The Twelve Zodiac Signs: A Quick Glance

Each of the 12 zodiac pathways offers essential gifts and lessons for the benefit and health of the human community. Of course, these descriptions are idealized and by no means exhaustive, just my abbreviated take  

ARIES shows us it's okay to be our own person, to protect our (and loved one’s) freedom and boundaries, to stand up for ourselves and others, and to go for what we want in life. It moves us to follow our passions.

TAURUS shows us the importance of having stability and security in life, as well as tenacity, patience and staying power. It also shows us the importance of embracing simplicity, being in the present moment, and indulging in life's pleasures ... enjoying being in nature and in one's human body.

GEMINI shows us that the world is continually interesting, exciting, and novel if we choose to see it that way. It's sees life through the lens of child-like wonder and awe. We learn the importance of being perceived by others through our mind, thoughts, and speech, and vice versa.

CANCER shows us the importance of having a safe sanctuary in which to feel emotionally secure and safe. It shows us the importance of home, hearth, and roots -- a place where our tired souls can unwind, decompress, and be nurtured.

LEO shows us the power of leadership as well as courageously and boldly showing the world who we truly are, from the inside out. It shows us that life can be fun, playful, light, and carefree -- we don't have to take everything so seriously.

VIRGO shows us the importance of paying attention to all the minor details we'd rather ignore or overlook. It does all the unglamorous "grunt work" that keeps life humming and operating, like laundry and scheduling appointments. It's also where we learn the importance of taking care of our bodies/health.

LIBRA shows us the art of balancing multiple ways of experiencing and viewing life. Each side is worthy of being heard out and understood. It also teaches us that outside appearances do matter, and we have a desire for things to appear pleasing and beautiful. Outer beauty should mirror inner beauty.

SCORPIO shows us the mysterious strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of trauma, death, and adversity. No matter what afflicts us in life, we have the power to regenerate and heal and be reborn. We’re shown what true courage and daring looks from those venturing into life’s uncomfortable depths and shadows.

SAGITTARIUS shows us the importance of imbuing our lives a sense of meaning, purpose, adventure, and a compass of truth. It's where we find hope and optimism that there is a point to all this human suffering and madness, that the light will always prevail over the dark.

CAPRICORN shows us that there’s no such thing as a free lunch … If we're willing to take responsibility and put in the work, we can master hard things, achieve our long-term goals, and, as a result feel a personal sense of pride, accomplishment, and achievement. It's where we learn loyalty, duty, commitment, and discipline.

AQUARIUS shows us that we are part of a collective greater than just our individual selves, and we need to take care of the collective so we can also thrive as individuals. It sees things from a higher perspective that gives us a sense of clarity and distance from our petty human concerns, as well as a vision towards a better future.

PISCES -- my personal favorite sign -- shows us what true compassion and unconditional love/acceptance can look like. It shows us that there is so much more to life than what the rational mind can think about, that imagination and creativity are essential in life. It also can shows us the beauty and necessity of genuine self-sacrifice in service of something Greater than ourselves.