Introduction To Astrology: The Signs, Aspects, and Houses

You may have heard of zodiac Signs. You may have gone through life asking people what their “Signs” are. You may know of the Signs Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. If you don’t know those Signs:

 

What you may not know is that these “Zodiac Signs”, fit for your birthday, are one of 10 (and more) main “planetary” Signs you have in your natal chart. The zodiac Signs most people know are Sun Signs. Did you know that you also have Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto Signs? These planets enter each of the 12 zodiac Signs you’re most familiar with. So if you thought your sign was “Aquarius”, for example, remember that your Sun Sign is Aquarius. This means the Sun, the actual star in the sky, was moving into the constellation or the Sign of Aquarius. This is why you’re able to find your Sun sign just by knowing your birthday. The Sun stays in one sign for about a month. This is why these “Zodiac Signs” became really popular. The Sun is the center of the universe and is most visible to us. Therefore, it rules over “consciousness” astrologically. It’s no wonder we are most aware of this sign of all of them.

Finding the other Signs can often confuse most people. In order to find the other Planetary Signs, you would have to find a natal chart. With modern technology, you can find a FREE natal chart online! Now people are able to learn more about their other Signs. The whole chart gives us a complete picture about ourselves. It’s not something to let rule over your life. It’s something that can help you reflect upon yourself. It gives you insight and tells your story in words. Natal charts don’t tell you exactly who you are, but they do reveal potential and tendencies that we may overlook in our personalities and lives. Only we know how the information can be applied in our lives. The charts just give us the visual to describe what is already there.

To get your FREE natal chart, my personal favorite website is astro.com.

On the left-hand side of the screen, there are three bars next to the word “Horoscopes”. Click the three bars to reveal a drop-down menu. Click the drop-down menu under “Horoscope Drawings & Data”. In that drop-down menu, click “Extended Chart Selection”. Click “Enter Birth Data” (For visitors who do not yet have a user profile). Enter your information. In order to find your house placements, you will need to know what time you were born. If you don’t know that yet, you can put in “Unknown”, but you will only see your Planets in Signs.

After entering your data, you will come to another page. The Chart Type should say “Natal Chart Wheel” and Chart Drawing Style should be “Web Default Style”. Then, click the green button that says “Show The Chart”.

This is what your chart should look like.

After you have your natal chart, look at the box on the left-hand side. There is the symbol representing the planet, the name of the planet written out for you, and the sign to the right of it. On the big wheel, the different symbols on the chart show you the planets’ symbols as well as the sign it’s in. Let’s just focus in on the box to the left. First pick a planet, then to the right of the planet, look at the sign next to it.

Sun to Pluto are the most important for those just studying. They are the “planets” that rule over the 12 Signs. They have symbols next to them, too. When you see a planet next to a sign, it means this planet has entered this sign when you were born. So basically, you have a Sun Sign, Moon Sign, Mercury Sign, Venus Sign, etc.

All of the planets have their own meaning. All of the Signs have their own meaning. Let me help you understand what they mean. We combine their meanings to get the whole story. When a planet enters a sign, it is telling you “your needs” (planet) and “how you express yourself to get your needs met in that area” (sign). The planet is the “need”, the sign is “how you express the need so you can get the need met”. The chart is telling you things about your personality.

In order to begin to understand the rest of what you’re about to read, it’s important to get to know the Planets and Signs well. It takes practice.

To understand the gist of planetary meanings, the Charts Above titled “Ruling Planets”, “The Planets”, “Planets”, and “Planet” can tell you what the planets and luminaries mean in basic terms. Then move to the charts that elaborate on the Signs, which are also above, just below the planets. Combine the meaning of the planet and sign charts to get a better understanding of what the Planet in Sign means in full detail.  We are most familiar with the Sun, so I’ll start there.

If Sun is in Leo, let’s look at the meaning of the Luminary/Planet Sun and the meaning under the Sign of Leo. The Sun is the ego or expression, just using two key words on the charts above, right? Leo is creative and popular, using two words from the charts above. This means the individual expresses their “ego” and “expression” in a creative way. This may also mean their ego and expression are somehow related to being popular, too. This tells us that the Sun in Leo individual must have a very colorful persona, due to being so creative, and they love attention! Their ego and expression are tied to being popular and creative. The Sun is the “need” to express ourselves, our ego, our identity. Leo is “how” someone would express that need to get it met, and Leos would be pretty creative in order to express themselves and get noticed.

We all have a Sun Sign, and all need attention or to feel important to a certain degree. The Sun represents that side to all of us. But how we go about it makes all the difference, and that’s where the Signs come in.

Let’s look at some of the other Luminaries and Planetary bodies.

I’ll use Moon in Taurus as an example next. Moon is the planet of emotions, just picking a keyword from the chart here. Taurus is sensual and pleasure-seeking. So, this may mean that these individuals need something sensual and pleasure-seeking for emotional reasons or it is related to their feelings and emotions in some way.

Do you see how it works now? If not, leave me a comment.

Each sign is also ruled by one of these planets. The Charts Above show which Planet rules over each Sign. The Ruling Planet’s Sign has influence on other Signs ruled BY the planet. I’ll explain this a little more.

Sun rules over Leo

Moon rules over Cancer

Mercury rules over Gemini and Virgo

Venus rules over Taurus and Libra

Mars rules over Aries and Scorpio (traditionally)

Jupiter rules over Sagittarius and Pisces (traditionally)

Saturn rules over Capricorn and Aquarius (traditionally)

Uranus rules over Aquarius

Neptune rules over Pisces

Pluto rules over Scorpio

So even though each of these Planets enter a Sign, they each rule over a Sign, even when they haven’t entered in one. This means that particular Planet is so similar in meaning and expression to that particular Sign, the Planet influences any other Planets that enter the Sign similar to the Planet.

The Sun and Leo have a lot in common, for example. The Sun is about the ego and creativity. Leo is known as a sign that can be a little egocentric and VERY creative. So, no matter what planet is in Leo, the Sun, the ruling planet of Leo, will influence that planet. So imagine how powerful the expression will be when the Sun is IN the sign of its ruler! That person would have the Sun Sign of Leo, and we would call that position domicile.

So let me elaborate a little on what I said. For example, if your Mars is in Leo, you would look at the Sun, the ruling planet of Leo, and see the Sign Sun is in. In the chart above, they have Mars in Leo. Their Sun Sign is also in Leo. Sun in Leo influences Mars in Leo because that is Leo’s ruling planet, no matter what.

Another example, they have Moon in Taurus. Taurus is ruled by Venus. This person’s Venus is in Leo. So Venus in Leo influences Moon in Taurus. Sometimes, the person may connect with a Moon in Leo simply because their ruling planet, Venus, is in Leo.

Almost every Luminary and Planet has a Domicile position, an Exalted position, a Falling position, and a Detrimental position. These are called major Dignities and Debilities. There are other dignities, but these are the main ones. The outer generational planets (Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto) are still undecided when it comes to Exaltation and Fall. There have been suggestions, but nothing definite.

Just because someone has one of these positions doesn’t mean that people are more blessed or more cursed than others. But it does give us insight as to how closely connected the individual sign is to the planet. It can also tell us whether we fall into society’s norms or deviate. Depending on the society, it could be an asset to be different. It’s something to study and reflect on for anybody.

Domiciles-Usually when the Planet is in the Sign it rules. In Chelsie’s chart above, for example, the Sun is in Leo and Pluto is in Scorpio. The Sun rules over Leo and Pluto rules over Scorpio, no matter where it is in the chart. However, when it enters its own sign, it is in its “own house”. Therefore, it operates freely and is a strong position for the planet. If thinking about an acting role in a movie or play, let’s say the planet is acting in a role it is used to playing. It could be like the individual who considers themselves nice and sweet in real life playing a kind and thoughtful person in a play or movie. These individuals are capable of fully expressing the planet’s energy naturally. This isn’t always a good thing, but it isn’t necessarily bad. The individual is unafraid to express the nature of the planet. The things that the planet represents aren’t a threat. For instance, the Sun in Leo above would be uninhibited when it comes to expressing the ego, their full creativity, or their dominance (though astrological aspects would alter their expression of course, so I’ll talk more about what aspects are later). Normally, they wouldn’t see too much wrong with being confident. Sun in Leos don’t fear the spotlight or taking on the role of leader, no matter what. People respect them because they put themselves out there, regardless of the consequences. They are comfortable with all eyes on them! Pluto in Scorpio would help the individual seek power in all its forms. They may not have any hang-ups with subjects that are taboo, unlike other generations. Pluto in Scorpios don’t fear the dark sides of life. In fact, that’s where they thrive! Despite the fact that the planet can operate freely, I’ve noticed that the benefits usually come in more intimate, long-lasting settings rather than on a mass level or in the public. Sun in Leos, for example, tend to be very good parents, family leaders, and role models, while commanding and demanding bosses and authority figures. Still, they are capable of channeling their energies in any way they like because they fully understand the nature of the planet.

Exalted-Usually when a Planet is at its most refined. It’s almost like the planet is an “honored guest”, treated really well and respected, but not quite “at home”. The planet has to be on its “best behavior” to remain friends with the energy. If using it in the context of a role the Planet is playing in a play, it’s over-dramatizing its role on stage. The planet is acting as a character it really likes, the role brings out their best acting abilities, and the planet fits the role. They look “the part”. It’s like the individual who considers themselves nice and sweet in real life playing a quiet and shy role. Being nice and kind doesn’t necessarily make an individual quiet and shy, but it won’t be difficult to see a nice and sweet person acting quiet, shy, or demure. They are often associated with one another. People often assume that quiet people are considerate and pleasant to be around because they don’t cause drama, but they are different. The expression isn’t completely natural, so it may be a little exaggerated. In the above chart, the Moon is exalted in Taurus. These individuals tend to have a pretty good handle on their emotions. They are warm, affectionate, and love the comforts of home, but they aren’t an emotional wreck because they know how to stay calm in most situations. Of course, again, aspects will affect their expression. Generally, they come from a comfortable background and don’t have too many problems. The planet isn’t challenging for them. This would make them seem to handle the planet better than the rulership sign. I’ve noticed that exalted placements tend to operate better on a mass level, rather than in intimate settings. For example, on the outside and in public situations, Moon in Taurus natives know how to stay calm during a global crisis situation and are very good at not letting their emotions hang out on their jobs. They are kind to their fellow workers, but a little reserved. They are patient and nurturing in professions that deal with caring for others outside of the family. However, on the intimate level, they can be very stubborn and hold too much in. When their emotions finally boil over, it’s hard to calm them down! Still, it is much easier for them to handle the planet than it is for most people. Emotions can get a little messy, but hardly when Moon is in Taurus. We would naturally expect emotions to be stable and practically expressed all the time, like it is when in Taurus. But so often, emotions aren’t that way.

Exalted Signs:

Sun in Aries

Moon in Taurus

Mercury in Virgo (some also say Aquarius)

Venus in Pisces

Mars in Capricorn

Jupiter in Cancer

Saturn in Libra

Uranus (undetermined but some speculate it to be exalted in Scorpio)

Neptune (undetermined but some speculate it to be exalted in Cancer or Leo)

Pluto (undetermined but some have speculated it to be in Aries, Leo, Pisces, and/or Virgo)

Fall-Usually when a Planet is less refined. It is as if the planet is an ignored guest and incapable of having as much influence as it would like. The planet would normally be in the opposite sign of the Exalted position. The Planet is in fear here. It is afraid to chart this new energy. It isn’t threatening here, but it is challenging. Think of this as the Planet playing a challenging role in a play. Think of an individual who is nice and sweet in real life playing the role of a strong-willed and independent person. They aren’t necessarily opposite roles, but it’s hard to see a nice and sweet person exercising too much force or dominance over others. It’s not the native’s fault. They may have found a way to be both nice and powerful, but it is challenging. For instance, Moon is falling in Scorpio, Taurus’s opposite sign. The Moon is just as watery and emotional as Scorpio, so it isn’t threatening to be here. But the Moon operates most effectively in the outside world when the emotions are stable and steady. Scorpio is the sign of chaos and power. Here, the Moon isn’t secure. The emotions are too intense and controlling, making the emotions go through so much drama and transforming periods in the native’s life. Sometimes, the drama is caused by others and not of their own doing. It could come from issues with the family that have nothing to do with the native. From my experience, however, Moon in Scorpios seem the worst because the position tends to affect the individuals in a mass or public situation. They aren’t as bad as they seem. Moon in Scorpios often hardly have anyone to share their feelings with (considering their emotions are so overwhelming), so they come across biting, power-hungry, secretive, defensive, and extreme towards the public, if they are open with their feelings at all. They may even seem cold and misunderstood. In an intimate setting, however, they do alright, if they can find someone they really trust. They are capable of deep healing and compassion. They are fiercely loyal and protective. They really just need support and the proper channel. The issues with a fall don’t have to be long-lasting and can be reversed. These individuals just have to overcome their fears. Moon in Scorpios, for instance, fear their own deep emotions. This contributes as to why they are so defensive. With someone acting as “psychologist” in their lives, they can be well on the road to deep healing and can help others who suffer.

If you understand the meaning of the Planets, and you really understand the meaning of the Signs, you can kind of understand how certain qualities seem to fit less smoothly with others. Considering what the Moon is all about, you can kind of see how Scorpio, just knowing what Scorpio is about, could be challenging.

Sun in Libra

Moon in Scorpio

Mercury in Pisces (some also say Leo)

Venus in Virgo

Mars in Cancer

Jupiter in Capricorn

Saturn in Aries

Uranus (undetermined, but some say Taurus)

Neptune (undetermined, but some say Capricorn or Aquarius)

Pluto (undetermined, but some say Libra, Aquarius, Pisces, and/or Virgo, but mostly Aquarius)

Detriment-Usually when the planet is in the sign opposite its ruling Sign. Instead of being at home, this Planet is in a place that is totally opposite. It’s, in fact, uncomfortable. Think of someone who is in the home of an enemy. Or think about someone who is used to clean homes and they are forced to stay in a messy home for awhile. Regardless, the planet feels a little out-of-place. In terms of acting on a stage, you can think about an actor acting in a role that is totally far-removed from the individual’s personality. Think of an individual who is nice and sweet in real life acting in a role as an evil, selfish person. It feels insincere. The individual might feel very uncomfortable in the role. When the Planet is in this Sign, it becomes threatened. Similarly, natives with the position often feel threatened, which leads to them worrying about the situation. For instance, Sun is in Detriment in Aquarius. These individuals may make excellent leaders and parental figures. However, they often worry about losing their independence and freedom. They both like the spotlight and fear the expectations coming from demanding individuals. They don’t fear the spotlight itself (which can happen when Sun is in Fall); they fear the negativity that comes with being in the spotlight. They tend to worry a little too much. From my experience, the effects of a Detriment happen more on an intimate level than on a mass or public scale. Using Sun in Aquarius, for example, they tend to make great leaders and bosses because they are altruistic and humane. They like working in teams and they are full of genius ideas on how to better humanity. But on the more personal level, they are distant, cold, and aloof. They hardly ever show the same care and compassion for their families that they do for the world. In fact, they tend to break free from their intimates. They are not as warm or inviting as they could be and sometimes it’s hard to rely on them. Of course, with enough insight, anyone is capable of reversing the effects of a Detriment. The issue is their problem can’t be overcome with a psychologist at hand, like in Moon in Scorpio’s case. They really are going to have to make sacrifices. It is just as they fear. Sometimes, they will have to give up their freedom and independence if they want to remain in the spotlight. They must learn that this isn’t always a bad thing. They will have to try a balancing act: maintaining distance when necessary, but allowing warmth to peep in through the clouds at least some of the time. This is a lesson for all Detrimental positions.

Sun in Aquarius

Moon in Capricorn

Mercury in Sagittarius and Pisces

Venus in Aries and Scorpio

Mars in Taurus and Libra

Jupiter in Gemini and Virgo

Saturn in Cancer and Leo

Uranus in Leo

Neptune in Virgo

Pluto in Taurus

Now, let’s study the Natal wheel a little more. That will be important when learning about the next important thing: houses.

On the right side of the chart, you might notice a big wheel with 12 black dividing lines, each labeled 1 through 12 towards the center of the wheel.

Each line points to a Sign. You might see a bunch of symbols and red and blue lines in the middle of these black lines. The black lines are pointing to what are called the 12 Houses. There are 12 Zodiac Signs, and there are 12 Houses. In order to get the right reading for your 12 Houses, you need to know your birth time.

The Houses look like slices on a pizza. The “House” begins when the black line, with a small number in the center of the wheel underneath the line, is pointing to a Sign. The house ends when it reaches the next numbered line pointing to a Sign.

Each Planet (represented by the symbols) fits into one of the twelve houses, which represents 12 parts of our outer life. The houses are similar to the 12 Signs. But while the Planets in a Sign show us HOW we express ourselves, Planets in the Houses show us WHERE we express ourselves in our outer world.

In the chart above, the symbol for Venus is in the House labeled 2. This means Venus in Leo is in the 2nd house. So though Venus is in Leo, it is in the 2nd House. Leo is HOW she expresses VENUS, and the 2nd house represents WHERE she expresses this planet. All of the houses have special meaning, just like the Planets and Signs do.

Combine the meaning of the houses between all charts above so you readers can get the full picture of what the Houses mean in our lives. By combining the charts above, you can really get an in-depth picture of your outer and inner life.

The 12 houses are often symbolically related to the 12 Signs:

1st House-Aries

2nd House-Taurus

3rd House-Gemini

4th House-Cancer

5th House-Leo

6th House-Virgo

7th House-Libra

8th House-Scorpio

9th House-Sagittarius

10th House-Capricorn

11th House-Aquarius

12th House-Pisces

No, let’s talk about the Planets in the Houses.

The gist of the houses are

1st House-the Self

2nd House-money and possessions

3rd House-communication and local travel

4th House-home and family

5th House-pleasure, love affairs, children

6th House-work and duty

7th House-partners and negotiations

8th House-shared resources, sex, and the taboo

9th House-travel, higher education, and beliefs

10th House-career, reputation, and authority figures

11th House-friends, associations, hopes and dreams

12th House-hidden, subconscious, unconscious, fear, regret

Let’s use Chelsie’s Venus in Leo in 2nd House as an example to help you better understand the Planets in the Houses. Venus is the planet of pleasure, love, beauty, romance, femininity, and art, according to the chart about planets, right? Leo is creative and popular, dominating and forceful, as well as prideful, based on one of the charts about Signs. Other charts give a more traditional view, stating they are generous, warm-hearted, and enthusiastic as well. This means that HOW Chelsie expresses her femininity is through creative avenues. She’s also enthusiastic about her femininity. Artistically, she is creative and may be interested in performing arts, as it gives her popularity. She may be generous with her efforts and resources when it comes to art. She expresses her beauty, or rather adorns herself, in a creative way and may want others to notice how stylish she is. She’s generous though, and may not mind giving make-overs to others. She’s proud of her femininity, and may be more forceful and dominating in her expression, especially in love. Still, she’s warm-hearted and generous in love, too.

Now, all of this is inside the 2nd House. This means where she expresses her love of creative art and beauty, as well as her proud femininity, is in areas concerning the 2nd House. The charts above relate the 2nd House to money and values, possessions, daily routine, inner and outer resources, work, and other things. So, WHERE are we likely to see these qualities? In the way she makes money, in her system of values, reflected in her possessions or the stuff she buys. She is likely to buy creative stuff and items that give her popularity. She is probably more willing to make money doing something that reflects her creative artistry. She would possibly value her “proud femininity”, making her extra girly. Venus is the ruler of Taurus, and Taurus is often associated with the 2nd house, so Venus is considered comfortable and strong in this house. The 2nd house also reveals work, her environment, and daily routine. She is likely to choose creative and artistic work, possibly has a very creative environment and decorates around herself a lot as well, and she has a daily routine that’s pretty pleasurable. Possibly, she gets a chance to show off her beautiful works of art all the time and has plenty of time to create things for herself. As far as outer resources, she may have many items of value, items that anyone could want, and she’s generous about giving them to those who need it. The chart owner is rich, by the way (I know them personally and they gave me permission to use their chart). This house could be hinting at that. Of course, each house relates individually to us. When we observe this in the context of inner resources, we can examine that she’s very talented within and is generous and warm with her attention to her talents, giving out only the best.

Do you sort of get the picture? If not, leave me a comment.

The Signs that the black lines are pointing to on the big wheel are called “Cusp” Signs. (Cusp Signs are not when your Sun Sign is between one or another because of the day you were born, if that’s what you heard.) Cusp Signs represent our overall expression or outlook of the houses in the outside world. The first black line with the “1” after it represents the start of the First House. The Sign that black line is pointing to is the Ascendant or Rising Sign.

Each house points to a Cusp Sign. In Chelsie’s chart above, her first line, the bold black line above the “1”, is pointing to the symbol for Cancer. This means her 1st House Cusp is Cancer. Often, again, this is called the Ascendant or Rising House because the 1st house represents our outer self to others, our physical appearance, our awareness, etc. With Chelsie having Cancer Rising, her “self” or how others see her is related to the qualities of Cancer. If we look back at the Sign charts in the beginning, we will see that Cancer qualities are related to being sensitive, friend-oriented, being practical, hating to argue, forgiving but never forgetting. It’s already related to the traditional qualities of being emotional and loving, as well as imaginative and intuitive. So, people tend to see Chelsie as sensitive and all about her friends. They see her as imaginative and intuitive. Her attitude towards life is guided by her emotions and she’s aware that she comes across quite sensitive. This is just a brief example. The 1st House is what we are aware of when it comes to ourselves.

The other houses follow a similar pattern.

Besides the houses, you may see red and blue lines on the chart. You may also see a few dotted lines on there, too. These lines are really from one Planet to another. Try to trace them and see for yourself. These lines represent Astrological Aspects.

The lines can be hard to figure out. This is why you can also look at the symbols that represent these Aspects. These symbols are in the area beneath the Planets in Signs table to the left of the wheel. They are set up in columns and rows. You may see little red, blue, black, and even green symbols. The most important symbols are the red and blue symbols, much like the red and blue lines on the big wheel. The minor aspects, represented by little black and green symbols, are represented by barely visible dotted lines on the wheel, mixed in there with the red and blue lines. The minor ones will be easier once you get the basics.

Aspects show the relationship one Planet has with another Planet. I mean, when you have so many Signs in your chart, wouldn’t it make sense that some energies in our lives get along well, while others don’t? The Aspects represent those energies within us that get along and which ones don’t, and so create a bit of stress or challenge for us.

There are five major aspects.

The blue symbols and lines on the wheel represent positive Aspects. It means that the two Planets connected get along in your life so well, you can find hidden talents within their relationship. The two positive Aspects are trines and sextiles.

When considering aspects, it’s kind of important to understand the SIGNS’ RELATIONSHIP to one another on the natal wheel, as they are listed. The Aspects are sort of determined by this relationship (mostly the degree is the indicator as to what aspect is forming, which are those little numbers listed next to the planets on the wheel and listed next to the Signs on the table on the natal chart, but normally understanding the Signs can help understand where these degrees lay on a natal chart without having to memorize the numbers).

There are 12 Signs, and the 12 Signs are often divided in many ways in order for astrologers to better understand the Signs and the Planets’ relationship with one another when they enter these Signs. The signs are usually divided by element, energy, and mode. This is important to consider to better understand Aspects.

Let me explain this a little. Let’s list the Signs in order to understand their element, energy, and mode.

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

Aries is always the first Sign when analyzing the Signs. Spring is considered the first season of the year in many parts of the year, and the Sun’s entrance in Aries begins on the Spring Equinox (the first day of Spring). In the past, the beginning of the year was around Spring, when the dead trees blossomed again. That is when the Sun, the luminary all the other Planets and Luminaries revolve around, enters the constellation of Aries. That’s why Aries is always first when listing and dividing the Signs. The others follow in the order listed above.

Element

When dividing the Signs by elements, they are listed every four Signs, starting with Aries. So Aries starts off as Fire, Taurus is Earth, Gemini is Air, and Cancer is Water. Then the pattern starts over with the next Sign, with Leo being fire, Virgo is earth, Libra as air, and Scorpio as a water Sign. It continues. Fire Signs are usually opposite one Air Sign each, and Earth Signs are usually opposite one Water Sign each.

Fire (opposite Air): Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Earth (opposite Water): Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

Air (opposite Fire): Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

Water (opposite Earth): Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

Opposite Signs

Aries-Libra

Taurus-Scorpio

Gemini-Sagittarius

Cancer-Capricorn

Leo-Aquarius

Virgo-Pisces

Energy

Energies YIN AND YANG are listed every other Sign. The principles of “Yin and Yang” refer to extroverted vs introverted energies. So Aries, the first Sign, is Yin. Taurus, the next Sign, is Yang. Gemini, the one after, is Yin. Cancer after that is Yang. And the pattern continues.

Yin: Fire and Air signs-Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius

Yang: Earth and Water signs: Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces

Mode

Modes are decided every three Signs. The Signs are usually divided into threes. The three modes they represent are Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable. These energies represent initiative, determination, and flexibility. Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac, therefore it is listed under the first mode and leads the Cardinal energy. Every three signs, another Cardinal is listed. So Aries, Taurus, Gemini starts the first three modes. Taurus is the first Fixed sign. Gemini is the first Mutable sign. Then, Cancer begins the next cycle of modes, with Cancer being the second Cardinal, and Leo and Virgo following as the next Fixed and Mutable signs, and the pattern continues.

Cardinal: Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn (Cardinal represents leadership and initiative)

Fixed: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius (Fixed represents power, strength, and determination)

Mutable: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces (Mutable represents versatility, flexibility, and adaptability)

Now, let’s look at how this impacts the Aspects you might have.

When there is a Trine, usually one Planet’s Sign is in the same ELEMENT (Air, Earth, Fire, Water) as another Planet’s Sign on the Natal Wheel. For instance, if Venus is in Aries, it may trine Mars in Sagittarius (Aries and Sagittarius are both Fire Signs). This indicates that the two Planets flow smoothly or easily with one another. With Venus and Mars (considering the meaning of the Planets) having this Aspect, it can indicate that the romantic life flows smoothly with the sex life.

Basically, if one planet in one Sign connects with another of the same element, that means these energies don’t cause you much trouble in your life.

Planets in Aries, Sagittarius, Leo can trine each other

Planets in Taurus, Capricorn, Virgo can trine each other

Planets in Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius can trine each other

Planets in Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces can trine each other

The trine’s symbol looks like a blue triangle and some of the blue lines on the Wheel may be trines.

When there is a sextile, usually one Planet’s Sign has the same ENERGY (Yin/Yang or extroverted and introverted) as another Planet’s Sign, but they aren’t of the same element (unlike the trine above), aren’t of opposite elements, and they aren’t the same mode (Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable). If all the planets meet these same requirements, and form an Aspect, they could create a “star” on the Natal Wheel (that big Wheel on the Natal Chart). This is why it’s called a Sextile. This usually indicates that the two Planets mildly support one another. With Venus and Mars having this Aspect, it could indicate that the romantic life mildly supports the sex life.

Example: A planet in Aries would normally sextile a Planet in Gemini and Aquarius (since they are both Yin Signs with a different element (Gemini and Aquarius are Air Signs, Aries is a Fire Sign) and they are also of different modes (Gemini is Mutable and Aquarius is Fixed, while Aries is Cardinal)). So, even though Libra is also a Yin Sign (being an Air Sign), it is of the SAME mode as Aries (Cardinal). Even though Leo and Sagittarius are also both Yin Signs, they are of the same ELEMENT (Fire) as Aries. So Planets in Libra, Leo, and Sagittarius can’t easily form the Aspect of sextile with a Planet in Aries (unless the degree makes the planet really close to the next Sign).

None of the planets in Yang Signs (Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces) can form a sextile with a Planet in Aries as they don’t share the same energy (Yin) as Aries.

Each Planet in a Sign can sextile Planets in about two different Signs.

Planets in Aries: Planets in Gemini, Aquarius

Planets in Taurus: Planets in Cancer, Pisces

Planets in Gemini: Planets in Aries, Leo

Planets in Cancer: Planets in Taurus, Virgo

Planets in Leo: Planets in Gemini, Libra

Planets in Virgo: Planets in Cancer, Scorpio

Planets in Libra: Planets in Leo, Sagittarius

Planets in Scorpio: Planets in Virgo, Capricorn

Planets in Sagittarius: Planets in Libra, Aquarius

Planets in Capricorn: Planets in Scorpio, Pisces

Planets in Aquarius: Planets in Sagittarius, Aries

Planets in Pisces: Planets in Capricorn, Taurus

Sextile’s symbol looks like an asterisk or star.

The red lines and red symbols represent the more powerful Aspects. These Aspects represent struggle or powerful urges that are difficult to handle or channel. These Aspects are called Conjunct, Square, and Opposition.

A conjunct usually happens between two Planets are within the SAME Sign. The Planets in the same Sign are usually right next to each other on the Natal Wheel, and they are usually in the same House. For example, if Venus is in Aries, it may conjunct Mars in Aries. This indicates that the two Planets blend well together, almost feeling linked in the individual’s life. With Venus and Mars having this aspect, it can indicate that the romantic life almost gets confused for or mixed with the sex life and vice versa. If Moon and Venus have this Aspect, a want or desire gets confused and mixed with the emotional needs and vice versa.

Conjunct’s symbols looks a bit like the male or Mars symbol without an arrow.

A square usually happens between two Planets that are in Signs with the same MODE (Cardinal, Mutable, Fixed) but opposite ENERGIES (Yin/Yang). For example, if you have Venus in Aries, it may square Mars in Capricorn (both being Cardinal Signs, but Aries being Yang and Capricorn being Yin). This indicates that there is conflict between the two Planets. If all the planets are in Signs with these traits, it can form an Aspect, which could create a perfect “square” on the Natal Wheel (that big Wheel on the chart). That’s why it’s called a “square”. With Venus and Mars having this aspect, it could indicate that there seems to be some conflict between your romantic life and your sex life. This may be more like “inner conflict” rather than anything going wrong in your actual relationship, but for some people, inner turmoil can affect the outside.

Planets in Aries and Libra can square planets in Cancer and Capricorn

Planets in Taurus and Scorpio can square planets in Leo and Aquarius

Planets in Gemini and Sagittarius can square planets in Virgo and Pisces

Planets in Cancer and Capricorn can square planets in Aries and Libra

Planets in Leo and Aquarius can square planets in Taurus and Scorpio

Planets in Virgo and Pisces can square planets in Gemini and Sagittarius

A square’s symbol looks like a square.

Finally, there’s opposition. An opposition normally occurs when one Planet is in a Sign that is opposite another Planet’s Sign. Usually, the two Planets are positioned at opposite ends of the Natal Wheel. If you see this Aspect, you will see a red line connecting from one end of the Wheel to the other, east to west, north to south. This means the Planets are in opposite Signs. Opposite Signs are usually Signs with the same mode and energy, but opposite ELEMENTS (Air and Fire being opposites, Earth and Water being opposites), yet, are of the same ENERGY. For example, if Venus is in Aries, it may be in opposition to Mars in Libra (both being Cardinal and Yang energy, but Aries is a Fire Sign and Libra is an Air Sign). In this situation, one Planet is pulling the individual away from the other. They are interfering with one another. In this case, it can indicate that the romantic life seems to interfere with or pull the individual away from the sex life and vice versa. These people sometimes have a hard time finding a partner that can meet both needs.

An opposition’s symbol looks like a figure 8 or an infinity symbol or eye glasses.

Now, if the planets meet the above conditions, they COULD form an Aspect. But often, even though Planets that meet even the above conditions won’t always form a strong enough Aspect to make a difference. The degree between the two Planets make the difference as to whether an aspect is actually reflected on your natal chart, or too wide to even take seriously, and so isn’t even present.

Aspects are reflected by the degrees or orbs between two planets.

Example: You see Sun in Leo has a degree of around “22, right? (Sorry, one is so blurry.) Well, the Moon in Taurus has around “22 as well. They are barely 1 degree or orb apart. This means they square on the Natal Chart almost exactly. This is a very powerful Aspect. The closer these numbers are to one another, the tighter the Aspect (which means it will affect this person noticeably). This person has Sun square Moon. In this case, their forceful and prideful ego (Sun in Leo) may create conflict with their pleasure-seeking emotions.

You can see this reflected on the Chart Wheel when you see the “red” line go from the Sun symbol to the Moon symbol. Aspects affect houses as well. For instance, Sun in Leo is in the 2nd House and Moon in Taurus is in the 11th house. This person may often find that their money and values (2nd house) conflict with friends, groups, and goals (11th house, as shown in the “house” chart above).

Conjunctions can have an orb as wide as 9 degrees/orbs apart to be relative to an individual. It’s the same with Oppositions. Squaring planets usually are at least 8 degrees wide before people relate to them. Trines can be up to 5 degrees apart (though this is debatable), and sextiles are usually only felt by those people with the degrees or orbs that are really tight. Minor aspects are hardly felt, but if there is only 1 degree between them, they will be felt.

*The Aspects on most charts are sometimes too wide. The one I’m using doesn’t have a function to tighten Aspects, but the Chart we’re using is simpler to pull up on the website. On astro.com, under “Free Horoscopes, under “Drawings and Calculations”, right under the chart we clicked earlier, there is the “Extended Chart Selection”. With this one, there are setups for a more “extended” chart. There is an “Additional Objects” section at the bottom of the page. Under “Additional Objects”, there is one part that says “_% Reduce/Increase Orbs”. Most astrologers recommend reducing it down to 80%. This chart is more detailed, but may be confusing for you. Above, I explained how you can tell whether your Aspect is legit or not even in a chart without this function.*

To Learn More about your Chart:

There will be several articles posted on this website that goes in depth (more coming soon).

If You’re An Aries

For more, review these sources:

The Dark Pixie Astrology– For everything regarding your Natal Chart

Always Astrology -To read more about your Planets in Signs

Horoscopes Within -To read more about your Planets in Houses

Skyscript -To read more about your Planetary Aspects

Astro Fix -To read more about your House Cusps

I hope this article helped make the Natal Chart a little more understandable. Maybe now, people won’t have such a narrow view of astrology. It’s more involved. Astrology is more than just a horoscope. For many who practice it, it’s a science, and even an art. For others it’s spiritual and psychologically healing. It can be eye-opening for those who attempt to master it. Many people become more psychologically aware of themselves, aware of the forces at work that influence their lives from birth onward.

Of course, we don’t need astrology to define us or decide our future. However, it has been of assistance for people when self-analysis was needed. It can serve as a guide to understanding yourself better. So, try to keep an open mind when approaching the subject.

Tags: Aquarius, Aries, Astrology, Cancer, Capricorn, Gemini, Horoscopes, Leo, Libra, Pisces, Sagittarius, scorpio, Taurus, Virgo, Zodiac signs