I almost used Leo as Erik's sign, but when I read more into the traits and characteristics I realised that they just don't fit him. Leo's are too self-centered and love to be in the spotlight. Oh well! (I guess that would make Carlotta a Leo? ICK!) LOL...(I am a Leo, btw!) :P

First of all, I refer to Astrology as being an"occult" subject. While it is true that Astrology is accepted as a mainstream thing nowadays, it used to be widely associated with witchcraft and other such dark subjects. In Susan Kay's Phantom she refers to Erik reading the Tarot cards. It made sense to me that Erik, with his affinity to the night, as well as his interest in the occult, would probably have been interested in the subject of Astrology. I had Christine not know about Astrology for the sake of my story. Would she have heard of it? Possibly. But her father was overprotective, and among polite society I am sure that such subjects were not readily mentioned. It worked better to have her not know anything about it.

I have an interest in the occult as well, though in a relatively passive sense. I do read the cards on occasion and I am a faithful Horoscope reader. I also use crystals and know the meaning of the various stones. I have also used plants, and know the properties of many of them. It is from my interest in such things that the fic Signs was born.

I made up Erik and Christine's birthdays based on the study of the signs and which traits most fit their personalities. If their actual birthdays are known I did not find them, tho they could be in Gaston Leroux's Phantom of the Opera, as I have only read that version once and it was about a hundred years ago. If they are known and I just screwed things all up by choosing the dates I did, I am sorry!

I originally had much more info on the traits of their signs in my story, but I condensed it down because I wasn't sure if anyone would be interested and I didn't want to bore you.

I will add more of the traits to this Afterward for anyone who is interested in knowing more and to see more of why I chose these particular signs for my favourite characters.

Christine, in my opinion, is a very standard Gemini. My sister is also a Gemini and quite a typical one at that. Their symbol, the twins, is an apt symbol. My sis sometimes seems to be two different people depending on whom she is with. To the casual observer she is shy, quiet and somewhat boring (sorry, sis!) but once you get to know her and she is comfortable with you she is a totally different person. This is how I see Christine. On the one hand, she is this shy little wilting flower. She craves Raoul's safety and security. But on the other hand she is intrigued with Erik his darkness and sensuality. Erik brings out a part of her that she has probably always kept shoved down.

Gemini's are curious. They can't leave something alone once their curiosity is piqued. I thought immediately of Christine and Erik's mask. Gemini's can seem almost childlike, in part due to their inquisitiveness and thirst for knowledge. They are always asking questions. Also, they marvel at the wonders of the world and tend to be awed easily.

Gemini is an air sign. The air signs are said to have their heads in the clouds. Who does that sound like?

Gemini is also a mutable sign. Mutables crave change. They love to debate, but not to argue and they despise conflict.

Now onto Erik...

Scorpio is now known as a water sign. Its ruling planet is Pluto. But before Pluto was discovered in 1931, Scorpio's ruling planet was Mars. Scorpio used to be known as a fire sign, which makes more sense, as the traits of a Scorpio definitely follow with fire rather than water. Since Phantom of the Opera takes place in the 1800', I used the old ruling planet and the old element for the sign.

Scorpios are known for their tempers. They can be downright vengeful when something or someone gets in their way. They are determined and stubborn. They know what they want and they will do anything they can to get it. They are complex and secretive. They are intuitive, perceptive. They want to know exactly where they stand and do not want games. It is said that a Scorpio can see right through you. When they look at you they see past the surface to what is hidden underneath. I thought this was appropriate with Erik's relationship to Christine. Erik saw past her shy wilting exterior to the strong woman that was hidden beneath her sadness.

Scorpio is a fixed sign. As the word implies, the fixed signs are stubborn. They can dig in their heels and wait for what they want, no matter how long it takes.

Fire signs are passionate. They have a temper that flares easily. They are ambitious.

Fire and air combined: well, fire needs air to survive. Without air, fire will die. I thought this, too was appropriate of Erik and Christine's relationship. Fire describes Erik perfectly and we all know that he needs his Christine to survive.

So there you have it. These are the reasons I chose the birthdays I did and the signs that I did. I hope you enjoyed my story and if you made it all the way to this, I hope you enjoyed my extra info. Thanks for reading!