7 Illuminating Celestial Insights: What Is Astrology?

If you're here, you're likely asking yourself…what is astrology? And why is it weirdly accurate?

Astrology is a profound system that utilizes the celestial bodies and their movements to gain insight into human affairs and natural phenomena. While often associated with horoscopes and zodiac signs, astrology encompasses a far more profound depth for you to explore.

Let's dig in but first let's cover a few key takeaways:

Key Takeaways

• Astrology is an ancient practice that uses celestial bodies to gain insight into human affairs and natural phenomena.
• At its core, astrology is a tool for self-discovery and understanding.
• Astrology can reveal personality traits, strengths, weaknesses, and life path, and can also be used to gain insight into relationships, career paths, and major life events.

What Is Astrology?

The History of Astrology

Dating back to ancient times, astrology has served as a means of delving into the complexities of human existence and the natural forces that mold our earthly surroundings over the course of numerous centuries.

Its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations like the Babylonians, Egyptians, and Greeks, who meticulously observed the movements of celestial bodies, believing them to exert a profound influence on human existence.

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The Babylonians, renowned as pioneers in this esoteric art, were the first to develop the zodiac – a system of twelve constellations corresponding to the path traversed by the sun throughout the year. This celestial calendar laid the foundation for astrological interpretations.

In its formative years, the Babylonian system of celestial omens, compiled around the middle of the 2nd millennium BCE, spread and amalgamated with indigenous astrological traditions across regions like China and Greece. It was in Greece, during the late 2nd or early 1st century BC, that a pivotal synthesis occurred – the Babylonian astrology merged with the Egyptian tradition of Decanic astrology, giving birth to the sophisticated field of horoscopic astrology.

This revolutionary form of astrology shifted its emphasis to the natal chart, a cosmic blueprint derived from the precise positions of planets and stars at an individual's birth. The introduction of the ascendant (horoskopos) and the twelve celestial houses further refined and elevated this astrological system to unprecedented heights of complexity and comprehensiveness.

This approach to astrology swiftly disseminated across the ancient world, permeating Europe and the Middle East, where subsequent traditions built upon this Hellenistic foundation. They retained and refined many of the core components that modern astrologers still employ today, a testament to the enduring wisdom and insights embedded within this celestial art.

But, What Is It?

Astrology is a language and shortcut to help you understand your inner and outer world. It becomes a tool for you to leverage in your self-discovery journey.

It is a clock to track life's cycles, from start to end. It is the times, the future, and everything in between.

It becomes your celestial coaching team as you navigate and experience your life's blueprint.

And most importantly, as you learn astrology, you come to realize that this is the stage from which all of Earth's creation plays on. As above, so below.

Your Personal Game Plan to Life: The Birth Chart

So, how do you learn astrology fundamentals? You start with your birth chart.

Your birth chart, a celestial blueprint etched at the precise moment you took your first breath, is a profound map of the cosmos at that sacred instance. This astrological chart, including 10 planets (yes, we count the Sun and Moon in this) and other celestial bodies, is intricately divided into twelve celestial houses, each representing distinct facets of your life's journey.

My teaching is centered around Hellenistic, traditional astrology wisdom and teachings. I follow traditional astrological practices such as whole sign houses and planetary rulership. That is what I'm teaching you.

The positions of the 8 planets, the radiant sun, and the enigmatic moon at the time of your birth are meticulously plotted on this cosmic tapestry. These planetary movements and their placements within the celestial houses and Zodiac signs are pivotal in shaping your inherent personality traits, innate strengths, potential challenges, and the winding path that lies before you.

Interpreting your birth chart can offer invaluable insights into the contours of your life's journey, illuminating your inherent strengths and potential challenges. By understanding the profound significance of planetary placements within each celestial house, you can gain a deeper understanding of your life's path, the opportunities that await, and the hurdles that may arise.

Your birth chart stands as a powerful talisman, a celestial guide for self-discovery, offering invaluable wisdom to navigate the winding roads of your life's epic journey.

Your Master Coaching Team: The Big Three – Sun, Moon, and Rising Signs

When it comes to astrology, the three most important signs in your natal chart are your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs. These three Zodiac signs are also known as the “Big Three” and they reveal a lot about your personality, emotions, and overall outlook on life.

Your sun sign, determined by the sun's celestial position at the moment of your birth, represents the core essence of your identity and is often associated with your symbolic zodiac sign. Your moon sign, influenced by the moon's enigmatic placement, unveils the depths of your emotional realm and inner world.

The rising sign, also known as your ascendant, is a celestial imprint determined by the exact hour of your birth, representing the persona you present to the world around you.

Sun Sign

Your Sun sign is the zodiac sign that most people are familiar with, as it represents your core personality traits. For example, if you are a Leo Sun, you are likely confident, outgoing, and creative. If you are a Virgo Sun, you are likely analytical, practical, and detail-oriented.

As the central force, the Sun represents your core identity, life purpose, and sense of individuality. The Sun acts as your Head Coach – illuminating your innate strengths, talents, and the overarching objectives you're striving to manifest. It guides you to embody your authentic self and shine your radiant light into the world.

Moon Sign

Your Moon sign represents your emotional core and innermost self, revealing your deepest emotional needs and how you inherently express your feelings. For instance, if you have a Cancer Moon, you may be highly sensitive, nurturing, and intuitive. Conversely, an Aries Moon could make you impulsive, passionate, and competitive.

The Moon embodies your innermost emotions, instincts, and subconscious yearnings. It acts as an Emotional Coach – nurturing your ability to honor your depths, attune to your intuitive wisdom, and gracefully navigate the ebbs and flows of your psyche. The Moon helps you remain connected to your emotional truth.

Rising Sign (Ascendant Sign)

Your Rising sign, also known as your Ascendant sign, represents the way you present yourself to the world. It is based on the zodiac sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the time of your birth and reveals your outward personality.

For example, if you have a Scorpio Rising sign, you may appear mysterious, intense, and magnetic. If you have a Gemini Rising sign, you may appear curious, adaptable, and communicative.

Your Rising sign represents your outward persona, the lens through which you engage with the world. It is your Image Coach – shaping how you present yourself, make first impressions, and adapt your approach to different situations. The Rising sign guides you to project your most empowered self.

Understanding your Big Three can provide valuable insight into your personality, emotions, and overall worldview.

As you learn more about your birth chart, you will become your council using this information to guide you along the various aspects of your life, such as career, relationships, and personal growth.

By gaining knowledge of your Big Three, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your place in the world.

Your Celestial Coaches: Planetary Roles and Influences

In the grand cosmic game that is your life's journey, the planets within your birth chart are not mere spectators awaiting manipulation, but a sacred council of celestial guides. These dynamic, living forces embody the wise mentors who mold your experiences, gently steering you towards growth, evolution, and the ultimate fulfillment of your soul's blueprint.

The Luminaries

The Sun and Moon, also known as the luminaries, are two of the most important planets in astrology. As I mentioned before, the Sun represents your ego, identity, and sense of purpose, while the Moon represents your emotions, instincts, and inner self.

The Sun illuminates your true essence, aspirations, and self-confidence, acting as your head coach for authenticity. The nurturing Moon serves as your emotional guide, helping you honor your inner depths and navigate feelings.

Mercury

Mercury, a fast-moving planet but never too far from the Sun, is the planet of communication, intellect, and knowledge. It influences how you think, learn, and communicate with others. It is also associated with commerce, technology, and travel.

Mercury coaches your intellect, analysis, and communication style as the cosmic strategist.

Pro Tip: Mercury retrograde occurs 3-4/year, and during that time each retrograde is focused on one element such as earth, fire, air or water.

Venus

Ah Venus! Everybody's favorite planet of love, beauty, and pleasure. Venus influences your romantic relationships, artistic expression, and sense of style. It is also associated with wealth and material possessions.

Venus assumes the role of relationship coach, attracting harmonious bonds and igniting your joy.

Mars

Mars, the bad boy in the bunch, or is he? I believe that most people need to understand this amazing planet of action, energy, and aggression better. Mars works hard to influence your drive, ambition, and sexuality. It is also associated with conflict and competition.

As an embodiment of passion and drive, Mars motivates your determination, providing the fire to fearlessly pursue ambitions.

Jupiter

Jupiter, the great benefic, of expansion, growth, and abundance. Jupiter influences your beliefs, values, and sense of purpose. It is also associated with luck and good fortune.

The philosopher Jupiter inspires an expansive mindset as your wisdom coach, helping you transcend limitations.

Saturn

Saturn, aka the planet of no, is associated with discipline, responsibility, and structure. It influences your work ethic, self-discipline, and sense of duty. Saturn is also associated with limitations and challenges.

Disciplinarian Saturn instills patience, resilience, and grit as the structural coach for building strong foundations in your life.

The Outer Planets

Ancient astrologers could not consider the influence of Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto in their work, as these outer planets had not been discovered yet due to limitations in technology at that time. However, these three celestial bodies have a profound role to play in your life.

Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto help you transcend and evolve. As they move through the sky and form significant transits to your birth chart, they trigger major shifts and awakenings. Though unseen in ancient times, these outer planets guide you to continually evolve and reach new heights of consciousness.

Uranus

Uranus, discovered in 1781, is the planet of change, innovation, and rebellion. It influences your individuality, originality, and desire for freedom. It is also associated with sudden changes and unexpected events.

The revolutionary Uranus guides your uniqueness, defying conventions as your liberation coach. #youbeyou

Neptune

On September 23, 1846, the planet Neptune was discovered by the German astronomer Johann Gottfried Galle. With Neptune, you are navigating the topics of spirituality, intuition, and imagination. It influences your creativity, empathy, and ability to connect with the divine. It is also associated with deception and confusion.

Neptune awakens intuition, transcendence, and idealism as the spiritual coach exploring your highest dreams.

Pluto

Finally, Pluto as the empowerment coach confronts shadows, catalyzing profound rebirth by harnessing your innate power.

Pluto, discovered in 1930, is the planet of transformation, power, and regeneration. It influences your deepest desires, fears, and secrets. It is also associated with death and rebirth.

Next, let's look at how the elements and the astrological symbols can help you build the language of the stars.

Your Language Playbook: Astrological Elements and Symbols

Astrology employs a set of symbols and elements to represent different facets of your personality and life. These symbolic representations aid you in interpreting the placements of planets and stars, enabling you to make informed decisions about your future or analyze past experiences.

As you delve into these descriptions, bear in mind that all aspects of this symbolic language reside within your natal chart. All 12 astrological signs, and hence the four modalities, find representation in your birth chart. Each chart offers a unique snapshot of the celestial bodies at that precise moment, creating a naturally diverse landscape of expressions.

Fire, Earth, Air, and Water Signs

The zodiac signs are grouped into four elemental energies: fire, earth, air, and water. Each of these elements represents distinct aspects of your personality.

Fire signs (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius) are renowned for their passionate, energetic, and enthusiastic natures within you. This is the vibrant spark that fuels personal drive and zest for life.

Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn) reflect practical, grounded, and reliable qualities. Earth is associated with a steadfast foundation and tangible focus that cultivates stability.

Air signs (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius) focus on intellectual, communicative, and social needs. The mental agility and connectivity that facilitate idea exchange flows through.

Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces) channel emotional depths, intuitive insights, and sensitivity. The oceanic realms of feeling, empathy, and soulful attunement reside within these Zodiac signs.

The different elemental energies blend together to shape the many layers of your personality. Each element expresses its distinct qualities and influences within you.

Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable Signs

The Zodiac signs are also categorized into three modalities, each reflecting a distinct approach that colors your way of moving through life's journey.

The cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) awaken the initiator, leader, and go-getter within you. These signs boldly take action, spearhead new beginnings, and forge ahead as a trailblazer.

The fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) imbue you with an unwavering stubborn streak, grit, and persistence. The fixed signs are known for a stubborn demeanor, determined to see things through with resolute focus until the culmination.

The mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) bestow the gifts of adaptability, flexibility, and versatility upon your spirit. With this crew, one can fluidly shift gears, embrace change, and harmonize with the ever-evolving flow of life.

These modalities provide you with distinct lenses and strategies for navigating the multitude of experiences that color your life's canvas. The ability to initiate, persevere through challenges, and adapt with fluidity, emerges from the interplay of these energies within you.

Astrological Glyphs

Astrological glyphs are symbolic representations used to denote planets, zodiac signs, aspects, and other celestial bodies or points. These glyphs offer a concise and universally understood symbolic language when drawing and interpreting natal charts.

Their simple, visual nature enables immediate recognition and association, allowing for quicker interpretations. Utilizing these glyphs provides you with a shorthand, universal system of symbols to reference.

The glyph for Aries, for example, looks like a ram's horns, while the glyph for Venus looks like a circle with a cross underneath it.

Common Astrological Glyphs:

• Planets:
  • Sun (☉): Represents the core essence, ego, and life force.
  • Moon (☽): Symbolizes emotions, instincts, and the subconscious.
  • Mercury (☿): Associated with communication, intellect, and travel.
  • Venus (♀): Denotes love, beauty, and relationships.
  • Mars (♂): Represents action, desire, and aggression.
  • Jupiter (♃): Signifies growth, expansion, and optimism.
  • Saturn (♄): Symbolizes structure, discipline, and responsibility.
  • Uranus (♅): Associated with innovation, rebellion, and sudden change.
  • Neptune (♆): Represents dreams, intuition, and illusion.
  • Pluto (♇): Symbolizes transformation, power, and the subconscious.
• Zodiac Signs:
  • Aries (♈): Represents initiative, courage, and leadership.
  • Taurus (♉): Symbolizes stability, patience, and sensuality.
  • Gemini (♊): Associated with communication, versatility, and curiosity.
  • Cancer (♋): Denotes nurturing, sensitivity, and home.
  • Leo (♌): Represents creativity, pride, and generosity.
  • Virgo (♍): Symbolizes practicality, analysis, and service.
  • Libra (♎): Associated with balance, relationships, and harmony.
  • Scorpio (♏): Represents intensity, transformation, and mystery.
  • Sagittarius (♐): Symbolizes adventure, philosophy, and freedom.
  • Capricorn (♑): Associated with ambition, discipline, and tradition.
  • Aquarius (♒): Represents innovation, humanitarianism, and independence.
  • Pisces (♓): Symbolizes compassion, intuition, and spirituality.

Your Focus in Life: Astrological Houses and Life Areas

As mentioned earlier, astrology is based on the concept of dividing the sky into 12 sections called houses, each representing a different area of life. These houses are determined by the time and location of your birth and are unique to each individual.

Understanding the 12 Houses can help you gain insight into different aspects of your life and personality. Let's look at the areas most commonly discussed in astrology:

Personal Growth and Relationships

The first house, which generally houses the Ascendant, represents your personality, physical appearance, and how you present yourself to the world. It is the house of self-expression and personal growth. The fourth house represents your home and family life, your roots and upbringing, and your emotional foundations. The seventh house represents your relationships, both romantic and platonic, and how you interact with others. The tenth house represents your career and public image, and how you are perceived by others in your professional life.

Astrology at Work and Home

The second house represents your finances and material possessions, including how you earn and spend money. The fifth house represents creativity, romance, and self-expression. The eighth house represents transformation, shared resources, and deep emotional connections. The eleventh house represents your social circle, friendships, and community involvement. Finally, the twelfth house represents your subconscious mind, spirituality, and hidden aspects of your personality.

When learning zodiac signs, I always recommend sticking with the Big Three and their zodiac signs, before diving into Houses. For you, this route may make sense, or perhaps knowing the location of your Big Three is deeply beneficial to help answer core questions about your life and experiences.

Your Blueprint's Conversations: Aspects

Astrology encompasses a multifaceted system, one component being aspects. Aspects refer to the angular relationships between two planets or points on your birth chart. These angles determine the nature of the interactions between the two celestial bodies or points, providing you insights into your personality traits and life experiences.

The most common aspects include:

• Conjunct – When two planets are in the same sign or very close. This often signifies a strong connection between the planetary energies.
• Sextile – Planets approximately 60 degrees apart. This harmonious aspect can indicate opportunities for growth.
• Square – Planets roughly 90 degrees apart. This tense aspect may represent challenges requiring effort to integrate the planetary influences.

The closer the orb (degree of separation), the stronger the aspect's influence. Wider orbs suggest a weaker blending of energies.

Additionally, planetary cycles and movements impact aspects. Your natal aspects reveal personality traits and life themes, while transits (changing positions over time) can correspond to periods of growth or difficulties to navigate.

Always reference your chart when learning of new astrological events, as your birth chart has the answers you seek.

Your Cyclical Lessons: Transits in Astrology

Transits in astrology refer to the movements of planets through the zodiac signs and their interactions with the planets in your natal chart. These transits can significantly impact your life, bringing about changes and opportunities.

All planets are constantly in motion through the zodiac. Some, like Pluto, move slowly, while others, like the Moon, move very quickly. This continuous celestial dance creates a unique experience for everyone, as your natal chart is specific to you. Even if you have a chart twin, factors like your family life, neighborhood, and personal experiences influence how transits affect you.

How Transits Work

When a planet is in transit, it moves through a specific zodiac sign and forms aspects with the planets in your natal chart. These aspects can be harmonious or challenging, depending on the planets involved and the signs they occupy. For instance:

• Jupiter Transits: Often bring opportunities for growth and expansion.
• Saturn Transits: May present challenges and limitations, encouraging discipline and responsibility.

Cycles and Retrogrades

Transits can also occur in cycles. A notable example is the Saturn Return, which happens approximately every 29.5 years. During this time, Saturn returns to the same position it was in when you were born, marking a period of reflection and evaluation. Most people experience at least 2 Saturn Return cycles, with some reaching almost 100 years old for the 3rd Saturn Return.

When a planet is in retrograde, it appears to move backward in the sky. Retrograde periods are often times for reflection, introspection, and reassessment of certain areas of your life.

We, as a collective, and you, experience retrograde planets at least once per year. Mercury does it 3-4 times per year. These eight planets experience retrograde cycles at least once per 12 months, if not more often: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.

The luminaries are excluded from all of this action.

When you have a pile-up of planets retrograding, then you can see how things will be super slloooooowwwww for projects and goals. Things may get delayed and redone, or you harness this time for intentional reflection, organizing your life, recuperating, and building a stronger base to launch from once the planets turn direct.

Use these cycles as opportunities, no need to shy away from a natural time to turn inward.

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Using Astrology for Self-Discovery

Now that you have covered the basics of astrology, let's see how you can use this information for self-discovery and your personal growth journey.

First start with doing a birth chart, grab my birth chart workbook to get you started. Next, explore these prompts as you dive deeper into your natal chart:

1. What are your Big Three signs? What are your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs? Are they different? What does each celestial point have to say about your personality? What are your challenges and opportunities in life?
2. What Element is most represented in your chart? How about the least? Ask yourself, where do I have strengths, and how do I navigate the flow of life?
3. What moon phase were you born under? How do you see that play out in your life?
4. During the next Mercury Retrograde, map out how that impacts your chart. Does it activate your natal Mercury? What House(s) will Mercury be transiting during that time? What area of life needs a pause for reflection and rework during this phase?
5. What do your Venus and Mars signs say about you? How do you use your personal relationship coach in your daily life? What does your Mars sign say about your unique way of driving forward in life?

This is just a small glimpse of what you could explore in your chart. Once you have the core basics, the rest becomes much easier to navigate and comprehend.

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