Secrets of the Zodiac

The Man of the Signs

Ancient astrologers believed that each astrological sign influenced a specific part of the body. The first sign of the zodiac—Aries—was attributed to the head, with the rest of the signs moving down the body, ending with Pisces at the feet.

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o Aries, head. . . . . . ARI Mar. 21–Apr. 20 7 Taurus, neck . . . . TAU Apr. 21–May 20 i Gemini, arms . . . GEM May 21–June 20 c Cancer, breast . . . CAN June 21–July 22 q Leo, heart. . . . . . . LEO July 23–Aug. 22 r Virgo, belly . . . . . VIR Aug. 23–Sept. 22 f Libra, reins. . . . . . LIB Sept. 23–Oct. 22 m Scorpio, secrets . . SCO Oct. 23–Nov. 22 e Sagittarius, thighs . SAG Nov. 23–Dec. 21 n Capricorn, knees . CAP Dec. 22–Jan. 19 T Aquarius, legs . . . AQU Jan. 20–Feb. 19 j Pisces, feet . . . . . PSC Feb. 20–Mar. 20

Astrology vs. Astronomy

■ Astrology is a tool we use to plan events according to the astrological placements of the Sun, the Moon, and the planets in the 12 signs of the zodiac. The planetary movements do not cause events; rather, they explain the path, or “flow,” that events tend to follow. Astronomy is the study of the actual placement of the known planets and constellations. ( The placement of the planets in the signs of the zodiac is not the same astrologically and astronomically.) The Moon’s astrological place is given on page 231 (opposite); its astronomical place is given in the Left-Hand Calendar Pages, 112–138.

The dates in the Best Days table, page 232, are based on the astrological passage of the Moon. However, consider all indicators before making any major decisions.

When Mercury Is Retrograde

■ Sometimes the other planets appear to be traveling backward through the zodiac; this is an illusion. We call this illusion retrograde motion.

Mercury’s retrograde periods can cause our plans to go awry. However, this is an excellent time to reflect on the past. Intuition is high during these periods and coincidences can be extraordinary.

When Mercury is retrograde, remain flexible, allow extra time for travel, and avoid signing contracts. Review projects and plans at these times, but wait until Mercury is direct again to make any final decisions.

In 2009, Mercury will be retrograde from January 11–February 2, May 7–31, September 7–29, and December 26–January 15, 2010.

–Celeste Longacre

Use the chart opposite to find the best dates ■ Control insect pests, plow, and weed: Aries, for the following garden tasks: Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius, or Aquarius. ■ Plant, transplant, and graft: Cancer, Scorpio, ■ Prune: Aries, Leo, or Sagittarius. During a or Pisces. Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are waxing Moon, pruning encourages growth; good second choices. during a waning Moon, it discourages growth. ■ Build/fix fences or garden beds: Capricorn. ■ Clean out the garden shed: Virgo.