Modality: Cardinal
Element: fire
Ruler: Mars

Keywords: Initiative, action, adventurous, enthusiastic, dynamic, impatient

As an Aries you are a born leader, eager to take the initiative and be a leader. Be careful, though, as you tend to be impatient; this trait can get the better of you at times. You are energetic, and fiery Mars ensures that you are good at what you try. Sports and exercise for you are relaxing and help you free your mind.

You have a wide social circle, though it is mostly comprised of acquaintances, rather than close friends. Your love life is nurtured by your energy and enthusiasm, which is helpful being that you place a lot of value on relationships and partnerships. You likely have a strong need for children, but be careful that you don’t dote too much on your kids. Be sure to spend your time (not your money) on them.

Your enthusiasm and motivation translates well to your career, and you are mindful to keep moving up the ladder. You excel at analysis with an eye for detail; be sure that your impatience doesn’t hinder your good career prospects. You have excellent earning potential and can do well with long-term investments; make sure that you look before you leap when diving into a large financial risk. You are frugal and understand value.

For the year ahead:

Affirmation: Every challenge is ultimately an opportunity!

• Jupiter exits Aquarius on January 17, ending the year-long focus on friends and socializing.
• Jupiter’s visit to your Twelfth House will bring added protection and good fortune.
• Upheaval in your job or work environment will end when Saturn completes its Virgo transit on July 20 and make its last Virgo/Pisces contact at the end of April
• Pluto in Capricorn, your tenth house, will have a powerful influence on career during its long transit (lasting until 2024). This placement can help you achieve ambitious career goals, but it can also signify trouble at work (think personality clashes or downsizing). With Pluto in your tenth house, be aware of what is going on at your workplace.

Considered by many to be the start of the astrological new year, International Astrology Day is celebrated each year on the Spring Equinox (the day the Sun enters Aries). There are various observances around the world, including lectures and other events.

Anyone have any plans to celebrate this observance?

New moons signify new beginnings and the start of a new cycle. Since this new moon is in Pisces, qualities of compassion, enlightenment, and emotional well being will be in focus; this is a good time to help others or forgive those in your life against whom you may have been holding a grudge. Extra focus will be on those things that test you, as Pisces rules the Twelfth House, that of inner secrets.

Perhaps take this time to meditate or reconnect with others. Knowing where this new moon in Pisces falls in your birth chart will help you fully examine its impact on your life.

First House/Ascendant: Your Ascendant (or Rising Sign) is the sign that was on the Eastern horizon at the time of your birth. The first house and your Ascendant describe your physical traits and characteristics, as well as the face you show the world. See “What Does Your Ascendant Mean?” for more information on your Ascendant. Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, governs the first house in the natural zodiac. 

Second House: Your second house is the house of money, wealth, and personal possessions. Your self-worth and attitudes towards monetary success will be affected by any planet in this house. Taurus, the second sign of the zodiac, governs the second house in the natural zodiac.

Third House: The third house is the house of communication, and describes not only your childhood and your family environment but also your mental abilities and how you communicate and express yourself. Gemini, the third sign of the zodiac, governs the third house in the natural zodiac.

Fourth House/IC: The fourth house represents your home and family, and the environment into which you were born (and which shaped you as a young child). The line that creates the cusp of the fourth house is also the IC (imum coeli), which is the lowest point of the horoscope; it is fitting that the IC describes our roots. The IC is directly opposite the Midheaven (MC) in the tenth house. Cancer, the fourth sign of the zodiac, governs the fourth house in the natural zodiac.

Fifth House: The fifth house is the house of children and entertainment. Your emotional and romantic tendencies, how you relate to children, and how you express yourself while having fun (such as games and gambling) are all expressed by the fifth house. Leo, the fifth sign of the zodiac, governs the fifth house in the natural zodiac.

Sixth House: The sixth house is the house of work; not necessarily where you work, but rather how you work, will be expressed by this house. This is a house of daily routines and tasks. How you relate to others (pets and animals included) and general health and well being are also explained by the sixth house. Virgo, the sixth sign of the zodiac, governs the sixth house in the natural zodiac.

Seventh House/Descendant: This is the house of marriage and relationships between others. All contracts, partnerships, relationships, and marriages are governed by the seventh house. The line that forms the cusp of the seventh house is the Descendant; it is the sign (opposite your Ascendant) that was in the West at the time of your birth. Libra, the seventh sign of the zodiac, governs the seventh house in the natural zodiac.

Eighth House: The eighth house is the house of sex and death, or regeneration (sex) and degeneration (death). Cycles of death and rebirth are governed by the eighth house, along with renewal and psychic matters/intuition. Scorpio, the eighth sign of the zodiac, governs the eighth house in the natural zodiac.

Ninth House: This is the house of travel and journey. Any long journeys, your personal education and philosophy, learning foreign languages, and mental and spiritual growth are all shown by the ninth house. Sagittarius, the ninth sign of the zodiac, governs the ninth house in the natural zodiac.

Tenth House/Midheaven: The tenth house is your house of career. Your status, ambitions, goals, are all represented by the tenth house. The line that forms the cusp of the tenth house is your Midheaven (MC), which represents what you know (or can know) about yourself. Capricorn, the tenth sign of the zodiac, governs the tenth house in the natural zodiac.

Eleventh House: This is the house of friendship. All friendships, social clubs, and other such relationships are governed by the eleventh house. In addition, your hopes, dreams, and wishes are also governed by the eleventh house. Aquarius, the eleventh sign of the zodiac, governs the eleventh house in the natural zodiac.

Twelfth House: The twelfth house is the house of secrets, which can be both physical (including places like hospitals or jails) or mental. This house describes those things that test us. Pisces, the last sign of the zodiac, governs the twelfth house in the natural zodiac.

Your rising sign (or ascendant, the two terms are used interchangeably) is the zodiacal sign that was on the Eastern horizon when you were born. Ascendants change in two-hour intervals, with the entire zodiac being represented in one 24-hour day; that said, you chose to enter this world during one of those two-hour periods. The rising sign at the moment of your birth is the one you will embody not only physically, but also emotionally and spiritually.

Your Ascendant is often considered to be that by which other people understand us; when meeting others, they will see you through the lens of your Ascendant, rather than your sun sign. Our Ascendants show our natural, knee-jerk reaction to new people and situations.

Not know your exact time of birth? Take a gander at the detailed Ascendant descriptions below. My guess is that you can readily pick out your Ascendant (especially if you have the time narrowed down to at least a portion of the day, say early morning or late evening).

Aries Rising: In Astrology for Beginners, Joann Hampar gives this excellent description of an Aries Ascendant: “The Aries Ascendant gives an outgoing personality—one who is energetic and impulsive. If you have this cardinal fire sign on the Ascendant, you express enthusiasm, impatience, and a zest for life. You are not easily deterred, and when presented with a challenge, you rise to the occasion.” Most likely, your hair is relatively sparse, and you are reddish in complexion.

Taurus Rising: Someone with a Taurus Rising will be strong and steady, with a quiet personality. These individuals will be rather stubborn, though, as they are bulls. You stay true to your word, and do what you will to provide a comfortable life for yourself and your loved ones. You will have a serene appearance, though you may have a prominent neck or a stocky build.

Gemini Rising: The Gemini Ascendant is friendly and talkative, with a witty charm and youthful personality (not to mention appearance!).  Those with a Gemini Rising is most concerned with the flow of information—most importantly, the flow of information to help them broaden their social circles. Your face is heart-shaped, and you have long, graceful fingers.

Cancer Rising: The Cancer Ascendant provides a shy and sensitive disposition; you may get easily flustered when in new situations or environments. You will be responsive to the needs of others (perhaps even seen as mothering), and have a strong intuition and sixth sense. Your face is likely round (reflective of the water full moon), and your hands are small and square.

Leo Rising: “The Leo Ascendant gives a friendly and self-confident personality, one who walks with pride and assurance. If you have this fixed fire sign on the Ascendant, you are courageous and don’t mind taking risks,” says Joann Hampar in Astrology for Beginners. These are people who simply can’t help but be noticed. Those with a Leo Rising are prone to drama; nothing these individuals do is small. Your hair is a mane of flowing curls, and your eyes may be cat-like in shape.

Virgo Rising: The Virgo Ascendant gives a youthful appearance—you will always look younger than your years. These individuals are intelligent and reserved, but are willing to work at something until it is absolutely perfect (given the analytical and methodical nature of Virgo). You may be a master of many crafts, but still plagued by self-doubt that your efforts are never quite good enough. Your body frame tends toward the lean side, and your long, thin lips will accentuate this. Whether or not you are aware of it, you tend to talk with your hands.

Libra Rising: Like those with a Gemini Rising, those with a Libra Rising are charming and creative. These individuals can be incredibly persuasive. You strive to find balance in all that you do, and will even go so far as to avoid disagreements so as to not create an unpleasant environment. You have a wide social circle, but unlike those with a Gemini Ascendant, you are not interested in gaining personally from your connections. You are likely physically attractive, as your outer beauty matches your inner beauty.

Scorpio Rising: Charismatic and magnetic, those with a Scorpio Ascendant have an intensity that draws people to them. Whether quiet or loud, these individuals tend to be noticed. Also self-reliant and independent, you are goal-oriented and determined. Your eyes are the window to your soul, and they are bound to be piercing and intense in color.

Sagittarius Rising: The best word to describe those with a Sagittarius Ascendant is adventure. These people are continuously looking forward to the next new thing. Your sense of humor and optimism are contagious, and you go out of your way to help others so that all have equality. You are likely to be a globe-trotter. You have a wide grin and a playfulness about you.

Capricorn Rising: You may have had a difficult childhood, but you are a natural leader and have learned to overcome your personal obstacles, both past and present, through your determination and drive. There is an air of seriousness to these individuals, and those with a Capricorn Ascendant may have a very dry or wry sense of humor. Money—both earning it and worrying about it—is an important topic for those with Capricorn Rising. Your body may be just as dark and sturdy as you are: you may be short or stocky, and likely have dark hair.

Aquarius Rising: Those with an Aquarius Ascendant are unusual and unique, with eclectic interests and hobbies. You are strongly independent, and will refuse to conform to the ideas or plans of others (there is a rebelliousness in you that may show itself at times).  Of all the zodiacal signs, those with an Aquarius rising are the most likely to be involved with metaphysical subjects, including astrology. Unusual facial features and wild hair characterize your appearance.

Pisces Rising: In Astrology for Beginners, Joann Hampar describes the Pisces Rising as “a gentle, thoughtful personality. If you have this mutable water sign on the Ascendant, you are receptive to those around you and sensitive to your environment. Empathetic and intuitive, you can be overwhelmed by too much input.” With an artistic personality, those with a Pisces Rising will go with the flow of things, and can be perceived as having the chameleon-like quality of changing their personality from day to day. You have an oval face, along with small hands and feet.

The Sun will be conjunct Jupiter; this will give the Full Moon feelings of optimism and hope. Add to that the steadfastness of earthy Virgo, and you’ve got a recipe for delving deep within yourself to examine the details (with a fine-toothed comb, of course) of what you expect from yourself and life. The Sun/Jupiter relationship will enhance Virgo’s qualities.

Aries
As an Aries, you are noted for your initiative and action. You are also the noted athletes of the zodiac; try competitive sports. Instead of focusing on diet restrictions, give yourself exercise challenges. Run a quarter of a mile, and as you near the end, push yourself to make to the half-mile mark. Make a goal to reach a mile within so many days, and as you meet and exceed your personal challenges, you will be more motivated to make set more goals.

Taurus
Taurus can get stuck in his earth-bound rut. Instead of revamping your entire way of life, choose one thing to add or remove from your daily schedule, and be sure to reward yourself once you achieve a goal. Add a daily walk, begin parking your car at the end of the parking lot, or switch out your nightly snack of potato chips for uncooked carrots and hummus.

Gemini
Gemini has many friends, as the socializer and charmer of the zodiac. Try doing your workout routine with a buddy; having someone to chat with, sweat with, and even compete with, will help you stick to your exercise and weight loss goals. That said, be sure to keep your workouts varied so that they don’t become monotonous.

Cancer
Combine your love of family and friends with exercise. Home workout DVDs or Nintendo Wii Fit that can include the entire family will serve you well. Take the family dog for a walk, go power walking at the mall with a gal pal, or adapt traditional and time-honored family recipes that may be high in fat and calories.

Leo
Any exercise routine that you don’t find truly interesting will not last for long. Find something you truly enjoy doing, even if only yard work or power walking at the mall as you window shop. Dance is also a good option to get your body moving. An added bonus? All eyes will be on you when unveil your new look (and maybe even your new moves)!

Virgo
Detail-oriented Virgo will stick to a plan once details are made, so try making a schedule for exercise or a list of caloric intake for the day. After you’ve achieved a line item, cross it off! After a short while you’ll be able to feel the results of your plans, and you may no longer need your lists (though you still will get satisfaction from being able to cross off items on your lists, so  you might keep them around anyway).

Libra
Be social with your weight loss goals: team up with a weight-loss buddy or join a fitness or health group. Being social will make your exercise plans that much more enjoyable. If you are not able to physically join a weight-loss group, explore your options for connections online.

Scorpio
If you believe it, you can achieve it! You have no problem sticking to your resolutions, but be sure to find a program for diet and weight loss that you can truly believe in. Try training for a marathon or triathlon; as you push yourself to your limits, you will see results that you like.

Sagittarius
Sagittarians often dream big, perhaps too big. Take a kickboxing class at the local gym or try walking daily with a friend. If you start with smaller goals that allow you to be outside in nature (try riding a bike or hiking), you will be more likely to end up where you want to be.

Capricorn
Ambitious Capricorns will likely have no issue following weight loss goals and resolutions, especially if they can be seen outdoing others at the gym. Once you realize you’ll be able to fit into that brand-new power suit you bought for the office, the weight loss will be in the bag.

Aquarius
Born under the universal sign of friendship, Aquarians do well to include a buddy in their exercise and diet plans. Team up with a friend for walking or running. Even having a personal trainer whom you respect will help you reach your goals. Your love of gadgets can also make your routine easier; try downloading workouts to an mp3 player.

Pisces
Your watery personal makes it difficult to stick to a resolution per se. Instead, try more mellow forms of exercise that are part of a spiritual discipline that add meaning to your life as opposed to watching the numbers on the scale and attempting to stick to boring exercise routines. Try yoga, meditation, and tai chi.

Modality: Mutable
Element: Water
Ruler: Neptune

Keywords: Sensitive, sympathetic, selfless, sensitive, imaginative, intuitive, idealistic, secretive

As a Pisces you are sensitive and compassionate, always looking to help those in need; you must be cautious that you don’t always sacrifice yourself and your needs to those of others. You are creative and use your talents each day (whether or not you are aware of it). You appear to the world to be serene, but this face hides fluctuating moods. Try meditation or music, and avoid brooding, to help even your moods.

You enjoy a select group of friends, few in number but close to your heart. When it comes to  relationships of love, you are a definite romantic, remembering each and every little detail. Do not hang on to a relationship simply for the comfort of being in a relationship, though. You know in your heart when it is time to part ways, and you need to follow this urge even if uncomfortable. An ideal relationship can be found with Virgo (your opposite sign) or one of the other earth signs (Capricorn and Taurus) to balance you and add stability to the relationship.

You are close to your siblings (even if not necessarily the rest of your family), and will likely desire extra closeness with your own children. While these can be great relationships, be sure that you allow them the space to explore and grow as they age.

Don’t get tied down to a desk job; you have many interests, and the opportunities are endless if you try to combine those interests into your career. You have the potential to make a lot of money, but you also have the potential to spend a lot of money, so be sure your checkbook is properly balanced at all times.

For the year ahead:

Affirmation: I’m ready for new adventures!

• Jupiter enters Pisces, which occurs only once every twelve years, bringing with it good fortune and optimism. That said, Jupiter is also the planet of expansion, so be wary of overindulgence, both in matters of food and money.
• Jupiter’s visit to Aries (your second house) during the summer months promises a surprise of abundance: a raise or bonus may be coming your way.
• Saturn returns to Virgo after spending some time in Libra; this final Saturn in Virgo transit will offer you a chance to strengthen relationships that may have fluctuated during Saturn’s previous transits.
• Pluto in Capricorn, your eleventh house, will have a powerful influence on friendships during its long transit (lasting until 2024). Friends will change your life (and you theirs), and you will attract new people into your life. However, be wary of anyone who even subtly tries to manipulate you, as some people may try to use you for their own personal gain.

Teamwork, anyone? All New Moons signify a time of beginnings, to plant things and ideas that will grow during the rest of the Moon’s cycle. For Aquarius, a fixed air sign that represents a collectiveness (of ideas, of people, of humanity, etc.), this means that this New Moon is a great sign to plant the beginnings of those ideas and projects that will help your family (or state, or nation, or world, or humanity, etc.) to prosper in the coming month.

This Aquarius New Moon is also conjoined with the healing energy of Chiron. Use this healing power when thinking of ways to begin helping those around you, especially in these chaotic (both geophysically, such as with the earthquake in Haiti, and economically, such as with the international recession) times.

Just as more Americans have begun to look toward the metaphysical for answers during times of economic uncertainty, it seems the Italians—now facing their worst recession since the Second World War—are looking toward astrology for answers to their burning questions. The report describes about 30,000 Italians paying between 20-600 euros a day for astrological and other metaphysical advice for financial frustrations. While the report shows a larger percentage of Southern Italians (known for being more superstitious than their Northern counterparts) consulting fortunetellers, it also shows that those from the northern part of the country (in general, wealthier than the South) pay more for such services.

We’ve posted some great articles about ways to keep the costs of metaphysical services down. I for one am not willing to give up my astrology services just because my purse strings have gotten a tad bit tighter, but I don’t know about spending (roughly) the equivalent of US $800 on a consultation.

How do you consult the stars on a budget?