Your Astrological Signs: The Lessons of Karma and the Responsibility and Maturity of the Soul
by Stephen Poplin, M.A.

Each sign needs to express a theme and/or perspective, which is important for the individual within a society to admit or to recognize. If it--this theme--is integrated, it will make an obvious and positive impact. If not, it will be felt as an incomplete aspect of self, an unfulfilled wish or potential for the individual.

The mature soul should recognize the cause and effect factor, Karma, and that reaping follows sowing. Effort is needed in order to get the "return." The immature soul will want--and even demand--the effect or reward without considering the cause or effort necessary to create or earn it. This is somewhat like the lottery hopefuls--waiting for their "reward;" or even the religious, waiting to be saved with little or no exertion towards conscious evolution and social service. 

The plan of this particular astrological analysis unfolds in the following way: each sign is subjectively seeking something. Sometimes this "something" is to be derived from friends, acquaintances and/or family, sometimes from society, mostly from oneself. Obviously, there is a lesson or two involved. Therefore, speaking rhetorically--and philosophically--for each sign, we ask these questions: 

What do you want?

What's the inner issue(s)?

What thought or inspiration should you keep in mind (a quote)?

Do note that as I describe the temperaments, interests, and probabilities of the various signs, I am not only referring to one's Sun sign, but also to one's Moon or Rising sign, as well as to a predominance of planets within a particular sign. How do you find out about these particulars? Why, consult an astrologer!

Aries: To seek the freedom to act and to express yourself freely.

They may talk about "what they would do" or they may tie themselves to a weight or obstruction and thereby wait for freedom or permission to act (and wait a long, long time). Very likely the tie is merely a string! Remember, just because you are busy and active does not mean that you are getting any nearer your goals. Harness your drive to a good plan and you can go far!

"Action follows thought."

Taurus: To enjoy life while utilizing your resources and attaining security. 

Look at the long haul. A sustained, constant effort in the accumulation of capital or assets on one hand can be augmented or fortified by the knowledge and experience to remain self-sufficient and rewarded (materially and otherwise) for one's talents and contributions. Take responsibility for what you have...and what you haven't. Remember, if you keep on doing what you've been doing you will continue to get what you've already got!

"There's no such thing as a free lunch."

Gemini: To be accepted and appreciated as a fine thinker and communicator. 

One can talk a lot and have nothing to say. Are you taking in and passing on information indiscriminately? What's the purpose? Avoid superficialities and delve deeper into the subjects that are meaningful to you. The mind is a muscle. Use it and it will grow strong--cause and effect. Also, how accepting are you of others? Criticism returns to its own roost!

"Direct your thoughts and include the heart."

Cancer: To have a comfortable home and to enjoy "family" bonds.

These goals require effort, not wishful thinking and certainly not lamenting and complaining. Study the Home--physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. It is built upon foundations, a brick at a time. It is in need of maintenance and periodic repair. A Home is more than the sum of its parts. What is a family? Think beyond blood ties. Love and affection, forgiveness and trust, an open door and few expectations. Follow the Golden Rule:

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Leo: To be recognized as a creative, unique individual.

Like a diamond in the rough, cut and polish your natural gifts. Remember that while you are fine-tuning your skills that there are many other stars in the sky. Each soul is significant, a bright light in its own right. And how do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice! The curtains rise after many rehearsals. 

"Head for the lights and never forget the Source of The Light."

Virgo: To be recognized as a competent specialist and as an aid to others.

Just as an oyster creates a pearl, those nagging doubts will motivate you to improve. You are already special. There is much to do in your own backyard, however, so don't worry what your neighbor is doing. A constructive mind is a gift; like a sharp blade, it can cut both ways. Take it easy on yourself. Although you will receive your recognition for a job well done, no one will be as pleased as God. That's what "storing your treasures in heaven" means! It's O.K. to be exact, but not exacting!

"Minimize the faults, maximize the virtues."

Libra: To contribute balance, justice, equality and beauty to your world.

Those abstract and aesthetic ideals need to be integrated and lived. You ask for fairness. Are you always fair and balanced? Justice begins at home. Living in the world, you are balancing harsh reality and injustice on one had and the Ideal on the other. Start with becoming Just yourself. You love music and theater and literature. Beyond amusements, they will nourish your Soul as well. There is an important place in this world for gentle-men and ladies.

"By living your high idealism you demonstrate by example."

Scorpio: To get to the core or source of self, things and others; and to aid others to realize the same. 

Hidden agendas will filter the perspective and mar the results. Analysis must be coupled with inspired Wisdom and objectivity. One must first be invited to work on others, otherwise it is called manipulation and meddling. Very like a democratic society, your mission requires a constant vigilance against insurrection and sabotage--from within and without! An instigator can also be a healer.

"Balance knowledge (not opinions) with intuition and a loving objectivity and you will get closer."

Sagittarius: To be an advocate and promulgator of nobility, righteousness and a higher law and order. 

Doors may fortuitously open for you, but you might not gain by entering! There will be ample opportunities to sell out, to become complacent and to promote some special interest status quo. Practice what you preach. God's Law is also God's yoke (Yoga): are you committed enough to see it through or do you want to take the easy way? The rewards are great and so are the responsibilities. As you are here to convince others, be sure you have learned your subject! Incorporate perspectives from afar! Other places and cultures add spice and objectivity.

"The teacher needs a thorough education."

Capricorn: To take a significant part in running the show; and showing others how it is done. 

There are models, examples, mentors, schemes, plans and organizational charts to study when you want to know the bigger picture. Although your worldly perspective will focus upon temporal success, your mission is to make the Divine Order viable in an imperfect world. You will be tempted along the way; whose model will you choose? Which system will you buy into? Don't forget the human component in the project and the Divine part of The Plan! 

"Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."

Aquarius: To use the resources of groups and societies to enhance individual expression, opportunities, and happiness.

You're aiming for win-win solutions. There is the Mind, there is the Group Mind, and there is the Divine Mind; what should be the chain of command? You're attuned to the gift of self-determination; don't forget the First Cause. Remember, a paradigm, like a security fence, can keep away potential vandals but may also bar potential friends. Once you've made up your mind, allow for a later revision...just in case.

"As you strive to free others, remember to free yourself periodically."

Pisces: To find the balance between a complex, interdependent world and a quiet mystical reality. 

Striving to live up to standards, it is important to note where the standards come from. Recognize that there are an endless number of people, well intentioned or not, who are very willing to advise you on how to run your life (me included). You periodically break from that cacophony to seek solace within, to escape. Do you, personally, want to be a cause or an effect? Match your intuitive perceptions with the wisdom of the past and be an example of right living here on earth. A lot of your message will be non-verbal (although you have a gift for words). You know that you are being watched, but are you being judged too? Perhaps not as you suppose.

"Love God with all your heart and love one another here on Earth."

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