The Zodiac Signs in Evidence-Based Astrology

Virtually everyone on the planet has at least heard of the zodiac signs. It’s the one aspect of astrology that most people know. In the West, we all know what our Sun sign is, and we usually have heard at least a few characteristics about that sign, and maybe we know about at least some of the other signs, like those that belong to our close family, friends or romantic partner or interest.

In India, they generally know their Moon sign or Rising sign, as those are considered the two most important aspects of the chart to know about. And they might know about their Moon’s Nakshatra, which is a smaller division of the signs (there are 27 Nakshatras that cover the 12 zodiac signs, with about 2.5 Nakshatras per sign).

But, are the characteristics we have all heard about each of the zodiac signs accurate? Accurate for all people who have that sign prominent in their horoscope? Or do those character traits only apply to a limited number of the people who possess that sign?

Through the evidence-based research of Vibrational Astrologers, the traits attributed to each of the signs has been refined and narrowed down to the traits that truly are seen across the board for the people who have each of the signs most prominent.

What David Cochrane - the founder of this evidence-based form of astrology, Vibrational Astrology - has found about the zodiac signs, is that they don’t simply have characteristics, rather, they each have a particular “energy process”, that is moving through them, and then influencing us. These energy processes start with Aries and move around the zodiac, each zodiac sign can be thought of as a season, they move from one to the next in a harmonious flow of creation.

The energy process of each sign can manifest with different characteristics, but there will be some more basic traits that are usually seen throughout all with this sign strongly shown in their chart (meaning they may have a stellium, or some of the stronger placements in that sign, such as the Ascendant). From the research - using extreme case sampling - of Vibrational astrologers, zodiac signs are less tangible than they are generally thought to be. They can’t pinpoint behaviors, but they can describe a style or manner of doing things. Zodiac signs are less important than they are often made out to be by most astrologers - based on research. Aspect patterns show behavior and more specifics of what motivates a person’s actions, thoughts and feelings than zodiac signs, and are thus more important to understand and look at when reading a chart. The signs are less tangible and are harder to see in a person than they are usually used.

Following I’m going to state some of the mainstream characteristics that are accepted about each of the zodiac signs - the one’s that stand out as particularly unsubstantiated - followed by the evidence-based energy processes of the signs, which can be seen across the board with people who have that sign prominent in their Tropical natal chart.

This is meant to be a quick look at the difference between what is believed or assumed to be true about each sign, and what is shown through research. I may go more into depth about each sign at a later date, but for now I just want to bring to your mind some of what is taken as truth in astrology, and contrast that with what is proven with deeper study and research.

To be clear, the mainstream characteristics listed are not an exhaustive list. They are some of the most well known qualities associated with that zodiac sign.

Aries:

The mainstream characteristics:

warrior, pioneer, aggressive, likes to fight and gets into arguments easily, pushy, has to get their own way,

will tend to be muscular, as Aries is a fire sign and Cardinal,

ruled by Mars (which is said to rule muscle).

Evidence-based characteristics:

Aries has to follow their own way, their own inner calling,

they have to be authentic to who they are,

they must be honest, which could also be called being direct.

They tend to be very self-reliant as well.

They tend to avoid fights/arguments, as they don’t like to waste their time (and that is how they see fighting).

They might become obsessed with a personal interest.

Taurus:

The mainstream characteristics:

Stubborn, lazy, gluttonous, loves all physical pleasures (like food, sex and beautiful material objects),

needs and loves comfort,

they are said to be grounded,

potentially more heavy - physically, because Taurus is ruled by earth and a fixed sign as well, steady and stable.

Materialistic, needs money to feel safe and secure (as the natural ruler of the 2nd house).

Evidence-based characteristics: Taurus relates to nature and the way nature has a slow, unfolding process.

A strong Taurus person has an instinctive understanding of how things should unfold, which is not always aligned with others speed or way of doing things.

This can make them appear stubborn or lazy, but really they are just following the unfolding of life based on an inner rhythm that may not be felt by others.

Taurus people can be deeply affected by traumatic experiences,

and this can cause a fragmentation that causes them to become particularly unstable.

Taurus if loves nature, plants, flowers and natural surroundings with a slower pace, and which promotes a natural unfolding process.

Taurus likes change, but gradual change rather than sudden change.

Gemini:

The mainstream characteristics:

loves to talk and write (communication in general), but generally in a superficial way,

has many interests, but doesn’t do anything in depth,

two-faced thus not trustworthy - some people state that this is because they are represented by twin - they will act one way with one person and another way with another person, which I suppose is seen as being fake or dishonest,

tends to be lean, wiry (because they are an air sign and ruled by Mercury).

Evidence-based characteristics - The underlying energy process of Gemini is that of curiosity. Curiosity is the fundamental energy that drives the Gemini. Curiosity can only be experienced as long as stress does not become part of what they are doing.

Gemini’s do not function well under stress. They tend to get more dysfunctional when they feel pressure than any of the other signs. Gemini’s have a naturally young and childlike energy and enthusiasm for life, and they are interested in many different aspects of life. They enjoy a diverse array of experiences.

They can relate well with all sorts of people (which might be seen as being two-faced because they don’t hold strong to any particular opinion or belief).

They are very flexible mentally, in general.

However, they are not as flighty as stated by many astrologers, they are not superficial.

They are simply very interested and curious about all sorts of things -however, they are certainly capable of focusing on one thing and becoming an expert in that area.

Cancer:

The mainstream characteristics:

Cancer’s are seen as being homebodies,

very caring and nurturing of their friends and family,

emotional and easily hurt, sentimental and nostalgic.

They get very attached to others, to their family, heritage and personal history.

They are said to be very affected by their early life experiences. They are not thought of as being very objective at all.

Cancer’s are a Cardinal, water sign, ruled by the Moon, and are said to have a round, Moon-shaped face and often round eyes as well.

Evidence-based characteristics: Cancer’s primary energy process is that of seeking an environment where they feel safe and secure, and where they can feel relaxed and not play a role,

even their clothes should feel comfortable (as we do when we go to work, we put on work clothes or a uniform - and this can actually be seen in the opposite sign of Capricorn).

They want to feel unselfconscious and express themselves naturally, without needing to think about it first or edit themselves.

Cancer’s desire to have and fit in to a family, tribe or group.

This family can be the birth family, or it could be a group that they find outside the family, like the military or even a gang - but the group must make them feel like they have a home somewhere, with others.

Cancer’s are not always meek, they can be very aggressive when they feel threatened, and they will defend their comfort zone.

They will fight or be hostile to people or groups that they see as outsiders (from their family, group, neighborhood or country),

if they feel the “others” are encroaching on their territory in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.

People who are dominant Cancer people will tend to act the same way when they are out in public as they do at home.

They don’t like to wear a mask (a different personality for different people or occasions).

They like to engage in activities like playing music, games and such that create a mood of connection.

They are concerned with long-term sustainability - which can make them more interested in finances, food and other things that will help them feel safe.

Leo:

The mainstream characteristics:

Leo’s are seen as thinking the world revolves around them (like the planets move around the Sun, Leo’s ruler),

They are seen as seeing themselves as more important than others, arrogant, self-absorbed,

loves to act, loves to get attention and be seen.

Because they are represented by the Lion, they are said to be loyal and regal, noble, like a king.

They are thought of as flashy, because of their desire for attention.

Leo is a fixed, fire sign, ruled by the Sun. They are frequently said to have distinctive hair - like a big, thick mane (like a Lion).

Evidence-based characteristics: Leo’s energy process revolves around the formation of identity.

It can be their own identity - which would make the person quite self-obsessed, or the general development of the human identity - like a psychologist would be interested in how the human identity develops as we grow from birth to full adulthood.

The evidence shows that Leo’s are not necessarily arrogant,

they can be as humble as any other sign,

they don’t always like to stand out or get attention.

Because Leo’s do tend to be very aware of themselves, they can be very self-conscious, as in shy.

So they are usually either very extroverted or very introverted because they are so self-focused.

There are not more Leo dominant actors than other signs.

Leo’s interest in identity means that they are very fond of individualist qualities, and developing oneself personally, to allow your own individual, unique traits to shine,

those are the energy processes of Leo, at a base level.

They simply want to develop themselves as an individual,

and this can make them shine because they develop themselves to be the best that they feel they can be.

How they do this will vary greatly from person to person.

Virgo:

The mainstream characteristics:

uptight, critical, detail-oriented, perfectionist, fussy, difficult, OCD, cold and mental, very particular about what they eat,

usually has a very clean, healthy diet.

Virgo’s are said to be service oriented,

behind the scenes type people,

humble and not inclined to seeking attention.

Virgo’s are said to generally end up in professions such as accountants, secretaries, analysts, nutritionists, and other boring mental or service-oriented jobs like that.

Virgo is a mutable, earth sign, ruled by Mercury. Virgo’s are known to be of medium height, slim, and often with small, even features.

Evidence-based characteristics: The main energy process of the sign of Virgo is to bring the underlying natural order of the Universe into our lives.

Virgo desires to improve one’s life by enhancing the beauty of natural order.

Virgo dominant people can simply see this natural order and they instinctively started ordering.

When things are out of order in their world, they can feel it, and it doesn’t feel right.

So, they are actually often artists and creative people, because they feel and can implement and align their lives and those around them with the natural order and design that they feel, in the environment around them, or into a craft like art, music or film.

Virgo sees or feels the hidden perfection and structure of the Universe and, as an earth sign which is ruled by Mercury, they can translate this sense and feeling into the material world to create something which is of the material world or could be translated mentally (as would be indicated by the ruler Mercury).

Libra:

The mainstream characteristics:

very relationship oriented,

indecisive,

always trying to please and accommodate others,

co-dependent,

a strong sense of justice,

a natural mediator,

always trying to stay in balance with the things in their life,

loves beauty and often is beautiful or has very symmetrical facial features.

Libras are seen as peaceful, people who are usually agreeable,

they don’t like to rock the boat.

Libra is a cardinal, air sign, ruled by Venus. Libra’s are said to be charming, and often quite attractive.

Evidence-based characteristics: The energy process of Libra is to blend two different things together, while maintaining the individuality of each.

In the case of people, it is important to a Libra dominant person that each person who is relating - in whatever way they are relating - is treated with equal respect.

Equality is very important to the Libra.

No matter who may be more educated, or what position - like with a parent and child - each person must be treated with equal respect.

A Libra dominant child will not appreciate being talked down to.

They prefer to be talked to like an adult.

Libra’s need to relate to others, and they want each person to be fully engaged in the interaction.

There needs to be an equal back and forth of relating for the Libra to feel that they are getting what they need from the interaction.

Scorpio:

The mainstream characteristics:

sexy, prone to jealousy, intense,

interested in the dark side of life,

secretive, mysterious, quiet,

distrustful,

transformative and also having some association with alchemy and magic (being ruled by Pluto),

many challenges in their life (natural ruler of the 8th).

Scorpio’s are thought to be magnetic and charismatic.

Scorpio is a fixed, water sign.

Ruled by Mars (traditionally) and Pluto (modern ruler).

Scorpio’s are often thought o have darker looks (maybe dark hair), and a sexual, seductive vibe about them.

Evidence-based characteristics: The energy process of Scorpio is that of becoming merged with whatever they are focused on.

They can become magnetic because of the intensity of their focus and merging.

They are deeply immersed in life, in whatever they are doing.

What they do will vary greatly,

but how they do it is intense and with full merging.

They loose a sense of separation from that which they are doing,

or the partner that they chose (which is why they are known to be prone to getting jealous - because they actually do merge with their relationship partner and they become part of the other that they are with - so if their partner appears to look elsewhere - or actually does go elsewhere - it feels to them like loosing a part of themselves.

They have heightened instincts and intuition,

because of their full merging with life - like wild animals have.

They tend to be fully alert (also like an animal in nature),

which might contribute to Scorpio being seen as being prone to being involved in the dark side of life,

because their alertness helps them if they do get involved in crime, to not get caught.

Sagittarius:

The mainstream characteristics:

Sagittarius has a big picture view of life,

whether that be focused on philosophical ideas, politics,

seeing the world, higher learning,

Sag always sees things in the context of everything as part of a larger whole.

Sagittarius does not like to get too involved with little details (that’s in the realm of Virgo),

but just how things go together and work together over a longer period of time or from a far away point of view,

taking in a large scene, not focusing in on a part.

Sagittarius are know to be very blunt - too blunt at times.

They can really stick their foot in their mouth and offend people without any effort.

Sagittarius are known as know it all’s - apparently thinking they know better or more than others.

It’s a sign also known as an evangelist,

they sometimes love to preach.

Sag is known for holding to beliefs - with Gemini is knowledge without belief, Sag is belief systems and religion or philosophy.

Sag is also known as being funny, jovial and loves to laugh -

because Sag is ruled by Jupiter.

Sag’s are also said to be tall and quite possibly large, maybe prone to holding extra weight.

Evidence-based characteristics: The primary energy process of the Sagittarius is adventure.

To see out into the distance, expanding their horizons, and taking risks to create that expansion, and to actually have the adventure. The expansion might be in religion, philosophy and expansion of understanding about life, creation and the Universe.

Or, it could also be literal, as in, always wanting to explore and have expansive, new experiences in the physical world, through travel, going to other countries, going to University to expand the mind and get degrees.

Sag’s are not always jovial, light- hearted types as a general rule. They can have a wide varied of personality types, though they can tend toward arrogance, because of their bigger perspective.

They are truly blunt, and sometimes even cruel.

They don’t like to be confined, held down or to take on very much responsibility, as this will hinder their need for adventure, and to take flight at any time (mentally or physically).

Sag tends to go beyond the boundaries of how they grew up.

They are not specialists, they see things from a more philosophical perspective.

Once a Sag gets comfortable and think they know what’s what, they get unhealthy and are no longer channeling the energy that Sag is meant to channel, which involves constant growth and adventure. Exploring and learning as they experience from their wide view.

Capricorn:

The mainstream characteristics:

career-oriented, ambitious, achieving goals,

mature, responsible, dry,

unemotional and maybe blocked emotionally, serious,

good in management, grounded and practical.

Capricorn is a cardinal, earth sign. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn. Capricorn’s are said to be tall and lean, maybe bony rather than muscular. They would tend to dress in professional styled clothes, for work.

Evidence-based characteristics: Capricorn’s main energy process is an inclination to perceive the world from a detached point of view. You could say that they live from a witness consciousness, with a more objective way of seeing things.

Because of this ability to see things from this sort of far away view, they can make very good photographers.

They can imagine how the picture will look before the picture is taken, because they are able to withhold their emotional content onto things. They see things as they are - without the emotional filters. Capricorn’s also like to wear a uniform, suit or some sort of attire that represents a particular profession or role. They like to play a role and put on a costume (so to speak).

This is the opposite of the Cancer tendency to want to be comfortable and stay in their comfort zone in a homelike environment. Capricorn’s are also very good at strategy and manipulation, which makes them good business people.

They can implement plans effectively, and in a formal manner, because they are playing a role.

They are not always ambitious or reaching for goals, but they are always detached and objective.

Aquarius:

The mainstream characteristics:

Aquarius is inventive, progressive, futuristic, eccentric

and sometimes a complete oddball.

They don’t fit into a box,

and can be surprising with their unusual personality.

They also tend to be detached, aloof,

and not good in personal relationship,

but good with groups and friends.

They need a lot of freedom.

They are also ideological,

and have strong opinions about pretty much everything.

They are said to be good in business

and the sciences and are humanitarians.

Aquarius is a fixed, air sign, ruled by Saturn (traditionally) and Uranus (modern ruler). Aquarius would stand out, because they won’t dress like everyone else. They would likely dress and style their hair and makeup in unusual, eccentric ways, probably with a lot of color.

Evidence-based characteristics: Aquarius’ main energy process is in their social identity, their tribe or their network.

Aquarius is naturally in tune with how groups, networks, collectives, or tribe’s affect each person individually.

Aquarius is aware of how each person fits into the social order and how everyone responds to the social order -

this the sign of Aquarius can’t tell anything specific about their interests, or how they will actually respond to the group or social order. Just that they are very aware of it and it’s impact on people.

Aquarians are aware of social pressures and the pressure to conform. They want to be a part of and identified with something bigger than themselves, like a social group, even if that group is made up of outcasts or people who are disapproved of by others.

Some Aquarians are quite biased against certain groups -

they can be judgmental in other words.

They can judge people by the group that they’re a part of.

They are concerned about groups that are dysfunctional, like groups with high crime rates.

They can also tend to defend disenfranchised groups as well, or groups that they see as not having enough support, like minorities.

Pisces:

The mainstream characteristics:

Pisces is said to be intuitive, dreamy,

not very practical or grounded but rather quite idealistic and prone to fantastical thinking.

Pisces can easily be deceived (or be a deceiver),

because of the prior traits described.

Pisces is associated with poets, artists and dreamers.

Pisces is a mutable, water sign, ruled by Jupiter (traditionally) and Neptune (modern ruler).

Pisces would be said to stand out because they are thought to have fish-like eyes (very large and bulging).

And they might be thought to have a far off stare as they day-dream or space out.

Evidence-based characteristics: The main energy process of Pisces, based on evidence is a taking things which seem disparate and finding a way to integrate them.

Pisces tends to do this in everything they do.

They collect the eclectic and bring it come together -

to unify things which seem different, separate and not related.

Pisces might do this with cultural or ethnic styles.

They might do this with science, art, and religion -

bringing them together and making them one things,

rather than three separate subjects.

Pisces makes connections between various things, subject matters and perhaps even feelings come together and get mixed and less boundaried.

This is done intuitively by Pisces, they aren’t thinking about it. It’s just natural. They are not more artistic or less scientific than other signs, but they do approach these subjects differently than another sign would.

Pisces can hold what appear to be opposite or contradictory viewpoints, as they have a more fluid approach to thinking.

Pisces does tend to be soft and accommodating,

but can also be determined, persistent and clear in striving to explore, understand and connect in some way the different things it discovers.