It is my belief that at some point, at sometime, somewhere, we have all read our horoscope at least once. However ridiculous, wildly far from the mark or eerily accurate that horoscope might have been, it is hard to resist the allure of the promised glimpse into the future or revelation about our characteristics. Whether you hold any stock in the accuracy of the astrology of the zodiac or whether you think it is utterly irrelevant, it is still compelling, curious and a little irresistible.
We live in a world where corporate businesses regularly run ‘personality tests’ on employees in an attempt to break down people’s personality traits in order to understand them better, discern who they would work best with, how to get the most out of them and therefore have a more efficient business. The most common of these personality tests in a corporate environment is the ‘colour test’. The ‘True Colours’ test used four primary colours to determine personality types and behavioural styles. In essence the test was, ‘designed to maximise the application of psychological style in the workplace, in the family and in education and in other types of communities.’
This makes sense in theory, as lots of business models reflect the age and ethos of the industrial revolution and overlook the impact and value of the individual in the workplace and treat employees like cogs in a machine. In theory, by recognising and working with the personalities of the people in the workplace, a business will work more efficiently, harmoniously and effectively. Outside of the workplace it is reported that in understanding oneself better and having information and insight into the breakdown of one’s personality and characteristics, an individual will feel a greater sense of self acceptance, understanding and wellbeing.
Similarly, people have reported this in response to taking the Myers-Briggs personality test. In theory this test, ‘reveals how we approach the world around us and interact with others, offering insights into our motivation and the motivations of others. This provides a strong foundation for personal growth and development, underpinning enhanced personal effectiveness.’ The results from the test informs the participant which of 16 personality types they fall into and what that says about them. Those 16 types explore the spectrum of personalities, from those who are the most extroverted to those who are the most introverted.
Personality tests are a form of Psychology. Psychology is a very real and very legitimate science. As a science psychology: ‘uses empirical research and careful observation to examine how people behave and think. Astrology, however, is not one of the sciences. Astrology is defined as the belief that astronomical phenomena (the observation of the fixed stars, the Sun, the Moon and the Planets), has the power to influence the daily events in our lives and our personality traits. Despite astrology having its foundations in charting the positions of the stars in the sky (Astronomy), it’s the divination element and the celestial bodies (signs of the zodiac) that removes Astrology from the sciences.
Our star signs are based on where we each fall in the 12 star constellations of the zodiac. This is determined by, ‘the position of the Sun as it passes through the constellations that formed the zodiac – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. Zodiac signs were originally determined by which constellation the Sun was ‘in’ on the day we were born.’ Just like the Myers-Briggs personality test that categorises people into 16 different personality types, our zodiac star sign splits people into 12 different personality types that reflect their star symbol.
These 12 star signs are further broken down into 4 more categories: Earth, Air, Fire, Water. Three of each star sign is part of a natural element that determines their personality traits. Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are the three Water signs. Aries, Leo and Saittarius are the three Fire signs. Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are the three Earth signs. Lastly, Gemini, Libra and Aquarius are the three Air signs. The Water signs are understood to be intuitive and emotional, the Fire signs are typically leaders, trailblazers and go-getters, the Earth signs are seen as stable, grounded, reliable and stubborn; The Air signs are considered to be the most curious, adventurous and lovers of change and variety. Air and Earth signs are the opposite personality types with one thriving in steady stability and one craving and endlessly drawn to the unknown, unexplored and unpredictable. When looking at the personality types of each of the star signs in the zodiac the order of the most adventurous star sign to the least, is as follows:
- Sagittarius
- Aries
- Aquarius
- Gemini
- Leo
- Scorpio
- Capricorn
- Libra
- Pisces
- Cancer
- Taurus
- Virgo
As determined by the Astrology of the Zodiac, the personality most drawn to adventure, thrill-seeking, travel and challenge is a Sagittarius. But, don’t despair even those who seem less immediately thrilled by the prospect of adventure, have personality traits that actually get you through those adventures. A Taurus may be the last person to suggest an epic hike up a mountain or a trip backpacking across the globe for an unspecified length of time. However, the very grounding that makes them resistant or hesitant to such calls to the wild; will also serve them to ‘dig deep’, grit their teeth and determinedly plough on like the Ox they are named after. A Virgo known for their perfectionism, might not be as tempted as at first to seek adventure but when paired with the impulsivity of an Aries, a Virgo personality will use that perfectionism to meticulously plan and prepare that adventure – the value of which is not to be underestimated in the success of an adventurous quest.
Whatever your star sign, at Dorset Adventure Park, there is something that appeals to each personality type. Whether you crave adventure or prefer the cosy comforts of home, Dorset Adventure park can satisfy each element. Earth signs can enjoy the beauty of the Purbeck landscape and forests that surround the park. They can admire the epic scenery of Corfe Castle whilst fulfilling their sensory needs further by sampling the local produce from the Snack Shack. The Earth signs can really connect with nature and use their stubborn will to wade their way through the mud trail and its 50 course obstacles. The Air signs can shine in their element, leaping into the air as they bounce across the wibit inflatable obstacle courses floating on the two lakes. They can satisfy the whimsy and flitting nature of their element by participating in both of the activities, by purchasing a full pass to the lakes and the mud trail. The Fire signs can lead the charge across either obstacle courses, utilise their energetic natures and blow off steam from their fiery natures by battling their way across the obstacle courses and ultimately cooling off in the water of the lakes. Finally, as for those Water signs not famed for their stand-out love of adventure, they will thrive in the bonding experience of a shared adventure and the quiet thrill of challenging each other. The Water signs will be very much at home in and around the two beautiful lakes of the Water Park.
Whether it is written in the stars or an exact science, there is something that will appeal to every personality type at Dorset Adventure Park.
Words by Olivia Lowry
