When you look up at the night sky, can you tell which is the first sign of the zodiac?

The definition of astrology that resonates as truest for me is very simple; it is, “the practical application of astronomy to human use,” (From the Introduction by Critchlow in Burckhardt’s book: Mystical Astrology according to Ibn ‘Arabi). While Tropical Astrology has much to offer, Western Sidereal Astrology is more in sync with astronomical happenings.

While I originally studied primarily the Western Tropical Astrology system, in being introduced to Western Sidereal Astrology I had to reconsider if I would be honoring the cosmos and humanity more sincerely by adopting a system that truly reflected the stars above. As you may know, in Tropical Astrology, the reckoning is based on the Spring Equinox, whereas Western Sidereal Astrology looks to the positions of the stars. The Western Sidereal system was more accurate in the influences of the planets as they move through the zodiacs (from our vantage point of being on earth). Instead of “kinda” fitting, it was, “yes, wow, exactly.” It rang true. For me, that was the metaphoric litmus test.

Thousands of years ago, the sign Taurus heralded the beginning of Spring (for the northern hemisphere, and Autumn in the southern hemisphere). And very slowly, through precession, humanity then benefited from the strength of Aries marking the return of Spring (Spring in the northern hemisphere, and Autumn in the southern hemisphere).

But for roughly the last 2,000 years, while Pisces has marked the Vernal Equinox (in the northern hemisphere), there is still an insistence in Western Tropical Astrology that only Aries may hold that position, that somehow Aries must mark the beginning of Spring. And, not for nothing, Aries is not a bad sign to lead the way, after all, it has associations with being a pathfinder. But the feminine sign of Pisces is up to shine, and has been for such a long time; it is time to recognize the wisdom this sign heralds.

Interestingly, the zodiac associated with the beginning of Spring becomes interwoven into the societal belief structures of the time. Every zodiac in that placement seems to go through being exalted by certain cultures, as a saving grace, as it becomes more visible in the night sky, to truly demonized, like it is the sole cause of demise or natural catastrophe within a society or culture, as the slow movement of precession takes it out of the main view from the night sky.

Pisces (the current place-holder) shines a feminine and soft-embracing, gentle energy, and regards all of life, including humanity, animals, birds and bees, all of nature, as possessing deep value. All life is sacred. Energetically, it feels that in granting the rightful place of this zodiac as the heralding of Spring (for the northern hemisphere) it brings a different awareness, one we may be sensing but don’t fully feel permission to name.

In its essence, Pisces is about unity consciousness, hence seeing the connectivity and value of all life. But it seems we have been collectively wanting to skip over that into the Aquarian Age that, yes, values humanitarianism and invention, but left to its own devices, may put technological advances before unity consciousness and the valuing of the creation we live in, including humanity, pristine nature and the wisdom they all can provide.

In examining our own natal chart, reflecting on the possibility that our sun sign (and other planetary signs) may be different than what we have been told is likely going to cause cognitive dissonance. However, if we are willing to be merciful with the discomfort and accept the possibility of a truer perspective of our gifts and potential challenges, we can face our destiny with greater ease and potentially offer our much-needed gifts with greater congruence and depth. Perhaps we will regard the cosmos with more respect, and deepen our bowing to the Source of all of this miraculous creation in which we may regularly marvel. This might offer us a richer experience on our earth walk, and also open up the possibility of granting humanity, and all of the species on earth, including earth itself, greater beauty and health through our stewardship, balance and deep greatness unfolding.

I highly recommend checking out another website on western sidereal astrology for those who want more detailed information: