The most widely know astrological concept
Polarities
The signs of the zodiac are divided into positive and negative. This is not
a judgemental division and some people now prefer to use the terms Yang and
Yin. They are also referred to as masculine and feminine. The language can prove
difficult and get in the way of the concepts. This is nothing to do with the
physical representation of gender or the judgement passed by a white, middle
class, western heirarchy.
Less emotive terms could be outgoing/receptive, reflective/absorbing; the point
is that the positive signs push their energy out into the universe and the negative
signs absorb the energy of the universe. The positive/negative description makes
more sense if you think in the same terms as electricity. Positive
charges repel, negative
charges attract but the descriptions got mangled when they were set up.
This is also reflected in our bodies: masculine pushes out and feminine receives
but this does NOT mean that male or female qualities are limited
to these signs.
Most charts contain a mix.
Signs which are of the same polarity are sextile, trine or opposed to each
other. See aspects for more details.
Positive
Positive signs are Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius and Aquarius.
These signs could be characterised by the term extrovert; they
are interested in seeking out, pushing out, all characteristically
"male" behaviour. Active is another term that would fit
well with these signs. I once met someone with all her planets in
positive signs. As well as being extremely assertive and dynamic
in her behaviour and challenging to western cultural assumptions
in her lifestyle she also had trouble sleeping which gave her mother
no end of problems when she was a child.
Negative
Negative signs are Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces.
These signs could be characterised by the term introvert; they
receive energy from others. The term reactive describes these signs
well. This does not mean they are passive. An image which may help
your understand ing is that of a goalkeeper in soccer or hockey.
They cannot initiate action, they must wait for something to act
upon. Until someone makes a shot at goal they cannot act; they may
position themselves in order to reduce the shooting opportunties
but of themselves they cannot greatly affect the game. Their action
must be a reaction to someone elses action.
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