Astrology is a funny thing. No one will admit to believing in it, but almost everyone knows what zodiac sign they were born under. Just about every newspaper or magazine in the country has a horoscope section - one that is enthusiastically checked by a high percentage of its readership. Reading your forecast aloud from one of these columns will probably net you some tongue-clucking and eye-rolling from your listener. But that won't stop them from wanting you to read theirs. Clearly, there is more interest here than meets the eye.
I cannot remember a time when I have not been interested in astrology, astronomy, and everything else pertaining to the sky above. I routinely look up friends, relatives, acquaintances, and co-workers in my astrology books, hoping to get more insight into their personalities or to better understand what makes them tick. I read everything I can about my own sign, smiling to myself as I read passages that are right on target; mulling over those (few) that don't. So, when fellow Purple Ink member Whitney suggested an astrally-themed web topic, I could not resist. With her help, I present...
 Astrology clip art courtesy of Sherry Schuler, Drawing and Sketching Guide at about.com.
This guide is my attempt to categorize how those born under each sign would approach the concept of personal writing. Please note that I am in no way a professional astrologer. I have no training whatsoever. This is strictly for my amusement and possibly yours. For each sign, I will provide a short analysis of journal writing style and then provide prompts and other ideas based on that sign's personality profile. Although I will mention a few things about the basic nature of each sign, I am working on the assumption that you already know your sun sign and that you are a at least a little familiar with its basic astrological characteristics. If you do not know what sign you were born under, or if you would like a basic profile for your sign, go to a web site such as astrology.net or astrolabe for a free natal chart and analysis. Then, come back here and read the section for your sign. If you know your ascendant (rising sign) and moon sign (both will be listed on the natal charts mentioned above), be sure to read the sections for those, too.
And now, without furthur ado, let's begin!
Basic Information
The twelve zodiac signs can be grouped in several different ways. For example, each falls under the category of one of four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. The earth signs - Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn - are cautious and practical people who function though the physical senses. Their journals tend to be of a more pragmatic nature, full of to do lists, goals, and plans. Air signs - Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius - are communicative and concerned with things of the mind. They operate most comfortably in the mental realm, and they probably use their journals to work through new ideas and philosophies or to ponder abstract concepts. Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius - the fire signs - are basically out-going, energetic people who function well on the intuitive level. They most likely keep a diary in order to record things they actually do, as well as to record the things that they believe; to give their perspective on how the world works. Finally, the water signs - Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces - are inherently inward-looking, emotionally-oriented people who feel things very deeply. Their journals are reflective, repositories for their emotional responses to the world around them.
Another way that astrology books classify the sun signs is by qualities. The Cardinal signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. They are concerned with initiating matters and they are vigorous and ambitious in all actions. They are extremely good at beginning projects but lack staying power, except for Capricorn who gets cautious practicality from the earth element. Cardinal signs are very enthusiastic about starting new journals but have a hard time finishing them. They are always eager to move on to the next one.
Taurus, Scorpio, Leo, and Aquarius are Fixed signs. They are concerned with conserving things and are very resistant to change. They are steadfast and supportive people who find it difficult to start things but always see them through (except for Aquarians, who are always one step ahead of everyone else but still very set in their ways). It takes awhile for the Fixed signs to start a journal, but they are most likely to write everyday and to finish a journal before starting a new one.
The Mutable signs - Gemini, Sagittarius, Virgo, and Pisces - are characterized by adaptable energy and marked versatility. They excel in generating new ideas and developing them. Except for Virgos, who are stabilized by the earth element, the Mutable signs lack the stability to deal with routine. They come up with great journaling ideas, but very rarely use them and if they do, not for very long. They are constantly changing styles.
Sun Sign Information
Now, we come to the fun part. For each sign, I will list the key words associated with that sign's personality. These can be used as jumping off points for the following prompts:
- How do these words apply to your personality? Are there instances in your life where these traits have been very apparent?
- Do you agree or disagree with this basic description of yourself? Why or why not?
- Do you believe that you were born under the right sign, or do you think that your personality better matches another?
- If you had to be born under a different sign, which would you choose? Why?
- If you could choose which sign your children would be born under, which would you choose? Why?
In addition, I will provide each sign's key karmic phrase. According to astrology, this is your sign's mission in life or the stage that it represents in the human cycle. This is what you were born to teach the world. Use your journal to decide how you feel about your phrase and what it means to you. Looking at your life thus far, is there any evidence of this mission?
I hope that you enjoy these profiles, suggestions, and prompts. Whether or not you "believe" in astrology, feel free to drop me a line and tell me how I guessed with respect to your sign's journal keeping style.
Click on the link below to get to the section for your sign.
|
