Astrology Explained

Many people use birth charts and zodiac signs as a predictive tool. One of the categories these elements often predict is compatibility. While there are several factors to examine when determining a strong partner according to a person’s sign, there is much more to consider when building a relationship with someone. It’s important to take a look at individual goals and preferred lifestyles. If these do not align, compatibility will not save the relationship.

This image is a general guide to determining which zodiac signs will match well together. The accuracy of this has been disputed by several but it is based on the goals and traits associated with each sign. This chart in addition to examining aspects of a birth chart are a great start to determining compatibility!

On the other hand, the birth chart offers several key areas which can indicate a strong connection. These can be broken down based on someone’s houses. Specifically, the houses that contain the moon (planet of moods and emotions) and venus (planet of love) signs. The houses containing the moon and venus illustrate what areas of life provide emotional fulfillment. If the houses between partners clash, conflict down the line is likely to follow, even with partners who have compatible personalities. The core of these houses’ meaning is a person’s life goals.

Venus in the Houses – https://astrolibrary.org/interpretations/venus-house/

The Moon in the Houses – https://astrolibrary.org/interpretations/moon-house/

Another key indicator of compatibility within the astrology realm is the elements. Particularly, the elements that rule the venus and moon sign. Each of the four (fire, earth, air, and water) give off distinct energies and have different needs out of relationships and their lives. Generally speaking, water and earth signs are compatible in relationships, and air and fire signs are compatible. Strong relationships are possible between other elements but overcoming differences may be necessary.

Fire –

Fire signs bring a lot of energy and enjoy being active. In their relationships, they tend to enjoy fun outings and adventurous vacations as they can become disengaged by a consistent routine. They are passionate in their relationships and can even come off as self-centered when in love. This is because they feel their emotions so strongly that they sometimes fail to recognize their partner’s presence as well.

Earth – 

Earth signs bring stability and durability to partnerships. Oftentimes they struggle with limitations in their emotional range. In terms of planning and structuring the relationship, they are often very involved with planning and attaining the material requirements. They are also among the most faithful of the elements, known for their loyalty and commitment to their partner.

Air – 

Air signs bring great companionship as well as an intellectual stimulus to partnerships but sometimes lack in emotional energy and responsiveness. In terms of companionship with a partner, air elements would seek someone to talk to, spend time with, watch movies with, etc. They enjoy a variety of activities as long as they can be with their partner.

Water – 

Water signs bring the most emotional energy to partnerships. They are very intense and require a deep emotional connection to maintain their relationships. Their way of expressing their commitment in relationships is through a protective nature as well as checking in with their partner about their well-being and feelings.

 

 

Many people assume that a daily horoscope is tailored exactly to the individual. This is not entirely accurate, as it would require retrieving every single persons’ birth information such as their birth date, time, and location. Instead, astrologers place the Sun Sign on the first house and then follow the signs in order for each house thereafter.

So, if the Moon was in Virgo today, you would be able to see which house is being affected by your Sun Sign by looking at which house is ruled by Virgo.

Horoscopes also vary according to the length of time they describe. The following explains the method in which daily, monthly, yearly, and long-term horoscopes are written.

Daily Horoscopes

The daily horoscope is written using the moon sign as a basis. This is because the moon changes sign every 2 – 2 1/2 days. This, in turn, changes our moods and emotions from day to day so naturally, the moon would affect us on a daily basis. This explains why one’s moon sign is the foundation for one’s daily horoscope.

Monthly Horoscopes

The monthly horoscope is written using the mercury, venus, mars, and sun sign because these planets change every month or over the course of a couple of months. Because our communication, love lives, aggressive behavior, and identity are influenced by the changing nature of these planets, they are translated into monthly horoscopes. This explains why one’s mercury, venus, mars, and sun sign are the foundation for one’s monthly horoscope.

Yearly Horoscopes

The yearly horoscope is written using the saturn and jupiter sign because these planets remain in a sign for one year and saturn will remain in a sign for 2 – 2 1/2 years. Therefore, our social activity, as well as responsibilities and obligations, are influenced by the changing nature of these planets. Then, this information is translated into horoscopes. This explains why one’s saturn and jupiter sign are the foundation for one’s yearly horoscope.

Long-Term Horoscopes

The long-term horoscope is written using the slower moving planets (generational planets) such as pluto, neptune, and uranus because they take many years to move through one sign so they will affect an entire generation of people over the course or sometimes 8 to 16 years. Because the ideals and behaviors of people is consistent with a large period of time, it is used in long-term circumstances. This explains why one’s pluto, neptune, and uranus are the foundation for one’s long-term horoscope.

Horoscopes are a controversial subject within the field of astrology. Some argue that they are inaccurate because many astrologers base them completely off of one’s sun sign. However, when consulting with an experienced birth chart reader, accuracy is increased. Utilizing one’s birth information such as their birth place, birth time, and birth place are also helpful.

While the soundness of reasoning for horoscopes is debated, the subject continues to captivate many individuals and provide direction and a sense of guidance.

 

Here it is… the blog you’ve all been waiting for!

Chances are someone has probably asked you: What’s your sign? But what’s the big deal with zodiac signs anyway? If you don’t know anything about astrology (and I’m hoping that’s not the case by now) then identifying and understanding your zodiac sign in the first place to start. These twelve signs are core facets in astrology and can offer explanations to personality as well as clues to horoscopes.

Let’s get to know each of the signs:

Aries – The Ram (March 21^st – April 19^th)

Aries born people embody a fighting spirit. Highly impatient and competitive, they tend to stay in the spotlight and inspire others with their confidence. They can be assertive and direct when trying to get their way. Additionally, Aries people have a love of attention and tend to lead others in their passions. Friends admire them for this ability to inspire and delegate.

Taurus – The Bull (April 20^th – May 20^th)

Taurus signs experience great comfort and are able to easily indulge. Their emotional side can be very relaxed or extremely intensified. Normally, they prefer to keep the peace but when they are pushed past their limit they will react emotionally. Generally, they are grounded in their views and not easily swayed. This can cause stubbornness but also loyalty and dependability.

Gemini – The Twins (May 21^st – June 20^th)

The Gemini mind is a busy machine and those born under this sign are known for their cleverness and wit. They are also very curious and find themselves exploring many different passions. Some say members of this sign exhibit two personalities. They are known to flip between their moods and interests depending on what’s happening in their environment.

Cancer – The Crab (June 21^st – July 22^nd)

Cancer born people feel very deeply. They are intuitive and nurturing towards those they care about. To their friends, they are a shoulder to cry on and constantly try to help others. However, when they are feeling moody they need to be comforted or left alone. There is an intense emotional side to cancer people but they tend to allow only those they trust to see this.

Leo – The Lion (July 23^rd – August 22^nd)

Leo born people can be extremely outgoing. They exhibit natural confidence and they like to be in control. In terms of their relationships with others, they are very caring and help, spoil, and protect the people they love. The leo’s need for praise and appreciation can influence others to view them as self-centered but their personalities are magnetic.

Virgo – The Virgin (August 23^rd – September 22^nd)

Virgos are detail-oriented. They analyze everything and use their observations to form opinions and judgments about others. They come off as sweet, but their mind is always working. Virgo people also represent service and they tend to be great at providing advice because of their careful listening skills. However, they should watch out for being overly critical and striving for perfectionism.

Keep a lookout for the remaining six zodiac signs in next week’s post!

The elements 0f the zodiac (fire, water, earth, and air), play an important role in understanding a birth chart. They represent four categories that each of the twelve astrological signs are grouped in. Essentially, these elements are the building blocks of personality. Their presence within a chart greatly influences characteristics and traits, as well as growth or development when there is an inbalance of elements.  Elements are also used in determining compatibility. The idea is to find a balance of elements within a partnership. Understanding these core facets of the zodiac can unlock potential for growth – both personally and professionally!

Let’s take a look at each of the elements

The Fire Signs: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius

The element of fire rules the 1st, 5th, and 9th houses of the planets. As the name implies, fire signs tend to be passionate, dynamic, and temperamental. They are also known for their spontaneity and competitive spririt. Additionally, they are associated with the ability to create or destroy. They feel emotional intensity and this can be a weapon or a weakness for them.

The Air Signs: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius

The elementof air rules the 3rd, 7th, and 11th houses of the planets. The focus of air signs centers around action, ideas, and motion. There is a sort of uncertainty to them because of their constant motion. When an air sign is present, they can provide a sense of relief. However, they seek adventure and it is unpredictable when they will move on to the next idea.

The Earth Signs: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn

The element of earth rules the 2nd, 6th, and 10th houses of the planets. Like the stability of earth, earth signs tend to be grounded people. They are stabilizing and are associated with creating a solid foundation. People of this element are loyal and stable, known to be presnet even during hard times. Their benefits include practicality and realistic qualities but, at times, they can be materialistic or overly focused on the surface of things.

The Water Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces

The element of water rules the 4th, 8th, and 12th houses of the planets. Water signs can be mysterious. They are very intense, emotional, and sensitive. Their interesting personalites and emotional intuition can allow them to be refreshing and act as a relief to others. However, they can lead with such intensity that it can seem overwhelming. Furthermore, security is very important to them. This can bring out a protective nature which causes them to sometimes because skeptical or jealous.

Knowledge of these elements is useful in understanding yourself personally but it can also help those who are struggling in ceertain areas. Not many people have a chart with a balance of all elements and most tend to exhibit only one or two. These missing element(s) within a chart can cause an unconscious negative influence.

In order for an individual to better balance themselves, they can seek out others with those elements. The result will be a feeling of satisfaction and overall psychological wellness. Secondly, one could try to identify areas in their lives where they seek perspective and knowledge. It is possible to consciously work to better those areas and create a healthier mindset.

For anyone looking to better understand themselves through astrology, your birth chart is the first place to start! A birth chart, also referred to as a natal chart, is basically a screenshot of what the sky looked like at the exact moment you were born. It shows the location of the planets on their journey around the sun from the vantage point of Earth. Reading this chart can reveal strengths and weaknesses, opportunities for growth, as well as the best timing for decisions.

In order to calculate your birth chart, you’ll need your time, date, and place of birth. Many people don’t know their actual time of birth so, in this case, estimate as close as possible. In the past, people had to diagram their chart but today, you can plug in this information and it will generate something resembling this:

There are several key things that astrologers look for in the birth chart.

• The zodiac sign and the house of each planet in the chart
• The aspects (angles) formed between two planets
• The balance of elements

As I said previously, the birth chart reveals the location of each planet. The location of these planets also corresponds to a specific zodiac sign and house. Particular characteristics of zodiac signs and houses will be coming in a later post; however, this information reveals aspects of one’s personality. Each planet represents one’s behavior in different areas. For example, Mercury is the mind’s planet. It determines how an individual communicates, thinks, and processes information. If Mercury is in the zodiac sign Scorpio, this person would have intense, serious, and obsessive intellect. If Mercury is in the ninth house, this person would be inclined to analyze their beliefs, politics, philosophy, and personal ethics.

In addition to houses and signs, the (aspect) angle between two planets can tell information about someone. The seven major aspects are Conjunct (same sign), Semisextile (1 sign apart), Square (3 signs apart), Trine (4 signs apart), Quincunx (5 signs apart), and Opposite (6 signs apart). These angles are divided into “soft” or “hard” categories. “Soft” aspects allow planets to work together or blend their powers in a sense. For example, if Venus (Love) and Mercury (Communication) have a soft aspect, it may enable you to have a productive conversation with a love interest. If Venus and Mercury have a hard aspect, conversations of this nature would be difficult.

The zodiac signs of planets, as determined by their location on your birth chart, are associated with one of four elements. Fire signs include Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Air signs include Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Earth signs include Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. Water signs include Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. When reading the birth chart, astrologers look for balance among these elements and can offer guidance in areas where elements are lacking. For example, Water elements tend to be less grounded and often seek out Earth elements for stability.

The birth chart contains all the information you would need to identify your traits. It comes with a lot! Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t make sense at first. There are several apps that offer descriptions based on a personal chart. I would recommend Costar. Even if you aren’t familiar with astrology, give the chart a read! Who knows what discoveries you could make.

From hunting and migrating based on star patterns to reading a daily horoscope, astrology has certainly evolved. In order to understand the foundation of modern astrology, it’s important to examine its implications throughout time.

So… What is astrology? Why do people study it?

Essentially, astrology is the study of the cyclical movement of planets. These patterns and cycles of planets provide greater insight into patterns and cycles within our lives. Many people use astrology as a tool for healing and transformation, as well as for spiritual connection.

While this is an overview of the subject, astrology’s application has developed over many years. Below is a timeline of the practice:

30,000 – 10,000 B. C.

The roots of astrology begin with the earliest civilizations. Archaeologists discovered cave paintings, rock carvings, and bones marked with lunar phases from this time period.  The stars, lunar phases, and visible planets also acted as a GPS for our ancestors.

3,000 – 300 B. C.

The Babylonian society was the next group to document the astrological system. They are one of the earliest complex human systems we have evidence of with their invention of hanging gardens and irrigation systems. In addition, they created the zodiac wheel. This chart dates back to 700 B. C. and notates planets and houses (the same wheel used today). The first horoscope chart is dated a couple of hundred years later in 400 B. C.

300 B. C. – 5th Century A. D.

During this time period, the Greeks made significant advances in astrology. They classified the modern names for planets and zodiac signs from Greek literature. A number of written astrology work was also created such as Tetrabiblos, published by Ptolemy. Tetrabiblos contains core techniques of astrology used to this day including planets, zodiac signs, houses, and aspects.

Middle Ages

Astrology was an intrinsic part of the culture of the Middle Ages. It was practiced by mathematicians, doctors, and astronomers. Furthermore, advances in mathematics helped astrologers to develop more accurate and sophisticated charts.

Several European universities, such as Cambridge University, had astrology chairs and royal families had court astrologers. Many popes also strongly believed in astrology. For example, Placidus, a monk and mathematician created the house division system used by astrologers today.

As the church gained power, belief in astrology began to decline and it was seen as heresy and superstition. For this reason, Galileo and other renowned figures had to renounce astrological beliefs.

17th & 18th Century – The Age of Reason

This decline in astrology beliefs continued into the Age of Reason. This time period placed an emphasis on reason and aligned values based on influence from the Catholic church. As a result, most astrologers worked under pseudonyms.

19th – 21st Century

During this time, renewed interest in spirituality and mysticism invigorated astrology in Europe. Carl Jung, a psychologist, pioneered the use of astrology in analysis and other developments in the field of psychology. In the 1920s, newspapers and magazines began publishing horoscopes, seen mainly as entertainment. Later in the century, technology allowed for the easy creation and accessibility of charts