Astrology and Personality Archetypes: Mastering the Basics

Astrology provides a vehicle to understand personality through the prism of archetypes represented by zodiac signs and planets. Each sign carries an archetype that captures specific personality traits, behaviours, and ways of viewing the world. These archetypes allow us to understand those core aspects about ourselves and our motivations in life.
Primary personality archetypes come from the 12 zodiac signs. Each of these is associated with certain qualities, ruling elements, and characteristics. For example, the first sign of the zodiac is Aries, which covers the “Warrior” archetype. In many cases, people who have a strong influence of Aries in their chart tend to be bold, energetic, and many times driven to take initiative. The Taurus represents the “Builder” archetype. Most of the time, stability, practicality, and a great appreciation for the material world are emphasised. It continues with every sign: Gemini as the “Communicator,” Cancer as the “Nurturer,” Leo as the “Performer,” and so on. Each one of these signs can bring qualities unique with them, thereby making up an individual’s point of view and interaction with the environment.
Planets also help in contributing to our personality through ways in which we express different parts of ourselves. For example, the Sun alone can be thought of as the core self or ego in astrology and is often considered to be the “Leader” archetype. The Moon in turn describes emotions and inner feelings, representing the “Nurturer” or “Protector.” Mercury is the planet of communication and allows the “Messenger” archetype to be energised in ways of thinking and communication. In Venus, beauty and love hang in the balance, adding the “Lover” archetype to the mix, allowing relationships and attraction to manifest.
Each person has their own unique combination, depending on the signs and the arrangement of the planets in his birth chart. As such, a person with Leo Sun and Virgo Moon can combine Leo’s bold and creative energy with the more practical and analytical quality of Virgo, bringing forth a personality that is expressive yet detail-oriented.
Astrology and personality archetypes help explain the typical qualities of an individual, his motivations, and methods of behaving. A closer look at the zodiac signs and planetary placements in one’s birth chart will reveal unique aspects of their personality and the rich diversity of influences at play concerning what makes us different from one another.