Starself Newsletter for May - An Astrological Viewpoint on Depression
[center]Depression
Seen Through the Eyes of the Twelve Signs[/center]
I am no clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist. Certainly, if you are experiencing life-debilitating depression, I highly encourage you to seek a professional. You may indeed be suffering a chemical imbalance in need of treatment, and this article does not intend to suffice for professional guidance.
Nevertheless, Ive had enough depression myself and certainly have dealt with it in hundreds of cases with my clientele. I do think some general advice on an astrological basis may indeed be helpful. At least, it will give you some ideas to consider if in fact you do experience occasional or even chronic blues. This article assumes that you have tried other medical techniques to relieve your depression.
Astrology is a very complex science that certainly can reveal very deep-seated patterns in our psyches. By analyzing each of the 12 signs of the zodiac, I feel I can shed some light in general per sign for you. Remember these are general per sign; you very well may have planets in other signs that compensate for what is said below:
ARIES - The Ram is seldom depressed unless other forces are at work. I have seen Aries who are offspring of parents who overly-cautioned them. This can be very serious because the Aries has been taught to not trust their instincts. Therefore, it becomes hard for them to get in touch with their fire (zest for life.) Aries are not to be cautioned. They thirst for activity and adventure. The cure for Aries is to get more active and get into more adventures where they can challenge themselves. Adrenalin junkies. Usually, they dont have to contend with depression too much though as is true with all fire signs.
TAURUS Taurus is an unusual sign because they are fixed and earth. (Many of these descriptions are further explained in my new book, The Exquisite Zodiac [TEZ].) In general, Taureans have ONE mood steady-as-she-goes. Usually possessing an even temperament, this sign hovers just above the level of depression. Its a hard sign to get excited. Fixed signs are exactly as described. If they do get depressed, I have few answers for them. Usually, the best way out is a good meal, a bath, something tactile. Taureans really know how to feast the senses and are very sensual. Usually they dont get too depressed but stay on a nice even keel.
GEMINI This flighty air sign is seldom depressed. Boredom is more their bane. There are so many new discoveries to be found for the Twins that they can usually wait 2 minutes, and the depression will pass. It is hard for Gemini to get in touch with deeper feelings its just not their nature. Because of this, if they do have deeply disturbed feelings hiding underground, their depression can often be expressed by sudden, sharp outbursts of criticism. When it is hard to dig deep, introspect and uproot old painful memories, they can be haunted by them. A real favorable quality for Gemini is their ever-inquisitive, sharp intellect. They are obsessed with how the mind works and can usually figure out whats bothering them. The main thing they must do is not run from or evade their hurts. Gemini is the evader of the zodiac. Many times they would be much better off if they can just slow down, take a breath and face the music.
CANCER Clearly the moodiest of all signs, Cancer is very prone to depression. Theirs is mainly because they often feel that nobody loves them. That response comes with the territory as Cancer is the first of the water signs (TEZ.) When a Cancer has the blues, they almost always try to find a friendly shoulder. This can get old for both parties but actually doesnt help the Cancer that much in the long term. This is where enabling can become quite dangerous. Many times the Crab just doesnt feel as if they can deal with lifes hardships alone. They must learn that they can handle it, else considerable depression can last a long time. Certainly the cure for Cancerian doldrums is to surround themselves with family and support. If the Cancer has their all-important Moon in a fiery sign like Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, this will help greatly, keeping their feelings buoyant. The main thing the Cancer must avoid is retreating into their shell, moping and expecting other to read their minds. Also, they must clearly ask themselves, Is this really true that xxx doesnt love them? Many times an honest no answer will kick-start them out of their funk.
LEO The Lion is the sign that is hardly ever depressed, but dont let that fool you. Being ruled by the fiery Sun and being a fixed sign (TEZ), they are usually quite upbeat. However, theyre good at hiding their pain; especially from themselves. If they feel disrespected (which they have to truly inquire about) then they can really suffer with depression. Remember, inside every Leo is a recent Cancer (TEZ). Leos try so hard to remain upbeat and act as if everything is FINE. But its not always the case therefore they can do a lot of suffering in silence, simply because they dont want it known to anybody that they could be toiling with emotions. Leos believe that emotional baggage was left behind in the former sign of Cancer. Far and away though, Leos usually experience a quite active and upbeat life. Their problems come in when theyre alone.
VIRGO Virgo is very seldom depressed. Theyre not allowed to be; and neither is anyone around them. Depression is seen as a weakness that can only be remedied by getting off of their butts and getting back to work. Being productive is the solution to everything? Right? Remember depress is a verb, like pushing a button down. Virgos will not allow themselves that choice.
LIBRA Surprisingly, this strong air sign (TEZ) is seldom depressed. If they are, its commonly because they have other planets in moody Scorpio. Remember, its very common to have a considerable number of our other planets (besides the Sun) in neighboring signs. Librans are smart and find intriguing dialogue and the latest news irresistible. Therefore, talking with friends or engaging in social events is the ticket out of depression for them. In general, Libran feelings do not run deep, therefore they are less likely to suffer depression. Air signs live in thought. Shopping and surrounding themselves with beauty and harmony can provide a temporary fix. The key to getting out of the blues for this sign is to strengthen the self instead of always thinking that a stronger partnership will do it for them.
SCORPIO You knew it had to come sooner or later. Scorpio can be one of the most depressed signs there is because they feel so deeply. Too many times their blues are experienced simply because their relationship has lost its luster. Scorpio and Libra both put too much emphasis into their relationships, but thats their archetypal essence (TEZ). Scorpio will constantly surprise you, i.e., they can go a low as you can go and as high as possible. This is not a sign to stay stuck forever. Remember, they are a fixed water sign, which means that its their job to master emotions. Sooner or later, they can summons the willpower to overcome depression if they really want to. Its all about the will with this intense sign. And the answer is no, sex will not always provide an instant cure.
SAGITTARIUS Without a doubt, this is the most upbeat sign of the zodiac. Surely, they can become depressed like anyone else, but in general their mutable fire (TEZ) nature has them back up and hopping before you know it. This is the excitable sign. Their job is to be upbeat and cheer everyone up. Yes, sometimes they can become flippant, but any means is worth it to avoid depression. Sag just cant be around downers as they are the optimists of the giant circle. Their cheery moods are one reason people love being around them. They make everyone else lighten up!
CAPRICORN Next we deal with the most depressed sign of the zodiac in general. Ruled by serious Saturn, the Goat is usually flying low and steady, not too high above a depressive state. No sign can paint themselves into the corner of limited thinking like Capricorn. They often can see no way out of their self-imposed darkness. Because they want a guarantee in life before theyll move or take a risk; this often leads to their depression. Remember, the working motto of Capricorn is to make sure (TEZ). Well, most times in life you simply cannot make sure of how life will turn out. It cannot be controlled. This is clearly what leads to their depression besides the fact that they are generally the pessimists of the 12 signs. Since the Goat is willing and able to take responsibility for everyone else; it generally stems from not trusting others to do what they must. That is their way out. Letting go, letting things be and trusting others.
AQUARIUS Seldom do you find a depressed Aquarian. Again, we see the nature of fixed air keep them upbeat and interested in just about everything and everybody. They are almost never bored either. Dont let them surprise you; this oft aloof sign can have waters that run deep. Usually, however, they are so strong mentally that they wont waste the time being down. This is a very advanced and evolved sign. Depression sometimes comes to this sign as they commonly feel very misunderstood. Surprisingly, they can feel like an alien on their own planet. This is because they are usually way ahead of their time.
PISCES Few signs can wallow and suffer in silence like Pisces. However, they really dont want to make a scene about it, not wanting anyone else to feel bad. Pisces simply cant stand it when others feel bad as they are essentially very self-sacrificing. Usually, their depression is because they will not fight for their own rights as they feel a built-in attraction to martyrdom or sacrifice. They must fight off a sense of victimhood that they have actually invited. The key to staying happy for Pisces (TEZ) is not trying to save the world. They are here to do Gods will, not everyone elses.
*Note how the male or odd-numbered signs which are either Fire or Air do not tend toward depression.
*Note how the female or even-numbered signs which are either Earth or Water tend toward depression.
(1)Aries, (3)Gemini, (5)Leo, (7)Libra, (9)Sagittarius, (11)Aquarius
(4)Cancer, (8)Scorpio, (10)Capricorn, (12)Pisces
Exceptions: (2)Taurus & (6)Virgo
To access the rest of the newsletter, go to: http://www.starself.com/newsletter74.html
mother earth
(6,002 posts)guide. You are truly a gift.
I'm a firm believer in a little retail therapy from time to time....works for me.
Looking forward to seeing just what the eclipse will translate into....and then June....
felix_numinous
(5,198 posts)Your insights are so right on--it is amazing how much can be learned from this art. It seems to go on forever.
kimmerspixelated
(8,423 posts)Last edited Tue May 1, 2012, 07:22 PM - Edit history (1)
Oh, this was another fantastic newsletter!..Jabberwocky and all! ...This is an interesting subject- depression for the signs... And once again, I learned something...I certainly did find it useful, especially about Scorpios. That actually helps me understand my daughter. THANKS!
That is really fun, the odd and even number factoid!
Looking forward to the full moon- this was great!
...Once again, in the story that never ends, we will be reminded that we are all one and that we must give up the illusion of lack and separation. This may sound trite, but I assure you its not. The new age is upon us, light workers are coming out of the woodwork. Everyone wants to be a healer. Thats no joke, we are all healers and Lord knows, theres enough healing that is needed. The collective mind will be greatly influenced for the better, if you are subtle enough to notice this very refined energy.
I am striving towards being subtle enough!
Get in touch with your spiritual side. It lives on other days besides Sundays.
Touche!
murielm99
(31,478 posts)because I am emotional. But it is true that I will not allow myself to be depressed. There have been plenty of times that I have had good reason to be depressed. I just can't allow that.
I wish that I could find a new purpose. I feel like I was born at the wrong time. No matter what I do, someone or something usually wants to destroy my reputation or career. I would like to be able to move forward with renewed purpose. I want to do something meaningful, but without all the drama.
But depression? Never!
Edited for capitalization correction.
Ricochet21
(3,794 posts)No matter what I do, someone or something usually wants to destroy my reputation or career
That's an illusion we need to dig into. There are no "others".
This is pivotal for you or else we wouldn't be talking about it.
Emotions are not weaknesses, depression is not a weakness.
get the red out
(13,609 posts)There is indeed a difference between real depression and Cancer worries about being loved. I have both! LOL. I like your suggestion about questioning the thought, it's what my therapist told me to do too.
Ricochet21
(3,794 posts)Cancer energies need to be felt even though other people may think you are "overly emotional." It's who you are and who you are lies in your feelings! Exactly.
kimmerspixelated
(8,423 posts)Fire or Air, or do I have it wrong?
Ricochet21
(3,794 posts)it's always been that way
Fire and Aire are masculine
Water and Earth feminine
fire and air produce violent active reaction
water finds its home in earth, nestled
I guess that's it, it mostly makes sense
kimmerspixelated
(8,423 posts)non-sense-ical!(sp)
Okay why isn't The water sign-Aqua- a water sign?
If water(Aqua) is air...isn't that really a gas?
Life...
is
a
Gas!
Ricochet21
(3,794 posts)aqua-rius = water bearer
that's why I think it should be changed to Contrarius
kimmerspixelated
(8,423 posts)What?... Contrar' is mostly a Gemini trait, methinks, kind sir!
Ricochet21
(3,794 posts)kimmerspixelated
(8,423 posts)With great anticipation!
Ricochet21
(3,794 posts)Gemini and Aquarius
kimmerspixelated
(8,423 posts)The situation would become quite -air-ey!
RainbowSuperfund
(110 posts)Thanks for sharing this Rick. I always look forward to your newsletters. As a Scorpio sun sign with the last degree of Pisces rising, Ive been having a very watery month. Can't even find the words for the feelings I'm swimming through. I keep thinking i should be better at this with so much water in my chart, but it just feels like sad soup.
icymist
(15,888 posts)You saw all this and I didn't read it first! It might have saved me a lot! I just went through some of the worst days anyone could imagine. Rick is right on! I should have been reading him all along. Problem is that I am too independant. I trust in myself too much. I can't see how I need others. I'm too independant. As I bounce around in this astrological playpen I can only hope I don't get too many people mad at me.