Summer Zodiac Signs
Summer arrives when the sun moves from Gemini into Cancer and the shortest day occurs. Life is lush and abundant, flowers and plants are in bloom. Food from the fields is ready to eat. It is a time to be protective over the land, because the work has been done and the crops are growing and others might come to steal the benefits of the work. Instinctive and basic urges are easily stimulated, both in response to threats and in caring for the young life.
In Leo the Summer is at its hottest. More food is available from the fields. And it is a time for parties and enjoyment. The people can live like kings and gain the advantages from the creative and impressive land.
In Virgo, the heat begins to be dissipated and the last of the crops are harvested. Although it is still Summer, the feeling that it will soon end is upon us. It is a time of work, preparing for the Winter and storing and preparing the food for the long nights to come. It is necessary to be analytical and critical of what has been done and what will be done to prepare for the future.
Gemini - The Twins: May 22 – June 21
The sign Gemini covers 60° to 90° of the celestial longitude, and is represented by The Twins. These are based on the Dioscuri of Greek mythology, two mortals that were granted shared godhood after death. Gemini is part of the Third House, traditionally named Fratres (Brothers) and currently known as the House of Communications. The associated element for Geminis is Air, and the ruling celestial body is Mercury.
Cancer - The Crab: June 22 – July 22
Cancer, which covers 90° to 120° of celestial longitude, is represented by The Crab – or Karkinos, a giant crab from Greek mythology that harassed Hercules during his fight with the Hydra. The sign is associated with the Fourth House – Genitor (Parent) in Latin, or the House of Home and Family in modern times. In terms of the elements, Cancers are characterized by the element of Water, and the ruling celestial body of Cancer is The Moon.
Leo - The Lion: July 23 – August 23
Those born under the sign of Leo, which covers 120° to 150° of celestial longitude, carry the sign of The Lion – which is based on the Nemean Lion of Greek mythology, a lion that had an impenetrable hide. The sign of Leo is tied to the Fifth House, known in Latin as Nati (Children), or by its modern name, House of Pleasure. The sign of Leo is also associated with the element of Fire and the ruling celestial body of Leo is The Sun.
Virgo - The Virgin: August 24 – September 22
The sign of Virgo, which covers 150° to 180° of celestial longitude, is represented by the The Maiden. Based on Astraea from Greek mythology, the maiden was the last immortal to abandon Earth at the end of the Silver Age, when the gods fled to Olympus. Virgo is part of the Sixth House – Valetudo (Health) in Latin, or House of Health in modern times. They are also associated with the element of Earth and the ruling celestial body of Virgo is Mercury.