The three levels of the signs of the zodiac

Several years ago, I read in an amazing book--'Astrology:  A Cosmic Science' by Isabel Hickey--about the three symbols of the sign Scorpio.  I have long been fascinated with the 8th sign of the zodiac and the many facets of Scorpio, probably due to my Scorpio ascendant, or rising sign.

In Hickey’s book, I learned that Scorpio has three symbols, and thus three levels of conscious expression.  The first of these, of course, is the Scorpion.  This is the most commonly known symbol, yet it is also the lowest level of the sign’s consciousness.  The scorpion symbolizes what this Pluto-ruled sign is famous, or infamous for:  a vindictive nature, holding grudges, intense sexuality, and a fascination with darkness, the occult and death. 

The second symbol, however is lesser known:  the eagle.  This symbol represents the Scorpio who rises above those first level qualities and is able to use the sign’s plutonian power to create material and personal success. 

The third Scorpionic symbol is the Phoenix, which represents the capacity for transformation--the death of the ego and the realization of the true self--inherent in Scorpio.  Hickey writes that Scorpio is the sign most capable of transformation in a single lifetime.

If you are not a Scorpio you may be wondering what this has to do with you.  I have two answers to that question, the first of which was the seed of this article.  If Scorpio is three-dimensional, doesn’t it stand to reason that each of the other 11 signs has its own ladder to higher consciousness? 

In a moment, I will explore the levels of each of the other zodiac signs and how to ascend the ladder of conscious expression you were given at birth.

The second reason Scorpio, or any other sign, is important to you is that you have each of the twelve signs somewhere in your birth chart.  Where you find Scorpio in your chart, house-wise and planet-wise, is where you will have your struggle and your transformation.
    
Here are my observations for each of the signs.  (Keep in mind I am not only addressing the sun signs, but wherever this sign and its ruling planet occurs in your chart).  If you would like more information on your chart, contact me to set up an astrological reading.

Aries/1st house/Mars.  Where you have this sign, planet and house in your chart is where you experience yourself, at the lowest level as selfish, aggressive, headstrong, unruly, rude and arrogant. A first tier Aries has the innocence of a child but can also be a spoiled brat.

The second level of Aries, as with all other signs, is the use of some of the base qualities of the sign to achieve success.  It is the second level where balance is found.  The ram is assertive and takes initiative.  The beginnings of leadership are found here.  An Aries is generally lucky and will use that luck to move forward here.

In order for an Aries to get to the third level, the transcendental spiritual level of the sign, one must have experienced the first level fully at some point and truly embraced the selfish, aggressive, childish part of oneself. 

Aries is the most masculine sign in the zodiac, so it stands to reason that a male Aries can climb this ladder more easily.  Most female Ariens, when they expressed naturally as an Aries child, were socialized by parents and other authority figures to behave more like a Libra, the opposite of Aries, gentle, gracious and sociable.  Some were strong enough to escape this conditioning, or had parents who encouraged their strength, but these are relatively few in number (I’ve met a handful). 

If you are an Aries who is living out a Libran life, it may be time for a second childhood.  Own your selfishness!  One cannot give authentically if the self has not been fully honored.  The third level of this sign could also be called courage.

Taurus/Venus/Second House.  The first level of Taurus?  That’s easy.  It looks a lot like the Dickens character Ebenezer Scrooge, the rich miser.  The first level Taurus will worry about safety and security while working at a miserable job, hating life and hoarding a vast storehouse of riches, monetary and otherwise.  Taureans who remain at the first level--many do, it can be the least changeable sign--will fail to tap into their tremendous wealth, for Taurus is the sign with the most natural artistic talent.

The second level Taurus, again, will be materially successful.  They will pursue their art as a hobby or nurture an appreciation of the arts and culture and of course enjoy a beautifully decorated home.

A third level Taurus is one who has taken a leap of faith and is either a creative artist using and strengthening these natural talents, or one whose love and bravery has elevated whatever work she does to an art form.  Philanthropy is also a higher level Taurus calling.

Gemini/Mercury/Third House.  We’ve all known first level Geminis.  They are scattered, flaky, overwhelmed.  They may lack integrity, as Gemini’s inherent cleverness, at an unevolved state, may make them good liars.  They multi-task, overthink and doublebook--and always seem to be on some kind of stimulant. 
    
As always, the second level uses Gemini talents to succeed.  The second level Gemini can communicate effectively and use technology rather than be a slave to it.  A second level Gemini can balance more effectively and may actually be able to run 3 businesses and still have a personal life.

Gemini is the sign of greatest intelligence.  On the third level is where this intellect becomes emotional and spiritual.  Gemini is the writer and speaker of the zodiac, and will be extremely effective in the world when using these gifts from a place of balance.  Meditation helps a Gemini climb this ladder, since the most productive use of mind can only be realized when one is adept at experiencing periodic states of no-mind.
    
Cancer/Moon/Fourth House.  Cancer at its lowest level is the moody crybaby of the zodiac, the crabby mother who holds onto children and antiques with a death grip.  This is the level of the victim, the manipulator and the emotional terrorist.  The other side of the coin would be the individual so terrified by his emotions he cuts himself off from them entirely. (Yes, this is typically a man.  Just as Aries is the most masculine sign in the zodiac, Cancer is the most feminine.  Few men are entirely at home here.)  Addiction is also common here, as with the other water signs.
    
The second level of Cancer is capable of all the material success of its opposite sign, Capricorn.  In fact, a typical second level Cancer will often be mistaken for the sign of the goat.  She is ambitious, hardworking and practical and will often work from home or have her own home-based business.

What is to be transcended here is emotionally-based addictions (often referred to as codependency).  The third level is the level of right use of intuition.  Balancing of the emotional and spiritual natures happens here.  The Cancer who takes personal responsibility for her feelings and experiences, who acts rather than reacts, has reached the third level.

Leo/Sun/Fifth House.  Can you say drama?  The first level of Leo is the personification of the drama queen or king.  This is the spotlight-hogging egomaniac.  But even a low-level Leo can be a barrel of fun due to the sign’s innate charisma.  Your 'typical Leo' is self-obsessed to a fault.  And many a Leo has been eaten alive by his own ego.
    
Many successful performers reside at the second level of Leo.  Think Madonna, J.Lo.  While the ego is definitely visible, these accomplished Leos know how to 'work it' to create success by doing what they do best, showing off.

The third level of Leo is where this sign’s big brave heart lives.  On this level, Leo’s generosity is not just for show.  This Leo may work with children or use his gifts as a teacher and leader to do good in the world.  Once Leo finds the balance between self-centered flaunting and open-hearted generosity, this level is reached.  Since Leo is the sign ruled by the sun, it is the best sun sign to be born under.

Virgo/Mercury/6th House. Most of us know the mythology of the typical Virgo--and I would guess that almost everyone has known one--the nitpicking perfectionist, compulsive neat freak.  But most of us also know a Virgo or two who is just the opposite when it comes to cleanliness.  Rest assured, a messy Virgo is still a neurotic Virgo.  Look deeper.  The first level of this sign is a worrywart whose mind is his worst enemy.  At this level, a Virgo will work hard for little or no reward.  They tend to make themselves indispensable in low-level positions and as a result, rarely get promoted.  Overworked and underpaid is the perfect description of those Virgos who are too fearful and/or obligated (this is the servant of the zodiac) to leave menial or unrewarding jobs.
    
The second level of Virgo, of course, transcends this and is able to use his strong work ethic to his own advantage.  This Virgo realizes the value of his labor.  The health care professions are a good match for Virgo’s healing and organizational abilities, though Virgos can be found wherever attention to detail and willingness to do the work is required. 
    
When I think of a fully-evolved Virgo, the Tarot archetype of the Hermit comes to mind.  This is a deeply spiritual Virgo, the healer of the zodiac who realizes the importance of centering oneself and taking care of one’s own physical body before embarking on the path of healing others.  This Virgo works mindfully and lives a meditative life.  She realizes each person as a soul on its own path, and is able to detach rather than worry or meddle.

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Stay tuned for Part 2 of this article, focusing on Libra through Pisces within the week.

If you would like to know more about how each of these signs, planets and houses figure in your chart, give me a call at (619) 275-1731 to schedule a reading.

And if you would like to enroll in my beginning Astrology Class to be held September 13, or schedule a private class,
please give me a call.