Tag Archives: zodiac

Stars and Cards: Pisces

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The Wheel of Fortune and The Moon -- shown here from the Tarot of Prague deck, available from Baba Studios -- are both associated with Pisces.

The Wheel of Fortune and The Moon — shown here from the Tarot of Prague deck, available from Baba Studios — are both associated with Pisces.

On February 18, the Sun begins its month-long voyage through Pisces, the sign of the two fish, which is associated with the eighteenth trump of the tarot, the Moon card. Pisces is traditionally thought to be ruled by Jupiter, associated with the tenth tarot trump, the Wheel of Fortune. The more modern idea that Neptune rules Pisces leads to the astrological sign’s association with the twelfth trump of the tarot, the Hanged Man. In the ancient world, Pisces was also associated with the land of Israel and the Jewish inhabitants there.

Neptune is the ancient god of the seas, and the Moon, depicted on the eighteenth tarot trump, controls the ocean tides. Appropriately, the sign Pisces belongs to the water element. The tarot’s watery suit of Cups illustrates scenes related to love, friendship and vicissitudes of human emotions. The Moon card is often interpreted as a warning that someone is not seeing clearly or is being deluded in some way, which are negative aspects of Pisces.

As a Water sign, Pisces is characterized by empathy and expression of emotions. Pisces people are considered to be compassionate, artistic, intuitive, gentle, wise, and musical although they can also be fearful, overly trusting, sad, desire to escape reality, or want to be a victim/martyr.

Pisces, together with the Wheel of Fortune and the Moon, ask everyone: What areas in life are you not seeing clearly? Are your actions motivated by love or by desire? Do you need to act with more compassion? Are you neglecting your spirituality for material gain?

Sapphire, the birthstone of September

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Prometheus, depicted in this 1762 statue by Nicolas Sebastien Adam, was punished for stealing a sapphire from Olympus as well as fire.

Prometheus, depicted in this 1762 statue by Nicolas Sebastien Adam, was punished for stealing a sapphire from Olympus as well as fire.

September’s birthstone is also the birthstone for the astrological signs of Taurus, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. The sapphire is the gem commemorating the 5th, 23rd and 45th wedding anniversaries.

Ancient folklore claims the sapphire bestows spiritual enlightenment and inner peace upon its wearer, as well as providing protection from harm. Because sapphires were thought to hold the power of wisdom, those wearing these gemstones would be guided to make the correct decision when faced with obstacles and difficult situations. Sapphires have been credited with the ability to detect purity and faith, as well as possessing the power to foretell the future and attract divine favour. Because the sapphire represents purity of purpose and deed, medieval-era church officials chose the gemstone to decorate their rings and sceptres.

The Ten Commandments handed to Moses by God in the Bible were said to have been carved on sapphire. Different English Bible translations believe the word “Sapir” in Exodus 28:18 is “sapphire”, referring to the stone on the garments of the priest of the Issacar tribe.

Eastern cultures treasure the sapphire as a talisman for warding off evil; in India a sapphire necklace affords its wearer powerful protection. In the West, the unique star sapphire is known as the Stone of Destiny, with the three lines crossed lines that form the “star” representing Faith, Hope and Charity. Such is the power of the star sapphire it is believed the gemstone will continue to guide and protect its first wearer even after it has been passed to other people.

Greek mythology claims that when Prometheus stole fire from the gods to give to mortals he also stole a sapphire. The dreadful punishment exacted by the gods for this misdeed would indicate the sapphire failed to protect the unfortunate Prometheus. Ancient Persians believed the earth rested on a giant blue sapphire, and the gemstone’s colour was reflected onto the sky.

In the Middle Ages blue gemstones were used to treat eye diseases and as an antidote to poison. Members of royalty wore sapphire around their necks to protect them from envy, poison and harm. Sapphires were considered to be an effective treatment for colic and rheumatism, as well as being used to ease certain mental illnesses.

Virgo, the Virgin

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(Image of virgin-martyr taken from 15th century astrology handbook)

(Image of virgin-martyr taken from 15th century astrology handbook)

Virgo is the sixth astrological sign in the Zodiac. The sun transits this area on average between August 23 to September 23 each year. The planet said to be ruler of Virgo is Mercury and as portrayed in ancient Roman mythology, Mercury wasn’t one to sit still for long. This swift-footed god was a bundle of energy, both physically and mentally, and that pretty much sums up Virgo’s makeup

The constellation of Virgo is representative of many identities, all related to maidens, purity and fertility. She was originally associated to Dike, also known as Justice, daughter of Zeus and Themis, who was once the Mistress of All-Divine Order and Law prior to the Olympians. Dike initially lived among mankind but withdrew when they no longer upheld justice.

In Greek mythology, too, there is a similar theme. Persephone, daughter of Zeus and Demeter, had been abducted and taken to the underworld by Hades. In revenge her mother ruined the harvests, the earth became infertile and the people were starving. Zeus was forced to issue a decree stating that Persephone should spend only a short time each year in the underworld, and when she was released Demeter permitted Nature to resume its natural course.

Virgos, more than any other sign, were born to serve, and it gives them great joy. They are also tailor-made for the job, since they are industrious, methodical and efficient. The sense of duty borne by these folks is considerable, and it ensures that they will always work for the greater good. Virgos enjoy indulging their practical and logical side and poring over their projects to the nth degree. To say these folks are good at fact-finding almost understates the case. Those born under this sign are also able communicators and use their mental acuity to maximum advantage.