associated with all of these, with drugs and all kinds of pseudo-realities.

Sign equivalent: Pisces

“I empower”

Best quality: Transformation

Worst quality: Inversion (turning things upside down)

Pluto describes how we deal with power, personal and non-personal, be it through suffering the power of others or exercising it ourselves. It describes how we meet the demonic and magical, our regenerative powers and our capacity for radical change and rebirth: the cycles of dying and becoming.

Sign equivalent: Scorpio

(Greene, 1977 & Corrine, 2009)

The other categorization of the zodiac signs are the 4 elements: Fire, Earth, Air and Water. These are also regarded as the 4 basic principles of life. Each element is assigned to 3 Sun signs which is known as the triplicity.

The “four elements” of astrological tradition refer to the vital forces (or energies) that make up the entire creation that is commonly perceived by human beings. The four elements in a birth chart reveal the ability to participate in certain realms of being and to tune in to specific fields of life experience.

The four elements—Fire, Earth, Air, and Water—each represent a basic kind of energy and consciousness that operates within everyone. Each person is consciously more attuned to some types of energy than others.

The fire signs are Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Fire signs respond to energy very quickly. They favor action. They are ready to go, take a risk, start a business, go on a trip, etc. They are confident, idealistic, intense, and approach life with zest and enthusiasm. Here is energy to conquer, lead, and travel physically and mentally. Aries must act, Leo must lead grandly, and Sagittarius explores unknown places and ideas.

Positive Traits: extroverted, energetic, enthusiastic, inspirational, visionary, high-spirited, simple and direct, physically active, dramatic, courageous, warm

Negative Traits: overly active to the point of burnout, restless, impatient, selfish, insensitive, willful, hasty, lacking in perspective, thoughtless, impulsive, reckless, extravagant, and wild.

The Earth signs are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. Earth signs are more cautious in their approach. They are more practical, realistic, and they need solid footing before going forward. Taurus will dig the heels in and really ponder things. Virgo will analyze. Capricorn will climb, but will do it with care, first needing a vision, a plan, an organized structure before starting the ascent. Earth signs are dependable, thorough and solid.

Earth signs seek to engage the physical world and master it through efficient organization. Earth signs seek economic security, respect, and prestige, and they work hard for it.

Positive Traits: practical, efficient, organized, realistic, patient, self-disciplined, hard-working, productive, enduring, persistent, dependable, stable, good common sense

Negative Traits: slow, stodgy, lacking in vision, unimaginative, petty, excessively conventional, narrow-minded, stubborn, resistant to change, hoarding, ultra conservative.

The Air signs are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Air signs approach energy mentally; they are thinkers. They are social, always ready for a new relationship or friendship. They love learning, but bore easily. Gemini has great intellectual curiosity, but too many personalities. Libra is partnership driven, but not in an emotional way. Aquarius is popular with friends and is unstoppable when it has a cause to champion. Air signs are into ideas and people. They are communicative; they must share information, interact with others, and influence society.

Positive Traits: articulate, objective, mentally clear, detached, capable of forethought, understanding, socially adept and adaptable, cooperative, relational

Negative Traits: unemotional, lacking in sympathy, impractical, disassociated from the body and the physical world, over-adaptive, abstracted, glib and facile, hyperactive

The Water signs are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. Water signs respond to energy almost unconsciously. They are deeply emotional. Cancer is motivated to nurture and be nurtured. Scorpio has intense vision, never swaying, looking straight ahead with laser-like focus. Pisces is the trickiest to describe. Pisces energy is chameleon-like, absorbing its surroundings.

Positive Traits: deeply emotional, sympathetic, empathetic, nurturing, calm and peaceful, sensitive, compassionate, imaginative, intuitive, psychically aware

Negative Traits: emotionally insecure and unstable, shy, timid, lacking in confidence, oversensitive, easily influenced and manipulated, withdrawn, uncommunicative, vindictive and vengeful, takes everything personally, moody and depressed

Each individual born belong to a particular planet, element or zodiac signs might carry traits which makes them similar and different form each other. This research’s purpose is to explore the area of zodiac signs and how they might be linked with the personality traits of each individual.

Review of Literature

Astrology is a complex system that dates back to the third Millennium B.C. It is based on celestial observations and correlating events. Astrology helped lay the foundation for the development of astronomy. It has influenced belief systems and even entire cultures. The many components of astrology, such as signs, planets and aspects, are what make it a complex system. The many components are considered when forming accurate readings of astrological transitions and how they relate to each individual.

Anyone can gain greater personal understanding with astrology since it affects peoples’ lives just as the moon influences the tides. Astrology provides the tools that can help make the best and most informed decisions. It is like a map for the soul that provides individuals with insights into the future, and reveals the tendencies, quirks, and truth about human nature, relationships, career choices and the world at large. Astrology may be used as a guide for daily living, as well as for forecasting and predictions

The link between the zodiac signs and the personality characteristics has been explored numerous times resulting with either significant but mostly insignificant results, The following studies show the results of various researches made upon this topic

Another study by Hume and Goldstien (1977) on 196 college students investigate the hypothesis and that the personality can be predicted on the basis of an individual’s astrological chart. In the study, two separate, renowned personality tests were administered and the hypothesis could not be supported as the results showed the participants couldn’t accurately identify their astrological personality at a greater than chance level.

The two studies by Illingworth and Syme (1977) and Tyson (1977) found no correlation between sun sign and personality traits measured by the CPI, including the femininity index.

In his research, Dean (1983) conducted a test by the UK Sunday newspaper News of the World, a panel of four astrologers were able to guess the Sun signs of 8 out of 12 subjects (one for each sign) following one or two interviews lasting no more than five minutes each, vs 1 expected by chance. The test was repeated in 1981 and again the panel got 8 out of 12 right.

Gauquelin (1982) compiled personality profiles from biographies of 2000 sports figures, actors, scientists, and writers. Compared these profiles with personality traits associated with the sign of the sun, moon, and ascendant according to eight astrology texts. No correlation was found using either the sidereal or tropical zodiac.

Pawlik and Buse’s (1984) study on 799 adult subjects consisted of a test is presented of the hypothesis that the relationship between astrological birth sign and personality differences in extraversion and neuroticism (as reported by Mayo, White and Eysenck) can be explained in terms of self-attribution of personality. An explanation of the Mayo-White-Eysenck results in terms of attribution theory was essentially verified

Dean (1985) tested whether astrology can predict E (extraversion) and N (emotionality) in ordinary people, the test was conducted over 1198 subjects mostly from the southern hemisphere, all of whom had known birth times. The results of 132 such tests, and a multiple discriminant analysis, showed that no factor performed consistently above chance level.

Dwyer (1987), in his research paper, used a sample of 175 mixed adults who completed a 36-item questionnaire addressed to likely Pluto meanings, namely intensification, exaggeration, social power, transformation, and suppression. The results were suggestive of no meaningful trend whatever, which does not deny that Pluto may have meanings other than those tested

According to the study by AinO (1992) the sign positions of the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars were compared between 5147 psychology students and 3232 engineering students. No result was significant.

AinO (1993) tested the claim that the Sun’s element at birth is related to the psychological functions in Carl Jung’s typology, specifically whether the Sun in a Fire sign is related to a dominant Intuition function, Earth to Sensing, Air to Thinking, and Water to Feeling. I was tested over 370 subjects (168 males, 202 females). When the 370 cases were divided into Intuition vs Sensing, or into Thinking vs Feeling, the relation with element was again non-significant

This study by Rooij (1994) replicated the study by Mayo, White and Eysenck that confirmed the astrological proposition that people born with the sun in a positive sign (Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius) are extraverted and those with the sun in a negative sign (Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces) are introverted.

A study by Wymen and Vyse (2008) explores the effect of horoscope on people’s personalities and indicates how investigation is made difficult by the Barnum Effect, a concept which refers to peoples’ inclination to allow their personalities to be summed up using indistinct, unclear and broad descriptions. In the case of an investigation into the effects of star songs on a person’s personality the Barnum Effect can have significant consequences as it increases ambiguity and undermines the attainment of empirical data.

Clarke, Gabriels & Barnes (2010) suggests that the astrological theories assume a link between an individual’s personality traits and the positions of the sun, moon, and planets in the zodiac at the moment of birth.) Scores on extroversion and emotionality were obtained from 190 first-year university students. Multiple t tests showed a significantly greater mean extroversion score for the group with both the sun and the moon in positive signs than for the group with both in negative signs. No other differences in means were significant. The findings generally did not support theories claiming that tendencies toward extroversion and emotionality are determined by astrological signs.

In his study, Steyn (2011) examined the relationship between astrological signs and personality traits in 65, 268 South African jobseekers (mean age = 24.8 years, females = 59%, Blacks = 98%). Contrastive analysis of personality traits by astrological signs yielded no significant differences.

A research paper by Silverman & Whitmer indicated how the subjects might be aggressive, ambitious, creative, intuitive, and extroverted. As exact birth times were available for subjects, it was possible to determine their sun, moon, and ascending signs. The results showed that the astrological indicators of personality were not related to either self or friends’ descriptions of the subjects’ personalities

• Aquarius Zodiac Sign Astrology. (2012). In Free Astrology Lessons. Retrieved from http://astrolibrary.org/aquarius/

• Aries Zodiac Sign Astrology. (2012). In Free Astrology Lessons. Retrieved from http://astrolibrary.org/aries/

• Bobgan, M. & Bobgan, D. (1992). FOUR TEMPERAMENTS, ASTROLOGY PERSONALITY TESTING. Santa Barbara, California: EastGate Publishers.

• Cancer Zodiac Sign Astrology. (2012). In Free Astrology Lessons. Retrieved from http://astrolibrary.org/cancer/

• Capricorn Zodiac Sign Astrology. (2012). In Free Astrology Lessons. Retrieved from http://astrolibrary.org/capricorn/

• Clarke, D., Gabriels, T., & Barnes, J. (1996). Astrological Signs as Determinants of Extroversion and Emotionality: An Empirical Study. The Journal of Psychology: Interdisciplinary and Applied, 130(2), 131-140.

• Corrine, L., (18 Aug. 2009). Astrology Basics — Lesson 1. In Free Astrology Lessons (1). Retrieved from http://astrolibrary.org/basics/

• Corrine, L., (2009). Planets in Astrology — Lesson 5. In Free Astrology Lessons (5). Retrieved from http://astrolibrary.org/planets

• Corrine, L., (2009). Zodiac Signs — Astrology Lesson 8. In Free Astrology Lessons (8). Retrieved from http://astrolibrary.org/zodiac

• Corrine, L., (21 Aug. 2009). Elements Qualities Polarities — Astrology Lesson 7. In Free Astrology Lessons (7). Retrieved from http://astrolibrary.org/elements

• Eaks, D., Jarrett, S., & Worth, N. (1998). An Introduction to Astrology. Victorian Astrologers’ Association.

• Gemini Zodiac Sign Astrology. (2012). In Free Astrology Lessons. Retrieved from http://astrolibrary.org/gemini

• Greene, L. (1977). First Steps in Astrology. Retrieved fromhttp://www.astro.com/astrology/in_signs_e.htm

• Lane, Corrine. (19 Aug. 2009). Astrology Glyphs — Symbols Lesson 2. In Free Astrology Lessons (2). Retrieved from http://astrolibrary.org/glyphs

• Libra Zodiac Sign Astrology. (2012). In Free Astrology Lessons. Retrieved from http://astrolibrary.org/libra

• Pisces Zodiac Sign Astrology. (2012). In Free Astrology Lessons. Retrieved from http://astrolibrary.org/pisces/

• Rooij, J. J. F. (2002). Introversion-extraversion: astrology versus psychology. Personality and Individual Differences, 16 (6), 985-988.

• Sagittarius Zodiac Sign Astrology. (2012). In Free Astrology Lessons. Retrieved from http://astrolibrary.org/sagittarius/

• Scorpio Zodiac Sign Astrology. (2012). In Free Astrology Lessons. Retrieved from http://astrolibrary.org/scorpio/

• Silverman, B. I. & Whitmer, M. (2010). Astrological Indicators of Personality. The Journal of Psychology: Interdisciplinary and Applied, 87(1)

• Steyn, R. (2011). Astrological Signs and Personality Differences. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 21(3), 493-494.

• Taurus Zodiac Sign Astrology. (2012). In Free Astrology Lessons. Retrieved from http://astrolibrary.org/taurus/

• The Planets. A Brief Introduction to Astrology. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.astro.com/astrology/in_planets1_e.htm

• Virgo Zodiac Sign Astrology. (2012). In Free Astrology Lessons. Retrieved from http://astrolibrary.org/virgo/

• Weaver, S. (n.d.). The Personalities of Astrology Signs Show Human Idiosyncrasies. Retrieved from http://www.2012-spiritual-growth-prophecies.com/personalities-of-astrology-signs.html

• What do you mean, “test” astrology?. (2005). Retrieved from http://skeptico.blogs.com/skeptico/2005/02/what_do_you_mea.html

About this essay:

If you use part of this page in your own work, you need to provide a citation, as follows:

Essay Sauce, Zodiac Signs and Personality Characteristics . Available from:<https://www.essaysauce.com/psychology-essays/zodiac-signs-and-personality-characteristics/> [Accessed 21-11-24].

These Psychology essays have been submitted to us by students in order to help you with your studies.

* This essay may have been previously published on EssaySauce.com and/or Essay.uk.com at an earlier date than indicated.

Essay Categories:

• Accounting essays
• Architecture essays
• Business essays
• Computer science essays
• Criminology essays
• Economics essays
• Education essays
• Engineering essays
• English language essays
• Environmental studies essays
• Essay examples
• Finance essays
• Geography essays
• Health essays
• History essays
• Hospitality and tourism essays
• Human rights essays
• Information technology essays
• International relations
• Leadership essays
• Linguistics essays
• Literature essays
• Management essays
• Marketing essays
• Mathematics essays
• Media essays
• Medicine essays
• Military essays
• Miscellaneous essays
• Music Essays
• Nursing essays
• Philosophy essays
• Photography and arts essays
• Politics essays
• Project management essays
• Psychology essays
• Religious studies and theology essays
• Sample essays
• Science essays
• Social work essays
• Sociology essays
• Sports essays
• Types of essay
• Uncategorised
• Zoology essays

Essay on Astrology and the Zodiac

When I was little, I really didn’t know what astrology was or what your zodiac sign was. When I was growing up, I finally figured out what it all meant and how it worked. From that point on I was instantly clicked. I loved reading my horoscope and when ever I did read it, nine out of ten times it would be right, and that’s why I loved reading my horoscope. It was just something I did every morning, and then I would go throughout my day. Then at night when I would be back on the computer, i would reread them, and realize that most of the time those things did happen, or I did feel that type of emotion. Astrology has been around for many years, but many people don’t understand what astrology is, who used astrology, and its …show more content…

There are also four different categories that they are put into. Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are fire signs. Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are earth signs. Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are air signs. Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are water signs. These signs are mostly used as sun signs, which many astrologers use to tell people’s horoscope. People with their sun sign in Aries are said to be active, energetic, and optimistic, but can also get themselves into bad situations. As the first sign of the Zodiac Arians cannot help putting themselves first, though they are very affectionate and generous towards their loved ones. Taurus are said to be quiet, patient, and determined, but also antagonizing and stubborn. Taureans are extremely faithful, with a strong need for security and a settled routine. Although they are very earthy, they can also be highly romantic and sensitive when it comes to love. Gemini’s are usually characterized as lively, intellectual, and adaptable, but they could be fickle. Gemini’s are widely known for their dual personalities and ability to change mood from moment to moment. People with the sign of Cancer are often receptive, sensitive, and kind, but also susceptible. Emotions are a very important part in the life of a Cancerian. Although naturally defensive and very afraid of being hurt, they put their hearts and soul in to relationships and

Astrology Influence People's Lives During The Elizabethan Era

Astrology is the study of the effect of celestial bodies on human lives and fate. Astrologers divided the sun’s path into 12 equal parts; each part was known as a sign of the zodiac. The zodiac signs are Aries, Aquarius, Cancer, Capricorn, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Pisces, Sagittarius, Scorpio, Taurus, and Virgo; each sign corresponds to certain attributes. How Did Astronomy and Astrology Influence People's Lives During The Elizabethan Era During

Zodiac In Grendel Research Paper

We see in one instant the passionate vision and the blowout. Not that we cause things to fail, you understand.”. The zodiac signs play a symbolic and thematic role, providing a framework for the progression of the story and offering deeper insights into the characters and philosophical underpinnings of the

April 21 Quotes

Aries, March 21 to April 19: Be positive in all situations so that you’ll look back with no regrets.

Grendel's Astrology

Chapter nine introduces us to the sign of Sagittarius. Sagittarians are deep thinkers willing to adventure out into the world to find the true meaning of life. They are also enthusiastic and spontaneous. The

Character Analysis: A Hero's Journey

Aries is trying to lead, but it's hard to be a leader when there are no easy answers, and every move feels wrong. Clementine is desperate to find her brother Heath, but it's impossible to know where he'd be, even if he is still alive. Michael is still haunted by the memories of his actions during his harrowing struggle to survive. And Mason is struggling with something far worse: the fear that he may be a danger to his friends.

The Influence Of Astrology In Canada

Astrology provides you with insights of your life path. It is the study of the movements and comparative positions of heavenly bodies represented as having an influence on human lives and the whole world of nature. It is believed that by the study of planets, moon, stars and other natural bodies in the sky one can understand the past, present and the future. There is a spiritual connection between all the things.

Zodiac Signs In Greek Myth

"What is your sign?", is the number one question that everyone has been asking. Many may see this question as a pick-up line but some people are really interested in knowing our Zodiac Sign. Maybe because our Zodiac Sign has been said to help us better understand each other's personality and traits. There are 12 Signs in the Greek Zodiac. Zodiac means "circle of animals" in Greek, although the 12 signs are composed of animals and humans, with the exception of Libra. There is an interesting and fun Greek Mythology behind each of our Signs. The Greek Myths behind each of the Southern Hemisphere Zodiac Signs, which include Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces, are as follow:

Passage Analysis Techniques of Persuasion Essay

Astrology should be taken more seriously. There are five key reasons that outline the truth of astrology. First, astrology has been used for over six thousand years and was historically considered to be more accurate than medical professionals. Several scientific studies have been conducted to support astrological findings. Several yearly predictions that were made astrologically have been known to come true with a high success rate. Additionally, astrologers use a twelve-sign system to analyze individual personality traits, one study on these predictions held a 96% accuracy rate. Lastly, some psychologists today have taken to using astrology as a diagnosis tool and to treat their clients. These clients responded positively to their treatment.

The Zodiac Signs Of Dike

The Zodiac signs are identified by 12 constellations. Each one is associated with one of the four natural elements. The word Zodiac means “circle of animals.” They helped explain a person's personalities. Each one explains how each group of stars found its way into the heavens.

Greek Mythology Influence On Romeo And Juliet

Zodiac signs are a major component of astrology (“Astrology” 2005). There are twelve zodiac signs: Aquarius, Pisces, Aries,Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, and Capricorn.

Horoscopes Persuasive Speech

(I can’t remember the website now but) A website said that if you believe in astrology wholeheartedly that is 90%-100% true for you. If you believe on the down low, just dabble here and there, it is most likely 40%-60% true for you. Finally, if you don’t believe at all it would only be 0%-20% true for you. In some aspects it seems totally fake. The chance of everyone born in the same month as you having similar traits to you is about as likely as evolution, it can’t happen. But if you think about it, I would say at least half of those people wouldn’t believe in astrology at all and maybe 20-ish% would just believe a little. Though that may be the case, I would still say it is highly unlikely. Most of the tools used in “reading your horoscope” I believe are “hocus pocus” (no pun intended… well maybe a little…). Things like Tarot Cards, dowsing rods and runes may help you to “feel the energy” but really all they’re doing is putting on a show. Astrology is definitely not irreducibly complex, and I could probably rip this apart piece by piece and dive head first into the root of all the stars. [For the sake of my sleep schedule I will save that for my final copy xD] I will add something though, the horoscopes you see in the paper are definitely not something you should believe, and they are most likely not done by someone who knows what they’re doing.

September Men Research Paper

Mikhaelia: Aries and Geminis make the best lovers and long term partners. Sagittarius and Taurus men are the worst. Sagittarius men like to think that a woman is too upright and rigid and they love to assume. They don’t like to be corrected and they are very annoying. Taurus men takes baby steps with everything, they can be very frustrating and move at a different pace than they commit to.

Astronomy Vs Astrology Research Paper

Astronomy and astrology are very similar, yet different. Astronomy is the study of the universe and what's inside of it, as well as other universes. Astrology is the study of how the actions and movements of things in our universe affect what happens on earth, and people. Although they both deal with the universe and one was founded by the other, they also have many things that set them apart from one another. This essay will talk about the differences and similarities of astronomy and astrology and how each is used.

Who Is Virgo Most Compatible

With compatibility high on feelings, principles and affection, the Taurus and Taurus matches are all down to earth, practical, sensible and respect these traits in partner. They can always count on each other. They expect same loyalty from partner. Both would not enjoy being reclusive and value cooking with meals.

Descriptive Essay On Leo

Up in the twinkling night sky of the cosmos marvels a constellation of a Nemean Lion that I wholeheartedly relate to. In astrology, the fifth zodiac sign, Leo, originates from this constellation. As a July 27 baby, I am a Leo. During my youth, while buried under blankets, I fervently read horoscopes and zodiac personality descriptions in magazines. On a similar note, many children struggle to decipher their own identity and luckily, exploring my zodiac sign tremendously helped me comprehend the inner workings of my mind. Learning about my zodiac sign was a remarkable comfort, it electrified me that I was the paradigm of a Leo. In between the words of astrology blogs, the answers to the “what” and “why” for my own idiosyncrasies were revealed. Those revelations of a proud fiery zodiac sign manifest as my own characteristics. From my mannerisms to my physique, the Leo archetype illustrates who I am.

Related Topics

• Astrological sign
• Western astrology
• Sidereal astrology