Gemini (astrology)

Gemini
Aries • Taurus • Gemini • Cancer • Leo • Virgo • Libra
Scorpio • Sagittarius • Capricorn • Aquarius • Pisces
Zodiac Symbol Twins
Duration (Tropical, Western) 20 May – 20 June (2012, UTC)
Constellation Gemini
Zodiac Element Air
Zodiac Quality Mutable
Sign ruler Mercury
Detriment Jupiter
Exaltation no planet (some say North node)
Fall no planet (some say South node
Astrology portal Astrology project

Gemini (♊) is the third astrological sign in the Zodiac, which spans the Zodiac between the 60th and 89th degree of celestial longitude. Generally, the Sun transits this area of the zodiac between May 21 to June 20 each year (sometimes the dates vary slightly). Individuals born during these dates, whilst the Sun is within this sign are called Geminians.[1]

Contents

Key characteristics and definitions

Because the Sun's transit through the sign of Gemini concludes at the moment of the summer solstice, the sign is seasonally associated with the transition from spring to summer. Because its period indicates a change of season, it is known as a 'mutable sign',[2]:88 describing an impulse towards change and versatility, and an easy ability to adapt to the demands of the environment.

The sign is governed by Mercury, a planet noted for swift movement and symbolically associated with the interchange of ideas and fluid responses to circumstances. Gemini is also linked with the 'element of air' which represents the mental and social realms, the ability to formulate abstract ideas and to effectively interpret symbols, imagined concepts and communicative signals.[3]:48 As the mutable air sign, governed by a planet which is astrologically given to the principle of transmutation and communication, the symbolic focus of the sign falls upon movement, quick-thinking, free-flowing expression, gesticulation, and spontaneous reaction. The sign is symbolised by 'the twins', which also presents duality: the ability to relate to opposing visions simultaneously, to possess dexterity and a talent for multi-tasking.[4]:18

Correspondingly, Geminians are said to be curious and to enjoy mental exploration, to be almost always at ease in social situations, it is considered by some astrologers as the most flirtatious in the zodiac and to have a talent for writing and reporting, and to enjoy all forms of 'talk', from gossip to political debate. On the negative, they are reputed to have "butterfly minds" which become easily bored, and to shift their allegiances in a way that lacks commitment or loyalty.[4]:18 They are also said to experience discomfort with the expression of deep emotion.[3]:58 For this reason, though praised for being quick and clever, Geminians are also criticised for being elusive, fickle and ill-at-ease with emotional commitment.

Definitions and Associations
Glyph meaning: (♊) The two vertical and horizontal lines symbolise the duality of the Twins.[4]:13
Quality Positive: outwardly expressive, extrovert.[5]
Element (triplicity)[6] Air: thought, intellect, ideas, interaction.[4]:14
Mode (quadruplicity)[6] Mutable: the element in its most fluid form - associated with change and the dissemination of energy.[4]:15
Body part Shoulders, arms, hands.[2]:94
Direction West by south[2]:365
Traditional definitions Humane sign - signs represented by human figures (Libra is included on the assumption that the scales are held by a human hand). Renowned for social graces and intellectual skills, and sometimes referred to as 'manly' or 'courteous' signs.[7]

Bi-corporeal (double-bodied) - all the mutable signs are double-bodied - Gemini: two twins; Virgo: maiden and bird; Sagittarius: man and horse; Pisces: two fishes. They represent the months that join the seasons and signify a dualistic nature that is easily adaptable and can be one thing or another. For this reason the mutable signs are referred to as 'common' signs in traditional terminology.[7]

Mythology

The ancient Babylonians referred to the constellation as Mastabba Galgal, the 'Great Twins', and commemorated within it the mythical friendship of the demi-god Gilgamesh and his mortal friend Enkidu, who fought against the gods in twelve adventures.[8] Stricken by grief at Enkidu's death, Gilgamesh pursued a quest to ensure his own immortality.

The ancient Greek tale of the egg-born brothers Castor and Pollux, born to their mother Leda after she was seduced by Zeus in the guise of a swan. Their consummation, on the same night as Leda lay with her husband, Sparta's King Tyndareus resulted in the birth of immortal Pollux, who possessed great physical strength, and mortal Castor who possessed great ingenuity. Upon Castor's death Pollux begged Zeus to let him share his own immortality with his twin to keep them together and they were transformed into the Gemini constellation.

The classical myth is said to demonstrate the mutual reliance of conscious reasoning and unconscious belief to indicate "acute polarisation of the spiritual and material, alternation between the extremes of rational logic and instinctive belief, and the quest to reconcile all contradictions in a central threshold where reason and belief, intellect and emotion, masculinity and femininity, merge into one".[7] Juan Eduardo Cirlot also reports that the Gemini motif is essentially a symbol of opposites, inversions and alternating contradictions between life and death and positives and negatives. Cirlot points out that a study of the Gemini-myth in megalithic culture shows that it has two tendencies: "one white and the other black; one creates, the other destroys; both these characteristics are indicated by the arms of each of the Twins, which in landscape symbolism are identical with the river of youth and the river of death".[9]

Compatibilities

Generally, the qualities of Gemini are considered to be compatible with those of the other air signs: Libra and Gemini and Aquarius, Sagittarius and to a lesser extent with the fire signs: Aries, Leo. However, compatibility based on sun-sign alone is considered to be only a very general guideline. The branch of astrology dealing with interpersonal relationships is called Synastry. In this, astrologers analyse the horoscopes of both parties being considered with particular reference to the positions of the Sun and Moon, and Venus and Mars.[10]

Sign Highest compatibility High compatibility Low compatibility
Gemini Libra, Aquarius Aries, Leo, Sagittarius,Pisces Virgo,Taurus, Cancer, Capricorn, Scorpio,

Sidereal zodiac

Main article: Sidereal and tropical astrology

The dates that the Sun traverses the sign of Gemini according to the Sidereal system are (generally) between 15 June and 15 July each year.

References

  1. ^ Oxford English Dictionary. Retrieved 3 September 2011.
  2. ^ a b c William Lilly, (1647) Christian Astrology. Republished as facsimile, London: Regulus, 1985. ISBN 0948472014.
  3. ^ a b Kevin Burk, Astrology: understanding the birth chart : a comprehensive guide to classical interpretation. Llewellyn Worldwide, 2001. ISBN 9781567180886.
  4. ^ a b c d e Joanna Watters, Astrology for today. London: Carroll & Brown, 2003. ISBN 1903258693.
  5. ^ Sasha Fenton, Astrology for Living, p.12. Readers Digest, 1999. ISBN 9780762102303.
  6. ^ a b There are three signs for each element which are related to each other across the Zodiac by the shape of the triangle; therefore these are traditionally known as 'triplicities'. Marcus Manilius, (c.10 AD.) Astronomica 2.270-295. Translated by G.P. Goold. Harvard University Press, 1977. ISBN 0674995163.
  7. ^ a b c Deborah Houlding, ‘Gemini the Twins'. The Mountain Astrologer, issue #139, June 2008. ISSN 1079-1345.
  8. ^ Deborah Houlding, ‘Star Lore of the Constellations: Gemini the Twins'. The Mountain Astrologer, issue #139, June 2008. ISSN 1079-1345.
  9. ^ Juan Eduardo Cirlot, A Dictionary of Symbols, p.116. Routledge Kegan & Paul, 1962.
  10. ^ Linda Goodman, Linda Goodman's Love Signs: A New Approach to the Human Heart. Harper Paperbacks; 1st edition (1991) ISBN 0060968966 p.8 "Even between two individuals whose Sun and Moon Signs harmonize, there are always some planets in their mutual nativities which clash causing periodic friction and tension."
Elements
Fire · Earth · Air · Water
Qualities
Nature
Astrology | Signs of the Zodiac
Aries Taurus Gemini Cancer Leo Virgo Libra Scorpio Sagittarius Capricorn Aquarius Pisces
Astronomy | Constellations of the Ecliptic
Aries Taurus Gemini Cancer Leo Virgo Libra Scorpius Ophiuchus Sagittarius Capricornus Aquarius Pisces
See also: Ecliptic coordinates  · Precession of the equinoxes  · 13-sign zodiac  · Zodiacal light