* 6
| Platonic solid  | element      |
| ++++         |             |
| Sphere       | void         |
| Dodecahedron | ether or prana |
| Tetrahedron   | fire          |
| Octahedron   | air          |
| Icosahedron   | water        |
| Hexahedron   | earth        |

* 7
| planets  | Lotus petals | color         |   |
| Saturn  |          8 | violet         |   |
| Jupiter  |          2 | blue         |   |
| Mars    |         16 | green        |   |
| Sun     |         12 | yellow       |   |
| Mercury |         10 | orange       |   |
| Venus   |          6 | red          |   |
| Moon   |          4 | peach blossom |   |

* 12
| house | sign       | polarity | modality | trigon | north                     | south                       | apostle               | tribe     | body             | ruler    | latitude |
|     1 | Ares      | +      | cardinal  | fire   | Perseus, Cassiopia         | Cetus                      | Simon the Zealot       | Zebulon   | head             | mars    |        |
|     2 | Taurus    | -      | fixed    | earth | Auriga                    | Orion, R. Eridanus            | Jude Thaddeus        | Joseph   | throat            | venus   |        |
|     3 | Gemini    | +      | mutant  | air   |                          | C. Major, C. Minor, Lepus      | Mathew               | Benjamin | hands, arms, lungs | mercury |        |
|     4 | Cancer    | -      | cardinal  | water | U. Minor, U. Major          | Argo Navis                  | Philip                 | Issachar  | stomach, breasts   | moon   |        |
|     5 | Leo       | +      | fixed    | fire   |                          | Crater Corvus, Hydra         | James the Greater      | Judah    | heart, spine       | sun     |        |
|     6 | Virgo      | -      | mutant  | earth | Coma Boetes              | Centaur                     | Thomas              | Naphtali  | intestines         | mercury |        |
|     7 | Libra      | +      | cardinal  | air   | N. Crown                 | S. Cross, Wolf (Centaurs victim) | John                 | Asher    | kidneys           | venus   |        |
|     8 | Scorpio    | -      | fixed    | water | Ophiucus, Serpent, Hercules |                            | Peter                 | Dan      | sex organs        | mars    |        |
|     9 | Sagittarius | +      | mutant  | fire   | Lyre, Draco               | Ara (Altar)                   |                      | Gad     | hips, thighs        |         | jupiter  |
|    10 | Capricorn  | -      | cardinal  | earth | Sagitta, Aqila, Delpinus      | Judas Iscariot               | Andrew               | Simeon   | knees            | saturn   |        |
|    11 | Aquarius   | +      | fixed    | air   | Pegasus, Cygnus          | S. Fish                     | James, son of Alphaeus | Reuben   | calves, ankles     | saturn   |        |
|    12 | Pices     | -      | mutant  | water | Cepheus, Andromeda       | The band (fish-band)          | Bartholomew          | Levi      | feet              | jupiter   |        |
#+TBLFM: 

Creating Character Depth With Astrological Signs
by
C. J. Winters

At first glance this keyword system may appear complicated, but by using only one or two signs it's quite simple. With experience, you may want to add more signs for greater complexity. I usually work with three signs each for the hero and heroine -- Sun, Moon and Ascendant.

Each astrological sign belongs to one of four Element groups: FIRE (pepper)...EARTH (yeast)...AIR (light)...WATER (shadow). Each sign also belongs to one of three Modal groups: CARDINAL (active)... FIXED (fixed)...MUTABLE (flexible). Hence we arrive at 12 combinations, or the12 signs.

Choose one, two, three, up to six signs (see below) per character. Each zodiacal sign has positive and negative traits. Therefore the hero/heroine show more positives (give some negative flaws), the villain more negatives (enrich with positives). A 'positive' trait, ex. Generosity, can go too far and become negative...just as a 'negative' trait, ex. Anger, may be necessary to protect, or to motivate change. No person will show all of a sign's traits because there are so many tempering factors in every chart. Don't hesitate to vary your character, or his/her physical description, when it feels right.

SUN SIGN
One of the twelve zodiacal signs will form the basis of the characterization, even though it may not be as immediately obvious to the reader as the Ascendant or Moon Sign. All other sign flavors will be colored by the Sun Sign, which is the core, essence, foundation of a character...his/her heart. Be sure any birthday fits!

In addition to the Sun sign, you might add...

MOON SIGN
Choose any zodiacal sign. This sign will describe your character's emotional makeup, instantaneous and gut-level responses, deeply ingrained habits (early programming) and subconscious mind. The Moon indicates how a person was nurtured in childhood, and how s/he will nurture others. Choose positive and/or negative sign characteristics. One can't choose how s/he WAS nurtured, but may choose how to nurture others, using his/her Moon sign as a guide. This could be a reforming factor in the character's development. Challenge its characteristics with those of the Sun Sign for a built-in internal conflict that the character must constantly confront, and learn (because it's not 'natural' to him/her) to integrate for inner harmony and peace.

ASCENDANT SIGN
Choose any sign. Often (not always, it depends on the introduction within the plot) the first expression of personality we see in a new character. More artificial, less natural expression than the signs of planets. The Ascendant Sign describes early life programming regarding societal survival techniques. Think of it as a transparent layer of color over your character's portrait. It's the simplest area to use for conflict between lovers, because it's shallower, making it easier for them to learn to interact positively. Conflicts are more intrinsic when Sun and/or Moon signs are involved.

MERCURY SIGN
Choice of three signs: it must be in same sign as the Sun, or the one preceding or following it. Describes conscious thought, communication. "'This is how I think, speak, write."

VENUS SIGN
Choice of five signs: it must be in same sign as the Sun, or one of the two preceding or following it. Describes the love/desire nature and how it's expressed, in relationships as well as in physical (material, including money and possessions) matters. "This is what I value."

MARS SIGN
Choose any sign for the expression of action as influenced by desire. "I want...so I go about getting it this way."

Now, think of the Sun's, Moon's, Ascendant's, or Planet's action described above, and combine it with some of the characteristics of a Sign below.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 12 ZODIACAL (Sun) SIGNS
(Dates given can vary a day or so)

ARIES, March 21 April 19. Fiery, Initiating
Primitive - Pioneering - Courageous - Aggressive - Audacious - Bold - Impulsive - Energetic - Brusque - Ardent - Fast - Fearless - Impatient - Warring - Leading - Eager - Militant - Assertive - Vivacious - Daring - Competitive - Trusting - Spirited - Self centered - Child like - Bossy - Adventurous - Restless - Heedless - Abrupt - Temper - Anger - Desire, Sex

TAURUS, April 20 May 20. Earthy, Fixed
Solid - Practical - Stable - Gentle - Sensual - Stubborn - Lazy - Possessive - Self indulgent - Materialistic - Artistic - Deliberate - Self reliant - Slow - Reliable - Charming - Acquisitive - Beauty loving - Attracting - Affectionate - Building - Evaluating - Firm - Supportive - Contented - Tranquil - Steadfast - Placid - Comfort seeking - Conservative - Natural - Patient - Calming - Sex, love

GEMINI, May 21 June 20. Mental, Flexible
Versatile - Agile - Dualistic - Eloquent - Changeable - Genial - Talkative - Witty - Fickle - Adaptable - Restless - Quick - Rational - Curious - Communicative - Logical - Expressive - Moving - Critical - Dexterous - Nervous - Scattering - Collecting - Distracting - Relating - Gesticulating - Manipulating - Participating - Adroit - Alert - Impersonal - Inquisitive - Gossipy - Glib - Superficial - Game playing

CANCER, June 21 July 22. Emotional, Initiating
Tenacious - Enveloping - Protecting - Collecting - Maternal - Clannish - Clinging - Reflecting - Sensitive - Remembering - Habitual - Hospitable - Endearing - Touchy - Cherishing - Moody - Imaginative - Psychic - Restless - Domestic - Sympathetic - Romantic - Greedy - Timid - Family centered - Considerate - Changeable - Empathetic - Insecure - Sentimental - Instinctual - Impressionable - Kind - Self absorbed

LEO, July 23 August 22. Fiery, Fixed
Leading - Loyal - Proud - Generous - Dramatic - Egotistical - Creative - Overbearing - Affectionate - Authoritative - Sociable - Dignified - Powerful - Spirited - Magnanimous - Vital - Confident - Strong - Direct - Enduring - Gregarious - Self expressive - Limelight seeking - Regal - Approval seeking - Domineering - Dynamic - Glowing - Hearty - Showy - Playful - Childlike - Childish - Paternal - Ostentatious - Sex, love

VIRGO, August 23 September 22. Earthy, Flexible
Precise - Perfectionist - Meticulous - Discriminating - Analytical - Critical - Proper - Practical - Modest - Detailed - Purist - Methodical - Efficient - Intelligent - Logical - Nervous - Background worker - Server - Health conscious - Adaptable - Assimilative - Industrious - Neat - Tunnel viewing - Clean - Organizing - Discreet - Sorting - Shy - Rational - Selective - Curious - Insecure - Retiring - Picky - Aloof

LIBRA, September 23 October 22. Mental, Initiating
Diplomatic - Refined - Charming - Indecisive - Strategical - Fair - Just - Peace making - Partner oriented - Vain - Superficial - Sociable - Clean - Self indulgent - Romantic - Artistic - Appreciative - Pleasing - Poised - Attractive - Luxury loving - Organizing - Collaborative - Cultured - Cooperative - Rational - Graceful - Sensuous - Complimentary - Esthetic - Harmonizing - Affected - Beauty seeking - Ingratiating - Leading

SCORPIO, October 23 November 21. Emotional, Fixed
Secretive - Intense - Subtle - Probing - Self sufficient - Vindictive - Passionate - Suspicious - Jealous - Sarcastic - Dictatorial - Obsessive - Law unto self - Destructive - Rejuvenating - Transforming - Powerful - Investigative - Detecting - Penetrating - Psychic - Deep - Mysterious - Unrelenting - Resourceful - Shrewd - Reserved - Ruthless - Complex - Coercive - Stoic - Magnetic - Unforgiving - Sex, urge

SAGITTARIUS, November 22 December 21. Fiery, Flexible
Jovial - Frank - Outspoken - Honorable - Adventurous - Disheveled - Generous - Philosophical - Optimistic - Sporting - Foot loose - Lucky - Wise - Idealistic - Free spirited - Promising - Expansive - Enthusiastic - Prophetic - Extravagant - Self righteous - Aspiring - Gambling - Scattering - Well intentioned - Tactless - Searching - Forward looking - Judging - Unreliable - Ethical - Goal oriented - Independent - Visualizing - Wandering - Theorizing

CAPRICORN, December 22 January 19. Earthy, Initiating
Conservative - Conventional - Ambitious - Manipulative - Methodical - Pessimistic - Opportunistic - Goal oriented - Status seeking - Prudent - Organized - Reserved - Disciplined - Structured - Cautious - Blocked - Concentrated - Responsible - Inhibited - Serious - Restricted - Mature - Cold - Authoritative - Political - Dutiful - Formal - Efficient - Rigid - Patriarchal - Controlling - Traditional - Practical - Worldly - Guarded - Suspicious

AQUARIUS, January 20 February 18. Mental, Fixed
Unconventional - Independent - Inventive - Progressive - Humanitarian - Friendly - Impersonal - Intuitive - Erratic - Eccentric - Rebellious - Sudden - Self willed - Original - Revolutionary - Separative - Unusual - Unpredictable - Avant garde - Innovative - Unexpected - Forgetful - Alone - Unique - Disruptive - Informal - Futuristic - Scientific - Electrical - Detached - Unemotional - Free spirited - Humane Altruistic

PISCES, February 19 March 20. Emotional, Flexible
Compassionate - Impressionable - Dreamy - Sacrificial - Spiritual - Psychic - Indecisive - Dualistic - Romantic - Sensitive - Misunderstood - Impractical - Mystical - Nebulous - Confused - Deceptive - Visionary - Devoted - Idealistic - Imaginative - Sympathetic - Creative - Secretive - Retiring - Shy - Charitable - Illusive - Credulous - Fantasizing - Undefined - Mediumistic - Subtle - Deluded - Intriguing - Drifting - Vague
©2003 C. J. Winters

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