Cusp (astrology)

In astrology, a cusp (from the Latin for spear or point) is the imaginary line that separates a pair of consecutive signs in the zodiac or houses in the horoscope.

Because the solar disc has a diameter of approximately half a degree, it is possible for the Sun to straddle the cusp as it moves across the sky. When this occurs at the moment of birth such a person is said to be "born on the cusp" and some believe that their life is influenced by the characteristics of both signs. For example, if an individual was born when the Sun (by convention the point at the centre of the Solar disc) was located at 29 degrees, 50 minutes Gemini, then one might say that he was born on the cusp of Gemini and Cancer. Much of the Solar disc was actually in Cancer even though the centre was in Gemini.

Although the term "cusp" is universally used for the boundaries of signs, not all astrologers agree that an object can ever be included in more than one sign. Many consider relevant only the location of the Sun's centre, which must be entirely in one sign, and would describe the natal Sun in the example as simply being in Gemini. If late degrees of Gemini have a Cancer-like character, they would describe that as simply the nature of that part of Gemini rather than some influence spilling over from the next sign.

On the other hand, astrologers who consider objects "on the cusp" to be meaningfully different from objects entirely in one sign may apply such a description even when no part of the object crosses the boundary. That point of view may consider the Sun to be "on the cusp" even when its centre is as much as two degrees away from the sign boundary. They may also call other objects (much less than half a degree in diameter) "on the cusp" despite no part of the object being in the adjacent sign. Their claim is that the influence of the cusp gets weaker but does not suddenly disappear as the object gets further from the cusp.

A similar debate applies to cusps between houses.

Cusp meanings

The majority of astrologers treat the Sun as always being in exactly one sign, and consider the "Sun between signs, or in two at once" interpretation of cusps to be a misinterpretation. The following attributions are from the minority who treat Sun positions near the cusp as distinct.

Aries/Taurus

The Aries/Taurus Cusp is approximately from dates April 15 to April 27 and is ruled by both Mars and Terra with the elements of fire and earth. This is a cardinal and fixed sign and resides in the House of Self and Value. This sign is considered to be a neutral, ambiverted, and androgynous sign. Individuals born during this time period may be referred to as "Arus". The Arian/Taurean is thought to be humorous, sensitive, money-oriented, nice, active, dynamic, talented, quiet, sensual, strong, opinionated, bold, flirtatious, sexual, eloquent, stable, dependable, helpful, practical, hard-working, ambivert, patient, athletic, aggressive, perseverance, and initiative. The Arian/Taurean is prone to be aloof, quarrelsome, trouble-maker, phony, stubborn, hyper-sensitive, jealous, high-strung, moody, changeability, fickle, and head strong. Also known as the Cusp of Power. Rules body parts including the head, face, brain, eyes, throat, neck, thyroid gland, and vocal tract.

Taurus/Gemini

The Taurus/Gemini is approximately from dates May 15 to May 27 and is ruled by both Terra and Mercury with the elements of earth and air. This is fixed and mutable sign and resides in the House of Value and Communications. This sign is considered to be a neutral, ambiverted, and androgynous sign. The term for the Taurus/Gemini is "Taurini". The Taurean/Gemini is thought to be sensual, great, imaginative, expressive, see both sides of a situation, energetic, adaptable, multi-tasker, reliable, conversionalists, charming, intelligent, leaders, broad-minded, hard-working, ambivert, honest, shy, helpful, youthful, light-hearted, practical, mature, tolerant, gentle, quiet, versatile, laid-back, dependable, stable, and persevered. The Taurean/Gemini is prone to be scattered, fickle, dual, changeable, restless, blunt, wear-them-selves-out, over-indulgent, nervous, high-strung, and reluctant to confront fears and insecurities. Rules body parts including the throat, neck, thyroid gland, vocal tract, arms, lungs, shoulders, hands, nervous system, and brain.

Gemini/Cancer

The Gemini/Cancer Cusp is approximately from dates June 15 to June 27 and is ruled by both Mercury and the Moon with the elements of air and water. This is a mutable and cardinal sign and resides in the House of Communications, Home, and Family. This sign is considered a neutral, ambiverted, and androgynous sign. The term for Gemini/Cancer is "Gemincer". The Gemini/Cancerian is thought to be affectionate, seductive, opinionated, nice, cheerful, caring, thoughtful, playful, loving, graceful, understanding, sociable, funny, intelligent, pure, humorous, assertive, ambivert, friendly, bubbly, honest, attractive, confident, a good leader, spontaneous, sexual, flirtatious, fearless, and loyal. The Gemini/Cancerian is prone to be rebellious, jealous, detached, self-centered, duality, a chatterbox, annoyed, clumsy, blunt, boastful, restless, random, aggressive, extreme, inconsistent, careless, devious, demanding, manipulative, fickle, unreliable, insincere, immature and calculating. Also called the Cusp of Magic. Rules body parts including the arms, lungs, shoulders, hands, nervous system, brain, chest, breasts, stomach, and alimentary canal.

Cancer/Leo

The Cancer/Leo Cusp is approximately from dates July 14 to July 26 and is ruled by both the Moon and the Sun with the elements of water and fire. This is a cardinal and fixed sign and resides in the House of Home, Family, and Pleasure. This sign is considered to be a neutral, androgynous, and ambiverted sign. May sometimes be referred to as "Canceleo". The Cancerian/Leo is thought to be sensitive, ambivert, ambitious, proud, logical, creative, unique, morally courageous, eloquent, serious, determined, broad-minded, expansive, responsible, accepting, patient, masterminds of wrong and right, contrary, flamboyant, nurturing, caring, flavorful, wild, playful, kind, traditional, strong, attractive, conservative, expressive, fair, highly balanced, undiscriminating, spontaneous, shrewd, free-styled, free-spirited, calm, mother/father figure, intellectual, resourceful, devoted, original, unpredictable, unconventional, reasonable, wise ,changeable, disciplined, exotic, eccentric, complex, enthusiastic, fun-loving, risky, self-assured, practical, cautious, multitalented, imaginative, realistic, variant, unifying, epitomizing, romantic, social, independent, dependent, passionate, exciting, energetic, vibrant, generous, dynamic, religious or spiritual, level-headed, and expressively emotional. The Cancerian-Leo is prone to hyper-sensitivity, being single task-minded and therefore being self-centered, are hot-headed, capricious, having dependency issues, resistant to emotional manipulation, and touchiness. Also known as the Cusp of Oscillation. Rules body parts including the chest, breasts, stomach, alimentary canal, heart, chest, spine, spinal column, and upper back.

Leo/Virgo

The Leo/Virgo Cusp is approximately from dates August 15 to August 27 and is ruled by both the Sun and Ceres with the elements of fire and earth. This is a fixed and mutable sign and resides in the House of Pleasure and Health. This sign is considered to be a neutral, ambiverted, and androgynous sign. The Leo/Virgo referred to as "Lergo" is thought to be ambivert, ambitious, artistic, flamboyant, creative, logical, practical, routine, organized, independent, loves attention, dramatic, inspiring, leader, reliable, quick, optimistic, fun-loving, social, honest, and unique. They are prone to being blunt, ego-oriented, stubborn, aloof, quarrelsome, cold, and perfectionist. Also known as the Cusp of Exposure. Rules body parts including the heart, chest, spine, spinal column, upper back, digestive system, intestines, spleen, and nervous system.

Virgo/Libra

The Virgo/Libra Cusp is approximately from dates September 15 to September 27 and is ruled by both Ceres and Venus with the elements of earth and air. This is a mutable and cardinal sign and resides in the House of Health and Partnerships. This sign is considered to be a neutral, ambiverted, and androgynous sign. The Virgo/Libran, also known as "Vibra", are thought to be excellent arbitrators, industrious, modest, efficient, go-getter, charming, see all sides of a situation, ambivert, practical, logical, rational, attractive, meticulous, diligent, hard-working, ambitious, intellectual, even-tempered, great communicators, perfectionist, idealistic, peaceable, urbane, charming, diplomatic, polite, mannerful, clean, open-minded, fair, playful, romantic, and devoted. The Virgo/Libran is prone to being aloof, unfair, easily influenced, self-indulgent, quarrelsome, fussy, worrier, insecure, doubting themselves, a hypochondriac (a person who worries and talks excessively about their health), fickle, and indecisive. Also known as the Cusp of Beauty. Rules body parts including the digestive system, intestines, spleen, nervous system, and kidneys, skin, lumbar region, and buttocks.

Libra/Scorpio

The Libra/Scorpio Cusp is approximately from dates October 15 to October 27 and is ruled by both Venus and Pluto with the elements of air and water. This is a cardinal and fixed sign and resides in the House of Partnerships and Reincarnation. This sign is considered to be a neutral, ambiverted, and androgynous sign. The Libran/Scorpion, also known as the "Scorpia" is thought to strive to create & balance harmony, intuitive, diplomatic, hard-working, go-getter, ambitious, intense, attractive, aware, sexual, ambivert, talkative, powerful, sensitive, communicative, mystical, motivated, loyal, devoted, romantic, playful, scientific, abstract reasoning, cooperative, and penetrating. The Libran/Scorpion is prone to be stubborn, lazy, overbearing, sly, manipulative, hedonistic, dictatorial, sarcastic, volatile, self-indulgent, and compulsive. Also known as the Cusp of Drama and Criticism. Rules body parts including the kidneys, skin, lumbar region, buttocks, and reproductive system, sexual organs, bowels, and excretory system.

Scorpio/Sagittarius

The Scorpio/Sagittarius Cusp is approximately from dates November 15 to November 27 and is ruled by both Pluto and Jupiter with the elements of water and fire. This is a fixed and mutable sign and resides in the House of Reincarnation and Philosophy. This sign is considered to be a neutral, ambiverted, and androgynous sign. The Scorpion/Sagittarian individual also known as "Sagittario" is thought to be a truth-seeker, sexual, likes to learn, determined, intuitive, honest, independent, freedom-loving, ambivert, versatile, progressive, powerful, good-humored, flirty, playful, caring, high-spirited, loyal, motivated, broad-minded, enjoy competition, self-confident, enthusiastic, and generous. The Scorpion/Sagittarian is prone to being stubborn, possessive, suspicious, mean, impatient, pushy, argumentative, jealous, vain, quick-tempered, teasing, and blunt. Also known as the Cusp of Revolution. Rules body parts including the reproductive system, sexual organs, bowels, excretory system, hips, thighs, liver, and sciatic nerve.

Sagittarius/Capricorn

The Sagittarius/Capricorn Cusp is approximately from dates December 15 to December 27 and is ruled by both Jupiter and Saturn with the elements of fire and earth. This is a mutable and cardinal sign and resides in the House of Philosophy and Social Status. This sign is considered to be a neutral, ambiverted, and androgynous sign. Sometimes referred to as "Caprittarius". The Sagittarian/Capricorn is thought to be ambitious, truth-seeking, physically and mentally exploratory, undiscriminating, loyal, freedom-loving, charitable, self-controlled, self-reliant, trustworthy, charming, adaptable, ambivert, physical, practical, economical, mature, shrewd, conservative, fun, self-confident, outgoing, friendly, responsible, polite, warm, optimistic, straightforward, funny, competitive, high-spirited, devoted, playful, romantic, successful, and enthusiastic. On the negative side, the Sagittarian/Capricorn is prone to being argumentative, blunt, exaggerating, hot-headed, impulsive, quick-tempered, vain, and aggressive. Also known as the Cusp of Prophecy. Rules body parts including the hips, thighs, liver, sciatic nerve, knees, joints, and skeletal system.

Capricorn/Aquarius

The Capricorn/Aquarius Cusp is approximately from dates January 15 to January 27 and is ruled by both Saturn and Uranus with the elements of earth and air. This is a cardinal and fixed sign and resides in the House of Social Status and Friendships. This sign is considered to be a neutral, ambiverted, and androgynous sign. Sometimes referred to as "Apricorn". The Capricorn/Aquarian is thought to be ambitious, disciplined, shrewd, patient, loyal, responsible, traditional, careful, reserved, ambivert, funny, deadpan, stable, fixed, tolerant, broad-minded, self-confident, striking, unique, attractive, intuitive, curious, inquisitive, friendly, humanitarian, intellectual, progressive, original, eccentric, offbeat, experimental, cautious, practical, realistic, competitive, business-oriented, and multi-talented. The Capricorn/Aquarian is prone to be rebellious, saturnine, over-critical, dogmatic, narrow-minded, over-cautious, workaholic, judgmental, cold, stubborn, harsh, depressed, secretive, exacting and aloof. Also known as the Cusp of Mystery and Imagination. Rules body parts including the knees, joints, skeletal system, ankles, calves, and circulatory system.

Aquarius/Pisces

The Aquarius/Pisces Cusp occurs approximately from dates February 15 to February 27 and is ruled by both Uranus and Neptune with the elements of water and air. This is a fixed and mutable sign and resides in the House of Friendships and Self-Undoing. This sign is considered to be a neutral, ambiverted, and androgynous sign. Sometimes referred to as "Pisarius". The Aquarian/Piscean is thought to be tolerant, open-minded, undiscriminating, intellectual, sensitive, compassionate, original, offbeat, imaginative, timid, romantic, sentimental, sympathetic, unique, multi-talented, caring, flirtatious, ambivert, shy, quiet, modest, thoughtful, visionary, and understanding. The Aquarian/Piscean is prone to escapism, fickleness, hyper-sensitivity, dependability, eccentricity, goallessness, neglectfulness, impracticality and rebelliousness. Also known as the Cusp of Sensitivity. Rules body parts including the ankles, calves, circulatory system, feet, toes, lymphatic system, and adipose tissue.

Pisces/Aries

The Pisces/Aries Cusp sometimes referred to as "Paries" is approximately from dates March 15 to March 27 and ruled by both Neptune and Mars with the elements of water and fire. This is a mutable and cardinal sign and resides in the House of Self and Self-Undoing. This sign is considered to be a neutral, ambiverted, and androgynous sign. The Piscean/Arian individual is thought to be assertive, dominant, shy, sensitive, emotional, artistic, talented, helpful, dependent, intuitive, unique, ambivert, practical, doer, dreamer, nurturing, sensual, clean-minded, traditional, a leader, active, organized, idealistic, broad-minded, brave, thoughtful, playful, devoted, flirtatious, idealistic, quiet, proud, loyal, athletic, romantic, compassionate, sympathetic, often funny, flamboyant, caring, and imaginative. The Piscean/Arian is prone to aloof, quarrelesome, perfectionist, mean, cold, pessimitic, hyper-sensitive, touchy, duality, moody, secretive, impractical, impatient, and stubborn. Also known as the Cusp of Rebirth. Rules body parts including the feet, toes, lymphatic system, adipose tissue, head, face, brain, and eyes.

Sources

• http://www.astrologyzine.com/astrology-faq-3.shtml#Two.Signs - explanation for why sun sign cusps don't exist
• Personology by Gary Goldschneider. ISBN 0-7624-2229-7