Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac. Gemini goes beyond the Aries need for the raw energy of survival and the Taurus need to physically touch and experience the material world. In Gemini, it is the intellect that man needs to develop in order to understand the universe. This stage is concerned primarily with information-gathering and Geminis never seem to stop collecting it. They need to express ideas and share information with others, but what they do with their information is another matter. The mature Gemini becomes a serious scholar and careful researcher. The immature Gemini turns into a gossip and the proverbial “jack-of all-trades and master of none”.

Gemini’s readily adapt to change. This trait is strength because it is a survival mechanism, and a weakness because it makes them vulnerable to the demands and influence of other people. The Twins are the astrological symbol of Gemini. Adopting a twin-like similarity to other people is easy for Geminis. They not only have a unique ability to understand what others are thinking, they also possess great cleverness for imitation. In this way they can manoeuvre themselves into many favourable positions. They can also lose sight of their own talents and ideas by being too willing and able to adopt the traits and immerse themselves in the personal situations of others. They tend to say what others want to hear instead of saying what they really think, or what they know to be the truth.

Geminis react intellectually to everything they experience in life. That is, before they take physical action, before they assess the practical worth of something, and before they sort out their true emotions, they try to analyse things objectively as a kind of mental exercise. Though it is generally not a true assessment, the intellectual orientation of Geminis can make it appear to others as though they are unfeeling or emotionally superficial.

Mercury, planet of the intellect (and communication in general) rules the sign Gemini. Those born with Sun in Gemini are talkative, quick witted, and have innate curiosity about everything. They keep themselves in a constantly busy state, running here and there on errands or travelling from one place to another. Natural versatility and ever-changing interests give Geminis their multifaceted personalities. The eagerness and interest they have in what’s going on around them contributes to an appearance of youthfulness (both physical and psychological) that most of them manage to retain throughout life. They have to learn to concentrate on one thing at a time, or at least on what they know can be accomplished efficiently and well. Easily jumping from one subject to another, they forget that others are not so nimble. They often have to be reminded to slow down and let others catch up with what they’re talking about. They also have to be reminded to stop talking once in a while and listen. Sometimes they neglect to get all the facts before repeating information. Though they can be secretive about their personal affairs, they love to learn about everyone else. They enjoy mysteries and intrigue and don’t mind becoming involved in behind the scenes antics of one sort or another. Always wanting to know everything gives them quite a store of information which in turn, makes them more interesting to others. Add to that their cheerful, friendly dispositions, and it isn’t surprising that they get along so well in the world.

Since they are apt to spend more time talking than eating, many Geminis are able to stay fairly slim. Their body is usually very flexible and agile, and they enjoy gymnastics, cycling, swimming, and other activities to keep them physically fit. Favourite sports are tennis, racquetball and similar games in which they can participate with a partner. As a rule, they are adept at tinkering with mechanical devices or doing repair work. Gemini talents also include design, interior decoration, arts and crafts, magic and illusion, and music.

Gemini colours are yellow and light blue. Vulnerable parts of the body are the arms, hands, fingers, lungs, and nervous system. Respiratory problems and various nervous conditions are common Gemini complaints. Agates are traditional Gemini birthstones. Appropriate to the Gemini personality, this mineral is streaked with many colours. It may seem Gemini is scattered and thus weakened by the wide range of interests and abilities, but the steel-like hardness of agate is a reminder that the Gemini personality and character can be just as strong as it is varied. Gemini flowers include the lilac, azalea, and lily-of-the-valley.