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The Definitions and Synonyms of the Zodiac Signs

...the end of the sign Aquarius original: "Ghatontakas", referring to the transition from the Water-bearer, and the fourth from Libra; the sign Vrischika: Scorpio is also known as the "Insect," the "Scorpion," and the "Reptile" original: "Sarisripa" due to its nature. 18. Half-man and half-beast is Dhanu: Sagittarius, also called the "Archer," the "Bow-holder," and the "Armed One," as described by the ancient masters of the science of time original: "Yavana", often referring to the Ionian/Greek influence in Indian astrology. 21. Makara: Capricorn is the "Sea-monster," the "Fish-crocodile," or simply the "Crocodile." Kumbha: Aquarius is the "Pot," the "Water-bearer," the "Vessel," and the "Pitcher." 21. Meena: Pisces is known as the "Fish," the "Two-fishes," the "Scaly One," and the "Whale." These are the names of the signs established by the ancient Sages. 22.

The Physical Forms of the Signs

The sign of Pisces is shown as two fishes; Mithuna: Gemini is a human couple—a man and a woman—holding a lute and a club The lute symbolizes the arts, and the club represents protection or strength. Tula: Libra is a man holding scales. 23. Kanya: Virgo is a maiden standing in a boat, carrying grain and a lamp in her hands. Kumbha: Aquarius is a man carrying an empty water jar on his shoulder. 24.

Colors and Elemental Qualities

The colors of the signs are respectively: red Aries, white Taurus, parrot-green Gemini, pale-red Cancer, yellowish-white Leo, variegated Virgo, black Libra, golden-brown Scorpio, tawny Sagittarius, grey? Capricorn, deep brown Aquarius, and the color of the sea Pisces. These are the colors associated with their inherent natures. 25.

Classifications of the Signs

The signs are further categorized as:

• Movable Chara, Fixed Sthira, and Dual-natured Dvisvabhava.
• Cruel Asaumya and Gentle Saumya.
• Odd and Even.
  These classifications apply to the signs beginning with Aries original: "Kriya", a synonym for Mesha/Aries in sequence. 26.

Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius are the Kshatriyas: the warrior and ruler class. Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are the Vaishyas: the merchant class. Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are the Shudras: the service class. Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are the Brahmins: the priestly and scholarly class. 27.

Physical Traits and Temporal Strength

The first half of Sagittarius and the second half of Capricorn are considered human-like. Taurus, Leo, and Aries are four-footed quadrupeds. Virgo, Gemini, Libra, and the first half of Sagittarius are two-footed bipeds or humans. 28. Cancer and Pisces are water-dwelling creatures. Scorpio is a multi-footed creature. Human signs are strong during the day, while the animal and water signs possess strength in the evening and at night. 29.

Signs that rise with the head first original: "Shirshodaya" are generally auspicious, while those that rise tail-first original: "Prishtodaya" or both ways have different strengths based on their position in the sky at the time of birth. 30.