Did Your Astrological Sign Change? A Personal Finance View of the Stars

Last week the social networks and Twitter-sphere were all abuzz with the news of a thirteenth zodiac sign and the possibility that our long-held personal truths about our characters as a result of adherence to our astrological identity was about to be shattered.  What do you mean I'm not a Capricorn [or insert your "former" sun sign here]?  Quelle horreur! 

Suddenly the old pick-up line "What's your sign, baby?" had a whole new meaning.

As it turned out, the earth shaking revelations were nothing more than the talk show equivalent of a fire drill.  The astronomer who instigated the panic attack was referring to the sidereal zodiac whereas most astrologers (at least those in the Western world anyway...) use what is known as the "tropical zodiac."  And therefore your astrological sign has NOT changed--unless of course you're a proponent of Vedic astrology. 

Yup, move along.  Nothing to see here...

But as long as we're on the subject, and since at one time I had more than a passing interest in astrology, I thought I'd put together a brief description of each of the TWELVE signs from a financial standpoint.

Note:  Use of this information to make career and financial decisions is not recommended.  Unless you're are exceedingly gullible--or an Ophiuchus....

Aries (March 21 - April 19):  In a word, Aries is summed up with "first":  First sign of the zodiac, first in line, first to try new things, etc.  The Aries pioneering quality leads them to often become entrepreneurs--if for no other reason than they have issues with authority and prefer being their own boss.  When it comes to money, they are more likely to choose aggressive investments--partially because they're incredibly impatient, but also because they're fairly fearless. The financial aspect of the Aries personality is represented by "lifestyle entrepreneur" Hugh Hefner.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20):  Down-to-earth Taurus is driven by security.  You're not likely to find a bull investing in a bear market.  They crave stability and will most likely stick with the tried and true rather than be buffeted about by the wild fluctuations of commodities trading.  While ultimately prosperous practical, Taureans tend towards the possessive and possibly were voted "Most Likely to End Up on an Episode of Hoarders" by their high school classmates.  Just ask Queen Elizabeth, owner of a number of properties and castles including the 50,000 acres of Balmoral Estate in Scotland, the over 20,000 acres of Sandringham Estate, private collections of art, furniture, jewels and horses--all in addition to her conservative investments in blue chip stocks and bonds.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20):  Mercurial air sign Gemini quite often manifests as the quintessential dilettante.  Very likely to job hop to avoid the boredom and stagnation of doing the same thing day after day, quick-witted Geminis excel in positions where they can put their intelligence and communication skills to good use--whether that be as a lawyer, sales person or con artist.  They would be most comfortable with an exceptionally diverse stock portfolio, although they can be susceptible to get rich quick schemes.  Gemini Donald Trump epitomizes the Gemini money persona--albeit not necessarily their coiffure...

Cancer (June 21 - July 22):  Cancerians often tend to be comfort craving homebodies.  As such, their spending skews towards things like down comforters, 1,000 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, Sub-Zero refrigerators and Elvis or Scooby Doo memorabilia.  Although generally fiscally conservative and always making sure to pay the mortgage on time, Cancers are affected by emotion and nostalgia--which might explain why their investment portfolios contain IBM and Sara Lee.  Matriarch Rose Kennedy is a good example of Cancer money mindset.

Leo (July 23 - August 22): Generous and lavish, Leos love being the center of attention.  To accomplish that, they might splurge on a fancy Rolex to flash or buy rounds of drinks at the local bar for their very large circle of friends.  But while Leos are very competent at SPENDING money, saving it can be another matter entirely.  Should they undertake an endeavor to pinch pennies, however, be assured their creativity will take the effort into an art form.  The same can be said for their income tax filings: The term "creative accounting" was coined with Leos in mind.  Representing the Leo in terms of legal tender:  former Governor/movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22):  The second of the three earth signs, like Taureans Virgos are also noted for their earthiness and practicality.  Hardworking and impeccable, people born under this sign often find themselves drawn towards service-oriented careers:  nursing, teaching, social work, health care, etc.  While there tends not to be a lot of money to be made in service fields, self-sufficient Virgos can find a way to put their well-developed analytical skills to use in researching the best ways to invest their money.  They also are able to solve the New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle in record time--in ink!  Investor/Philanthropist Warren Buffett is a good example of Virgo frugality and wisdom.

Libra (September 23 - October 22):  While Aries make excellent entrepreneurs, their opposite sign of Libra excels in the area of partnerships.  This sign is always striving for balance, which leads them to seek the middle ground when it comes political or social issues--or even money.  Libras feel most comfortable with a medium risk investment plan that doesn't sacrifice their capital in lieu of potential returns.  Seeking balance, however can sometimes lead to indecisiveness with Librans and they can find themselves undone trying to figure which flat screen TV to buy or which mutual fund to invest in.  Successful businessman / former corporate CEO Lee Iacocca represents Libra versatility. 

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21):  If there's a sign most likely to have a secret safe deposit box, it's definitely Scorpio.  Scorpions are also known for their love of power and this often manifests in a fairly positive manner in the form of superior willpower.  Of all the signs, they are most able to maintain the discipline necessary to make a budget and stick to it as they give up the daily Starbucks compulsion in order to save up for a new laptop computer.  While Bill Gates anti-competitive business tactics are largely viewed negatively, that along with his immense wealth and influence in the computing industry make him an iconic Scorpio.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21):  A Sagittarian's money splurge of choice is likely to be an extended getaway to an exotic locale such as backpacking through Asia or exploration of medieval Scottish castles.  They're big on anything that broadens their horizons--including education.  Professionally they succeed in variety of career pursuits:  professor, politician, public relations--even scientist.  Sagittarius has a tendency to view the big picture and eschew the details so where money management is concerned, they'd do well to hire a Certified Financial Planner--preferable one who is a Virgo.  Producer/ director/ multi-millionaire Steven Spielberg is an example of Sagittarian expanded horizons.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19):  This is my birth sign so I am admittedly biased.  Capricorns are practical, persevering, pragmatic, prudent and professional.  They are all around awesome!  Okay, I'm subjective--but by all accounts Capricorns are natural leaders who are accustomed to overcoming any obstacle put in their path.  On the downside, they do have a tendency towards being "status conscious," so while their innate stoicism allows them to pursue a course of fiscal responsibility, no-name labels and generics aren't their thing.  Financially famous Capricorn:  Conrad Hilton who not only exemplifies the leadership qualities but also the mountain-climbing rags-to-riches type stories that are typical of a number of goats.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18):  Although highly individualistic, Aquarians excel in group projects and are known for their humanitarian characteristics.  Their philanthropic endeavors don't necessarily mean that they are resigned to a modest Saint Theresa-type existence.  Oprah Winfrey is a classic Aquarius:  A strong individual with a powerful control of the group dynamic (witness the ever-expanding "Oprah Effect") who use their influence to advance humanitarian causes.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20):  The sign of the fish is often unfairly saddled with being "wishy-washy," but their dreamy, creative natures can create impressive results.  For example look at the results achieved by the imagination and idealism of Piscean Steve Jobs, founder of Apple.  Although originally a computing company, it's not surprising that Apple is almost as well-known in the music industry with its game-changing iPod and iTunes.  Pisces is, after all, the sign of the musician.

Whether or not you check your daily horoscope, it should be noted that astrology involves much more than one's sun sign.  And that the above descriptions, while mostly astrologically accurate, are for entertainment purposes only. 

So, what's your sign, baby?  Do you read your daily horoscope?  Add your two cents on the subject in the comments.