Nature and the Sun Signs

If nature makes you think of deep mud, mosquitoes and sweating up steep mountain trails, then you may not take kindly to the thought of connecting with Mother Earth. But every astrological sign senses a deep bond with all things natural -- you just have to know how to find it!

The Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) need color, a touch of the exotic, animals that are speedy and potentially risky, and flamboyant natural habitat. Hummingbirds zipping from one brilliantly hued flower to the next make these folks' eyes sparkle; birds-of-paradise flaunting their courtship rituals in the jungle are even better. And hawks diving from a great height down for the kill is a seriously spiritual moment for them. Aries adore sprint masters like cheetahs, while Leos prefer their very own lions. Leos will also pause in wonder at the peacock, though it never moves fast -- its flaunting of its gigantic tail feathers in a vibrant rainbow circle makes them yearn to do the same. And Sagittarius can never really see past the horse, their beast of choice.

The Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) prefer their nature, well, naturally. They'll sit happily in front of scenic travel documentaries. They love the idea of the great wilderness, though often on celluloid more than in reality. They also adore animals of the furry variety, preferably small and harmless rather than too large and lethal. Taurus loves the idea of the great bison herds of yesteryear and will pause to gaze wonderingly at the majestic sacred cows of India. Virgo takes to hedgehogs, porcupines and chipmunks. Capricorns have the utmost respect for animals of the high plateau: goats, deer and mountain sheep. All Earth signs appreciate birds, even the duller brown ones since they know it takes all kinds to make the world go round. Most of all, Earth signs appreciate wildflowers -- wandering through spring fields carpeted with color is pure bliss for them.

Not surprisingly, Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) prefer their nature scenes either coastal or beside a lake or stream -- they need to see water before they can relax. Water animals such as otters, seals and all sorts of fish are their favorites. Being a crab at heart, Cancer likes to stay close to shore, so any crustaceans are bound to catch their fancy. Scorpio prefers the deep, dark blue with a hint of risk, so sharks and even octopus get their blood racing. Although they have a reputation as timid creatures, Pisces are explorers at heart, whether of the earth or sea ... and they'd love to explore the cosmos as well. They adore creatures that float around the coral reefs in bright colors, and they've even been known to take an interest in nature mysteries like the Loch Ness Monster and the undiscovered Yeti.

Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) are not instinctively fond of the grime, slime and general muckiness of the great outdoors. They prefer to watch it all through a plate glass window from a comfortable chair. But they'll take a special interest in birds -- creatures of their own comfort zone. Gemini does enjoy a walk on the wild side and likes the predators of the animal kingdom. Libra likes beautiful gardens -- well-designed, under control and exceptionally tidy and colorful. Finally, with their interest in dinosaurs, fossils and all things prehistoric, Aquarius tends to look backward more than forward.