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What is Zodiac?

The origin of the term `Zodiac' is derived from the Greek Zodiacus, which means little animals or creatures.

There are 12 signs in the Zodiac: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. Each of these signs have got their names from history.

Each sign of the Zodiac has a particular graphical representation called a Glyph that relates to an animal or a part of the human body. Each of the 12 signs is a unique combination of one of the four elements and one of the three qualities.

The four elements and their corresponding signs are fire (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius), earth (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn), air (Gemini, Libra and Aquarius) and water (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces).

The quality describes a person's attitudes in life. The three qualities are cardinal, fixed and mutable. The cardinal signs are - Aries, Libra, Cancer and Capricorn. The fixed signs are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. The mutable signs are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces.

It's the combination of elements and qualities that makes the signs complete.

Your birth date determines your zodiac sign, and this is what gives you special attributes that are yours alone. Explore each trait, and check your friend's trait, too! Or, if you want to understand your sign thoroughly, check out our zodiac rooms!

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Astro Stones

Gems have been in use since time immemorial and are worn by people of both sexes in various forms as rings, pendants, bracelets, etc. to ward off the evil effects of planets and to enhance the benefits of certain beneficial planets and also to add the wearer's beauty and personality. In the ancient times, rings were worn on the index finger to convey to others that the person was interested in marriage; on the middle finger, it was meant to indicate that he was already engaged; on the ring finger, it denoted that he was already married and if some one decided to remain single, he would wear a ring on the little finger. The little finger is associated with family attachments and strong and positive family influences on the wearer of the ring.

The Power of Gems:
Gems have enormous power as far as astrology is concerned. From very ancient times it is believed that Gems have curative as well as other powers, which influence an individual according to his zodiac for better or for the worse. Gems if chosen properly, is said to change the stars for the betterment of one’s future and if they are not suited to a person their effect can be adverse. Hence, if one chooses to wear a gem for one’s betterment, he should be very careful before using it. At Work: A Gem suited to an individual is capable of bringing out the best in him or her. One’s positive qualities get highlighted and they are capable of growing stronger if on wearing the right gem. One’s weak areas are also benefited through gems. Much work comes out to be fruitful and one can reach tremendous heights of achievement satisfaction in work place. Promotions that were held up due to an assortment of factors can soon move towards a favorable outcome.

At Home: Wearing a Gem is capable of influencing the home front. Be it some problem surfacing the marital front or problems with property, wearing the right kind of gem is said to be capable of giving positive results for any problems. Any problem with the family is taken care of with the help of an appropriate gem.

Love & Romance: The effect of the right kind of gem can have a phenomenal impact on one’s love life. If one is waiting for somebody to come closer in love or matrimony, a Gem can accentuate the time and help bring it nearer. If romance in one’s life begins to shadow, a gem could do wonders. A gem can ensure that alliances riddled by uncertainties become more solid, and it helps add a special lustre to stable relationships.

At Business: Business can prosper and finances can soar skywards at a rapid pace if one wears the right gem. Opportunities to improve on business and financial prospects can become abundant through an unexpected chain of events. Market conditions can tend to be favourable and the financial grapevine can provide one with excellent tips.

Health: The wearing of the right kind of Gem leads one to avoid various health problems. If one desires a slimmer figure, greater resistance to infections and a good health, it’s better to go for the right kind of gem.

Red Coral or Moonga for Mars
Red Coral is said to instill courage in its user. It also helps in curing blood -related diseases.This is red in color. Coral ensures material happiness, recovery from diseases indicated by Mars such as fever, cough, bilious complaints, smallpox, chickenpox, headache, loss of vitality, piles, boils, measles etc. It is generally recommended to be worn by individuals belonging to the zodiac of the Aries sign.
It should be worn in silver or copper, and should be of 9, 11, 12 grams, on Tuesday on 1st or 4th finger of right hand. It is a hot stone.

Diamond or Heera for Venus
Diamond leads one to have a luxurious life. Diamond is also supposed to enhance the name, fame and artistic quality of the person. Diamond is a hot gem creating goodness and removing the effects of evil.

It improves financial conditions and blesses the native with comforts and peace of mind. It also enhances sexual power. Diamond should he worn on 1st finger of right hand on Friday in gold or platinum. The weight should ideally be 1/4 or 1/2 gram.

Emerald or Panna for Mercury
Emerald is said to have a positive effect on memory, communication, intuition, and the intellect ability of a person. This is normally petal green or dark green in colour. Emerald is a hot gem and helps fickle mindedness and builds up confidence in a person. Emerald is never recommended for newly wed couples. It is said that newly married couples should not use it as it impairs conjugal happiness due to reduction in sexual desires.
Emerald should be used in gold of 3, 5, 7 or 10 grams on 4th finger of right hand on Wednesday. An Emerald wearer is likely to get sufficient wealth.

Ruby or Manik for Sun
Ruby is said to have effects on the name, fame, vigor, virtue, warmth and the capacity to command to its user. It can also raise the individual far above the status in which he was born. Historically, it has been symbolic of love and passion.
This is normally red in colour and is a hot stone. On diseases front - It helps to cure peptic ulcer, fever, rheumatism, gout etc. Prolonged use of Ruby may have adverse effect on a person. So before wearing a ruby, the time period has to be determined by an astrologer for the best result.
Ruby should be used in gold in third or ring finger of right hand on Sunday. Ideally should be of about 3 or 5 grams in weight.

Zodiac celestial coordinate systems
For any spherical celestial coordinate system one needs to define an equatorial plane and designate an origin for longitude. From these definitions longitudinal meridians perpendicular to the equatorial plane meet at the north and south poles of the celestial sphere and one can precisely specify a unique position on the sphere.
First, the zodiac coordinate system designates the ecliptic as the equatorial plane. One should not confuse the zodiac's equatorial plane with the Earth's equator which is so named because it serves as the equatorial plane for our terrestrial coordinate system. Instead the ecliptic is aligned with the Earth's orbital plane with the Sun. The Earth tilts at an angle of approximately 23° with respect to the orbital plane. This tilt is partly due to the Earth's precession as it gyrates and rotates on its axis. It contributes to the divergence between a tropical year and a sidereal year and thus contributes to the precession of the equinoxes which marks the difference between tropical and sidereal celestial coordinate systems.
Second, a system of coordinates must normally specify an origin (0° point) for longitude. However, the zodiac system names twelve equal regions (called signs) and technically any sign can serve as the beginning or the end of the sphere's precession. However, the system further divides each sign into thirty degree units. One reason this system of coordinates was particularly useful in antiquity is that writing large numbers was difficult before the introduction of arabic numbers. The zodiac system of coordinates kept every number below ninety (the highest value for zodiac latitudes). Since the constellations along the ecliptic varied in size, defining 12 equal signs of 30° each did require an arbitrary assignment of boundaries roughly corresponding to the ecliptic constellations.
It is believed many of the classical astronomers specified zodiac signs using two bright stars near the ecliptic and opposite each other to serve as equatorial nodes or poles (not longitudinal poles): Aldebaran and Antares in the constellations Taurus and Scorpius respectively. These stars served rather well because not only were they on opposites sides of the ecliptic, but they also fell very near the center of their constellations and were therefore designated as Taurus 15 and Scorpius 15, meaning the middle 15° points within those signs. From these two stars then the remaining equatorial boundaries of the 12 signs of the zodiac follow (see Powell 2004).
Below are the Roman names of the signs of the zodiac (with the ecliptic longitudes of their first points...

1. ♈ Aries (0°)
2. ♉ Taurus (30°)
3. ♊ Gemini (60°)
4. ♋ Cancer (90°)
5. ♌ Leo (120°)
6. ♍ Virgo (150°)
7. ♎ Libra (180°)
8. ♏ Scorpius (210°)
9. ♐ Sagittarius (240°)
10. ♑ Capricornus (270°)
11. ♒ Aquarius (300°)
12. ♓ Pisces (330°)

Sidereal versus tropical
The celestial coordinate system described above is what astronomers call a sidereal system of coordinates. In other words it defines the coordinates in relation to what ancient astronomers called the fixed stars (as opposed to the planets other than Earth which were called wandering stars). One could also call this a celestially centered system of coordinates. In time the ancient astronomers such as Hipparchus discovered these fixed stars were not fixed relative to the Earth's tropical year. Due, in part, to the precession of the Earth discussed above, the Earth completed its orbit after it has already completed the tropical cycle: for example: for the cycle of the Sun starting directly over the tropic of Cancer then to the tropic of Capricorn and return to the tropic of Cancer again. Or as another example consider the motion of the Sun from one vernal equinox to the next; the Earth would complete such a cycle shortly before it completed an entire orbit around the Sun. (24 minutes and 20 seconds before). The difference is very subtle but as astronomers found archival records to compare their sightings with sightings of previous astronomers and the discrepancy thus became apparent. Some estimates of the rate of precession suggest that over a period of 27,000 tropical years, the Earth will have orbited the Sun only 26,999 times. It is remarkable that Hipparchus in the second century BC could recognize and document such a subtle process which is now known as the precession of the equinoxes.
Some modern astronomers began to mark the stars according to a tropical zodiac (or other tropical coordinate systems such as the equatorial coordinate system). This tropical zodiac system of coordinates designates the origin of the longitude of the celestial sphere as the first point in Aries. The term may be derived from the constellation of Aries, but this point instead marks the position of the Sun at the time of the vernal equinox for a specified epoch. Among other things, this epoch specifies the first point in Aries and establishes a unique fixed reference point for the tropical system of coordinates. The use of the phrase "first point in Aries" causes some confusion when considering sidereal versus tropical systems of coordinates. The first point in Aries in the sidereal system of coordinates, would be the first star in the Aries sign or perhaps the boundary of that sign. Whereas in tropical coordinates, the vernal equinox defines this point. During the time of Ptolemy's observations and cataloging of stars the sidereal and tropical longitudinal origins differed by a magnitude of perhaps less than 2°. The close convergence of these two systems of coordinates — combined with the varied interpretations of the phrase "first point in Aries" — makes it difficult to discern Ptolemy's longitudinal origin (see Peters and Knobel 1915).
More recently, in 2000 AD for example, the first point in Aries and the boundary of the sign of Aries — based on the specification of zodiac signs above — diverged by about 25°. In terms of the tropical system, this places the first point in Aries (in other words, the vernal equinox) in the Pisces constellation, near the projection of the NGC 7787 spiral galaxy. Other specifications of zodiac signs (whether sidereal or tropical) choosing different fixed points (in the celestial sphere for sidereal or in relation to Earth's seasonal cycle for tropical) would result in a different divergence either greater than or less than 25°. For example Cyril Fagan's sidereal zodiac is offset from the J2000.0 tropical zodiac by greater than 39° (as of 1977). This difference between the position of fixed stars in the tropical and sidereal coordinate systems is called the Ayanamsa.

Comparison to modern systems

Though perhaps as old as 5,000 years, the zodiac coordinate system boasts advantages over its more common modern counterparts. Since the coordinate system is celestially centered, it is insulated from the many eccentricities of Earth's motion: including its rotation, intricacies of Earth time, precession, nutation and its elliptical and perturbed orbit around our Sun. To use the zodiac coordinate system all one has to know is where to find one of the nodal constellations that include the fixed reference points for the system: Taurus and Scorpio. Since those constellations are located on opposite sides of the ecliptic along the zodiac, one should always be visible in the night sky. Also. these constellations are both located within the prominent band of cloud and dust of the Milky Way. From these constellations astronomers can orient themselves for locating any point in the coordinate system.
The modern, commonly used tropical systems require an observer to know the current mean sidereal time, the observer's terrestrial longitude and latitude, and the epoch the observer wishes to utilize, and to account for other peculiarities of Earth's motion. Of course, modern astronomical computers handle most of the tasks for observers, but it involves a large effort by many different astronomers behind the scenes.
In addition, much of the motion of the stars in modern tropical coordinate systems can be attributed wholly to these peculiarities of Earth's motion. Astronomers make the distinction between the proper motion of a star (typically relatively subtle), from the other motion that arises totally from the designation of a tropical rather than sidereal coordinate system. One example where this exhibits itself is in the constellation boundaries drawn up by the IAU. The neat constellation boundaries drawn in 1930 exhibit increasingly distorted boundary lines over time. This may seem like something of little consequence, but why bother drawing neat boundaries around constellations if they inherently become erratic in the dominant coordinate system in use then and now.
Finally, since the zodiac system uses the ecliptic rather than the terrestrial equator for its equatorial plane it is not susceptible to the drifting of stars across the celestial equator as in the commonly used equatorial coordinate system (right ascension, declination). In The Almagest Ptolemy criticizes Hipparchus’ use of an equatorial plane in some of Hipparchus’ variously specified coordinate systems for this very reason (Ptolemy 1998).
These advantages make the zodiac coordinate system a very efficient system of coordinates in terms of requiring very little human-hours of labor to use and maintain: issues particularly important to early astronomers, typically working in often in isolation from one another.
The key disadvantage of a zodiac system of coordinates will manifest as a problem, if the nodal stars that serve as its fixed reference points for the system exhibit significant proper motion so that within the system of coordinates every other star appears to move dramatically in unison. In other words, selecting a star that has eccentiricities compared to the other stars undermines the usefulness of the system of coordinates. For example the inadvertent selection of an asteroid or an entire galaxy outside our Milky Way would lead to this condition. The reason for this is that celestial objects outside our galaxy revolve around our galaxy in a period of about 220 million years, at least in terms of a frame of reference affixed to our Sun and its neighboring stars. The only other sidereal coordinate system in common use today (that shares many of the zodiac’s advantages) is the galactic coordinate system. In galactic coordinates, the plane of the Milky Way and its own axial center serve as the fixed referents. These are fairly logical reference points for a coordinate system, though of course they cannot be located with the naked eye.
Another disadvantage relates to the apparatus required for orienting one to the coordinate system. Using geocentric coordinates astronomers can easily calibrate their instruments to the fixed reference point. As long as astronomers can obtain an accurate compass reading, they can orient themselves to a geocentric coordinate system (such as ecliptic or equatorial coordinates). Using zodiac coordinates requires an astronomer to locate the correct star, whether Antares or Aldebaran, and the correct constellation- Scorpio or Taurus respectively- and make an accurate reading of the position of that star and accurately orient that star to the ecliptic. This may take more skill than a mere compass reading: especially for amateur astronomers.

Sidereal versus tropical

The celestial coordinate system described above is what astronomers call a sidereal system of coordinates. In other words it defines the coordinates in relation to what ancient astronomers called the fixed stars (as opposed to the planets other than Earth which were called wandering stars). One could also call this a celestially centered system of coordinates. In time the ancient astronomers such as Hipparchus discovered these fixed stars were not fixed relative to the Earth's tropical year. Due, in part, to the precession of the Earth discussed above, the Earth completed its orbit after it has already completed the tropical cycle: for example: for the cycle of the Sun starting directly over the Tropic of Cancer then to the Tropic of Capricorn and return to the Tropic of Cancer again. Or as another example consider the motion of the Sun from one vernal equinox to the next; the Earth would complete such a cycle shortly before it completed an entire orbit around the Sun. (24 minutes and 20 seconds before). The difference is very subtle but as astronomers found archival records to compare their sightings with sightings of previous astronomers and the discrepancy thus became apparent. Some estimates of the rate of precession suggest that over a period of 27,000 tropical years, the Earth will have orbited the Sun only 26,999 times. It is remarkable that Hipparchus in the second century BC could recognize and document such a subtle process which is now known as the precession of the equinoxes.
Some modern astronomers began to mark the stars according to a tropical zodiac (or other tropical coordinate systems such as the equatorial coordinate system). This tropical zodiac system of coordinates designates the origin of the longitude of the celestial sphere as the first point in Aries. The term may be derived from the constellation of Aries, but this point instead marks the position of the Sun at the time of the vernal equinox for a specified epoch. Among other things, this epoch specifies the first point in Aries and establishes a unique fixed reference point for the tropical system of coordinates. The use of the phrase "first point in Aries" causes some confusion when considering sidereal versus tropical systems of coordinates. The first point in Aries in the sidereal system of coordinates, would be the first star in the Aries sign or perhaps the boundary of that sign. Whereas in tropical coordinates, the vernal equinox defines this point. During the time of Ptolemy's observations and cataloging of stars the sidereal and tropical longitudinal origins differed by a magnitude of perhaps less than 2°. The close convergence of these two systems of coordinates — combined with the varied interpretations of the phrase "first point in Aries" — makes it difficult to discern Ptolemy's longitudinal origin (see Peters and Knobel 1915).
More recently, in 2000 AD for example, the first point in Aries and the boundary of the sign of Aries — based on the specification of zodiac signs above — diverged by about 25°. In terms of the tropical system, this places the first point in Aries (in other words, the vernal equinox) in the Pisces constellation, near the projection of the NGC 7787 spiral galaxy. Other specifications of zodiac signs (whether sidereal or tropical) choosing different fixed points (in the celestial sphere for sidereal or in relation to Earth's seasonal cycle for tropical) would result in a different divergence either greater than or less than 25°. For example Cyril Fagan's sidereal zodiac is offset from the J2000.0 tropical zodiac by greater than 39° (as of 1977). This difference between the position of fixed stars in the tropical and sidereal coordinate systems is called the Ayanamsa.

The belief that the stars have an ability to influence our lives is an old one. It is also one that has become increasingly popular in the last several years Click here

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Were You Born to Be a Writer? See What Your Zodiac Sign Says

Many of us were blessed by having the proverbial silver spoon firmly planted between our lips from the moment that we took our first breath, and a few lucky people enter this world with predetermined God given talents, while quite a few of us were born to be writers or artists, and still


others struggle to figure out just exactly what their talent may be. Some people actually believe that they have no special talents, but the clues in the zodiac signs tell us differently. Too many people have hidden talents that they may never discover simply because there has been no reason to use them until something comes up that puts their true talents to the test. Is it possible that the day you were born has everything to do with your likes and dislikes or your passion for a particular subject? I believe that it does, but you can decide for yourself.


Pisces: February 19-March 20

Its no big secret that people born under the sign of Pisces are quite often associated with musical aspirations, movies’ & film, dancing, and many other types of art. They are quite comfortable doing charitable work, counseling careers, and most jobs involving water, chemicals, oil, pharmaceuticals, nursing, and the clergy. Pisceans are quite vulnerable, but they are adaptable and can work around difficult situations.

Strengths: Idealism, Spirituality, Transcendence
Weaknesses: Escapism, Self-Deception, Living in a Fantasy or Dream World


Aquarius: January 20-February 18

It is believed that Aquarians have a lightning-fast intuitive insight and can quickly grasp abstract concepts. Professions associated with an Aquarius include inventing, research, social organizing or activism, astrology, communications, Humanitarian computer sciences, and electronics. Aquarians make great entrepreneurs and often end of being their own boss.

Strengths: Modern, Analytical, Humanitarian
Weaknesses: Unreliable in personal matters, Extremist, Chaotic

Capricorn: December 22-January 19

Capricorns have a great respect for power, authority, structure and tradition. They are also extremely ambitious, and typically they are not satisfied unless they have reached a level of power and authority. They have a deep need for security, especially financial, and often will work very hard to get rich. Capricorns do well in just about any career that they choose, and quite often they are the CEO of a company or are in a position of power.

Strengths: Discipline, Patience, Structure
Weaknesses: Inhibited, Rigid, Often Depressed


Sagittarius: November 22-December 21

Sagittarians adamantly dislike being confined as they constantly seek change, especially through travel. They require freedom of thought and ideas, but otherwise tend to be fairly conventional and respect tradition. Professions traditionally associated with a Sagittarius include teaching, law, anything to do with medicine, import and export, retail, or other activities that involve foreign countries, and publishing.

Strengths: Optimism, Generosity, Foresight
Weaknesses: Ignoring details, Intolerance, Self-Righteousness


Scorpio: October 23-November 21

Scorpios’ possess strong leadership qualities, incisive analytic abilities, energy, and a desire for financial security that can make them motivated career people. Many Scorpios also like to flirt with danger and push themselves and those close to them to their limits. Professions traditionally associated with the Scorpio include forensic science, law enforcement or detective work, military, medicine, psychology, astrology, and clergy.

Strengths: Intense, Transforming, Powerful
Weaknesses: Jealous, Violent, Domineering


Libra: September 23-October 22

Libra’s are quite comfortable taking leading roles, but their need to be fair and to please everyone equally can sometimes make it difficult for them to make decisions. They are skilled peacemakers and diplomats who desire balance and harmony in all situations and will do almost anything to avoid confrontations and stress. Libra’s do well in any profession that deals with law and justice. They also make strong politicians, and are naturally talented in the arts or design. They tend to take psychology and counseling careers due to their love of helping people.

Strengths: Charm, Love of Beauty, Diplomacy
Weaknesses: Indecision, Narcissism, Depression

Virgo: August 23-September 22


Out of all of the zodiac signs, Virgos’ make up more millionaires then any other sign simply due to their strong business sense. They are obsessed with details and comfortable being analytical. They have a natural intelligence and are extremely hard workers. They handle complex tasks with seeming effortlessness because they are flexible and good organizers. They also can be perfectionists and worry when projects or situations do not meet their high expectations, and they are humble. Anything dealing with the service industries, health and nutrition, secretarial or office administration will bring out the best in a Virgo. They also make excellent teachers, and outstanding editors.

Strengths: Efficient, Orderly, Precise
Weaknesses: Sarcastic, Nervous, Overcritical


Leo: July 23-August 22

Most Leos’ believe that they deserve the best, and this belief often attracts good things to them. The average Leo makes bigger and bolder plans than other signs do. Even if these plans fail, Leos can usually look on the bright side, sometimes to the point of being unrealistic, and that is why they are drawn to careers like performing and entertainment, despite the odds of excelling at this type of career. Beauty and cosmetics are a passion, and they are naturals when it comes to the arts. They also make investing look like a breeze, and they love any form of gambling.

Strengths: Integrity, Courage, Confidence
Weaknesses: Selfish, Egomaniacs, Dominating


Cancer: June 22-July 22

Cancers have a knack for sensing other people's needs which makes them sympathetic and caring, and often personable and easy to get along with. They crave security, and often withdraw into themselves for protection to avoid being crushed by criticism. They have a love for food which is why many Cancers are drawn into careers that involve cooking and catering. They also make wonderful writers due to their diverse imagination, and they make sensitive care givers of the young and old. Any type of domestic career or activity is perfect for the Cancer native as they are people persons to the extreme.

Strengths: Intuitive, Nurturing, Maternal
Weaknesses: Controlling, Bossy, Manipulative


Gemini: May 21-June 21

Geminis possess a God given ability and desire to do more than one thing at a time. They are interested in anything and everything, and they get bored easily so they almost can never resist moving onto the next subject. These tendencies make them seem shallow and fickle, but nothing could


be more untrue. Because of their restless nature they make great journalists, editors, and just about anything else that involves the field of writing or publishing. They are naturals when it comes to dealing with all types of people and situations, and they make great sales people or they can easily hold any other job that requires flexibility and verbal skills.

Strengths: Witty, Talkative, Versatile
Weaknesses: Fickle, Lack of a Commitment, Seemingly Superficial


Taurus: April 20-May 20

A true Taurus naturally has acute senses and appreciates beauty and pleasure in all forms. They tend to be very aware of the value of things, an ability which can make them skilled handlers of money and good judges of the quality of merchandise. Maybe this is why many managers at financial institutes are Tauruses’. They deal well with all forms of business, and are particularly good at fashion or interior design careers. Many Tauruses’ are singers and they are naturals when it comes to farming, horticulture and floral design.

Strengths: Hard Working, Honest, Couragegeous
Weaknesses: Short-sighted, Intractable, Manipulative


Aries: March 21-April 19

Aries natives are natural adventurers, and because of this they appear to be fearless of any type of obstacles that may stand in their way. They make successful leaders and they are good at motivating others. You will find that many aries are high-powered surgeons as they are drawn to all aspects of medicine, and what it can do to help others. They also make excellent engineers and carpenters, and they have a love for anything that has to do with physical activity, metal or machinery.

Strengths: Intelligent, Assertive, Adventurous
Weaknesses: Too Much Ego, Vindictive, Trouble with Sharing