Presented on these following pages is some basic information on Astrology, for the use of players in the campaign. It is not necessary to know any of this, however having at least a vague familiarity with the astrological information provided will reveal a whole new layer of depth to the inquiring player.
The Signs of the Zodiac
As the planets orbit the Sun, they appear from Earth to travel through a narrow
belt of fixed stars. This we call the zodiac. Most astrologers in the West use
the tropical zodiac, which puts its starting point (Aries) at where the Sun
is on the first day of spring in the Earth's Northern Hemisphere. The tropical
zodiac describes the cycle of the seasons, a cycle of beginning, growth, and
preparation for new beginning. Each of the twelve signs represents a stage in
that cycle, and gives its own characteristic coloration to the planets and houses
that lie within it.
Aries The pointed face and horns of the ram – or a young plant springing from seed. As befits the beginning of spring, the idea is one of arising out of nothing into life, from non-being into being. Aries gives a fresh, sharp, young, eager quality, full of starting energy not yet disciplined or refined. It is adventurous, impatient, self-expressive, open, direct, and not always sensitive to others' feelings.
Taurus The bull's head and horns – or a pot of earth to contain the Aries seedling. Taurus gives Aries energy a material, earthy base of operations. It is symbolized by the plant taking root, and by the baby discovering the physical world: seeing, tasting, touching. It is much concerned with the body, with comfort and sensual pleasure, with good quality in material things. It is practical, steady, persistent, and tends to do things more slowly than other signs.
Gemini The twins – or the Roman numeral two, or a swing. The idea is of shuttling back and forth. It is the young plant putting forth its feathery branches in all directions, and of the baby learning to walk and name things, to move about the world, to communicate and interact with others. This sign has a light, youthful quality. It is sociable without getting deeply involved, interested and curious, talkative, restless and in constant motion.
Cancer The crab – or cradling arms. This is the sign of the family unit, a protected space from which one can grow. The plant is now lush and green, pulling water up from deep levels of the soil so it can provide nourishment and shade. Cancer has to do with shelter, food, mother love, nurturing, taking care of. It gives a sensitive, emotional quality, a tie to one's heritage and the past, a concern with home and security, and a desire to foster, protect and to be attached to someone or something.
Leo A lion's tasselled tail – or the proscenium arch of a stage. The plant is now in full flower, at the apex of its development, yet already it is showing signs of dryness. In Leo the child revels in its own energy, in pleasure, in being alive and having a self; and it proudly presents itself to the world. Leo is a star performer, radiating life energy to others and desiring in turn to be admired and appreciated. It runs the risk of egotism and bombast, but on the plus side is self-expressive, open and generous, as well as proud, dignified, fond of ceremony, and persistent.
Virgo Coils of energy walled off and contained – or a symbol with its legs tightly crossed! This is a time of toil, when the plant bears fruit that needs picking, and the grain is ready to be gathered and stored for the lean part of the year. The energy realized in Leo is contained and put to work in Virgo. Pleasure is now deferred in order to master life's practical details, develop one's skills, learn to do and make. One learns not just to be an individual as in Leo, but to function as one, to be self-sufficient. Virgo gives a consciousness of duty, practicality, craftsmanship, pride in accomplishment, discrimination and attention to detail.