Understanding the Basics of Astrology
You and me when we remember that we’re infinite.
At the heart of astrology lies the belief that the positions of celestial bodies at the time of our birth can offer profound insights into our personalities, strengths, challenges, and key energetic themes we’ll experience over the course of this lifetime. Astrology spans cultures and millennia, with roots linking back to the most advanced and ancient civilizations to inhabit this planet. At any moment in history, humans look(ed) to the skies for inspiration and context to their earthly experiences.
Like the Universe, Astrology is Ancient.
If you find yourself fascinated with astrology, you are not alone. You join the countless others who sense a wisdom to the craft. One of my favorite things about astrology is that we will NEVER learn everything there is to know about it. It makes sense that an ancient tool used for studying the Universe is, like the Universe, infinite in nature.
That said, there are still plenty of places to start your studies. This post is meant to provide a very high-level overview of astrology and how it’s organized. If you’re new(ish) to astrology, here’s what you need to know.
Zodiac Signs:
The zodiac is divided into 12 signs, each associated with specific personality traits and characteristics. These signs are determined by the position of the Sun at the time of your birth. From adventurous Aries to ethereal Pisces, each sign brings its unique energy to the cosmic tapestry. If you are interested in learning about each sign’s archetypal energy, alongside key dates of each season, consider downloading one of my astrological e-books or joining the monthly membership to further enhance your studies.
The Birth Chart:
Your birth chart, also known as a natal chart, is a snapshot of the sky at the moment you were born. It maps out the positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, and other celestial bodies in relation to the zodiac signs and astrological houses. Your birth chart is like a cosmic blueprint, revealing the potentials and challenges you may encounter in life. Your Sun sign is going to reflect your purpose and sense of identity in this lifetime, but everyone has each planet in a particular sign! The deeper you go with your studies, you’ll come to learn about asteroids and astrological points in the birth chart, all of which fall into one of the 12 zodiac signs.
So all that to say — astrology is layered! I recommend starting with your Big Three: Sun, Moon, and Rising sign.
Planets:
In astrology, planets symbolize different aspects of our psyche and experiences. Each planet governs specific areas of life and influences how we express ourselves. For example, Mercury rules communication and intellect, while Venus governs love and money. Insights into our relationship to these topics can be found by understanding your birth chart and planetary placements.
Astrological Houses:
The astrological houses represent different areas of life, such as career, relationships, and spirituality. The planets in your birth chart fall into these houses, indicating where certain energies are focused in your life. Download my free astrological houses sheet to get additional guidance with your studies.
Embracing Astrology as a Tool for Self-Discovery:
It can be tempting to use astrology to understand others, and there is tremendous value in that when it’s done well and responsibly. Astrology is even more powerful when it’s used as a tool of introspection and self-discovery. The birth chart is a cosmic compass guiding you home to yourself.
As you delve deeper into astrology, take the time to explore different techniques, study your birth chart, and reflect on how its insights resonate with your life experiences. Whether you're seeking guidance in relationships, career decisions, or personal growth, astrology can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and empowerment. If you feel lost or inundated with too much information, look for an astrologer whose energy resonates — you want someone informed, open-minded, and not accusatory in their language. When in doubt with spiritual studies, always default back to your intuition.
