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.

Cusps

Aries/Taurus

The Aries/Taurus Cusp is approximately from dates April 19 to April 24. Individuals born during this time period may be referred to as a "Taurares". 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, extrovert, patient, athletic, aggressive, perseverance, and initiative. The Arian/Taurean is prone to aloof, quarrelsome, trouble-maker, phony, stubborn, hyper-sensitive, jealous, high-strung, moody, changeability, fickle, and head strong. Also known as the Cusp of Power.

Taurus/Gemini

The Taurus/Gemini is approximately from dates May 19 to May 24. The term for the Taurus/Gemini is Gemininus (Sometimes Taureminie). The Taurean/Gemini is thought to be sensual, great imagination, expressive, see both sides of a situation, energetic, adaptable, multi-tasker, reliable, conversionalists, charming, intelligent, leaders, broad-minded, hard-working, introvert, 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. Also called the Cusp of Energy (Secret Language Series by Gary Goldschneider)

Gemini/Cancer

The Gemini/Cancer Cusp is approximately from dates June 19 to June 24. The term for Gemini/Cancer is Cancimini. The Gemini/Cancerian is thought to be affectionate, seductive, opinionated, nice, cheerful, caring, thoughtful, playful, loving, graceful, understanding, sociable, funny, intelligent, pure, humorous, assertive, extrovert, 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.

Cancer/Leo

The Cancer/Leo Cusp is approximately from dates July 19 to July 24. May sometimes be referred to as "Leoncer". The Leoncer is thought to be sensitive, introvert, ambitious, proud, creative, flamboyant, nurturing, traditional, strong, expressive, organized, inspiring, intuitive, cheerful, self-assured, practical, realistic, romantic, social, dependent, passionate, generous, and emotional. The Cancerian/Leo is prone to hyper-sensitivity, boastfulness, being self-centered, quarrelsome, demanding, having dependency issues, and touchiness. Also known as the Cusp of Oscillation.

Leo/Virgo

The Leo/Virgo Cusp is approximately from dates August 19 to August 24. The Leo/Virgo is thought to ambivert, ambitious, artistic, flamboyant, creative, logical, practical, routine, organized, dependent, 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.

Virgo/Libra

The Virgo/Libra Cusp is approximately from dates September 19 to September 24. The Virgo/Libran, also known as Virgobra, are thought to be excellent arbitrators, industrious, modest, efficient, go-getter, charming, see all sides of a situation, introvert, practical, logical, rational, attractive, meticulous, practical, 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 themself, a hypochondriac (a person who worries and talks excessively about their health), fickle, and indecisive. Also known as the Cusp of Beauty.

Libra/Scorpio

The Libra/Scorpio Cusp is approximately from dates October 20 to October 26. The Libran/Scorpion is thought to strive to create & balance harmony, intuitive, diplomatic, hard-working, go-getter, ambitious, intense, attractive, aware, sexual, ambivert, talkative, introverted, 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. (Goldschneider: "The Cusp of Drama & Criticism.")

Scorpio/Sagittarius

The Scorpio/Sagittarius Cusp is approximately from dates November 19 to November 25. The 'Scorpittarian' individual is thought to be a truth-seeker, sexual, like to learn, determined, intuitive, honest, independent, freedom-loving, extrovert, 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.

Sagittarius/Capricorn

The Sagittarius/Capricorn Cusp is approximately from dates December 19 to December 24. Sometimes referred to as Sagicorn or 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, extrovert, physical, practical, economical, mature, shrewd, conservative, fun, self-confident, outgoing, friendly, responsible, polite, warm, optimistic, straight-forward, 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. (Goldschneider: "The Cusp of Prophecy.")

Capricorn/Aquarius

The Capricorn/Aquarius Cusp is approximately from dates January 15 to January 22. Sometimes referred to as Capriquarius or Aquaccorn.The Capricorn/Aquarian is thought to be ambitious, disciplined, shrewd, patient, loyal, responsible, traditional, careful, reserved, extrovert, 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.

Aquarius/Pisces

The Pisces/Aquarius Cusp occurs approximately from dates February 17 to February 22. Sometimes referred to as Aquarices. 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, extrovert, shy, quiet, modest, thoughtful, visionary, and understanding. The Aquarian/Piscean is prone to escapism, fickle, hyper-sensitive, dependable, eccentric, goalless, neglectful, impractical and rebellious. (Goldschneider: "The Cusp of Sensitivity.")

Pisces/Aries

The Pisces/Aries Cusp (sometimes referred to as "Parisces") is approximately from dates March 19 to March 22,. The "parisces" individual is thought to be assertive, dominant, shy, sensitive, emotional, artistic, talented, heplful, 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. (Goldschneider: "The Cusp of Rebirth.")

Sources

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