Astrology Basics

Overview of Astrology Techniques

Astrology is a system that interprets how the positions and movements of celestial bodies (like planets and stars) influence human life. It offers insight into personality, relationships, and life events using various techniques, including:

Natal (Birth) Chart Analysis
Uses the exact date, time, and location of birth to map the sky. Shows the positions of planets in the zodiac signs and astrological houses. Basis of most personal astrological readings.
Transits
Compares the current position of planets to your natal chart. Helps predict moods, challenges, and opportunities over time.
Progressions
Symbolic technique that advances your natal chart slowly over time (e.g., one day after birth = one year of life). Often used for inner development insights.
Synastry & Composite Charts
Used for relationship analysis. Synastry compares two individual charts. Composite combines them into one shared chart.
Solar Return Charts
Cast for your birthday each year to predict themes for the upcoming year.

Beginner's Guide to Reading a Birth Chart

A birth chart (also called a natal chart) is like a cosmic snapshot of the sky at the moment you were born. Here’s how to start reading one:

Gather Birth Info:
- Exact birth date
- Exact birth time (ideally down to the minute)
- Birthplace (city & country)
- Use tools like astro.com or Cafe Astrology to generate your chart.
Identify the Big 3:
These are your core personality layers:
- Sun Sign – Your ego, identity, and core self.
- Moon Sign – Your emotions, instincts, and inner world.
- Rising Sign (Ascendant) – How others perceive you; your social personality.
Understand the Planets:
Each planet represents a different part of you:
- Mercury – Communication & thinking
- Venus – Love & values
- Mars – Action & drive
- Jupiter – Growth & luck
- Saturn – Discipline & challenges
- Uranus, Neptune, Pluto – Generational influences
Check the Zodiac Signs:
The sign each planet is in colors how that planet expresses itself. Example: Mars in Cancer = assertiveness expressed emotionally or defensively.
Look at the Houses:
The chart is divided into 12 “houses,” each ruling a life area:
- 1st House: Self & appearance
- 2nd House: Money & values
- 3rd House: Communication & siblings
- 4th House: Home & family
- 5th House: Creativity & pleasure
- 6th House: Health & service
- 7th House: Relationships & partnerships
- 8th House: Transformation & shared resources
- 9th House: Philosophy & travel
- 10th House: Career & status
- 11th House: Friendships & aspirations
- 12th House: Secrets, dreams, and the subconscious
Observe Aspects (Advanced):
Aspects are the angles between planets. These show harmony or tension.
- Trine (120°) and Sextile (60°) = supportive
- Square (90°) and Opposition (180°) = challenging
- Conjunction (0°) = intense blending