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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Planets in astrology have a meaning different from the modern astronomical understanding of what a planet is. Before the age of telescopes, the night sky was thought to consist of two very similar components: fixed stars, which remained motionless in relationto each other, and "wandering stars" (Ancient Greek: ἀστέρες πλανῆται asteres planetai ), which moved relative to the fixed stars overthe course of the year.

To the Greeks and the other earliest astronomers, this group comprised the five planets visible to the naked eye, and excluded the

Earth. Although strictly the term "planet" applied only to those five objects, the term was latterly broadened, particularly in theMiddle Ages, to include the Sun and the Moon (sometimes referred to as "Lights"[1]), making a total of seven planets. Astrologersretain this definition today.

To ancient astrologers, the planets represented the will of the gods and their direct influence upon human affairs. To modernastrologers the planets represent basic drives or urges in the unconscious,[2] or energy flow regulators representing dimensions of experience.[3] They express themselves with different qualities in the twelve signs of the zodiac and in the twelve houses. Theplanets are also related to each other in the form of aspects.

Modern astrologers differ on the source of the planets' influence. Hone writes that the planets exert it directly through gravitation oranother, unknown influence.[4] Others hold that the planets have no direct influence in themselves, but are mirrors of basicorganizing principles in the universe. In other words, the basic patterns of the universe repeat themselves everywhere, in fractal-likefashion, and "as above so below".[citation needed ] Therefore, the patterns that the planets make in the sky reflect the ebb and flow of

basic human impulses. The planets are also associated, especially in the Chinese tradition, with the basic forces of nature.Listed below are the specific meanings and domains associated with the astrological planets since ancient times, with the main focuson the Western astrological tradition. The planets in Hindu astrology are known as the Navagraha or "nine realms". In Chineseastrology, the planets are associated with the life forces of yin and yang and the five elements, which play an important role in theChinese form of geomancy known as Feng Shui.

Contents

1 Planetary symbolism1.1 Daily motion

2 History

3 Classical planets3.1 Sun3.2 Moon3.3 Mercury3.4 Venus3.5 Mars3.6 Jupiter3.7 Saturn

4 Modern planets4.1 Uranus4.2 Neptune4.3 Pluto4.4 Ceres

5 Planetary traditions compared

6 Other solar system bodies7 Hypothetical planets8 Ruling planets of the astrological signs and houses9 See also10 Notes11 References12 External links

Planetary symbolism

Main article: Astrological symbol

This table shows the astrological planets (as distinct from the astronomical) and the Greek and Roman deities associated with them.In most cases, the English name for planets derives from the name of a Roman god or goddess. Also of interest is the conflation of the Roman god with a similar Greek god. In some cases, it is the same deity with two different names.

Planet SymbolRoman

Greek God Hindu God ConnectionMeaning

Meaning (Vedic)

nets in astrology - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planets_in_astrology

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deity (European)

Sun Sol Apollo

Ἥλιος (Helios) Ἀπόλλων(Apollo)

सयूर (Surya) ancient

Solar incarnationGod of Prophecy;Helios means"sun."

The Sun GodSon of Aditi and Kashyap; Suryameans "the supreme light."

MoonLunaDiana

Σελήνη(Selene) Ἄρτεμις

(Artemis)

चंि (Chandra)

ancient

Lunar incarnationGoddess of Hunt;Selene means

"moon."

The Moon God Associated with impatience of human nature. Always found feathered on the head

of Lord Shiva; Chandra means"shining."

Mercury Mercury ʽἙρμῆς

(Hermes )बुध (Buddha)

ancient Messenger god

A planet god known for hisintelligence; Budha means"awakening, clever, intelligent, wise,learned man, wise man, or sage."[5]

Venus Venus Ἀφροδίτη

( Aphrodite )शु (Shukra)

ancient

Goddess of romance; Venusmeans "love" or"sexual desire."[6]

The mentor of Asuras . Associated with fertility andenthusiasm. Always helped demons in the waragainst gods; Shukra means "clear,pure, brightness, or clearness."

Mars Mars Ἀρης ( Ares ) मगंल (Mangala)

ancient God of WarSon of Earth.This planet is associated withunluckiness of brides. Also associated with strength.

Ceres Ceres Δημήτηρ

(Demeter ) दवेी (Shakti) modern

Goddess of theseasons; Demetermeans "EarthMother."[7][8]

The Great Divine Mother inHinduism; Shakti means "power,strength, might, energy, orcapacity."[9]

Jupiter Jupiter Ζεύς (Zeus )गु , बहृःपती (Guru,Brihaspati)

ancient

Leader of theGods; Jupitermeans "SkyFather."

Mentor/Guru /teacher of gods. Always helped gods in war againstdemons. Guru means "teacher" or"priest." Brihaspati means "lord of

prayer or devotion."[10]

Saturn Saturn Κρόνος

(Cronus ) शन (Shani) ancient

God of Agriculture

Ruler of the Titans

God of "Duty". Punishes the personwho does not do his duty properly.Saturn (Shani) tests a person every22.5 years; the test lasts for a periodof 7.5 years (Sadesati). The origin of

word Shani (शन ) comes from thefollowing: Shanaye Kramati Sa:

(शनय ेमत स) i.e. the one whomoves slowly, as Saturn takes about30 years to revolve around the sun.

Uranus Caelus Ουρανός (Uranos )

वासुक ,

वासव (Vasuki)

modern

Incarnation of the

Sky; "Uranus" and"Caelus" bothmean "sky."

A mythological snake king in IndianPuranas. Vasuki means "of divinebeing."[11]

Neptune Neptune Ποσειδῶν(Poseidon )

वण (Varuna)

modern God of the SeaGod of rain in Indian mythology; Varuna means "God of the sea."[12]

Pluto PlutoΠλούτων(Pluton)/Ἅδης (Hades )

कुबे (Kubera)

modern

God of theUnderworld andDeath; Hadesmeans "theunseen" and Plutomeans "wealth."

God of wealth.Kubera gave a loan to lord Vishnu tosearch for his wife Lakshmi who hadquarreled with Vishnu and left theirhome. Kubera means "deformed" or"monstrous."

Daily motion

Planet

Average speed

(geocentric)[13]

Highest speed

(geocentric)[13]

Lowest speed

(geocentric)[14]


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The geocentric Ptolemaic system of theuniverse depicted by Andreas Cellarius,1660–61

Planet

Average speed(geocentric)

[13]

Highest speed(geocentric)

[13]

Lowest speed(geocentric)

[14]

Sun 00°59'08" 01°03'00" 00°57'10"

Moon 13°10'35" 16°30'00" 11°45'36"

Mercury 01°23'00" 02°25'00" −01°30'00"

Venus 01°12'00" 01°22'00" −00°41'12"

Mars 00°31'27" 00°52'00" −00°26'12"Ceres 00°12'40" 00°30'00" −00°16'00"

Jupiter 00°04'59" 00°15'40" −00°08'50"

Saturn 00°02'01" 00°08'48" −00°05'30"

Uranus 00°00'42" 00°04'00" −00°02'40"

Neptune 00°00'24" 00°02'25" −00°01'45"

Pluto 00°00'15" 00°02'30" −00°01'48"

Pallas 00°12'20" 00°40'30" −00°22'30"

Juno 00°14'15" 00°39'00" −00°18'00"

Vesta 00°16'15" 00°36'00" −00°17'32"

Chiron 00°02'00" 00°10'00" −00°06'00"

History

Treatises on the Ptolemaic planets and their influence on people born "under theirreign" appear in block book form, so-called "planet books" or Planetebücher , fromabout 1460 in southern Germany, and remain popular throughout the GermanRenaissance, exerting great iconographical influence far into the 17th century. Anotable early example is the Hausbuch of Wolfegg of c. 1470. Even earlier, HansTalhoffer, in a 1459 manuscript, includes a treatise on planets and planet-children.

These books usually list a male and a female Titan with each planet, Cronus andRhea with Saturn, Eurymedon and Themis with Jupiter, Hyperion and Theia with Sun,

Atlas and Phoebe with Moon, Coeus and Metis with Mercury and Oceanus and Tethyswith Venus.[15]

The qualities inherited from the planets by their children are as follows:

Saturn: melancholy and apathyJupiter: huntingMars: soldiering and warfareSun: music and athleticismMoon: association with water and travelMercury: money and commerce Venus: amorousness and passion.[16]

Classical planetsThe seven classical planets are those easily seen with the naked eye, and were thus known to ancient astrologers. They are the Sun,Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Sometimes, the Sun and Moon were referred to as "the lights" or the "luminaries".Ceres and Uranus can also just be seen with the naked eye, though no ancient culture appears to have taken note of them. Theastrological descriptions attached to the seven classical planets have been preserved since ancient times. Astrologers call the sevenclassical planets "the seven personal and social planets", because they are said to represent the basic human drives of everyindividual.[citation needed ] The personal planets are the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars. The social or transpersonal planets areJupiter and Saturn. Jupiter and Saturn are often called the first of the "transpersonal" or "transcendent" planets as they represent atransition from the inner personal planets to the outer modern, impersonal planets. The outer modern planets Uranus, Neptune andPluto are often called the collective or transcendental planets.[17] The following is a list of the planets and their associatedcharacteristics.[18]

Sun

The Sun ( ) is the planetary ruler of Leo and is exalted in Aries. In Greek mythology, the Sun was represented by the Titans

Hyperion and Helios (Roman Sol, and later by Apollo, the god of light. The Sun is the star at the center of our solar system, aroundwhich the Earth and other planets revolve and provides us with heat and light. The arc that the Sun travels in every year, rising andsetting in a slightly different place each day, is therefore in reality a reflection of the Earth's own orbit around the Sun. This arc is


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Helios on a relief from Ilion, early4th-century BCThe Sun, the star at

the center of theSolar System

Luna or Diana, wearing a crescent-moon crown anddriving her ox-drawn chariot (biga) , on the Parabiagoplate (2nd–5th centuries AD)

Full Moon

larger the farther north or south from the equator latitude, giving a more extremedifference between day and night and between seasons during the year. The Suntravels through the twelve signs of the zodiac on its annual journey, spending abouta month in each. The Sun's position on a person's birthday therefore determineswhat is usually called his or her "sun" sign. However, the sun sign allotment variesbetween Western (sign change around 22-23 of every month) and Hindu astrology(sign change around 14-15 of every month) due the different systems of planetarycalculations, following the tropical and sidereal definitions respectively.

Astrologically, the Sun is usually thought to represent the

conscious ego, the self and its expression, personal power,pride and authority, leadership qualities and the principles of creativity, spontaneity, health and vitality, the sum of which isnamed the "life force". The 1st-century poet Marcus Maniliusin his epic, 8000-verse poem, Astronomica , described theSun, or Sol , as benign and favorable. In medicine, the Sun isassociated with the heart, circulatory system,[19] and thethymus. In Ayurveda, it rules over life-force (praan-shakti),governs bile temperament (pitta), stomach, bones and eyes.In modern astrology, the Sun is the ruler of the fifth houseand the zodiac sign of Leo.

The Sun is associated with Sunday. Dante Alighieri associated the Sun with the liberal art of music. In Chinese astrology, the Sunrepresents Yang, the active, assertive masculine life principle.

Moon

The Moon ( ) is the ruling planet of Cancer and is exalted in Taurus. In

Roman mythology, the Moon was Luna, at times identified with Diana. TheMoon is large enough for its gravity to affect the Earth, stabilizing its orbitand producing the regular ebb and flow of the tides. The lunar day syncs upwith its orbit around Earth in such a manner that the same side of the Moonalways faces the Earth and the other side, known as the "far side of theMoon" faces towards space.

The moon is used to characterise the inner child within us, as well as the pastand how we have been as individuals rather than how we are now. It is also

used to represent the perception one has of one's mother, so someone with aPisces Moon would be more likely to see their mother as a Piscean type, evenif in reality that was not the case. In the horoscope the aspects the moonmakes with other planets and the transits the slower moving planets make tothe moon are all said to have a strong impact on how our lives unfold.

Astrologically the Moon is associated with a person's emotional make-up, unconscious habits, rhythms,memories, moods and their ability to react and adapt to those around them. It is also associated with themother, maternal instincts or the urge to nurture, the home, the need for security and the past, especiallyearly experiences and childhood. The 1st-century poet Manilius, described the Moon or Luna , asmelancholic. In medicine, the Moon is associated with the digestive system, stomach, breasts, the ovariesand menstruation (which does occur on a monthly cycle)[20] and the pancreas. Despite Manilius'assignation, the Moon is commonly associated with the phlegmatic humor; it ruled the animal spirits. Inmodern astrology, the Moon is the ruler of the fourth house, Cancer.

The Moon or Luna is associated with Monday, the word Monday comes from the Old English word for Moonday or Moon's day, and in Romance languages, the name for Monday comes from luna (e.g., luni in Romanian, lundi in French,lunes in Spanish and lunedi in Italian).

In Chinese astrology, the Moon represents Yin, the passive and receptive feminine life principle. In Indian astrology, the Moon iscalled Chandra or Soma and represents the mind, queenship and mother. The north lunar node (called Rahu) and the south lunarnode (called Ketu) are considered to be of particular importance and are given an equal place alongside the seven classical planetsas part of the nine navagraha.

Mercury

Mercury ( ) is the ruling planet of Gemini and Virgo and is exalted in the latter; it is the only planet with rulership and exaltationboth in the same sign (Virgo). In Roman mythology, Mercury is the messenger of the gods, noted for his speed and swiftness.Echoing this, the scorching, airless world Mercury circles the Sun on the fastest orbit of any planet. Mercury takes only 88 days toorbit the Sun, spending about 7.33 days in each sign of the zodiac. Mercury is so close to the Sun that only a brief period existsafter the Sun has set where it can be seen with the naked eye, before following the Sun beyond the horizon. [citation needed ]

Astrologically, Mercury represents the principles of communication, mentality, thinking patterns, rationality and reasoning andadaptability and variability. Mercury governs schooling and education, the immediate environment of neighbors, siblings and cousins,


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Flying Mercury (late 16th-century)by GiambolognaThe planet Mercury

Venus, wearing the sign of Libraon her midsection, and Taurus ather feet, at Cardiff Castle, Wales

The planet Venus

transport over short distances, messages and forms of communication such as post, email andtelephone, newspapers, journalism and writing, information gathering skills and physicaldexterity. The 1st-century poet Manilius described Mercury as an inconstant, vivacious andcurious planet.

In medicine, Mercury is associated with the nervous system, the brain,the respiratory system, the thyroid and the sense organs. It istraditionally held to be essentially cold and dry, according to itsplacement in the zodiac and in any aspects to other planets. It islinked to the animal spirits.

Today, Mercury is regarded as the ruler of the third and sixth houses;traditionally, it had the joy in the first house. Mercury is the messengerof the gods in mythology. It is the planet of day-to-day expression andrelationships. Mercury's action is to take things apart and put themback together again. It is an opportunistic planet, decidedly

unemotional and curious.

Mercury rules over Wednesday. In Romance languages, the word for Wednesday is often similar to Mercury (miercuri in Romanian,mercredi in French, miercoles in Spanish and "mercoledì" in Italian). Dante Alighieri associated Mercury with the liberal art of dialectic.[citation needed ] In Indian astrology, Mercury is called Budha, a word related to Buddhi ("intelligence") and representscommunication.[citation needed ]

Venus

Venus ( ) is the ruling planet of Taurus and Libra and is exalted in Pisces. In roman

mythology, Venus is the goddess of love and beauty, famous for the passions she could stiramong the gods. Her cults may represent the religiously legitimate charm and seduction of thedivine by mortals, in contrast to the formal, contractual relations between most members of Rome's official pantheon and the state, and the unofficial, illicit manipulation of divine forcesthrough magic. The ambivalence of her function is suggested in the etymological relationshipof the root *venes- with Latin venenum (poison, venom), in the sense of "a charm, magicphiltre".

Venus orbits the Sun in 225 days, spending about 18.75 days in each sign of the zodiac. Venus is the second brightest object in the night sky, the Moon being the brightest. It isusually beheld as a twin planet to Earth.

Astrologically, Venus is associated with the principles of harmony, beauty, balance, feelings andaffections and the urge to sympathize and unite with others. It is involved with the desire forpleasure, comfort and ease. It governs romantic relations, marriage and business partnerships,sex (the origin of the words 'venery' and 'venereal'), the arts, fashion and social life. The1st-century poet Marcus Manilius described Venus as generous and fecund and the lesserbenefic.

The planet Venus In medicine, Venus is associated with the lumbarregion, the veins, parathyroids, throat and kidneys. Venus was thoughtto be moderately warm and moist and was associated with thephlegmatic humor. Venus is the ruler of the second and seventh houses.

Venus is the planet of Friday. In languages deriving from Latin, such as Romanian, Spanish, French, and

Italian, the word for Friday often resembles the word Venus (vineri , viernes , vendredi and "venerdì"respectively). Dante Alighieri associated Venus with the liberal art of rhetoric. [21]In Chinese astrology, Venusis associated with the element metal, which is unyielding, strong and persistent. In Indian astrology, Venusis known as Shukra and represents wealth, pleasure and reproduction. In Norse Paganism, the planet isassociated to Freyja, the goddess of love, beauty and fertility.[citation needed ]

Mars

Mars ( ) is the ruling planet of Aries and Scorpio and is exalted in Capricorn. Mars is the Roman god of war and bloodshed,

whose symbol is a spear and shield. Both the soil of Mars and the hemoglobin of human blood are rich in iron and because of thisthey share its distinct deep red color.[22] He was second in importance only to Jupiter, and he was the most prominent of themilitary gods worshipped by the Roman legions.

Mars orbits the Sun in 687 days, spending about 57.25 days in each sign of the zodiac. It is also the first planet that orbits outsideof Earth's orbit, making it the first planet that does not set along with the Sun. Mars has two permanent polar ice caps. During apole's winter, it lies in continuous darkness, chilling the surface and causing the deposition of 25–30% of the atmosphere into slabsof CO2 ice (dry ice).

Astrologically, Mars is associated with confidence and self-assertion, aggression, sexuality, energy, strength, ambition and


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Early 18th-century illustration of Mars (al-mirrikh) for the Bestiaryof Zakariya al-Qazwini (Walters Art

Museum)

The planet Mars

Jupiter enthroned, with the symbols of Piscesand Sagittarius at his feet (woodcut byJohannes Regiomontanus, 1512)

The planet Jupiter

impulsiveness. Mars governs sports, competitions and physical activities in general. he1st-century poet Manilius, described the planet as ardent and as the lesser malefic. Inmedicine, Mars presides over the genitals, the muscular system, the gonads and adrenalglands. It was traditionally held to be hot and excessively dry and ruled the choleric humor. Itwas associated with fever, accidents, trauma, pain and surgery.

In modern astrology, Mars is said to rule the first and eighth houses;traditionally, however, Mars ruled the third and tenth houses. While Venus tends to the overall relationship atmosphere, Mars is thepassionate impulse and action, the masculine aspect, discipline,

will-power and stamina.Mars is associated with Tuesday and in Romance languages the wordfor Tuesday often resembles Mars (in Romanian, mar ţ i , in Spanish,martes , in French, mardi and in Italian "martedì"). The English"Tuesday" is a modernised form of "Tyr's Day", Tyr being the Germanicanalogue to Mars. Dante Alighieri associated Mars with the liberal art of

arithmetic. In Chinese astrology, Mars is ruled by the element fire, which is passionate,energetic and adventurous. In Indian astrology, Mars is called Mangala and represents energy,confidence and ego.[citation needed ]

Jupiter

Jupiter ( ) is the ruling planet of Sagittarius and is exalted in Cancer. In Roman

mythology, Jupiter is the ruler of the gods and their guardian and protector, and hissymbol is the thunderbolt. The Romans believed that Jupiter granted themsupremacy because they had honored him more than any other people had. Jupiterwas "the fount of the auspices upon which the relationship of the city with the godsrested." He personified the divine authority of Rome's highest offices, internalorganization, and external relations. His image in the Republican and Imperial Capitolbore regalia associated with Rome's ancient kings and the highest consular andImperial honours.

In the same way, the planet Jupiter is the king of the other planets, a giant in sizewith spectacular, brightly colored clouds and intense storms.[23] Some astronomersbelieve that it plays an important protecting role in using its massive gravity tocapture or expel from the solar system many comets and asteroids that would

otherwise threaten Earth and the inner planets.[24] Jupiter takes 11.9 years to orbitthe Sun, spending almost an earth year (361 days) in each sign of the zodiac.Furthermore Jupiter is usually the fourth brightest object in the sky (after the Sun,the Moon and Venus).

Astrologically, Jupiter is associated with the principles of growth, expansion,prosperity, and good fortune. Jupiter governs long distance and foreign travel, highereducation, religion, and the law. It is also associated with the urge for freedom andexploration, humanitarian and protecting roles, and with gambling and merrymaking.

The 1st-century poet Manilius described Jupiter as temperate and benign, and the greater benefic. It wasregarded as warm and moist in nature, and therefore favorable to life. In medicine, Jupiter is associated withthe liver, pituitary gland, and the disposition of fats; it governed the sanguine humor. In modern times,Jupiter is said to be the ruler of the ninth and twelfth houses, but traditionally, Jupiter was assigned to the

second and ninth houses: the house of values and the house of beliefs, respectively.

Jupiter is associated with Thursday, and in Romance languages, the name for Thursday often comes fromJupiter (e.g., joi in Romanian, jeudi in French, jueves in Spanish, and giovedì in Italian). Dante Alighieriassociated Jupiter with the liberal art of geometry. In Chinese astrology, Jupiter is ruled by the elementwood, which is patient, hard-working, and reliable. In Indian astrology, Jupiter is known as Guru orBrihaspati and is known as the 'great teacher'.[citation needed ]

Saturn

Saturn ( ) is the ruling planet of Capricorn and is exalted in Libra. In Roman mythology, Saturn is the god of agriculture, founder

of civilizations and of social order, and conformity. The glyph is most often seen as scythe-like, but it is primarily known as the"crescent below the cross", whereas Jupiter's glyph is the "crescent above the cross". The famous rings of the planet Saturn that

enclose and surround it, reflect this principle of man's limitations. Saturn takes 29.5 years to orbit the Sun, spending about 2.46years in each sign of the zodiac.

Astrologically, Saturn is associated with the principles of limitation, restrictions, boundaries, practicality and reality, crystallizing, andstructures. Saturn governs ambition, career, authority and hierarchy, and conforming social structures. It concerns a person's senseof duty, discipline and responsibility, and their physical and emotional endurance during hardships. Saturn is also considered to


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Saturn, with Capricorn at his feetand the New Year in his arms,from The Seven Planets with the

Signs of the Zodiac (1539) byHans Sebald Beham

The planet Saturn

Syncretic figure of Aion-Uranus standingwithin a zodiac wheel, with a reclining Earthgoddess and four children representing theSeasons (Roman-era mosaic from Sentinum, AD 200-250)

The planet Uranus

represent the part of a person concerned with long-term planning. he Return of Saturn is saidto mark significant events in each person's life. According to the 1st-century poet Manilius,Saturn is sad, morose, and cold, and is the greater malefic. According to Claudius Ptolemy,"Saturn is lord of the right ear, the spleen, the bladder, the phlegm, and the bones."[25] Saturnsymbolized processes and things that were dry and cold, and therefore inimical to life. Itgoverned the melancholic humor.

According to Sefer Yetzirah – GRA Version – Kaplan 4:13[26]

"He made the letter Resh king over Peace And He bound a crown to it And He combined one

with another And with them He formed Saturn in the Universe Friday in the Year The leftnostril in the Soul, male and female."

Before the discovery of Uranus, Saturn was regarded as the rulingplanet of Aquarius. Many astrologers still use Saturn as theplanetary ruler of both Capricorn and Aquarius; in modernastrology it is accordingly the ruler of the tenth and eleventhhouses. Traditionally, however, Saturn was associated with the firstand eighth houses.

Saturn is associated with Saturday, which was named after thedeity Saturn. Dante Alighieri associated Saturn with the liberal art of astronomia (astrology andastronomy). In Chinese astrology, Saturn is ruled by the element earth, which is warm,generous, and co-operative. In Indian astrology, Saturn is called Shani or "Sani", and

represents career and longevity. It is also the bringer of bad luck and hardship.[citation needed ]

Modern planets

Since the invention of the telescope, Western astrology has incorporated Uranus, Neptune, Ceres, Pluto, and other bodies into itsmethodology. The Indian and Chinese astrologies have tended to retain the ancient seven-planet system. Meanings have had to beassigned to them by modern astrologers, usually according to the major events that occurred in the world at the time of theirdiscovery. As these astrologers are usually Western, the social and historical events they describe have an inevitable Westernemphasis. Astrologers consider the "extra-Saturnian" planets to be "impersonal" or generational planets, meaning their effects arefelt more across whole generations of society. Their effects in individuals depend upon how strongly they feature in that individual'sbirth-chart. The following are their characteristics as accepted by most astrologers.[27]

Uranus

For some modern Western astrologers, the planet Uranus ( ) is the ruling planet

of Aquarius and is exalted in Scorpio. In Greek mythology, Uranus is thepersonification of the heavens and the night sky. The planet Uranus is very unusualamong the planets in that it rotates on its side, so that it presents each of its polesto the Sun in turn during its orbit; causing both hemispheres to alternate betweenbeing bathed in light and lying in total darkness over the course of the orbit.

Uranus takes 84 years to orbit the Sun, spending about 7 years in each sign of thezodiac. Uranus was discovered only in 1781 by Sir William Herschel.

Astrologically modern interpretations associate Uranus with the principles of genius,individuality, new and unconventional ideas, discoveries, electricity, inventions, and

the beginnings of the industrial revolution. Uranus, among all planets, most governsgenius.

Uranus governs societies, clubs, and any group dedicated tohumanitarian or progressive ideals. Uranus, the planet of sudden and unexpected changes, rules freedom andoriginality. In society, it rules radical ideas and people, as wellas revolutionary events that upset established structures.

In art and literature, the discovery of Uranus coincided withthe Romantic movement, which emphasized individuality and freedom of expression. In medicine, Uranus isbelieved to be particularly associated with the sympathetic nervous system, mental disorders, breakdownsand hysteria, spasms, and cramps. Uranus is considered by modern astrologers to be ruler of the eleventhhouse.[citation needed ]

Neptune

For many astrologers, Neptune ( ) is the ruling planet of Pisces. In Roman mythology, Neptune is the god of the sea, and the

deep, ocean blue color of the planet Neptune reflects this. Its glyph is taken directly from Neptune's trident, symbolizing the curve


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The planet Neptune

Jupiter, Neptune, and Pluto , ceiling

mural (ca. 1597) created byCaravaggio for a room adjacent tothe alchemical distillery of CardinalFrancesco Maria Del Monte:hovering around a translucentglobe that represents the world areJupiter with his eagle, Neptuneholding a bident, and Pluto with ahorse and Cerberus[28]

The dwarf planetPluto (artist'sconception)

of spirit being pierced by the cross of matter. Neptune takes 165 years to orbit the Sun, spending approximately 14 years (13.75) ineach sign of the zodiac. Neptune was discovered in 1846.[citation needed ]

Astrologically, modern Western astrologers associate the planet Neptune with creativity, idealism andcompassion, but also with illusion, confusion, and deception. Neptune governs hospitals, prisons, mentalinstitutions, and any other place, such as a monastery, that involves a retreat from society. Its appearancecoincided with the discovery of anesthetics and hypnotism. In political terms, Neptune was linked to the riseof nationalist movements throughout Europe in countries like Germany, Italy, Hungary, Ireland, and Serbia,seeking independence for their nations inspired by an idealized past of legend. It was also linked to the riseof socialism and the beginnings of the welfare state. Neptune coincided with the utopian ideals of

Communism, when Marx and Engels first published 'The Communist Manifesto' in 1848.[citation needed ]

In art, the impressionist movement began a trend away from literalrepresentation, to one based on the subtle, changing moods of light and color. In medicine,Neptune is seen to be particularly associated with the thalamus, the spinal canal, and severe ormysterious illnesses and neuroses. Neptune is considered by modern astrologers to be ruler of the twelfth house.

Pluto

To most modern Western astrologers, Pluto ( ) is the ruling planet of Scorpio. In Roman

mythology, Pluto is the god of the underworld and of wealth. The alchemy symbol was givento Pluto on its discovery, three centuries after Alchemy practices had all but disappeared. The

alchemy symbol can therefore be read as spirit over mind, transcending matter. The symbolswere chosen given the close association with Mars which has a similar symbol.

Pluto takes 247 years to make a full circuit of the zodiac, but its progress is highly variable: itspends between 15 and 26 years in each sign.

Astrologically, Pluto is called "the great renewer", and is considered to represent the part of aperson that destroys in order to renew, through bringing buried, but intense needs and drivesto the surface, and expressing them, even at the expense of the existing order. A commonlyused keyword for Pluto is "transformation".[citation needed ] It is associated with power andpersonal mastery, and the need to cooperate and share with another, if each is not to bedestroyed. Pluto governs big business and wealth, mining, surgery and detective work, andany enterprise that involves digging under the surface to bring the truth to light. Pluto is alsoassociated with the day Tuesday.

Pluto is also associated with extreme power and corruption; the discovery of Pluto in 1930coincided with the rise of fascism and Stalinism in Europe, leading to World War II. It alsocoincided with the Great Depression and the major proliferation of organized crime in theUnited States.[citation needed ]

Its entry in Cancer in 1913, the sign in which it was later discovered,coincided with World War I. It is also associated with nucleararmament, which had its genesis in the research of the 1930s and 40s.Later on, it gave rise to the polarized nuclear stand off of the Cold War,with the mass consumer societies of the United States and otherdemocracies facing the totalitarian state of the USSR. The discovery of Pluto also occurred just after thebirth of modern psychoanalysis, when Freud and Jung began to explore the depths of the unconscious.

In real life events and culture, Pluto has been a major astrological aspect. In art, movements like Cubismand Surrealism began to de-construct the "normal" view of the world. In medicine, Pluto is seen to beassociated with regenerative forces in the body involving cell formation and the reproductive system.[citation needed ] Pluto is considered by modern astrologers to be co-ruler of the eighth house. Manytraditional astrologers do not use Pluto as a ruling planet, but do use the planet for interpretation andpredictive work, obliquely making reference to projections of influences from higher to lower dimensionalspaces.[citation needed ]

Ceres

Ceres ( ) is the smallest identified dwarf planet in the Solar System. It was discovered on 1 January 1801 by Giuseppe Piazzi, andis named after Ceres, the Roman goddess of growing plants, the harvest, and of motherly love. It was the first asteroid discovered,taking up about one-third of the entire mass of its asteroid belt. [29] The classification of Ceres has changed more than once and

has been the subject of some disagreement.[citation needed ] Johann Elert Bode believed Ceres to be the "missing planet" he hadproposed to exist between Mars and Jupiter, at a distance of 419 million km (2.8 AU) from the Sun. Ceres was assigned a planetarysymbol, and remained listed as a planet in astronomy books and tables for about half a century. The 2006 debate surrounding Plutoand what constitutes a planet led to Ceres being considered for reclassification as a planet, but in the end Ceres and Pluto wereclassified as the first members of the new dwarf planet category.


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Ceres with torch in search of Proserpina (medaillon by MartialReymond, early 17th century)

The dwarf planetCeres

Ceres passes through the zodiac every 4 years and 7 months, passing through a little morethan 2½ signs every year.

In mythology, Ceres is the Roman equivalent of the Greek goddess Demeter, and is thegoddess of agriculture. The goddess (and metaphorically the planet) is also associated withthe reproductive issues of an adult woman, as well as pregnancy and other major transitions ina woman's life, including the nine months of gestation time, family bonds and relationships.For some astrologers Ceres is the ruling planet of Virgo [citation needed ]. Although a mother,Ceres is also the archetype of a virgin goddess. Ceres epitomizes independent women who areoften unmarried (since, according to myth, Ceres is an unmarried goddess who chose to

become a mother without a husband or partner.) While the moon represents our ideal of "motherhood", Ceres would represent how our real and nature motherhood should be.[30]

Ceres, as the Goddess who has control over nature's resources andcycles, may astrologically be considered the planet of the Environment.Returning to mythology, an early environmental villain is the figure of Erysichthon, the tearer up of the earth, who cut down trees in a grovesacred to Ceres-Demeter, for which he was punished by the goddesswith fearful hunger. In this sense Ceres became an emerging archetypein the awareness of recent climate change, and is entering ourcollective consciousness as a need to take care of our natural andirreplaceable resources in the 21st century. Ceres represents a leap towards a future of ecologicalresponsibility and knowledge. As an indicator for environmental or community activism, Ceres wouldrepresent for some astrologers the wave of the future.[31]

The status of Ceres is unknown at the moment in astrology. The possibility exists that Ceres is not involved with any sign, but ithas been strongly suggested as the ruler of Virgo. As in all cases of newer discoveries, Ceres will likely never be used in horoscopesby traditionalist astrologers.

Planetary traditions compared

Main article: List of astrological traditions

The three most popular Eurasian traditions, Western astrology, Chinese astrology, and Hindu Astrology, accordingly share a largeamount of common themes in their zodiacs and concepts of planetary meanings. [citation needed ] This could fallaciously inflect thatthe three have an ancient common origin, whereas in fact the three developed mutually over millennia by diffusion, assimilation,scholarship, and trade across the whole of Eurasia and Africa.

The Western and Hindu zodiacs essentially correspond to twelve similar archetypes, despite differences in tone, emphasis, motifs,and right ascension of their constellations, as do the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac; however, both Western and Hinduastrology are based on four elements: fire, earth, air, water; whereas the Chinese is based on five: metal, water, wood, fire, andearth. Chinese elemental conceptions of the planets clearly correlate to their Western and Hindu counterparts in the case of Mars(Fire), Saturn (Earth), and Jupiter (Wood).[citation needed ] The Chinese linkage of Mercury with Water is alien to Western astrology,but this combination shares the water themes, much of what is coined "mercurial" in Western thought, such as intellect, reason andcommunication.[citation needed ]

The Chinese association of Venus to Metal appears at first fundamentally different from Western notions of love and romance. InBabylonian mythology, her equivalent was Ishtar, goddess of both love and war. The Chinese metal representative is unyielding andforceful, set in their ways and taciturn; yet Venus' Western element is air, which is logical and sanguine. Metal is also sophisticated,and enjoys the good things in life. In Western astrology, Venus rules both Libra, which is sophisticated, logical, and romantic, andTaurus, which is reserved, sensual, and unyielding. In addition, some sources claim that Venus has an association with gold (metal)where counterpart of Venus is Freyja who is related to the element gold in Norse mythology. Some Western astrologers believe thatmetal is better associated with the qualities of the planet Saturn, arguing that metal equates to air in the western system, and thatSaturn is linked to air in Vedic astrology.[32][33]

The cycle of the five Chinese elements operate completely differently from the Western cycle of four. This discrepancy betweenelements can be clarified by their geomancy, which is locked with Chinese astrology. On the Feng Shui compass, the five elementsand the five visible planets are placed on the cardinal directions and center point, with Mercury-Water to the north, Jupiter-Wood tothe east, Mars-Fire to the south, Venus-Metal to the west, and Saturn-Earth in the center. This also suggests that Western air bestcorresponds to metal, while Venus rules the west in both traditions. Wood in Chinese philosophy describes characteristics found inthe Western element of fire.[citation needed ]

Other solar system bodies

See also: Asteroids in astrology

Some asteroids such as Pallas ( ) and Vesta ( ), as well as dwarf planet Ceres, can easily be seen with binoculars (Vesta even

with the naked eye), but these were not recognized as planetary, and perhaps not even noticed, until the early 19th century.


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Aquarius11thHouse

Uranus Sun N/A N/A Mercury

Pisces 12thHouse

Neptune Ceres Venus Mercury Moon

Note : The planets in the table rule the signs on the same row, and the houses do correspond with the signs on the same row (i.e.Mars rules Aries; Aries and first house share some correspondences). However, it is only modern astrology that links the planets tothe houses in this order.[citation needed ] The bulk of the tradition assigns planetary rulerships according to the ancient Chaldeanastronomical order of the planets[citation needed ] (Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sun, Venus, Mercury, Moon; the former order of the planets

in distance from Earth geocentrically):

Table 2: Traditional houses and planetary relationships.

House Traditional Ruling planet Planetary Joy

1st House Saturn Mercury

2nd House Jupiter N/A

3rd House Mars Moon

4th House Sun N/A

5th House Venus Venus

6th House Mercury Mars

7th House Moon N/A8th House Saturn N/A

9th House Jupiter Sun

10th House Mars N/A

11th House Sun Jupiter

12th House Venus Saturn

See also

Asteroids in astrologyStars in astrologyClassical planets

Notes

^ Hone (1978), p.221.^ Hone (1978) p. 192.^ Arroyo (1989) pp. 7, 273.^ Hone (1978), p.19 8th paragraph4.^ http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?tinput=budha& direction=SE&script=HK&link=yes

5.

^ http://www.behindthename.com/name/venus6.^ http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=Demeter7.^ Doric d ā , Proto-Greek *d ē , "earth" + m ē t ē r , "mother". The

d ā element is not so simply equated with "earth" according toJohn Chadwick (Chadwick, The Mycenaean World [CambridgeUniversity Press] 1976, p 87): "Every Greek was aware of thematernal functions of Demeter; if her name bore the slightestresemblance to the Greek word for 'mother', it would inevitablyhave been deformed to emphasize that resemblance. [...] Howdid it escape transformation into *G ā m ā t ē r , a name transparentto any Greek speaker?" Compare the Latin transformationIuppiter and Diespiter vis-a-vis *Deus p ā ter .

8.

^ http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/शक्9.^ Monier-Williams, also "he is the chief offerer of prayers andsacrifices, and therefore represented as the type of the priestlyorder, and the Purohita of the gods with whom he intercedes formen"

10.

^ http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?tinput=vaasuki&

direction=SE&script=HK&link=yes

11.

^ http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?script=HK& tinput=Varuna&country_ID=&trans=Translate&direction=AU

12.

^ a b All speeds taken from StarFisher(http://www.starfisher.cz/)

13.

^ With the exceptions of the Sun and the Moon, all planets arecapable of turning into retrograde motion and temporarily

14.

appearing to not move at all, this is not what lowest speedrefers to in this case. "Lowest speed" in the section refers to thefastest speed a planet may move at when retrograde, reversingits progress.^ B. A. Fuchs, Die Ikonographie der sieben Planeten in der Kunst Italiens bis zum Ausgang des Mittelalters , Diss. Munich1909; E. Panofsky, F. Saxl, Saturn und Melancholie , Frankfurt1990.

15.

^ A. Hauber, Planetenkinderbilder und Sternbilder , Straßburg1916; E. Baer, Representations of "planet-children" in Turkish

manuscripts , in: Bulletin of the School of Oriental and AfricanStudies 31, 1968

16.

^ Michael Meyer at khaldea.com, Rob Hand "HoroscopeSymbols"

17.

^ Jeff Mayo, Teach Yourself Astrology , pp17 – 28, Hodder andStoughton, London, 1964; Sasha Fenton Understanding

Astrology , pp106 – 112, The Aquarian Press (Harper Collins),London, 1991; Derek and Julia Parker, The New Compleat

Astrologer , pp86 – 99, Crescent Books, New York, 1971;Maritha Pottinger Astro Essentials , pp11 -14, 17–18, ACSPublications, San Diego, 1991

18.

^ Back de Surany, Géza. Manual de Astrología Médica.Índigo.1988. 214 páginas, pag. 32

19.

^ Back de Sarany, Géza Ibid., 37.20.^ New Yorker, 20 May 2013.21.^ Henbest, ibid22.^ Ingersoll, A . P.; Dowling, T. E.; Gierasch, P. J.; Orton, G. S.;Read, P. L.; Sanchez-Lavega, A.; Showman, A . P.; Simon-Miller, A. A .; Vasavada, A. R. "Dynamics of Jupiter’s Atmosphere"(http://www.lpl.arizona.edu/~showman/publications /ingersolletal-2004.pdf ) (PDF). Lunar & Planetary Institute.Retrieved 2007-02-01.

23.


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^ George W. Wetherill (1994). "Possible consequences of absence of "Jupiters" in planetary systems". Astrophysics and Space Science 212: 23–32. Bibcode:1994Ap&SS.212...23W(http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1994Ap&SS.212...23W).doi:10.1007/BF00984505 (http://dx.doi.org /10.1007%2FBF00984505). PMID 11539457(//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11539457).

24.

^ .html Tetrabiblos by Claudius Ptolemy (http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Ptolemy /Tetrabiblos/3C*) published in the Loeb Classical Library, 1940

25.

^ "Sefer ha-Yetzirah (The Book of Formation)"

(http://www.hermetics.org/pdf/Sefer_Yetzirah_Kaplan.pdf).Gra Version Translated by Aryeh Kaplan .

26.

^ Jeff Mayo, Ibid , pp 28 – 33, 1964; Sasha Fenton Ibid , pp 112 – 115, 1991; Derek and Julia Parker, Ibid , pp 100 – 105, 1971;Maritha Pottinger Ibid , pp 15–19, 1991

27.

^ Creighton Gilbert, Caravaggio and His Two Cardinals (PennState University Press, 1995), pp. 124–125.

28.

^ E. V. Pitjeva, "Precise determination of the motion of planets29.

and some astronomical constants from modern observations",2004 International Astronomical Union,http://journals.cambridge.org/production/action /cjoGetFulltext?fulltextid=303499^ Martin, Helena Planets in the astrological universe (los

planetas en el universo astrológico) , p333-334, Ed. Indigo,Barcelona, 1990

30.

^ http://www.astrostar.com/articles/Ceres.htm31.^ http://www.holisticwebworks.com /traditional_chinese_medicine /yin_and_yang_and_the_five_element_theory.html

32.

^ http://www.findyourfate.com/indianastro/grahas.htm33. ^ [1] (http://www.astrology-numerology.com/chiron.html)34.^ Karmastrology.com: New Planets(http://www.thegreenduck.com/ka/NewPlanets/index.shtml)

35.

^ AstroTransits.blogspot.com New dwarf planets in Astrology(Sedna, Eris, Haumea, Quaoar, Makemake, 2002 TC302, Orcus,and others (http://www.astrotransits.blogspot.com)

36.

^ Linda Goodman, Sun Signs , p226, Pan Books, London, 198237.

References

Arroyo, Stephen (1989). Chart Interpretation Handbook . California: CCRS Publications.Hone, Margaret (1978). The Modern Text-Book of Astrology . Revised edition. England: L. N. Fowler & Co. Ltd.Houlding, D (2006). The Houses – Temples of the Sky The Wessex Astrologer, Bournemouth, England.Ptolemy, C.trans A shmand, J. (2002). Tetrabiblos Astrology Classics, Maryland, USA.

External links

New planets won't affect Vedic astrology (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1902566.cms) (Anubha Sawhney).Times of India , 18 August 2006Redefining the stars, one planet at a time (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4122250.html) Houston Chronicle :(JEANNIE KEVER) 17 August 2006, 11:36 amPluto Dissed: What Now for Astrologers? (http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_27267939.shtml) (LynnHayes) National Ledger: 25 August 2006(English) (Latin) Flowers of Abu Ma'shar (http://www.wdl.org/en/item/2997/), by 8th century Arabic astrology Ja‘far ibnMuḥammad al-Balkh ī , discusses and depicts the planets and their role in astrology. This translation, in Latin, is by John of Seville.

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Planets_in_astrology&oldid=582021106"Categories: Planets in astrology Alchemy History of astronomy Early scientific cosmologies Bodies of the Solar SystemTechnical factors of astrology Astrological signs Astrology

This page was last modified on 17 November 2013 at 07:56.Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. By using this site,you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.


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Cardinal

Aries

CancerLibra

Capricorn

Fixed

Taurus

LeoScorpio

Aquarius

Mutable

GeminiVirgo

SagittariusPisces

The three qualities, also called modes, are

cardinal, fixed, and mutable. Most charts

have an average of 4 to 5 points of each

quality. This is normal and balanced. Having6 points of one quality makes it strong in a

chart. 7 or more is very strong. People rarely have a chart with 0

or 1 of one quality sign. So, 0, 1, or 2 points can be considered a

marked deficiency in that mode. As with the elements, people

who are weak in a mode are usually aware of their lack and they

strive to overcome it. There often exists built-in compensations

in their charts. The compensations, if there, do not necessarily

make up for an extreme deficiency, unless they are very strong

or very numerous compensations.

As always, the entire chart must be studied for a complete

portrait of an individual (everything always depends on the rest

of the chart!).

To learn more about the Qualities, see Astrology Lesson 7:

Elements, Qualities, & Polarities . Below are interpretations

for having a Dominant Quality and Weak Quality (or Lack of

Quality).

Calculation Instructions - for assessing the Balance of

ance of Qualities/Modes - Chart Interpretations http://astrolibrary.org/qualities.html

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active

involvedrestless

energetic

busydriving

ambitious

opportunistic

Qualities

Give 2 points to each of the following qualities:

quality of Sun sign

quality of Moon sign

Give 1 point to each of the following qualities:

quality of Rising Sign (the Ascendant)

quality of midheaven sign (the M.C.)

quality of Mercury sign

quality of Venus sign

quality of Mars sign

quality of Jupiter sign

quality of Saturn sign

quality of Uranus sign

quality of Neptune sign

quality of Pluto sign

If one of the above happens to be in the 29th degree of any sign,

split the point between that quality and the quality of the next

sign, since it is so close to 0° of the next sign. So give each

quality in that case half a point. There should be a total of 14

points. Now, count the points for each quality .

A quality is dominant if it gets 6 or more points. Having 7 or

more points is very dominant.

A quality is weak (or lacking) if it gets 0, 1, or 2 points.

Dominant Cardinal Quality

6 cardinal points is strong, while 7 or more is very strong. The

following keywords are attributes of a strong cardinal quality.

People with 7 or more cardinal signs would rather be overly

active than bored. Although very concerned with their activities

and projects, they also focus their attention on the crucial areas

of life-home and family, love and profession, and are intent upon

meeting challenges and resolving crises. Much depends upon

whether Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn dominates the chart.


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determined

purposeful

persistent

stubborn

inflexible

powerful

strong-willed

slow & deliberate

adaptable

versatile

changeable

variable

personal

personable

flighty

restless

weak-willed

indecsisive

easily influenced

serving

Dominant Fixed Quality

6 fixed points is strong, while 7 or more is very strong. The

following keywords are attributes of a strong fixed quality.

People with 7 or more fixed points focus their attention on their

values and goals, and the satisfaction of their desires. Slow to

start, they are nevertheless powerhouses once they determine

their course of action. They resist changing direction, and refuse

to be pushed, pulled or pressured.

Dominant Mutable Quality

6 mutable points is strong, while 7 or more is very strong. The

following keywords are attributes of a strong mutable quality.

People with 7 or more mutable points are concerned with

personal relationships, and thrive on variety and change. More

inclined to flow with the current than swim against the tide, they

adapt themselves readily to the people and circumstances of

their lives. Frequently, however, they don't know what they want

or where they want to go.


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Weak or Lack of Cardinal Quality

Compensations

Before reading on, note these compensations for a lack of

cardinal quality in the chart. Compensations do not necessarily


or very numerous compensations. Compensations for weak (orlack of) cardinal signs include:

Mars in cardinal sign (particularly Aries)

focal Mars (conjunct an angle, at the end of a t-square or

at the handle of a "bucket" configuration)

Mars in or ruling a cardinal (angular) house

Mars conjunct Sun

Mars conjunct Moon

Mars conjunct Saturn

Sun in Aries

Moon in AriesSaturn in Capricorn

Predominance of fire signs

bucket pattern

Lack of (or Weak) Cardinal Quality

These people can easily enjoy observing and simply "being"

without necessarily "doing." But if they have 0 or only 1 cardinal

sign, they may feel driven to prove themselves through activity

or may substitute an emotionally intense inner life for active

involvement in external challenges.

Weak or Lack of Fixed Quality

Compensations

Before reading on, note these compensations for a lack of fixed

quality in the chart. Compensations do not necessarily make up

for an extreme deficiency, unless they are very strong or very

numerous compensations. Compensations for weak (or lack of)


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fixed signs include:

Sun in fixed sign

sun conjunct Pluto

Sun conjunct Saturn

Sun conjunct Uranus

Sun conjunct the Ascendant

Sun conjunct the midheaven

Sun in or ruling a fixed (succedent) house

Predominance of earth signs

locomotive pattern

Lack of (or Weak) Fixed Quality

These people may have difficulty completing what they have

begun and developing structure and stability in their lifestyles.

They may, as a result, become obsessed with organized or

finishing, and may test their willpower by committing themselvesto overly-demanding projects or goals.

Weak or Lack of Mutable Quality

Compensations

Before reading on, note these compensations for a lack of mutable quality in the chart. Compensations do not necessarily


or very numerous compensations. Compensations for weak (or

lack of) mutable signs include:

Mercury in a mutable sign (particularly Gemini or Virgo)

focal Mercury (conjunct an angle, at the end of a t-square

or at the handle of a "bucket" configuration)

Mercury in or ruling a mutable (cadent) house

Mercury conjunct Sun

Mercury conjunct Moon

Mercury conjunct Jupiter

Mercury conjunct Neptune

Predominance of air or water signs

Splash pattern

Lack of (or Weak) Mutable Quality

These people usually know what they want. Frequently unwilling

to compromise, they may insist that other people be adaptable

and accommodate them. Because they have difficulty bending

with circumstances and making personal changes, they often

attempt to force change in their external circumstances,

sometimes in dramatic ways.


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Then we take note of the element of the dispositor’s sign.2.

Find the Dispositor of the Ascendant

To find the dispositor of the ascendant, see what sign is on the

ascendant (the Rising Sign), and then see which planet rules that

sign.

If the ascendant is in Aries, Mars rules Aries, so Mars is the

dispositor of the ascendant.

If the ascendant is in Taurus, Venus rules Taurus, so Venus is

the dispositor of the ascendant.

If the ascendant is in Gemini, Mercury rules Gemini, so

Mercury is the dispositor of the ascendant.If the ascendant is in Cancer, the Moon rules Cancer, so the

Moon is the dispositor of the ascendant.

If the ascendant is in Leo, the Sun rules Leo, so the Sun is

the dispositor of the ascendant.

If the ascendant is in Virgo, Mercury rules Virgo, so Mercury

is the dispositor of the ascendant.

If the ascendant is in Libra, Venus rules Libra, so Venus is the

dispositor of the ascendant.

If the ascendant is in Scorpio, Mars and Pluto both rule

Scorpio, so Mars and Pluto are the dispositors of the

ascendant.If the ascendant is in Sagittarius, Jupiter rules Sagittarius, so

Jupiter is the dispositor of the ascendant.

If the ascendant is in Capricorn, Saturn rules Capricorn, so

Saturn is the dispositor of the ascendant.

If the ascendant is in Aquarius, Saturn and Uranus both rule

Aquarius, so Saturn and Uranus are the dispositors of the

ascendant.

If the ascendant is in Pisces, Jupiter and Neptune both rule

Pisces, so Jupiter and Neptune are the dispositors of the

ascendant.

Find the Element of the Dispositor of the Ascendant

Once you know which planet is the dispositor, then take note of

which sign that planet is in. Whatever this sign is, we take noteof the element of this sign.

w To Find the Element of the Dispositor of the Ascendant an... http://astrolibrary.org/element-dispositor-ascendant-sun/

f 6 20/11/2013 17:14



A few examples:

If the dispositor is the Sun, and the Sun is in Leo, the

element is fire because Leo is a fire sign.

If the dispositor is the Sun, and the Sun is in Scorpio, the

element is water because Scorpio is a water sign.

If the dispositor is the Sun, and the Sun is in Aquarius, the

element is air because Aquarius is an air sign.

If the dispositor is the Sun, and the Sun is in Capricorn, the

element is earth because Capricorn is an earth sign.

Element Key

FireFire EarthEarth AirAir WaterWater

AriesAries TaurusTaurus GeminiGemini CancerCancer

LeoLeo VirgoVirgo LibraLibra ScorpioScorpio

SagittariusSagittarius CapricornCapricorn AquariusAquarius PiscesPisces

Now that we are finished with the ascendant, let’s move on

to the Sun. We follow the same 2 steps as above: first find the

dispositor, then take note of the element of the dispositor’s sign.

Find the Dispositor of the Sun

To do this, look at the sign of the Sun and see which planet

rules that sign.

If the Sun is in Aries, Mars rules Aries, so Mars is the

dispositor of the Sun.

If the Sun is in Taurus, Venus rules Taurus, so Venus is the

dispositor of the Sun.If the Sun is in Gemini, Mercury rules Gemini, so Mercury is

the dispositor of the Sun.

If the Sun is in Cancer, the Moon rules Cancer, so the Moon is

the dispositor of the Sun.

w To Find the Element of the Dispositor of the Ascendant an... http://astrolibrary.org/element-dispositor-ascendant-sun/

f 6 20/11/2013 17:14



Most birth charts have a fairly

even combination of elements,

meaning that they have a few

planets (and the ascendant)

scattered around in signs of all

four elements. However, if you

have five or more in one

element, you will most often

identify with that dominant

element, regardless of the element of your Sun sign. On

the other hand, if you completely lack an element, or if

you have only one or two planets in one element, the

outcome is a bit different. A lack of an element (or a weak

element, as in having 1 - 2 counts) means that the

characteristics denoted by the weak element do not come

easy to you. It makes it nearly impossible for you to

function in the mode of the weak element. But ironically,

people with a lack of an element usually respond by

overcompensating for those missing qualities, and they

end up acting as if they had that element strong in their

chart. But it's never easy for them. Two points of an

element indicate a minor deficiency; zero to one point mayindicate a marked deficiency, unless a compensation exists

in the rest of the chart.

The overall balance of elements is fun to take note of, but

the entire chart must be studied for a complete portrait

(everything always depends on the rest of the chart!).

Please note that there are specific compensations for a

weak or lacking element that can sometimes have the

effect of balancing the person out, if the compensations

exist in the chart. However, compensations do not

eliminate the deficiency. Instead, they increase the desire

to behave like the particular element, without providing

the skill to do so. Some of those compensations are listed

in the interpretations below.

ance of Elements - Chart Interpretations http://astrolibrary.org/balance.html

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Fire

Aries

LeoSagittarius

Earth

Taurus

VirgoCapricorn

Air

GeminiLibra

Aquarius

Water

CancerScorpio

Pisces

Having a dominant or weakest element will be noticeable

in the overall temperament, but the element of each

House cusp ruler will reveal a person's temperament in

the sphere of life denoted by each House. To learn more

about the Elements, see Astrology Lesson 7:

Elements, Qualities, & Polarities . Below are

interpretations for having a Dominant Element and

Weakest Element (Lack of Element).

Calculation Instructions - for assessing the

Balance of Elements

Give 2 points to each of the following elements:

element of Sun sign

element of Moon sign

Give 1 point to each of the following elements:

element of Rising Sign (the Ascendant)

element of midheaven sign (the M.C.)

element of Mercury sign

element of Venus sign

element of Mars signelement of Jupiter sign

element of Saturn sign

Add an extra point for each of the following:

element of the sign of the dispositor of the

Ascendant (using traditional ruling planets , not

Uranus, Neptune, or Pluto)

element of the sign of the dispositor of the Sun

(using traditional ruling planets)

If one of the above happens to be in the 29th degree of

any sign, split the point between that element and the

element of the next sign, since it is so close to 0° of the

next sign. So give each element in that case half a point.


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enthusiastic

energetic

impulsive

spontaneous

ardent

intense

stimulating

inspirational

creative

self-motivated

self-confident

independent

idealistic

optimistic

subjective

There should be a total of 13 points. Now, count the points

for each element.

An element is dominant if it gets 5 or more points, but 5

is not so bad. Having 6 or more points is overly dominant.

An element is weak (or lacking) if it gets zero points,

or 1 point. Also, if it has 2 or more points but those happen

to be the farther planets like Neptune and Pluto, thenconsider that element weak.

Dominant Fire Element

5 fire points denotes a person who is "very" much like the

following keywords, whereas 6 or more points for the fire

element denotes a person who is "overly":

Those with Fire as the dominant element in the birth chart

may also be dominating, fast-paced, and inclined to invest

all of themselves into their activities. They may have

difficulty seeing other people as separate individuals, with

their own valid needs and desires.

Dominant Air Element


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intellectual

questioning

conceptualizing

synthesizing

observant

objective

detached

unrealistic

indecisive

talkative

interacting

cooperating

practical

materialistic

down-to-earth

security-minded

realistic

patient

persistent

enduring

dependable

stable

productive

methodical

exacting

5 air points denotes a person who is "very" much like the

following keywords, whereas 6 or more points for the air

element denotes a person who is "overly":

Air as the dominant element (6 points or more) in the

birth chart usually signifies a person who lives in their

mind, restlessly seeking knowledge and sharing their

thoughts with other people. Somewhat impersonal

(emotionally detached), yet they thrive on communication

and social interaction.

Dominant EarthElement

5 earth points denotes a person who is "very" much like

the following keywords, whereas 6 or more points for the

earth element denotes a person who is "overly":


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thorough

orderly

moodysensitive

vulnerable

sentimental

empathic

responsivedependent

nurturing

protective

secretive

personal

flowing

intuitiveimaginative

passive

People with Earth as the dominant element (6 or more

earth points) in the birth chart will be concerned with

concrete details and tangible results. They will operate

most frequently in the world of their senses (physical

senses like touch, taste, and smell as opposed to

emotional feeling), attuned to their immediate

environment, to their physical bodies, and to sensory

comforts and pleasures.

Dominant Water

Element

5 water points denotes a person who is "very" much like

the following keywords, whereas 6 or more points for the

water element denotes a person who is "overly":

People with Water as the dominant element (6 or more

water points) in the birth chart frequently lose themselves

in their feelings or the feelings of others, and have

difficulty maintaining their separateness. Their extreme

sensitivity often leads them to withdraw into themselves.

Often quite psychic * , they respond with great

compassion to the needs of other people.


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pessimistic

apathetic

uninvolved

depressed

unmotivated

unexcitable

Weak or Lack of Fire Element

Compensations

Before reading on, note these

compensations for a lack of fire

element in the chart. But even

with compensations, there still

exists a deficiency.

Compensations have the effect of

increasing the desire to express the weak element, even

while the individual lacks the natural ability to act

accordingly. Compensations for weak (or lack of) fire

include

Mars in a fire sign (particularly Aries)

Mars in a focal position (conjunct an angle, at the

end of a t-square or at the handle of a "bucket"

configuration)

Mars in, or ruling, a fire house (particularly the 1st

house)

Mars conjunct Sun

Mars conjunct Jupiter

Mars conjunct Moon

Jupiter in Sagittarius

an emphasis on cardinal signs in the chart

Lack of (or Weak) Fire

Lack of Fire in the birth chart: These people struggle to

become self-expressive and assertive, but they alternate

between withholding themselves and expressing

themselves in an overly dramatic manner. They are either

tangled up in a hectic schedule of impersonal activities or,

in contrast, become overly preoccupied with their personal

experience. They may look to others for inspiration andmotivation because they are not often aware of or

enthusiastic about new possibilities. They often feel

passive and detached or uninvolved; they seek deeper

personal and emotional involvement in live.


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subjective

searching

disconnected

isolated

simple

Weak or Lack of Air Element

Compensations


air element in the chart. But even with compensations,

there still exists a deficiency. Compensations have the

effect of increasing the desire to express the weak

element, even while the individual lacks the natural ability

to act accordingly. Compensations for weak (or lack of) air

include

Mercury in air sign (particularly Gemini)

Mercury in a focal position (conjunct an angle, at

the end of a t-square or at the handle of a "bucket"

configuration)

Mercury in, or ruling, an air house (particularly the

3rd house)

Mercury in Virgo

Mercury conjunct Sun

Mercury conjunct Uranus

Mercury conjunct Venus

Venus in Libra

an emphasis on mutable signs in the chart

Lack of (or Weak) Air

Lack of Air in the birth chart: These people often hunger

for social interaction and they are very concerned with

communication, yet they frequently feel out of contact of

misunderstood. They may prefer to express themselves

non-verbally, through writing rather than the spoken word.

They learn primarily from experience rather than from the

intellect. Nevertheless, they are endlessly conceptualizing

and clarifying their thinking. They may lack objectivity and

thus gain understanding of themselves only through

receiving feedback from other people.


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impractical

disorganized

compulsive

unproductive

unstable

security-conscious

ungrounded

Weak or Lack of Earth Element

Compensations


earth element in the chart. But even with compensations,




to act accordingly. Compensations for weak (or lack of)

earth include

Saturn in earth sign (particularly Capricorn)

Saturn in a focal position (conjunct an angle, at the


configuration)

Saturn in, or ruling, an earth house (particularly the

10th house)Saturn conjunct Sun

Saturn conjunct Mercury

Saturn conjunct Mars

Mercury in Virgo

Venus in Taurus

an emphasis on fixed signs in the chart

Lack of (or Weak) Earth

Lack of Earth in the birth chart: These people often

develop skills which have no practical application, flit from

job to job, or overspend and borrow money freely.

Alternatively, they may overemphasize the practical by

becoming secretaries or accountants, or being overly

concerned about budgeting, details, and order. Because

they do not feel grounded, they frequently seek security

by adhering to a highly structured system of thought or by

following an organized but rigid routine. They may hold

onto a job or relationship too long because of the stability

and security it provides.


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controlled

closed

unresponsive

impersonal

insecure

out-of-touch

Weak or Lack of Water Element

Compensations


water element in the chart. But even with compensations,




to act accordingly. Compensations for weak (or lack of)

water include

Moon in, or ruling, a water house (particularly the

4th house)

Moon in a focal position (conjunct an angle, at the


configuration)

Moon conjunct SunMoon conjunct Neptune

Moon conjunct Pluto

an emphasis on mutable signs in the chart

Lack of (or Weak) Water

Lack of Water in the birth chart: These people have an

emotional vacuum which they attempt to fill by turning to

spiritual realms or universal truths. This is an attempt to

find meaning in their lives. Their difficulty remaining in

touch with and expressing their feelings may lead them to

form relationships with overly emotional people or to

become addicted to excitement and intensity. Because

they may not be aware of or able to respond

empathetically to other people's feelings, they try to prove

that they are sensitive by acting out nurturing activities,

such as cooking a meal, or by acting overly concerned.

* Some chart configurations and aspects are generally

attributed the "psychic" quality, especially when the

Ascendant (Rising Sign) is involved. We use the word


f 10 20/11/2013 17:15



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How to Read your own

Birthchart

How To Find the Element of

the Dispositor of the

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"psychic" to describe something that is very natural to

them (not super-natural). It's simply that their extreme

sensitivity to the undercurrent of their surroundings gives

them a high level of awareness to emotional rhythms;

these people are naturally attuned to the flow/pattern of

emotional rhythms and vibrations. Knowing the next

"beat" in the pattern of vibrations can make those people

seem "psychic." We call that "psychic" because most of usdon't share that high level of alertness/awareness. But it's

not necessarily supernatural; just a natural, keen

awareness.


of 10 20/11/2013 17:15



Astrology is the observation of the interplay between the

planets and our Earth. ( Astrologers call the Sun and the Moon planets for the sake of convenience, although they are actually

luminaries. From this point forward, “planets” refers to the

planets and the sun & moon). Through thousands of years of

observation, two things have been noted:

Each planet represents an energetic part of our being, ora component of life (i.e. emotions, communication style,

love style).

1.

The position of each planet in the heavens indicates thestyle in which the planet’s component is manifested.

2.

Natal astrology observes that the positions of the planets at

the moment of your birth indicate the style in which each

planet's component is manifested in your life.

As far back as ancient Babylon, astrologers divided the

heavens into the 12 sections of different styles (or archetypes)

that had been noted. Those are the 12 signs of the zodiac.

Basic astrology takes four things into account:

Free Astrology Lessons

rology Basics – Lesson 1 http://astrolibrary.org/basics/

f 4 20/11/2013 17:53



The planets (including the Sun and the Moon)

The zodiac signs which the planets are inThe Houses

Aspects

From our view on Earth, the planets, sun, and moon appear to

orbit around us along an apparent path near the ecliptic. (A

geocentric view is effective in astrology because we study the

interaction between the rest of the universe and us here on

Earth.) As they orbit, they travel through the 12 zodiac signs.

Most of you know the sign in which the sun is at any given time

– Aries from the end of March through most of April, then

Taurus, then Gemini, etc. The sun, as most of you know, takes

one month to travel through each sign, and circles the entire

zodiac in one year. As a matter of fact, that is where our

concept of "year" comes from. The moon travels the entire

zodiac in one month. In fact, our word "month" comes from

"moon." Our entire concept of time came about because of the

motion of the planets around the zodiac. The first ancientastrologers were very observant.

Because this apparent

path along the ecliptic

is basically flat

(maximum deviation

of about 8 degrees),

we can draw a flat,

2-dimensional drawing

to represent theirconfiguration in outer

space. Naturally, we

draw a circle. The

planets each fall into

one of the 12 zodiac

signs, as designated

by their actual position

in space. Each planet also falls into one of the 12 Houses. The

Houses will be discussed later. Aspects are certain angles, or

degrees of separation between planets, or between a planet

and a point. Astrologers divide the heavens into a 360-degree

circle, and the planets are arranged upon it. When planets are

0, 60, 90, 120, or 180 degrees apart, they are said to be in

major aspect. Other degrees of separation are considered

minor aspects. (See detailed information on aspects.) Planets

in aspect have a dynamic relationship, which astrologers

study carefully. Aspects between planets are, by and large, the

determining factor that decide whether a planet’s energy is

manifested easily or with struggle (positively or negatively) in

your life. This is because, traditionally, some aspects are

considered negative while others are considered positive.

Modern astrologers have evolved and proclaimed that all

aspects can be used constructively. In astrology, aspects are


f 4 20/11/2013 17:53



1 – Astrology Basics

2 – Astrology Glyphs

3 – Birth Chart Layout


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where the action is. Without aspects, the celestial stage and

planetary actors are silent and still. Aspects awaken the

planets into the full expression of their energies.

For organization, astrologers make charts to include everything

mentioned above. The astrology chart is a map of the heavens

for a specific moment in time. The astrology chart is called a

horoscope. In ancient days, they were not customarily drawnup for people's birth times. They were cast for the time of

certain events, such as wars, crownings, or festivals. Only

pharaohs and kings would have one cast for their birth time.

Nowadays anyone can get his or her birth chart drawn. A birth

chart is interchangeably called a natal chart or horoscope.

Your birth chart is your real horoscope, but we don't use that

word much anymore because it has been devalued to mean "a

false daily prediction based only on your sun-sign." Your natal

chart can only be cast with an accurate birth date, birth time,

and birthplace. We believe that your birth chart is the most

valuable tool you can have in your possession.

For convenience, astrologers use glyphs (symbols) instead of

words on charts. This makes it easier to see all of the

information arranged on the chart. Please take a moment to

learn the glyphs used in astrology (see Lesson 2). After that,

you can continue to Lesson 3: “Birth Chart Layout.”

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f 4 20/11/2013 17:53



Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Zodiac Signs

Sun

Moon

Mercury

Venus

Mars

Jupiter

Saturn

Uranus

Neptune

Pluto or

Planets

Thanks to Del, one of our readers, we updated anerror that was on this page. The “square” aspect nowcorrectly says “90″ degrees. It had been previously

(incorrectly) listed as 45.

These are the symbols (glyphs) used in astrology.


rology Glyphs – Symbols Lesson 2 http://astrolibrary.org/glyphs/

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Aquarius

Pisces

Ascendant a.k.a. "the Rising Sign,"

Midheaven a.k.a. "M.C.," "medium coeli,"

or "zenith"

Ascending Node a.k.a. "North node"

Descending Node a.k.a. "South node"

Conjunction 0° angle, major

Sextile 60° angle, major

Square 90° angle, major

Trine 120° angle, major

Opposition 180° angle, major

Semi-sextile 30° angle, minor

Semi-square 45° angle, minor

Sesquiquadrate a.k.a. "sesquisquare," 135°angle

Quincunx a.k.a. "inconjunct," 150° angle

Quintile 72° angle

Biquintile 144° angle

Special Points and Angles

Astrological Aspects

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rology Glyphs – Symbols Lesson 2 http://astrolibrary.org/glyphs/

f 3 20/11/2013 17:53



It begins with two circles, each divided into 12 slices.

The first circle is the zodiac wheel. The 12 slices represent

the 12 signs of the zodiac. The inner circle there represents the

Earth. In your personal horoscope (your natal chart), that

inner circle represents the coordinates, or exact location, of

your birth place. We know that, in actuality, the planets

revolve around the Sun, but astrology studies how the solar

system interplays with us here on Earth. From our viewpoint

on Earth, the Sun appears to travel around the Earth, passing

through each of the 12 zodiac signs. The Sun spends about one

month in each sign, as it travels towards the next sign. The

zodiac wheel represents our view of the heavens sliced into 12

sections. Each section measures 30°, with the whole circle

measuring 360°. The Moon and the rest of the planets also fit

into the zodiac wheel, at the point that corresponds to their

astronomical position (which we find in an ephemeris).

Next, the circle on the right represents the 12 Houses, or

areas of your life. Each slice (each House) in that circle

represents a different area and specific function of your life.

They are numbered 1 – 12. The Houses wheel is based on the

ecliptic (the apparent path of the Sun around the Earth). The


h Chart Layout – Astrology Lesson 3 http://astrolibrary.org/birth-chart/

f 5 20/11/2013 17:54



point on the ecliptic that was on the eastern horizon at the

moment of your birth denotes the sign and degrees of the

beginning of the 1st House in your chart. This is why an exact

birth time is vital for an accurate horoscope.

Now, the planets are arranged on the zodiac wheel according

to their actual astronomical position in space. Then, that wheel

is laid on top of the wheel of Houses. It helps to see this in 3D.

The result is a chart that looks like this:

Around the outside edge you see where the zodiac signs fall

into the Houses. The slices in the chart represent the House

divisions, not the zodiac sign divisions. Here the 12 Houses are

numbered. The zodiac sign divisions can be seen along the

outer edge of the wheel, represented by different colors.

Notice that the zodiac sign divisions do not line up with the

House divisions. It would be rare for that to happen. This is

because the joint positioning of the two wheels depends

entirely on your exact time and place of birth. Notice though,

that the 12 houses are in their original location. The wheel of

Houses should always be laid out like this, with the first house

on the left; the zodiac wheel (along with the planets in the

heavens) is what gets rotated according to birth data. Notice

the planet glyphs arranged on the chart, labeled with their

degrees of position. The Houses progress counter-clockwise

around the chart. The divider line before each house is calledits “cusp.” The horizontal line that extends directly left is the 1st

House cusp. The degree measurements labeled around the

outside edge give the position of the House cusps in relation to


f 5 20/11/2013 17:54



the Zodiac wheel.

Four of those cusps have special names (in most House

systems). The 1st House cusp is called the Ascendant; the 4th

House cusp is called the I.C. (imum coeli); the 7th House cusp

is called the Descendant; the 10th House cusp is called the

M.C. (medium coeli), or midheaven. You will learn their

meanings in a later lesson. For now, you need to know that, of those four, one has extra-special significance. It is the

Ascendant, the cusp of the 1st house. The zodiac sign that falls

on the Ascendant is called the “rising sign.” The rising sign

is very important; it acts like a filter through which the rest of

your chart is sifted. The planet that rules the rising sign is

considered to be the “chart ruler.” Notice the glyphs for the

Ascendant ( )and the M.C. ( ) in the sample natal chart

above. In the chart above, the Ascendant is in Virgo ( )

because the cusp of the 1st house is in Virgo.

You can immediately tell the Rising Sign on a birth chart

because it is the sign directly left of the center.

In the sample chart below, the Sun is in Leo ( ); most

people would label this person simply as a Leo. But look at the

Moon ( ) in the chart; it is in Taurus ( ). To differentiate

further, the Ascendant is in Scorpio ( ). Here you can begin

to see why simply knowing your Sun sign is not enough (andwhy the popular daily Sun Sign "Horoscopes" amount to a

bunch of silliness). To really understand your own natal chart,

you must understand all the Zodiac signs because every chart,

as you can see, includes the entire Zodiac. The sign on the cusp

of each house denotes our attitudes in the department of life

designated by that House. Then, any planets in the house also

affect our affairs in that area. And of course, the signs that the

planets are in will modify how all this is manifested.

You see a number next to each planet glyph. The number tells

the exact degree of that zodiac sign in which the planet

appeared in the heavens at the moment of you birth (or

whatever time the chart is drawn up for). The degrees are

taken from an astronomical almanac called an ephemeris.

(Real astrology is amazingly mathematical. In ancient days, all

real astrologers were also, by necessity, mathematicians.

Nowadays, great astrologers can use computers to calculate

birth charts, allowing them to focus on reading & interpreting

the chart.)

In the example below, the lines in the center are marking the

aspects between planets. Aspects will be discussed further in

a later lesson.


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To sum up, the natal chart is your horoscope. It is a map of the

heavens at the moment you were born, from the viewpoint of

your birth coordinates. The chart is composed of a zodiac

wheel containing the planets, positioned amongst a wheel of 12

Houses, and you are at the center.

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f 5 20/11/2013 17:54



1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th | 11th |

12th

The 12 Houses of astrology are arranged on a circle-shaped

chart, or wheel. Do not confuse the wheel of Houses with the

zodiac wheel. They are 2 different wheels. The zodiac wheel

is based on the sun's apparent yearly rotation about our Earth

(along the ecliptic), while the wheel of Houses is based on

our Earth's 24-hour rotation about its own axis. The 2 wheels

join together at points derived by calculations involving your

exact birth time and astronomical birth coordinates. Then, the

planets are described in 2 ways: as being in a zodiac sign, and

also as being in a House. For example, two people may both

have a Libra Sun sign, but one may have the Libran Sun in his

12th House, while the other may have his Libran Sun in his 1st

house. This could make for two very different types of people.

(Another reason why the popular daily Sun Sign Horoscopesare a bunch of silliness: they are written assuming everyone

has their Sun in the 1st House. There is no warrant or accuracy

in that).

The 12 Houses of astrology are symbolic of the all the

departments that make up human life. The planets and zodiac

signs will manifest themselves most strongly in the sphere of

life represented by the House in which they fall on your chart

(and also in the House which they rule; more on House

Rulerships later). Remember, the houses are not "energies"

like the elements or planets, nor do they color the expression

of energies like the zodiac signs do. The houses are WHERE

these energies are most likely to manifest. The houses are the


Astrological Houses – Astrology Lesson 4 http://astrolibrary.org/houses/

f 9 20/11/2013 17:20



fields of experience, not the experience themselves.

Notice how the order of the Houses follows the developmental

path of a human's life, from the original impulse of individual

being (1st house), to learning what is "mine" and how to use

what one owns (2nd house), to learning how to communicate

within the limitations set by our environment (3rd house), etc.

The following description of the Houses are short and topical,directed at beginners.

The most important houses are the 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th

houses. These are called the "angular houses" because their

cusps coincide with the 4 special angles: ascendant, I.C.,

descendant, and M.C.. Planets in the angular houses will

influence you the most.

1st Astrological House

The first House is the House of self. This includes

self-awareness, the physical body, personality, appearance,

personal views on life, self-identity, self-image, early

environment, and beginnings; how we initiate, how we're

impulsive. Any planets in this house will greatly influence your

personality and how others perceive you.

Top

2nd Astrological House

The second House refers to your own money and possessions,

what you value, your hidden talents, sense of self-worth,

self-esteem (how you value yourself , instead of describing

your personality as in the 1st House). Possessions include

anything a person owns (except the house/home which is ruled

by the 4th House): cars, furniture, clothing, moveable

property, investments and securities, etc. The 2nd house

specifies how you gain and spend your own money (as

opposed to other's money in the 8th house), your attitude

towards wealth and material possessions, and your potential

for accumulating it/them.

Top

3rd Astrological House

The third House is that of communication, which by extension

includes one's immediate environment: siblings, neighbors,short journeys, and all forms of transportation. The 3rd house

also includes the intellect, the lower mind (details and small

bits of information as opposed to the higher mind in 9th


f 9 20/11/2013 17:20



house), thinking patterns, and early education (before

college). Communication includes messages, deliveries,

gossip, phone calls, visits, reading and writing.

Top

4th Astrological House

The fourth House refers to the home and everything associated

with it (both the childhood home & the current home): family,

land, personal foundations (inner emotional security), your

roots. Astrologers are divided over whether this house is

associated with one's mother or father. What is clear is that a

person's upbringing is associated with this House.

On a deeper level, the 4th house is the base of consciousness

or the center of our concrete existence. See how the cusp of

the 4th house is the I.C., the lowest point on the chart,representative of things below the surface of Earth. Due to

that, the 4th house was believed to rule the conditions at the

end of life, and graves. As the root or base of your real self,

the 4th house rules where you go when you "die" but also

where you came from. For those who believe in reincarnation,

the 4th house would give clues to your karmic lesson for this

lifetime. It shows what karmic baggage you brought with you

into this life. Even if you don't believe in reincarnation, you're

likely to be surprised by what you find in your 4th house for it

may move your soul.

Any planets in the 4th house affect your home life, your

emotions, your subconscious, and possibly your relationship

with your parents.

Top


The fifth House refers to children, creativity, and the pursuit of

pleasure. This includes personal interests, love affairs, sports,

hobbies, speculation, risk-taking, teaching, drama, creative

self-expression, love given, gambling. The 5th house is all

about you being yourself and enjoying it.

Romance, dating, love affairs, and sexual relationships are

ruled by this 5th house, yet marriage is assigned to the 7th.

Why? Because, until very recently, marriage was not entered

into for pleasure, for love, nor for personal fulfillment.

Marriage was hardly even entered into by choice, but ratherfor the purpose of raising kids to preserve the values of a

particular culture or religion. And these marriages were most

often arranged according to class and financial status, a


f 9 20/11/2013 17:20



partnership befitting the 7th house.

Nowadays, it's common to marry for love. To avoid confusion,

remember: affairs of the heart are in the 5th house, but

cooperative partnerships are in the domain of the 7th house.

Top


The sixth House refers to daily work, service, diet, health and

physical sickness, physical ability to work, employees. This

includes volunteer labor, civil service work, caretaking, and

mundane daily tasks. The 6th house really involves the quality

of your work, the quality of the jobs you perform, as opposed

to an actual career (career is represented by the 10th house).

Daily mundane tasks include personal hygiene and our method

of responding to everyday crises.

Top


The seventh House is sometimes referred to as the House of

marriage, but it encompasses all one-to-one relationships:

marriage, business partnerships, contracts, cooperative

relationships, and also divorce, separation, quarrels, open

enemies, and law suits.

The difference between the love affairs of the 5th House and

love relationships of the 7th is that the 7th House refers to

more permanently binding relationships, whereas the 5th

House refers to affairs that may be temporary. When the 5th

House affair progresses into a serious relationship, we can say

that the relationship has "moved into the 7th House."

7th house relationships are about cooperation and sharing, and

they generally serve some functional purpose in the larger

social community (i.e. a marriage). This is different from a 5th

house love affair, whose only qualification is "butterflies in the

stomach."

The 7th house includes the way you relate to those closest to

you. Planets in this house will influence your manner of

relating. They also give clues to issues that arise in your

relationships.

Top


Simply put, the 8th house is the polar opposite of the 2nd


f 9 20/11/2013 17:20



house. Whereas the 2nd rules your own individual possessions,

the 8th house rules what a relationship owns (joint finances).

The 8th House is one of the most misunderstood Houses. This

is probably because the things represented by the 8th House

seem to have nothing in common with each other, or they

seem to be negative. This House governs death, regeneration,

taxes, inheritances, wills & legacies, sex (the actual act of sex), latent occult ability, joint resources, your partner’s

money and possessions, spouse's money, bankruptcy, losses,

personal sacrifices, alimony, clairvoyance.

On a positive note, this House is about transformation and

healing. But transformation and healing require some type of

death, loss, or injury first. This House rules those processes

and things by which we transform and become more powerful.

Yes, this includes the act of sex.

Top


The ninth House refers to philosophy, religion, law, learning,

higher education (as opposed to early education by the 3rd

House), ethics, morals, long journeys, travel, foreign countries

and interests, spiritual urges, dreams, visions, higher mind,

ideas, understanding and wisdom, books, publishing,

ceremonies, and rituals. This is the House of big thoughts andbig ideas.

9th house "understanding" is more complex than 3rd house

"knowledge". The act of "knowing" belongs to the 3rd house

because it implies simply the direct contact of a person with

something in his environment. Understanding involves the

synthesis of known data.

While the 3rd house refers to an individual's need to

understand his close and personal environment, the 9th house

is an area in which one seeks to discover the significance of

larger fields of social existence which one may not experience

directly but which his mind may explore through the use of

analogy, generalization and abstraction. The 3rd and 9th

houses symbolize the 2 polarities of the human mind, the

concrete and the abstract.

In summary, the 9th house includes experiences that we

encounter when we search for the meaning of things.

Whatever expands your field of activity or the scope of your

mind – long journeys, contact with other cultures, great

dreams, and even experiences with fortunetellers.

Top


f 9 20/11/2013 17:20




The tenth House is the House of status, honor, community

power, prestige, reputation, and professional career. In our

society, this includes financial success, but only as it relates to

community power and prestige. It's not about gaining

"material stuff" as it is in the 2nd house. The 10th house wantssuccess for the sake of honor and social status.

This house includes social foundations (as opposed to personal

home foundations in the 4th), recognition, personal

achievements, social responsibilities, sense of duty, authority

figures, politicians. This House encompasses the most public

areas of one's life, and the career that you grow into, as

opposed to daily work and odd jobs ruled by the 6th House.

As with the 4th House, astrologers are divided over whether

the 10th House rules one's mother or father. Those that say

the 4th House rules the mother, say the 10th House rules the

father, and vice versa. What is clear is that the 4th House rules

the nurturing, home-body parent, while the 10th House rules

the public, success-focused parent (the parent who "wears the

pants").

As with the other angular houses, any planets in this house are

very important. Planets in the 10th house, the sign on the cusp

of the 10th house, and its ruling planet will greatly influence

your career and your general reputation in public.

Top


The eleventh House is the House of community, large groups,

and friends. It refers to memberships, hopes, goals, ambitions,

wishes, social groups, associations, humanitarian interests. It

also refers to self-realization, liberty, legislation and

regulation.

Top


This is probably the most misunderstood house of all. The

twelfth House refers to the subconscious, the hidden self that

exists apart from our physical everyday reality. This includes

the unconscious mind, subconscious memory, subconscious

habit patterns from the past, mental illness, karmic debts,

self-deception, escapism, spiritual realization, limitations,

frustration, and ultimately our self-undoing.


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3rd

Local

movement,short journeys,communication,

school, siblings

Gemini Mercury

4th Home, family,roots, parent Cancer Moon

5th

creativity,

children,romance,entertainment

Leo Sun

6th Health, service,work, routine Virgo

Mercury

7thPartners,

marriage, openenemies

LibraVenus

8th

Sex, death,inheritances,other's money,

lossScorpio

Pluto Mars

9th

Travel, higher

education,religion,

spirituality, lawSagittarius Jupiter

10th

Career, socialposition,

dominantparent

Capricorn Saturn

11thFriendships,associations,

aspirationsAquarius

UranusSaturn

12th

Hidden

matters, theunconscious,

clandestinerelationships,secret enemies,

seclusion

PiscesNeptune

Jupiter

Take Note: The qualities of the zodiac signs are not exactly the

same as those of the Houses which they are associated with.

There are subtle differences between the qualities of the signs

and Houses. More on the zodiac signs later; but first, learn

about the star players, the Planets. See Lesson 5-The Planets.

12 Astrological Houses - Astrology Lesson 4, 5.0 out of 5 based on 14 ratings

Next: Planets in Astrology – Lesson 5 »

Previous: Birth Chart Layout – Astrology Lesson 3 «


f 9 20/11/2013 17:20



Sun Moon Mercury

Venus Mars Jupiter

Saturn Uranus Neptune

Pluto

Astrology is about observing the planets. This is not to say that

the planets (or the signs) cause anything to happen. What we

observe is synchrony – that things are taking place in sync.

One movement is flowing throughout our space, heavens, and

Earth. Instead of causing, the planets indicate things,

describing what is already taking place. But for the sake of

convenience, astrologers use phrases like, “your Venus makes

you like this,” or “his Mars made him act like that.” Please note

that this is only for convenience in communicating. Astrologers

know that the planets don’t force us to do anything, any more

than your 5:00pm clock forces you to stop working. But you do

stop working when the clock strikes 5:00pm, don’t you? And so

you pay careful attention to that clock, because that clock will


nets in Astrology – Lesson 5 http://astrolibrary.org/planets/

f 13 20/11/2013 17:20



show you when it’s time to go home from work. But the clock

never forced you to leave work, neither did it ever seal your

fate. In the end, you decide when to leave work. That is the

beauty of synchronicity.

As has been mentioned, the Sun and the Moon are included

when we say “the planets.” Astrologers do this for convenience.

The ten planets of astrology are: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus,Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. (From our

geocentric position, Earth is not included in the list; however

Earth's interplay in the scheme of things is denoted by the

Ascendant.) However, before the 18th century only the first

seven planets were recognized (they were perceivable to the

naked eye): Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and

Saturn. Since over 2,000 years ago, the seven classical planets

were observed to keep time, orbiting steadily on their paths.

Perhaps that is why the number seven was symbolic of deity in

ancient cultures. The seven were named after Greek gods

because their influence was considered to be as such. Seven

was the number of days chosen for a week, with each day

borrowing its name from one of the classical planets. (The days

making up our calendar month were determined based on one

complete cycle of the moon, from which the word "month"

comes from.)

The discoveries of Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto corresponded to

revolutionary changes in our world, from the Industrial

Revolution and discovery of electricity (Uranus), to thefinancial collapse and interest in world domination of the 1930’s

(Pluto). Pluto’s demotion of status to a “dwarf planet” does not

change the fact that it is a celestial body participating in the

continuous flow of energy in our world. Thus, Pluto is included

here as a planet. (Astrology also observes several other

asteroids/planetoids, regardless of planetary status. The body

is there, thus, it counts.)

Each planet symbolizes a different component of life, a

different type of energy. In psychological terms, we can callthem “needs” or “drives.” Click on the planet glyphs above to

learn what each one brings to astrology.


f 13 20/11/2013 17:20



“I am”

Best quality: Rulership

Worst quality: Dictativeness

The sun represents your ego, the inner you, your essence, the

unchanging part of you – the calm, steady, deep and lastingforce felt within you, enabling you to exert willpower, make

decisions and direct all the other parts of you life. The Sun

represents your will, and its sign determines the dynamic

expression of the will, which is carried out through the activity

of the other planets in the horoscope. Remember, the sun sign

is just the start of your portrait. Think of your horoscope as a

painting of you. The characteristics of your Sun sign are the

first broad strokes that the artist first lays down on the canvas.

The artist outlines your general shape, the planes and angles

of your face, the way in which you hold your body. In the same

way, your sun sign delineates your fundamental character,

your core. Are you introspective? Do you make friends easily?

Are you pompous or plain, generous or greedy? How do you

cope with responsibility? Are you high-strung or easygoing?

The answers may be found in a study of your Sun's position by

sign and house, and any aspects from it.

Interpretations for the Sun in each zodiac sign are available

here: Sun in the Signs

Interpretations for the Sun in each House of the birth chart:

Sun in Houses

Return to Planets Return to Leo


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“I think”

Best quality: Expression

Worst quality: Restlessness

"wants").

The Moon is constantly waxing and waning, from new Moon to

full Moon and back. The house position of the Moon in your

natal chart shows the area of life where you tend to be the

most emotional, and where you often experience changing

conditions. The house of the Moon also gives clues to the type

of activity that occurs on the domestic scene.

Interpretations for the Moon in each zodiac sign are available

here: Moon in the Signs

Interpretations for the Moon in each House of the birth chart:

Moon in Houses

Return to Planets Return to Cancer

Mercury is the planet of intelligence and communication. It

governs our rational and intellectual faculties, perception and

reason, memory, speaking, and writing. Mercury reflects your

capacity to collect, sort, and communicate the knowledge you

gain through your experiences and your senses. It reflects the

way you see, hear, understand, and assimilate information.

Mercury is symbolic of that child-like curiosity that drives your

urge to know, and the ability to analyze and reason. Mercury

also has to do with transportation and short trips, and thenervous system. The positive manifestations of Mercury

include clever speech, eloquence, persuasiveness, success with

public speaking and a sharp, quick mind. The more negative

manifestations include restlessness, a tendency to be critical,

sarcastic, argumentative and sly. The quick wit of Mercury can

quickly turn into trickery. Lies, deceit, fraud, swindling, and

forgery are examples of Mercury’s negative power. The sign of

Mercury in your natal chart shows your style and preferences

of communicating and learning. A strong Mercury in one's

chart, free of any negative aspects, indicates a brilliant mind.

Interpretations for Mercury in each zodiac sign are available

here: Mercury in the Signs


f 13 20/11/2013 17:20



“I love”

Best quality: Affection

Worst quality: Pliancy (bending

too easily, taking the easy way

out)

Interpretations for Mercury in each House of the birth chart:

Mercury in Houses

Return to Planets Return to Gemini Return to Virgo

Venus is the planet of love, pleasure, and beauty. It represents

your capacity to express affection and to enjoy beauty. This

includes your capacity to attract and appreciate the things of

the world, whether they are emotional, physical/material,

mental, or spiritual things. It defines the type of people you

draw to yourself, based on your social values. Things ruled by

Venus include: what kind of sex appeal you posses, love

affairs, the arts, beauty and beautiful things, adornment,

affection, the social graces, harmony, and friendship. Being the

planet of pleasure, it points to the kinds of amusements you

are drawn to and in what ways you spend your money. The

position of Venus in your natal chart can answer such questions

as: What kind of lovers do you attract? Are you flirtatious? Do

you find happiness in your love affairs, or are you often

disappointed? Where do your creative talents lie? The sign of

Venus gives important information about how you expresses

yourself in personal relationships, especially in love and

marriage. It also indicates your attitude toward money,

personal possessions, creature comforts, and social and

aesthetic values. Your Venus sign also reveals your idea of the

"perfect woman." In a male's chart, the Venus sign indicates

the type of woman that attracts him. In a woman's chart, the

Venus sign indicates the qualities that she uses to attract

lovers. The house position of Venus indicates the type of people

with whom you establish relationships, both friendships and

romances, and where you are most likely to find an artistic

outlet.

Venus never travels far from the Sun. In your horoscope, it is

always either in your Sun sign or in one of the two signs

immediately preceding or following your Sun sign. A

well-aspected Venus bestows charm, diplomacy, and tact.

Some negative manifestations of Venus are self-indulgence,


f 13 20/11/2013 17:20



“I act”

Best quality: Initiative Worst quality: Harshness

jealousy, envy, lust, and of course, unfaithfulness.

Interpretations for Venus in each zodiac sign are available

here: Venus in the Signs

Interpretations for Venus in each House of the birth chart:

Venus in Houses

Return to Planets Return to Taurus Return to Libra

Mars is the exact opposite of Venus. Whereas Venus represents

the female, Mars is all male. Whereas Venus is about harmony,

Mars is conflict, aggression, and outright war. Mars is the

planet of physical energy. It governs your sex drive, your

forcefulness and your aggression. It is associated with your

desires and aspirations for emotional, physical, mental and

spiritual things that stimulate activity. You have to want

something before you reach out and take it; Mars is the heated

passion behind action. Mars shows your ability to turn ideas

into action. The sign of Mars in your natal chart indicates your

vitality, energy level, and style of action. In a female's chart,

the Mars sign is one factor suggesting the type of man she

attracts. In its highest form, Mars represent your unleashed

energy and your human will – initiative. A controlled Mars can

give a healthy dose of assertiveness and ambition. At its worst,

Mars energy makes one prone to anger, harshness and

destructive violence, impulsive behavior, danger,combativeness and every kind of cruelty. It’s up to you to use

this force constructively.

Interpretations for Mars in each zodiac sign are available here:

Mars in the Signs.

Interpretations for Mars in each House of the birth chart: Mars

in Houses

Return to Planets Return to Aries


f 13 20/11/2013 17:20



“I grow”

Best quality: Benevolence

(kindness)

Worst quality: Conceit

Jupiter is the planet of good luck, optimism, success and

generosity. Jupiter brings joy to life. Think expansiveness and

abundance, as Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system.

Jupiter signifies knowledge, higher leaning, breadth of vision,

confidence, charity and good-will, frankness and honesty.

Jupiter’s knowledge is on a philosophical level (as opposed to

Mercury’s day-to-day cleverness). It is the broad view of the

higher mind. Psychologically, Jupiter is the search for meaning

or truth. As such, it represents law and justice, philosophy,religion, metaphysics, and education. Jupiter encompasses the

urge for self-improvement through participation in the larger

whole. It urges you to go forth exploring life. Jupiter's sign

indicates what you idealize, what your ethical, religious, and

philosophical standards are. The sign also indicates where you

express expansiveness, where you do things on a large scale.

Jupiter in your chart shows where you are likely to receive

financial and material benefits, and in turn, where you express

generosity to others. The House of Jupiter is where we tend to

be optimistic, and the affairs of that House usually flow easily.

Jupiter’s qualities include benevolence (kindness), wisdom,

morality, and spirituality. If negatively placed in the chart,

Jupiter’s energy can be manifested as self-righteousness,

excessiveness, squandering, exaggeration, over-indulgence,

superficiality, and bigotry. However, even when negatively

positioned, Jupiter is protective and beneficial.

Over-indulgence and excess often lead to learning the lesson of

restraint. Even with a negatively-aspected Jupiter, a person will

tend to "land on their feet" when problems arise in the areas

signified by Jupiter's House.

Interpretations for Jupiter in each zodiac sign are available

here: Jupiter in the Signs

Interpretations for Jupiter in each House of the birth chart:

Jupiter in Houses

Return to Planets Return to Sagittarius


f 13 20/11/2013 17:20



“I achieve”

Best quality: System and

Organization

Worst quality: Selfishness

“I evolve”

Astrologers of the past regarded Saturn as "evil" and

malignant, indicating dire misfortune and misery wherever it

was found in a chart. When Venus wishes for love, Saturn

denies her. When Jupiter promises good fortune, Saturn delays

it. When Mercury brings news, Saturn degrades it, and when

Mars goes too hard or too fast, Saturn will crash him. But this

is not necessarily bad. Saturn is associated with the principles

of limitation, restrictions, boundaries, safety, practicality,

reality, seriousness, and structures. Saturn is the laws,boundaries and limits set by society or karma. Modern

astrologers acknowledge that the hardships brought on by

Saturn's limitations, compel one to continue striving for a final

product, that although delayed, will be solid and of real worth.

Saturn governs ambition, career, authority, hierarchy, and

conforming social structures. It concerns a person's sense of

duty, discipline and responsibility, and their physical and

emotional endurance during hardships. Saturn is morose and

cold, melancholic, and serious. By placement in your chart, itindicates the area of life in which you may feel shame, for a

time. This is the area where you have lessons to learn. But this

is where your disciplined hard work will lead to genuinely

earned, long-lasting success. At its best, Saturn endows

organization and order. At its worst, Saturn’s energy is

manifested as selfishness. The sign of Saturn also gives clues

to the kind of work for which a person is suited and the kind of

career he is likely to pursue.

Interpretations for Saturn in each zodiac sign are available

here: Saturn in the Signs

Interpretations for Saturn in each House of the birth chart:

Saturn in Houses

Return to Planets Return to Capricorn


f 13 20/11/2013 17:20



Best quality: Originality

Worst quality: Rebellion

“I dream”

Best quality: Idealism

Worst quality: Vagueness

Uranus represents the unconscious urge to become aware of

your true inner individuality (the Sun). Like a lightning bolt,

Uranus symbolizes sudden flashes of insight, moments of

revelation, and spurts of creativity. Uranus’s energy is usually

described as suddenness, revolution, change, shock, and

disruption. Like lightning, Uranus breaks into time and

fractures our patterns. New ideas break into ordinary streams

of thought, bringing innovative solutions to stubborn problems.

It is your intuition awakening you to a world beyond our social

structure. Uranus forces sudden changes when the usefulness

of the old is gone and something newer, something higher and

better is ready to take its place. Uranus encompasses

technology and all types of electronic devices. Uranus speeds

up the mind, making it to bypass logic and arrive at

conclusions by leaping from A to Z, shocking people. Uranus

seeks alternatives to the common and accepted forms. True to

itself, the planet Uranus stands out from the rest of the planets

by orbiting around on its "side." The rest of the planets orbit

like a "spinning top," but Uranus insists on rolling on its side

like a ball. At best, Uranus encourages originality, versatility

and independence. At worst, it encourages eccentricity,

perversion and rebellion. Uranus demands freedom.

Interpretations for Uranus in each zodiac sign are available

here: Uranus in the Signs

Interpretations for Uranus in each House of the birth chart:

Uranus in Houses

Return to Planets Return to Aquarius

Neptune represents the unconscious urge to dissolve the

boundaries of your ego-centeredness in order to ‘lose yourself’

in other realms of being. While Uranus breaks into our

dimension to allow momentary flashes of insight into other


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“I empower”

Best quality: Transformation

Worst quality: Inversion

(turning things upside down)

realms of existence, Neptune is those other realms. Neptune

dissolves life’s patterns in order to teach new meanings in the

quest for universal wisdom. Neptune represents things that

aren’t quite as they appear, the illusive, and the unreal. It is

the planet of receptivity, imagination, cloudiness, confusion,

delusion, illusion, and unreality. Neptune is also associated with

movies, acting, and compassion. Neptune can indicate mystical

visions of a divine creator, or an experience of the primordial

chaos before creation (dangerously, the latter can drive one to

madness). Neptune can indicate spiritual healing and service to

others, or becoming lost in a foggy world of fantasy and

dreams. More often than not, Neptune indicates confusion in

the House where it resides in your birth chart. A negatively

positioned Neptune in the natal chart can indicate a tendency

to escape reality. The house and sign will indicate whether it be

through mind-altering drugs and alcohol, day-dreaming, sexual

addiction, cult worship, psychosis, potential suicide, or others.

At its best, Neptune's energy inspires marvelous art, music,

theatre, dance, poetry, and film. Above all, Neptune

represents the intangible, and makes it very real.

Interpretations for Neptune in each zodiac sign are available

here: Neptune in the Signs

Interpretations for Neptune in each House of the birth chart:

Neptune in Houses

Return to Planets Return to Pisces

Pluto represents the unconscious urge to transform repressed

ego-desire energies into group-desire energies in order to live

out your role in society’s evolution. Pluto represents sexuality

(the act itself, as opposed to the energetic desire which is

associated with Mars), obsessive desires, transformation,

power, and the ingredients of great wealth (investments,

banking, loans, debt, mortgages). Pluto has dominion over

drastic changes that bring true upheavals. Since Pluto is the

slowest-moving planet, an entire generation will share the


of 13 20/11/2013 17:20



What is a Rising Sign? The Rising sign is interchangeably called

the Ascendant. It can be located on a natal chart as the sign on

which the 1st House cusp falls. It is the sign that was at the

eastern horizon point, from the viewpoint of your birth

coordinates, at the moment of your birth. It rises on the path

of the sun’s rise, and it changes degrees every few minutes.

This is why an accurate birth time and place is so important for

an accurate horoscope. A rising sign can be different for twins

born just a couple minutes apart. Further, this Ascendant point

is the premises for the calculations of the rest of the housecusps. A few minutes of time difference shifts the entire chart.

The Rising sign is like a direct connection between our Earth

and the zodiac path. It is the zodiac sign that was “rising” over

the Earth at the moment that

we took our first breath, the

point of intersection between

the wheel of personal Houses

and the celestial zodiac

wheel. It represents ourappearance in the world. The

Rising sign is the image we

project, the impression we


at is a Rising Sign/Ascendant – Astrology Lesson 6 http://astrolibrary.org/rising/

f 3 20/11/2013 17:57



make on others, the way we take action in the world, and the

lasting effect we have on the environment. The Rising sign is

often described as a public mask that we wear, since it tends to

be how people see us, especially strangers who don’t know our

deeper selves. But in fact, the Rising sign is not like a mask

because wearing a mask denotes some level of falsity or hiding

oneself. Your Rising Sign characteristics are not a "fake

cover-up" as a mask would imply. Those characteristics are a

real and true part of who your are, more like a face than a

mask. Even though your face is shallow and external, you're

stuck with it and cannot take it off! It's a real part of you, not

fake. And people usually perceive it in ways that you yourself

do not. That's a Rising Sign for you – others see you as the

embodiment of those characteristics, even though you might

not see yourself like that.

Your Sun sign is your true self, but it’s like the frame of a car,

which is not so visible underneath the doors, bumpers and

shiny paint. The Rising sign is how people perceive us

because it is the style that we use to go about meeting the

needs of our Sun sign. For example, a Capricorn-Sun person is

ambitious, reserved, and needs order. But coupled with a

Sagittarius-Rising sign, the person will appear care-free and

un-ambitious, while all the time working hard to reach its

Capricornian goals.

We tend to behave more like our Rising sign when we are

surrounded by strangers, or in new situations, like jobinterviews. But still, it tends to be our personal style at all

times. Personal style does not represent our deepest needs,

though (like the Moon). A study of the Rising sign is best used

as a tool to understand why people behave the way they do.

The Rising sign is also said to describe our physical

characteristics – our looks. For example, Libra-Rising is

beautiful, Pisces-Rising has a dreamy appearance and small

feet, Taurus-Rising is stocky with a thick neck, and so forth. We

find this to be somewhat accurate most of the time. You try it

and see.

The Rising sign is extremely important in the natal chart. The

planet that rules the Rising sign is considered to be the chart

ruler (planetary rulerships will be discussed in a later lesson).

In practical terms, this means that every planet and sign in

your natal chart is filtered through the Rising sign, or filtered

through its ruling planet. Here is the most literal reason why

we see people of the same Sun sign who behave so differently.

They must obviously have different Rising signs.

In addition, people with the same Rising sign can also have

different personalities because of the following: since the Rising

sign is not as as basically fundamental as our Sun sign, it is

Find your Rising Sign with our

Ascendant calculator. Try it here


f 3 20/11/2013 17:57



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Calculate YourRising Sign

Rising SignInterpretations




4 – 12 Astrological Houses

5 – Planets in Astrology

6 – What is a Rising Sign

7 – Elements QualitiesPolarities

8 – Zodiac Signs

9 – Aspects and Orbs inAstrology

10 – How to Read Your OwnBirth Chart

11 – Astrology of Love & Relationships

12 – Before Compatibility

13 – Compatibility

14 – Synastry

15 – Synastry: Elements andEnergy

16 – Synastry: House Overlays

17 – Synastry Aspects


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greatly subject to the modifying influence of aspects. In other

words, you don't have a clear description of your Rising sign

until you've blended in the energies of any planets aspecting

the Ascendant. Example: A person with Leo Rising, but with

Saturn in conjunction with the Ascendant will not be as bubbly

and expressive as a typical "Leo Rising" person.

What is a Rising Sign/Ascendant - Astrology Lesson 6, 5.0 out of 5 based on 6

ratings

Next: Elements Qualities Polarities – Astrology Lesson

Previous: Planets in Astrology – Lesson 5 «


f 3 20/11/2013 17:57



The twelve zodiac signs are classified in three different ways:

elements, qualities, and polarities. These three classifications

essentially define the zodiac signs. Just by knowing theelement, quality, and polarity, you would be able to describe

the fundamental traits of each zodiac sign without actually

learning the sign. This is a very important lesson, indeed (The

author considers this the single most important lesson of the

zodiac). The elements, qualities, and polarities are the

fundamental, underlying nature of each zodiac sign. Learn

these!

Elements | Qualities | Polarities

Elements


ments Qualities Polarities – Astrology Lesson 7 http://astrolibrary.org/elements/

f 8 20/11/2013 17:18



The element of a sign reveals the basic temperament of the

sign. The element of your Sun, Moon, or Rising sign are of

significant importance, but the overall distribution of elements

in your chart is what counts the most. Having more than 4

planets in an element will have an impact on your behavior,

even if that element does not correspond to your Sun sign. An

abundance (5 or more), or a lack (0-2), of an element has

much impact on your temperament. See Balance of

Elements.

There are four elements, with three zodiac signs belonging to

each element group. They are interchangeably called

"triplicities;" this is because there are 3 (triple) signs per

element. The four elements are Fire, Earth, Air, and Water.

Fire

The fire signs are Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Fire signs

respond to energy very quickly. They favor action. They're

ready to go, take a risk, start a business, go on a trip, etc.

They are confident, idealistic, intense, and approach life with

zest and enthusiasm. Here is energy to conquer, lead, and

travel physically and mentally. Aries must act, Leo must lead

grandly, and Sagittarius explores unknown places and ideas.

Positive keywords: extroverted, energetic, enthusiastic,

inspirational, visionary, high-spirited, simple and direct,

physically active, dramatic, courageous, warm

Negative keywords: overly active to the point of burnout,

restless, impatient, selfish, insensitive, willful, hasty, lacking in

perspective, thoughtless, impulsive, reckless, extravagant,

wild.

Earth

The Earth signs are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. Earth signs

are more cautious in their approach. They are more practical,

realistic, and they need solid footing before going forward.

Taurus will dig the heels in and really ponder things. Virgo will

analyze. Capricorn will climb, but will do it with care, first

needing a vision, a plan, an organized structure before starting


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the ascent. Earth signs are dependable, thorough and solid.

Earth signs seek to engage the physical world and master it

through efficient organization. Earth signs seek economic

security, respect, and prestige, and they work hard for it.

Positive keywords: practical, efficient, organized, realistic,

patient, self-disciplined, hard-working, productive, enduring,

persistent, dependable, stable, good common sense

Negative keywords: slow, stodgy, lacking in vision,

unimaginative, petty, excessively conventional, narrow-

minded, stubborn, resistant to change, hoarding, ultra

conservative.

Air

The Air signs are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Air signs

approach energy mentally; they are thinkers. They are social,

always ready for a new relationship or friendship. They love

learning, but bore easily. Gemini has great intellectual

curiosity, but too many personalities. Libra is partnership

driven, but not in an emotional way. Aquarius is popular with

friends and is unstoppable when it has a cause to champion. Air

signs are into ideas and people. They are communicative; they

must share information, interact with others, and influence

society.

Positive keywords: articulate, objective, mentally clear,

detached, capable of forethought, understanding, socially

adept and adaptable, cooperative, relational

Negative keywords: unemotional, lacking in sympathy,

impractical, disassociated from the body and the physicalworld, over-adaptive, abstracted, glib and facile, hyperactive

Water

Water signs respond to energy almost unconsciously. They aredeeply emotional. Cancer is motivated to nurture and be

nurtured. Scorpio has intense vision, never swaying, looking

straight ahead with laser-like focus. Pisces is the trickiest to


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describe. Pisces energy is chameleon-like, absorbing its

surroundings.

Positive keywords: deeply emotional, sympathetic,

empathetic, nurturing, calm and peaceful, sensitive,

compassionate, imaginative, intuitive, psychically aware

Negative keywords: emotionally insecure and unstable, shy,

timid, lacking in confidence, oversensitive, easily influenced

and manipulated, withdrawn, uncommunicative, vindictive and

vengeful, takes everything personally, moody and depressed

Qualities

The qualities, also called "modes," or “modalities,” indicate

how people respond to stimuli, and especially how they act

under tension. They indicate how the signs express their

element, meaning the mode of behavior they use to expressthe element needs. There are three qualities: Cardinal,

Fixed, and Mutable. They are also called "quadruplicities"

because there are 4 signs per group. To learn how to calculate

the balance of qualities in a birth chart, see Balance of

Qualities.

Cardinal signs…

Cardinal Signs are the most assertive, the most interested in

initiating change. Their mode of activity is to start new things.

They easily begin things and respond well to new ideas. They

are self-starters. Crisis motivates them. They achieve control

by remaining one step ahead of everyone else. Aries seeks

leadership and control in general, Cancer controls emotions,

home, and family; Libra tries to control partnerships;

Capricorn controls, uses, and exploits the material

environment. For Cardinal signs, things are always happening.

This is usually because they are doing the starting. The four

Cardinal signs are at the first month of each season.

Fixed signs…

Fixed Signs are the most stable and self-contained. Their mode

of activity is sort of passive, yet determined, unwavering, and

even stubborn. Their strength is their consistency and loyalty.

They follow things through to the end, managing and

sustaining what has been started by the Cardinal signs. Theymay go to denial in times of change. They are very resistant to

change, needing to take time to prep themselves. They tend to

be late: Taurus is just slow; Scorpio uses tardiness as a subtle


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power struggle; Leo enjoys making an entrance; Aquarius

wants things on their own terms. Late, but once there, they

stay forever. The four Fixed signs are at the middle month of

each season.

Mutable signs…

Mutable Signs are the most unstable and most open to

influence by the environment. Their mode of activity is to

make the transition from the old to the new, opening the way

for the Cardinal Signs to begin a new cycle. They are infinitely

flexible and tolerant. They find it naturally easy to let go.

Whereas Cardinal signs begin new things, and Fixed signs

sustain things, Mutable energy loosens structures and adapts it

to new and changing conditions. With this territory comes

mental worry. Mutable signs have many things going on in

their heads rather than in tangible form. Many react by making

lists. Some suffer from negative mental tension, involving fear,

paranoia, and panic attacks. In anticipating negative

outcomes, they really suffer during the worry process. But

their high adaptability always sees them through. Gemini is

changeable in its ideas; Virgo is dominated by its environment;

Sagittarius has a continually changing view of life's

possibilities; Pisces adapts itself superficially to its environment

(like a chameleon) and reflects it like a mirror. Sometimes

they compromise so much that they sacrifice their owninterests. The four Mutable signs are at the final month of each

season.

Between elements, qualities, and signs, there is only one

combination of each, making each zodiac sign unique. For

example, there is only 1 cardinal fire sign, only 1 cardinal

earth sign, only 1 cardinal air sign, etc. You can understand the

nature of each sign by examining these energetic

combinations. See the chart below.

Fire Earth Air Water

Cardinal Aries Capricorn Libra Cancer

FixedLeo Taurus Aquarius Scorpio


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Mutable Sagittarius Virgo Gemini Pisces

Polarities

The two polarities are sometimes referred to as male/female

or positive/negative. Modern astrologers prefer to call them

yang/yin. This is the earliest form of classification, referring

to duality. Six of the zodiac signs (Fire and Air signs) are yang

energy, and six (Earth and Water signs) are yin energy. In

general, signs of the same polarity can understand each

other's personalities, whereas signs from opposing polarities

have a difficult time seeing eye to eye. Air feeds Fire and

empowers it; Earth needs Water for life. Here are keywords to

help describe the two opposing energies.

Yang Yin

directoutgoing

extrovertedgiving

activemale (traditionally)

positive (traditionally)

indirect

passive/reactiveintrovertedwithdrawn

receiving/receptivereactive

female (traditionally)negative (traditionally)

Summary

Sign Element Quality Polarity

Aries Fire Cardinal Yang (+)

Taurus Earth Fixed Yin (-)

Gemini Air Mutable Yang(+)

Cancer Water Cardinal Yin (-)

Leo Fire Fixed Yang (+)

Virgo Earth Mutable Yin (-)

Libra Air Cardinal Yang (+)

Scorpio Water Fixed Yin (-)

Sagittarius Fire Mutable Yang (+)

Capricorn Earth Cardinal Yin (-)


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Aquarius Air Fixed Yang (+)

Pisces Water Mutable Yin (-)

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The 12 archetypes were first observed by the ancient Babylonians

as sections of visible outer space, each represented by a

constellation. They noticed that the constellations remained in the

same place every night, while certain "stars" wandered off a bit.

They used the constellations as placeholders in the sky. There

were no cute animals or mythical

creatures associated with them yet.

Different energies were observed to

correlate with the position of the

planets in different sections of theheavens. They labeled these 12

different sections/styles. (Notice

how the 12 styles recur in history:

12 Gods of Olympus , 12 sons of

Abraham, 12 tribes of Israel, 12

Apostles, 12 Successors to the

Prophet Muhammad). The 12

archetypes are the zodiac signs,

which already had their traits before the ancient Greeks attached

the popular symbols to them. The Greeks had the uncanny

brilliance of choosing symbols that parallel the sign traits very

closely. So now, when we think of the sign of Aries, we think of a

ram; when we think of Sagittarius, we think of an archer, and so

on. This lesson will not delve into the mythological stories behind

the choice of symbols for the signs. We will give a topical, general

description of the archetype of each sign.

To clarify, the following descriptions of the zodiac signs refer to the

archetype of the sign itself, regardless of which planet is in the

sign. We will describe the zodiac sign as if it were a person, with

characteristics. In other words, the following descriptions

do not specifically or exclusively apply to people with the

Sun in that sign. When we say that “so-and-so is an Aries,” we

mean that the person has the Sun in Aries in their natal chart.

While the Sun sign is important, it is by no means the complete

Lesson 8: Zodiac Signs

iac Signs – Astrology Lesson 8 http://astrolibrary.org/zodiac/

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story of our personal profile. Our

Moon sign, Rising sign, Mercury

sign, Venus sign, and all the rest

are just as important in giving us a

complete picture of ourselves. We

all have the entire zodiac in our

charts – all 12 zodiac signs. For

this reason, it is important to learn

the traits of all the signs. Planets in the signs will be expressed

according to the traits of the sign they are in. Thus, the zodiac

signs modify the planets. Each zodiac sign is like a stained-glass

window through which the planets must pass to manifest in our

lives. Each "window" is different. And different planets through the

same "window" will also be different. (For example, the Sun in

Aries is not the same as the Moon in Aries). (*See Bottom for Sun

sign dates.)

Click on each zodiac sign below to learn about it.

* Sun Sign Dates

The Sun's apparent path through the zodiac coincides with our

12-month year, almost exactly. Our calendar months do not

coincide precisely with the actual celestial month. We are out of

sync by a little bit of time (hence, Leap Year). This means that the

Sun moves into a new zodiac sign approximately every month,

anywhere between 19th and the 23rd of our month. That group of

days is called a cusp, meaning the span of days in which the Sun

may change sign (there is also another meaning for "cusp" in

astrology). However, being born during those days does NOT

automatically mean that you have 2 Sun signs (a common

misconception). Birth charts are calculated using astronomical


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ephemerides that chart the exact time of a Sun sign change for

every year. If you were born between the 19th and 23rd of any

month, you must check an ephemeris to see exactly where the

Sun was at the time of your birth. Or simply get your free birth

chart from us.

Here are the approximate dates for Zodiac Sun Signs:

Aries: approximately March 20 – April 22

Taurus: approximately April 21 – May 22

Gemini: approximately May 21 – June 22

Cancer: approximately June 21 – July 22

Leo: approximately July 21 – August 22

Virgo: approximately August 21 – September 22

Libra: approximately September 21 – October 22

Scorpio: approximately October 21 – November

22

Sagittarius: approximately November 21 –

December 22

Capricorn: approximately December 21 – January

22

Aquarius: approximately January 20 – February19

Pisces: approximately February 18 – March 21

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Aspects in astrology are of utmost importance in interpreting

any chart. Aspects indicate how the various planetary and sign

energies actually play out. They indicate, among other things,

if there will be struggles or ease. Without acknowledging the

aspects in a chart, the reading is incomplete, and ultimately

incorrect. Keep this in mind when you begin to read the

interpretations of your planets in the signs of your chart – the

aspects tell more of the story.

So, what are aspects in astrology? Simply put, aspects are a

connection or relationship between two or more planets. This

connection always alters the interpretation of the planets and

signs involved. When planets are in aspect to each other, their

interpretations must be blended according to the nature of the

aspect.

To be precise, aspects are special degrees of separation

between the planets, with respect to the Earth. Since astrology

focuses on the interplay between the celestial bodies and our

Earth, we take a geo-centric (Earth-centered) view of the

heavens. The planets, then, are observed to orbit at different

speeds in approximately the same plane in

space. As a result of these planetary

motions, various angles, measured in

degrees, arc minutes, and arc seconds, are

formed between the planets as seen from

the Earth. In mathematics, an angle is

defined as that fraction of a circle formed between two lines

that intersect at the vertex. Imagine the Earth being at the

center of the circle. Then imagine a line being drawn from two

planets each to the Earth, so that the Earth is the vertex of the

angle. The number of degrees between the two lines

connecting two planets with respect to the Earth forms the


ects and Orbs in Astrology – Lesson 9 http://astrolibrary.org/aspects-in-astrology/

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angular relationship – the aspect – between the two planets.

Aspects are considered not only for the planets, Sun, and

Moon, but also for the points of the Ascendant and the

Midheaven.

In this example, the Sun and

the Moon are in "square"aspect. They are 90° apart, as

you can see by the angleformed by the gray lines.However, astrologers do not

label aspects like that, for thatwould be a tangled mess

through the center of thechart. Instead, the angularrelationships are denoted by a

single line connecting the twoplanets in aspect. Thus, in any

astrology chart, the squareaspect will be denoted by aline like the red one in this

example.

Certain degrees of angularity are very

important to astrology; they are

called the "major aspects." These are

0° (conjunction), 60° (sextile), 90°

(square), 120° (trine), and 180°

(opposition). Now, aspects are given a

margin in which they have an influence.

For example, although the square

aspect is 90°, two planets that are 95°

(or 85°) apart are still considered to be

in square aspect. This margin of influence is called an "orb" in

astrology. In the example of 95°, it is considered a square

aspect with an orb of 5°, since it deviates 5° from an exact

square. An allowable orb is the amount by which the two

planets involved can deviate from the exact number of degrees

of the aspect and still be considered to have an aspect

influence. Most astrologers use an allowable orb of only 6° for

the major aspects, and 2° or 3° for the minor aspects.

However, the allowable orb is increased to 10° (or 8°) if itincludes the Sun or Moon. This is a matter of preference, but in

fact, the smaller the orb, the more significant the aspect is,

with orbs of less than 1° being the most potent aspect

influences.

As you'll see below, each aspect can be defined as a circle

divided by a number. A full circle is 360°. However, to avoid

confusion, notice that the astrology chart is divided into 12

signs of 30° each. Then the square aspect (90°) will be

between planets that are in the same degree, but three signs

apart. The sextile will be two signs apart, the trine will be four

signs apart, and the opposition will be six signs apart. Many

pages can be written describing the dynamics of each aspect,

but here we will brief. Keep in mind that as you grow in your


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knowledge of astrology, and as you gain experience in

interpreting charts, you can add your own insight into how the

aspects are manifested.

Major Aspects

Conjunction ( )

The conjunction (0°) is the

circle divided by one (in whichthe conjunction can be termedas 360° apart, which is the

same as 0° in a circle). This isa very dynamic aspect, since

it marks a strong focalizedpotential for expression alongwith a tendency for direct

action and self-dramatization.The two planets in conjunctionare blended together, fused,

and intensified. Planets inconjunction must beinterpreted as a blend in which

the planets work together.This can be a good thing if thetwo planets get along (like

say, Venus and the Moon), butit can be inharmonious if the

two planets are incompatible(like say, Mars and Neptune).

Sextile ( )

The sextile aspect (60°) is the

circle divided by six. Itrepresents an easy flow of

opportunities or ideas that, if acted upon, will help realizethe individual's goals. It can

also indicate talents. This is aharmonious aspect in whichthe energies of the planets

involved collaborate well andwork comfortably together.

Square ( )

The square (90°) is the circle divided by four. This aspect

implies restrictions and challenges. It is a dynamic aspect since

the challenges pressure you to work on the issues represented

by the planets involved. Planets in square aspect are at cross-

purposes. They are in conflict that leads to irritation;


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achievement is delayed, though patient hard work can lead to

success through integration of the two principles. Traditionally,

this is a negative, inharmonious aspect. The planets and

houses involved are areas in the individual's life where

adjustments must be made and where tremendous effort must

be expended to realize gains.

Trine ( )

The trine (120°) is the circle

divided by three. This isconsidered the most fortunateof aspects. The trine aspect

represents easy flowingenergy between the planetsinvolved, bringing luck,

opportunities, and innate

creative talents. But even toomuch of a good thing can bebad – the ease brought on by

the trine can sometimes betaken for granted, and thetalents left unexpressed. In

the ancient days, this aspectwas thought to bring about a

laziness (due to all the goodluck) that was considered evil.But more often than not, the

trine aspect tends to manifestthe most pleasant potential of the planets involved.

Opposition ( )

The opposition (180°) is the circle divided by two. This aspect

indicates a fundamental polarity or duality; a situation in which

one must cooperate with others or break with them. It creates

tension leading to frustration, though objectivity can lead to a

delicate balancing of opposites. Resolving the tension is helped

by compromising between the two energies, otherwise they

bounce back and forth, competing for center stage in your life.

Compromise can be achieved by accepting that the two are

parts of a whole. In general, this is considered an

inharmonious aspect.

Minor Aspects

Semi-sextile ( )


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The semi-sextile (30°) is the circle divided by 12. This aspect is

very mild, barely noticeable, almost insignificant. It is

considered by some astrologers as mildly beneficial, but since

it connects signs of different elements and qualities, it may

actually be mildly difficult, awkward, or uncomfortable. This

aspect should be interpreted by taking into account the rest of

the chart for more insight. This minor aspect will usually

corroborate with other things specified in the chart.

Semi-square ( )

The semi-square (45°) is the circle divided by 8. This is similar

to the square, but less intense. This aspect implies friction,

generating minor internal conflict or frustration that can be

annoying.

Sesqui-quadrate ( )

The sesquiquadrate (135°), also known as the sesquisquare, is

5/8 of a circle, or "a square and a half." This aspect denotes

the same friction as the semi-square, but this irritation tends

to generate external difficulties (whereas the semi-square

correlates more with inner conflict).

Quincunx (or Inconjunct) ( )

The quincunx (150°) is 5 /12 of a circle. This aspect demands

continual adjustments. It is not necessarily negative, but it

brings strain, some difficulty, or stress. This can sometimes

affect the health. It can indicate circumstances that are forced

upon the person, or self-neglect regarding that area of life.

Quintile ( )

The quintile (72°) is the circle divided by five. Quintiles imply

artistic or creative talents, especially mental ones, as well as

versatility and an authentic individuality. It is considered mildly

beneficial. The biquintile (144°, ) is considered in the same

way as the quintile.


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Free Astrology Enjoy this lesson?

People in history measuredthe aspects using a

cosmolabe. This cosmolabe

was made by Jacques Bessonin 1567. He was a French

mathematician, inventor, and

philosopher.

Pictured here is anothercosmolabe from the 16th

century.

If you made it this far, congratulations. There is still much,

much more to learn in the field of astrology. We will continue

to add lessons at regular intervals.

With what you've learned so far, you can begin to interpretyour natal chart. You may want to begin with a chart of a close

friend or relative since we have the tendency to use

rose-colored lenses when inspecting ourselves. While

rose-colored lenses have their place, they are not helpful when

we are trying to take an accurate inventory of our strengths,

weaknesses, drives, and potential.

Continue to How to Read You Own Birth chart.

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The most important thing to remember while

interpreting any birth chart is: synthesis. The

whole chart must be taken as a whole. A natal

chart abounds with bits and pieces of information

about an individual. Each separate bit must be

synthesized into one whole picture of the person.

What we mean is that you cannot take one piece of the chart

(for example, Mercury in Sagittarius) and decide that it defines

the entire person. If you do that, you will, undoubtedly, be in

error. Of course, you will be tempted to stop at one or another

of the planetary meanings, and think that it is the defining

factor of a person. This is a big mistake. For example, say that

two individuals both have Mercury in Sagittarius (denoting

something of a "big mouth"). You may be tempted to assume

that both of the individuals are "outspoken." But, say the first

person has the Sun in Capricorn, while the second person hasthe Sun in Sagittarius. While they both have Mercury in

Sagittarius, the first person (Sun in Capricorn) will have a

much more reserved communication style than the second

person (Sun in Sagittarius).

The point, again (and this point will be repeated often), is that

the entire chart must be blended together. Yes, by all means,

go ahead and see all the separate interpretations of each

planet in its sign and house. But then you must weave it all

together, and lace it with the Rising Sign, to get an accurate

picture.

It's as if each of us is a mosaic, made up of tiny individual

images. In the birth chart, each separate planet in a sign and


w to Read Your Own Birth Chart – Astrology Lesson 10 http://astrolibrary.org/read/

f 7 20/11/2013 17:50



house is like one tiny individual image, one tiny part of the

whole mosaic. Now, two different completed mosaics, if you

look close enough, may contain tiny pieces that are exactly the

same, yet they are part of two completely different finished

mosaics (this point is illustrated by the example of Mercury in

Sagittarius above). Although the mosaics contain similar

pieces, the final products look nothing alike. So what we're

saying here is the opposite of that age-old adage: "Don't

judge a book by its cover." The opposite is "Don't judge a book

by a single page inside." The work of the astrologer, then, is

to take all the bits and pieces of insight in the birth chart and

synthesize them into a whole. What emerges is an amazingly

accurate portrait of an individual.

Interpreting Planets in the Signs

Look at the birth chart and take note of what sign and houseeach planet is in. (Check here if you need help remembering

what the symbols/glyphs mean.) Here is a handy, printable

worksheet that will help you keep track of your birth chart

information. Also take note of the Ascendant's sign (Rising

Sign), and which house the Ascendant's ruler occupies.

Now you can look up the "Chart Interpretations" of each of

your planets and Rising sign. The Chart Interpretations on

the following page are only general meanings of what each

item represents. As you get a feel for the basic energy of each

planet, and of the qualities of each sign, you can add your own

insight.

The zodiac sign will show how the planet is manifested.

Previously, we likened the signs to "stained-glass windows"

through which the planet is expressed. See if this analogy

helps: envision a sentence, with a "verb" and an "adverb." The

planet is the "verb" while the zodiac sign is the "adverb." For

example, the Moon (emotions, nurturing style) in the sign of

Capricorn (reserved, cold) denotes someone who nurtures in a

cold and reserved way, or has trouble expressing emotions.

That's not a happy placement for the Moon, but remember:

there's more to the story…the rest of the chart. (See what

each planet means in Lesson 5: The Planets. See what each

zodiac sign means in Lesson 8: Zodiac Signs )

Incorporating the Astrological Houses

The other thing to remember is that the planet in the sign will

focus on the House. This means that the activity denoted by

the planet will take place in the arena of your life designated

by the House in which that planet falls. (Remember, each

House represents a sphere of life – i.e. work, home,


f 7 20/11/2013 17:50



friendships, etc.) The planet is the "what," the sign is "how"

that "what" is done, and the House is "where" it takes place.

Here is a handy reminder to use when interpreting your natal

chart:

Planet = What?

Sign = How?

House = Where?

Planets

=

energies; what you like to do

=

“What”

Signs

=

the way you do it

=

“How”

Houses

=

areas of your life

=

“Where”

An example of why taking the House into consideration is so

important:

Say a person has Saturn in Capricorn in the 7th House, which

could manifest as a reserved (Capricorn) attitude in love

relationships (7th House). Then, say this same individual has

Venus in Sagittarius in the 11th House. This person will be

friendly and outgoing (Sagittarius) in social situations andgroups (11th House), but unemotional and detached (although

dependable) in love relationships (Saturn in Capricorn in the

7th). (Astrology is a powerful tool for understanding those

seemingly contradicting tendencies that we all have. The birth

chart tells it all. With time and patience, you will be able to

read all such details from a birth chart)

House Rulers (Signs on the Cusps)

Another influence on each House (in each department of life)

is the ruling planet of the House. The ruling planet of each

House in your natal chart is the planet that rules the sign on

the cusp. For example, if you have Capricorn on the 7th House


f 7 20/11/2013 17:50



cusp, then Saturn is the Ruler of your 7th House, because

Saturn rules Capricorn. The result is that Saturn will have an

influence in the matters of your 7th House, regardless of which

House Saturn is actually residing in. (Here is a table of the Sign

Rulerships). The sign on each house cusp shows one's attitude

towards the matters of that house, whereas planets in the

house show actual circumstances. For example, Capricorn on

the 7th House cusp denotes an attitude of reserve or caution

towards forming partnerships. On the other hand, Saturn in the

7th house may denote actual problems transpiring in

partnerships and in marriage. These are subtle differences that

will perfect your interpretations when reading a birth chart.

So a House is influenced by any planets residing in that House,

but also by the ruler of the House. Most of the time, the ruler

will be in a different House. Many times, the goods of the

House will be used for advantage in the House where the

planetary ruler actually resides. For example, say you have

Capricorn on the 7th House cusp, and Saturn (Capricorn's ruler)

in the 2nd House. You may very well choose to marry (7th

House) for money (ruler in 2nd House). This last statement

brings us to our next point – a word of caution.

A Word of Caution

The celestial configuration that took place at your moment of

birth is a powerful indicator of your motivations, drives,

preferences, and psychological makeup, but it does not seal

your fate. It does show the potential you were born with, but

what you do with that potential is up to you.

Some astrologers mistakenly interpret birth charts by

declaring the outcomes of the drives, or the external

circumstances. They declare things that must definitively take

place. But the correct way to interpret a birth chart is to

declare the drives, strengths, weaknesses, preferences, needs,

tendencies, and so forth. Astrology reveals our innerpsychological makeup. The outcomes are for the individual to

manifest for him/herself. For example, above it was mentioned

that if you have Capricorn ruling your 7th House, and Saturn in

the 2nd House, then you might marry for money. But the

proper way to read that example is to declare that you "have a

need for security in your relationships. You have a need for

security, but it does not necessarily mean that you will marry

for money. You may very well choose to marry a pauper for

true love. But be assured that your need for material security

in relationships (as shown in your birth chart) will continue as a

nagging feeling you won't easily be rid of."

The natal chart never lies. The problem is when the natal chart


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is read incorrectly. Remember, instead of giving predestined

predictions, you will be more precise to explain the potential.

People choose what to do with their potential. As Henley

wrote,

"I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of

my soul."

The natal chart is one's map.

Here is another example, taken from history. Ancient

astrologers, before psychology was popular, interpreted charts

in a more fatalistic manner. If you were a Pisces, they would

say that you would end up living in poverty (the "starving

artist" stereotype) because you were such a "weakling".

Modern astrologers understand the deeper psychological drives

and needs that are represented by the planets and signs.

Nowadays, we understand that Pisces has a need to transcend

the mundane, and while he is very artistic, he is not fated to

live in poverty. Pisces simply does not prioritize money or

materials. He could be poor, or he could be rich. Either way,

the Pisces will prioritize the intangible over the tangible –

which is how we interpret it today. The interpretation shifted

from a predetermined fate (poverty), to a psychological drive

(need for artistic/spiritual transcendence) that may result in

any circumstantial fate.

Remembering Aspects

Don't forget the aspects. If you attempt to make an

interpretation without considering the aspects, you will be in

error. Interpretations for each planet in sign and house must

be modified according to the nature of the aspects. Aspects can

soften things and bring ease to otherwise troublesome

planetary placements, or they can bring conflict to otherwise

pleasant planetary placements. Aspects stimulate the planets.

Every planet has both easy and difficult (or positive andnegative) manifestations. For example, the sun's energy can

be expressed as a generous pouring forth of self and creativity,

or prideful arrogance and an excessive desire to be special.

Aspects from other planets tell whether the energies will be

expressed easily and positively (if it receives trines & sextiles),

or with struggle and conflict (if it receives squares or

oppositions). Again, a birth chart interpretation without

accounting for aspects is incorrect, or at least incomplete. (See

Lesson 9: Aspects in Astrology)

Most important aspects to look for:


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Take immediate notice of conjunctions to any of the four angles

(this means conjunctions to the Ascendant, M.C., Descendant,

I.C.). When a planet makes a conjunction to one of the angles,

the influence of that planet may be the strongest influence in

the chart. The person will identify very strongly with the traits

of that planet.

Also take notice of conjunctions made by the outer planets(Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto) to the inner planets (Sun, Moon,

Mercury, Venus, and Mars). These conjunctions will drastically

alter the interpretation for the inner planet by adding its own

qualities. A conjunction from Uranus adds a touch of Aquarius;

a conjunction from Neptune adds a touch of Pisces, and a

conjunction from Pluto adds a touch of Scorpio.

For example, a Leo-Sun person who has Pluto making a

conjunction aspect with their Sun will be very much like a

Scorpio. This person would be one of the most silent and

secretive Leos ever.

Balance of Elements and Qualities

Another thing to note is the balance of elements and qualities

in the chart. If you feel overwhelmed with all this new

information, then you should simply try this step first. This is

the easiest interpretation that can be derived from a natal

chart, even for inexperienced people. This is how it's done:

Note the element of the sign of each planet, and that of the

ascendant, and of the midheaven. This printable worksheet

will help you. Then simply count how many are fire, air, Earth,

and water. Count the Sun's and the Moon's element for 2 each,

because they are such a strong influence. It's common to have

a combination of elements, say 3 or 4 of each. However,

should you find an imbalance, such as 5 or more of an

element, or 0 to 1 of an element, this will say something about

the overall temperament of the individual. Five or more of one

element will make that the "Predominant Element" in the

individual. It is interesting to note that the Predominant

Element may be different from that of the Sun sign. In this

case, the person will behave even less like their Sun sign – yet

another reason why we cannot define a person simply by their

Sun sign. If a chart is completely lacking in an element, or if

there is only 1 planet in an element, that will be considered the

"Weakest Element." The "General Interpretations" on the

following page will include interpretations for Predominant and

Weakest Elements.

The same method is used to tally up the balance of qualities

(Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable) of each planet, ascendant, and

midheaven. This gives only subtle information, unless you find


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4 – 12 Astrological Houses

5 – Planets in Astrology

6 – What is a Rising Sign

7 – Elements QualitiesPolarities

8 – Zodiac Signs

9 – Aspects and Orbs inAstrology

10 – How to Read Your OwnBirth Chart

11 – Astrology of Love & Relationships

12 – Before Compatibility

13 – Compatibility

14 – Synastry

15 – Synastry: Elements andEnergy

16 – Synastry: House Overlays

17 – Synastry Aspects


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a great imbalance, such as a complete lack of one quality, or 6

or more of one quality. This printable worksheet will help

you.

Continue to Chart Interpretations to help you interpret

your own birth chart.

How to Read Your Own Birth Chart - Astrology Lesson 10, 4.9 out of 5 basedon 18 ratings

Next: Astrology of Love and Relationships – Introducti

Previous: Aspects and Orbs in Astrology – Lesson 9 «


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Most astrology charts are made of a map of the heavens

overlayed upon a circle of 12 houses (see explanation of a Chart

Layout). Several methods exist for calculating the line divisionsbetween the houses (house cusps), and not all astrologers use

the same method.

It is believed that we exist in time and space. The purpose of

the astrological houses is to divide our reality into sections. One

method is to divide a day’s time (24 hours and 1 complete

revolution of Earth about its axis) into 12 divisions. House

systems that focus on this method are called “time-based”

systems. Another method is to divide the space inside the Earth’s

atmosphere into 12 sections, like sections of an orange.

Over the years, people have proposed many different

formulas for calculating the divisions with both of these methods.

That is why we have so many different house systems in

astrology.

You can find many summaries of the house systems on the

web, so I will only list the most popular and add a few notes

below.

Related Articles

rological House Systems http://astrolibrary.org/astrological-house-systems/

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Enjoy this article?

List of House Systems

Placidus

The Placidus house system is probably the most widely-used

in the United States and Europe. However, here at Astrology

Library, we consider the Placidus house system our second

favorite, not our first choice.

Koch

The Koch house system is probably the second most popular

in the United States. It’s a relatively new system, from the

1970′s. It doesn’t work at all near the poles of Earth, but it’s

still very popular.

Campanus

The Campanus house system is our favorite at Astrology

Library. We find that it works best for psychological readings,

as opposed to mundande or electional. We are not alone in

our support of the Campanus house system: Dane Rudyhar

also preferred it.

Equal Houses

The Equal House system was the earliest system used. The

ascendant makes the 1st house cusp, then each successive

house cusp is exactly 30 degrees after the previous one. The

advantage of this house system is that it works well from any

point on Earth since the houses are always 30 degrees. Thehouses do not grow or shrink in size near the poles, as in

other house systems. A most annoying issue with this house

system is that the M.C. is not the same as the 10th house

cusp.

POSTED IN ABOUT REAL ASTROLOGY.

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rological House Systems http://astrolibrary.org/astrological-house-systems/

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