I recommend you get a copy of your natal chart and have it here with you before
continuing. It'll be a lot more fun to learn on your own chart. You can get a free copy of your chart
at www.alabe.com/freechart or from one of several sites at astrology
links in the Library. Be sure to enter your correct date, time and location of birth. If you have
kids and copies of their chart, bring those along too, Oh, and any
"significant other".
Besides the desire to understand yourself and others through astrology and
the willingness to learn through effort, an astrologer's basic toolkit consists
of keywords for the signs, planets, houses and aspects.
Things become so much easier once you are fluent in writing and recognizing
the astrological symbols. You don't have to get that all down before continuing here, but at
some point sooner rather than later, I encourage it.
Don't try to rush too quickly through this tutorial. You'll be learning a lot
about astrology's symbolism, which could become overwhelming if you try to go
too fast. These are just words on a page and you also need application. Absorb
the concepts by applying them to your chart.
First is an
illustration of the houses and signs as they correspond in the natural zodiac.
Click on the image for a full view. You'll definitely want to print it out too. Makes the going easier in the long run because you'll be comparing it to your
own chart as we go along.
The background of the horoscope is a circle made up of twelve segments, like
twelve pieces of pie. These are the houses and they remain stationary. Each
house corresponds to a specific area in life as well as all the people
functioning in the specific area.
Even though the houses remain stationary, because the earth is
moving, a new zodiac sign rises over the eastern horizon about every two hours.
That explains why the time of birth is important. With 30 degrees in each sign,
it only takes about 4 minutes for the degree that is rising to advance to the
next degree and that
small amount may alter the sign and/or degree on the remaining house cusps and
it is the sign on a cusp that describes particulars about a house according to
the planetary ruler.
Each of the houses
govern a variety of related matters
and people:
The First House governs your personality, temperament, appearance and health.
Attributes of the First House shows the color lens through which you view the world and
the experiences you attract based upon the first impression you make on others.
The Second House governs your income earning power, your portable possessions and
property,
general finances and resources. It also reveals your value system and how you
set your
priorities.
The Third House governs your mentality, communications, short trips, your immediate environment,
neighbors and siblings. It's the house of basic concepts, ideas and elementary
learning.
The Fourth House governs your home, family, parents, heritage and real estate.
It
also reveals the way you see and feel about yourself on the inside based upon
the degree of security and foundation provided to you from your heritage and
background.
The Fifth House governs children, romance and artistic expression as well as
entertainment, sports and speculation such as gambling. This house corresponds
to the urge to create something that will live on.
The Sixth House governs routine
responsibilities, service, occupation, co-workers, subordinates, health
maintenance and pets.
The Seventh House governs "others" who attract your attention.
Marriage partners, business partners, open enemies and counselors or advisors are some of
the people reflected by the seventh house.
The Eighth House governs taxes, insurance, inheritance, shared property and
resources as opposed to the personal resources and earnings of the 2nd house. It
also rules regenerative processes, sex and death.
The Ninth House governs higher learning and the abstract mind, long-range
vision,
philosophy, professors, religion, publishing, propaganda and
long journeys. It's an extension of the third house.
The Tenth House governs your public reputation and honor, profession, career
and all authority figures. Whereas the fourth house was the most private
area, the tenth is the most public and where you gain notice.
The Eleventh House governs friends, social groups, long-term hopes, wishes
and ideals. It is an extension of the fifth house; creative goals are shared in
common with a whole group or organization.
The Twelfth House governs subconscious motivations, secrets, behind the
scenes activities, recovery, confinement, hospitals, institutions and secret enemies.
All together, the houses govern every single activity, association, interest,
etc. Any question can be answered by looking into the area governed in the
horoscope to see the influences at work in that house.
About a decade ago, I put together a huge collage as a visual
aid to the houses. It took a couple years to complete and now
it hangs in a beautiful frame in my front room. I still find it helpful at times. Here's a photo of
my collage of the houses.
The angles of the chart are the cusps of the 1st, 4th, 7th and
10th houses. These cusps form a cross (+) through the center of the chart. The angles
furnish an outlet for planetary energy.
The two most dynamic areas of the chart are the eastern horizon,
or left side of the chart, and the top of the chart at the 10th house cusp.
People with several planets near these points tend to be "noticeable".
They are "personable" and tend to have a broad range of
"influence" over others. The 10th house rules "authority", therefore they are
likely to become authorities in a specific field. These are pace-setters; they
initiate action.
The two points opposite those are close runner's up and with the
7th house brought into the picture, "other people" have a strong
influential over our personal affairs, choices made, pursuits, etc. Living and
working in partnership is a strong theme.
With several planets in the 7th house, others tend to fulfill us or balance out some aspect of
ourselves that we cannot act out on our own. There could be dependency issues,
or with the 7th also ruling "open enemies", there may be
conflicts, occasionally, actual assaults. This would depend on the planet and
aspects to it, but Mars or Pluto could signify such conflicts. It's hard to say whether the
aggressive actions would be initiated by the individual or by those s/he meets
up with. Usually, it's a case of both,
sometimes the individual acts aggressively, sometimes the "other"
person acts as the aggressor.
The 7th house cusp is is the point of instant attraction or
opposition to another person. We
respond, one way or another. One way to see the dynamics of this point is to
observe your own reaction to another person who's Sun falls at this point in
your own chart. This might be your perfect partner or ideal "balance",
more common if the person is of the opposite sex. Or, they might be an instant
enemy, more common if of the same sex. See Compatibility.
For some specific 4th house functions, see the backbone
of a chart below and Choosing
Your Dwelling in Tutorial 2.
With ten "planets", counting the Sun and Moon, which
are really the "lights", there are all kinds of interesting
possibilities when you consider each of the planetary energies and the
houses they influence in your chart. Each planet has several functions and this is where
the real fun starts. Understanding the energy at work in your life.
Click the image above for a full view and print the Astrology
Keys sheet. Here's one tip for learning the keys: Learn the planet keys
first. Each house has a corresponding planet in the natural zodiac and each sign has a
corresponding planet, so you can always refer to the planet keys to start the
interpretation of a house or sign.
In the key sheet above, under each planet is a list of the various people signified by
the planet, as well as a list of descriptive terms corresponding to the
"nature" of the planet. Each planet has several functions and there is some overlapping
as far as the people ruled. Notice that both the Sun and Mars rule men and the
husband in a woman's chart. Both the Moon and Venus rule women, with the Moon
ruling the mother and Venus ruling young women and their interests.
As noted above, a planet near an angle reflects
dynamic activity as symbolized by the nature of the planet. Look to the
symbolism of the planet to see if you identify those elements and/or the people
represented in your life. Note: The angles are the cusps forming the cross(+)
through the center of your chart.
See The Angles.
Depending on many other chart factors, it is generally quite
favorable to have planets such as the Sun, Venus or Jupiter positioned on the
angles. They represent favor, ease, luck and happiness, especially so if making
good aspects to the outer bodies.
Also depending on other chart factors, planets such as Mars or
Saturn could reflect conflicts or obstacles in the life. This is more likely if
they are angular and receiving stressful aspects, such as squares or
oppositions. When together,
angular and under severe aspects, these two planets indicate one barrier after
another, making it especially difficult to express the individuality the way s/he'd like.
S/He's apparently stuck; blocked or restricted by forces outside. Frustration
accumulates and with no outlet, the assertiveness of Mars goes inward to boil. An explosion is often just around the corner... Find
more on Mars in Mars
Transiting Aspects.
Mercury takes on vibrations of the planet in nearest aspect. If
no aspect, it functions according to the sign it's in, influenced mostly by the
ruling planet of this sign. It shows what occupies
our mind and
frequently points to
the profession. Those with a prominent Mercury are likely to work in some
capacity involving transport or communication. Angular and with sufficient supporting aspects, it
may reflect such things as media involvement, the name in print or headlined in
some way. Mercury is the "messenger". The precise angle
Mercury occupies will have great input as outlined in The
Angles.
The outer planets are also strong if positioned on an angle.
Uranus suggests an innovative nature, originality and inventive talent. Neptune
indicates a high degree of sensitivity and intuition if well aspected or much confusion and
delusion in the life if harshly aspected. It may also show escapist tendencies if
in adverse aspect. Another neutral planet, Neptune absorbs the
vibrations of other planets in
close aspect. See Sixth Sense.
An angular Pluto represents control or power issues and functions similarly
to Mars at times. If on the Ascendant, it indicates great physical strength, much like
Scorpios and Scorpio rising. For more on Neptune and Pluto,
link to the Sixth Sense.
Having the Moon on an angle shows a dynamic interchange with the
public. One somehow caters to the public and many politicians are in this group.
Fame and the limelight may be in store with this position. For more on the Moon
and its aspects in your chart, see Fame
& Popularity.
As indicated on the Astrology Keys
printed out earlier, each sign of the zodiac corresponds to an element: fire,
earth, air or water. Each sign also corresponds with a Quality:
cardinal, fixed or mutable. By assessing the description for each, we get a good
idea about each of the signs and how they differ.
For instance, Taurus is the Fixed Earth sign. Motivated by
practical concerns, it is "stable", stays its course to build a strong foundation
and often finishes projects started by cardinal types. It takes a lot to deter
Taurus from a chosen path or opinion, hence it is also observed as "stubborn".
Virgo is also an Earth sign and so also driven by practical
concerns, but in this case, it is of a Mutable Quality. Flexible and
adaptable, Virgo's may change course from time to time.
The Cardinal signs can't wait to take action and so the Cardinal
Earth sign, Capricorn, is not only motivated to achieve in a practical and
material way, but sets out to make it happen, with or without anyone's help or
approval. This is the sign of big business and Capricorn usually climbs slowly
but sure-footedly to the top.
And so it is with all the signs sharing an element. They have similarities
as well as distinctions.
In your own chart, you can find the sign that most precisely
sums up the overall energy in your chart. Using a small graph, similar to the one on the
Astrology Keys, make a mark for each of your planets under the sign it
falls in. Add a mark for the sign on the Ascendant. There will be an emphasis in
one of the Elements and an emphasis in one of the Qualities. The sign
corresponding to that Element and Quality describes much about you and your
underlying drives. The sign may be different than your Sun sign.
There's another way to find some basic themes in a life and
that is through Hemispheric Emphasis. The chart is divided into hemispheres at
the angles.
If the majority of planets are on the left side of the chart;
that is, positioned between the 10th house and the 3rd house, the individual has a
great deal of control in ordering up the events happening around him or her.
These people initiate action and others follow.
If the majority of planets occupy the right side of the chart, s/he is
"receptive" and "others" have a great deal of influence over
the personal choices that are made. The interests of others must be considered for one's
own best interests.
If most of the planets are below the horizon; positioned
between the 1st and the 6th houses, the individual is inward looking and focuses on the personal side of
life, usually involving family concerns. This emphasis is likely to signify introvert tendencies.
If most of the planets are above the horizon; located between
the 7th and 12th houses, the person has many worldly interests and has an
outward or humanitarian focus. This planetary emphasis is apt to signify the extrovert.
Take a look at Chart
Pattern Types to get more of an idea of the life energies at work. It's in Tutorial
# 2.
If you saw the collage of the houses above, the guy
standing in the center of the chart perfectly depicts us in relation to our
chart and the world around us. His feet are planted on the ground within the 4th house range. This is
his support, his self-assuredness, the way he sees himself in relation to the
world. Much of this foundation comes from our family, heritage and tradition and
much of it is
largely sub-conscious. One is required to go inward and evaluate to the very
depths on occasion to nurture this aspect of self. This is a most private area and corresponds naturally to the instinctive
Moon.
The top of the chart is where his head is held up high. This
area represents the honor and esteem we've earned for ourselves through all of
our endeavors and actions. It is our just rewards or what we've become deserving of.
It is the reputation
we've created for ourselves. A
most public area, the 10th house cusp corresponds with Saturn, the reality
factor that justice will be served and that deserved honor will follow.
And so, these two opposing points - 4th house/10th house and vertical angle is
the backbone in a chart and the "I" within.
The Astrology Keys also gives a list of the most used aspects in
astrology, along with their symbols, the degrees involved, and their strength
and significance. The aspects show the relationship between two planets. Each sign is 30 degrees and the 12 signs equals 360 degrees - a
full circle. The fractions of the circle is what determines an aspect.
As seen on the Key sheet, signs of the same element form trines
to one another. They are four signs apart or 120 degrees, an "easy" relationship.
Signs opposite one another form an opposition, an aspect of "tension". Signs that
are three signs apart form a 90 degree angle or Square, an aspect of potential
"stress" or obstacles.
These stress aspects are often our best guide to ensuring that
we stay on our path to reach the goals we aspired to. They force us to use our
wits and stretch our abilities. I think we tend to appreciate the hard aspects
more as we get older but it's always a good exercise to find at least one
example of what an aspect might imply if operating at it's very best. Even a
square has its good points and is behind some of life's greatest
achievements.
When checking the aspects of planets in your chart, a little
more precision is required and you must account for the degree and sign of
each planet. For the major aspects, they must be within 10 degrees of an exact
aspect to function accordingly. Say you have two planets in the same sign and
within 5 degrees of one another. That is a Conjunction, the strongest aspect of
all, and both planets will function more "intensely" due to the relationship. They
"reinforce" one another through the close relationship.
A Sextile is formed when two planets are 60 degrees apart; two
signs apart. This is an aspect of "opportunity" and ease, but not as
"lucky" as a
trine aspect. If two planets are 55 degrees apart or 65 degrees apart, or
anywhere in between, they are
in Sextile.
The closer an aspect, the more prominent in the life this
interplay of energy will be experienced. Using the key
sheets, you can look at the energy associated with each planet to see how
they'd get along together in the first place and then consider the particular
aspect. Ok, like Venus with Neptune is a smooth pairing, so at it's
worst it could operate as too much of a good thing or living in a dream world.
Venus, the Sun and Jupiter are abundantly helpful in most cases.
Just the opposite is the case with Mars and Saturn, the
traditional malefic planets, because they're most often noted to be present and to correspond with troublesome
situations. Even in the conjunction aspect, either of these is more likely to
describe some difficult situation or condition that comes to the surface from
time to time.
You can also take a look at Chart
Pattern Types to get an instant "feel" of the overall chart
configuration. Continue to Tutorial #2 - Chart
Pattern Types, Choosing Your Ideal Residence and answering the question, What if I have empty
houses?
A good book for beginners is called Astrology
in Modern Language: by Richard Vaughn. Not an ordinary cook book,
it leads you through not only the sign on the cusp, but also to the ruler's
house position meaning.
A great book on houses is called
The House Book by Stephanie
Camilleri. read a review.
There are other good beginner books listed in the library.
If you are past the beginner level but not quite to an intermediate level yet, a
book I would recommend is How
to Read Your Astrological Chart by Donna Cunningham. See reviews.
If you are fascinated with eclipses and wondering how an eclipse
might impact your life, you'll want a copy of my book, Eclipses,
Predicting World Events & Personal Transformation. It explains
eclipses and how to prepare for an eclipse falling in a certain house or on one
of your natal planets. Read an on site published
review.
Please make yourself at home exploring your favorite topics on
the website or continue now to Tutorial #2. Best
wishes in your astrology studies! Drop me an email and let me know how you're
doing.
© 1999-2008 Celeste Teal
