Dogs and Astrology: The Bark of the Cosmos
At the Wilfred Hazelwood Clinic, things can get quite heavy. We delve into the depths of the unconscious, navigate the dark nights of the soul, and unpick complex childhood traumas. But sometimes, the best therapy isn't a Jungian breakthrough; it’s a wet nose nudging your hand and a wagging tail. As an astrologer and a dog lover, I am often asked: "Does my dog have a horoscope?"
The answer is a resounding "Woof" (which translates to "Yes"). Just as the planets influence human behaviour, they colour the personalities of our pets. While we may not always know the exact birth time of a rescue pup, even knowing their approximate birthday or "Gotcha Day" can reveal which element dominates their chart. So, let’s put aside the heavy tomes of antiquity for a moment and look at the lighter side of the zodiac: the cosmic canine.
The Fire Dog: The King of Zoomies
(Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)
If your dog enters the room by skidding across the laminate floor, crashing into the sofa, and then barking at a dust mote, you likely have a Fire dog. These pooches are ruled by Mars and the Sun. They possess an abundance of vitality and possess what we clinically refer to as "Zero Chill."
The Aries dog is the eternal alpha, always pulling on the lead to be first. The Leo dog is the show-off, the one who doesn't just catch the frisbee but performs a mid-air backflip for applause. And the Sagittarius? They are the escape artists, the adventurers who will dig under the fence because they are philosophically convinced the grass is greener on the other side.
The Earth Dog: The Guardian of the Biscuits
(Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)
Earth dogs are the solid, dependable rocks of the canine world. They are grounded, practical, and highly motivated by the sensory pleasures of life, namely, naps and snacks.
A Taurus dog is a creature of habit. Do not move their bed. Do not change their brand of food. And do not expect them to go for a walk in the rain. They are the connoisseurs of comfort. The Virgo dog is the neurotic worrier who needs a job to do; they are the ones who organise their toys by size. The Capricorn dog is the "Old Soul", the puppy who looks like a grumpy old man, takes life very seriously, and judges you silently when you are late with dinner.
The Air Dog: The Social Butterfly
(Gemini, Libra, Aquarius)
Does your dog "talk" to you? Does it howl, whine, grumble, and seemingly try to debate the geopolitical situation? You have an Air dog. These dogs are ruled by Mercury and Venus; they are intelligent, social, and easily bored.
The Gemini dog is the trickster, smart enough to open doors and mischievous enough to hide your slippers. The Libra dog is the charmer, the one who hates conflict and will hide behind your legs if another dog barks too loudly. The Aquarius dog is the eccentric oddball, the one who sits in strange positions, befriends the family cat, and stares at the wall as if downloading data from the mothership.
The Water Dog: The Emotional Sponge
(Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)
These are the therapy dogs of the zodiac. Water dogs are deeply intuitive and tuned into the emotional atmosphere of the home. If you are sad, they know it before you do.
The Cancer dog is the ultimate "Velcro dog," needing constant reassurance and snuggles. The Scorpio dog is intense, loyal to a fault, and perhaps a little possessive of their favourite human (and their favourite bone). The Pisces dog is the dreamer, gentle, soulful, and often found staring wistfully out of the window, perhaps composing poetry or contemplating the existential nature of the squirrel.
Synastry: The Human-Canine Bond
Ultimately, the bond between a dog and their human is a form of synastry (relationship astrology). We attract the animals we need. A high-strung owner might attract a grounding Earth dog to teach them to slow down. A lonely heart might attract a fiery Leo dog to bring joy and play back into their life.
So, the next time your dog refuses to walk because it's raining (Taurus) or steals your sandwich (Gemini), remember: it’s not just bad behaviour. It’s written in the stars.
