Astrology has been a source of fascination and insight for thousands of years. It’s a powerful tool that helps us understand ourselves, others, and the world around us by observing the movements of celestial bodies. If you’re new to astrology, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the basics and set the foundation for your astrological journey.

What is Astrology?

Astrology is the study of how the positions and movements of celestial bodies—such as the sun, moon, and planets—affect our lives and the natural world. The core idea is that the cosmos and human life are interconnected. By interpreting the celestial patterns, astrologers believe we can gain insight into our personalities, behaviors, and life events.

There are many different astrological systems, each with its unique methods and traditions, including Vedic or Chinese astrology. This site focuses primarily on Western traditional astrology, which is rooted in the practices of ancient Greece and Rome and further developed through the Renaissance. Western astrology centers on the zodiac, birth charts, and the influence of planets to provide a comprehensive understanding of personality, behavior, and life events.

The Zodiac

The zodiac is a circle of twelve segments, each corresponding to a constellation. These segments, known as zodiac signs, are the foundation of astrology. Here’s a quick overview:

Each sign has its own set of characteristics and traits, influencing the personalities and behaviors of those born under them.

The 12 Houses

The houses in astrology represent various aspects of our lives. Here’s a brief look at what each house governs:

The Planets

In astrology, each planet symbolizes different energies and aspects of life. The most recognizable of these is the Sun, which represents your core identity and ego. On your natal chart (which you will learn about below), the Sun corresponds to your Sun sign — the zodiac sign that is most commonly referred to in horoscopes. Your Sun sign is the essence of who you are, reflecting your most prominent traits and characteristics. The other planets, including the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, each govern different facets of your personality and experiences, adding depth and nuance to your astrological profile.

• Sun: Core identity and ego.
• Moon: Emotions and inner self.
• Mercury: Communication and thought processes.
• Venus: Love and beauty.
• Mars: Action and desire.
• Jupiter: Growth and abundance.
• Saturn: Structure and discipline.
• Uranus: Innovation and change.
• Neptune: Dreams and intuition.
• Pluto: Transformation and power.

Learn more about the Planets and other Celestial Bodies on a page dedicated specifically for this group.

Elements and Modalities

The zodiac signs are further categorized by elements and modalities, adding another layer to their characteristics.

Elements

Modalities

The Birth Chart

A birth chart, or natal chart, is a snapshot of the sky at the exact moment of your birth. It’s unique to each person and acts as a celestial blueprint of your life. The chart is divided into twelve sections called houses, each representing different areas of life, such as career, relationships, and home. In essence, the planets in your birth chart represent what influences are at play, the houses indicate where these influences will manifest in your life, and the zodiac signs show how these influences will express themselves. Understanding this interplay can provide profound insights into your personality and life path.

Getting Started

As you begin your exploration of astrology, remember that it’s a rich and complex field. This guide is just the starting point. Dive deeper into each zodiac sign, house, and planet to understand their full meanings and how they interact with each other.