Mercurial Musings: astrology 101

If you're an avid reader of horoscopes, you've probably come across the terms opposition, sextile, square, trine, and conjunct. These are aspects between planets that are based on a range of specific degrees. Astrologers use them in their horoscope and natal chart readings because they reveal tense or harmonious relationships between the planets and houses.

There are many aspects within astrology, but today I'm going to talk about the Major Aspects. These were popularized by Ptolemy, an astrologer in the 1st century, who defined and used them in his readings. They're used more than Minor Aspects (such as the inconjunct or semi-square) because they indicate a more significant relationship between planets. Within my own studies, I primarily interpret charts by analyzing Major Aspects.

Each aspect reveals clues to how two celestial bodies are interacting with one another. There are two categories to separate them, and they're referred to as hard or easy. Hard aspects include the opposition and square because they create tension, contention, and road-blocks between two energies that lack compatibility. Easy aspects, such as sextile, conjunct, and trine are harmonious and flow well with one another.

When analyzing the stars, it's important to note where they are in relation to each other, not just what sign they're residing in. Analyzing aspects will deepen your understanding of astrology and help you create more accurate readings. In this post, you'll learn what each Major Aspect represents in order to incorporate it into your astrological study.

Trine

A trine is an easy aspect that happens when planets are 120° apart from each other. Planets and angles that form this aspect go very well together and often reveal innate abilities. For example, if your natal Venus trines your Moon, you're most likely someone who can easily create harmonious relationships that honor each partner's feelings. Trines are symbolized by a triangle, the most stable shape because weight is equally distributed. They bring balance between planets and can be used to effectively channel past and present emotions to formulate tangible results for areas of conflict.

Sextile

Sextiles are easy aspects, occurring between planets forming a 60° angle. They indicate amicable and compatible energy but require special attention. If you find a sextile in your natal chart, it usually reveals the abilities you take for granted; this is because sextiles need to be activated in order to feel the full extent of their power. While generally weaker than a trine aspect, sextiles provide opportunities for collaboration between the planets in your chart. They thrive off of intention, so be aware of this if you're interested in channeling their influence.

Square

Squares are considered a hard aspect that happens at a 90° angle. Planets and houses with this aspect often feel like they're fighting with one another; neither party wants to compromise, even though that's the only solution in order to reconcile drastically differing energies. A lot of people are afraid of squares, but they're just points of growth if you're willing to work with them. The lessons they provide help us navigate tough situations, either within ourselves or in our lives. This energy can be overwhelming, but its strength helps us learn how to integrate opposing energy to be more well-rounded.

Conjunct

Conjuncts are typically referred to as easy aspects, although they can be problematic if the conjunct planets are squaring or opposing other planets. They occur when planets are between 0-10° apart and indicate strong mutual energy. Conjunct aspects often happen when two planets are in the same sign because they're so close together, which leads to an intense expression of that sign's energy. For example, each month's New Moon involves a Sun conjunct Moon, heightening the themes and lessons of subjectivity and revitalization.

Opposition

Oppositions are hard aspects between planets 180° apart from each other. They're considered to be incredibly powerful and have an externalizing quality. Since they're the aspect of the axis in astrology (i.e. Taurus-Scorpio), they reflect dichotomies in our personalities when present in natal charts. Even though energies in opposition grapple to find a balance between one another, they're actually very similar. That's why they're called complimentary oppositions; despite their extreme differences, one cannot exist without the other. The lesson opposition angles hold is that struggle is often necessary before you reach reconciliation.

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Elements and Modalities in Astrology

astrology 101 September 04, 2019

There are 4 elements in astrology, Earth, Fire, Water, and Air, which were believed by ancient alchemists to be the foundation of all life (another explanation for astrology's coherence with witchcraft). Each element has unique properties that guide the signs they're associated with; but of course, each sign can manifest this energy in different ways.

Earth Signs

The three Earth signs are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. Earth signs are concerned with stability and practicality, which means that they emphasis the importance of material security. This doesn't mean they're superficial, but rather feel they're able to thrive when they have a solid foundation.

Since they're connected to tangibility, they take things literally and seriously. If you've ever told a Capricorn an idea you have, expect them to come back with a 10-step plan to achieve it. Earth signs mean business, and not always in a capitalist way. They may like pretty objects but they're still down to dismantle oppressive structures that interfere with people's access to food, shelter, and security.

Think of the literal representations of the Earth: rocks, trees, the soil. Most of these things are solid and difficult to move. This is true for the Earth sign personality. They have a tendency to be stubborn but are ultimately dedicated to achieving their goals. We can learn the lesson of service from these persistent signs, as their devotion to those they care about is an example of how people should act.

Water Signs

The three Water signs in astrology are Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces. Water signs are known for their acute emotional sensitivity and receptivity. They value connections beyond the surface and tend to be psychically attuned to energy unseen.

For some, this could mean the paranormal. In general, water signs are excellent at anticipating people's needs and deciphering their true feelings. Because of this, however, they struggle with absorbing negative energy or emotions. Water signs struggle with boundaries because of their fluid nature. We learned in chemistry that water has no shape; in its liquid form, it adapts to the configuration of what contains it.

We can learn the lesson of emotional intelligence from these perceptive signs. They remind other elements of the importance of intuition, of trusting feelings rather than logic. This isn't to say that water signs aren't reasonable; they're just willing to consider subjective factors in their decisions and perspectives of the world.

Fire Signs

The three Fire signs of the zodiac are Aries, Leo, Sagittarius. Fire signs are connected to passion, creativity, and romance. This energy is the driving force behind our personal power; it rules over aspects of our lives that inspire and ignite us.

Fire sign people are dynamic and crave excitement. They get the reputation of being exuberant and extroverted individuals, but that's not always the case. Their element can range from a smoldering fire to a fickle flame; so of course, fire sign dominant people reflect this nuance in expression. Regardless of personal demeanor, this energy is dramatic, energizing, and fierce.

Fire in nature is inherently dramatic, casting long shadows and leaving destruction in its wake. Signs within this element are fervently loyal to their loved ones, but can easily walk away from a situation or person that no longer brings positivity to their lives. They understand the importance of endings, how extinguishing a flame creates more energy for better opportunities.

Air Signs

The three Air signs are Gemini, Libra, Aquarius. Air signs are ruled by the intellect and all things related to communication. They're the chatty signs of the zodiac, always eager to explore, dissect, and delve into a variety of perspectives, opinions, and thoughts.

Since air signs are connected to the conscious mind, they gravitate towards philosophy and literary arts. They can be idealists as well as pessimists, depending on their experiences. But in general, this sign is more curious than anything. This is why philosophy suits their personalities — they're always asking questions. But answers alone aren't always their end goal. They prefer the pursuit of knowledge and the joy of thinking and debating over anything else.

Air in nature is invisible. It moves around and through us at all times, and it's impossible to capture. So is the air sign nature: elusive but omnipresent. And yet rapid winds in tornadoes and hurricanes can create tangible damage to our Earth. People with air sign dominant charts remind us of the power of our consciousness; how thoughts can become actions that impact the world.

Feminine/Masculine Signs

The elements are paired into two groups: masculine and feminine signs. They are meant to be archetypes rather than reflections of the gender binary, but traditional astrology doesn't do a great job of distinguishing these two things. Feminine signs are Earth and Water signs and reflect the stereotype of being passive and receptive. Masculine signs are Fire and Air signs which are supposedly more aggressive and action-orientated.

While this framework isn't totally untrue, it still reflects gender essentialist thinking. Feminine and masculine energy is more fluid and dynamic, which is why I prefer to ground my analysis in the opposition aspects of the elements.

An opposition is formed when two planets are approximately 180 degrees apart from one another. Because they're polar opposites, it evokes a tension that two energies are at odds with each other. But they're also complementary, reflecting the yin yang philosophy that contradictions are often two parts of a whole. Without Water, it's impossible to nourish the Earth. Without Air, there would be nothing to fuel Fire. They are interdependent energies necessary for the survival of the other.

Modalities

Tropical astrology is aligned with the seasons, which in turn is connected to the months in a year. Since there are four elements, there are three modalities to divide the 12 signs. The three modalities (also known as modes) in astrology are cardinal, fixed, mutable. They signify the beginning, middle, and end of the seasons and their qualities reflect their roles in facilitating this process.

Modalities are also related to the houses. The cardinal houses (also known as the Angular Houses) include the 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th houses which are the Ascendant, the Imum Coeli, the Descendant, and the Midheaven respectively. These angles are thought to be very important in natal chart analysis since they relate to our identity, our home life, our relationships, and our career.

The fixed houses (also known as Succedent Houses) are the 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 11th houses and are considered to have a lesser impact than the cardinal houses. They have an unchanging quality since they're wedged in the middle of each quadrant of the zodiac wheel.

And finally, the mutable houses (or Cadent Houses) are the 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th houses and were believed by Greek astrologers to have even less significance than the Succedent and Angular houses. This is because these houses didn't form important aspects with the Ascendant, which was seen as the angle of life and vitality.

A concept called "Natural House," developed in the 12th century linked each zodiac sign to the houses, which eventually lead to analyzing cadent houses as if they were mutable signs. Personally, I consider both perspectives when studying theses houses. But I don't view it as inherently positive or negative (as older astrologers did in the past), but rather whether it has a major or minor impact on the person's life.

Cardinal

The four cardinal signs are Capricorn, Cancer, Aries, and Libra. Cardinal signs are related to the beginning of the season. Therefore, these signs are masters at initiating and creating new opportunities and beginnings. People with heavy cardinal energy in their natal charts tend to be visionaries, excellent at generating good ideas but not so good at executing them. They're the "doers" of the zodiac, easily exhausting themselves because they thrive in rapid bursts of energy.

Fixed

The four fixed signs are Leo, Aquarius, Taurus, and Scorpio. Fixed signs hold the season down. They're unmoving and resolute, sometimes stubborn in their convictions. Their endurance can either be their best quality or biggest downfall, depending on the situation. People with fixed signs are able to achieve their goals through hard work and dedication. They finish what they start (although starting can be difficult for them) and embody the phrase "won't stop, can't stop."

Mutable

The four mutable signs are Sagittarius, Gemini, Pisces, and Virgo. Mutable signs shift into the new season and are best described as a snowstorm in the springtime. They can embody qualities from two extremes, which is reflected by their easily adaptable personality. People with mutable signs in their charts tend to be flexible and down for whatever. They're the go with the flow type and are willing to experiment with new ways of living and being. On the flip side, they can also be too flexible and lose themselves in the process.

Applying Elements and Modalities to Analysis

You can combine your understanding of modalities and elements to analyze specific signs in your natal chart. For example, I'm a Capricorn Sun which is a cardinal Earth sign. This means I'm skilled at initiating projects and ideas that are often grounded in the material realm. My girlfriend is a Leo Sun, so she's a fixed fire sign. She combines her creative spirit with endurance and can sustain projects in her life for an extended period of time.

You can also apply this to more complex configurations in astrology — What does it mean to have a Capricorn Sun conjunct a Taurus Moon? How does a Venus in Sagittarius react to someone with a Venus in Libra? Let's talk about this last question — when analyzing synastry (comparing two people's natal charts to determine their compatibility), you can learn a lot from applying an understanding of modalities and elements.

So what would happen between a Venus in Sagittarius and a Venus in Libra? There's a lot more to consider when asking this question, but generally, you could say it's an opposites attract situation since it's Air and Fire. Libra is a cardinal Air sign, meaning this person is likely to be comfortable asking people out, initiating plans, or starting a conversation. Sagittarius is a mutable Fire sign, which makes this placement down for anything that's exciting or different; they're driven by their passions and tend to pursue their heart's desire.

A possible conflict between these two would be that they never feel on the same page (opposite aspects) or there's tension between different ideas of a relationship. Depending on other placements, aspects, and the individuals, this can be a stumbling block or an exciting dynamic to their relationship.

See how my analysis also incorporates other aspects of astrology? You can zero in on certain things, but you always have to consider the entire picture. Including personal experiences! These can impact how energy manifests in an individual's life.

Now that you have a basic understanding of modalities and elements in astrology, what are some insights you have about your own natal chart? Comment below if you're willing to share, I'd love to hear what you think!

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Astrology 101: How to Read a Natal Chart

astrology 101 November 24, 2018

Welcome to Sagittarius season! In the spirit of this sign's desire to expand their intellectual horizons through education, I've written a guide on how to read an astrological natal chart. It will cover the basics on how to read the chart, understand the symbols, and navigate the complex layers of chart interpretation. This guide is meant for those who want to learn more about astrology, but don't know where to start!

First and foremost, I like to use Astrodienst for my natal chart calculations. I find it to be reliable, accurate, and extensive because it offers many different styles of drawings for your chart. While a bit complicated for the beginner astrologer, I think it's much better to start out this site as opposed to Cafe Astrology. A lot of people use the later for chart interpretations but I find it very limited, as it doesn't give you the full visual scope of planetary aspects and what houses the planets are in.

I recommend entering your birth information into Astrodienst to follow along with this tutorial. Just click the Free Horoscopes tab under the website's logo to be directed to the page below. When you click the Extended Chart Section, you'll be prompted to enter your birth information.

As you can see, it's possible to create charts for people as well as events and dates. I'm going to create a chart that shows where the stars are at the time and place of writing this guide. It's important to know the exact time and place of birth for the person (or event) you're calculating the chart for in order to get the most accurate information.

Once you've entered the details, you'll be directed a page that allows you to choose different options for calculating your chart. I'd recommend playing around with what they have to offer, including different chart types and house systems. But for now, choose the default setting "Natal Chart Wheel" and select the name of the chart you've just entered.

Viola, your chart has been drawn! Let's deconstruct what this all means.

The wheel is like a clock that includes all 12 houses of astrology. Marked 1-12, each house represents a different aspect of your life. Whereas planets embody the kind of energy you channel, houses show where those energies manifest. The 1st house is known as the Ascendant (marked by AC below) and in this chart, it's in Sagittarius. After the 1st house, each house follows counter-clockwise. The lines beginning from the center that reach towards the outer circle are marked by the house they correspond to. After the 1st house in Sagittarius, the 2nd house is in Capricorn. Then the 3rd house is in Pisces. And so on.

While complicated and nuanced, understanding the houses begins with learning which aspects of life they correspond to. Here is a list that explains the basics:

1st (ruled by Mars) = House of the Self

2nd (ruled by Venus) = House of Values

3rd (ruled by Mercury) = House of Communication

4th (ruled by the Moon) = House of Emotions and Home

5th (ruled by the Sun) = House of Love Affairs and Creativity

6th (ruled by Mercury) = House of Work and Health

7th (ruled by Venus) = House of Relationships

8th (ruled by Pluto) = House of Death and Regeneration

9th (ruled by Jupiter) = House of Higher Conscious

10th (ruled by Saturn) = House of Career

11th (ruled by Uranus) = House of Community

12th (ruled by Neptune) = House of Karma and Dreams

You'll notice that each houses is ruled by the planets of the zodiac. The cyclic and symbolic nature of the natal chart wheel demonstrates that each planetary energy is present and influential within our lives.

I'll talk more about the relationship between the houses and the planets but first let's discuss the planets themselves. In the screenshot below, we see a smaller chart that details which sign each planet is in. The planets are channels for expressing who we are. Without a complete analysis of all of them, we run the risk of a superficial interpretation. There are two categories of planets, known as the inner and outer planets.

Inner planets are planets closest to the Sun. They are the Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars. The sign these planets are in, which houses they're located, and what aspects they form with other planets reveal information about our general personalities and how we express ourselves. They pass through signs much quicker than the outer planets, making their impact on our lives more evident in a tangible way.

Outer planets are planets farther from the sun. They are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. They represent our subconscious and spirituality. Placements and aspects to the inner planets reveal deeper, more elusive parts of the self. They also take longer to orbit the Sun and have a greater impact on longer periods of our lives.

In this natal chart drawing, we also see the True Node and Chiron, which are not actually planets. The True Node (also known as the North Node) is a point where the Moon's orbit around Earth intersects with the Sun. The South Node (or descending Node) is not featured in this chart but is always the opposite sign of the True Node. So if the True Node is in Cancer, then the South Node is in Capricorn.

Chiron's status as a minor planet is contested as it exhibits behaviors of a comet. Regardless of its celestial makeup, Chiron's role in our chart corresponds to the mythology of a Greek centaur. Chiron was a healer and teacher who could not heal himself. Therefore, Chiron in astrology represents the part of ourselves that are deeply wounded, but that holds great capacity to heal and help others.

There are many others points, asteroids, and other celestial bodies that astrologers analyze and incorporate in natal chart readings. I'd recommend exploring these once you've mastered the basic, but let's get back to understanding the planets. As mentioned before, each planet represents an aspect of our behavior and perspective, whether it's conscious or not. They are our psychological drives and understanding their impact in our charts can help us navigate them. Here's a basic list of what each planet represents:

☉Sun (ruling planet of Leo) = Our personal purpose & basic personality
☽ Moon (ruling planet of Cancer) = Our interior motivations & emotional processes
☿ Mercury (ruling planet of Gemini/Virgo) = Our methods of communication & conscious mind

♀Venus (ruling planet of Taurus/Libra) = Our attitudes about and expression of love

♂ Mars (ruling planet of Aries/Scorpio) = Our ability to take action and our desires

♃ Jupiter (ruling planet of Sagittarius/Pisces) = Our methods of expanding our personal horizons
♄ Saturn (ruling planet of Capricorn) = Our responsibilities, limitations, how we navigate society
♅ Uranus (ruling planet of Aquarius) = Our individuality and expression of creative rebellion

♆ Neptune (ruling planet of Pisces) = Our spiritual visions, imagination, & psychic abilities

♇ Pluto (ruling planet of Scorpio) = Our unconscious nature, relationship to power, & ability to transform

So far, we've learned what areas of our lives the houses rule and the psychological drives the planets influence. Before we tackle the individual essences of each Zodiac sign, let's discuss the grouping they exist within. Take a look at the part of the chart that I've highlighted with a black box. This details which elements (Earth, Fire, Wind, and Air) and qualities or modes (Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable) are present in the chart.

To understand the qualities of the 4 elements, we only have to look at the scientific and cultural interpretations we already know. Earth is the land we depend on; it grows our food, provides shelter, and solidifies our connection with other life forms. Therefore, Earth signs (Capricorn, Taurus, and Virgo) are reliable, stubborn, and stable.

Air exists all around us. It's an element we take for granted because its invisible. It gives us oxygen, which not only allows us to survive but gives us the ability to speak. Our breath and intellectual ability to create language are attributed to air. Thus, Air signs are communicative, elusive, and versatile.

Water nourishes the Earth as well as our bodies. It's the conduit for spiritual and emotional energy, aligned with the Moon which moves the tides in the ocean and our hearts. Water signs are sensitive, receptive, and moody.

Fire erupts in volcanic explosions or fades like a fickle flame. It's the inspiration that sparks in our imaginations, energy that pushes us forward into action. It warms our bodies as much as it fuels our passions. Fire signs are intuitive, romantic, and impulsive.

Within the chart I've created, five planets are in Fire signs (as you can see in the category F). If this was a natal chart for an individual, they would have prevalent fire sign qualities such as impulsivity, creativity, and a passionate attitude about life. The lack of Earth in their chart (only two planets) indicates a problem with creating a reliable foundation to fall back on when their instinctive behavior gets them into trouble. With four planets in Water signs, they would be deeply sensitive to their feelings and surroundings. Perceiving other people's emotions and subconscious motivations would be a distinguishing skillset, one they might take for granted depending on their level of awareness. And finally, with three planets in Air signs, this person's value of communication depends on which signs the planets are in. A Moon air placement indicates the desire to express one's interior self verbally or a tendency to deny their intuition in favor of their logical processing.

As you can tell, this analysis is a bit vague because it's not considering many other aspects of this person's chart. Let's go a step further by revealing the three qualities (or modes) of the signs. Each one corresponds with the three stages of the four seasons.

Cardinal (Capricorn, Cancer, Libra, Aries) = Beginning of the season, the initiator of the Zodiac. Excellent at starting projects but struggles to finish them. Usually has a strong sense of action.

Fixed (Taurus, Scorpio, Leo, Aquarius) = Middle of the season, the signs that carry out the purpose of the season. Reliable and persevering but sometimes to the point of unyielding stubbornness.

Mutable (Sagittarius, Gemini, Virgo, Pisces) = End of the season, the mediator between changing energies. Adaptable signs that prefer dynamic changes. Often restless and inconsistent.

Let's refer back to the part of the chart that mentions the frequency and placement of these qualities.

Symbolized by the C for Cardinal, F for Fixed, and M for Mutable, this imaginary person's natal chart is dominated by Mutable energy with some Cardinal energy and absolutely no Fixed energy. Therefore, they are likely to be highly adaptable to change, preferring a lifestyle that fluctuates often to stimulate their tendency to be bored and fickle. Since their Sun, Mercury, Ascendant, Moon, and Mars are in Mutable signs that are mostly Fire, the way they communicate, present themselves, act, and feel are are going to be passionate, volatile, dynamic, and capricious. They may struggle with finding balance and stability in their everyday reality as well as in their philosophical and spiritual values (since Neptune, Jupiter, and Chiron are all in mutable signs).

The lack of Fixed energy means they aren't stubborn but also have difficulties committing to projects, ideas, people, or jus general consistency. There might be a sense of never feeling like they belong, as they are constantly jumping from one experience to the next for the sake of stimulation as opposed to actual need. With the presence of Cardinal energy, they love beginnings, especially in relationships and work (Venus and Midheaven, which is another name for the10th house, are both in Cardinal signs) but get bored once the novelty of newness wears off. The lesson here is learning to value consistency and stability, as it provides a foundation for the growth and expansion this person needs to feel purposeful.

Now that you have a basic understanding of the the elements and qualities of each sign, it's time to delve into the details about each Zodiac sign. I'm hoping that learning about the houses and what they represent alongside the planets, elements, and modes, you'll already be able to fill in the gaps about what each individual sign represents.

Here's a handy graphic I've created for you to learn and memorize the symbols for each sign. Unfortunately, memorizing is a big part of the journey into the realm of astrology. But application of this knowledge is going to be the most important in solidifying your understanding! An excellent way to do this is to use your own natal chart in your analysis of each sign. While some signs may be more prevalent than others, it's still a useful method for aligning your technical knowledge with your intuitive intelligence.

Here's a list of each sign of the zodiac with a couple positive and negative traits for both. Remember this is just a basic explanation of each energy, not a full comprehensive analysis.

Aries (symbolized by the Ram) = Assertive and courageous // Impatient and quick tempered

Taurus (symbolized by the Bull) = Sensuous and patient // Materialistic and stubborn

Gemini (symbolized by the Twins) = Articulate and witty // Anxious and devious

Cancer (symbolized by the Crab) = Protective and sympathetic // Moody and lamenting

Leo (symbolized by the Lion) = Confident and dramatic // Conceited and excessive

Virgo (symbolized by the Virgin) = Precise and analytical // Hyper-critical and neurotic

Libra (symbolized by the Scales) = Charming and gracious // Indecisive and superficial

Scorpio (symbolized by the Scorpion) = Mysterious and resourceful // Jealous and distrusting

Sagittarius (symbolized by the Archer) = Honest and idealistic // Fickle and irresponsible

Capricorn (symbolized by the Goat) = Ambitious and methodical // Pessimistic and brutal

Aquarius (symbolized by the Water Bearer) = Inventive and altruistic // Erratic and impersonal

Pisces (symbolized by the Fishes) = Mystical and imaginative // Escapist and self-doubting

Now that you have a basic tool for referencing what each sign means, let's begin to analyze the planets within the chart. We'll start with the Sun located in the 11th house and Jupiter and Mercury located in the 12th house, all in Sagittarius. We know that Sagittarius is a mutable fire sign that seeks expansion through knowledge and experiences. Jupiter is the ruling planet of Sagittarius, meaning this person is most likely lucky and idealistic in their approach to life. Since Jupiter is in the 12th house, their sense of expansion comes from exploring the hidden realm of the subconscious. They can express it being highly spiritual, intrigued by mysterious studies like the Occult, and/or placing emphasis on dreams and imagination. On the flip side, there's the risk of feeling limited by society's imposed structure which can lead this person to develop escapist tendencies or a perspective of victimization that interferes with their responsibilities.

With Mercury in Sagittarius, the verbal expression of ideas and thoughts are honest, philosophical, and frank. But since the 12th house is normally ruled by Neptune, which is the planet of illusion and the subconscious, this person's communication methods are seeped in secrets. The 12th house represents our fears and when Mercury rests here, the individual can experience hesitation and doubt in expressing their true thoughts. However, when channeled in an appropriate and healthy way, this placement grants manifestation powers through writing, speaking, and spiritual chanting.

With the Sun also in Sagittarius, this person's drive and motivation is directed by an honest, inspiring, and adaptable fire sign. It's placement in the 11th house of community reveals the individual's desire to connect with groups of people who share their idealistic and enthusiastic perspective. The 11th house rules friends, clubs, or any kind of social gathering. Even though the Sun in Sagittarius is chillin in this house, the house itself is ruled by Scorpio. Since Scorpio is perceptive, emotional, and disinterested in superficiality, this person's relationships with friends and groups are going to be deeply transformative. Whether that manifests in surrounding oneself with spiritually-attuned communities or organizations interested in changing political and social structures, the emphasis on Scorpio's probing power is a potent clue into this person's role within larger groups.

We are only scraping the surface of the deeply complex and nuanced art-form of deciphering natal charts. There is much more to discuss, analyze, and postulate about this chart but for the sake of learning the basics, I'd like to discuss the next and final part of the chart: aspects.

Aspects are the angles between each planet, the mathematical part of astrology that reveals much about how each planet interacts with one another. Just as we have tense or easy relationships with siblings, parents, friends, and co-workers, so do the planets. When well-aspected (known as soft aspects), planetary energies work together whereas challenging aspects (hard aspects) create tension and conflict. Learning how the planets relate to one another in your natal chart can reveal parts of your personality that work together or present struggles that hold potential for growth.

While this chart calculation features major and minor aspects, I will only discuss major ones as they are more commonly referenced by astrologers and astrology websites. Once you've mastered your understanding of these, then it's appropriate to seek more information about the less impactful aspects.

The Major Aspects in astrology are:

Conjunction ☌

When two planets are 0° or less than 8-10° apart. These two energies meld together as one, making it difficult to distinguish between the two. They're often taken for granted, as they naturally integrate within our personalities.

Sextile ∗

When two planets are 60° apart. This is a harmonious aspect that requires activation in order to be utilized. Often understood as an opportunity for success and productivity.

Square □

A hard aspect where two planets are 90° apart. The symbol of a square can be building or stumbling blocks, depending on how you choose to view it. It's an aspect that forces us to learn difficult lessons.

Trine △

A soft aspect where two planets are 120° apart. These relationships indicate innate prosperity and talent that brings ease with creative expression. The triangle is a stable shape that blesses us with insight and vision.

Opposition ☍

A hard aspect where two planets are 180° apart. Oppositions indicate tension between complementary opposites, where we seek the reflection of ourself by interacting with others. They also reveal parts of ourselves that feel torn and divided. Reconciliation of these two energies are the key to learning their lesson.

Now let's look again at the part of the natal chart that details the planetary aspects. Don't worry about the symbols I didn't define above. Let's focus on the hard aspects (Squares and Oppositions). I always tackle the difficult parts first because I'm a Capricorn and I love telling people how to get their shit together :~)

Mercury in Sagittarius squares Mars in Pisces, invoking tension between the way this person communicates and their sense of action. Sagittarius and Pisces are very different energies, despite being ruled by Jupiter (Pisces's first ruler is Neptune, and then Jupiter). One is frank, straight-forward, and adventurous while the other is dreamy, emotionally fluid, and sensitive. With a square between these two energies, there's a tendency to be assertive to the point of exhaustion as well as intense impatience and frustration when others don't fully understand what the individual is trying to express.

Mercury square Mars thinks quickly and voices their thoughts before they've had a chance to review them. This can lead to misunderstandings and others perceiving this person as argumentative and hot-headed. The intensity of their logical processing can lead to physical strain. The lesson here is to slow down and consider one's intuition when deciding what to say and how to say it. Finding a way to appropriately channel one's verbal aggression will assist in mastering this square aspect.

Now let's look at an opposition aspect present in the chart. The Moon in Gemini is in opposition with the Ascendant in Sagittarius. The Ascendant is not a planet, but the 1st house which is a potent point in the natal chart because it represents one's sense of self. While the Ascendant is most commonly understood as the way we present ourselves to the world and how other's perceive us, I also think of it as the point of accumulation of all the energies in a chart. As the Ascendant is the part of the sky where the sun rose on the day of one's birth, it is a symbolic representation of destiny.

So what does it mean if the Moon opposes the Ascendant? Gemini and Sagittarius are sister signs, another word to describe the opposition aspect between signs. They are essentially the same energy, but manifested in differing ways. They are both dynamic and energizing, represented by the relationship between Air and Fire. Without air, fire fizzles. Without fire, air floats without purpose.

We can view Moon opposition Ascendant in the same way. With a Moon in Gemini, the individual experiences their emotions on an intellectual plane. They are excellent at verbalizing their feelings, but often fail to acknowledge the necessity in feeling them rather than thinking about them. With Ascendant in Sagittarius, this person is driven by truth-seeking and developing their sense of self around their values. Since the Ascendant is our first house, then the Moon opposite this placement is close to the 7th house of relationships. Despite it technically being placed in the 6th house, planets hovering near the important axis of the self versus others will influence the kind of relationship dynamics one chooses.

With the Moon in the 6th house, this person's emotive capacities is orientated towards service for others. Since the 6th house represents work and health, there may be a tendency to care so much for another's well-being that they neglect giving themselves the same attention. Depending on how and who raised them, their emotional intensity can translate into codependence on other people to feel their emotions for or with them. While emotional interdependence is a positive relationship that brings people closer, codependency overwhelms and stifles growth within this dynamic.

Keep in mind that lived experience is very important in analyzing astrological aspects and placements, as the objective interpretations fall flat when one fails to apply them to a person's reality. Perhaps this is why astrology gets the negative reputation of being unreliable, because nothing is ever definite. Natal charts shouldn't be used as an instructional manual because they are only blueprints. They hold our potential and who we can become. If you approach astrology with this perspective, it will be 100x more helpful in using it as a tool for growth and transformation.

I hope this guide to reading a natal chart helped you better understand the various layers in interpreting the wealth of knowledge astrology has to offer! I'll be creating more posts in the future about various aspects about the Zodiac so be sure to subscribe to my email list or follow my pages on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates.

Further reading:

Glossary of Astrological Terms

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