An excerpt from Painless Astrology by Rev. Paul Beyerl
Each sign of the zodiac represents an archetype of personal behavior which ranges from evolved qualities shining as brightly as faceted gems to those strange quirks which we hope no one else will ever notice. Once you can reasonably understand the different houses in your chart and have a useful knowledge of the planets, it is time to begin working with the personalities of astrology we describe as the signs of the zodiac. In a 'live' astrology course, these are inevitably the liveliest classes. The 'quirks' are what allow us to poke fun at ourselves and our friends and are frequently far more obvious than one would wish.
Aries: The Aries personality is akin to the driving force, emerging from the seed, which breaks through the soil with new birth each Spring. Aries likes to initiate action, to be the source of a new endeavor. This personality can follow an established path with comfort only when it has the freedom and space to create a new path in its wake. Aries needs to have a sense of openness about where it is going. It gets very apprehensive when it feels closed in or restricted. Often considered impulsive, Aries is very dynamic and, as a result, restless when kept from being on the go.
Taurus: Taurus requires stability in life. Taurus must have time with which to construct and build the foundations of the future. It may, however, become more concerned with the groundwork than with the actual structure which will later be built upon this foundation. This character trait leads Taurus to be apprehensive when approaching the changes which life can bring. Not only does Taurus appreciate beauty created by others, but it has great talent of its own.
Gemini: This personality gathers ideas, information, bits of news and valuable trivia which it uses in weaving some of the most delightful conversations to be found. Social situations are ideal for a happy Gemini, surrounded by willing listeners, by new data as people share their thoughts and an opportunity to do what most Geminis enjoy: introducing people to each other. I have watched Gemini personalities at a party like the most amazing butterflies, moving from person to person, spreading delight and gathering the most delectable nectar in form of new information.
Cancer: Poor Cancer, not only is the constellation that of the 'crab' but there are times when the Cancer emotion displays its most troublesome quirk and Cancer, itself, is 'crabby.' The Cancer personality feels a need to protect its soft, inner self, for it has difficulty when opening up its highly sensitive emotions. The need for security is strong in Cancer and it is more comfortable within the protective environment of its own home.
Leo: The personality of Leo tends to measure its self-esteem by the response from others. This forces Leo to take the limelight, seeking 'applause.' As a result, Leo tends to be ensnared by the response from an audience. It learns early in life the joys of praise but, as a result, can easily be dominated by this need for attention. This proud personality needs to develop the ability to take pride in itself, setting itself free from dependence upon others. Freedom for the Leo personality is outgrowing the need to hear praise and compliments from an audience.
Virgo: Virgo's nature is to be able to differentiate among the smallest of details. Virgo attentiveness is focused upon the material world, including the activities of others' lives. Virgo's cannot escape noticing the tiniest of detail or the most inconsequential flaw. Virgo finds joy in efficiency. Pleasure is found through organizing things so that they may more easily be utilized or located. Wasting time looking for an object because it was misplaced becomes a source of frustration.
Libra: Highly creative and artistic, Libra has an innate sense of proportion. This ability to assess balance carries over into the realities of life. Libra weighs the merits of a situation and is frequently called upon for advice. One of the hazards of the Libra personality is that its desire to have a life partner is so strong it will frequently make adjustments in its goals, desires and even attempt to change its nature in order to be the type of person the partner wants.
Scorpio: Capable of extremes, Scorpio has the most potent force and energy of the twelve personalities. Scorpio believes in ideals and, as a result, believes that life should be the achievement of perfection. It is important for the Scorpio in your natal chart to understand that this lofty goal of perfection is a process, one which takes many lives. It is the movement toward perfection which is the ideal, for perfection is, quite simply, not attained in a single lifetime.
Sagittarius: Striving to attain the pot of philosopher's gold beyond the rainbow, Sagittarius is the Don Quixote of life. This area of your natal chart holds the gold of alchemists, not the gold mined from the earth, but that found within one's inner self. That gold is the philosophical heart of the meaning of life. When bored, Sagittarius likes to take its arrow and poke and prod, sometimes getting into trouble in the work place or with acquaintances.
Capricorn: This earth sign knows that success will be achieved through a carefully plotted, methodical manner. Capricorn knows that, as long as you carefully put one foot before the other, you will reach the top of the mountain. Of the twelve personalities, Capricorn has one of the strongest work ethics. Capricorn believes that the only things in life worth having are those things one must work hard to achieve.
Aquarius: Aquarius is characterized by her being late. The reason is the manner in which she is so easily distracted. A great lover of people, Aquarius is known for its ability to meet a stranger and, in but minutes, to have made a new friend. The Aquarian personality is highly perceptive of the concerns of others. In conversation it draws out the needs of others and speaks to them on a one to one basis. It truly cares about other people and is very humanitarian in its approach to life.
Pisces: Pisces energy is genuinely very nice, very kind and possibly more concerned about the individual it is getting to know than many other zodiacal personalities. Pisces has great artistic ability but may have difficulty in translating these internal images into physical form. When calm and settled, the waters of Pisces provide a beautiful place in which dreams and visions can develop.