The Chapter if this treatise deals with the Firmament and stars of the heavens also known as the Zodiac. The Zodiac is a ring that passes around the earth. It contains all the constellations and stars that make up each Sign of the Zodiac. The signs start with Aries and move all the way through Pisces where Pisces tail meets against with the head of Aries thus making a complete circle. The Zodiacal belt has been admired by all those in the Occidental world. There equal a total of twelve signs or constellations which make up the belt. Each of these constellations represent a different quality and each of these qualities are determined by the the influence that the Sun receives and transmits to the earth during its annual cycle. These influences are condensed into a physical recognizable shape such as that of a Ram or a Virgin. These specific physical shapes hold deeper meanings and were purposefully associated with each constellation but not because of their shape in the sky.
Each of these signs also is represented by a specific symbol, these symbols have a deeper meaning connected to them which they were also taken from the constellations they fall under. Each symbol is unique and is found somewhere in the constellation and these symbols draw forth the influence that the stars give off because of this the symbols are seen as more powerful than the actual animal, human or inanimate object shapes they resemble.
Each of the Zodiac signs are associated with a specific substance; whether that substance be something physical such as a house, a country, even a man or that substance be something that cannot be seen but felt, such as solemnness or melancholy, anger or choler, or some other emotion, they are all paired with a specific sign or constellation. The list of associations or sympathies is as long as our verbal language can designate a word to a form but everything in existance is broken up into twelve groups.
Due to the placement of the Zodiac, each sign has a relationship with the other signs around it. Much the same way there is a relationship between two Planets in the form of Aspects, the signs of the Zodiac also have their own form of aspects with one another. These relationships or aspects to each other are called Antiscions or Contra-antiscions.
Each degree of the Zodiac also has a specific meaning. These meanings being found on cusps (especially the Ascendant) or the position of Planets and other bodies can produce another layer of influence which is important to analyze and be aware of.
Each Sign of the Zodiac also has specific qualities allotted unto it. For some are Northern, some Southern, Fixed, Common, Moveable, Masculine, Feminine, Diurnal, Nocturnal, Fruitful, Barren, Indifferent, Voice or Mute. Each of these has a specific meaning and it is important for all Astrologers to understand the Natures of these Signs. These Natures can also contribute to the Natives behavior and other bodily factors when found in a chart.
