Question: I still don't
get the idea how I could connect the reading of planet aspect to houses and the
12 signs. Please help.
Answer: A good question
and I know how that can be confusing at first. Aspects are the most challenging.
Basically, you do everything
separately and blend as you go:
Once you understand a planet’s function and type of
energy it carries, going by the planetary
keywords, you look to the sign it's in to see how that zodiac
sign would influence
it.
For example, a planet usually functions pretty well in the
sign it rules but let’s say the Moon is in Capricorn. The Moon rules one’s
emotional sensitivity; the mother, other women, etc. Capricorn has Saturn as a
ruler; cool, business-like and conservative, so the Moon in Capricorn would
produce emotions that are somewhat detached or held back, causing difficulty in
expressing the softer emotions. Such a person might appear as overly aloof. And,
s/he might experience a similar distancing from important women in the life.
In such a case, the mother may be reserved in emotional
expression. She might also become a burden in some way, especially in later
years since Saturn/Capricorn also denote those of advanced age. For more about
the signs, go to Zodiac Signs. Find
more about those important Moon aspects in Fame & Popularity.
Just a note here: this is the
same way to blend planetary aspects, so a hard aspect between the Moon and
Saturn also produces the above. The hard aspects are the square and
opposition. With these two planets, a conjunction would also be considered a
hard aspect due to the differing natures of the two planets. Use the Key
sheet to refer to.
Next, consider the house position to see where this energy
is produced in your life. Using the same example as previous, the Moon is
changeable and in the
2nd house of finances would show "changing circumstances" surrounding earned
income as well as an emotional need for material security.
However, because Capricorn/Saturn bring caution and
conservatism to the area, such a person might appear as stingy, overly ambitious
about money and depending on the aspects might have to struggle to feel
financially secure. Saturn in the chart often shows the greatest fears and influencing
the Moon contributes some of this “nature”. The
areas of life ruled by each house can be found in the Tutorial
and sign characteristics in Zodiac signs.
Now look to the aspects and blend the nature of a planet
throwing light and energy to the first planet. In this example case it’s a
Capricorn Moon in the 2nd house. Two planets will blend either
harmoniously or not by nature and by aspect. Some planets blend better than others.
An aspect of the Sun, Venus or Jupiter would appreciatively enhance this Moon.
The Keys sheets provided in the Tutorial
give all the attributes of planets so be sure to refer to them. My book, Predicting
Events with Astrology also has an entire section devoted to planetary
blending. You can find it in the Library and excerpts
from it in News
Line.
As you can see, there is some effort involved but it gets
easier as you practice “reading” charts. If you start with the personal
planets; Moon, Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars you’ll get the fundamentals.
Later, try reading someone else’s chart too. That helps to get an objective
eye on the process of blending. I want to thank you for writing. Sounds like
you're really trying. Don't give up because you will get it! Celeste
Question: What happens
if I have a house without any planets in it? Does it mean I don’t care about
that part of my life?
Answer: Absolutely not.
If a house is empty, it shows that there is less conscious concern in that area.
You pretty much accept conditions the way they are and anything experienced is
not likely to give you any more of a problem than you can handle. Still, such a house still has a sign influencing it and the ruler of that sign is the
planet to look to for particulars. The aspects that planet is involved in
describes much about how those house matters will go. Refer to the Astrology
Keys provided in the Tutorial
for the sign rulers and be sure to learn more about how a sign influences a house in Zodiac
Signs. (A house containing one or more planets
immediately signifies some conscious concern over those house matters.)
A wonderful book for the novice is called Astrology
in Modern Language: by Richard Vaughn. Not an ordinary cook book style,
it leads you through not only the sign on the cusp, but also to the ruler's
house position meaning. It also covers aspects, is easy to understand and will be a
reference for many years.
A great book on houses is called The House Book by
Stephanie Camilleri. Order
The House Book from Amazon
or read a review.
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.
The overall pattern of a chart suggests certain behavior
types. Research by Marc Edmund Jones led to the discovery of seven distinct
patterns: Click on the images below to view charts.
The first pattern is called the Bundle; produced
when all the planets are grouped together in the confines of a trine or less. This is the
rarest pattern and suggests a specialized or limited range of interests as well as the ability to focus
within that range. Stimuli from outside this range may not produce a response or
there may be inhibitions. The Bundle precludes an opportunity to become
self-reliant and to capitalize upon limited resources. President George W. Bush and Gary Busy are two among
the Bundle group.
When the planets occupy half the chart, leaving the other
half empty, the Bowl pattern is produced. This pattern establishes a
self-contained individual with great inner strength, who may feel cut
off from a whole sector of experience. The underlying compulsion is to initiate projects
for the betterment of all if the lower half of the chart is emphasized with
planets, or
to consummate such projects if the upper half is emphasized. The
planet leading the others in a clockwise direction may be revealing by its house
position. Donald Trump and Jimi Hendrix are examples of the Bowl
pattern.
Where the planets form a Bowl with the exception of one or
a pair together on the opposite side of the chart, the Bucket is produced.
The lone planet(s) shows a special capacity that brings a compelling orientation
to the whole life. Achieving objectives is important to the psychological
well-being. In this case, the individual becomes a source of inspiration
or an agitator, depending on the development of the overall potential. Bill Gates, Calista Flockhart and John Lennon have charts of the Bucket type. Often,
the Bucket type will have a Tee-Square; three or more planets involved in 90
degree angle aspects to form a T in the chart. Such stress is often behind great productivity.
In the chart of Bill Gates, Chiron is a factor in the Bucket pattern.
With the See Saw pattern in which planets are
grouped to form oppositions in a narrow range, two completely opposing types of
experiences are calling and the individual feels just as compelled toward one as
to the other. This creates such an awareness of conflict that a choice must be
made to either find a happy medium or to wrestle continuously with opposing
urges. The points of conflict will be found in the opposing houses and signs. Planets exactly opposite one another show extreme conflict
and the individual may become caught up in an energy-consuming struggle. The
entire ability to relate may be dependant on stimulation from the areas of
conflict and the mind jumps automatically to these issues. Edward Kennedy has a horoscope that illustrates the See-Saw
pattern. A true See Saw is uncommon.
The Locomotive pattern is found when the planets are
spread out to occupy two thirds of the chart, leaving one third empty. This
indicates a compulsion to seek fulfillment, which is based on the feeling that
something is missing. These individuals apply
drive and are energetic in handling problems. The planet acting as the engine;
leading the rest in a clockwise direction, may be revealing. The Locomotive suggests
self-seeking tendencies as well as executive ability. Nicholas Cage and JFK Jr. are examples of the Locomotive
pattern.
If the planets are splashed all over the chart and fairly
evenly distributed throughout the houses, the Splash pattern
occurs. This suggests that there is such a diversity of stimuli that one
will either scatter energies indiscriminately, making it difficult to accomplish
one main goal, or be forced into becoming extraordinarily organized. George Harrison's chart conforms to the Splash type.
The Splay pattern results if the planets do not fit
into any of the foregoing categories. This pattern type generally shows three
points of emphasis and is sometimes found to contain a Grand Trine. It
distinguishes one with an iron grip that is fortifying against any type
of opposition. It suggests an unwavering individual and sometimes a ruthless nature
as these people will avoid being pigeonholed or bound by routine. Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon have the Splay pattern and
Matt's shows a Grand Trine of Moon, Mars and Saturn.
Not only can these patterns reveal dynamics of the natal
chart, they can also be informative about your coming year as based upon your
Solar Return. This is covered in my book, Identifying
Planetary Triggers, and there's a chapter on each of the planetary
returns, Moon through Saturn. Learn how to put your Mercury or your Venus
Return to work... See more celebrity charts in Planetary Effects on Appearance
and Personality and in Fame & Popularity.
Finding the location and home that’s right for you can be
found in your horoscope and combined with relocation technique puts one at a
real advantage. You can choose to bring your best planets (abilities and
potential) forward. True, you can’t change the natal pattern or aspects among
planets but you can reposition them to place the problematic ones in the cadent
houses and bring the best ones onto the angles. A bit off the subject but many
people will travel for their birthday in order to alter their Solar Return. The
only problem with that is that when they return home they pick up where they
left off. A permanent move is another matter. See
Relocating below.
When I moved across the country to settle in Phoenix, a
place I’d long had an attraction for; I used relocation methods to check the
chart first. It was a good choice astrologically and when I arrived, it felt
like home. There are also guidelines for finding the right dwelling in the
horoscope: You
can experiment with potential cities to travel to at the Astrodienst.
Your home is a 4th house matter of course, so
that’s the house to look to. The sign ruling the 4th house reflects
the direction your house should face; if the sign is Aries, the home should face
East; if Cancer, North; if Libra, West and if Capricorn, South. Taurus and
Gemini are East and North, denoting a home facing the Northeast. Leo and Virgo
are Northwest so that’s the direction the home should face. Scorpio or
Sagittarius on the 4th house cusp would reflect a home facing
Southwest while Aquarius or Pisces indicate Southeast. These directional
guidelines are found on the House-Sign
Keywords sheet in the Tutorial.
To find more about the exact locality, look to your rising
sign. If a cardinal sign is rising, the home should be elevated above sea level,
on a hill or in some way prominently situated. If a fixed sign is rising, the
home should be in a valley. If a mutable sign rises, the home should be at sea
level and situated among other homes. Following these guidelines brings one to
the most agreeable magnetic conditions by nature. The Astrology
Keys sheet
in the Tutorial provides a table of the
cardinal, fixed and mutable signs and you can also find this information in Zodiac
signs.
To determine whether to relocate from the place of birth,
look to the natal chart. If there is an undesirable configuration that places
heavily afflicted planets in the 1st or 4th houses,
relocation might be advisable. If this is a luminary or the afflicted planet(s)
are exactly on one of these angles, all the more so. Heavily afflicted planets
in the 9th house, however, warn against relocating to a foreign
country, especially if these are the traditional Malefics; Mars, Saturn, Uranus,
and Pluto.
If moving is advisable, find the direction associated with
the rising sign and experiment with some relocated charts in that direction (see
above). Calculate a new natal chart as if
birth took place in that city, adjusting your time of birth to have coincided
with that time zone by adding or subtracting the appropriate number of hours.
Relocating would not usually be advised if a well-configured luminary or Venus or
Jupiter occupied the 4th house because that shows great benefits in
the birth location.
Matrix
WinStar, a professional astrology program, does relocations for you,
automatically adjusting the time. All you do is type in the city. You can also
experiment with potential cities to travel to at the Astrodienst.
Find the best configuration in your chart, possibly one
that reflects abilities along the lines of what you’d like to be doing in
life. Again, you can find these correspondences on the Key sheets in the Tutorial.
Design work would involve Venus; mechanics or surgeons, Mars and/or Pluto;
teaching; Jupiter or Mercury; etc. You can also look to Venus and Jupiter, the
Sun or Moon and if well aspected, experiment with relocation charts to see if
you can bring one or more of them onto an angle. Keep in mind that some
stressful aspects are a must for progress. If we didn’t have some obstacles to
overcome, we’d never make any efforts or grow at all. Still, there can be situations in which
barriers can be overwhelming and if the choice to relocate can alleviate those,
then great!
Since
this process could involve the calculation of several charts, I recommend Matrix
WinStar, a professional program, which does chart relocations for you. Find my
books at News Line or, read book
reviews.
A Quick Overview by Celeste Teal
While the Sun may point to the occupation, Mercury shows how the mental
faculties operate and where one puts his or her attention. For that reason,
Mercury is a good guide to the type of work a person will do by sign position.
Often, Mercury occupies the same sign as the Sun.
Aries: Work requiring initiative,
enterprise, courage and bravery such as the armed forces, engineering, surgery.
Works with tools, especially sharp instruments. Pairs well with Libra, works
well with Leo, Sagittarius. ¥ Mars rules Aries: Associated with war, aggression, sudden action and
points of confrontation.
Taurus: Work such as farming, building, banking or finance
and a stable routine. Also work in finery, textiles, clothing or sculpting.
Pairs well with Scorpio, works well with Libra, Capricorn, most signs.
¤ - Venus rules
Taurus: Associated
with a love of material security and enjoyment of the creature comforts.
Gemini: Occupations involving
travel and communications within the immediate area and familiarity with the
local area. Includes teachers, journalists, printing, advertising, postal or
secretarial workers. Pairs well with Sagittarius, works well with Aquarius,
Libra. £- Mercury rules Gemini: Associated with “the
messenger.” Good basic know-how and problem solving abilities.
Cancer: Domestic related
occupations such as chefs, caterers or anything connected to women’s products.
Also public servants and those who cater close to the public. Pairs well with
Capricorn, works well with Scorpio, Pisces.
¡ - The Moon rules Cancer: Associated with mother,
nurture and heightened sensitivity to the needs of others.
Leo: Occupations involving leadership and a central
position for others to depend upon. Ego needs to shine and thrives on the
limelight. Actors and entertainers; managers. Pairs well with Aquarius, works
well with Aries, Sagittarius. ¢ The Sun rules Leo: Associated
with high energy and a central pull of command.
Virgo: Good
critical and scientific abilities such as making potions, chemists. A practical
mind and clinical qualities that are needed for healing. A
great capacity for responsibility; often striving to serve others.
Pairs well with Pisces, works well with Capricorn and
Taurus. £- Mercury rules Virgo: Associated with an analytical capacity and attention to details.
Libra Diplomats, mediators,
judges, counselors and occupations relating to the need to see both sides of an
issue. Artistic talent such as cosmetology and related services. Pairs well with
Aries, works well with most signs. ¤ -
Ruled by Venus: Associated with harmony, romance, beauty, art, balance.
Scorpio: Underground type
work, either physically or otherwise. Research, occult, recycling and optimizing
resources, mining or agriculture.
Pairs well with Taurus, works well with Pisces, Cancer.
ª Pluto rules Scorpio, associated with death and rebirth. The Phoenix.
Sagittarius: Publishing, marketing,
philosophy, religion, propaganda. Work such as a professor or philanthropy.
Pairs well with Gemini, works well with Leo, Aries. ¦- Ruled by Jupiter, associated with great faith, optimism, and foresight.
Capricorn: Business and enterprise requiring great organizational
abilities. Steadfast, will climb to the top slowly. Pairs well with Cancer,
works well with Virgo, Taurus. §- Ruled by Saturn, associated with a slow but earnest
pace. Grounded and practical; good management.
Aquarius: Works well in large
organizations with the opportunity to become the group’s leader. Inventive,
detached. Pairs well with Leo, works well with Gemini, Libra. ¨- Ruled by Uranus, associated with the breaking of new ground in technical areas.
Pisces: Work done in hospitals,
institutions and the movie industry. Pairs well with Virgo, works well with
Scorpio, Cancer. © - Ruled by Neptune, associated with illusions, dreams, the sea.
The
above list does not include every possibility, just some basics. Go to Zodiac
Signs for more about each.
One
of the easiest ways to learn astrology is to monitor your Lunar Return each
month. You'll quickly find how each planet functions in your life by noting its
house position, especially if angular. In one month, you'll see all of the
planets and aspects play out. This enables you to be more certain the next time
you see a configuration. To request a set of your 13 Lunar Returns for the year
and some tips for reading them, please email
me. You can be forecasting in no time.
©1999-2008, Celeste Teal
