Whenever someone asks me how to start meditating, the first question I ask them is, "What's your zodiac sign?" That may sound like a cheesy pick up line but, in my experience, I've found that people have an easier time beginning a meditation routine if they work *with* the element of their birth sign. Here are the elements of the signs as well as ways you can use them to help you meditate.
Fire Signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
How many of you have ever become mesmerized watching the dancing flames of a campfire or a fire burning in a fireplace? This is a perfect example of how fire can help you meditate. If you don't have a fireplace or campfire handy, you can listen to a meditation CD with crackling fire sounds on it. You can also light a candle and watch the flame as you meditate.
Earth Signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
If you're an Earth Sign, chances are you can physically feel the tension melt from you when you step outside or take a walk in the park or out in the woods. It will be very easy for you to meditate if you sit under a tree with your back against it. If you can't go outside, listen to a CD with Native American drum music or Gregorian chants on it. These tones are very earthy and meditative to an Earth Sign.
Air Signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Sound and scent are the meditative helpers for the Air Signs. For you, you could sit and listen to pretty much any meditation CD and let it carry you away while your favorite incense burns beside you. A CD with music plus chimes or singing bowls on it would put you in heaven. If you're able to be out in nature, focus on all of the bird songs and the feel of the breeze brushing your skin and taking all your troubles away.
Water Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Water is the element of cleansing and healing. As a Water Sign, I do a great deal of meditation in the shower. When I get out, I am clean on more than just a physical level. You can also take walks in the rain or on the beach next to a lake or ocean. There are tons of meditation CDs with sounds of rain or gently running creeks on them. Table top fountains are also a great focal point for meditation.
We all know that astrology is more than just your birth sign. This is a generalization to help those of you just learning to meditate. If you know your Moon and Rising Signs, you can use the elements of them along with your Sun Sign to design a meditation routine specifically for you. For example, I have a Water Sun (Pisces), an Earth Moon (Virgo), and a Fire Rising (Leo). In my case, sitting on a beach next to a lake with a campfire burning would be the ultimate meditative experience for me. Use your imagination with your element to come up with something that fits you.