>[!quote] [Chris Brennan](https://twitter.com/chrisbrennan7/status/1486815483097751558?s=12) >Astrology keeps working even when I'm not paying attention, and sometimes also despite my protests. Astrology is the practice of divining [[Meaning]] from the movement of celestial bodies. It is a **pseudoscience** that is best interpreted as a language of archetypes. It provides a framework for engaging with the numinous dimension of life. ## History Astrology has been practiced across almost all cultures in some form. It is therefore difficult to provide a precise, academic history. The information below is relevant to how it is practiced in contemporary culture. This should be viewed as incomplete and non-representative of the numerous iterations an astrology practice can take. ### Hellenistic Astrology Hellenistic astrology is a traditional form of tropical astrology representing the culmination of earlier iterations of the practice. It interprets the movements of the five visible planets, the luminaries, and the nodes of the moon. The *Thema Mundi* is a world chart developed by Hellenistic astrologers as a geometric argument for the organization of the houses and aspects. It consists of the seven visible planets, with the sun and moon determining sect in the brightest and warmest times of the year, Cancer and Leo. Domiciles are determined by a combination of elongation and synodic cycle.[^1] ![[sketch_themaMundi.excalidraw]] [^1]: mostly making this part up. ### Modern Astrology Improvements in the telescope led to the discovery of Uranus and subsequent outer planets, which practicing astrologers have since incorporated into their readings. Astrology has been broadly criticized since the Enlightenment, but enjoyed a resurgence in interest with the development mass media and introduction of newspaper horoscopes. Modern astrology includes the transpersonal planets along with the those of the Hellenistic set, along with [large asteroids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteroids_in_astrology?wprov=sfti1#Chiron_and_the_centaurs) and [Sabian symbols](https://sabian-calculator.com/calculator/), to provide a more detailed interpretation of life events. ## Astrological Astronomy Astrology relies on the **apparent motion** of the sun, moon, and planets to make individual or collective interpretations. This is the way that the sun and stars *appear* to move from the perspective of a stationary observer on Earth. It is also the basis of the **geocentric** model of the Universe, the same model ancient observers of the stars used prior to the Copernican revolution. While we know such models have been disproved mathematically and through consistent observational evidence, we nonetheless still *perceive* and communicate celestial motion in terms of apparent motion, and we derive coordinate systems from this perception. The first coordinate system, the **horizontal coordinate system**, is a mathematical description of our position and field of view at any given moment. The **ecliptic coordinate system** is a mathematical description of how phenomena move across the sky relative to the center of the earth. Understanding both systems is useful in understanding the relevance of the birth chart. ### Signs In tropical (Western) astrology, the signs mark a belt of 30° sections of longitude along the ecliptic. This belt is the zodiac and it follows the apparent path of the sun through the sky, passing through each sign over the course of a calendar year. The word "Zodiac" is a loanword from Ancient Greek meaning “circle of little animals.” In the northern hemisphere, each sign corresponded with seasonal shifts and patterns. Observing the motion of the stars thus served as a form of timekeeping and predictive reasoning prior to the invention of clocks and calendars. - [[Aries]] - [[Taurus]] - [[Gemini]] - [[Cancer]] - [[Leo]] - [[Virgo]] - [[Libra]] - [[Scorpio]] - [[Sagittarius]] - [[Capricorn]] - [[Aquarius]] - [[Pisces]] ## The Birth Chart The birth chart is the best point of entry for beginning a study of astrology, as it is the most personal form and most directly accessible to individual interpretation. An accurate birth chart requires knowing one's date, location, and time (to the minute) of birth. The most common issue is not knowing one's birth time, which can be resolved through a process known as [rectification](https://theastrologypodcast.com/2018/08/27/rectification-using-astrology-to-find-your-birth-time/). A birth chart can be calculated for free [here](https://astro-charts.com/tools/new/birth-chart/). This is the most important artifact for using astrology as a personal framework for meaning-making. Some refer to the birth chart as a [Blueprint of the Soul.](https://medium.com/@astrolab21/about). I prefer to think of it as a snapshot of the moment one was organized. Most astrology primers begin with Sun, Moon, and Ascendant placements. I believe this is starting off with a great deal of unnecessary complexity, and that it is better to understand the structure of the chart itself before introducing the dynamic elements of the planets and nodes. ### The Points A birth chart consists of four points, which are calculated according to the global position at time of birth. The most important point is the [[Ascendant]]. Geographically, these define the points at which [[The Ecliptic]] passes through eastern and westernmost points of the horizon, known as the prime vertical circle, and the northern and southernmost points of the observed zenith, known as the principal vertical circle. In a modern birth chart, the points are marked by the major axes of the chart, horizontal and vertical, which pass through their respective points. These are sometimes referred to as the "angles" where they mark the cusps of the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th Houses. - [[Ascendant]] - [[The Points]] ### Houses [[Houses]] represent areas of life through which the points and planets move. The chart is divided into 12 sections of 30°, each corresponding to a sign or set of signs depending on the method of calculation. Each house corresponds to a domain of an individuals life in a rough order of experience. ## Planets A planet is any significantly large non-stellar object. The term **planet** derives from the Greek [πλανήτης](https://en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/%CF%80%CE%BB%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%AE%CF%84%CE%B7%CF%82), meaning *wanderer* or *vagabond*. The visible planets did not conform to the predictable westward movement of the stars and so were assigned agency within the cosmology of antiquity. Each planet has places in the sky where it flourishes or struggles, and each planet has a signature [[#Aspects|aspect]]. Astrologically, the planets are arranged according to a geocentric perception of the solar system and in terms of their perceived importance. ![[sketch_astroSelf.excalidraw]] My personal belief is that planets are better modeled with a heliocentric-egocentric hybrid. This places the Earth (direct perception) between Venus and Mars, with the rest in their respective positions. I discuss my reasoning for this [[What’s My Sign?|elsewhere]]. Human perception, apparent motion and distance from both Earth and Sun yield different rates of transit for each planet. This has informed their archetypal qualities over time. The basic rule of thumb is that the closer a planet is to Earth, the faster it moves, and greater effect it has on the individual, while slower-moving planets will have more profound effects on life in general. ### Essential Dignities Each planet has a sign of rulership where it is particularly influential and one of detriment where its qualities are diminished. Each also has a sign of exaltation where its qualities are magnified and a fall where it loses its potency. Each of these signs represent an archetypal cycle of gaining strength, expressing and disseminating its influence, and losing power. The Sun provides the best illustration. When the Sun is exalted in Aries, it is at the beginning of its annual role as the source of energy and life, gaining strength as days become longer and warmer. In Leo, it’s sign of rulership, it dominates life and the landscape in both the fullness and heat of summer. When it meets its fall in Libra, it is losing strength and the amount of light it provides is waning. Its detriment in Aquarius shows it at its weakest point of influence, where little life is present. These classifications inform us about the nature of the planet and its cycles. They are referred to as different measures of ‘strength’ of a planet, but I find that this conception is imprecise. The body in question has not changed, merely its circumstances. The Sun is still the Sun, the Moon still the Moon, regardless of exaltation or detriment. The diurnal planets, including the Sun, find their exaltations in trine from their domicile (the house of their rulership), while the nocturnal planets, such as the Moon, form sextiles to their exalted signs. ### Luminaries The guiding lights of the sky, the Sun and the Moon, are referred to as luminaries. The Sun tends to take the obvious credit for this in the last several centuries, given our scientific understanding of its importance to life on Earth. Thus, when we speak of *illumination* or *enlightenment*, we are applying solar qualities to our experience. However, the Moon’s importance preceded the Sun’s in human experience, as illustrated by the evolution of the triple Goddess and her association with the moon. The moon provided a better celestial example of the rhythmic patterns experienced by our ancestors, taking on a different quality depending on its phase, as opposed to the sun whose significance was poorly understood until we began to associate semen with childbirth. From this point, the Sun as a character evolved from Helios, a skilled horseman driving a chariot across the sky, to Apollo, a representation of music, culture, language, and knowledge. We often make the mistake of associating the Sun with [[the Self]], when in fact, the Sun merely helps us become aware of conceptual relationships that can be derived from our experience, and we pay less attention to the ways in which the Moon illuminates our inner, felt experience that lies beyond language. - [[The Sun]] - [[The Moon]] While not a "luminary," the lunar nodes deserve attention in this context, as they are points at which eclipses happen and the guiding lights are temporarily extinguished. - [[Lunar Nodes]] ### Personal Planets The personal planets affect the individual. Their effect tends to be transient, lasting a few days. - [[Mercury]] represents mental activity and communication. - [[Venus]] represents beauty and connection to others. - [[Mars]] represents conflict and aggression. ### Social Planets The social planets affect individuals and their immediate relationships. - [[Jupiter]] represents gifts and abundance. - [[Saturn]] represents limits and boundaries. ### Transpersonal Planets Transpersonal planets affect the collective. They represent the shared experience of the personal planets. They are less specific and more difficult to interpret, as their effect may be felt but lack a direct, personal relationship, or their transit may be so overwhelming that it is difficult to think beyond the immediate experience. As an example, the [Pluto return](https://michaellutin.com/2021/08/23/the-serpent-hatches/) of the United States created a collective [[gestalt]] for that period of time, despite idiosyncrasies in each individual's experience. - [[Uranus]] relates back to Mercury and represents new information and disruption. - [[Neptune]] relates back to Venus and represents aesthetics and universal love. - [[Pluto]] relates back to Mars and represents wealth and transformation. ## Transits **Transits** refer to planets moving through the current sky *in relation to a “fixed” point.* This point could be a natal chart, an event, or location. Planets are always moving through or *in* a sign for a given time of year, but they transit a particular person's houses. Transits create aspects to either other transiting planets (Firenze school) or natal planets or points in a chart (Trelawney school). A transiting planet takes the qualities of its domicile and applies them to the sign it is transiting. This may be beneficial or challenging depending on the dignities of the planet. The basic convention in describing a transit: - Inner (faster) planet aspects the outer (slower) planet. - Transiting (moving) planet aspects the natal (stationary) planet. ### Interpreting Transits * The house in your chart with the transiting planet is the area of your life where the change will be coming from. Ex. N Node transiting Gemini in my 12th house → change will be coming from the hidden areas of my life. * The house in your chart that contains the planet, angle or Node is the area of your life receiving the change Ex. → activates natal N node in my 1st house → will be hungry for all the hidden ways in which my hunger to nurture others overwhelms or sabotages my ability to connect with them. * The aspect between your natal planet, angle or Node and the transiting planet(s) will describe the quality of the change. ### Aspects For most aspects, and placements for that matter, there will be an evolved manifestation and an unevolved manifestation. This is essentially "the work" being asked of the individual: to turn difficult aspects into assets, and to direct talents toward altruism. A good reading should describe the qualities of the aspect, ways in which it might manifest, and the work that is being asked. - Conjunctions are alignments of two planets within 1°. A Solar conjunction has particular power with a planet. As the planet approaches within 15° it becomes obscured by the Sun’s light and loses all its influence until the moment of conjunction, when it’s qualities and influence are super-charged. A conjunction (0º) **blends** the energy of the transiting planet and the natal planet, angle or Node. Sometimes the blend goes nicely (Jupiter/Venus) and other times not so nicely (Saturn/Mars). - A sextile (60º) combines complementary qualities in a harmonious way, like air feeding fire. The sextile is Venus' aspect. - A square (90º) causes **tension** that demands action. They are "cattle prods” that generate the energy necessary to do something, but do not give us options. They apply **friction**. Mars does squares. * A trine (120º) promotes an enabling [[flow]] of energy from the transiting planet to the receiving planet. The energy of the transit is woven into the fabric of life rather than dumped on you, feeling effortless, like a natural gift or talent. A trine is Jupiters move. * An opposition (180º) presents a choice or conflict, a temporary polarization or a duality. This is Saturn’s move. Transiting outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, [[Uranus]], Neptune, Pluto) and eclipses have a maximum orb of 3-4° influence. Transiting inner planets (Sun, Moon, [[Mercury]], Venus, Mars) have a maximum orb of 2-3° influence. The quality of the transiting planet will affect how an aspect feels. A conjunction from [[Uranus]], while unifying, will be much more abrupt than a conjunction from Venus. Signature aspect is determined by the planet’s maximum elongation as defined by its placement f rulership on the *Thema Mundi*. This is its apparent angle to the sun prior to stationing retrograde. [[Planets in Retrograde|Retrograde motion]] is the planets’ movement eastward relative to the stars. Elongation only seems to apply to retrograde motion for inner planets. For outer planets, retrograde will begin as it approaches conjunction or opposition with the sun. It ends as the planet approaches a semi-square. Synodic period, the time between elongations, thus time between retrogrades, can be calculated from a formula where *T* is synodic period and *Te* & *Tp* are sidereal years of Earth and observed planet.  ## Synthesis >[!cite] Gandhi > We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change … We need not wait to see what others do. Appropriately administered, astrology is not causal. It is a reflection. You have to let astrology work: allowing the celestial situation to indicate what is happening and examine what is happening *naturally*, as opposed to trying to manipulate one’s behavior to fit the observed events, or expecting something specific. >[!quote] Chani Nicholas >What do we do with the lived experience of this world and the knowledge, wisdom, the context that astrology can give us? It's a complicated question, and it is one that I grapple with all of the time. I see the world events. I see the astrology, I see the correlation. And I never want to diminish the grief that is occurring in the moment by explaining it away astrologically, because that can feel so very strange and devoid of compassion, and humanity, quite frankly. So I am not, nor am I ever, saying that these things happened because of the astrology. The astrology is a mirror to what is going on. - [Week of May 29, 2022](https://overcast.fm/+4vy4DNB_c) It may be that astrology provides a framework in which we can recognize *synchronicity*, particularly in its subtle form. This gives us the ability to adapt to the rhythms of life. ## As a Tool - [[Astrology for Parents]] - [[Astrology for Skeptics]] - [[What’s My Sign?]] %% ## Notes ### 2025-04-07 #### Astrology Aspects are relationships that planets form with each other as they move through the sky. Transit aspects are temporary and helpful in describing collective experience. Natal aspects are fixed and helpful in describing a personality. Combinations of aspects might be considered analogous to the psychoanalytic concept of a *complex*. A transiting planet can also aspect a natal planet. This is the most complicated and real-time use of astrology. A transiting planet aspecting a natal planet *receives* information from the natal planet, in the mode and quality of the sign and house the natal planet occupies. It takes that information and *applies* it to the work it is doing within the house it is transiting. Aspects are merely encounters and conversations between planets, and the dimensions of the self they represent, within the context of a sign and a house.