Astrological Signs and How the Negative Qualities Bring Forth the Positives

by Robert Wilkinson

A long time ago I read something remarkable about the positive qualities of each sign being a direct reaction to the negative qualities of the sign preceding it. For instance, that means positive Libra traits are a direct reaction to the negatives of Virgo, and the positive Pisces traits arise from the negatives of Aquarius. This is a profound insight, and shows the way to antidoting negatives without resorting to the sign itself or its opposing sign.

Most astrologers know that if we want to work on negative qualities in a sign, we can use one of two equally valid methods. We can a) deal directly with those sign traits, turning them from the lower to the higher (using positive Scorpio energy to blunt negative Scorpio traits), or b) use the positive qualities of the sign opposing the one we're trying to deal with (using positive Taurus traits to antidote negative Scorpio traits).

The former method is self-evident (think fighting fire with fire), while the latter uses the principle of a sign externalizing through its opposing sign and using the "tension of opposites," antidotes the negative quality (think fighting fire with water). But there is a third method by which we can transmute a negative into a positive.

I won't go into an exhaustive list of the positive and negative qualities for each sign, since that would be a book-length piece. Instead, today I'll outline a general pattern, and let you fill in the inferential blanks (plus it will help students of the craft get clear about what signs demonstrate what qualities!)

The concept of the positive qualities of each sign being the reaction to the negatives of the sign before it can yield some intriguing associations. I'll begin the pattern of -/+, -/+ qualities to whet your appetites, and let you explore the signs from there.

The initiative and need for direct action of Aries is a reaction to the procrastination and ambivalence of Pisces.

The steadiness and calm of Taurus is a reaction to the impulsiveness and state of constant excitement of Aries.

The adaptability and willingness to experiment of Gemini is a reaction to the stubbornness and simplistic way of seeing things of Taurus.

The tenderness and personal caring of Cancer is a reaction to the impersonality and lack of attachment to any one view of Gemini.

The extroversion and grand style of Leo is a reaction to the introversion and insecurity of Cancer.

The humility and practical service of Virgo is a reaction to the bombast and egocentric dominance of Leo.

The balanced view and grace of style of Libra is a reaction to the critical narrowness of Virgo.

The depth of insight and relentless pursuit of deeper things of Scorpio is a reaction to the superficiality and indecision of Libra.

The wide scope and humor of Sagittarius is a reaction to the focused intensity of Scorpio.

The responsibility and persistence of Capricorn is a reaction to the insouciance and need to escape from limits of Sagittarius.

The idealism and dedication to a larger ideal of Aquarius is a reaction to the suspicion and self-interest of Capricorn.

The compassion and forgiveness of Pisces is a reaction to the fixed ideas and detachment of Aquarius.

More? Check out these quick keywords:

Aries: Quick temper. Taurus: Easygoing.

Taurus: Gets stuck easily. Gemini: Versatile.

Gemini: Inconsistent. Cancer: Reliable.

Cancer: Timid. Leo: Bold.

Leo: Subjective. Virgo: Discriminating.

Virgo: Nitpicky. Libra: Sees the beauty.

Libra: Insincere. Scorpio: Total commitment.

Scorpio: Secretive. Sagittarius: Wide open.

Sagittarius: Overconfidence. Capricorn: Pragmatic.

Capricorn: Pessimistic. Aquarius: Progressive.

Aquarius: Sees all as equal. Pisces: Sees shades of bad and good.

Pisces: Lacks confidence. Aries: Just do it!

and the beat goes on and on and on....

© Copyright 2010 Robert Wilkinson

Comments

[shanita]

this is delightful... whimsical and filled with great insight ! thanks dear robert.
also seems to be a different style of writing for you and that is also wonderful.
blessings....

[Radha Kunke]

Omigod ! what patterns !
It is like living in a pattern for so long and suddenly seeing it ...
it is so clear :)

Radha

[Aphrodite]

Looked at your list - looked at my chart - looked into mirror.
It is so funny!
Impulsive in a constant state of excitement, bombastic & egocentrically dominant, intensely focused – moi ?? :)

[Morvah]

I remember this too! doesn't the theory expand to show that the sun sign native 'ahead' has sympathy for the preceding sun sign who in turn instinctively senses that the sun sign native 'ahead' has something to teach? I have invariably found this to be the case and have observed it in others. Good stream of articles, thank you.
Shanti

[aquarlisvirmoon]

There is a saying in chinese medicine that 'when the mother's sick the child cries.' this reminds me if that so much also in five element chinese medicine treatment along those same principles of correcting an imbalance is called tonification.. just a thought Robert.. it's nice to now energy medicine and astrology have overlaps

[Robert]

Hi shanita - Well, I try not to be so serious all the time! ;-) Am experimenting on an article that is more "conversational" (whatever that means.) Sometimes, though, it seems like I'm another Andy Rooney....

Hi Radha Kunke - We all have them in us, and they also exist in every other. I suppose that's why those we meet are to whatever degree mirrors of what we've been, what we are, or what we're becoming (or reminders of what we shouldn't become!)

Hi Aphrodite - As someone with a stellium in Aries, I know I have been impulsive more times than I care to remember! That's why my Venus in Taurus is so very helpful in calming me down a bit. And those of us with strong Leo can be overly theatrical at times, which is why I do value my Saturn in Virgo for the very powerful lessons in humility I've had to learn, regardless of the grindstone it took.

Hi Morvah - Yes, definitely! The subsequent sign to each shows how that sign is to develop on its way to its "view," which is the 3rd sign from any given sign. The Sun sign "ahead" knows about the preceding sign, since the 12th sign from any sign shows the motive and karma of the subsequent sign. (For those scratching their heads, this is major astrological theory.) It is a different set of articles, isn't it? Didn't plan it that way but you're most welcome.

Hi aquarlisvirmoon - This is very much connected to the Eastern concept of the subsequent element "destroying" the preceding element across the 5 element system. For Western practitioners wondering what this means, it goes Metal (years ending in 0 or 1) is "destroyed" by Water (years ending in 2 or 3), which in turn is destroyed by Wood (years ending in 4 or 5.) Wood is destroyed by Fire (years ending in 6 or 7) which in turn is destroyed by Earth (years ending in 8 or 9). Completing the cycle, Earth is destroyed by Metal. Maybe "overcome" or "transmuted" might be a better word for the process. BTW, one of my dearest Spiritual Brothers is also Sun in Aquarius with a Virgo Moon has an active Oriental Medical practice on Long Island. Must be something to this astrology stuff after all!

[J. Sue Gagliardi]

Hi Robert,
I love this article and agree totally with it. It's one of those insights I wish I'd thought of.;o)

Blessings and more,
Sue

[Vera]

The wonder and wisdom of the wheel of life. God being the center who sees beyond all traits to just being. Our traits just one step away from bliss.