Superstitions by Sign

Astrology sheds light on our bizarre beliefs

by Jeff Jawer

Halloween traditionally marks a time when we pass through the walls between worlds. The solid, scientific one of materialism is open to the spirit realms of ghosts and goblins, celebrated with costumes and trick or treating. Superstition is not limited to Halloween, but shares its belief in forces beyond those that we see, touch and smell every day. Astrology is superstition to some and science to others, but whatever your view, it offers insight into the 12 basic personality types through the signs of the zodiac. Exploring the superstitions of each sign is one way to explore the variety of human nature.

Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Ever the pioneer, Aries loves to be first and hates having his or her view blocked by anyone. Sitting behind another person in a theatre might be considered bad luck or, perhaps, getting caught on the slow line at the supermarket. When you see someone bolting out of the store rather than wait five minutes for a cashier, it’s probably an Aries.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
No one likes life’s sensual delights more than a Taurus. This sign's dominant superstition involves the need to have ice cream in the freezer at all times. A lack of chocolate might be particularly terrifying, motivating even the most laidback Bull to get off the couch, rush out of the house and buy some premium creamy dessert to avoid catastrophe.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
Many chatty Geminis are convinced that if they don’t use up all their cell phone minutes every month, they will be struck with terribly bad luck. Rollover plans are definitely a no-no as they can encourage a lax attitude when it comes to calling friends, family members and new acquaintances to discuss last night’s episode of Grey’s Anatomy.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
Cancers are the great collectors of the zodiac. They keep objects from childhood that most people would have tossed decades earlier. It’s bad luck, a good number of them might presume, to let go of your junior high school sweatshirt even though it’s full of holes and the building was torn down way back in 1975.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Leos love to be noticed … and remembered … and revered. It’s not only considered bad form to forget one’s name, even though you met them for two minutes at a convention of 10,000 people, but considered to be very bad luck for the Leo. Most Lions do whatever it takes to burn their name in your brain to avoid this danger.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
Virgos are specialists in superstition, although they usually claim that they’re just being practical. An interruption in their carefully calibrated routine can ruin a day. If items aren’t put away in exactly the right place or if their hair or clothes aren’t perfect, this is no mere inconvenience, it can turn the most logical Virgo into an illogical mess.

Superstitions by Zodiac Sign -- Continued »