SO BASICALLY...
Here are some of the very basic concepts of astrology. Astrology gets really deep, in terms of planet, sign, and house placements. This little webpage is not meant to overwhelm you, nor did I put it together with such intentions. Before you can understand what "detrimental Mars in 12 degrees Gemini in the 8th conjuncted by exhaulted Mercury in 8 degrees Virgo in the 6th" means, you need to understand what Mercury and Mars represent, and what Gemini and Virgo in the 8th and 6th house even means. Essentially, you can't understand what 5 plus 5 amounts to if you don't initially understand what 5 means. Given, the information provided here is a VERY BASIC introduction to some astrology concepts. Figuratively speaking, this webpage is meant to slowly introduce you into understanding what "5" amounts to; so that you can then later discover what 5 plus 5 amounts to.
IN A NUTT SHELL
We all have 3 major significant areas that work together, whether harmoniously or in opposition, to define and fortify who we are, who we should be, and what we need. These areas consist of our Sun Sign, Rising Sign (The Ascendant), and Moon Sign. Our Sun Sign is also referred to as The Zodiac; our birth-month sign that everyone is aware of. Each area is divvied up into thirds (1/3) to surmount to 1 whole. Here is what and how each unique "third" appertains to the cognitive, physical, and metaphysical infrastructure of our astrological DNA.
THE THREE W's
Who you are... What they think... Why you care
- SUN SIGN -
Represents your vitality, health, viable habits, morals, ethics, behaviors, motivations, leanings, and structural patterns, which all lead to our personal inclinations. This specific "third" is that of which we are conscious of. We are aware of these things. Whereas, we display and believe in them because we feel as though they positively and viably serve us. Basically, premeditation. Everyone already knows their Sun Sign. For it's their birth month sign!
- RISING [ASCENDANT] SIGN -
The personal impressions that we unintentionally leave with people; especially those whom we momentarily meet or have become acquainted with. These people can include co-workers, classmates, teachers, Bosses, the family members of our friends, etc. This can be summarized down to the personality and basic vibe we give off in social gatherings. This specific "third" is that of which we are unconscious of. This exuded vibe is not premeditated. We are simply being ourselves, and this is where and how others begin to perceive us; through merely exhibiting our organic free flowing social personality. Once we choose to cultivate intimate relationships, it is then, when these particular individuals begin to witness our true colors; our Sun Sign!
- MOON SIGN -
Our initial and immediate emotional responses to any given situation. Given, our mood swings are inevitable, but your natural uninhibited emotional reactions to daily mishaps that incite emotions such as sadness, hurtfulness, love, betrayal, happiness, contention, abandonment, our impulsivities, our libido, etc. For instance, what if a complete stranger at the supermarket runs into your push cart and tells you "watch where the hell you're going, dumbass", or if someone randomly shoots a gun into the air at an attending event, how will you immediately react or respond? Another representation of our Moon Sign is what we need from others, and our lovers, to feel emotionally secure and fulfilled; as well as receiving that which is required from any type of personal relationship. Additionally, our moon sign also eludes to the personal quality, perspective, and relationship with our mother. Traditionally, It is our mother who teaches and rears us in the process of understanding and expressing our personal feelings. Also, she is the parent who traditionally takes on the emotional role within her family unit. Today's society is much different and rather radical by nature. As the result of a single parent household, one parent is solely required to undertake everything that which is intended for two. In turn, someone's Father can be the representation of one's Moon Sign.
OTHER GENERAL PLACEMENTS
- MEDIUM COELI -
Also known as your MC or Mid-Heaven, represents your public persona. It's basically where you fit into the world. This placement shows us how and where we can fulfill our soul and spirit; through our job or vocation. Our job and chosen career is something that is performed over a lifetime. So, you will get satisfaction through your job every single day. It is your "dream job". This dream job doesn't have anything to do with worldly possessions or satisfactions. This placement enlightens us as to where we can fulfill ourselves on a spiritual level.
- IMUM COELI -
Also known as your IC, represents that place inside of your soul which is filled with your deepest darkest secrets. This is the place where your animalistic instincts, darkest secrets, insatiable desires, and darkest parts of your ego reside. This is where you conceal those thoughts and desires that you have when your alone in your room. This is where all of your inner desires and primitive inborn personality resides, which also relates to your roots and early beginnings. The crap in your life that you push down and may not want to revisit. These inborn primal desires and instincts mold your inner sense of belonging. Be this as it may, it stems from your childhood and upbringing. Depending upon how your younger years have manifested, such as your childhood hindrances and suppressed feelings, is what shaped and shapes your inner awareness.
- NORTH & SOUTH NODE -
This is referred to as your spiritual "past life and karmic destiny". In astrology, your life purpose is encoded in the north node and south node of the moon. They aren’t planets, but rather mathematical points on the chart that fall in two opposite zodiac signs. They are points that take into account the relationship between the Sun, Moon, and Earth at the time of our birth. The Nodes of the Moon suggests that we all come into this world with some underdeveloped and overdeveloped aspects of our character. The Nodes of the Moon point us to these specific qualities: the South Node suggests our overdeveloped character traits that are easy for us to fall back on, but that may undermine our lives if we hold on to these traits for security; sort of like the old saying "been there done that". It's a peak into how your personality, disposition, outlook, and social economic status was during your past-life; whether it served you or defeated you. Fear is associated with South Node, due to your past-life's detriments and struggles. The South Node position is very often a point of great insecurity. However, the only way we can feel successful in our current-life is through working on the qualities of the opposite sign. The North Node suggests the qualities that we need to develop in order to find inner balance in our current-life. Consciously working on these “life lessons” can bring us to increased happiness and fulfillment. If we over-emphasize and fall back on the qualities of our South Node, at the expense of developing our North Node, we may have a difficult time feeling personally successful. One feels somewhat awkward and uncertain in the areas represented by the North Node (its sign and house). The North Node can also be considered a point of inflow. We need help with our North Node issues, and we often meet people who will help us confront these issues. Thus, the North Node represents a point of spiritual challenge and growth.
THE PLANETS, SIGNS, & HOUSES
- THE PLANET -
The most important concept to remember from this section is:
THE PLANET is the influence, THE SIGN is the reaction, THE HOUSE is the location.
The planet is the influence, which comes from its exuding energy. It is where the vibe and energy are manufactured. Every planet exudes a consistent form of energy in its solitary form, but this energy can be transformed or altered by the additive of another planet's energy. As you're dissecting your chart and its placements, start with recognizing the placement's planet. This planet represents your general feel and vibe, by that placement, as it applies to your life. This is your general outlook and perception of the placement in question; because of the planet's originated feel and overall energy. Here are some examples of a planet's energy and undeniable influence: Ice is always cold, as fire is always hot. The friction will ignite, as the water will freeze.
The table below displays each planet's individual exuding energy and general vibe:
ASPECTS & ORBS
The table below describes the general types of aspects that our planets can make. They are special bi-planetary aspects that were taking place up in the sky at the exact moment that you were born. These aspects are powerful influences upon us and are measured by orb gaps of energy. Some astrologers allow bigger orbs than others but personally, anything over 5 orbs is not very influential at least throughout my own personal experience. For the sake of simplicity, my personal recommendation is to stay below 4.5orbs. The closer the orb is to zero, the more influential the aspect will be. So, look out for 0.5, 0.2, 0.22, 0.17, etc. for these are extremely prevalent in terms of its influence upon you. This goes along with transits. If any of your small orb personal aspects so happen to manifest in the sky throughout your life's span, then they will be felt at that current time and in the manner in which they are aspected in your natal chart.
Note
The conjunction normally reveals a harmonious relationship between two planets. Given, there is a caveat to keep in mind. If the first planet is in detriment or is a malefic planet, then the corresponding planet may be adversely affected. It is important to decipher and pay attention to the minute details of each planet before concluding the overall aspects’ influence or effects upon the other, and it's overall effect.
RETROGRADES
When astrologers refer to planets being "retrograde" this is understood as the planet moving backward. The planet is not literally orbiting backward, but rather stops/slows tremendously, while other planets are orbiting at their normal pace. Thus, the planet's exuding energies are projected inward instead of outward. Retrograde planets in your natal chart represent repressed emotions that were experienced at a young age and/or in your past lives. These emotions were not encouraged to naturally flourish. Such emotions are representative to the retrograded planet in your chart. These are the areas in which you need to prevail over within your current life. The majority of individuals have 2 to 3 retrogrades in their natal chart. Rarely, do any individuals not have any in their chart. In the event that you don't have any, this represents that at an early age you naturally developed important life skills and felt no inclination for inner self-exploration and such characteristic feelings were not suppressed. Natives with 4 or more retrogrades show that they had a hard time finding their self and where they fit into society; during their adolescent and young adult life stages. This is not necessarily detrimental, for this incited the native to perpetually work internally and felt the need to forge their own path. Inasmuch as, gifting the native with a highly individualistic, eccentric, and alternate self. This native possesses the ability to successfully handle life's volatile issues and situations at an early age. In addition, when a planet presently goes retrograde, while having this placement in your natal chart, such planetary characteristics have a direct impact upon you. The traits of the retrograded planet will affect you in such of a manner; especially if the planet is retrograding in your same natal sign. The following table displays the characteristics and traits of each retrograde planet.
- THE SIGN -
Each Sign is distinguished by its overall nature and disposition. Each sign is known for having particular traits. For example, one trait that Virgos are known for is keen organization. They are "those people" who color coordinate their cabinet cups, take notes with specified colored pens, each closet hanger matches the color of its hanging shirt, etc. Virgos always cross their T's and dot their I's. There is a place for everything and everything in its place.
The Sign is how you will react to that planet's influence, or because of that planet being positioned in that placement. Let's say that you have the placement of Venus in Virgo in your natal chart. Ask yourself, what is Venus? Venus is the planet of love and diplomacy. What is Virgo? Virgo is critical and analytical. Given, you will approach and perceive your love life in a critical and analytical manner. You may be slightly judgmental of your spouse because you tend to frequently point out all of their flaws. As a result, you may be single for years on end, or in and out of relationships, because you're seeking perfection in a mate. This is due to you being overly critical, which leads to being judgmental, while hoping to achieve perfection as the end result. As criticism and judgment are beneficial within other areas of your life, implementing them here is detrimental to your love life
SIGN ELEMENTS
- Fire Signs: High energy, initiation, determination, courageous, impulsive, and impatience.
- Earth Signs: Keen discernment, pragmatism, grounded, Morally driven, poised, and traditional.
- Air Signs: Quick-minded, humanitarian, innovative, and thinking outside-of-the-box.
- Water Signs: Shoulder-hearted, influenced, emotionally driven, imaginative, and compassionate.
As you're analyzing your placements, identify what the planet represents and the traits that The Sign embodies. Then, use such information to interpret the placement's meaning. This is sort of like a cause and effect situation. The planet serving as the "cause" and the Sign as the "effect".
Each Sign's element, planet and house ruler, and good and bad traits:
Degrees & Cusps
Each zodiac sign is roughly 30 degrees in length. Rather, each Zodiac's constellation is roughly 30 degrees in length. This is a basic estimate. So, as you are referencing your natal chart the sign’s Longitude is measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds. For the sake of simplicity, all you need to recognize are the degrees. Based upon the sign’s or placement’s degrees, entails how strong the placement resonates with you. For instance, if you have Mars in Gemini at 3 degrees then you have a some-what weak placement in Gemini. The mere fact that it is placed in Gemini shouldn’t be negated but rather recognized that you share some relation to Taurus, the sign preceding Gemini. If you have Mars Placed In Gemini at 26 degrees, then you have some relation with Cancer, the sign proceeding Gemini. If your Mars is anywhere between 12 and 18 degrees of Gemini, then you can conclude that the solely Gemini archetype is very strong and resonates with you deeply. When you have placements that are at the very beginning and/or very end of any 30 degree zodiac sign, these placements are referred to as cusps. Individuals who tend to have a vast amount of cusps are people who were born at the borderline, or cusp, of each zodiac’s ending month. Each zodiac’s ruling gamut month normally falls between 20 days. Commencing from the 20th day of the previous month and ceasing on the 20th day of the following month.
- THE HOUSE -
The houses in astrology are the areas in which your aspects and placements occur most prevalent in your life.
Every house has a sign ruler.
The house belongs to the sign ruler because of t sign's traits and the house's real-life placement and involvement.
In your chart, this is not the case; in terms of house and its respective sign ruler matching up.
The house simply states where such placements happen and manifest within your life.
ALL IN ALL
This is somewhat of a lot of information to take in. Please don't get discouraged. If you've made it this far, you are apparently interested. The web is filled with interpretations; hence you not having to remember all of this information. This tiny page is barely scratching the surface but are the main points of astrology. If you can remember the main bullet points of this page, then your good to go. The things to remember are sign traits, planet traits, the planet's trait is the influence, the sign's trait is the reaction, the house is the location.
I haven't memorized all of the houses myself. This is why I advise you to save these images on your phone. Make a neat little folder in your gallery and save these images to it for reference. Yes I'm a Virgo, and you should see my phone's gallery, its ridiculous lol.
YAAAY!! You are done with the basic teachings of astrology! You made it to the end you little soldier!
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need further clarification regarding this information.