What is astrology and what does it mean to humanity?
The framework of astrology is the framework of our physical Solar System. Arguably, from an astrological perspective, the human body is energetically analogous to the energetic format and physics of our Solar System. The human circulatory and nervous systems are analogous to the planetary frequencies, rhythms and orbital cycles of our universe. The energetic signature of human consciousness is analogous to the energetic signature manifested in the frequencies of the Solar System in which we reside. The physical laws which govern our Solar System are the same laws which govern human life and all life on Earth . . . on the macro level.
Yet, according to astrology, the Solar System in which our planet resides affects human life on every conceivable level - physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. The energies swirling throughout our Solar System, the planetary forces and their cyclical orbital rhythms around our Star, significantly affect humanity in a micro as well as a macro way. The planetary energies are influencing us on the smallest scale beyond even cellular. And greatly affect everything we do, think, feel, and desire.
Planetary forces are interacting even with fundamental particles that comprise the structure of our physical bodies down to the tiniest subatomic particle. This is what I, and may other astrologers, believe to be the truth of our existence on Earth, which we feel is in direct relationship to the components of our Solar System. We take part in the functioning of our Solar System and are inseparably intimately connected with it.
Astrology is a type of language based on symbols rather than letters of the alphabet. It is probably more similar to mathematics than contemporary languages. However it is unique. It isn't like mathematics either, although astrology does involve computation of astronomical degrees for exact configuration. An Ephemeris (plural Ephemerides) is an astrologer's primary reference guide as it is a tabulation of the daily sign degrees and minutes of each planet within our Solar System. The signs of astrology are represented by the constellations of astronomy.
Astrological symbols may comprise a rudimentary means of communicating with extraterrestrial star civilizations. The language of Earth astrology probably has more in common with ET languages than with Earth's written languages or our mathematical formulas. I also speculate that ETs would assume we have (at minimum) a fundamental understanding of Earth life's integral relationship to the Solar System in which we reside . . . the physical and energetic Solar System which encompasses us and frames the boundaries of our existence.
The language of astrology is based upon planets, signs and houses. These are the building blocks of this unique language. Astrology is the most ancient of sciences and therefore has preceded all contemporary scientific investigation and systems of knowledge. Astrology is arguably the foundation and template from which all contemporary science evolved.
The reason is that astrological and astronomical knowledge historically developed in a natural way before all (other) scientific inquiry. Human beings have always been fascinated by the night sky and curious about the twinkling lights. People have looked at the sky in wonder since the dawn of civilization. Many of us have yearned to know about the stars and the star patterns of constellations. We want to know about the relationship between the stars and Earth.
We now have knowledge that the planets in our Solar System revolve around our own star the Sun. We want to know if intelligent beings reside on other planets in other star systems. We want to know what the stars mean to us. Humans originally conceptualized the zodiac with its pattern of stars - which are called the zodiac signs - perhaps tens of thousands of years ago.
Planets in astrology are the planets in our Solar System. Our Solar System is kind of like a gigantic being. We are all part of that grand stellar consciousness. From the perspective of astrology, humanity is an integral and inseparable contributor to this majestic cosmic organism. The planets influence humanity and humanity influences the planets; it is a very significant reciprocal relationship.
There is a rhythm and flow to the energies of our Solar System and these cyclical rhythms and relationships deeply affect our individual consciousness. We contemporary astrologers benefit from the research and experience contributed by astrologers of antiquity. Current astrological systems are the legacy of astronomical inquiries which began tens of thousands of years ago . . . and perhaps considerably longer ago than that.
Planetary orbits are rhythmic cycles held together with gravity and angular momentum. One could say that the physics of gravity and angular momentum are the glue of our Solar System. The cycle and rhythm of planetary relationships and their interaction with our Sun, can be regarded as the heartbeat of our universe. The Sun is the heart of our Solar System.
Imagine if every human heart beats in a corresponding rhythm synchronized to the cosmic being of our Solar System. For astrologers, there is no doubt that all life is interconnected and that the consciousness of humanity is a reflection of the energetic configurations and frequencies of planetary rhythms orbiting our seemingly gigantic Sun.
THE ASTROLOGICAL MAP
The term 'planets' in astrology include both Sun and Moon, our luminaries. This is because the Sun is the most significant source of energy in our Solar System and Earth's single Moon significantly influences all life here on Earth.
The eight planets - Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto - revolve around our Star the Sun. Due to their position relative to each other, planets are in relationship through astrological aspects.
Some of these aspects are easy or benefic. And some are difficult or malefic. All planetary relationships are helpful regardless of their difficulty or ease. This is because individuals have the opportunity to do whatever they want with those energies. Yes, some energies are more difficult to express in a positive way. But those difficult aspects have more power than the easy aspects. Usually way more power.
Any relationship between planets may be regarded as an opportunity to use those energies to one's advantage. As opposed to - if there is no relationship between planetary energies, there is little or no opportunity available. This may be a rather unappealing prospect to consider. Nevertheless it is a basic astrological principle.
Planets in combination, regardless of the difficulty or ease indicated by the aspect which combines them, represent an opportunity to utilize those forces in one's favor. No relationship between planets means those energies have no connection and therefore the energies represented by those planets in combination is not available at this time to the individual. Nevertheless the individual can begin to learn in this lifetime how to bring those energies together . . . in a way which facilitates their spiritual evolution.
Similarly planets like Mars, Saturn, Uranus and Pluto can represent very powerful challenges. Learning to express these energies in a positive way is an essential feature of physical and spiritual empowerment.
THE NATURAL ZODIAC
The natural zodiac is a fundamental means of understanding the interrelationship between planets, signs and houses. It is a teaching tool. It reflects affinities and alignments between planets, signs and houses. Planets are associated with signs and signs in turn are associated with houses.
Circular Format
Imagine a lovely pie (symbolic of our galaxy) that a family of 12 (symbolic of the human race) is going to have for dessert. Humans often have a routine for dividing up the pie into individual portions. There are 12 people in this family and the pie is therefore cut into12 individual pieces. These pieces of pie are the equivalent of 30 degree sections of a 360 degree circle. The shape of each piece is roughly triangular.
Now draw a circle and divide it into 12 pie-shaped sections as in the above example. Start with the leftmost position on the circle. Situate it so that one of the side borders of the pie shaped piece on the left is called the beginning of the circle. One side of the piece of pie is a horizontal line on the far left and the other side begins the second piece of pie. In astrology what we have done is to create the framework of an astrological map, called a chart. Each piece of pie is an astrological house, a type of human activity, endeavor or interest. Starting at the far left which is the Rising Sign or Ascendant, and continuing counterclockwise around the pie, we have our 12 houses.
The line of the Ascendant on the far left is the beginning or cusp of the first house. Continuing counterclockwise around the circle, the next piece of pie is the second house. Keep going around the circle to the twelfth house which is the pie shaped piece just above the Ascendant. The end of the twelfth house is the Ascendant, which is also the cusp, or beginning, of the first house.
THE HOUSES
So the Ascendant rules the first house which is personal. It represents the self, how the self expresses through the personality, and physical body. In the Natural Zodiac, the first house is associated with the sign Aries and the ruling planet of Aries which is Mars.
The second house is associated with the sign Taurus and the ruling planet is Venus. The second house involves survival through the accumulation of resources, mainly financial wealth or lack of it.
The third house is associated with Gemini and the ruling planet is Mercury. The third house primarily involves communication and short distance travel.
The fourth house is associated with Cancer and the ruling planet is Moon. This house represents the home and on deeper levels the soul.
The fifth house is associated with children, love affairs and recreation. Its sign in the natural zodiac is Leo with ruling planet the Sun.
The sixth house is associated with Virgo and the ruling planet is Mercury. This house involves health, healing and service.
The seventh house is associated with Libra and the ruling planet is Venus. It is the house of marriage and partnership.
The eighth house is associated with Scorpio and the ruling planet is Pluto. It is the house of sex, rebirth and transformation.
The ninth house is associated with Sagittarius and the ruling planet is Jupiter. It is the house of spirituality, philosophy and government enterprise as well as long distance travel.
The tenth house is associated with Capricorn and the ruling planet is Saturn. It is the house of ambition and career and it represents the mark we make on the world.
The eleventh house is associated with Aquarius and the ruling planet is Uranus. It is the house of friendship, ideals and goals.
The twelfth house represents Pisces and the ruling planet is Neptune. It is associated with drugs, confinement or isolation, mysticism and enlightenment. It is where we surrender the boundaries of personal self to cosmic illumination.
THE OUTER PLANETS
The 3 outer planets have a relationship with 3 of the inner planets. This relationship is expressed as higher functioning of the inner planets.
Uranus is the higher octave of Mercury. Neptune is the higher octave of Venus. Pluto is the higher octave of Mars.
PLANET QUALITIES
SUN is the father principle. It is creative, enterprising, inspirational and protective
MOON is the mother principle. It is nurturing, supportive, friendly and protective
MERCURY is mind, knowledge, education and commerce
VENUS is love, affection, and intimacy
MARS is energy, aggression and anger
JUPITER is the principle of expansion, spirit, philosophy and religion
SATURN is the principle of contraction, work, discipline and learning
URANUS is intuition, insight, technology and wisdom
NEPTUNE is compassion, spiritual freedom, drugs and mysticism
PLUTO is power, control, manipulation and transformation
We can see that: Uranus is mind operating on a higher or more complex level; Neptune is love operating on a higher or more complex level; and Pluto is power operating on a higher or more complex level. The outer planets are similar to the inner planets - however they exhibit more refined, evolved and complex levels of expression.
THE SIGNS
ARIES is associated with the self, personality and physical body. It represents new beginnings, impulsive energy, and the initiation of projects and business enterprise. It is an individualistic sign emphasizing success through individual accomplishment. People born with their sun in Aries usually have very strong opinions regarding efficiency and empowerment. They are often ambitious and successful in their undertakings.
TAURUS is associated with survival through the accumulation of wealth. Taurus is also very loving, supportive, friendly and affectionate. This sign represents all the qualities necessary to be nurturing and protective caretakers. Children who have one of their parents in the sign of Taurus often have a strong bond with that parent. Maternal principle, governed by the Moon, is exalted in this sign.
GEMINI is associated with communication, inquiry and education. It is generally a friendly sign although many Geminis are introverted. This is due to the fact that Geminis are the natural students of the zodiac and they love to teach themselves new things and expand their knowledge base. Geminis also excel at the creation of new types of business and love to travel. Geminis are good conversationalists and express themselves well.
CANCER is associated with mother and the home. It is domestically dominant, nurturing, emotional, and often sentimental. People with their sun in Cancer are driven to have deep soul relationships with their friends and frequently want to be overly protective of them. This is due to the maternal influence of this sign. Children with their sun in this sign can be oversensitive. Adults tend to be sensitive also.
LEO is the king, monarch, and creator. It is ruled by the Sun and is another very individualistic sign. Leos almost always know exactly what they want and are dedicated in pursuing their dreams. Leo is a very dynamic and joyful sign. They tend to dominate others but can also be happy to remain independent. They are generally friendly and enjoy being the life of the party. Leos love to make their friends and admirers happy. They tend to be great leaders.
VIRGO is the sign of practicality, efficiency and healing. They are typically service oriented and want to help others. They may volunteer their time and effort to make the world a better place. Virgos are very focused on detail and precision. They tend to work hard to make everything exactly right. Arguably Virgo is the most intelligent of all the signs. This may or may not be true, depending on the individual's orientation.
LIBRA is the sign of balance and theoretically also of integrity. Libras often keep most of their feelings to themselves. So what you see is not always what you get with a Libra. They can be idealistic and visionary reformers and driven to achieve success in whatever sphere of influence they excel. Libras are usually sensual and love beauty. They are often the most beautiful of all the signs but can also be prone to self debasement.
SCORPIO is the sign of sex, transformation and intensity. While there is only one symbol for the other signs, there are 4 for Scorpio: Scorpion, Snake, Eagle and Phoenix. Scorpios have a reputation for being both the lowest and the highest of the signs. They are almost always characterized by power and intensity. Sometimes they are able to keep their desires hidden because they are excellent at keeping secrets regarding themselves and others.
SAGITTARIUS is the philosopher, traveler, and knower of all things. They are expansive and generally love trying out new ideas and going everywhere. They are the extraverts of the zodiac and often very popular. Sagittarius is another sign which knows exactly what they want and how to get it. They often excel at sports and are physically fit. While they love sex, it often takes a back seat to whatever is currently fascinating to them. They are sometimes overly optimistic.
CAPRICORN works hard at self discipline. They are probably the sign most likely to achieve their goals and achieve them fast and efficiently. They are focused on productivity and can gauge the value of their friends in terms of how productive they are. Capricorns are often very hard on themselves and can be perfectionists. They pride themselves on being realistic and pragmatic but are often too serious and fail to devote enough time to simply enjoying life and having fun.
AQUARIUS are the dreamers and visionaries. They can be born ahead of their time, in the sense that the world is often not quite ready for them. Their ideas and desires are often so advanced that few people are really able to understand where they are coming from. Nevertheless Aquarians are usually enormously popular. They are unique and often worshipped by their followers and friends who are fascinated by their impulsive behavior and way of expressing themselves.
PISCES are known to be mystical, idealistic and often selfless. However they may be prone to self debasement through drug use or other pursuits. They are often considered the most compassionate and considerate sign of the zodiac. They are frequently empaths and do whatever is necessary to mitigate suffering. They can get caught up in their imagination and refuse to face reality. Or they can become workaholics through dedication to their job, family, and religious beliefs.
THE ASPECTS
Aspects are the relationships in degrees formed between planets. Keep in mind there are 360 degrees in a circle. An 8 degree orb is allowed for most aspects, differences are noted. 0-2 degrees is strong, 3-5 degrees is medium and 6-8 degrees is weak in strength. There are also approaching and separating aspects. An approaching aspect is stronger than a separating aspect.
I generally use 6 aspects, other astrologers may use more or different aspects: Conjunction, Trine, Sextile, Square, Opposition and Quintile. All are up to 8 degrees except Quintile which is up to 2 degrees only. There are also grand trines and grand squares. Aspects which are 8 -10 degrees do represent abilities or challenges in formation, but are very weak and usually don't warrant mentioning.
Occasionally the placement and aspects of heliocentric Mercury, Venus and Mars will be denoted.
Conjunction indicates planets next to each other from a geocentric orientation, as viewed from Earth. Conjunctions represent blending of planetary energies. This can be easy or difficult, usually it is positive and helpful.
Trine indicates 120 degree relationship, thus the name trine because it is 1/3 of 360 degrees. Grand trines cover the whole circle in relationship. Trines represent the most harmonious and easy relationship between planets.
Sextile indicates 60 degree relationship, thus the name sextile because it is 1/6 of 360 degrees. Sextiles are easy and benefic but less so than trines. A 0 degree sextile is roughly equal to a 8 degree trine.
Square indicates 90 degree relationship, thus the name square because it is 1/4 of 360 degrees. Grand squares cover the whole circle in relationship. There are also tri-squares which are extremely challenging. Tri-squares lack the 4th component of a grand square, thus are symbolic of extreme imbalance. Squares represent difficult, malefic, or challenging relationship between planets.
Opposition indicates 180 degree relationship, thus the name opposition because the planets are opposite each other on the 360 degree circle. Oppositions represent the most difficult and challenging of the aspects, except for the tri-square.
Quintile indicates 72 degrees, thus the name quintile because it is 1/5 of 360 degrees. Quintiles represent special abilities, spiritual or creative talents the native has been developing over a period of time. I believe they may represent special talents used in the past civilizations of Lemuria and Atlantis and possibly carried over from the native's home or origin in another star system or galaxy. Often a quintile will indicate the unique trajectory of the native's spiritual evolution. When this is the case, it helps immensely in organizing complex data of the energy map.
Many astrologers don't consider quintile aspects and not everyone has them. I consider a 2 degree quintile relatively weak albeit worth noting. A 0-1 degree quintile is quite strong, and to me, represents a skill or ability the native has developed to a relatively high extent. Therefore it is a significant component of their character and spiritual evolution.
ELEMENT by sign
FIRE Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
EARTH Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
AIR Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
WATER Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
PROPERTY of signs
CARDINAL Aries, Cancer, Libra, Caprricorn
MUTABLE Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces
FIXED Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius
COMBINED ELEMENT & PROPERTY
ARIES Cardinal Fire
TAURUS Fixed Earth
GEMINI Mutable Air
CANCER Cardinal Water
LEO Fixed Fire
VIRGO Mutable Earth
LIBRA Cardinal Air
SCORPIO Fixed Water
SAGITTARIUS Mutable Fire
CAPRICORN Cardinal Earth
AQUARIUS Fixed Air
PISCES Murable Water
Cardinal is active and initiating
Fixed is stable and enduring
Mutable is sensitive and flexible
Fire is spiritual and energetic
Earth is physical and practical
Air is mental and communicative
Water is emotional and receptive
In General . . .
Sun, Mars and Pluto are fiery planets
Venus and Neptune are watery planets
Mercury and Uranus are airy planets
Moon and Saturn are earthy planets
(however Moon is earth + water and Saturn is earth + air)
PLANETARY DIGNITY
Dignity in astrology is strength. It is also called exaltation status. Exaltation placement, or sign location, is the best possible expression of a planet's specific attributes. Placement refers to its location via zodiac sign, for example in Aries or Taurus, which are the first two astrological signs. Each sign is represented, in our sky, by a physical astronomical constellation. Taken together, these constellations span the entirety of our perceived stellar environment. That portion which is available in our hemisphere can be viewed in our night sky whenever the conditions are clear enough to enable visibility.
Dignity involves a rather advanced and deep rooted concept in astrology. Basically dignity equals planetary strength. At this time in Earth's history, human strength must be cultivated if we are to remain free people with the ability to develop our natural talents and proclivities. If we want to continue our positive evolution as human beings, we must remain free.
To remain free, we must cultivate the strength to do so. In astrological terms, this is the domain of planetary dignity. It may also be helpful to recognize when planetary forces are compromised, dysfunctional and incapacitated. We are presently made weak on a very basic level because our sexual strength, and every other human strength, is under attack. It may be helpful to understand how this is accomplished astrologically. A planet is debilitated in the sign opposite its exaltation sign.
The opposite of exaltation is debility. A debilitated planet is in the sign which inhibits and obstructs its full expression to the greatest possible extent. A debilitated planet is almost entirely incapacitated, blocked from free expression of its natural tendencies. In the case of a debilitated planet, its energies may be perverted, corrupted, obstructed or manifested in an imbalanced form which is contrary to the way it 'prefers' to manifest.
Herein I use an example of astrological dignity manifested by Lord Jesus, who has primarily Jupiterian strengths but is also an extremely evolved representation of planetary balance and refinement (qualities represented by Saturn). So his Jupiter and Saturn energies complement and reinforce each other.
Jesus is arguably the most powerful manifestation of Love in all of creation, and certainly in our local Solar System or Star System. Love, in its ordinary sense, is represented by Venus. Venus is exalted in Pisces which in western astrology is ruled by Neptune. Neptune is the principle planet of compassion. So therefore we may logically deduce that in astrological terms, Neptune energies represent the highest manifestation of Love. As Lord Jesus is the most powerful force of Love in our universe, so He would astrologically have very strong powers of compassion. Which He does.
Astrologically love is primarily a feminine trait which is refined through compassion, a Neptunian quality. Thus Venus is exalted in Neptune's sign of Pisces. Neptune is neither masculine nor feminine. Compassion is not a sexual attribute. However when women are persecuted, this has a definite and direct effect on the ability to manifest compassion, Cultures which promote or tolerate female persecution have a tendency, in their extreme form, to manifest brutality and violence. These conditions are indicative of the cultural perversion of love, as well as planetary debility, in this case the debility of Venus.
Mars is exalted in the sign Capricorn which is ruled by Saturn. Mars is a sexual planet and represents the male of our species,. It also represents all aspects of human energy. In its most refined form, when it manifests brilliantly and in its pure state, Mars is perfectly aligned with Saturn. When masculine energies are diminished or obstructed, that means Mars is debilitated.
It may be noted that the planet Saturn is exalted in Libra and Libra is ruled by Venus. Thus we extrapolate that Saturn energies are perfected through influence of the planet Venus or through love. Libra's symbol is the scales, which represent balance. Balance is the chief attribute which defines the planet Saturn. Saturn's very challenging energies are necessarily tempered and brought to a superior and more gentle state through love.
The planets Uranus and Neptune must be properly manifesting their energies in order to stabilize a peaceful, positive and fortuitous evolution of humanity. Together these planets signify the highest qualities of which humanity is capable. Pluto, as the outpicturing force of power, manipulation and control, must hopefully be properly configured and tamed.
In our evolution as a species, human sexuality may ultimately be required to take a back seat to spiritual development which would be manifesting as compassion (Neptune) and refinement (Saturn). These planets, Neptune and Saturn, are the rulers of the signs in which Venus and Mars are exalted respectively.
ASTRO-INTENSIVE
Introduction
The Astro-Intensive is a class, a crash course, an in-depth tutorial in How to Interpret a Natal Chart. It is designed to provide you with the basic tools for interpreting any natal chart - your own or that of another person. When you finish this class, you will understand why it usually takes decades of training to precisely assess, analyze and interpret a natal chart. Nevertheless, if you are diligent in applying yourself to these lessons, you will have a fundamental comprehension of the elements comprising a natal chart.
Interpreting a natal chart is all about organizing these elements in a way that zeroes in on the essential character of the native. Native is the term used to designate the person whose chart is being analyzed. There are a multitude of factors involved which must be put into perspective and prioritized. It is less overwhelming when you realize that all these factors must be prioritized. That is, they must be weighted. It is only the factors with the greatest weight that you need to be scrutinizing to properly analyze a natal chart. The rest can probably be ignored.
There is one vitally important rule which must always be kept in mind. I am calling it the Prime Directive: Always interpret the chart as a whole. Whenever you are examining a detail of the chart, remember that it is meaningless without putting it in context. The context is the entire natal chart. Avoid fragmenting the chart into individual details. Each detail must be seen in relationship to the entire chart. Each detail is a possibility, a potential. It is not necessarily a character trait expressed in the native unless confirmed and emphasized by other elements of the chart.
The Prime Directive means that you will not consider a detail without relating it to the chart as a whole. There will be conflicting details which you can reconcile if you don't weight them with more importance than they deserve. Each detail is no more significant than any other detail . . . with one very important exception.
That exception is when you have discovered a common theme which tends to repeat in several different ways. When details corroborate and confirm each other, you may have discovered a repeating theme. To discover the primary repeating theme of a natal chart is to zero in on its true meaning. Discovering repeating themes in a natal chart is the way astrologers determine the essential character of the native which is derived from putting all the details in proper perspective.
We have introduced the ABC's of astrology: Planets, Signs and Houses. In this Intensive, we will be doing it again on a deeper level. In order to facilitate an in-depth organization of the factors involved in chart analysis, we will be assigning keywords. These keywords are not meant to provide a comprehensive understanding of astrology which can only be attained through decades of study. Rather these keywords are being used to enable a fundamental comprehension of the steps involved in natal chart interpretation. You are being equipped only with the rudimentary skills, the basics of interpretation.
ASTRO-INTENSIVE 1: Symbols and Chart Structure
If you intend to develop the art of interpretation, you will want to begin by recognizing the symbols astrologers use to designate planets (10), signs (12), and aspects. For aspects, first learn the 4 major ones: Trine, square, conjunction and opposition. The natal chart commences on the left side and goes counterclockwise with houses 1 through 12. Therefore degrees on the house cusps also move counterclockwise.
Astrology software should list the planets and their degrees in whatever sign they occupy. Each house also begins with a degree and ends with the degree of the next house. You need to know how planets are placed in houses. Which is that the planet and its degree must fit inside the house which includes that degree. And that planetary location is determined by knowing the degree range of each house. Astrology software will show the degree and minute each house cusp begins with. It ends with the beginning of the next house.
If you have had your own natal chart constructed and interpreted, you can use it to practice with your own interpretation. The goal of this intensive is to help you understand how an astrologer analyzes a natal chart and arrives at a coherent interpretation based on the entire chart.
It is recommended that you get an intuitive impression of the chart by gazing at it for several minutes in a meditative fashion . . . once you know what the symbols mean.
Intuitively you may get a feel for the chart as a whole. You may see that two planets appear to be roughly 90 degrees from each other. That means the distance between them would be approximately 1/4 of the chart circle. Similarly, you may see that two planets are nearly opposite each other in the chart. Or if you see two planets in the same house, you can check their degrees and see if they are within 8 degrees from each other, which would indicate they are conjunct.
When you know what the symbols mean and familiarize yourself with the structure of the chart, you will be able to identify the planets in conjunction, opposition, square and trine - which are the primary aspects in any natal chart. The general rule for aspects is that they should be within 8 degrees of the angle of the aspect. For example, two planets squared to each other should be within 8 degrees of a 90 degree relationship. Two planets trined to each other should be within 8 degrees of a 120 degree relationship.
ASTRO-INTENSIVE 2: Keywords
Keywords of Planets
Sun: Spirit
Moon: Emotion
Mercury: Mind
Venus: Love
Mars: Energy
Jupiter: Expansion
Saturn: Contraction
Uranus: Intuition
Neptune: Compassion
Pluto: Transformation
Keywords of Signs
Aries: Initiation
Taurus: Finance
Gemini: Communication
Cancer: Mother
Leo: King
Virgo: Intellectual
Libra: Peace-maker
Scorpio: Intensity
Sagittarius: Travel
Capricorn: Analysis
Aquarius: Humanitarian
Pisces: Empathy
Keywords of Houses
First: Personality
Second: Money
Third: Self-Expression
Fourth: Home
Fifth: Recreation
Sixth: Service
Seventh: Partnership
Eighth: Transformation
Ninth: Philosophy
Tenth: Career
Eleventh: Friends
Twelfth: Surrender
These keywords have been chosen to represent the planets, signs and houses in a natal chart. You may substitute any keywords you prefer. However, keep it simple. It is best to use only one word. We may be using these keywords like building blocks to string together concepts which enable interpretation.
Natal chart interpretations begin with assigning partial interpretation to planetary placements in terms of sign and house location. For example: What does Mercury in Gemini in the 9th house mean?
Using our keywords we need to combine Mind, Communication and Philosophy. The Planet is the astrological force being out-pictured. The Sign is the way in which it is being expressed. The House is the area of life being affected by the planet.
Mercury in Gemini in the 9th house, according to our keywords, would mean someone who likes to talk about philosophy (especially religion/politics) and is probably very good at it because Mercury rules Gemini. That rulership position means Mercury is very comfortable in Gemini and finds self expression easy and natural.
In the next segment of this intensive we will review rulership, dignity, and introduce the concept of dispositors.
ASTRO-INTENSIVE 3: Rulership, Dignity and Dispositors
Aries is ruled by Mars
Taurus is ruled by Venus
Gemini is ruled by Mercury
Cancer is ruled by Moon
Leo is ruled by Sun
Virgo is ruled by Mercury
Libra is ruled by Venus
Scorpio is ruled by Pluto
Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter
Capricorn is ruled by Saturn
Aquarius is ruled by Uranus
Pisces is ruled by Neptune
Sun is exalted in Aries
Moon is exalted in Taurus
Mercury is exalted in Virgo
Venus is exalted in Pisces
Mars is exalted in Capricorn
Jupiter is exalted in Cancer
Saturn is exalted in Libra
Uranus is said to be exalted in Scorpio
(Neptune is said to be exalted in Cancer or Leo. I think Neptune is exalted in Aquarius. Pluto is said to be exalted in Aries. I think Pluto is exalted in Capricorn. Some astrologers feel the outer planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto have no exaltation status.)
Exaltation means dignity. The sign opposite the exaltation sign of a planet is weak for that planet. In the vedic system it is called debility. A planet in its debility sign is regarded as very weak.. The concept of dispositors is more important with vedic astrology than western astrology. But we will introduce the concept here anyway.
A planet is located in a sign. The planetary lord of that sign is the dispositor of the planet located in that sign. The planet dispositing the original planet may in turn have its own dispositor - which would be the ruler of the sign in which IT is located. And we keep going in this way to determine dispositors.
If all the planets in a chart can be traced to a single planet which disposits itself (due to the fact it is lord of the sign in which it is located), then it becomes the Final Dispositor of the chart. Final Dispositors rule over the entire chart.
Now that we have covered dispositors, you can forget about it until we discuss vedic astrology, where it plays a greater role in chart interpretation. In the segments on vedic astrology we will explain dispositors more thoroughly.
This segment of the intensive is mainly for reference. Browse through and refer to it if it helps to get an idea how planetary forces play out. Planets manifest energies that affect everything in our Solar System, which is like a giant organism. All lifeforms as well as minerals and chemicals comprise this giant organism. Planets have affinity for certain signs, meaning they find natural expression in those signs. The best possible place for a planet is the sign in which it is exalted. Exaltation means the sign in which planetary forces are most easily mastered.
If you happen to notice that a chart has one or more planets in exaltation, this is important and should definitely be considered in the overall chart interpretation. However when you are first learning the art of interpretation, you could miss an exalted planet that a more experienced novice would pick up. There are many details to organize into a coherent whole. Like most everything else, the more you practice doing it, the better you will get.
ASTRO-INTENSIVE 4: Sun, Moon and Ascendant
In western astrology, the Sun, Moon and Rising Sign are most important, usually in that order. For proper chart interpretation, the astrologer usually begins with an examination of these elements to get an overview of the chart, a general approximation of the energies involved. It used to be a fad to ask what sign a person is. I am Gemini which means my Sun is in Gemini. In western astrology, the location of your Sun is paramount. It is the defining feature of your natal chart. The Moon is important because it is the main indicator of emotion. And the Ascendant or Rising Sign is your personality and how you express yourself. These 3 elements therefore are the essential organizing elements of the chart and should be kept in mind and considered when examining other details of the chart .
When there is more than one sign designating Sun, Moon or Ascendant . . . That sign and the qualities it represents will be very significant. For example, if Sun is in the Ascendant sign (Sun and Ascendant are in the same sign) it could mean the person is a strong extravert because the Sun is going to add energy to Ascendant. If Moon is in the Ascendant, it could mean that the person is ultra emotional because Moon governs moods and emotional expression. Sun is how we express our individuality. Moon is how we feel about everything. Rising Sign is the pattern of our personality.
We are not going into detail here about the vedic system, however it will be mentioned that the relationship between the Sun and Moon are different in the 2 systems. In western astrology, full moon is seen primarily as an opposition and oppositions are regarded as challenging. In vedic astrology, full Moon is generally seen as the best possible relationship between them. An energized Moon is a strong Moon and in the vedic system strong planets are favored. Weak planets may have difficulty manifesting properly. So it is always better to have strong planets, but they need to be without too many challenging aspects to them.
In the western system when Moon is opposite Sun, they are usually seen as offsetting each other and it is a battle for dominance. Or it can simply be interpreted that they are energizing each other. And the way they do that would be subject to the houses involved and other elements in the chart.
In summary, when analyzing a chart in the western system, always begin with looking at the Sun, Moon and Ascendant. That will get you started in focusing on the native's general character and primary ways they will express themselves. It gives an overall impression of the chart as a whole but will not be fine tuning. That fine tuning will depend more on the repeating themes incorporated in other features of the natal chart. These other features may intensify or detract from the 3 main considerations of Sun, Moon and Ascendant. Nevertheless, if you want a preliminary understanding of the chart, it can be easily obtained by focusing on these 3 elements.
Let's take an example. Sun in Gemini, Moon in Virgo, Ascendant in Capricorn. Gemini communication. Virgo intellectual. Capricorn analysis. We can see from these keywords that this person is prone to being extremely mental. They are probably very intelligent, although other factors in the chart would need to be examined. Due to having a tendency to perhaps be overly intellectual, this person may disparage and undermine their feelings and intuition. They may be overly logical. These qualities would make the person very good with science and perhaps not so good with relationship. We can see that right away by focusing on Sun, Moon and Ascendant.
For this example, we may reflect on the fact that Gemini and Virgo are both ruled by Mercury mind. Capricorn analysis is ruled by Saturn contraction. Saturn is a serious planet usually uninterested in having fun. Saturn is naturally drawn to introspection and analysis. Saturn also possesses qualities of objectivity and detachment. Therefore this combination of Sun, Moon and Ascendant would tend to make the native an extremely skillful and adept scientist. Or they might use their talents to be an accountant or have their own business.
ASTRO-INTENSIVE 5: Aspects - Planetary Relationships
Aspects show planets in combination. Aspects between planets are critical and virtually every astrologer pays close attention to them. Especially important are the major aspects of trine, square, conjunction and opposition. Other aspects can be saved for later and play a less dominant role.
Aspects are by degree and typically up to 8 degrees. First you should identify aspects up to 4 degrees. However this is only my recommendation and you can look at aspects any way you like. They are major indicators of how the native's lifeforce is being expressed.
Trines and sextiles are beneficial and easy. Squares and oppositions are challenging and difficult. Conjunctions can go either way but are usually beneficial in my opinion. A sextile is like a trine but not as strong; a 1 degree sextile is like a 7 or 8 degree trine.
Any aspect up to 2 degrees may be regarded as strong and should be reconciled with the rest of the chart. It should not be overlooked or discounted. A 2 degree aspect will always manifest, even when there seem to be influences contradicting and indicating otherwise.
You should therefore pay close attention to planets with strong aspects, noting the sign and house each planet is in. These signs will influence the manner in which the energy of the planets is blended together. And the houses involved will show what areas of life the blended energies are operating in. For example if one of the houses involved is the 7th then partnerships will undoubtedly be affected. If one of the houses involved is the 5th then children may be involved. If one of the houses is the 10th then career is likely to be affected. If the 3rd is involved then communication may be influenced.
However the manner in which the aspects are playing out is secondary to the aspects themselves. For example if the Sun is in a 1 degree trine to Mars, this native will have lots of energy, they may be very ambitious, especially if the 10th house is involved. But regardless of the sign and house placements, this aspect indicates the person has abundant energy.
Noticing their abundance of energy is more critical than noticing how that energy is expressed. Of course an experienced astrologer will certainly want to know exactly how that energy is manifesting as indicated by the signs and house locations. For the novice learning interpretation however, we need to prioritize the most important considerations, and focus primarily on those. When attempting to interpret a natal chart, there are many factors to organize, so we learn to prioritize the most important features and consider those of lesser importance later, if at all.
I personally regard close aspects as high priority. Meaning I not only pay attention to them but consider them as potential clues to repeating themes. I may overstate this point because it is important: The art of natal chart interpretation is about investigating and discovering repeating themes. We are actively seeking corroboration and confirmation of character traits that are repeated in a number of different ways in the chart. As a novice interpreter, you may miss repeating themes and that is ok. You will get better with practice.
Concluding the western part of the Intensive . . .
As we finish up with the western tropical part of the class, it may be appropriate to elucidate the reason for this Intensive: I prefer that you not be at the mercy of mine or any other astrologer's interpretation. Or the interpretation provided by an AI artificial intelligence since that is a possibility as well. My perspective is that if you are going to obtain the services of an astrologer to calculate and/or interpret your chart, you should cultivate critical thinking in the evaluation of whatever you are being told your natal chart means.
Hopefully this intensive will provide some of the basic tools and skills required for beginning to analyze and determine the meaning of your natal chart. If you review the Intensive from time to time, you may learn to prioritize the most important features of the chart. You will learn how to make sense of the format and how to start organizing the various details contained in the chart.
Prioritizing is necessary in order to properly analyze and organize information contained in the chart. It is required to avoid the overwhelm triggered by an apparent multitude of unfamiliar details delivered in coded symbols. Therefore your very first step is to understand the chart format and know the meaning of each of the major symbols.
Ideally the natal chart is a means of objectively confronting and psychoanalyzing yourself. Astrology will help you get to know yourself on the deepest levels and in the most comprehensive way, assuming it is based on an accurate birthtime and if the interpreter is sufficiently experienced. I feel that you may not be inclined to leave this vitally important task to someone whom you may barely know. Rather you may choose to take a more active role in supervising the results of your chart analysis.
ASTRO-INTENSIVE 6: Vedic System Overview
Some astrologers have stated that the vedic system is no more complex than the western system. I disagree with this, in spite of the fact it may be the prevailing view. I believe the vedic system is a great deal more complex and in my opinion also more valid and reliable than tropical systems. It has a reputation in being a precision technique for self understanding. That probably explains why it is steadily gaining in popularity among astrologers.
In the vedic system a planet's dispositor is important because it is felt to be clearly in control of the planet it disposits, sort of like a supervisor. It isn't emphasized as much in the western system. If a planet is the Final Dispositor in the vedic system, it assumes an enormous responsibility in that natal chart. The Final Dispositor is the planet which disposes every other planet and therefore is the final controller and arbiter of all planetary influences in the chart. The native who has a Final Dispositor planet is generally more focused on their life purpose, more aware of it, and also more disciplined in achieving it.
It is my belief that all astrological indications can be viewed in a positive light. However I would not downplay the possibility of difficulty and challenge. Every one of us faces challenges in our lives and those challenges are often clarified by the astrological associations involved. These associations can be very helpful when used to show us how to navigate a crisis. Astrology also tells us how long the crisis will last, when it begins and when it will end. It is often reassuring to know when a crisis will end.
Nevertheless do not be tempted to take a negative view of the native's character due to astrological influences and the way in which they are interpreted. Vedic astrology seems imbued with various disparaging yogas and other facets of interpretation which can produce a decidedly negative view. I feel these negatively prone assessments should be reinterpreted in a more balanced and objective manner. Therefore they need not be taken seriously until they are understood in a more objective and balanced way.
I believe vedic astrology is considerably more valuable and more helpful in navigating the crises we encounter than is western astrology. It is a powerful and beneficial tool for self analysis and should not be ignored. It also provides in my view a more thorough and comprehensive understanding of the native's character and spiritual intent.
Western tropical astrology, which is what most astrologers today use, is not where the planets are actually located and observed in the sky. Sidereal vedic astrology is where the planets are actually located. Therefore, in my opinion, most astrologers are not using the accurate planetary placements. And there is a reason for that which is difficult to explain. I believe there is value in tropical astrology. I use it and make an attempt to reconcile it with the vedic sidereal version.
I use two vedic astrology charts: The Rasi and the Navamsa. These are the two most essential vedic charts. The Navamsa is the most important of approximately 15 harmonic charts in the vedic system (there could be more of which I am unaware). These harmonic charts compliment and are in addition to the Rasi chart, which is analogous to the western natal chart. Nearly all vedic astrologers use a minimum of these two charts for their interpretations. They may use other preferred harmonic charts to supplement these interpretations.
ASTRO-INTENSIVE 7: Comparison and Notes on the Vedic System
It is suggested that you first refine your interpretation ability with the western system before tackling the vedic system. However for some people, it may be easier to begin with the vedic system. That way they aren't confused by two different systems neither of which they understand very thoroughly. The following describes only a few features of this system and how it differs from the western system.
The vedic system is distinguished by organizing planetary influences in a different way from the western system, primarily in terms of aspect and house lordship. Planets are often in different signs and/or houses from the western system. Houses in the vedic system have a slight or completely different meaning from their western counterpart. Symbols used for the vedic system (planets and signs) are the same as for the western system.
I use the square version of the chart format. There is another option for chart format which many people in India traditionally prefer. I think the square format is easier and it is the format with which I am familiar. There are 12 houses in the vedic system same as the western.
In the vedic square format, signs on houses remain the same and houses change numbering beginning with Ascendant as house #1 and proceeding clockwise around the square. This is opposite the western system in which houses are numbered counterclockwise.
Aspects are also figured differently from the western system. Different planets have different aspects except for the opposition which applies to all planets and is counted as 7 from the starting planet (with the starting planet's house counted as 1). The vedic conjunction is not considered an aspect and will be explained later. Aspects are not given names as they are in the western system.
Aspects are counted from the planet to which the aspect is applied. We need to remember that the house the planet occupies is counted as the first house in computing aspects. Aspects are counted clockwise. Mars for example has three main aspects including the opposition. The other two aspects of Mars are counted 4 and 8 houses clockwise from the house in which Mars resides. The aspects of Mars are therefore counted 4, 7, and 8 houses from the house Mars resides in (beginning counting with that house).
Sun, Moon, Mercury and Venus have only the opposition aspect. Mars, Jupiter and Saturn have other aspects. Moon's nodes Rahu and Ketu are essential in the vedic system whereas in the western system they are often ignored by choice of the astrologer. Moon's nodes also have aspects which may be considered and applied.
When two or more planets occupy the same house, these planets are considered to be associated. Association means they are assumed to function together most of the time or at least some of the time. If they happen to be conjunct, by western system standards, then they may be considered to mostly function together as a unit.
Associated planets are not considered to be "conjunct", or aspecting each other, even when they are close to each other by degree. However there is something called combust which is when the Sun is very close to another planet.
Ayanamsa is the difference in degrees between the tropical and sidereal systems, between the western and vedic systems respectively. There are at least a dozen different ayanamsas from which the vedic astrologer may choose.
Ephemerides are usually tropical, which means that the tropical planets are approximately 22 degrees (depending upon the ayanamsa being employed) ahead of where they actually are located in astronomical measurements. Each sign is 30 degrees.
The Navamsa vedic chart is either second or equal in importance to the Rasi which is the primary natal chart in the vedic system. The Navamsa is the premier spiritual chart and is also the chart used for determining compatibility and arranged marriages.
The big three features in the vedic system are different from the western system. The Sun is least important whereas in the western system it is most important. In the vedic system, the Ascendant assumes primary significance. Houses ruled depend on the Ascendant. And in the vedic system some houses are more beneficial than others. Some houses are considered to be tainted, negative or harmful. And the planetary lords (rulers) of such tainted houses carry a sort of astrological stigma.
In the vedic system, Ascendant and its lord are considered most important. Then the Moon is usually considered second most important. And finally if the Sun is considered as more important than the other planets, it is less important than Ascendant and Moon.
Generally if there is a Final Dispositor planet, it would be more significant than any of the other planets unless there is an exalted planet in the chart. An exalted planet wouldn't necessarily overcome the planet which is Final Dispositor but it would definitely play an important role, similar to a chief advisor.
The outer planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are usually disregarded in the vedic system. The Moon's nodes Rahu and Ketu feature prominently in vedic astrology and to a certain extent replace the outer planets. Although some vedic astrologers do consider the outer planets as essential influences. And some astrologers such as myself combine the western and vedic systems, so we are considering all the influences including nodes and outer planets.
This concludes the Astro-Intensive. I hope you have found it helpful and wish you well in all of your adventures with astrology.
