The Birth Chart
To paraphrase Carl Jung: Anything born at a moment in time has the characteristics of that moment. The birth chart is a picture of the sky at the moment of birth. It is a snapshot of the heavens and all the planets. It is frozen in time. In the next moment, everything moves, but that picture is yours forever; it is eternal, a piece of cosmic DNA.
We're born, and from that moment we carry inside ourselves a little hologram of the sky. As long as we live, it resonates with the rhythms of the planets and tides, stars and seasons. That hologram is our life; its breath is the breathing of an intelligent, conscious universe. Studying that hologram is the delicate, ever changing art we call astrology.1
I like to compare the birth chart to those little packets of seeds that arrive in the mail every spring. Inside the packet are the seeds, and on the outside is a brightly colored picture of the flower. The packet comes with instructions about the kind of soil the seeds require, as well as how much sunlight and water is needed. There is no guarantee that the seeds will flower to look like the picture on the front of the packet, but it has the potential; with the proper care, it can flourish.
We, too, come with instructions; that's the birth chart. It tells us what we need to stay healthy and happy; it describes our strengths, gifts, and goals and how best to actualize them. It also describes our weaknesses and vulnerabilities and how to heal. Nothing is preordained; we must participate with the process. The birth chart is merely potential, and, like the picture of the flower on the seed packet, it shows us what we look like when we get it right.
Astrology is astronomy brought down to earth and applied to the affairs of men.
Astrology is a language, so it helps to known some of the vocabulary. In astrology, there's an enormous amount of information, but there are three main concepts or functions, and if you have a working knowledge of these, you are on your way to understanding how to “speak” astrology. The three concepts are: planets, signs, and houses.
They are the verb, the action; without the planets, there would be no astrology. Think of them as the actors in a play; they move the story along. The word “planet” comes from the Greek and means “wanderer.” They are the Sun, Moon, and eight other planets. Although the Sun and Moon are not technically planets, these large planetary bodies are all grouped together to make it easier. The eight planets are Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. Chiron is in a category by itself; although it is a minor planet, it's a significant one, as it plays a major role in the generational cycles. The planets represent different energies within us; they also represent the people in our lives. For instance, the Moon represents our mother, but it's also how we “mother” ourselves, what nurtures and comforts us. Each planet has an agenda, a voice, and a role to play.
In 2006, astronomers “demoted” Pluto to a dwarf planet, but most astrologers agree that Pluto is too powerful to dismiss. At the same time, Ceres (an asteroid) was elevated to the status of a dwarf planet. There have also been new planets discovered such as Sedna and Eris. Are you still with me? As astrologers learn more about the new planets, they will be able to incorporate them in the chart. For our purpose, we will stay with those mentioned above.
If each planet is an actor in the play, then the signs are how the actors express themselves; signs demonstrate styles of behavior. The Moon is always the Moon (our heart, our feelings, and intuition), but it behaves differently in tender Cancer than it does in feisty Aries. Think of the signs as how the actors in the play communicate and conduct themselves. There are twelve signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Each sign contains tools, resources, strengths, and talents, as well as limitations and shortcomings.
The houses are the twelve slices of pie in the circle that represents the chart: six below the horizon and six above. They tell us where the action takes place. If the planets are the actors and the signs are how the actors express themselves, then the houses represent the stage (or the arena) on which the action unfolds. Each house describes a different area of your life.
There is a planet, sign, and house that are all related; they belong to the same family. They are not interchangeable, but they are connected. For instance, the seventh house is the natural home of Libra (the seventh sign), and Libra is ruled by the planet Venus. All three are associated with love, beauty, values, and committed relationships. The sign Cancer (the fourth sign) is associated with the fourth house and the Moon; all three relate to home, family, and nurturing.
The Sun and Moon are referred to as luminaries because they are the brightest objects in the heavens and the most influential.
The sun is new each day.
—Heraclitus
The life-giving Sun in the sky is the gravitational center of the solar system; it's what holds everything together. On a psychological level, the Sun is what holds us together. It is the most important component in the birth chart and relates to our sanity and our authenticity as a person. It is our identity, our ego, our will to live, and our ability to act. We must be true to our Sun if we're going to be real.
The sign that our Sun is in tells us what we need so as to stay healthy and sane. It also represents our father, the men in our life, and authority figures. The Sun rules the sign Leo and the fifth house.
Moonlight drowns out all but the brightest stars.
—J. R. R. Tolkien
We all have a relationship with the Moon. Who hasn't stood outside on a clear night and gazed up in awe at a luminous full Moon? Watching it is an emotional experience. In astrology, the Moon relates to our emotions; it correlates to our inner life. The Sun acts; the Moon receives. The Moon is our heart, our soul, our feelings, desires, and intuition. Just as taking care of the Sun ensures our sanity, by taking care of our Moon, we guarantee our happiness. The Moon also relates to our home, our mother, and the women in our life. It rules the sign Cancer and the fourth house.
The inner or personal planets move quickly through the zodiac and describe our inner, subjective life, our day-to-day world.
You can't learn less.
—Buckminster Fuller
Mercury moves faster than any other planet, not unlike our thoughts and speech, which it represents. Mercury is the planet of information, communication, teaching, and early education. It describes our mental style, how we express ourselves, and how we learn. Mercury also governs transportation and short trips. In Roman mythology, Mercury (the Greek Hermes) was a multitasker who was known as the messenger of the gods; he also ruled crossroads, travelers, and transactions. Mercury rules two signs and two houses: Gemini and the third house, as well as Virgo and the sixth house.
Love comforteth like sunshine after rain.
—Shakespeare, “Venus and Adonis”
Venus is the brightest and whitest of planets; it is the nearest planet to Earth, and, because it is so visible, we naturally feel close to it. In Greek mythology, it is associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty (the Roman Venus). Venus rules socialization, partnership, and courtship. Venus represents the need for harmony and balance in relationships, nature, and art. Venus tells us what we are attracted to and how we draw it to us. It has dominion over two signs and two houses: Taurus and the second house, as well as Libra and the seventh house.
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
—Helen Keller
Red-hot Mars is associated with the Roman god of war; it represents conflict and aggression but also courage, will, passion, and independence. Mars is our engine; it's what drives us. It is the planet of survival, self-interest, and the striving for personal power. If Venus describes how we attract love, Mars tells how to pursue it. In Greek mythology, Mars is identified with the god Ares, who had a secret love affair with Aphrodite (Venus). Mars is the ancient ruler of Scorpio and the eighth house, and the modern ruler of Aries and the first house.
The social planets don't move as quickly as the personal planets, so they are less subjective; but they are not as slow (or distant) as the outer ones. They describe how we relate within the framework of society and the times in which we are born.
Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson
Jupiter is the biggest planet, and it represents expansion, abundance, faith, generosity, and prosperity. It is the archetype of the king, Santa Claus, and the proverbial rich uncle. Jupiter protects and looks after us in whatever sign and house it is in. Traditionally, it is a “lucky” planet, although go-for-broke Jupiter is also associated with overindulgence and overextension. In Roman mythology, Jupiter (the Greek Zeus) was king of the gods. Jupiter is an ancient ruler of Pisces and the twelfth house, and the modern ruler of Sagittarius and the ninth house.
Don't ask for a lighter load; ask for a stronger back.
—author unknown
Saturn (known as Cronus to the Greeks) is the slowest of the classical planets (those easily seen by the naked eye); where Saturn is in our chart indicates where we tend to be slow, cautious, and somewhat fearful. The ringed planet represents limitations, barriers, and boundaries. Saturn has a reputation for being difficult, but its purpose is to help us mature. It takes time to learn these lessons, which is why Saturn improves with age. Saturn is the ancient ruler of Aquarius and the eleventh house, and the modern ruler of Capricorn and the tenth house.
For thousands of years, humanity knew seven planets—including the Sun and Moon—as these were the only planets visible to the naked eye. Saturn, the most distant of them, stood guard at the edge of the solar system. That was before telescopes . . .
In 1781, astronomer William Herschel, using a telescope, discovered Uranus—and the world broke open. In 1846, Neptune was discovered and then in 1930, Pluto. These so-called “outer planets” travel slowly, remain in a sign for many years, and leave their mark on an entire generation.
The outer planets are the “transpersonal” ones, which are concerned with energies beyond the self: the collective, the big picture, the zeitgeist. When two of these planets come together in the sky, such as Uranus and Pluto did in the mid-sixties, there is revolution, upheaval, and transformation.
Expect the unexpected.
—conventional wisdom
Named after the Greek sky god, Uranus is the associated with anything innovative, unpredictable, and original. It rules astrology, technology, intellectual brilliance, and esoteric knowledge. This planet of surprises moves slowly, but when it makes contact with another planet, it has the power to disrupt the natural flow of events.
We're not all rebels, but where we find Uranus in our charts is where we want to break free, challenge authority, and think for ourselves. For instance, if we have Uranus in our seventh house of one-to-one relationships, we would require freedom in a relationship, have nontraditional relationships, or be attracted to people who are unconventional. Uranus rules the sign Aquarius and the eleventh house.
Imagination is more important than knowledge.
—Albert Einstein
Named after the mythic Roman god of the sea, and known to the Greeks as Poseidon, Neptune is the planet of the invisible and unseen. It rules those things that cannot be seen with the naked eye, such as inspiration, imagination, music, and spirituality, as well as escapism and addiction. Neptune rules Pisces and the twelfth house. Where we have Neptune in our chart is where we seek to merge, to sacrifice, and to relinquish our ego.
There are higher things than the ego's will, and to these one must bow.
—Carl Jung
Pluto may be small in size, but its power is immense. In Greek mythology, Pluto was Hades, the god of the underworld, feared by mortals and by the other gods. The planet Pluto represents all those things that frightens us: death, aging, intimacy, mysticism. It is our fundamental wound, our Shadow; it is where we die to be reborn. Pluto digs deeply; therefore, it is associated with research, depth psychology, surgery, and transformation. Pluto rules Scorpio and the eight house.
The practice of forgiveness is our most important contribution to the healing of the world.
—Marianne Williamson
Chiron is a minor planet that was discovered in 1977, around the time that the word “healing” entered the language and the New Age movement was burgeoning. In Greek mythology, Chiron was a centaur—born half man, half horse—who became a great teacher, beloved for his compassion. Often described as the “wounded healer,” Chiron is associated with healing, forgiveness, and ecology. Where we have Chiron in our chart is where we have a wound but also the ability to heal.
Every sign has a high expression—who we are when we're operating at our best—as well as a dark side or Shadow. The Shadow is not a prediction; it's merely on the opposite end of the spectrum and describes what happens should we fail to live up to our potential.
Dates are approximate, depending on each calendar year. The Sun always moves at different speeds, so the date the Sun enters a sign can change from year to year—but it is always around the same date. For instance, the Sun enters Aries around March 20 or 21. If someone is born on the cusp (on or between the possible dates), the only way to know the correct sign is to have a chart calculated. (This can be done for free online. Just Google “free astrology chart.”)
Aries, a fire sign, is ruled by action-planet Mars. Arriving on the first day of spring, Aries is the first sign and therefore the “baby” of the zodiac. As a result, Arians possess qualities of energy and youthful naïveté, which they never lose. They believe they can do anything and often succeed. They are the leaders, pioneers, and daredevils; they forge ahead with a confidence that's contagious.
Shadow: They have a short fuse and can get sidetracked by petty arguments and skirmishes. They are great initiators but sometimes don't follow through.
Well-known Aries: Thomas Jefferson, Vincent van Gogh, Marlon Brando, Jane Goodall, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lady Gaga
Taurus is the first earth sign. Ruled by elegant Venus, Taureans have refined taste, but they are remarkably down to earth. They have a strong need for comfort, security, and natural surroundings. A sensual sign, Taurus is nourished by taste, texture, color, music, and delicious food. Taurus could be in the dictionary next to the word “cozy.”
Shadow: They love their naps, their snacks, and little luxuries. They prefer safety over surprises and can be stubborn and slow to change.
Well-known Taureans: Leonardo da Vinci, Audrey Hepburn, Queen Elizabeth II, Adele, Bono, George Clooney
Gemini, the first air sign, is ruled by multitasking Mercury. Geminis love being busy and hate being bored; they are here to live five lifetimes in one. They are master communicators, media experts, and teachers and thrive on information, stimulation, and change. It's not unusual for them to have two jobs, two homes, even two separate personalities. Their minds work overtime, so they are susceptible to insomnia and nerves.
Shadow: They can become frazzled and buried in details. They can talk about anything except their own feelings.
Well-known Geminis: Ralph Waldo Emerson, John F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Paul McCartney, Angelina Jolie, Donald Trump
Cancer, a water sign ruled by the Moon, is motivated by emotions rather than logic, which makes them deep, sensitive, compassionate, and intuitive. Cancers love home, food, and family. Like their symbol, the crab, they need a cozy refuge to which they can retreat, as well as something or someone to nurture and lots of downtime. They are the mothers, fathers, and healers of the zodiac.
Shadow: Their flaws are their claws; they tend to hang on to memories, relationships, and objects. Cancers can also be moody. They may hide behind the role of the nurturer, taking care of everyone but themselves.
Well-known Cancers: Frida Kahlo, Princess Diana, the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, Giorgio Armani, Tom Hanks
Leo, the second fire sign, represents the lion—the king, the queen, and the performer. Ruled by the mighty Sun, Leos are here to shine; although at their core, they are shy. Saying “yes” to life is their mantra. They are learning to trust life and to know that you cannot express yourself unless you reveal yourself. Creativity, children, and romance feed their souls.
Shadow: Their pride is their Achilles heel and can cause them to crash and burn if they're not conscious of it.
Well-known Leos: Coco Chanel, Carl Jung, Mick Jagger, Madonna, Martha Stewart, Barack Obama
Virgo, an Earth sign, is ruled by Mercury; it is the sign of work, health, service, and craftsmanship. Finding a work or craft they love, perfecting it, polishing it, and offering it to the world is the Virgo's Holy Grail. They are often drawn to health and healing professions and are committed to making the world a better place.
Shadow: No one works harder on themselves than Virgo, but they can also be extremely critical of themselves—and others! Virgos need to learn to love themselves for who they are and not just for what they do.
Well-known Virgos: Mother Teresa, Greta Garbo, Stephen King, Sean Connery, Sophia Loren, Prince Harry
Libra, an air sign, is ruled by beautiful Venus, the goddess of love; it is the sign of marriage and partnership. Librans fare better being in a relationship than going it alone. They have the gift of creating rapport with others and are master counselors, diplomats, and negotiators. They are extremely sensitive to harmony and require a calm and peaceful environment to thrive.
Shadow: Libras can be passive aggressive: keeping harmony at all cost, avoiding confrontation, and being codependent.
Well-known Librans: John Lennon, Mahatma Gandhi, Jimmy Carter, Sting, Kim Kardashian, Barbara Walters
Scorpio, a water sign, has a reputation for being sexy, mysterious, and dangerous, but it's really about intensity. It's not uncommon for Scorpios to have experienced some loss early in life and for them to live more passionately as a result. Ruled by Pluto, lord of the underworld and the planet of transformation, Scorpios love delving deeply into things and are drawn to the taboo. They are the shamans, psychologists, politicians, bankers, and detectives of the zodiac.
Shadow: Scorpios may have too much self-knowledge or too little and an addiction to drama and to repeating old, wounding scenarios.
Well-known Scorpios: Pablo Picasso, Georgia O'Keefe, Indira Gandhi, Bill Gates, Leonardo DiCaprio, Hillary Clinton
Sagittarius, another fire sign, is the sign of the quest; they may not know the meaning of life, but they know life has meaning, and they are on a quest to find it. Travel, philosophy, and higher learning are all essential to their journey. They crave freedom and the open road. Ruled by giant Jupiter, Sagittarians possess deep faith, confidence, enthusiasm, and a generous spirit. They have the ability to inspire us with what inspires them.
Shadow: Sagittarians are prone to overextension, exaggeration, and black-and-white thinking.
Well-known Sagittarians: Walt Disney, Frank Sinatra, Emily Dickinson, Tina Turner, Steven Spielberg, Keith Richards
Capricorn, an earth sign ruled by Saturn, is serious, ambitious, and goal driven. It's not merely about a day-to-day job; they need a calling, a mission; work they can do in the world that expresses who they are inside. This sign is often associated with business and banking, but there are Capricorns in every field. They bring excellence and integrity to whatever they focus upon. They are late bloomers; Capricorns are born old and get younger as they age.
Shadow: Capricorns tend to isolate themselves, control their feelings, and seek approval through their public roles rather than their inner worth.
Well-known Capricorns: Martin Luther King Jr., Henri Matisse, Paramahansa Yogananda, Richard Nixon, Michelle Obama, Kate Middleton
The final air sign is free-thinking Aquarius; those born under this sign are the rebels, the eccentrics, and the geniuses of the zodiac. Ruled by unconventional Uranus, they're here to bring something new and original to the world. In order to do that, they must break some rules and challenge the status quo. They need a cause they can believe in, a group of like-minded people, and lots of freedom.
Shadow: If they lack a genuine cause to defend, Aquarians may fight against something (rather than for it) and run the risk of losing themselves in the process.
Well-known Aquarians: Thomas Edison, Jackson Pollock, Virginia Woolf, Bob Marley, Sarah Palin, Oprah Winfrey
Pisces, a water sign, is the sign of the dreamer, the mystic, the artist, and the musician. Ruled by Neptune, mythic god of the sea, Pisceans are in touch with the invisible world. They feel everything deeply, which makes them highly sensitive, caring, compassionate, and romantic. They need periods of quiet and meditation and are at their best near water.
Shadow: Pisceans are vulnerable to escapism, addiction, and becoming the martyr. When overwhelmed, they tend to create obsessions rather than make decisions.
Well-known Pisceans: Albert Einstein, Frédéric Chopin, Michelangelo, Elizabeth Taylor, Steve Jobs, Cindy Crawford
Each house correlates to a different sign. The planet that rules that sign is called its natural ruler. For example, the first house is associated with Aries, which is the first sign. Thus Mars, the ruler of Aries, is the natural ruler of the first house—for everyone, regardless of their Sun sign. Aries and Mars have dominion over the first house. Any planet found in that house will behave like an Aries—even a dreamy Pisces, whose Sun falls in the first house, will be more self-motivated and proactive (typical of Aries) than the average Pisces.
Think of the natural ruler as a sovereign. When England ruled India, the people were accountable to the sovereign and took on many of the qualities and customs of the English, although they were still Indian and had their own language, religion, and culture.
The “cusp” is the dividing line between each house, the entrance to the house, the doorway. The sign on the cusp of the house has its own ruler. For instance, if Scorpio is on a cusp, then Pluto rules that house. The planet that rules that house is like a landlord; he's the one holding the lease and calling the shots. The planet living in the house is the tenant and thus beholden to the ruler. In order to learn this information, you must have your chart done, whether by an astrologer or through one of the many astrology sites on the Internet.
All of our charts have houses that are devoid of planets. There are twelve houses but only ten planets, plus Chiron. Think of it this way: in school we all take math, but not all of us become accountants. We each have our own areas of focus. Essentially, we are all majoring in something; the location of a concentration of planets in your chart indicates what you are majoring in during this lifetime.
Oprah doesn't have a strong career house. She's an Aquarius, and she's here to change the world—that's her major.
Although a house may lack planets, that doesn't mean that it lacks energy. As previously mentioned, the actual sign on the house cusp—the beginning of the house—has a ruling planet; the sign and location of that planet in the chart tells a story.
The first house, which is associated with Aries and Mars, represents action, courage, and willpower. The first house is our identity, ego, and persona. This is the house of the ascendant (your rising sign), your personality and personal style.
People with the Sun in the first house (like Freddie Mercury, Brad Pitt, and the Dalai Lama) are charismatic and bigger than life. They also tend to be self-made. Any planet in the first house is visible and contributes to our individual style, appearance, and mannerisms. For instance, Bill Clinton has Venus, Mars, and Neptune all in pleasing Libra in the first house, and he radiates charm.
The second house is associated with Taurus, the second sign, and its ruler, Venus. This house has to do with money, values, resources, talents, and self-esteem.
Money will be a significant theme for those with their Sun in the second house—they are learning about possessions, property, and earning power. Ultimately, it's not about acquiring wealth; it's about building self-worth. Oprah Winfrey is a great example. She has become a billionaire, but along the way, she has dealt with a lot of self-esteem issues and is teaching us all to “Live your best life now.”
The third house is connected to Gemini, the third sign, and its ruler, Mercury. This house is associated with communication, information, learning, as well as with siblings, early childhood, our immediate environment, and short trips.
People with a strong third house are natural writers, teachers, and storytellers. They are always on the move and are superb net-workers, bringing projects and people together. Like Bono (whose Taurus Sun falls in the third house), they are master wordsmiths who juggle many talents and interests.
The fourth house is the natural domain of Cancer and the Moon. The emphasis here is on home, family, and roots. It is our literal home, as well as “where we come from”; our foundation, heritage, and our personal myth.
People born with the Sun here are often associated with their place of birth. Bruce Springsteen's Libra Sun resides in the fourth house. He is deeply loyal to his home state of New Jersey; he writes songs about it, sings about it, and still lives there. Those born with their Sun in the fourth house tend to be deep thinkers.
The fifth house is the natural house of Leo and its ruler, the Sun. It represents creativity, self-expression, children, love affairs, pleasure, and sports.
People with planets in the fifth house are here to express themselves and have a powerful need to create and perform. Like the sign Leo, they need to shine and to get the world to clap for them. Mozart, Leonardo da Vinci, and Dolly Parton were all born with their Sun in the fifth house.
The natural home of Virgo and Mercury, the sixth house is associated with health, work, service, daily routines, and craftsmanship.
Finding work they love that is also useful to others is essential to those with planets here. Many sixth house people work in health-related fields (acupuncturists, therapists, healers), teach, or do volunteer work. A number of musicians, such as John Lennon and Michael Jackson, have their Sun in this house. Steven Spiel-berg and Robert Redford have their Sun in the sixth house, and each make socially conscious films.
Libra and Venus are the natural rulers of the seventh house, also known as the “House of Marriage.” It is associated with partnerships, art, and beauty.
Anyone whose Sun is here is an honorary Libra; they do better when working with people than when alone. This includes marriage partners but also any important one-to-one relationships, such as close friends or business partners. Many therapists, such as Sigmund Freud, have their Sun in this house. Many artists and performers have planets here as well, such as Lady Gaga and Chris Martin.
The eighth house, the natural home of Scorpio and its ruling planet Pluto, is also known as “The House of Death.” This house is associated with all the taboo subjects that frighten us: intimacy, taxes, other people's money, the afterlife, and the occult.
Having your Sun in the eighth doesn't mean you'll die earlyeighth house folks are survivors—but like Shirley MacLaine and James Van Praagh, you might be drawn to psychic phenomena and reincarnation. You might even make a lot of money from it. Eighth house folk are the shamans, healers, and hospice workers of the zodiac; willing to go where most people won't tread.
The ninth house is the natural home of Sagittarius and Jupiter. Medieval astrologers called it the “House of Long Journeys over Water,” and it is associated with travel and foreigners. It's also connected to journeys of the mind, philosophy, religion, higher learning, publishing, the law, and big ideas.
Those born with a strong ninth house influence—such as the great American writer Henry Miller, whose Sun is in this house, and Angelina Jolie, whose Moon is here—often live and work abroad or speak foreign languages. Jackie Kennedy Onassis had her Sun here, and she spent time abroad and spoke fluent French.
The tenth is the house of destiny, career, honor, and reputation. It is the natural home of goal-oriented Capricorn, and its ruling planet is Saturn. Planets located in this house, as well as the sign on the house cusp, offer valuable clues about vocation and direction in life.
People born with their Sun here need more than a job; they need a calling, a mission. Some folks born with their Sun in the tenth house, such as Albert Einstein, Bernie Sanders, Martha Stewart, and Jack Nicholson, have big careers and live in the public eye.
The eleventh house, the natural home of Aquarius and the planet Uranus, has to do with friends, groups, and organizations.
Folks born with the Sun here resemble Aquarians; they are socially conscious, want to change the world, and are great net-workers. Examples include many politicians, such as Bill Clinton, who was born with his Leo in the eleventh house, as well as people who attract followers via social media, such as Kim Kardashian. Planets located in the eleventh house behave like time-release vitamins; their influence becomes stronger over time. Many people born with their Sun in this house are late bloomers.
The twelfth house is associated with the sign Pisces and its ruling planet, Neptune. Medieval astrologers called it the “House of Trouble,” yet it is the most spiritual of the houses. How can that be? Well, if you don't have some kind of spiritual path, then you're in trouble.
Mahatma Gandhi, Johnny Cash, and Madonna were all born with the Sun in the twelfth house, and they all found their way to God. The real work of the twelfth house is inner work. People born with their Sun in this house tend to be sensitive, intuitive, and highly impressionable. They require regular periods of solitude and quiet.
There is nothing that gives more assurance than a mask.
—Colette
We know what planets are in which house because ofthe time of one's birth; the time sets the horoscope. The word “horoscope” comes from the Greek word horoskopos, which means “I watch the hour.”
In astrology, directions are reversed—“east” is found on the left of the chart. The sign on the eastern horizon is known as the ascendant or rising sign. This is the sign that was rising at dawn at the moment of birth—it is literally how we dawn on people. The ascendant describes our physical appearance, our style, or our brand. It's the mask that we wear in the world. It's not what's inside the package but rather how the package is wrapped.
That may sound superficial, but it isn't; we all need a style to help us navigate through life. The ascendant is your backstage pass, your ticket into certain parties and clubs; it opens doors. Getting your ascendant right allows you to express yourself comfortably in the world.
The ascendant is what people notice first—the impression that you make, your handshake, your hair; it's how you meet the world. Marilyn Monroe was a Gemini; she was a lot more intelligent than many people probably realized. What we saw was her rising sign, Leo—the lion's mane, the noble carriage, and the dazzling presence.
On the other hand, Mick Jagger is a Leo with Gemini rising, ruled by Mercury. His style is mercurial, agile, and electric. His face may have some wear and tear, but he still “moves like Jagger.”
The Ruler of the Ascendant: The planet that rules the ascendant (the first house) is the boss of the chart and gains importance as a result. The position of the ruling planet signifies your primary energy and the area of life that motivates you to act.
Aries: Aries wears the mask of the warrior, the daredevil, and the hero. Ruled by Mars, Aries have one speed, and it's fast; they charge through life. They like making the decisions and running the show. Their style is pushy and impatient, but they're really like a big, friendly golden retriever that means no harm. You don't live with them; you live around them. (Examples: James Dean, Joan Rivers, Stevie Nicks, Rihanna)
Taurus: Taurus rising wears the mask of the Earth Mother/Father. These people appear easygoing and laid back. Ruled by Venus, they also often exhibit grace and beauty. They are unpretentious and solidly in their bodies. Those born with Taurus rising have tremendous stamina and staying power but move at their own pace. (Examples: Henry Fonda, Humphrey Bogart, Serena Williams, Halle Berry, Mariah Carey)
Gemini: Gemini rising wears the mask of the storyteller, media maven, student, writer, and communicator. Curious and speedy, those born with this ascendant know how to adapt and think on their feet. Their style is youthful, slender, graceful, and social. They communicate easily; getting to know them is harder. (Examples: Voltaire, Amy Winehouse, J. K. Rowling, Mick Jagger, Matthew McConaughey)
Cancer: Ruled by the Moon, Cancer rising carries the archetype of the mother, father, healer, nurturer. Those born with this ascendant want to take care of the whole world, but they often ignore their own needs. They are deeply caring and compassionate people but also moody, cautious, and private. They respond to things emotionally rather than mentally. (Examples: Judy Garland, Steven Spielberg, the Dalai Lama, Bill Gates, Angelina Jolie)
Leo: You know when someone with Leo rising walks into a room; they project a sunny, confident persona and typically have excellent posture. They like to be treated as royalty and radiate a quality of old money. Male or female, you can't help noticing their hair. (Examples: Marilyn Monroe, Tina Turner, Johnny Depp, Jennifer Lopez, Donald Trump)
Virgo: Virgo rising appears helpful, responsible, and hardworking; they give you the sense that you can depend on them. Ruled by Mercury, the bachelor god, those born with this rising sign remain youthful. They generally have wiry bodies, are slender, and have regular, even features. They prefer solid colors and clean, simple lines. (Examples: Walt Disney, Roger Federer, Tom Ford, Jay Z, Steve Jobs)
Libra: Libra rising, ruled by Venus, wears the mask of the lover, the peacemaker, and the diplomat. Those born with this ascendant have the ability to connect with a wide range of people. Their looks are pleasing, even beautiful; their persona is charming and gracious. They exhibit good taste, dress well, and have a strong sense of color and style. There's a tendency to be all things to all people and to become invisible in the process. (Examples: Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Barbara Walters, Kate Middleton, Jennifer Aniston)
Scorpio: Scorpio rising radiates that “don't mess with me” attitude. They often have sexy “bedroom eyes,” hidden behind big sunglasses—they are intensely private—and often dress in black. They seem to know everything about you, but you rarely know anything about them, and that's the way they like it. The unenlightened are prone to manipulate; the evolved ones are true healers and shamans. (Examples: Sigmund Freud, Keith Richards, Gloria Steinem, Beyoncé, Vladimir Putin)
Sagittarius: Sagittarius wears the mask of the gypsy, the pilgrim, and the philosopher; their style is colorful, exotic, high spirited, and enthusiastic. There is something of the cowboy or cowgirl in them; edgy, outspoken, and willing to take risks. Those born with this rising sign are natural teachers, coaches, and motivators. They hide their problems behind their easy humor and cheerful demeanor. (Examples: Elvis Presley, Nelson Mandela, Ted Turner, Oprah Winfrey, Brad Pitt)
Capricorn: One word about this rising sign: gravitas. Those born with this ascendant radiate dignity, seriousness, and authority and have a great presence. They set out to build a life and a career in an orderly fashion. They often have a lot of responsibility early in life, which makes them seem older than their years. It's not easy for these people to show their feelings; they often appear reserved. (Examples: Queen Elizabeth II, Sophia Loren, Sean Connery, Catherine Deneuve, Bono)
Aquarius: Aquarius rising comes across as the rebel, the genius, and the nonconformist. There is often something unconventional and magnetic about the way they look or dress. Although they seem quite forward thinking, they may be intolerant of others' opinions and ideas. (Examples: Abraham Lincoln, Carl Jung, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, David Bowie)
Pisces: Pisces rising wears the mask of the artist, the musician, the poet, and the dreamer. Their style tends to be soft, gentle, sexy but nonthreatening. Like water, they seem to flow with whatever is happening and leave the decision-making to others. Look for mussed up hair and that “come hither stare.” (Examples: Antonio Banderas, George Clooney, Jimmy Fallon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Deepak Chopra)
The nodes of the Moon relate the birth chart to history; where we were before this life and where we are headed in this one. There are two nodes, and they are always opposite each other, 180 degrees apart; they exist in tension.
The South Node: The South Node symbolizes our karmic past. It represents the life we lived before this one, with all its problems and perplexities. (If you are not comfortable with the concept of past lives, then think of the South Node as representing your heritage or early childhood.) We are drawn back there, because it is familiar and comfortable but not necessarily healthy.
The North Node: The North Node represents the evolutionary future to which we are heading. It always feels unfamiliar, and something in us tries to reject it. Yet it is our North Node that contains our health and sanity.
Think of the South Node as the junk food and the North Node as the gym.
Like planets, the nodes occupy a sign and a house. Understanding the nodes, along with the karmic story that they represent, can help us understand our past drama so that we may live more fully in the present.
Aspects are the relationship of the planets to one another. They are the conversations or dialogue that happens when planets relate.
Conjunction: A conjunction is the most powerful aspect, and it takes place when two planets occupy the same or nearly the same degree of the zodiac. It represents a fusion of the two planets and their energies. The New Moon is actually a conjunction of the Sun and Moon.
Opposition: This is when two planets are directly opposite each other, separated by 180 degrees. It signifies polarization or tension. This tension can add depth and character to the birth chart. A Full Moon is an opposition of the Sun and Moon.
Trine: This is when two planets are separated by 120 degrees. It signifies a harmonious and flowing relationship between the two planets. Considered a fortunate aspect, a trine isn't all it's cracked up to be, as trines can let us coast rather than achieve.
Sextile: Sixty degrees apart, a sextile is like a baby trine. It's a supportive aspect; both planets are energized by each other. It's easy to remember because it has the word “sex” in it.
Square: A square has a ninety-degree separation. When two planets square each other, there is friction. Like an opposition, a square has the reputation for being “negative,” yet it often results in action and productivity.
The Elements: The four elements are fire, earth, air, and water. They describe the basic qualities or temperaments of the sign.
The planets don't cause things to happen. What they do is expose or reveal what's already going on. For instance, when Pluto (the planet of life, death, and transformation) entered the sign Capricorn (business, banking, corporations) in 2008, the economy crashed. Pluto didn't cause the crash, but it exposed what wasn't working in those systems.
The term “retrograde” is misleading. The planets don't actually move backward; they merely appear that way from here on Earth. Astrologically, this means that the energy of the retrograde planet is reversed. It's as if the planet were on sabbatical, and we can't depend on it in the normal way. It's not bad, for it allows us to rethink that planet's energies.
“Mercury retrograde” has a reputation for causing trouble, but you simply have to know how to use it. It's not a good time to buy Mercury-ruled items such as computers, cell phones, and cars. It also tends to coincide with delays and setbacks in travel, traffic, and communication. Although you wouldn't want to begin something important (like getting married or buying a house), it's excellent for taking care of old business. Think of the prefix re: redo, revisit, rethink, and rewrite. It's also a perfect time to purchase vintage clothes, find treasures at a yard sale, and buy used items on eBay. You might even run into people from your past.
Countries, cities, and states all have charts. What is known as mundane astrology studies society rather than individuals. For instance, America, born on July 4, 1776, has a compassionate Cancer Sun (we want to take care of the whole world) with a free-spirited Aquarius Moon (we were founded by rebels) and a feisty Sagittarius Rising (the symbol of the cowboy).
Corporations also have charts. There is a branch of astrology that specializes in business and finance. J. Pierpont Morgan, the wealthy American financier at the turn of the century who financed companies such United States Steel Corporation and the Northern Pacific Railway, used astrology for business. He said, “Anyone can be a millionaire, but to become a billionaire, you need an astrologer.”
It's all good. There is no such thing as a bad chart or a bad aspect. Hopefully, we all have some great aspects in our birth chart, as well as some challenging ones. Why challenging ones? We're here to learn. The hard aspects are the ones that push us to grow, change, and achieve. Too many “easy” aspects can make us lazy. Nothing is written in stone. We all have free will. The chart represents potential. Ultimately, it is up to us what we do with it.
Astrology can be summed up in the timeless maxim: as above, so below. What is written in the heavens is encoded in us, and what is encoded in us is also in the heavens. It's another way of saying we are all connected, and the universe is inherently a meaningful place. The birth chart is a map of the heavens, a tool to understanding what is written both above and below, a guide to our journey toward becoming actualized.
1Steven Forrest, The Night Speaks: A Meditation on the Astrological Worldview (San Diego: ACS Publications, 1993), pp. 7–8.