The Basics of Astrology-Explained ~ I Now for the first time you can learn the basics of astrology in one, easy-to-read book. Astrology for Beginners explains all of the essentials including planets, houses, aspects, chart construction, interpretation and much more. • • • • • Learn what astrology is and what it can dofor you Create and interpret your natal(birth) chart Explore transits,predictive astrology and progressions Calculate a precisely accurate horoscope chart Learn about references for more detailed material ( I ;) h trtllogJj for Beginners begins by presenting the philosoIohy of astrology and then gives you simple definitions of eII . u-rms. This book bridges the gap of the language of as1. ,.1t .gy and provides you with the tools needed to exl'lIore "II " I Ihe astrological details. )I~ ~ t\ ",, ' 10111' William Hewitt explains each Sun Sign with sim- I'"' IIV nnd accuracy in an easy-to-understand manner. He . I,,, 10" Io ".,he three different methods for constructing your , 10,11 1 11111 modern way, the fast way, and the original '\' I" I \' 0 .uul f;ives a detailed description of each. ' ' v ,'i1": this book is simple and clear, Many descrip0' . " pported with illustrated examples including ' Iot",t"S!! for Beginners you will learn all ofthe fun",,·,,1,,1. " l lh,: amazing science of astrology! II I< .' • II , ''' 'I rl ' I I"" 111' . own natal chart. , Llewellyn's Modem Astrology Library About the Author William W. Hew itt has been p racticing astrology professionally, as an avocatio n, since ea rly 1974. He is a me mbe r of the Am erican Fed eration of Astrologers and specialize s in natal cha rts and interpretation . Hewitt has also been a professional clinical hypn otist since 1972. He has his own practice in Colorado wh ere he resides. A member o f the Nati onal Writer's Club, Hewitt lectures on various subjects including astrology, hypnosis, psychic phe nomena, mind control. and othe r areas. He is the author of Hypnosis, Beyond Hypnosis, and r ea LeafReading. To Write to the Author If you wish to contact the author or would like more information • about this book, please write to the author in care of Llewellyn Worldwide, and we will forward your requ est. Both the author and publisher appreciate hearing from you and learning of your enjoyment of this book and how it has helped you . Llewellyn Worldwide cannot guarantee that every letter written to the author can be answered, but all will be forwarded. Please write to: Astrology For Beginners An Easy Guide to Understanding and Interpreting Your Chart Llewellyn's New Worlds of Mind and Spirit • William W. Hewitt P.O. Box 64383 Dep t. 1.307-8 St. Paul, MN 55164-0383, U.S.A. Please enclose a self-add ressed, stamped envelope for reply, or $1.00 to cover costs. If o utside the U.S.A., enclose internation al postal reply coup on . ~ ; t. 1999 Llewellyn Pu blica tio ns Paul, Minnesota 55164-0383, U.S.A. About th e Llewellyn Modem Astrology Library Astrology for Beginners. Copyright © 1991 by William W. Hewi tt. All righ ts reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner wha tsoever, inclu ding Internet usage, without written permission from Uewe llyn Publications, except in the case of bri ef qu otations embod ied in critical articles and review s. FIRST EDITION Ninth printing, 1999 Cover design by Christophe r Wells Library of Cong ress Ca taloging-in-Publication Da ta Hew itt, William W., 1929Astrology for beginners : an easy guide to under standing and interpreting your chart / by William W. He w itt. P' em. _ (Llew ellyn' s modem astrology library series) Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 0-87542-307-8 1. Astrology. I. Title. II. Series . BF1708.1.H48 1992 '91-36399 133.5-<1c20 CIP Llew ellyn w erld wtde d oes no t pa rticipate in, endorse, o r ha ve any authori ty or rcsponsibility concern ing p riva te b usiness transactions between ou r authors and the public. All m ail ad d ressed to the aut hor is forw ard l.>d b ut the p ublis her can no t, unl ess spec ifically Instructed by the author, give ou t an ad d ress o r ph on e number. Llewellyn Publicalions A Division of Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd . P.O. 64383. 51.Paul , MN 55164-0383 www.llewellyn.com Printed in the United States of America The books in this series are on the leading edge of practical and applied astrology as we move toward the culmination of the 20th century. This is not speculative astrology, nor astrology so esoteric as to have little practical application in meeting the needs of people in these critical times. Yet, these books go far beyond the mean ing of "practicality". as seen prior to the 1990s. Our needs are spiritual as well as mundane, planetary as well as particular, evolutionary as well as progressive. Astrology gro ws with the times, and our times make heavy demand s upon Intelligence and Wisdom. The au thors are all professional astrologers drawing from their own practice and knowledge of historical persons and events, demonstrating proof of their conclusions with the horoscopes of real people in real situa tions. Modern Astrol ogy relates the individual person to the Universe in which he / she lives, not as a passive victim of alien forces but as an active participant in an environment expanded to the breadth and depth of the Cosmos. We are not alone, and our responsibilities are infinite. The horoscope is both a measure and a guide to personal movement-seeing every act undertaken, ever y decision made, every event as timedynamic: with effects that move through the many d imensions of space and levels of consciousness in fulfillment of Will and Purpose. Every ct becomes an act of Will, for we extend our awa reness to cunsequences reachin g to the ends of time and space. This is astrology supremely important to this unique ~",rio d in human history, wh en Plu to tran sits through Scorpio and Neptune through Capricorn . The books in I his series are intended to provide insight into the critical ""l'ds and the critical decisions tha t must be made. These books, too, are "activ e age nts," bringing to the I ""der knowledge whic h will libera te the higher forces inId,: each .person to the end that we may fu lfill tha t for which we were intended. - Carl Llewellyn Weschcke Other Books by Willi am Hewitt Hypnosis Tea LeafReading Bridges to Success & Fulfillment The Art of Self Talk Psychic Developmentfor Beginners Hypnosisfor Beginners Self-Hypnosisfor a Better Life AudioTapes Become Smoke-Freethrough Self-Hypnosis Psychic Workout through Self-Hypnosis Relaxation and Stress Management through Self -Hypnosis Your Perfect Weigllt through Self-Hypnosis This book is dedicated to my wife, Dolores, who is the Sun and the Stars in my life. TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The following portions of this book are reprinted by the kind permission of Horoscope Guide, JBH Publishing Company, Inc.: Chapter 2. From Horoscope Guide May 1988, arti cle "Meeting The Challenge" by William W. He witt. Chapter 4. From Horoscope Guide's 1987 Astro Annua l, article "M ini-Profiles" by William W. Hewitt. Chapter 9. Substantial portion from Horoscope Guide July 1986, article " Fun With Sun And Rising Signs" by William W. Hewitt. The author is grateful to HoroscopeGuide and its publisher, Michelle Arnot. • Introduction . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi PARTI TH E BASICS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Astrology-The Big Picture Natal Astrology The Language of Astrology Sun Sign Mini-Profiles The Planets The Aspects The Houses 3 15 23 39 61 85 95' PART II ERECTING A NATAL CHART II The Modem Way-By Computer Tile Fast Wa y ~ By "Eyeballing" III The Original Way-By Math 'I 109 121 135 PART III INTERP RETING A NATAL CHART II I'1'"11'ls in the Signs 1 J l'I,,"ds in the Houses I I II", Aspects I I 'l lp- ". on the House Cusps I ~ 1'lIll ll1g it All Together II, I , " ,. I l~ .md Prog ressions 155 185 213 261 267 271 PART IV REFERENCE MATERIAL II, ,, ,.,,,,'''' 275 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Figure I- Natal Horoscope Chart 20 Figure 2-Natural Wheel 41 Figu re 3-Simulated Ephemeris Page . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Figure 4-Natal Chart with Intercepted Signs 110 Figure 5-Aspects & Midpoints 113 Figure 6-Patterns 114 Figure 7-Sample Computerized Interpretation 119 Figure 8-Eyeballing the Rising Sign 120 Figure 9-An Eyeballed Natal Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 132 Figure IG-Simulated Table of Houses 138 Figure 11-Longitude Time 140 Figure 12- Table of Proportional Logarithms 142 Figure 13-Natal Chart '.. 144 Figure 14-Chart Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 Figure IS-Planet Correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 150 Introduction This book is for anyone of four people: 1. The person who wants to learn enough about astrology to have fun, talk knowledgeably, and become an amateur astrology buff. 2. The person who wants to pursue astrology as a hobby. 3. The person who wants ultimately to becom e a professional astrologer. 4. The professional astrologer who wants to use it as a textbook for his/her beginning students. This book is not for the person who is already well • huoled in astrology un less that person wants to use it as , I Io ' ~lho ok for his/her students. There are hundreds (perhaps thousands) of excellent I" " ,k ~ written about astrology, and if one read them all in 11," "'Kill ~e q u e n c e he/she would have an excellenteducalh" , '1'1,,: problem is that a person trying to learn astrology know what the right sequence is. Also, many of II". I," "ks need not be read at all because they are highly I ,,·.III II/ell and technical and are of interest only to the 1,,"Io•••lonal who is especially interested in that narrow ,1,,,,,",', xi xii / Astrology for Beginners specialization. Many other books are reference books for just one topic such as Sun signs. Some of the basic bo oks are so basic tha t they leave one with the question, "Where do I go from here?" Other basic books quickly submerse the reader in mathematical calculations before establishing what astrology is all abou t in the reader's mind. On e can m entally drown in the sea of astrological information . It need not be this way. Astrology is an exciting and eas y to understand scien ce when presented in an orderly, clear, and simplified manner. The purpose of this bo ok is to do just that. This book d oes not have all the answers, but it will point you to where you can find the answers. To cover the entire subject of astrology completely would require at least 20,000 pages. I hav e managed to cover the basics in just a few hundred pages by leaving out vast amounts of information that a beginner does not need, and by using brief rather than wordy discussions. This book has all that 99% of you will ever need or want. Specifically, this book: • Tells you what astrology is and how it works. • 'Teaches the basics (signs, planets, houses, aspects, etc.). • Teaches how to interpret a natal (birth) chart. • Briefly discusses transits, predictive astrology, and progressions. • Shows you" eyeballing" methods for roughly d etermining a horoscope chart in minutes without using math. • Has a sepa rate chapter on how to mathematically calcu late a precisely accurate horoscope chart. The method I present is simple and accu rate. Essentially, you look up numbers and fill in blanks, performing simple addition and subtraction. Introduction / xiii Most of you will not need, or want, to read this chapter because you either will not want to become professionals or you will prefer to use computerized charts. • Discusses computerized horoscope charts. This makes astrology easy, inexpensive, and available to everyone. • Recommends references to more detailed material for those who want to go even deeper into astrology. The most widely practiced astrology is natal (birth) astrology. Th is d eals with the analysis of a person's total p rofile as derived from certain birth information . There arc many other specialized fields of astrology that deal with things like weather, catastrophes, national and internntional affairs, and much more. Natal astrology is where it all starts, and th is bo ok will de al only with na tal astrology. Understand this, and "11 can easily expand into other fields if you so choose. I'robably 99% of all practiced astrology is natal astrology. I have been practicing astrology professionally, as an w ••cntlon, since early 1974. My natal chart is used as an ex1111''': In this book so you only need to study it to know all ,b, ,"1me. The MAFA after my name signifies that I am a ""·,,, b..r of the American Federation of Astrologers. Now turn to Chapter 1 and begin your jou rney into 1I,.I"nc!lIn ting world of the stars and you . . . th e world II I ".Io ology. William W. Hewitt, MAFA 1 AstrologyThe Big Picture This chapter gives a "big picture" of astrology today. The various astrological terms used in this chapter will, with a few exceptions, be discussed in greater detail in later chapters . The intent at this point is to give you a broad, general concep t of astrology. Chapter 2 will continue with the concept, but with a narrower scope. Subsequent chapters will fill in the concept details. Bythe end of this book you should know the what, why, and how of astrology at a beginners level. "What is your Sun sign?" is one of the most commonly asked questions between two people who are trying to get to know each other . Astrology fascinates people . . . they yearn to know how the heavens relate to their lives. Yet very few people have any real knowledge or understanding of astrology. To most people, astrology consists of those brief horoscope columns tha t appear in many newspapers and magazines. Those columns are fun, but they have little real use; they don't begin to touch on what astrology and horoscopes are all about. 3 4/ Astrology for Begin/lers Astrology is as old as measured time. There are probably as many different approaches to this fascinating subject as there are astrologers in the world today. In general, astrology embraces the idea that there is a connection between the heavens and ear th-that the heavens and the earth are un ited, interpenetratin g and sha ring a common space and time. The grea t cosmic events happen ing beyond the ear th (eclipses, planetary line-ups, etc.) do not cause events to occur on earth but rather reflect the events hap pening on earth. In other words, there is no cause in the heave ns and then an effect here on earth. Planetary events are not causing events here on earth. Rather, both plan etary and earthly events happen simultaneously and are mu tually reflective. Neither is the cause of the other. Both are the product of the moment ... one acted out in the heavens abo ve, the other here on the earth below. There is only one grand d rama. The great drama enacted in the sky is also acted out, in exact detail, here on earth in the same moment. Earth is part of the cosmos and shares in that cosmic moment. All major cosmic events are interactive; that is, they represent an activity also taking place within ourself, our consciousness, and in our daily life. Astrology is a study of heavenly cycles and cosm ic events as they are reflected here in our earthly environment. The movements and cycles of the planets form a hu ge cosmic clock that ticks off the time and events, past, present, and future. The cosmic patterns revealed in the rhy thmic motions of the planets help shed light on the seem ing helter skelter of everyday life. It is easy to lose track of our direction in life due to the commotion of da ily living. However, by studyi ng ou r cosmic clock (astrology), we have a tool to give us better control and to see the order of things in what appears to be disorder at times. Astrology is a stu dy of the cycles of the Moon and The Big Picture / 5 planets and the Sun and their interrelationships. There is not much in the heavens that is not cyclical-happening over and over . It is this repeating pattern that enables us to recognize heavenly events. The Moon goes through fou r phases every 29 1/2 days: first quarter (New Moon); second quart er; third quarter (Full Moon); and fourth qu art er. This waxing and waning of the Moon continues endlessly in an absolutely predictable pattern. The Sun returns to the solstice points (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) predictably year after year . Each planet has its own unique fixed orbit around the Sun that is absolutely predictable. The planets, Moon, and Sun have predictable, rep eating relationships to each other in space. All of these are circles or cycles. Astrology is a study of those events where there is a return or cycling. The cosmo s is a vast clock- wheels within wheels within wheels to which we all respond. A cosmic dance that performs endlessly. A horoscope chart is a time slice of this vast cosmic performance. The clock is stopped, in a mann er of speaking. This is why the date, time, and place of birth are important. The moment of birth is a significant moment to stop the clock and examine the cosmic arrangement. Any important event is worth a cosmic snapshot. Some imp ortant dates are birth, marriage, children, etc. Any moment in time that a person considers significant is the kind of event worthy of having a horoscop e chart cast for it. By studying the planetary arrangement for a given moment, the astrologer can gain an accurate picture of what has happened on earth at that moment. This is what astrology is all about. This may sound like science fiction to you at this point, but believe me, it is very real. Astrology wo rks!Those of you wh o have had a chart cast and interpreted by a competent astrologer know that it is real. 6/ Astrologyfor Begillllers The Big Picture /7 The ana lysis of these important moments is very complex. The math ematics needed to erect a horoscope chart is tedious and time-consuming. The best way to erect a chart is to use a compute r. In later chapters I will discuss three methods of erecting a natal horoscope chart: by computer; by "eyeballing"; and the original wayhand calculated math ematics, which is how I learned. Astrology helps us to see ourself and life in a greater perspective, to obtain the big picture. Astrology also provides very specific information to help us direct the events in our life with grea ter·s uccess. The remaining chapters will teach you more about this. The more you learn abou t astrol ogy, the more you will be concerned with cycles. Not only with the planetary cycles but also how these cycles show up in everyda y life. The whole point of stUdying these cosmic cycles is to ga in insight into how they appea r in our lives here on earth. All of us notice some reOCcurrence or cycling effects in our lives . " certain habits, problems and joys seem to Occur to us over and over. These are the day-to-day or pra ctical signs of the existence of cycles and our consciousness of them. Married people tend to be particularly aware of cycles since, in the ebb and flow of a very close ,relationship, we notice that we alterna tely have times of grea ter and less closeness. We come together and we drift apa rt. Again and aga in. Astro logy offers a new way of orga nizing the events in ou r life-a new way ofseeing and understanding them. Astrology provid es a way of ordering and understanding our experience. Learning to notice and take adva ntage of the cycles in our life can lead to an enhanced ability to handle the problems life presents. When we understand how cycles repeat themselves, how they work, we are prepared to get the mos t out of each phase of that cycle. Astrologers sludy, on the practical level, the endless ebbing and flowing . .. coming and going of these cycles in our lives. One common misconception about astrologers is that they have their heads in the clouds. It is true that we have one eye to the heavens, but, most of all, we are concerned with the here and the now, with everyday events. We have learned to notice cycles and they fascinate us. We study these cycles with great attention . Our interest in the heavens springs from our experience here on earth with the endless cycles and events surrounding us-into which each of us is born and must live. Now I want to introduce you to som e of the terms and tools of astrology. Keep in mind that the end result of astrology is to provide a tool that enables you to understand and live life better. ASTROLOGICAL TERMS In the introduction of this book I told you that the focus of the book is natal astrology. The primary purpose of natal astrology is to construct a horo scope chart based on specific birth data and then to interpret the meanings in the chart in order to ascertain important information about the person whose birth data was used . Thus the horoscope chart is the principal tool for natal as trology . The horoscope chart is called by various other names also: natal chart, nata l horoscope, chart wheel, radix wheel or chart, birth chart, etc. Figu re 1 is a full blown natal horoscope chart. Look at it a few moments. At this point I don't expect you to understand what you are looking at. It is probably just a confusing jumble of symbols and numbers. We will be referring back to figure 1 many more times to explain parts of it. By the time you finish this book you will be able to read figur e 1, or any oth er horoscope chart, with the same ease and enjoyment as wh en you The Big Picture./9 8 / Astrology for Beginners read a novel. For now, I just want you to know what a horoscope chart looks like. A NATAL HOROSCOPE consists of a series of ma thematical calculations for the birth moment of a person. These calculations include the positions for the Sun, Moon and eight planets in the zodiac for the moment selected plus several other sensitive points (ascendant, mid heaven, etc.), which will be discussed in detail later in the book. This information is arranged in a CHART WHEEL form as shown in figure 1 for the birth moment. Some of the main features of such a layout are: CHART WHEEL: The wheel is a 360 degree picture of the heavens at the time of the birth moment. You are at the center of the wh eel (the earth) surrounded by the heavens . The top of the chart or MC (MIDHEAVEN) is that part of the zodiac directly abov e your head wh ile the bottom of the chart or IC (NADIR) is that part beneath your feet and on the other side of the earth from you . At the extreme left hand side of the wheel is the ASCENDANT or RISING SIGN which is that part of the zodiac that is on the horizon (rising) at the birth moment. The DECENDENT is on the right hand side of the chart; this is the pa rt of the zodiac that is setting. The PLANETS are placed around the wheel where they appear in the zodiac in the sky at the birth moment. In figur e 1, the pla nets and zodiac signs are shown in sym bols, known as GLYPHS in astrology. The glyphs are part of the specia l language of astrology, which you will learn in a later chapter. For now, just be concerned with the concep ts, not the specifics. PLANET POSITIONS: The plan ets are placed around the wh eel in their zodiac positions. The zodiac is a convenient way to measure wh ere a given planet is in the sky. CHART ffiEPAAED 8V l!C WILLIAMW HEWI" 20 b' r;.9 ,•9\" 090428 18 --"""'17 YSl n u tl b' 42 51 31 30 R ~ Ase g ~ , ~ , ~ ,~ , ~ "~ ,~"I r . ~ .~ I d OOm.06 I* OSC 29 ~ 13 ""''' s , CARD fIX MUT fIRE 1 I I [ARTH 0 1 1 ~ R 0 0 3 WATER '2 0 0 , .., A9RV MOO' 0 SU 'U N MERCI)RY 9 M' llENU' · 9 lIE d MA MAR' JUPITER SATURN ,SA URANUS • UR HE N[PT\JNE W e PlUTO NODE M. OAS MCJMIDH AS ASCENDA Vf VE RTEX '" " w MOQM1SfAST m t OlWlTER "'ol!''' "(wm, BILL IW<£TS ',+, ', DECl, "'" R fG90 2~ I,,"" ""'" . 23 37 .2~ . 2016 ELEIrA ., PQS AIR WATER NEa AIR PO' TRIP MU' CARD MUT HOUSlS ANa ,ue ANa ANa y 10 "1010 RULER RULE R +1618 EARTH 'EG I ANO MUI . 12 29 EARTH ' EG DETRI 10 .NO MUT AIR .2022 PO' MUT ANa PO' - 22 13 fiRE ,OS CARD 'UC " " ' "il R • 350 fiRE l 1ARl I ANO PO, .12 15 fiRE 29'..£23 u CARD WATER NEG . 21 so 17CN45 18TA30 R .1720 PART Of f ORTUNE . 2~ N l1 . 1801 EQUATASC . (EP) . 16U OS . 1221) 271E33 . 32131"22" SUIMOANGLE -21 S8 l\lCPS6 26T1.31 OOVIOO D4GESI 'IX ,• 'IX ,ue '" "TA" Figu re 1 Natal Horoscope Chart A9RV DIG"! •n AR TA "0 CN l£ GE '" 1I co W "'SC ~ I SA CA = X PI AO 200ICSIGNS ARIES TAURUS GEMINI GANGlR LEO V\RGO LI8RA SCORPIO SAG1TTAR IUS CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES 10/ Astrology for Beginners The zodiac stretches through all 360 degrees of the sky and is divided into the familiar 12 signs (Aries, Taurus, Gem ini, etc.) of 30 degrees each. Planet positions are measu red within the signs by degrees, minutes and seconds . For example, my Moon (my Moon at birth) is in the sign GEMINI (3rd sign) and in the 9th degree of Gemini and 42 minutes. My Moon is at 9 degrees and 42 minutes of the sign Gemini. You can see this in figure 1. Look at the 10th hou se (top of cha rt in the pie-slice numb ered 10). You will see a symbol tha t looks like the moon with numbers 09lI 42 below it. The "lI" rep resents Gemi ni. The 09 and 42 tell the degrees and minutes of Gemini wh ere the moon was located when I was born. Most chart wh eels give the planet positions both on the wheel and in a list outside the wheel. As you can see in figure 1, the planet positions are also listed in a chart below the wheel. HOUSE CUSPS: Most as trologers d ivide the zodiac into twleve sections or HOUSES accord ing to a system. There are a number of HOUSESYSTEMS used by astrologers. Proponents of one house system often feel very deeply tha t their method of d ividing the heavens is the' most sig nificant. To better understand the next paragraph, you need to know ,what a house cusp is. The word "cusp" is the name of the lines in the chart that mark the beginning of a house. The houses are those twelve pie-shaped wedges in figure 1. The natal chart is read counterclockwise starting with the ascendant (labeled ASC at the left side of figure 1), which is the horizontal line between the 12th and 1st house. Hence, the cusp of the 1st house is also the ascendant. Most systems agree that the ascenda nt marks the first house cusp, the descende nt marks the 7th, the midheaven marks the 10th, and the nadir marks the 4th house cusp. Look at the chart wheel in figure 1 and notice how it The Big Picture / 11 is divided into twelve sections or Houses. The 1st house cusp is on the extreme left hand side of the wh eel and the 10th house cusp is on the top. The 7th and 4th are simply opposite the 1st and 10th. The remaining house cusps (2nd, 3rd .,. 5th, 6th . . .8th,9th . . . I l th, 12th) are called the intermediate hou se cusps because they are interm ediate between the pri mary cusps (Ist, 4th, 7th and 10th). It is these intermediate cusps that diffe r (in general) from one hou se system to another. I'm sure all this sounds confusing, and it is. It confused me when I was a beginner. Just let it rest lightly on your mind. It will clear up as we go on. For now, I just want to give you some notion of what house cus ps and hou se systems are. The most popular house systems in use today are the Placidian and Koch houses. The Placid ian house system is used in this book. Simplistically, Placidian merely refers to a specific math ematical approach to erecting a natal horoscope chart. Give it no more concern. AUXILIARY TECHNIQUES The NATAL CHART captures a sing le moment or slice of time. There are some other techniques that can be used in conju nction wit h the natal chart: TRANSITS: The natal chart can be compared to a chart tha t is cast for the current date. These current d ate charts are called TRANSIT CHARTS, and they relate the astrological factors that exist in the sky now to those that existed at the moment of your birth. Transi ts will be discussed only superficially in this book to give you some familiarity as a begi nner. The study of transits, in my judgment, goes beyond the scope of "begi nner." PROGRESSIONS: Another popular techniqu e is to relate the na tal chart to that same nata l char t as progressed Tile Big Picture /13 12 / Astrology for Beginners into the future. As we have just seen in the preceding section, transit charts are charts progressed to a future date by the regular movement of the planets in the sky. Astro logers have a wid e variety of alternate methods of progressing a chart. The "DAY FOR A YEAR" method is very popular. By this method, one day (24 hour revolution) is equated with one year (seasonal cycle) of life. Thus the 35th day after birth is considered to represent the 35th year after birth, and so on. A chart for the 35th day after birth is calculated and compa red to the natal chart. This will only be discussed superficially in this book to give you some familiarity, but progressions definitely go beyond the scope of beginner. SOLUNAR RETURNS: Another popular method is that of solar return s and lunar re turns . In this technique, a chart is calculated for the precise tim e that the Sun (or Moon) re turns to the position it had at your birth. Thus if your natal Sun was at 25 degrees and 48 minutes of the sign Canc er, a solar return chart would be one cast for when the Sun returned to this identical sp ot during the current year. This cha rt is then compar ed to the Natal Chart. This will not be discussed further in this book. I briefly mention it here to mak e yo u aware of the terms and because ,it is part of the big picture of natal astrology. SUMMARY This has been a very general introduction to some of the basic terms and processes used in as trology. As a beginner in astrology, a simple natal chart and interpretation is probably all you will need. In the future, you may want more complete interpretations dealing with your year ahead or perhaps a comparison report between yourself and some other person to see how compatible (or incompatible) you are. Or perhaps you will be inspired to study on your own and become more advanced or even become a professional astrologer. Elsewhere in this book I will recommend various books to help further your study if that is your desire. Those books, in turn, will lead to even more advanced study. And so it goes. Astrology has such a broad scope and has so many facets to it, that there is something to satisfy everyone's specific d esire. But for everyone, the place to start is here-with the basics. Chapter 2 will start to bridge the gap between the "big picture" presented here in chapter 1 and the myriad of details in the chapters after 2. Now turn the page and take your next step on the journey into yourself-into the world of natal astrology. 2 Natal Astrology As an astrologer, I meet two kinds of people. There are those who seek me out and solicit my services to help them improve their lives in some way throu gh astrological counseling. And then there are those who think Iam an idio t for believing in astrology. This chapter is written for both of these kind s of people. I'll briefly explain what astrology is and what it is not in simple, non-techn ical lan guage. I'll discuss what astrological counseling is and how you can use this powerful 1001 to yo).Ir advantage. There are many different types of astrology, each with its own specia l pu rpose. This cha pter is confined to natal astrol ogy, wh ich is my specialty. Natal astrology deals with the birth patterning of individuals. Astrology is just one of many tools we have at our disposal to help us de al with problems and enrich our lives. Some other tools are: self-hypnosis, meditation, prayer and education. Like all tools, astrology gets the job done when it is understood and used properly. What natal astrology is: 15 16/ Astrologyfor Beginners 1. A tool that provides greater understanding of self. 2. The oldest empirical science in the world. 3. A patterning of a person's innate birth potentials, strengths, weaknesses, tend encies, and probabilities. Intelligent information is availabl e on every aspect of a person's life from cradle to grave. What natal astrology is not: 1. It is not a cure-all. 2. It is not fatalistic. The individual always has the ability to choose by exercising the birthright of free will. 3. It does not advocate that the planets control our lives. We, through our choices, control our own lives. The Philosophy of Astrology I do not personally know any astrologer who thinks that planets cause events in our lives. Astrology is based on the observation that events on earth are instantly reflected in the heavens. A simplistic analogy might be this: If you look into a mirror while trimming your eyebrows and you accidentally pierce your skin with the scissors, you will instantly see the wound bleeding in the mirror. The mirror did not cause the' . wound or the bleeding, did it? The mirror accurately reflected an event at the precise time the event occurred. If it were possible to have a mirror that looked ahead in time, you could have seen the accident ahead of time and thus avoid it by exercising more care or by not trimming your eyebrows at that time. In astrology, the heavens (the planetary positions and movements), are our mirror of earthly events. Nearly five thousand years of careful observation and record keeping have supplied us with accurate knowledge as to what kinds of earthly events are associat ed with what kinds of heavenly patterns. Our astrological mirror is superior to our bathroom Natal Astrology /1 7 mirror because the plan ets' pa tterning is constantly chan ging. The planets and their relationships to each other and to the ear th cha nge unend ingly in an absolutely predictable way. We can mathematically calculate exactly where every planet will be at any time in relation to any point on earth. This means we have a mirror that can reflect events in the past, present, or future anywhere on earth. An aweso me thought, is it not? This powerful tool was given to us as part ofcreation. The plan ets were created as part of our world for our use. The science of astrology strives to understand and use this great gift for the benefit of humanity. Even though it is about five-thousand years old, astrology is still in its infancy. The plan et Pluto, for instance, was only discovered in February 1930, and it is still being studied. Who knows what all is ou t there to provide us even more informa tion? Still, a great deal of valuable, useful information is known and can be used to enrich our lives and help us to make better decisions and choices. It works this way. Suppose your birth occurred at 6:44pm EST, on March 31, 1960 in Kingston, NY. The astrologer figures ou t math ematically wh ere the Sun, Moon, and the eight know n planets were at that moment with respect to that specific geograp hic point on earth. He determines that your natal Sun is at 11 degrees and 15 minutes of Aries in your sixth hou se; your Moon is at 5 d egrees and 7 minutes of Gemin i in your eighth house; and so forth for the remaining eight known plan ets. The astrologer then enters the information onto a circular map known as a horoscope cha rt, which shows your unique horoscope pattern ing. Then hundreds of factors in the patterning are studied and compiled into a report known as your Nat al Horosco pe Analysis. This rep ort can tell virtually every thing about all aspects of yo.ur life as 18 / Astrology for Beginners Natal Astrology / 19 were reflected in the mirror of the heavens at your birth moment. This kind of natal horoscop e report can be greatl y beneficial. Suppose, for example, your were unsure of what career path to pursue. Your chart will tell you in which pursuits you have the best chan ce of being successful, and then you can make a choice based on this knowledge rather than just shooting blindly in the dark. Predictive astrology is similar to natal astrology excep t that predictive astro logy looks at a future date and analyzes your options at that time. This knowledge can help you avoid or lessen probl ems and take betler ad vantage of opportunities. What can astrology do to enhance a person's life? Let's examine three of the most dominant factors in the life of a person: compan ionship, career, and time. The discu ssions on "companionship" and "career" are two actual cases of astrol ogical counseling I performed for two clients. The discussion on "tim e" contains valu able information that I furn ish in all my astrological counseling sessions. These will start to give you a small , sampling of wha t astrological counseling is all about. . Later in chapter 8 I have the details of my most challenging astrological assignment. deeply loved. Their horoscope charts showed that the mutual attraction was totally physical, very strongly so, and that they had virtually nothing else in comm on. In addition, his chart showed a violent temper and a sad istic nature . In spite of this, she chose to marry him . Within a few weeks after the marriage, he beat her brutally. Fortunately, she remembered my warning and left him before he could hurt her further. Astrology clearly showed her the probabilities and choices, but the choice was hers alone to make. One can wisely use this feature of astrology to improve chances of having a harmonious and happy relationship. "Relationship" applies not only to marriage, but also to romance, friend ship, business, or any sort of partnership. But in any situation, it is the ind ividual's choice that directs the events, not the planets. The plan ets show the parameter? involved and the likely result of choices. But always. the individual's choice prevails. This is the least understood, and most important factor in astrology. Astrology is not fatalistic at all. The individual is in charg e. The horoscope chart shows the potentials; the individual makes the choices. Companionship An astrologer can do a compatibility analysis between any two people and very accurately delineate the positive and negative as pects of a given relationship. The axiom "forewarned is half armed" really applies here. The more you know abou t the compa tibility (or incompatibility) between you and ano ther person, the better equipped you are to interact wit h that person to your benefit. I d id a compatibility analysis for a young lady who was going to marry a man whom she was certain she Career I have already mentioned briefly that your chart can identify your innate talents, strengths, and abilities. Often a person selects a career path becau se of money, family tradition, or just by chance. Rarely do these careers produce self-fulfillment. How much betler it would be to select a career that takes ad vantage of what you have to offer and of your interests. I did an analysis for a thirty-eight year old bachelor. He was grossly unhappy with every aspect of his life. His chart showed why. He was a mediocre, bored electronics 20/ Astrology for Beginners engineer, yet his chart very strongly indicated that law enforcement was his strongest interest and latent talent. He readily admitted that he had always wanted to bea policeman since he was a young boy. But peer and parental pressure to select a career that paid well had influenced him to become an engineer. His chart showed a slight ability for engineering, hence he could do it, but it wasn't even close to being his strong suit. In addition, his chart indicated a strong materialistic streak. It also showed a love of children and a desire for marriage. He chose to let materialism dominate him; as a result he drove women away rather than attracting them. If he had his horoscope done years earlier, he would have clearly seen his probabilities and options and might have mad e some different choices to ensure his happiness. Time Many people bum up time in unproductive pursuits just to keep busy and kill excess time . Others pine away their time in loneliness. Neither situation has to be that way. Everyon e is so multi-faceted in talent and interests that there is plenty of self-fulfilling activity to be engaged in. Most people do not realize this truth. They go through life as one-dimensional persons because they hav en't discovered -their multi-dimensional nature. A horoscope chart and analysis will clearly show each person's depth, multi-talents, abilit ies, etc. Armed with this knowledge, it becomes easy to select extra-curricular activities that are fulfilling and worthwhile, be it a hobby, avocation, second career, volunteer work, travel, or whatever. Again astrology presents the options-you make the choice. Some may choose to become amateur astrologers. This will eat up as much time as you choose to devote, and it is an excellent way to get to know, understand, and meet people. There is nothing magical about this process. It is all Natal Astrology / 21 based on what is, on fact, on calculations, and on interpretation by a qu alified person. The skill of the astrologer is the only weak link in the chain. A good astrologer will erect an accurate chart and interpret it accurately. An unskilled or careless astrologer will not do a good job. But this isn't unique to astrology, is it? The same is true of all professions. A good physician helps you get well while a poor one just drains your money or even causes problems. A competent mechanic makes your car run properly, an incompetent one doesn't. The point is that astrol ogy is a viable science that can be of value in your life. It merits your op en-minded conside ration. Astrology does not have all the answers and is not a cure all. It is just one of many tools ava ilable for you to use in order to better orchestrate the direction of your life. It is not fatalistic. In all cases, astrology presents your options. The choice you make is alwa ys up to you alone. You alone are the Captain of your ship. Astrology merely provides a more complete map for you to set sail with. 3 The Language of Astrology Astrology, like all scientific disciplines, has its own unique symbols, terms, and expressions. You need to gain some understanding of the astrological language now so that you will better understand the remaining chapters in this book. in chapter 1 you had some cursory exposure to a few terms. Now we are going to expand on that. After all, you want to talk and act like a professional-s-or at least a semi-professional-so take your time with this chapter. Let the language of astrology sink into your mind. The Zodiac Signs There 'are twelve signs of the zodiac, and each one has a glyph (symbol) and a two-letter alphabetic abbreviation as shown in the chart below. If you refer to figure 1, you will find a similar chart in the lower right comer. For practice, scan the horoscope chart and see if you can identify the zodiac glyphs using the following chart as your guide. I also include a column to show how I write the glyphs by hand. 23 The Language ofAstrology /25 24/ Astrology for Beginners Printed Glyph y 'tf Handwritten Glyph Abbreviation y 8 JI :II: Q d\ e ~ "YYIf T!P - .Jl- ""- m, ~ l' --v< ;0 x" -X ~ * AR TA GE CN LE VI LI SC SA CP AQ PI Zodiac Sign Name Aries Taurus Gemini Cancer Leo Virgo Libra Scorpio Sagittarius Capricorn Aquarius Pisces Each sign occupies 30 degrees of the horoscope wheel. Figure 2 is the natural wheel, and it shows the relationships of the signs. The cusp of the 1st house is zero degrees and zero minutes of Aries (written OOAROO). This is the beginning of the natural wheel, and it corresponds to the Spring Equinox, which is the first day of spring (ap. prox. March 21).Spring, of course, is the natural start of the four seasons. Reading the natural wheel counterclockwise, 30 de grees later you encounter the second house cusp at zero degrees and zero minutes of Taurus (written OOTAOO). You can continue to read each cusp, in turn, counterclockwise to learn the sequential order of the zodiac signs. The natural 4th house cusp, OOCNOO, corresponds to the Summer Solstice, which is the first day of summer (approx. June 21). The natural 7th house cusp, OOLIOO, corresponds to the Fall Equinox, which is the first day of autumn (approx. September 23). The natural 10th house cusp, OOCPOO, corresponds to the Winter Solstice, which is the first day of winter (approx. December 21). Notice how a life cycle corresponds to the zodiac cycle. Birth-spring. Youth-summer. Adult-autumn. Senior years - winter. Remember our discussion of cycles in cha pter 1. Life is a series of cycles that is mirrored in the cycles of the heavens. The Sun moves through the zodiac at a uniform speed. Since the zodiac has only 360 degrees and a calenda r year has 365 days, the Sun must progress approximately 57 minutes per day through each sign sequentially. The Sun's movement is approximately three seconds less than one degree every 24 hours. For all practical purposes (except for exact calculations) consider the Sun's movement as being one degree a day. You will see in a later chapter how this one degree per day approximation can come in handy for "eyeballing" a chart. You can determine a person's Sun sign very quickly at a glance in figure 2.Suppose the birthdate is October 18. A glance at the natural wheel in figure 2 shows that October 18 falls between September 23 and October 23. The chart shows thatthe Sun sign between those dates is Libra. Thus the person's Sun sign is Libra. If a birthdate falls on one of the dates on a house cusp in the natutal wheel, you would need to erect a natal chart in order to know the person's Sun sign . For example, a person born on June 21 might be a Gemini with the Sun at 29 degrees Gemini or a Cancer with the Sun at zero degrees Cancer because that is the day the Sun makes the transition from Gemini to Cancer. On ly an accurate natal chart, using the time of day the birth occurred, will tell for sure whether the person is a Gemini or a Cancer. The same sort of thing is true for the days on all the other natural house cusps. A person born on the day the Sun changes signs is The LAnguage ofAstrology / 27 26 / Astrology for Beginners said to be "born on the cusp," and that person is likely to have traits of both signs. .. :: "0: Degrees, Minutes, Seconds All house cusps and all planet placements in a natal chart are made according to exactly where in a given zodiac sign they appeared at the moment of a person's birth. The placements are designated by degrees, and fractions of degrees. Minutes and seconds are fractions of degrees. One zodiac sign = 30 degrees One degree = 60 minutes One minute = 60 seconds O· Mu Z1 180· Sep 23 .. ::: 0' ~ Figure2 The Natural Wheel For our purposes in this book, we will not use seconds. For natal charts, most astrologers use only degrees and minutes with no significant loss of accuracy. Look at figure 1 for this example. At the moment of my birth, .my ascendant (also called rising sign) was 27Q33. This reads 27 degrees, 33 minutes of Leo. Thirtythree minutes is approximately a half degree (33 is approx. half of 60). So my ascendant is halfway between 27 degrees and 28 degrees of Leo. The Planets There ere eight known planets currently used in astrology plus the Sun and the Moon. Technically, the Sun and Moon are luminaries, not planets. However, astrology considers the Sun and Moon to be planets for purposes of creating and analyzing natal charts. This is because the Sun and Moon act like planets in terms of their effects on the earth and its inhabitants. So from this point on, consider that there are 10 planets. The glyphs and abbreviations for the planets are shown in the following chart. I have also included a column to show how I handwrite the glyphs. The u1I1guage of Astrology / 29 28 / Astrology for Begi/l /lers Printed Glyph }) o 1;l <;> (f 2( 1i. !if IV e Handwritten Glyph Abbreviation MO 1> SU ME VE MA ~ 'l/ JU SA UR ~ NE !J! ~ o ? .E- PL Planet Name Moon Su n Mercu ry Venu s Mar s Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Plu to In the abov e chart I have show n the mod ern glyph for Pluto. When you read throu gh variou s other as trology books you are quite likely to enco unter the ori gin al symbol for Pluto. It is ~. Either glyp h is acce p table, but most astrologers now use the newer sy mbol sho w n in the above chart. Probably the reason the Plu to sy mbo l was changed is because the original sy mbol closely resembled the Mercury symbol, thereby causing confusion. A similar cha rt is sho wn in figure 1 in the lower left . corner. You are beginning to see how much valuable information is in this on e computerized natal chart. A great deal more is to come th rou ghout this book. The Aspects This is some thing we hav e not mention ed p reviously. An as pect is the relation ship between two plan ets, expressed in degrees and minutes, at the birth moment. This relationship is very important when interpreting the meaning of a natal cha rt. There will be considerably more said later about aspects, but for now I jus t wa nt to show you their symbo ls and tell you their nam es a long with some basic facts about them . Printed Handwritten Aspect Degree Symbol Symbol Name Separation d d Conjunction 0 :.l ~ Semi-sextile 30 L L Semi-square 45 Sextile 60 o 0 Square 90 b..d Trine 120 4J lij Sesqui-square 135 Quincunx 150 if> ~ Opposition 180 * * 7'i"" Nature Major Minor Minor Major Major Major Minor Minor Major In the above chart I have the name "quincunx." An other, more popular name for this same aspect is "inconjunct." If two planets are, say, 60 degrees apart, they are said to be in sextile with each other. If the planets are 180 degrees apart-they are in opposition. And so forth. They do not have to be exactly the number of degrees apart listed in the chart. There is a plus-minus allowance; this allowance is called an orb. The allowable orb is greatly debated among astrologers. Some astrologers sayan orb of 8 degrees should be allowed for major aspects and 3 degrees for minor aspects. Others say 6 and 2, respectively. Others have individual orbs for each individual planet. A few allow 10 degrees if the Sun or Moon is involved. In this book, and in my personal practice, I use 8 degrees for major aspects and 3 degrees for minor aspects. Of course, the closer to exact that the aspect is, the stronger is its influence in the chart. More of this later. For example, for planets to be in sextile, they must be from 52 degrees to 68 degrees apart (8 degree orb, plus or minus). For conjunction, they must be within 8 degrees of being exactly at the same degree and sign. And so forth. 30 I Astrology for Beginners Ilisted all the aspects in the above chart so you would know what they are. However, in this book we will be concerned only with major aspects for the most part. I generally do not even take minor aspects into account when doing a natal interpretation unless there are so few major aspects that I must turn to the minor ones in order to get anything at all. The aspects add an element of harmony or disharmony-ease or difficulty-smoothness or frustration-to the horoscope, depending on the aspect. This will be discussed in some detail in the chapter on aspects. For now, in general. the harmonious aspects are the trine, sextile, and semi-sextile. The difficult aspects are the square, opposition, semi-square. The conjunction can be either harmonious or not, depending on the planets involved and some other factors. More later on this. Ephemeris This is the single most important item you absolutely must have in order to practice astrology, even as a beginner. Without an ephemeris, you can do next to nothing of any importance. An ephemeris is a book, or sometimes a series of books, that contains charts that show where every planet was, is, Of will be for every day past, present, and future. Figure 3 is a simulated ephemeris page that shows where every planet was on everyday in July 1929. Later in this book I will show you how to read and use this page. A typical ephemeris page gives more information than I have shown in figure 3. I deliberately did not include the additional information because I consider it beyond the scope of beginner information, and I did not want to make you any more confused than you may already be. Before you are finished with this book, we will have used all of the terms in this chapter many times over, The Language of Astrology / 31 expanding their scope of meaning and usage until you become an accomplished amateur astrologer. So don't give up. Please bear with me. I know the language of astrology can seem confusing because it is foreign and it is hard to relate to at this point. But believe me, it would be much more confusing if I were to surge ahead into chart construction and interpretation without explaining the language first. Back to the ephemeris. You can probably check an ephemeris out of the library. Ask the librarian for assistance in finding it. Or you may wish to purchase one. I have two: One that covers the years 1900 to 1950and one that covers the years 1950 to 2000. I'll soon be looking to purchase one that goes beyond 2000. In the beginning when I was first learning astrology in early 1974,I practically lived at the library using their ephemeris and other astrology reference books. As I became more and more experienced and started doing astrological work professionally, I purchased my own books and now have quite a nice astrology reference center in my home library. If the astrology bug bites you, you will probably do the same thing. In this book, however, you will only need figure 3 in order to follow the examples that will be given later. Retrograde and Direct Motion These are terms that refer to the direction of planetary movement with relation to the earth. Direct, symbolized by the letter D, refers to the normal forward movement of planets as seen from earth. Retrograde, symbolized by the letter R, refers to the movement of planets that seem to be backing up as seen from earth. The Sun and Moon never go retrograde. All the other planets do go retrograde from time to time, and this time is very significant in doing interpretations. The planets do not actually back The Language of Astrology / 33 32 / Astrology for Beginners · ~;:t' "· ,• 0 • ~;.s:l ees eeee eseeeee =!:M;l~E $~ ~;:Sl :$;t~ ~= :.SI;~08 Sg=~ s ~ · ======= ======= ======= === = ·· • · • ess s ·· s s s s s e ~ ~ ~ ec seea ~;: ~8 :::l:::l:::l:::l;:'l:::Hl :H~ 8888 ;: ;j:J~ l : =:2~qj 0 -e 0 li:I2~!a ~;:lt. . ~ ~;!:=E8 a8.s:~ ~ :r :; ~ ;S: ;:l 0 <El 1l~I :q :Q:::n :U Q ;!J :Q ;!J :Q;Q :Q;Q;Q;Q;Q :qQ S2:;;:; :rc::S ~=:l ~ S: ; JlQ~ !::!::!::!::!::!:: !::t::!::!::!::::!:: ~= •• = :' 2: ~ 8S;!SS!S!: 5 ~ ~ ':;~=lr ~ ~ ~ g~;: ~ :-;lS2 1:1:;'::1: 0 ~ BBBB888 8866666 88888gg ~ • 'I ,~ ·· " :;1 .... ~ ~ :l~Q : 0 ,, ". :;:j", ~ E ~ " 5< 0 aSi!: S8gE=~ : : n ~ ; :;l :e ~ ~ ; ;:'lafu ~ :; 5 :l .:r~Sl8 ~;Qh8o ~ ;g- ~2:! ~B8a < .:r~1 ! ;p' 8>S!= :IN = ~= .. :=s E ~:5. ~ ~Sit: ~ ~ $i; t ~ ~ ;s: ~Q8B=!:; ~ !: ~=. E S ! o ;: ~ ~ :S~ :; $i; 3: ... 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But they appear from earth to back up due to their orbit in space. In figure 3 find the Saturn and Uranus columns. Refer to your symbol chart in order to find these columns. Scan down these columns and you will see each one has an R in it. For Saturn, the R appears at the top of the column, which ind icates that Saturn was already in retrograde motion when the month of July 1929 started. Saturn continues to stay retrograde during the entire month and beyond because no D appears to indicate a change back to direct motion. For Uranus, the R does not appear until July 18 (read across to the left to find the date). So Uranus was in direct mot ion until July 18 when it turned retrograde. It then stayed retrograde the remainder of the month and beyond. U ~ ~ ,.; Ascendant Abbreviated ASC, the ascendant is the sign and degree of that sign that is rising on the eastern horizon a t the birth moment in relation to the point on the earth where the birth takes place. For an example, look at figure 1. In the center of the chart ittells you tha t I was born onJuly4, 1929at9am EST in Toledo, Ohio. At that moment in relation to Toledo, Ohio, 27LE33 (27 degrees and 33 minutes of Leo) was rising on the eastern horizon. The ascendant is also called the rising sign, and it is one of the most pow erful points in a natal chart. The ascendant is always the cusp of the first house and rules that house. 3: ~ Midheaven Abbreviated MC (for Medium Coeli or Meridian), .1./ / Astrology for Beginners the midheaven is the high est poi nt (directly overhead) in the zod iac at the mom ent of birth with relati on to the point on the ea rth where the birth takes place. Look again at figure 1. At 9AM on July 4, 1929 in To ledo, Ohio, 20TA59 was d irectly overhead and was the hig hest point in the zodiac. The mid heav en is also one of the most powerful poi nts in a natal chart. The MC is always the cus p of the tenth hou se and rul es that hou se. North and South Nodes of th e Moon In figure 1 you will find a symbo l that looks like this Q at the top of the chart near the Me. This is the symbol for the north node of the Moon . The so u th nod e is not sho w n in figure 1, but its symbo l is an upsidedow n version of the north node, like this ~ . The reason natal cha rts usually d o not s how the sou th nod e is because the so u th nod e is always exactly opposite the north nod e. In figu re 1, since the north nod e is sho w n a t 18TA30R, you automatically kno w the sou th nod e is opposite (180 d egrees away) at 18SC30R. If you look a t the natural wheel in figure 2, yo u will see tha t Scorpio is exactly oppos ite Tau rus. . No tice also that the nod es a re always retrograde. The nod es are ima ginary points in space related to g,.'omag ne tic field s based on the Moon's location at the loll I h mo ment. The nod es are used in ana lyzing a nata l chart. WI",tl",r they are major or minor influen ces is d ebatabl e. I ,,,,, 01 .1,·1' them to be minor. ,I."",·", I h,· I, ''' 1' elem ents are fire, ea rth, air, and wat er, and tl... l od iac signs falls into one of these elemen ts. I., I'0 1 'hl ~ into perspec tive, recall that the horoscope • ,10 " , , ' The Language of Astrology /3 5 chart is a representation of a total life, embracing all the elements of life. Every zo diac sign appea rs in every horoscope, bringing the influence of that sign into the life of th e person whose horoscope is represented in the horoscope chart. All signs do not carry equa l weight in each horoscope, that is part of the reason each one of us is different in some way. One of the influe nces that help s to make eac h of us a little different from othe rs is the mix of elements in ou r birth charts. For exam ple, a cha rt that has most of the plan ets in earth sign s will br ing a stro ng eleme n t of practicality to that person, while one with most planets in wat er signs is likely to be quite emo tional or intuitive. The following chart shows which zodiac signs belong to which eleme nt. Fire Aries Leo Sagittarius Earth Taurus Virgo Ca pricorn Air Gemini Libra Aquarius Water Ca ncer Scorpio Pisces The Fire Signs are enthus ias tic, energetic, optimistic. Fire signs a re happy, lucky signs. The Earth Sign s are practical, "dow n to earth," rea listic, Earth signs are melan choly, cautiou s signs. The Air Sign s are int ellectu al, mental, thinkers. Air signs are mentally aloof, d etach ed signs. The Water Signs are emo tiona l, sensitive, feeling, inluitive. Water signs are moody, fruitful signs. Refer now to figure 1 on page 9. In the low er left near the chart wheel there is a sma ll cha rt thai has the eleme nts FIRE,EARTH, AIR, WATER listed ve rtically. Across from each element are numbers. Fire has I I 1; Earth has 0 1 1, Air has 0 0 3, Water has 2 0 O. Thi s sho ws that I hav e three The LAnguage of Astrology/ 37 36/ Astrologyfor Beginners planets in fire signs, two planets in earth signs, three planets in air signs, and two planets in water signs. This is a reasonably good balance. It means my personality and behavior are not skewed strongly in one direction at the sacrifice of other characteristics. I am slightly stronger in mental pursuits (three air signs) and in drive and enthusiasm (three fire signs). This same little chart has three columns across the top labeled CARD, FIX and MUT. We will discuss this in the very next section. Triplicity Each zodiac sign is associated with one of these three (triplicity) human qualities-Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable. Cardinal people are action people. They initiate things. They move around, get things off dead center. They are not content with the status quo. They want movement, results, progress. If you wanted to hire someone to get a new project started, you would do well to hire someone with a lot of cardinal influence in their chart. Fixed people are stable . They don't like much change. Status quo suits them fine. They will stick to things and get them done. If you want to hire someone to finish the project once it is started, you should hire someone with strong fixed influence in their chart. Mutable people are versatile. They adapt quickly to any situation. These are the people mixers and salespersons. These people like plenty of change. They cannot stand status quo. Hire these people to be your salespersons. Look at the same chart in figure 1 that you looked at for the elements. You can now understand what the labeling across the top of the chart means: CARD for cardinal, FIX for fixed, and MUT for mutable. Study the chart for a few moments and you can see that I have three planets in cardinal signs, two in fixed signs, and five in mutable signs. A fair balance. The cardinal and mutable influences are the strongest, making me enthusiastic, energetic, changeable, adaptable, etc. I am a little "down to earth" but only enough to keep my enthusiasm from getting out of hand. You can see from this discussion of the triplicity and the elements that we are already getting into interpretation to a small degree. There will be more later on interpretation, but it is impossible to not get into it in bits and pieces while we discuss the language of astrology because language has meaning built into it. Transits Transits are the positions of the planets at the present moment, not \IS they were at birth. Transits trigger the natal chart into action or they attract minor (usually) events into our lives. To ascertain when an experience is likely to occur you compare the transit positions to the natal positions to see if there are any aspects (conjunctions, trines, sextiles, squares, oppositions, etc.) between the transits and the natal positions. We will discuss this in more detail later. There are more astrological terms than discussed here, but I am going to stop at this point. In my judgement, we are now treading that fine line between what a beginner needs to know and what will just add confusion. 4 Sun Sign Mini-Profiles The corn erstone ofastrology interpretation is the Sun sign profile of each of the twelve zodiac signs. There are a great number of other factors that are importan t also such as planet placements, houses, mid-heave n, ascendant, degrees, aspects, etc. But it all star ts with the Sun sign profile. Having some knowled ge of all Sun signs is necessary, whether you are analyzing a chart or simp ly trying to u nderstand yourself or others better. The mini-pro files that follow are certainly not all inclusive, but they do cover salient points and provide you with a wo rking knowledge of each sign. This will give you, the beginner, sufficient information to talk know ledgeably, analyze char ts at the "big picture" level, and have a good time. There are a nu mber of excellent books that deal only with Sun signs in grea t depth, allowing 20 to 30 pages per Sun sign . In part fou r of this book, I recommend several of these books for your further read ing if you are inclined to pursue astrology more seriously. 39 Sun Sigu Mini-Profiles /4 1 40 / Astrology for Beginners ARIES Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and the ruling planet is Mars, the plan et of action. Peopl e born under the sign of Aries are action-oriented and competitive. They strive to be first in everything, often to the point of ignoring the rights and feelings of others. If they can learn to temper their aggressiveness with diplomacy and tact they can accomplis h much. They are natural leaders. They like to start things for others to finish because they become bored and want to move on to some new challenge. Aries tend to be: dynamic, impulsive, quarrelsome, easily bored, selfish, aggressive, enthusiastic, and forceful. Some of the typical interests of Aries are: themselves, challenges of any sort, being a leader, starting things for others to finish. They have a basic pioneer nature. They also tend to be warlike. Aries have great will power and confid ence in themselves. If they can learn to love and respect others and to act with wisdom there is vitually no limit to their accomplishm ents. Aries never admit d efeat. They will keep on fightin g and striving until they either succeed or death overtakes them. They ask no quarter, and give none. We have had several U.S. Presidents, among them Thomas Jefferson and John Tyler, born under the sign of Aries. Aries are the pion eers of the zod iac. Qualities: Cardinal-Fire Key Phrase: I AM! Key Word : Action Virtue: Courage Defect: Arrogance Rulership: Ruling Plan et: Natural ruler of the 1st house Mars When Aries is on any house cusp, or when any planet is in Aries, the affairs of that house or tha t planet will be affected by influences such as: impulsive events, energy, enthusiasm, action, perha ps even stri fe. Refer to figure 1 and you can see that Aries is on my 9th house cusp and the planet Uranus is in Aries in the 8th house. So in my horoscope chart, my ninth house affairs and the action of Uranus in the 8th house are influenced to some degree by Aries. After you hav e read the chapters on the hou ses and plan ets and chart interpretation, this will start to make more sense. For now, just be aware that the zodiac signs influence the houses and planets involved with them. At this point, if you just remember the Key Word, ACTION, and the ruling plan et, MARS, you will have begun to understand Aries. The other salient featu res will quickly become part of your memory bank as you continue to work with astrology. TAURUS Taurus is the second sign of the zod iac and is ruled by the planet Venu s, the planet of beau ty and grace. Tauruses like the good things in life and usually focus their energies on acquiring material possessions and money. They pursue with great zest everything that will satisfy their desires .. . this can be pleasure, comfort, wealth. Tauruses appreciate beautiful things whether it be rrt, music, nice clothing. Tauruses are very stable people and are reliable, alI hough usually quite stubborn. 42 / Astrologyfor Beginners Some of the charac teristics of Taurus are: materialism, greed, laziness, patience, practicality, steadiness and end urance. They are somewhat slow, but always finish what they start. Some of the interests of Taurus are: comfort, possessions of all sor ts. These people are usually fiercely loyal to their friends, often bu rdenin g themselves with their friends' problems. They also are very jealou s people, usually to the extre me. They tend to not be too aware of themselves or their motives. They are grea t planners, and then they will wor k hard to make those plans ma terialize. We have had several U.S. Preside nts, among them Harry S. Tru ma n and Ulysses S. Grant, born under the sign of Tau rus . Tauruses are the accumulators and builders of the zod iac. Qualities: Fixed-Earth I HAVE! Key Phrase: Key Word: Possessions Virtue: Reliability Defect: Stubbornness Rulership: Natural ruler of the 2nd house Ruling Planet: Venu s When Taurus is on any hou se cusp, or when any planet is in Taurus, the affairs of that hou se or that planet will be affected by Tau rus influences such as: profit, slow but steady progress, determination, slow to change, but dynam ic whe n aroused, possessive altitudes . Refer to figure 1 and you can see that Taurus is on my 10th house cusp and the planet Venus is in Taurus in tha t Sun Sign Mini-Profiles / 43 house. So in my horoscope char t, my tenth hou se affairs and the action of Venus are influenced to some degree by Taurus. This is an especially strong influence in my chart as you will see after you read further in the book and get into interpretation s. For now, just remember the Key Word , POSSESSIONS, and the ruling planet, VENUS, to begin understand ing Taurus. GEMINI Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the planet Mercury, the planet of mentality and communication. Geminis are probably the most intelligent people of the zodiac. They have quick minds and are curious about virtually everything. The only probl em is that they rarely have any self disciplin e. Therefore, they lack the staying power to finish what they start. They are the "Jack ofall trades, and master of none." If a Gemini acquires self discipline there is nothing he/she cann ot achieve. Geminis are the most happy when they are involved in many pursuits at the same time. Mostly they prefer intellectual activiti es such as philosophy, writing, talkin g, or thinking up things for others to do. Geminis need to strive to acquire calmness because they are in danger of "burnout" of their nervous system since they are always stressing their nerv ous sys tem so much, Geminis tend to be: fickle, su perficial, witty, inquisitive, intelligent, versatile. Some Gemini interests are: communication of all -orts, travel, being a know-it-all, learning, talking, writIng, reading. 44/ Astrology for Beginners We have had only one U.S. Preside nt, John F. Kennedy, born under the sign of Gemini. Geminis are the salesmen and communicators of the zodia c. They are also the noncon formists of the zodiac. Qualities: Mutable-Air Key Phrase: I THINK! KeyWord: Variety Virtue: Alertn ess Defect: Shallowness Rulership: Natural ruler of the 3rd house Ruling Planet: Mercury When Gemini is on any house cusp, or when any planet is in Gemini, the affairs of that hou se or that planet will be affected by influences such as: much communication (writing, speaking, etc.) involved, much mental effort expended, travel, diversified interests . Refer to figur e 1and you can see that Geminfis on my eleventh house cusp and that I have the three plan ets Jup iter, Moon and Mercury in Gemini in my tenth hous e. These are very powerful influences in my chart. With all those planets in my mid-heaven in Gemini, it is easy to see why I am a professional writer . This will become even clearer to you as you read the rest of the book. For now, just remember the Key Word, VARIETY, and the rulin g planet, MERCURY, and you will have begun to understand Gemini. CANCER Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the Moon. Cancer is the most sensitive sign and is the strongest of the water signs. Sun Sign Mini-Profiles /45 Hom e and family life are of the utm ost importance to Cancers, and they will do whatever is necessary to establish and protect their domestic security. Cancers are easily hu rt by the slights of others. These are very compl ex people, sometimes ap pea ring extre mely strong and at other times to be as vulnera ble as a child. Very few people ever really understand Cancers; therefore they never receive the necessary understan din g from others. Cancers are very loving people. Once a love is begun, they never stop loving. How ever, they can be very cruel enemies. These people are usu ally shy, even timid, moody, and react more from intuition or emotion than from reason. They are masters of the art of passive resistence. They can be directed through kindness, but if forced, they become immovable. Cancers tend to be: moody, domestically and family oriented, sensitive, emo tional, tenacious. Some Cancer interests are: home, security, love of country . We have had several U.S. Preside nts, among them alvin Coolidge and Gerald Ford, born under the sign of ancer, Cancers are the homemakers of the zodiac. Qualities: Cardinal-Water Key Phrase: I FEEL! Key Word : Tenacity Virtue: Caring Defect: Combative Rulership: Natural ruler of the 4th hou se Ruling Planet: Moon Sun Sign Mini-Profiles/ 47 46 / Astrology for Beginners When Cancer is on any hou se cusp, or when any planet is in Cancer, the affairs of tha t house or that planet will be affected by Can cer influ ences such as: mood changes, extreme sensitivity, "mothering" attitude, need to deal with and be recognized by the general public, often some association with food, much intuition or psychic insight. Refer to figure 1 and you can see that Cancer is on my twelfth house cus p and that the Sun and Pluto are in Cancer in my eleventh house. We will explore how this blends in with my overall horoscope interpretation later on in the book. For now, remember the Key Word, TENACITY, and the ruling plan et, MOON, to begin to understand the Sun sign Cancer. LEO Leo is the fifth sign of the zod iac and is ruled by the Sun. These a re nobl e and generous people, although they often possess oversi zed egos . They are over-confident, blunt, and outspoken. These characteristics often cause them to lose friends. Leos are courageous and loyal. They like to be in charge. Leo's are strongly attracted to the opposite sex. Woe be unto a nyone wh o hurts a Leo's child! Leos tend to be: romantic, idealistic, ambitious, egotistical, tempermental, loyal, enthus iastic, generous, optimistic, domineering, affectionate. Some Leo interests are: sports and games, achi evement, fun , being in the spotlight, child ren (especially theirs). We have had several U.S. Presidents, am ong them Herbert Hoover and Benjamin Harrison, born under the sign of Leo. Leos are the entertainers (sometimes clowns) of the zodiac. They ar e also the "on es in charge." Qualities: Fixed-Fire Key Phrase: I WILL! Key Word: Power Virtue: Magn animous or Nobl e Defect: Ostentatious or sho w-offs Rulership: Natural ruler of the 5th hou se Ruling Planet: Sun When Leo is on an y house cusp, or when an y plan et is in Leo, the affairs of that house or planet will be affected by Leo influences such as: enjoyment, kinglike rul ership, romance, flamboyancy, pomp, optimism, faith, tempermental reactions, events concerning children. Refer to figure 1 and you can see that Leo rules my .•scendant (first house) and that the planet Neptune is in LL'O in the first house. This is a powerful influence in my life as you shall discover later on in the book. For now, remember the Key Word, POWER, and the ruling planet, SUN, to begin to unde rsta nd the Sun sign LEO. VIRGO Virgo is the sixth sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the planet Mercury. Virgos constantly search for knowledge. Virgos are very detail conscious and do well in an y line of work that requires exactness. Virgos ar e practical md efficient. Sun Sign Mini-Profiles / 49 48 / Astrology for Beginners The single greatest defect of Virgo is that they are very critical of oth ers . .. even judgemental of others. If they overcome this negative trait they can attain the highest of spiritual achievement in life. Sometimes they become so immersed in detail that they lose sight of the big picture. They also tend to worry a lot which can adversely affect their health. If they learn to disciplin e their minds to think constructive thoughts, they then usually have very good health and be of great benefit to humanity. Virgos often go into some branch of the medical profession. Probably more Virgos remain unmarried than any of the other signs because they have difficulty in finding anyone who measures up to their high standards. Virgos tend to be: critical, methodical, neat, reliable, practical, mental, industrious, and cautious. Some Virgo interests are: fault finding, helping to improve others, work, details, perfection. We have had several U.S. Presid ents born under the sign of Virgo, among them William H. Taft and Lyndon B. Johnson. Virgos are the craftsman of the zodiac. Qualities: Mutable-Earth Key Phrase: I ANALYZE! Key Word: Service Virtue: Thoroughness Defect: Pettiness or Fussiness Rulership: Natural ruler of the 6th house Ruling Planet: Mercury When Virgo is on any hou se cusp, or when any plan et is in Virgo, the affairs of that house or that planet will be affected by Virgo influences such as: much dis- crimination, caution, analysis, work, seeking perfection, health, efficiency, details, craftsmanship, seeking flaws. Refer to figure 1 and you can see that Virgo is on the cusp of my 2nd house and that the planet Mars is in Virgo in my 1st house. This is a strong influence in my chart, and you will see how as you progress through the book. Remember for now that the Key Word is SERVICE and the ruling planet is MERCURY. LIBRA Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the planet Venus, the planet of beauty and grace. Libras are rarely loners; they want and need companionship. Thus marriage is very important to them. Also, they prefer an occupation that brings them in partnership with others or at least brings them in close contact with others. They make good counselors and judges because they can clearly see both sides of an issue. However, this ability to see an issue from all sides frequently gives them a problem in making decisions, especially concerning minor matters. For instance, it may take a Libra hours just to pick out a blouse or shirt when there is a selection to choose from. Libras are rarely lazy. They work hard, and also de mand that their partners work just as hard. They have a strong sense of justice and fair play. They rarely express nger, but when they do it is usually a "storm." Their an ger subsides quickly, however, and they do not hold grudges. Anger frequently leaves them feeling ill. Libras tend to be: romantic, dependent, fickle, coop«rative, gracious, extravagant, somewhat materialistic. Some of the Libra interests are: partnerships, justice, peace, companionship, beauty, social life. SO/ Astrologyfor Beginners We have had several U.S. Presidents, among them Dwight D. Eisenhower and Jam es E. Carter, born under the sign of Libra. Libras are the diploma ts of the zod iac. Qualities: Cardinal-Air Key Phrase: I BALANCE! Key Word: Harmo ny Virtue: Fairn ess Defect: Ind ecisiveness Rulership: Natu ral ruler of the 7th hou se Ruling Planet: Venu s There are two correct ways to pronounce Libra: leebra or lie-bra. The "lee-bra" pronunciation is the one most often used by most people. Ho wever, the "lie-bra" pronunciation is the one most often used by professional astrologers and well informed ama teur astrologers. So if you want to sound like a well inform ed astrol oger, say "lie-bra." WhE!n Libra is on any house cusp, or wh en any plan et is in Libra, the affairs of that hou se or that planet will be affected by Libra influences such as: partnersh ips, joint enterprises, refined harmony, balance, fairness, beauty, . some times idealistic or roman tic to the extreme. Refer to figure 1 and you can see that Libra is on the cusp of my third house. I have no plan ets in Libra. The influence of Libra in my cha rt is sub tle and hardly even noticed . I'll point out the influence in the chapter on interpreting the natal chart. To start understand ing Libra, remember the Key Word, HARMONY, and the ru ling planet, VENUS. SCORPIO Scorpio is the eighth sign of the zodiac and is ru led by the planet Pluto. This is an extremely strong sign; no sign is so potent for good or for evil as is Scorpio. Sun Sign Mini-Profiles / 51 Scorpios have strong will power and an intense emotional drive. Their sex drive and their interest is sex is usually very strong. Scorpios are not "half-way" people; whatever they do, they do it wit h intensity and completeness. They have no fear of death . Because of their strong emotional drive, they need to keep their integrity high else they fall into undesireable behavior such as violence, jealousy, hatred, or possessiveness. These people often become workaholics. They drive themselves hard, and usu ally drive others unmercifully. They despise weakn ess in self or others. Often they will help others, but then they expect the one wh o was helped to start helping themselves. They will give a helping hand , bu t not for long. Scorpios are secretive people. They also are ruthless enemies or competitors. Scorpios tend to be: vindict ive, sarcastic, heroic, forceful, cynical, secretive, determined, suspicious. Some Scorpio interests are: sex, unraveling mysteries, mon ey of others, being the unseen power. There have been more U.s. Presidents born under the sign Scorpio than under any other sign. Two of these were Theodore Roosevelt and John Adams. Scorp ios are the de tectives of the zodiac. Qualities: Fixed-Water Key Phrase: I DESIRE! Key Word: Resourcefu lness Virtue: Intense dedication Defect: Vindictiveness Rulership: Natura l ru ler of the 8th house Ruling Planet: Pluto 52/ Astrology for Beginners When Scorpio is on any house cusp, or when any planet is in Scorpio, the affairs of that house or that planet will be affected by Scorpio influences such as: secrecy, coercion, deep emotion and desires, jealousy, fighting to the death, possessiveness, forced changes, sometimes a fatalistic attitude, sometimes an area where meanness prevails. Refer to figure 1and you can see that Scorpio ison the cusp of my 4th house. I do not have any planets in Scorpio. The subtle influence of Scorpio in my horoscope chart will be better understood when you get to the chapter on interpretation. Remember the Key Word is RESOURCEFULNESS and the ruling planet is PLUTO. SAGIlTARIUS Sagittarius is the ninth sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the planet Jupiter, the planet of expansiveness and good fortune. Sagittarians are honest and freedom loving . No matter how difficult a situation becomes, there always seems . to be help for the Sagittarian because they seem to always be under some sort of protective shield. These are generally spiritual people, but they sometimes become narrow minded if they are associa ted with a social or religious group that has limited vision . These people call the shots as they see them without any embellishment; therefore, they are often considered to be blunt or lacking in tact. Women Sagittarians make charming companions, but usually dislike domestic tasks and are generally quite independent. Sun Sign Mini-Profiles / 53 These are idealistic people. They must learn wisdom and balance or else they can become fanatics and follow blindly some narrow dogma. Peple born under the sign of Sagittarius tend to be: optimistic, friendly, argumentative, generally easy-going. Some Sagittarius interests are: religion, philosophy, traveling (especially foreign), horses, law, books, publishing, giving advice. We have had several U.s. Presidents, among them .achary Taylor and Martin VanBuren, born under the sign of Sagittarius. Sagittarians are Qualities: Key Phrase: Key Word: Virtue: Defect: Rulership: Ruling Planet: the philosophers of the zodiac. Mutable-Fire I SEE! Freedom Hopefulness Non-discriminating Natural ruler of the 9th house Jupiter When Sagittarius is on any house cusp, or when any planet is in Sagittarius, the affairs of that house or that planet will be affected by Saggittarian influences such as: good fortune, abundance, optimism, lack of discrimination, where hunches playa significant role, foreign people or things, helping others to find themselves, philosophy, humor. Refer to figure 1 and you can see that Sagittarius is on my 5th house cusp and that the planet Saturn is in Sagittarius in my 4th house. This plays a significant role in my horoscope chart as you will see later. Remember that the Key Word is FREEDOM and the ruling planet is JUPITER. 54 / Astrology for Beginners CAPRICORN Capricorn is the tenth sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the planet Saturn. Many astrologers consider this to be the strongest sign of the zodiac. These people are frugal, hard working, and dedicated to achieving their goals. If they maintain integrity, they can achieve the highest of accomplishments. If they lack integrity, they may also achieve the highest accomplishments, but they will assuredly have the greatest of falls. A recent example of this is Richard Nixon, a Capricorn, who became president and was forced from office because of his lack of integrity. This is because the ruling planet, Saturn, always gives perfect justice . . . what you sow, you will reap. Sow good seed, and you reap good results. Sow bad seed, and you reap undesireable results. These are practical people. They will let nothing stand in their way. They are undefeatable enemies and loyal friends. They are neat and methodical. They also are frequently "slave drivers." They do not function well for long in subordinate positions. They need to be in charge, even if it is in a small , way. Capricorns, as a rule, live to a ripe old age. They are old when they are young, and young when they are old. Capricorns tend to be: serious, fruga l, ambitious, realistic, cautious, responsible, worriers, hard working. Some Capricorn interests are: business, material success, being in charge. We have had several U.S. Presidents, among them Andrew Johnson and Woodrow Wilson, born under the sign of Capricorn. Capricorns are the organizers of the zodiac. Qualities: Cardinal-Earth Key Phrase: I USE! Sun Sign Mini-Profiles /55 Key Word: Virtue: Defect: Rulership: Ruling Planet: Ambition Respectfulness Condescending Natural ruler of the 10th house Saturn When Capricorn is on any house cusp, or when any planet is in Capricorn, the affairs of that house or that planet will be affected by Capricornian influences such as: self-discipline, ambition, coldness, serious attitude, desire for status, frugality, in some cases cheapness, public ambitions, hard work, responsibility. Refer to figure 1 and you can see that Capricorn is on the cusp of my fifth house. I have no planets in Capricorn. This is a subtle influence in my chart. Remember the Key Word is AMBITION and the ruling planet is SATURN . AQUARIUS Aquarius is the eleventh sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the planet Uranus. This is the sign of brotherhood and friendship. They are loyal friends. These are tireless workers, and prefer to work in some endeavor that has humanitarian benefits. They have great desire for material gain, but are not greedy. They are willing to work for what they want, and do not demand more than their fair share. Because they take their work seriously, they are usually a bundle of nerves inside; this can make them get ill frequently . However, to outward appearances, they seem to be calm. With Aquarians, what you see is what you get .. . they do not put on facades or affectations.They have great dislike for hypocricy. 56/ Astrology for Beginners These are determined, stubborn, and often argumentive people. They have the ability to stir up much dislike toward themselves. People born under the sign of Aquarius tend to be: tactless, independent, naive, broadminded, dogmatic, rebellious, impersonal. Some Aquarian interests are: helping others, friends, astrology, truth, politics. We have had several U.S. Presidents, among them Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt, born under the sign of Aquarius. Aquarians are the reformers of the zodiac. Qualities: Fixed-Air I KNOW! Key Phrase: Key Word: Independence Virtue: Friendliness Defect: Eccentricity Rulership: Natural ruler of the 11th house Ruling Planet: Uranus When Aquarius is on any house cusp, or when an y planet is in Aquarius, the affairs of that house or that , planet will be affected by Aquarian influences such as: need for freedom and independence, unconventional behavior or altitudes, humanitarian ideals, artistic talents d isplayed, friends, sudden changes and events, expensive tastes, much originality and inventiveness, use of scientific and electrical methods. Refer to figure 1 and you can see that Aquarius is on my 7th house cusp and that I have no planets in Aqu arius. This influence is very minor in my chart. Remember the Key Word is INDEPENDENCE and the ruling planet is URANUS. PISCES Pisces is the twelfth sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the planet Neptune. These are very sensitive people who Sun Sign Mi ni-Profiles / 57 are responsive to the thou ghts and feelings of others. They always want to do the right things, but usu ally have little will power. The y are unable to make u p their own minds. These people rarely participate in sports or strenu ous activity. They are not combative . They will suffer rather than fight for their rights; they have a mar tyr complex. They can be so stubborn tha t no one can reason with them . They also like to drift, rather than buckle down to a responsibility. They alternate between pessimism and optim ism. In fact, they alternate in much of their behavior from one ex" treme to the other; thi s is very an noyi ng to an yone who has to live or work with them. Generally, these are not ambitious people; they seem to be tuned in to some dream world. They often ma ke excellent artists in all fields of art. They have overactive imaginations. Pisces are blind to any faults in anyo ne they love. Pisces tend to be: sensitive, impression able, changeable, day-dreaming, compassionate, psych ic, careless, dependent. Some int erests of Pisces are: hospitals, medicine, pets, drugs, just thinking, serving others. We have had several U.S. Presid ents, am on g them .eorge Washington and Andrew Jackson, born und er the Mign of Pisces . Pisceans are the martyrs of the zod iac. Qualities: Mutable-Water Key Phrase: I BELIEVE Compassion Key Word: Virtue: Charitableness Defect: Easily influenced Natural ruler of the 12th house Rulership: Ruling Planet: Neptune 58/ Astrology for Beginners When Pisces is on any hou se cusp, or when any planet is in Pisces, the affairs of that house or that pla net will be affected by influences such as: subject to sympathy and understanding, mystical experiences, activiti es behind the scenes, fraud, idealism at the expense of practicality, activity concerned with drugs, sick people, institutions, secrets or secret activities. Refer to figu re 1 and you can see that Pisces is on the cusp of my 8th hou se. I do not have any planets in Pisces. The Piscean influence in my chart is subtle. Remember the Key Word , COMPASSION, and the ruling planet, NEPTUN E. RULERS HIP OF THE PHYSICAL BODY PARTS Med ical as trology is a special field of astrology that requires considerable knowl edge and ability that is far beyond the begin ner stage. Howe ver, the beginner should be aware that the various body pa rts are ruled by the zodiac signs. . It may also be helpful to know some of those key ru lerships. The following listing delineates the parts of the bod y ruled by each sign. This is just for your reference and . to make you awa re. Med ical as trology will not be discussed further in this book. Aries: head, face (except nose), brain Taurus: neck, throat, thyroid gland Gemini: shoulders, arms, hands, lungs, thymus gland, bronchial tub es Cancer: stomach, breasts Leo: heart, spine Virgo: intestin es, bowels Libra: kidn eys, ova ries Scorpio: nose, bladder, sex organs, adenoids Sun Sign Mil/i-Profiles /59 Sagittarius: hip s, thighs, muscles, sciatic nerves Capricorn: skeletal struc ture, skin Aquarius: legs an d ankles, blood circulation, electricity of the bod y, eye retina Pisces: feet, toes, lymph glands, sweat glands The preceding list is just the tip of the iceberg of a very specialized field in astrol ogy, bu t it should give you some appreciatio n of the vast scope of as trology. 5 The Planets Each of the planets has its own unique basic characleristics that it carries with it regardless of which house or In which sign it appears. Of course, the action of each planet varies because its influence blends with, and is influenced by, the action of lls respective sign and house. The aspects a planet makes with other planets are also a "modifiying influence." However, the basic characteristics of each planet will he strong enough to be apparent in every horoscope chart, regardless of these influences. In this chapter we will explore the salient characteristics of each planet. The better you understand the nature of the planets (and the signs, aspects, and houses) the better you will be at reading and interpreting horoscope "harts. All of the characteristics of a given planet will not apply to every chart. Only those characteristics unique to the person involved will apply. The placement of the planet in I he chart by house and sign, and the aspects it makes to III her planets determine exactly which characteristics will .ipply, 61 62 / Astrology for Beginners The Planets / 63 The descriptions in this chapter touch only on some of the key characteristics. You will need to read books devoted more completely to planets in order to gain more complete knowledge. However, at the beginner stage, this chapter has sufficient information to allow you to begin to interpret charts and have a reasonably good amateur knowledge of astrology. SUN The Sun is the single most important planet in the natal chart because it represents your ego and individuality. It represents, by its house and sign placement, where you have the ability to "shine." It shows your ambitions and deepest character traits. It represents your vitality. A strong Sun in a chart can overcome much weakness or adversity elsewhere in the chart. A weak Sun in a chart makes it more difficult for a person to achieve goals. Let me digress briefly to discuss a weak Sun . What I say here also applies to any planet that may be weakly placed in the horoscope. One example of a weakly placed Sun would be: Sun in Libra and placed in whatever house in the chart is ruled by Aquarius, and where there are no major aspects to the Sun from any other planet. Without regard to the rest of the horoscope chart, a person with this Sun would not have much will power, would probably not have much charm. However, there are nine other planets in the horoscope, and they can help to overcome a weak Sun. For example, Mars conjunct Venus in the 1st house could do wonders for providing some charm. A well placed Pluto could provide some will power. And so forth. There are a great many combinations of planet as- pects and placements that could help compensate for this weak Sun. The point is that in any given chart there may be a planet or two that is weak. The remaining planets more often than not are able to compensate for some weakness. And in all cases: NO PLANET ISCOMPLETELY POWERLESS IN A CHART, REGARDLESS OF ITSPLACEMENT. A planet may have less power in some charts, but it is never without some power. You have probably noticed some people who seem to have little or no difficulty at all in achieving goals. Others seem to have great difficulty. Often the difference is that the Sun (or other planets) in one chart are more strongly placed than in the other chart. In general, the Sun functions more powerfully in Leo, Aries, and Sagittarius. In general, the Sun functions with more difficulty in Aquarius, Libra, and Gemini. In the other six signs (Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, and Pisces), it seems to hit a happy medium beI ween easy and difficult. Some Solar characteristics are: ambition, confidence, trength, leadership, desire for recognition, individuality. Some positive characteristics of the Sun are: dignity, I\" nerousity, will power, loyalty, fairness, honor. Some negative characteristics of the Sun are: jealOIlSY, conceitedness, arrogance, laziness, obstenence. The Sun rules Leo. It also rules the heart, spine, perm, and genetic inheritance. The Sun moves through all twelve zodiac signs each v,'ar, progressing approximately one degree a day (53secunds a day is more exact). It spends approximately 30 d,.ys in each zodiac sign. The Sun never goes retrograde. If you look at figure 1 you will see that my Sun is placed in the 11th house in Cancer. This, among other 64/ Astrologyfor Beginners things, says that my ability to "sh ine" will be in relation to 11th house and Cancer matters. The 11th house is a public house, and it has to do with dealing with the public at large and groups of people. (You will learn more about the 11th house in a later chapter.) Cancer, among other things, has to do with the home and with psychic matters. Now let's examine what I do for a living. I write books in my home, books that go ou t to the world at large. Three of my publish ed books to date deal with psychic matters. I also lecture to groups of peo ple on these subjects. Are you beginning to see wha t kinds of informa tion can be gleaned from a natal chart? Are you beginning to see how to star t interpretin g planets in signs and houses? With the discussion of each plan et, I will delve into this sort of interpretation a little so you start to get the feel of astrology. Then later on we will go deep er into interpretation. MOON Next to the Sun, the Moon is the mos t personal of the planets and has great effect on a person. It shows the everyday activities of life-how you ge t along with people, especi ally with women (regardless of your gender). The Moon shows wh ere your strong emotional attachments are. In a man's chart, the Moon (an d Venus) pla cement shows the typ e of woman he is drawn to. In a wo man's chart, the Moon (and Mars) for the type of man she is drawn to. Where the Moon is placed by sign and house indicates wh ere there is a stro ng, major interest in life. The Moon 's position in a natal chart also shows what area of life will have man y fluctuations and cha nges, and wh ere there will be a strong dri ve to achieve stability and security . r ile Planets / 65 The Moon's position in the chart also indicates how the public will react to the person. The Moon affects moods, memory, and subconscious thoughts. The Moon represents the mother, domestic matters, and home life. In general. the Moon fu nctions more powerfully in .ancer, Taurus, and Pisces. In general. the Moon functions with more difficulty In Capricorn, Scorpio, and Virgo. In the other six signs (Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, and Aquarius), it seems to hit a happy medium between easy and difficult. Basic Luna r types are: emotiona l, sens itive, imagination, domestic, instictive, and changea ble. Some positiv e characteristics of the Moon are: inspiration, magnetism, visiona ry and positive psychic pow«rs, flexibility, amourous ness, creativity. Some negativ e characteristics of the Moon are: selfdestructive or negativ e psychic pow ers, dreaminess, moodin ess, possessiveness, smothering love, tendency to 1>,. clannish. The Moon rules Cancer. It also rules nutrition, stornnch, breasts, womb and impregnation, body fluids, sub«onscious mind, insanit y, instincts, memory, and digestion. The Moon moves throu gh all twelve zodiac signs "bout every 28 days, progressing about 12 to 15 degrees a d,ly (the speed varies). It spends abo ut 2 1/ 2 days in each lOd iac sign, and it never goes retrograd e. Refer to figure 1. My Moon is in Gemini in the 10th house. The Moon show s, among other things, wh ere a I"' rson's major interest in life is and what occurs in a peron's daily activities. Gemini rules communications (talking, writing, etc.) rllllOng other things . One of the 10th house matters is what 66 / Astrologyfor Beginners we do in life that is exposed to public view. (More about the 10th house in a later chapter.) My daily activity is writing, and writing is my major interest. The public views me as an author. It all fits, doesn't it? In addition, I receive letters from my readers from all over the United States and from many other countries. And 99% of my letters are from women. That fits, too, doesn't it? Astrology really works! MERCURY Like the Sun and the Moon, Mercury is a personal planet. Mercury rules the conscious, reasoning mind . Mercury's house and sign placements show how the mind directs its thoughts. Mercury reflects our link of reason between the conscious and subconscious, between physical and spiritual. As we think, so we become. Mercury in the chart depicts our thinking process. Mercury's links (aspects) with other planets give further description of our thought processes. For example, a strong link with Saturn shows a serious thinker. If Mercury is in close aspect with another planet, it becomes strongly influenced by that planet and becomes a channel through which the other planet expresses its power. When powerfully placed by sign, house position, or aspect, Mercury becomes an extremely powerful influence in the chart. People who are slow witted or who have great difficulty in learning or understanding often have a poorly placed Mercury in their chart. If Mercury is in a strong adverse aspect with other planets, it is very difficult for the person to use their mental faculties to their best advan- The Planets / 67 (age. In general, Mercury functions most powerfully in ernini, Virgo, Aquarius, and Scorpio. In general, Mercury functions with more difficulty in Sagittarius, Pisces, Leo, and Taurus. In the other four signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn), it seems to hit a happy medium between easy and difficult. Mercurial types tend to be: adaptable, mental, active, nble pursue several activities simultaneously, expressive, communicative. Some positive characteristics of Mercury are: ability 10 learn quickly, resourcefulness, brilliance, eloquence, dexterity, and great awareness. Some negative characteristics of Mercury are: an unwarranted sense of superiority, indecisiveness, instabillty, talks too much, gullable, and nosy. Mercury rules both Gemini and Virgo. It also rules Ihe nervous system, tongue movement, hands, reflexes .md coordination, mental awareness, memory, and the ('(lnscious mind. Mercury goes through all twelve zodiac signs in approximately one year, never getting further away from the Sun than 28 degrees. Mercury goes retrograde for ap proximately three weeks each time, about four times a VI'ar. Because of this, Mercury sometimes is ahead of the ';11 n and sometimes trails the Sun. Mercury is sometimes Ihe "morning star" and sometimes the "evening star." Mercury travels from 0 degrees to 2 degrees 12 minIllesa day, depending on whether it is retrograde or in fast direct motion. This means Mercury stays in one zodiac _If;n from 14 to a little over 30 days, again depending on Ih., motion. In figure 1 you can see that my Mercury is in Gemini In the 10th house. This is an especially powerful place- 68/ Astrology for Beginners The Planets / 69 ment because Mercury is in the sign it rules (Gemini) and is in the powerful midheaven (lOth house). Mercury rules writing (among other things) and is in the public 10th house. And what do I do for a living? Right-I am a writer who writes books for the public. Once again, you can see how astrology can accurately detail a person's life. VENUS Venus is also a personal planet. It typically shows where money may be gained or spent. Venus represents refinement, harmony, love, beauty, and artistry. It shows how you will interact with other people. In a man's chart, Venus, along with the Moon, shows the kind of women he will be attracted to and possibly marry. See Mars to find the kind of man a woman is attracted to. . Venus is often called the lesser benefactor. This means it is associated with good fortune in minor ways. For example, winning a small amount of money in the lottery. Its house position shows where good luck can appear. In general, Venus functions most powerfully in Taurus, Libra, Pisces, and Aquarius. In general, Venus functions with more difficulty in Aries, Scorpio, Virgo, and Leo. In the other four signs (Gemini, Cancer, Sagittarius, and Capricorn), it seems to hit a happy medium between easy and difficult. Venus rules over: romance, love, gentleness, beauty, sociability. Some positive characteristics of Venus are: charm, refinement, consideration, creativity, inspiration, graceful movement. Some negative Venus characteristics are: vanity, laziness, jealousy, self-indulgence, indecisiveness, possessiveness. Venus ru les both Taurus and Libra. It also rules ovaries, throat, and blood circulation. Venus moves through all twelve zodiac signs in approximately one year, never getting further away from Ihe Sun than 48 degrees. Like Mercury, Venus goes retroflrade and sometimes is ahead of the Sun and sometimes trails the Sun . Venus, too, may be the "morning star" sometimes and she "evening star" at other times . Venus travels from 0 degrees to 1 degree 16minutesa day, depending on whether it is retrograde or not. This means Venus stays in one zodiac sign from 23 days to a little over two months, depending on its motion. You can see in figure 1 that my Venus is in Taurus in the 10th house. This is a powerful placement. Among ot her things, this indicates that I will earn my money by do ing something creative (writing in my case) for the public. In a man's chart, I mentioned that Venus and the Moon indicate the kind of woman he is likely to marry. My Venus is in Taurus, and I am married to a woman who has a Taurus ascendant in her natal chart. Further, my Moon is in Gemini (talkative people), and my wife is very t.ilkative, I like talkative women. At this writing, we have l-cen happily married for 40 years. I guess it pays to flow with the energies expressed in the natal chart, does it not? By now you can see the pattern forming. Each planet placement is reinforcing other planet placements in my • hart. Even without looking further, you can easily cond ude that I will be a successful professional author. 70 / Astrology for Beginners The Planets / 71 MARS Mars is action, energy and courage. It rep resents our most primative and agg ressive urges. It also strongly influences sexual matters. The Mars placement in a natal chart shows where physical activity will take place and indica tes the kind of things that will arouse you- how you react to violence, etc. In a woman 's chart, Mars describes the kind of man she will be most physically attracted to. It also describes how she will get along with such a man- harmoniously or not. See the Moon and Venu s for the kind of woman a man is attracted to. Any aspect between Mars and the Sun in a chart gives strong will power and a strong physical constitution . Mars in aspect to any planet gives a great deal of energy to the action of the oth er planet-this may be good or not so good, depending on the specific chart. In general, Mars functions more powerfully in Aries, Capricorn, and Leo. In general, Mars functions with mo re difficulty in Libra, Cancer, and Aqu arius. In the other six signs (Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Scorpio, Sagittarius, and Pisces), it seems to hit a happy medium between easy and difficult . Mars types tend to be: forceful, independe nt, strong, desiring, courageous, impulsive, energetic. Some positive characteristics of Mars are: determination, self-reliance, an aggressive nature, bold , and devoted. Some negative chara cteristics of Mars are: jealousy, stubbornness, violence, destructive, warlike, cruel. Mars rules Aries. It also rul es surgery, red blood cells, tolerance for pain, muscular energy, certain diseases that cause pain, fevers and inflamm ations. Mars moves throu gh all twelve zod iac signs in approximately two years, staying in one sign an average of 1.5 months. Mars travels from 0 degrees to 1 degree 16 minutes a day, depending on wh ether it is in retrograd e or direct motion, Figure 1 shows that my Mars is in Virgo in the 1st house. This is a pow erful placement because it is in the first hou se which Mars rules normally (see the Natural Wheel in figure 2) and Mars is in close conjuction with my ascendant and wi th Neptune. We will discuss the specifics of this later in the chap ter on chart interpretations. Mars in Virgo is a common placement in the charts of surgeons and various craftsmen such as carpenters, engravers, etc. From this, you might hastely conclude that I .rm skilled with my hands in some way. Noth ing could be further from the truth-I am usu ally quite clumsy and in«pt in using my hands. Mars in Virgo does confer skill and craftsmanship, hut in my case it is craftsma nship with words, not with things. I point this out to impress the point that when you inlerpret a natal chart you should not be too quick to make the obvious interpretation. You must study the entire chart carefully and look for subtilties. In my chart there is not one other indication that I might be skilled with my hands, but there is plenty of .. I her evide nce that I am skilled with word s. Thus you can . ..nclude that Mars in Virgo in my chart gives power and "I\ergy to my ability with crafting words . The Planets { 73 72{ Astrology for Beginners JUPITER Jupiter is planet of expansiveness. Wherever it is placed in a natal chart, it shows where there will be an abundance in the person's life. It could bean abundance of wealth, or poverty. Good health or poor. Success or failure, etc. In other words, wherever jupiter's influence is, there will be a great deal of whatever factors Jupiter is affiliated with in that specific natal chart. Ju piter is sometimes called the greater benefactor because it is associated with good fortune in major ways. For this reason, Jupiter is more often a benefit in a chart than it is a detriment. jupiter's placement in a chart shows where the greatest luck can be found. It also shows where the person is least likely to be cautious or discriminating. Jupiter is associated with religion and philosophy. It also rules legal matters, foreign affairs, long distance and foreign travel, horses, books, printing and publishing. Jupiter in aspect to any planet gives a great deal of good fortune and expansiveness to the action of the other planet in the person's chart. In general, Jupiter functions more powerfully in Sagittarius, Cancer, Taurus, and Pisces. In general, Jupiter functions with more difficulty in Gemini, Capricorn, Virgo, and Scorpio. In the other four signs (Aries, Leo, Libra, and Aquarius), it seems to hit a happy medium between easy and difficult. Some basic Jupiter characteristics are: optimism, good fortune, confidence; a generous nature, honorable, and aspiring. Some positive characteristics of Jupiter are: success, ambition, dignity, wealth, inspiration, reverence. Some negative Jupiter characteristics are: extrava- gance, pomposity; tendency to be fanatical, conceited, very lazy, and overconfident. Jupiter rules Sagittarius. It also rules fat, growths, pancreas, liver, hips, and thighs, and insulin. Jupiter moves through all twelve zodiac signs in approximately 12 years, staying in one sign an average of one year. Jupiter travels from 0 degrees to 14 minutes a day, depending on whether it is in retrograde or direct motion. Figure 1 shows that my Jupiter is in Gemini in the 10th house. Recall that Jupiter functions with difficulty when in Gemini. Let's see what this means in my chart. First, Jupiter rules books and publishing. Gemini rules communication (writing). So you can quickly and .iccurately conclude that I am going to be an author of hooks that do get published. However, the Jupiter/Gemini eombination says "with difficulty." And indeed this has been true. I have had great difficulty in becoming successful asa writer. My tlrst book was not published until I was 57 years old. However, there is a bright side to this. Jupiter in the 10th house also indicates success in the latter part of one's life, which is where I am. So the difficult part is now over lor me, and my final years will be successful with minimal d ifficulty. I like being able to read my chart and have a good Idea what potentials lay in store for me. You will, too, when you learn to read your own chart after reading this hook. By now, you should be able to get some idea of the value and the fun of astrology. SATURN Saturn is the "teacher" planet and the planet of perI"cl justice. Through Saturn's influence we learn, but not 74/ Astrology for Beginners always easily. And Saturn lets us reap what wesow. !fyou sow good seed (good works) Saturn assures reward. Of course, if you sow bad seed, watch out! You will get exactly what you deserve. Many astrologers consider Saturn to be a malefic planet because it is associated with obstacles, difficulties, hardships, working to earn rather than getting a free ride. Let me digress for a moment. Traditional astrology considers Mars, Saturn, Uranus, and Pluto to be malefic planets. The Sun, Moon, Venus, and Jupiter are consid ered to be benefic planets. Mercury and Neptune are considered to be neutral. I do not subscribe to this philosopy. The so-called malefic planets are often associated with difficulties, but I do not consider this to be bad (malefic). Difficulties give us the opportunity to develop character and strength. If you want a sharp knife, you must put it to the grindstone. If you want a strong character, you must go through tests and difficulties (life's grindstone). The so-called benefic planets are often associated with easy going (little or no difficulties), but I do not consider this to necessarily be good (benefic). Too much ease in a chart never gives the person the character development he/she needs. For example, the rich kid who has everything given to him from birth on, and grows up to be a incapable of doing anything worthwhile. And I do not believe any planet is neutral. My philosophy is that it is the choices the person makes with regard to their planetary influences that determines good, bad, or neutral. For example, Saturn may present a certain difficulty in a person's chart. That person can choose to give up and become a failure or to overcome and become a success. The planets present the circumstances and options, the person makes the choices. Now back to Saturn. I'll not mention malefic or benefic again in this book. The Planets / 75 In general, Saturn functions more powerfully in Capricorn, Libra, and Virgo. In general, Saturn functions with more difficulty in ancer, Aries, and Pisces. In the other six signs (Taurus, Gemini, Leo, Scorpio, Sagittarius, and Aquarius), it seems to hit a happy medium between easy and difficult. Saturnian types tend to be: serious, sincere, cautious, conventional, judicious. Some positive influences of Saturn are: stability, selfdiscipline, wisdom, thriftiness, patience, endurance, humility. Some negative influences of Saturn can make one: miserly, narrow-minded, selfish, fearful, pessimistic, and not flexible (rigid). Saturn rules Capricorn. It also rules the body skeleton, teeth, skin, knees, paralysis, fear, falls, chronic conditions, calcium, gall bladder. Saturn moves through all twelve zodiac signs in approximately 29 1/2 years, staying in one sign an average ..f 2 1/2 years. Saturn travels from 0 degrees to 8 minutes a day, depending on whether it is in retrograde or direct motion. Figure 1 shows that my Saturn is in Sagittarius in the IIh house. This placement shows that my father was a Irict disciplinarian, which he was. Saturn represents the ",I her in a chart (the Moon, the mother) and the 4th house '" the domestic scene; Saturn is the disciplinarian. Saturn's house placement shows the area of a peron's life where that person has the most lessons to learn .md where the person has the greatest feeling of inadequacy . The Planets I 77 76 I Astrology for Beginners URANUS Uranus is associated with su d den cha nges and events for which there is no warning. The circumstances that turn your life completely around in an instant are Uranean events. Uranus in a horoscope is rarely su btle. It brings excitement a nd change whether yo u want it or not. Som etimes Uranus merely describes where there is a strong desire to be free or unconventional. It is also associated with rebellious urges. Uranus is related to intuitive and psychic ability and events. If you tune in to the Uranus ene rg ies, you can develop your latent creative abilities. A strong Uranus in a chart indicates a person who is unconventional, original, intuitive, and individualistic. Uranus is also the planet of divorc e and se pa ra tion. Uranus sometimes denotes ex tens ive power or the desire for great power on the part of the p erson involved. This is especially true if Uranus is in aspect with the Sun or with Leo in a natal chart. Uranus rules astrology, electricity, astronauts, body spasms or other body problems related to malfunctioning of the body electricity, the new and unusual, lightning, inventions, friends, and government officials. Uranus is the planet associated with mental and spiritual awakening and enlightenment, In general, Uranus functions more powerfully in Aquarius, Scorpio, Gemini, and Libra. In general, Uranus functions with more d ifficulty in Leo, Taurus, Sagittarius, and Aries. In the other four signs (Cancer, Virg o, Capricorn, and Pisces), it seems to hit a happy medium between easy and difficult. Uranus ru les occult activities and metaphysics, independent thinking, impulsive energy, reformers, non-con - formists, change. Some po sitive characteristics associated with Uranus's influence include: clairvoyance, strength of will, intuition, humanitarian ideals, magnetism and resourcefulness. Some negative Uranus characteristics are: rebelliousness, fanaticism, a dictatorial or a radical nature; eccentricity, and perversion. Uranus rules Aquarius. It also rules the lower legs and ankles, ten sion, nervous cond itions, blood circulation, x-rays, the intu itive mind. Uranus moves through all twelve zodiac signs in approximately 84 years, s taying in one sign an average of 7 years. Uranus travels from 0 d egrees t04 minutes a day, depending on whether it is in retrograde or direct motion. Figure 1 shows that my Uranus is in Aries in the 8th house. This position indicates that my death will be sudden. No lin gering illnesses for me . Because of aspects to my Sun, Pluto, and Moon, a great many other things are also indicated, which we will discuss later when we d elve more deeply into chart interpretation, NEPTUNE Neptune is the most difficult planet to describe be",Iuse it rules anything that is difficult to pin down, define, «larify in specific terms. . Perhaps the best way to give you an idea of what Neptu ne is all abou t is to list some of the things it rules: mysterious events, p sychic matters, drugs, poisons, hospitals, institutions, illusions, hypnosis, magic, fraud, , hnos, comas, confusion, dreams, mystical matters, indedHlon, secrets, illus ive problems, extreme sensitivity. 78 / Astrology for Beginners When Neptune is well aspected in a chart, it can signify great good fortune and protection that seems almost supernatural. The Neptune influence on a person can bring great devotion or even the urg e to martyrdom. Persons with a strong Neptune in their chart often appear to be dreamy or to be frequently living in some other dimension . The higher vibrations of Neptune are spiritual, psychic, compassionate, understanding, self-sacrificing, and imaginative. The lower vibrations of Neptune are feelings of powerlessness, sorrows, delusion, misplaced sympathies, and fraudulent conditions. In general, Neptune functions more powerfully in Pisces, Sagittarius, and Cancer. In general, Neptune functions with more difficulty in Virgo, Gemini, and Capricorn . In the oth er six signs (Aries, Taurus, Leo, Libra, Scorpio, and Aquarius), it seems to hit a happy medium between easy and difficult. Neptunian types tend to be: psychic, idealistic, crea. tive, sensitive, imp ressionable, musical. Some positive characteristics of Neptune's influence are: mystic experiences, especially clairvoyan ce; inspiration, geniu s, devotion, reverence. Some negative Neptune characteristics are: selfindulgence, chao tic events, immorality, negativity, black magic, delu sion. Neptune rules Pisces. It also rules feet and toes, toxic conditions, leakage (especially wat er), malformations, anything that is difficult to pin down. Neptune moves through all twelve zodiac sign s in approximately 165 years, staying in one sign approximately 14 years. The Planets / 79 Neptune trav els from 0 degrees to 3 minutes a day, depending on whether it is in retrograde or direct motion. Figure 1 shows that my Neptune is in Leo in the 1st house. This is an extremely powerful placem ent in my chart, and we will discuss it in length later. For now, make note that Neptune rules hypnosis, and the first house rules the person's body, character, and personality. Here are a couple facts about me: I am a certified hypnotherapist and have written two books about hypnosis. See the connection? PLUTO The announcement of Pluto's d iscovery was mad e un March 12, 1930. There is much about Pluto that is not yet known or certain simply because there has not been ufficient time to study it. All the other planets have had hundreds of years of study. It takes Pluto 248 years to travel through all twelv e zodi ac signs. At this writing, we have only been able to study and observe it through the l.rst half of Cancer, all through Leo, Virgo, and Libra, and Ihrough the early degrees of Scorpi o. What does seemevident is that the sign Pluto affects entire generations of peo1'1,: and is not specifically significant in ind ividu al natal ..harts. However, the hous e placement and the aspects it m.ikes with other planets are quite significant in individual natal charts. Pluto, like Uranus and Neptune, can atI mct psychic experiences when strongly linked with oth er planets. A very strong Pluto in a chart generally indicates an outstanding person. This person will most likely be a non , ..nformist who brings new developments into the world. II can also indicate great amounts of money and power be- The Planets /81 80 / Astrology for Beginners hind the scenes for the person. Pluto is the great transformer. It breaks down the old , and replaces it with the new. Pluto is associated with the most drastic changes, forced conditions, mass mov ements. ' In mythology, Pluto ruled the underworld and was the first kidnapper. It was discovered in the thirties wh en kidnapping ran rampant (e.g., the Lindberg kidnapping), when crime, gangsters, and racketeering (AI Capone) flourished, and the "underworld" became very powerfu l. Also dictators (Hiller, Mussolini, Stalin and oth ers) emerged into world prominence. Pluto rules all of these things. Labor strikes involving masses of people also fall under the domain of Pluto. Mass production in industry, also . The list of these sorts of things is quite extensive, Pluto is no small-time influence. On a more personal basis, Pluto rules work behin d the scenes or in isolation, death and disappearances, retirement, urge to tear down and rebuild, influences sexua l behavior, and secret obsessions. In general, Pluto functions more powerfully in Scorpio and Aquarius. In general, Pluto functions with more difficulty in Taurus and Leo. In the remaining eight signs not enough is known to make knowledgeable statements about Pluto's functioning with regard to easy or difficult. Some basic Pluto characteristics are: extrasensory perception, forcefuln ess, intensity, restructuring. Some positive Pluto characteristics are: spirituality, transformation and revitalization, positive clairvoyance. Some negative Pluto characteristics are: destruction, fanaticism, anarchy, atrocities. Pluto rules Scorpio. It also rules the reproductive organs, rectum, obsessions, deep-seated problems, the pros- late gland, and allergies. Pluto moves through all twelve zodiac signs in approximately 248 years, staying in one sign from 14 to 30 years. Pluto travels from 0 degrees to 3 minutes a day, depending on whether it is in retrograde or direct motion. Figure 1 shows that my Pluto is in Cancer in the 11th house. This house placement shows that I will deal with masses of people, which is exactly what I do as an author of books . NODES OF THE MOON The nodes of the Moon are not planets. There is a north node and a south nod e; they are calculated points in pace based on the Moon's position. The position of the north nod e is indicated in the Ephemeris (refer to figure 3 10 refresh your recollection). The south node is always ex"elly opposite the north nod e. The nodes are always in retmgrade motion. We have a solar eclipse when both the Sun and Moon MC exactly conjunct either of the nodes. We have a lunar t ' clipse when the Sun and Moon are in exact opposition .md accompanied by the nod es. The reason I include the nodes in this chapter on planets is because their influence can be interpreted as I hough they were planets. In my opinion, it is a minor intluence and I usually do not bother to interpret them in a unta] analysis unless the chart is so lacking in major as"" cls that I need to use all I can get. Other astrologers IIl ll\ht disagree with my stance. When you start doing vou r own chart interpretations, use your own judgement. Traditionally, the north node is viewed to have an intluence somewhat like that of the planet Jupiter. The south nodc is viewed to be somewhat like Saturn. The Planets / 83 82 / Astrology for Beginners The north nod e in a chart represents the area wh ere development of new talent s should be di rected. The south nod e in a cha rt represents talents already developed. My north nod e is in Taurus in my 9th hou se conjunct my midheaven, and my south node is in Scorpio conjunct my nadir (refer to figure 1).1woul d interpret this to mean that Ishould concentrate on earning money (Tau rus) in publishing (9th house) becau se my writing ability (3rd house) is alread y d eveloped. I should write about occult matters (Scorpio) wh ich I alread y know. This, in fact, is exactly what I now do. The nod es seem to have some association with the subconscious mind. Some astrologers regard the nod es to be karmic points or fated cond itions. In expe rience, I have not encountered any evide nce from wh ich to draw my own conclusion about this karmic or fated aspect. I try to keep an ope n mind, and I urge you to d o the same. Enough said about the nodes. PART OF FORTUNE Like the nodes, the Part of Fortune is not a planet; it is a calculated point in space tha t can be inter preted as though it were a planet . The .Part of Fortu ne is said to be a lucky point. If you will look at figure 1 near the bottom center you will see: PARTOFFORTUNE = 25CN ll , wh ich is the location of my Part of Fortune. When I study the cosmic events in my life associated with good luck, sometimes the Part of Fortu ne has been involved and sometimes not. In 'any case, I regard this as such a minor influence that Ido not bother to calculate itor interpret it. When you use computer calculated charts like I now do, you get the Part of Fortune for free. If you do the same, you may want to keep an eye on it to see if it is significant in your natal chart. . I would interpret my placement as being lucky in my deali ngs with mass es of people (111h hou se) especially with rega rd to domestic or psychic mailers (Cancer). Enough said about the Part of Fortune. SUMMARY This has been a brief discussion of the planets' salient points. It is by no means an exhaus tive pr esentation of fa cts. I cou ld easily written four times as mu ch on each planet and still not have covered everything. My purpose is not to d eluge you will large amounts of data. My purpose is to give you a sufficient amount of key, salient information so you can begin to understand .md use astrology . For those read ers wh o want to know more, there are literally hundreds of books available for further study. In this chapter, I also exposed you to mini-analysis .md interpretations to better prepare you for a more thorough discussion on these mailers later in this book. By seeing how one natal chart, mine, is constructed II nd interpreted you will be able to do the sa me thing with your own chart (or other peop le's charts). 6 The Aspects Aspects have now been mentioned dozens of times In this book, and you are probably getting a fairly good Idea of their importan ce in natal cha rt interpretation . Later in the book wh en I specifically discuss analysis and Interpretation, I will spend a grea t deal of time discussing spects, For now, I want to give you just a little broad er, but brief, view of aspects. I will cover both major and minor aspects here to give y" u a well rounded knowledge, but I will not discuss the minor aspects in any detail later. CONJUNCTION This is a major as pect wh ere two plan ets are within 8 d"grees of each oth er. If they are less than one degree " I'art, they are considered to be exactly conjunct, and this I. when it is the most powerful. Depending on the two planets involved, the conjunclion may be harmonious (easy) or inharmoniou s (diffiI "It). The keywords for a conjunction are PROMINENCE 8S rile Aspects / 87 86/ Astrology for Beginners and INTENSITY because each planet in a conjunction tends to bring out the characteristics of the other planet involved. In other words, the two planets mutually intensify each other. "Mutually intensify" applies only to conjunctions, and it means that the planets involved have much more power and influence in the horoscope than if they were not conjunct (or "conjoined") because their powers combine, generally in a beneficial way but not always. The conjunction might enhance the mutual attributes. For example: Mercury conjunct Mars will give an exceptionally keen, active mind. A conjunction can sometimes have a compromising effect. For example: Saturn conjunct Jupiter. Saturn tend s to restrict jupiter's expansiveness, and Jupiter tends to free the Saturn restrictiveness. As a result, there is a compromise-less hardship than Saturn would normally bring and less good fortune than Jupiter would normally bring. An example of a very powerful, intense conjunction can be found in figure 1 in the 1st house. My Neptune at 29LE23is only 43 minutes away from my Mars at 00VI06. You can find the effects of this conjunction in chapter 13. This is an example of two planets being conjunct even though they are in different signs. This is possible because Neptune is only 37 minutes away from being at zero degrees Virgo. Do you see how to figure this? ± 29 LE 23 37 2960=00VIOO If you don't see this, refer back to chapter 3 where the degrees and seconds of signs are discussed. Recall that there are 30 degrees to each sign: 0 degrees through 29 degrees 59 minutes make up anyone sign. If you add one minute more, it becomes 0 degrees of the next sign . Another conjunction in figure 1 is in the 11th house. My Sun at l2CN05 is 5 degrees and 40 minutes away from my Pluto at l7CN45.This meets the criteria of being within 8 deg rees of each other and thus qualifies as a conjunction. However, at nearly 6 degrees apart, it is on ly a moderately powerful conjunction. It lacks the intensity of the Neptune-Mars conjunction just discussed. Some other conjunctions in figure 1 are: In 10th house, Jupiter at 04GE51 is 4 degrees 21 minutes from Moon at 09GE42. Fairly strong. In 10th house, Venus at 26TA31 is 8 degrees 20 minutes from Jupiter at 04GE51. This is a weak conjunction because it is on the fringe of not being a conjunction. Not much intensity. See if you can find these additional conjunctions in figure 1: Venus conjunct the midheaven; Neptune conjunct the ascendant; Mars conjunct the ascendant; north node conjunct the midheaven; north node conjunct Venus. Conjunctions add a great deal of strength to any natal ..hart. TRINE This is a major aspect where two planets are 120 deWeL'S apart, plus or minus 8 degrees (that is from 112 to 12fl degrees apart). Of course, the more exact, the more I'owerful the influence. The trine is a very powerful aspect, and it is always h.mnon ious (easy). Trines in a chart help the person to overcome difficulties in life and sometimes bring great oud fortune. The keyword for the trine is EASY LUCK. The trine Indicates where things come with little effort for the per- 88 / Astrology for Beginners son. It identifies natural talents and wh ere success is most easily obtained. An example of a trine can be found in figure 1. Neptun e in the 1st hou se at 29LE23 is 3 degrees 18 minutes from being exactly 120 degrees from Saturn in the 4th house at 26SA06. This is a fairly strong trine. Some other trines in figure 1 are: Mars trine Saturn; Saturn trine the ascenda nt. Occasionally in a horoscope chart you will see three plan ets, each of wh ich forms a trine with the other two. This is called a Gra nd Trine, and it is extremely powerfu l for good. The meanin gs of each of the three trines in a grand trine is the same as each trine separately. Ho wever, in the Grand Trine configuration, the power is increased many times, and it will overcome all, or nearly all, inharmonious aspects that may be in the horoscope chart. SEXTILE This is a major aspect where two planets are 60 degrees ap art, plus or minus 8 degrees (52 to 68 degrees apart). This is always a harmoniou s aspect, bu t not as powerful as a trine. The keywo rd for a sextile is OPPORTUNITY. Sextiles show where there is opportuni ty and luck throu gh action. For the sextile to brin g the luck or results, you must take action, usually work, for it. Conv ersely, the trin e most often gives you the good luck with little or no action on your part. An example of a sextile in figu re 1 is the Moon sextile Uranus. This is quite a strong sextile becau se they are withi n 1 degree and 37 minutes of being exactly 60 degrees apa rt. Some other sextiles in figure 1 are: Pluto sextile the north node; Pluto sextile the midh eav en. TheAspects /89 SQUARE This is a major aspect where two plan ets are 90 degrees apart, plus or minus 8 degrees (82 to 98 degrees apart). This is a very powerful aspect, and is the most di ffficult and potentially destructive of all aspects. The keyword for the square is OBSTACLES. Squares put lots of energy into the chart and keep you very busy overcoming obstacles. If you learn to use Ihis energy constructively, squa res are quite beneficial. Otherwise, they can hold you back or beat you do wn. The "ffect of squares depends entirely on you r attitude. If you .rre a negative person, a lot of squares in your chart can make life a living hell. Squares in a chart indicate where you will feel compelled to strive harder and where you are most likely to have clashes. I have analyzed hundreds of charts, and I have never ven a chart of an outstanding person without also seeing more than one square in the chart. Squares are absolutely "ecessary to develop chara cter. The key is to use the enl'rf:y from the squ ares in a positive, construc tive mann er. I have seen several char ts that had no squa res at all. I" cvery case, the people involved drifted throu gh life without even the smallest achievement .They seemed conn-n ted because life had not handed them any significant problems, but it had not handed them any significant rewards either. You can see why I do not regard squares as being "Ihe bad boys of astrology" as do some astrologers. I IIlI nly believe we need challenges, obstacles, and prob h-rus in order to get the most out of life. Squares give those I hlngs to you . An example of a square can be found in figure 1. My -un at 12CN05 in the 11th hou se is within 46 seconds of 90 / Astrotogy for Beginners being an exact square to my Uranus at llAR19 in the 8th house. This is an extremely strong square. Some other squares in figure 1 are: Uranus square Pluto; Venus square Mars; Venus square Neptune; Mars square Jupiter; Jupiter square Neptune; Venus square ascendant. Once in a great while in a horoscope chart you will see four planets, each of which forms a square with two of the other planets and an opposition with the third. This is called a Grand Square, and it is extremely powerful. It gives a great many obstacles in the person's life. Each square and the oppositions are interpreted just the same as though they were single, but the grand square configuration increases the power many times. It takes a tremendous amount of work and fortitude to overcome the difficulties presented by a grand square. Many people are defeated or held back by this configuration. Those who learn to flow with the energy and redirect it into a positive direction will become outstanding individuals. OPPOSITION This is a major aspect where two planets are 180 degrees apart, plus or minus 8 degrees (172 to 188 degrees). This is a .difficult aspect, but not as much as is the square. The keywords for the opposition are COOPERATION or AWARENESS. The opposition indicates areas where there is need to balance opposing forces or circumstances to find a happy medium. There is always a certain amount of difficulty in doing this. Many adjustments have to be made in order to make best use of the energies created by oppositions. Through the confrontations caused by oppositions, you have the opportunity to gain greater awareness of self and of others. Tile Aspects / 91 Opposition creates pushing and pulling in ones life, and only by learning to cooperate can this be resolved satisfactorily. In figure 1 there is an example of an opposition. My Mercury at 2OGE42 in the 10th house is in opposition to my Saturn at 26SA25 in the 4th house. This opposition is 5 degrees 24 minutes from being exact and is only moderately strong. Basically it tells me that I need to learn to discipline my mind. Since it is not a strong aspect in my chart, that was not a big problem for me-although it was one Ihat I did face, and solve many years ago when I was much younger. There are no other oppositions in my chart. SEMI-SEXTILE This is a minor aspect where two planets are 30 degrees apart, plus or minus 3 degrees (27 to 33 degrees "part). The keyword for the semi-sextile is COOPERAIWE. The sextile is much like the sextile, but it is consider"Illy less powerful. There are a number of semi-sextiles in figure 1. One of them is the Sun-Moon, which are 32 degrees 23 minutes "part. A fairly weak aspect. SEMI-SQUARE This is a minor aspect where two planets are 45 deI\l'ecs apart, plus or minus 3 degrees (42 to 48 apart). The ~<'yword for the semi-square is FRICTION. The semi-square is much like the square, but it is conI iderably less powerful. It is a minor frustrating aspect. There are several semi-squares in figure 1. One of I ln-m is Venus-Sun, which are 34 seconds from being ex" I, a strong semi-square aspect. 92 / Astrology forBeginners SESQUI-SQUARE This is a minor aspect where tw o plan ets are 135 degrees apart, plus or minus 3 degrees (132 to 138 degrees apart). The keyw ord for the sesqui-squ are is AGITATION. It introduces minor obstacles that are an ag itation more than a serious problem. There is only one sesqui-square in figure 1, and that is between Uranus and the ascenda nt, which are 1 degree 14 seconds from being exact. This is just a moderately strong aspect. INCONJUNCT or QUINCUNX This is a minor aspect where two planets are 150 degrees apart, plus or minu s 3 degrees (1 47 to 153 degrees apart). The keyword for the inconjunct is GROWTH. This is probably the most important of the minor aspects, and is probably one worth watching in natal charts. This aspect indicates problems you need to learn to adapt to or work around, which can lead to maturity and increased self-confid ence (growth). This aspect can be harsh or easy, dep ending on the specific plan ets involved. If the ascendant is involved, it can ind icate health problems. There is only one inconjunct in figure 1, and that is between Venu s and Satu rn, which are only 25 seconds from being exact. This is a very strong inconjunct, and I felt its influence for a number of years until I learned how to apportion my lime and energies satisfactorily betw een my home life and my work life. Once I found the right balance and altitude, the inconjunct was no longer apparent. In this inconjunct, Saturn represents my work life (Saturn rules work, and is also the na tura l ru ler of the 10th house) . Venus represents my wife, hence my home life. The Aspects / 93 In addition, Venu s is placed in the 10th house of my public work life, and Saturn, which rules the work life is placed in my 4th house (rules the domestic scene). Everything ties together; these were the areas I needed to adapt my behavior to in ord er to solve conflicting problems. 7 The Houses Every possible aspect of a person's life is rul ed by one of the houses. Therefore, the twelve houses of a natal chart depict the entire life of the person in every respect. In this book, I will not even come close to delineating "II of the factors ruled by each house. The list would be unreasonably long, and most of the items would not be of ny great interest anyway . For example, who really cares 10 find out about the long journeys of their sister-in-law? This is one of the many things that falls under the 5th house rulership, and it is the kind of thin g that will not be discussed here. What I will list for each house are those principa l ucms that concern most people most of the time. You are lnterested in your health, love, children, travels, work, ..tc, and this is what I shall restrict my discussion to. KINDS OF HO USES ""xu l ar : These are the Ist, 4th, 7th, and 10th houses. Planets ploced in these houses hav e a greater scope of action than I'lnnets placed in other houses. 95 96 I Astrologyfor Beginners When the majority of planets in a person's natal chart are in angular houses, it indicates a prominent position in the world. 1st: Personal character 4th: Latter part of life 7th: Fortune of marriage 10th: Public recognition If you look at figure 1, you will see a portion of the chart at the bottom labeled HOUSES. It shows seven planets in angular (ANG) houses; two in the Ist, one in the 4th, and four in the 10th. The overwhelming majority of planets in my chart are in angular houses. Succedent: These are the 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 11th houses. Planets placed in these houses tend to give stability, willpower, fixity of purpose, but no great activity. When the majority of planets in a person's natal chart are in succedent houses, it indicates the person may be stubborn and uncompromising. Figure 1 shows I have three planets in succedent (SUC) houses: one in the 8th and two in the 11tho o Cadent: These are the 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th houses. Planets placed in these houses generally express very little activity. They tend toward thought, communication of ideas, and the ability to get along with people. When the majority of planets in a person's natal chart are in cadent houses, there is usually very little, if any, public recognition. The person will probably complete a major part of any undertaking, but someone else will get the credit. Figure 1 shows that I do not have any planets in cadent (CAD) houses. The Houses / 97 HOUSES OF FUNCTION Houses of Life: These are the Ist, 5th, and 9th houses. These are houses of dynamic energy, enthusiasm, motivating power, religious conviction. The 1st is self; 5th children; 9th philosophy of living. These houses are the fire triplicity. Houses of Endings: These are the 4th, 8th, and 12th houses. The 4th house pictures the end of life or the end of a matter. The 11th house pictures death and regeneration. The 12th house pictures the subconscious, karma, and what is brought into this life. These houses are the water triplicity. /louses of Substances: These are the 2nd, 6th, and 10th houses. The 2nd house depicts the accumulation of money and movable possessions. The 6th house depicts the facility to work or the occupation. The 10th house depicts the employer or profession, reputation, and honors. These houses are the "arth triplicity. tlnuses of Relationships: These are the 3rd, 7th, and 11th houses. These derribe the person's relationship in the community as follows:The 3rd house describes relationships with relatives nnd neighbors; the 7th house describes relationships with p"rlners (marriage and business); the 11th house del Tibes relationships with friends and organizalions. These houses are the air triplicity. 98 / Astrology for Beginners THE TWELVE HOUSES FIRST HOUSE Persons in the First House: You, the self, your body. Matters of the First House: The beginning, self-interest, the present, early environment. Key First House Rulerships: 1. The head and face. 2. Your physical body and its appearance, including stature, complexion, attractiveness, strength, energy, constitution, abnormalities (ifany), grace and poise (or awkwardness), coordination, physic al desires, etc. In short, everything concerning you r physical body. 3. Your personal affairs (not sexual affairs). 4. Your personality. 5. Your attitude and outlook on life. 6. The impression you make on others. That is, how others see you . 7. Your personal environment. 8. Your private life. 9. Self-awareness. A Few Occupations: Soldiers, explorers, pioneers. SECOND HOUSE Persons in the Second House: Bankers, investors, all persons who deal with mon ey. Matters of the Second House: Money, personal freedom, movable possessions, acquisitions. Key Second House Rulerships: 1. The neck, throat, and base of skull. The Houses /99 2. Self-preservation. 3. Self-earned or self-acquired mone y and possessions. 4. Your money, finances, securities, movabl e goods, holdings, etc. 5. Borrowing and lending. 6. Penalties and fines. 7. Financial gains. 8. How you receive and give. A Few Occupations: Stockbroke rs, bankers, accountants. THIRD HOUSE I'ersons in the Third House: Brothers, sisters, neighbors. Matters of the Third House: Communications, short trips, the conscious mind. Key Third House Rulerships: 1. The arms, wrists, hands, fingers, shoulde rs, lun gs, thyroid gland and nervous system. 2. Your brothers, sisters, and neighbors. 3. Your mentality, how your mind functions. 4. Your nervous energy. 5. Your will power. 6, Transportation. A Few Occupations: Writers, spea kers, salespersons, radio announcers, teachers, auctioneers, reporters, secretaries. I'OURTH HOUSE I'crsons in the Fourth House: Parent, provider, patron. Matters of the Fourth House: House and home, land, domestic affairs, end of life, end of a matter. 100/ Astrology for Beginners Key Fourth House Rulerships: 1. The stomach, digestive system, ribs, breasts. 2. Your hom e, dom estic environment. 3. Land, imm ovabl e possessions, property, mines. 4. Parent of your opposite sex. 5. The end of your life. 6. The end of matters (for example, the end of a love affair or the end of a job). 7. Your grave (final resting place). 8. Your sense of security. 9. Circumstances in your later life. 10. Your base of operations. A Few Occupations: Cooks and chefs, butlers and maids, nutritionists, miners. FIFTH HOUSE Persons in the Fifth House: Child, lover, entertainer, gambler. Matters of the Fifth House: Love affairs, children, talent, speculation, entertainment, gambling, sports. Key Fifth House Rulerships: 1. The heart. 2. Your love affairs (not sexual affairs) . 3. Your children . 4. Sports . 5. Hobbies. 6. Relaxation and entertainment. 7. Gambling and speculation. 8. Education. 9. Games of all sorts. 10. Creative urges. 11. Ego to leave something of yourself behind when you die. The Houses/101 12. Theaters and other places of en terta inme nt. A Few Occupations: Actors and actresses, professional entertain ers in general, pro fessional athletes, ar tists. SIXTH HOUSE I'ersons in th e Sixth House: Workers, doctors, nu rses, landlords. Matters of the Sixth House: Illness, employment, service, labor. Key Sixth House Rulersh ips: 1. The intestines. 2. Conditions un der wh ich you work. 3. Your general state of health. 4. Your employees, subordinates, etc. 5. Your susep tibility to illness. 6. The service you are capable of giving. 7. Disag reeable duties and work. 8. Clothing. 9. Diet. 10. Small an imals, both domestic and wild . II. Love of anima ls. 12. The manner in wh ich you perform your obligations. 13. Labor an d work in general. 14. Tools used for perfor ming work. A Few Occupations: Physicians, nurses, health practitioners and those in the health care field in general. EVENTH HOUSE l'vrsons in the Seventh Hous e: Spouse, pa rtners, the public, enemies. 102 / Astrology for Beginners Mailers of the Seventh House: Marriage, divorce, partnerships, the public. Key Seventh House Rulerships: 1. Kidneys, bladder, groin. 2. Marriage and partnership. 3. Describes your spouse. 4. Success or failures in marriage and partnerships. 5. Your public or open enemies. 6. Sexua l perverseness. 7. Your dealings with others in general. 8. Your social drive. 9. Your awareness of others. A Few Occupations: Judges, referees and umpires. EIGHTH HOUSE Persons in the Eighth House: Investigators, persons dealing with the dead and affairs of the dead . Mailers of the Eighth House: Other people's money, surgery, manner of death, regeneration. Key Eigh th House Rulerships: 1. Sex organs, rectum, urethra 2. Veneral diseases. 3. Sex drive. 4. Cause of your death. 5. Affairs of the dead in general (for example, inheritance, wills, life insurance, funerals). 6. Whether you will profit or lose through anoth er's death . 7. Slaught er houses. 8. Surgery and autopsies. 9. Morgues. 10. Other people's money. 11. Some occult experiences. The Houses/ 103 A Few Occupations: Butchers, morticians, executioners, detectives, pathologists, any occupation connected with death. NINTH HOUSE Persons in the Ninth House: Strangers, publishers, clergy, di plomats. Maller of the Ninth House: Long journeys, printing and publishin g, law, cou rts, philosophy, religion, foreign affairs an d mailers, higher education . Key Ninth House Rulerships: 1. Hips, thighs, buttocks, the sciatic nerve. 2. Religion and related activities. 3. Your philosophy, beliefs and spiritual leanings. 4. The courts, law, and the legal system. 5. Some psychic expe riences. 6. Higher education. 7. Long trips and travel to foreign countries. 8. Large animals, both domestic and wild. 9. Places far away from your birthplace. 10. Church. 11. Higher thoughts, expanding consciousness. AFew Occupations: Lawyers, clergy, diplomats, printers, publishers, bookbinders. n iNTH HOUSE l'ersons in the Tenth House: Employer, parent, president, head person (the one in charge). M.lllers of the Tenth House: Career, reputation, activity, honors. K, ~y Tenth House Rulerships: 104/ Astrologyfor Beginners 1. The joints, knees, skeletal structure, teeth . 2. Your public life (this is the most public house). 3. Your tru e profession, business, vocation, or means of earning a living. 4. Your ambition. 5. How the public views you . 6. Your reputation, any honors or recognition you gain. 7. Rewards of karma. 8. Your standing in the community. 9. Your parent of the same sex. 10. Persons in power (presidents, officials, kings). 11. Your goals, aspirations, achievements, promotions. 12. Business. 13. Your authority. A Few Occupations: Politicians, bu siness leaders, managers, directors, any position of leadership or power. ELEVENTH HOUSE Persons in the Eleventh House: Friends, social contacts, the public at large, advisors. Mailers of the Eleventh House: Hopes, wishes, friends, groups, organizations. Key Eleventh House Rulerships: 1. The ankles and calves. 2. Your hopes and wish es. 3. Your likes and dislikes. 4. Your friends. 5. Idealism. 6. How you interact with masses of people. 7. Clubs and organizations, especially those of a humanitarian nature. 8. Your ability to overcome obstacles. Tire Houses / 105 9. Your reputation in money matters and as a winner. 10. Any sort of organization to wh ich you belong. A Few Occupations: Any humanitarian work. TWELFTH HOUSE I'ersons in the Twelfth House: Widow s, or phans, secret enemies. Mailers of the Twelfth House: Institutions, escapis m, self-undoing, subversion, subconscious. Key Twelfth House Rulerships: 1. The feet and toes, phl egm and mucus. 2. Self-undoing, downfall, bad habit s. 3. Prisons. 4. Hospitals. 5. Secrets. 6. Secret enemies. 7. Work or activity behind the scenes. 8. Confinements in institutions. 9. Limitations, restraints, restrictions of all sorts. 10. The hidden side of your life. 11. Crime. 12. Misfortu ne, trouble, losses, pain, sorrow, etc. 13. Your most difficult tasks and hardest battl es. 14. Things you must work out for you rself. 15. Fierce animals that could cause you harm. A Few Occupations: Wardens, prison guards, spies, thieves. 8 The Modern WayBy Computer There are three ways to compile a natal chart: by computer, which will be discussed in this chapter; by "eyeballing," which will be discussed in chapter 9; by hand calculated math, which will be discussed in chapter 10. Each method has its advantages and disadvanuges. You can evaluateeach,and choose the one, or ones, you prefer. I have used all three extensively, and I prefer Ihe computer generated charts by far over the other two. By now you know what a computer generated natal ..hart looks like because you have referred to figure 1 doz.. li S of times up to this point in the book. Figure 4 is another computer generated chart, my wife's, which I am including now because it shows an imporrant feature that I have deliberately not mentioned belore. Figure 4 illustrates a natal chart with intercepted Until now, we have discussed charts that have a different zodiac sign on each house cusp. That is, twelve houses, each with a different zodiac sign ruling it. A chart with intercepted signs has some duplicated I~ns. 109 110 / Astrology for Beginners The Modern Way-By Computer /111 Me 22~ 06 CHARTPflEPMIEDHY WILLIAMW HEWITT , .. .." .. " ", 0 ' 8 ~62: " " ", Q 06 11 / 19) I " " I 10 9 j,lfollS ,IU I "I ae 5 1l ~ IJ!f, S IS IlOnosco"f ~ l~ " / 2~ 7 ca 6 ae Ill. OSC "- WOIlll AMS, LA llOWtl4Ol)" .. 04 8 " W OIl AJI. C&T , OM 1~ ( ASC '0' 'V 9 ~ ",ow lUI; IIOUSlS ",." 2 CAR D nx MUT FIRE I I 2 EARTH 3 I AIR WATER 2 , ,,, ,, " HEWI TT OHQRn PLANET S "0010 SUN MERCURY VENUS .....S JUPITER SATURN URANUS NEP TUNE PLUTO NOOEM, MChotIOtl ..aN" VE RTf: ll ASRV '" o) su n: a •e PLACE I!lSAS1 24CPJa 06CPl l DOS'" , " ... 11l£ 33 IOCRI , U, l 1AR4 SA NE 05'1124 PI. MC 22CPOO " D3'''' VI 14USl "sa \ Q 11 <f • ,~ +' DECL - 2721 - 2112 - 2012 - 1131 .2 127 .2252 - 22 13 +10 12 . 22 08 + 1 23 - 2138 +1244 ~ SS I ELEM . ~ fiRE PO S EAR TH N£' N£G EARTH flRE FIR! WATE R EARTH fiRE (ARTH WATER POS POS REG NEG POS NEG NEG S 2 18 Q 28 , . N MOONISSlOW 2~" ",:e" "" • 402 't' e " NO : ~ ~ "" JU <f "A , " e" " "a ""e 5 4THOUARn l! TRIP " UT CAll, CAIlG our HOU SES • •• sue AO'" SUC ANG 4 CAD 3 CARD CAD CARD CAD 12 , CARD 5 SUC CA'G CAD • . 32S ' DET AI 3 8· " 'a" Q ( XAUlT RULER 1 6 ~ Figure 4 Natal Chart with Intercepted Signs, All ZOOIC SIGN! ARIES TAURUS TA GE GEMINI CN LE ,ED vr 1I ." 111. $0 I SA CA x PARTOf fORTUNE. 28P156 EOUATASC. {EPI • 2 ~ R4 1 SUl1.l0AHGt E ADR" y ti 10 CAD FI' OUT OIGNt " CANCl" VIRGO LIBRA SCORPIO SAG ITTAfllUI CAPHICOIlN AQ UARIUS "$01S signs on house cusps and has other signs that do not appear on any house cusp. The sign s that do not appear on any house cusp are contained completely within some house-they are "intercepted" in that hou se. Look at figure 4, and I'll explain, Look at the Ascendant (ASC); it has Taurus on the 1st house cusp. Going counterclockwise, look at the cusp of the second house. It has Gemini on it, Look at the 3rd house; it also has Gemini on it. Follow the house cusps around. When you get to the 6th house, notice that it has Virgo, but wh en you proceed to the 7th, it has Scorpio. What happened to Libra which comes between Virgo and Scorpio? Libra falls completely within, or is intercepted by, the 6th house. The 6th house is a really big house in this chart, having approximately 41 degrees in it. The 12th house on the opposite side of the chart also has 41 degrees in it because Aries is completely contained (I ntercepted ) in the 12th house. In this chart then , the 2nd and 3rd houses are each ruled by Gemini, the 8th and 9th houses are each ruled by '>agittarius, and Libra and Aries are intercep ted by the 6th nnd 12 houses respectively. This is wh at is meant by a natal chart with inter""pted sign s. Sometimes you will hear the term "captured signs," which means the same thing as intercepted . Igns. So what is the big deal about charts with intercepted M'gns? Not much, really. You interpret them just the same ' N any other chart; all the same rules apply. But you need 1" be aware of what they are, oth erwise you would think Ih"re was an error when you cast a char t with intercepted oIK"S. Inte rcept ed signs are fairly common, and occur ",uslly in charts for extreme northern or southern loca- 112/ Astrology for Beginners tions, although they can occur anywhere. No tice my chart in figure 1 is for Toledo, Ohio, and the one for my wife in figure 4 is considerably further sou th, New Orleans. Even though I am discussing this in the cha pter about computer generated charts, this information is valid for hand calculated charts also. This just happened to be the point wh ere I decided to discuss the matter. Now back to computer generated charts. A glance at figure 4 shows all of the information given clearly. Not only do you get a very accu rate chart wh eel, you get variou s tables that summarize valu able informati on. Also with the computer, you can generate other kind s of tables and charts such as is shown in figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 shows all the aspects and the degrees of separation. This saves much time from having to figure it out yourself. Figu re 6 shows harmonic patterning, which will not be discussed in this book becau se it is more advan ced astrology. The advantages then of a computer generated chart are: 1. Fas t to generate. 2. Get a great deal of additional information for free. 3. Extremely accurate. With regard to accurate-the computer is accurat e provided you put accurate birth information into the computer in the first place. The facts you need to obtain an accurate chart are: 1. Month, da y, and year of birth . 2. Exact time of birth, and be sure to indicate am or pm. Time of birth is usually ind icated on birth certificates. . 3. Place of birth (town, state, country). 4. The time zone and any time changes d ue to daylight savings time, war time, etc. The Modern Way-By Computer / 113 ~ &PECTS ~ ~ n~ 42! ' ~- - - -+- - - +- - l =C ~ bO su NO :S ~ • .. ,..o- - ! NI DPOINTS FOR HEWITT, WILLIAM ~ ~ !~OG 23' ! W E 42 - -+- !2 b T A: 1 !OV JO b - - - - -+- - co: 11 NA JU - -+- - - + ! 04 G E~ fGEOCENTRICl SA 1 ! 2 6 S AO UR b! 1 1 AR - - - - - -+- - - - -+- 1 3 I I ! GO 2 4 ! ' CJN ' !1 6 3 30! ! 4 :l IS ! ! !~ 1 91 ~9 ~ 17 C N 4~ L E ~ :! - -- + --- t a XT. ! 79 41! ~ ! l e T ~O'A - + - - - - - - + as OJ ! 2 1 12 ! ! 1 37 A ! ~ ~ G E :;3 ! -S U-! 2 1 23! . s se.! 49 0 1! 37 1 4 ' 16 4 0 1! tSQR, ! . s sal! 'CJN . ! ~ 3 ! ~4A ! 4 b B ! Z 19 A i :l 4 0A ' 1~ 1 2 ! O I C N:3 !- M e - ! 2 4 12 ! b9 2'" 1:1 :I I ! ' QPP.! to'" 2 3 ! be 4 1 ' 2 7 O:::: ! ::1 2 ! :l 2 4A! , IlG£O b ! I 9G E le ~O B GE 3 6 ! -V E- - ! ' SOR, , BZO ! II NC" I S SOI! ISQAI' S l 14 ! 8 ! 1 3 SA! 2SS ! l Z9 ! ~ SlA ! 1 "C~ 4 ' Ob LE 0:5! 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DAI LY I,.,• I NAl'IE'R ! l1OT ION + "0 ' 0.G£ 42 ! It\1t 12CNOSI ''' ' :lOGE4 2 ! "'. ':a.TA3 t ! ~ 'O O V I O bl IS 0 1 :57 l Ot S '9 3~ IIJI0 4GE:5I ! ! e A' :U,IA0 6! R ! '''' !II ARI '' ! ! . ';:<tLE23! ! 1 1 11CN4S ! ! "" I1ITA3 0 ! R ! ... ':t OTA:59 ! ! 12 04 00 01 01 00 "' 00 j ~ 1 LI'3~! 00 !• 2S! 12 ! 10 ! 12 ! • + 2! :5! I! 7! ~ 6! 6! 3:5 ! 4 ! I S ! ~! 36! :5! 38 ! 6 ! 34 ! it ! 00 ' 2 ! oo: 3 ' OO! 61 ! NA ~ ASPECT . ! I'IE ! ARC ! ORB !------ - - -- - - ! PLANETS PER HOUS E !--+ ---+---------+--------1 !---------+--! 7 !CJ N 00 ' 7 00 ' I IOPP 3! TRI 7 !SQR J,!SXT b 00 ' 0 0' 00 ' 00 ' 00' 00' 1 ! SE S 18 0 12 0 '90 itO 4:5 13':'i J ! INC 1:50 00 ' ~SBQ 7 00' 7 00 ' 7 00' • 00 ' 300 ' 3 00 ' 3 00 ' ! - - --- ----------- ---- -- ! ! COPYRIGHT eCI tqB~ ! MAT RI X S OFTWARE ! OJ- 2 7 LE3 3 ! ! 0 2 - 2:5V12 4 ! ! 03-23LI20 ! ! 0 4 -20SC:59! ! 0:5- OQC P0 2 ! ! Oit-2'JCP:51! ! 07-27AQJJ, ! ! oe- r ...P12 4 ! ! 0 '9- 23AR:::O ! ! l 00-2 0T AS '9! ! l 1-00cN02l 2! O! 01 I! 0' O! o)! l' I 4 2 !J 0 2 · 2'J CN ~I ! ! ! -------+---------+--. --------------------------- +------------. Figure 5 Computer generated chart indicating aspects and degrees of separation. 114/ Astrology for Beginners PATTERNS FOR KeN H EWIT. Tire Modem Way- ByComputer / 115 ~IAM ( GEOCE NTRI C) SUN ME. +!o: --------------------+ +----------._--------+ +--------------------+ !0 3 01 , "'A 0 00 I NOD URA cee eee , " 11'lON- - - - - - O ! BUN---- - -O ! PLU OJUI' ! NER- -- - --O------ I BO SAT I + --------------------+ +--------------------+ ---------------------+ VEN _UP MAR +! .------------------+ +--------------------. +--------------------+ 02 !04 10 4 , I _UP VE N UAA ••0 090 I ' \IEN- -----O ! I"lAA--- ---O ! HEP I 090 MAR ! .JlJP- - - - !t1ON \ 12 0 SAT , O ceo MAR NIlP NEP .--------------------+ +--------------------+ NE'" +--------------------+ SAT URA +--------------------+ + --------------------+ +--------------------. ! I 104 103 ! ~ _lJI' NE. MAR 12. I VllN 0 90 I !8 AT------ O-- --- - IBO MER ! IURA- - ----O 060 /I ! NEP- - - - - - O !MAR , O~ 12 0 SAT MOH SUN J IJP'"-U +--------------------+ +----------------._--+ +-----.--------------+ Me ASC +!o:s --------------------+ +! --------------------+ +--------------------+ 02 ....U •• , NOD URA O~I)fil I1EA \l EN 060 0 ",0 O \I PLU-- - - - - Q I1C SUN \l EN ------Q I . .0 _ CU ASC-MAR NILP \I --O \ 12 0 SAT •--------------------+ +--------------------+ .- -----------------. Figure 6 Computer Generated Chart: Harmonic Patterning. If you d on't know the exact tim e of birth, you can still obtain a reasonably accu rate natal cha rt. Many people do not know their b irth time. In these case s, you always use a birih' time of 6 am. This provides a "so lar" natal chart, which still can furnish a lot of accurate, valuable information. A solar chart will not be as complete or accurate as one cast with the exact birth tim e. The computer will then d o the rest of the calculations. Th e compu ter has a built in ep hemeris and formulas for converting time from the ep he meris. The ephe me ris contains planet placem ents at Green wich, Eng land , which is zero lon gitude. Therefore, the ro mpu ter must convert that to the tim e and place wh ere the birth takes place, compensating for the curvature of I he earth, and a few other things. It is quite complex. The compu ter also figures ou t the house cusps by kign and degree, which is another comp lex process . On my computer, this whole process for one natal chart takes approximately ten minutes. I have an older, slowe r computer. Newer computers would whip it out l.ister. By hand, it takes me several hours. With a comp u ter, it is also possible to have additional "slrology programs that will print ou t a 10 - 12 page interpretation of the chart. These interpretati ons are pretty f;ood , but not a substitu te for a knowledgeable astrologer .malyz ing the chart. Figu re 7 is on e page from a computer Interpreted chart just to giv e you an idea of what they are like. The computer sa ves a tremendous amount of lime. In a few moments I will tell you abo u t a chart interpretation I would not have tackled without a computer lx-cause of the en ormity of the job. The computer does have di sadvantag es. 1. Expensive if you plan to purchase the computer MId software. Even if you already have a computer, the .istrology software is quite expensive. 116 / Astrology for Beginn ers My computer, new, was an inexpensiv e one at the time (1 983) costing approximately $1500 for all the hardware I need ed (computer, video monitor, two disk drives, a dot matrix printer, and a dai sy wh eel letter quality printer. The asking price for these items was nearly $3000, but I drive a hard bargin (I learned from my wifelook at her chart, and you will see it). The softwa re costs approximately $900 more for two programs: one to create charts, and one to print out interpretations. The prices on the hardware and software have come down since then, but it still is expensive. 2. If you purchase the charts by mail or at a local retailer, then you mu st wait. Local retailers usually can furnish same day or next da y service. By mail, you can wait many days or weeks. Purchasing the cha rts, however, is inexpensive. For beginners, I recommend that you purchase natal charts even though you have to wait to get them. The reason is that you shouldn't spend money on the computer and software until you are sure you have a sufficient sustained interest in astrology to warrant the expense. (See the last page of the book for a special free natal chart offer.) I created hundred s of charts by hand calculation for about 11 years before I purchased the computer. Don't wait that long! Later in this book, I will give you inform ation on where you can ord er natal charts by mail at a reasonable price. If you live in or near a city that has a metaphysical bookstore you may discover that the bookstore has the equipment and sells natal charts. After reading this book, weigh everything carefully and decide wh at is best for you . I promised to tell you about a natal chart that I would Tire Modem Way- By Computer / 117 not have tackled if I had not had a computer. Shortl y after I purchased my computer and as trology programs I was asked by a man and his wife (previous astrology clients of min e) to help them decide the best time for their new baby to be born . Here are the facts: 1. The baby was d efinitely going to be born by Caesarean section because of the moth er's physical condition. 2. Their physician told them the baby could be born .mytime they wished within a certain two week period he dcsigna ted . 3. The only restriction was that the physician would operate only between 7 am and 10 am, Monday through Friday. This narrowed the potential birth times to 10 cal«udar days, and within 3 hours on any one of those days. 4. The physician agreed to make the incision at whatever time they wished in order to get the birthtime they wa nted . I had to wo rk fast becau se I only had a couple days to rome up with the best birth time. Of course, I asked the !,,\Tents exactly wh at they wanted in a child, and I used 1hat as my criteri a during the ensuing investigation. First I generated a chart for 8:30 am (the mid -point) of ",Ieh day and studied those charts. I am quite good at eye!>,dling charts and could see the trends and changes. This "llotbled me to eliminate about half the days right away be,',' lIsc of harsh aspects, full moon period, or weak aspects. Then I zeroed in on the remaining da ys, generating dozens of charts, eyeba lling them, makin g more eliminaI ltlIlS, narrowing the time down. Finally I had the absolute best time: 8:05 am the fol'"wi ng Tuesday. I also had some pretty good optional times. I disI usscd all options with the parent s, and they went with I h.. H:05 on Tuesday choice. 118 / Ast rology for Beginners The Modern Way-By Computer / 119 The result: Their son was born exactly at 8:05 am. I talked again with them several years later, and they confirmed that he was exactly like I said he woul d be based on the astrology analysis. They said he was a perfect child. Then they asked me to do it again for their second child who was going to be born within the next couple weeks. This was an exciting experience for me. I certainly felt that I had helped create that baby-an aweso me yet humbling feeling. Without the computer, I would not have been able to do the hundreds of calculations and compile the dozens of charts in sufficient time. Astrology is exciting. .. ................. ............. ............... •..•.. ........... ... , • •• CHAPTER IV AFFECTIONS ' SOCI AB I LITY • ~L EASU~ES ••• • 8EAUTY ,, .. .. ...... ....•...... .... ..... .. .. ... ...... ..•..... .. , I(Ev .. . DUALITy YOU COUNT YOUR LOVED ONES AS YOUR OWN POSSESSI ONS. ONCE COMTHROUGH T H I C ~ MI TTED TO LOVING SOMEONE OR SOMETHING. YOU S T IC~ AND THI N. YOU EXPRESS LOVE 9'1 ~ E IN G AFFECTIONATE AND BY GIV ING GIFTS. YOU LOVE GOOD Fooe. SM A L ~ AND EXPENS IVE THINGS. VE N- TAU 1, £ ... "C T {VITV BEAUTY . ART MAY BE yaup CAREER OR 8USI NESS OR ONE WHO 15 IMPORTANT IN YOUR LIFE HAS SUCH JNTERESTS. YOU MEET THE PUBLIC WITH SOC IAL CHARM AN D WIN ATTENTION . POF'ULARI H THROUGH LOOIo,S OR PER ~ SUASIVENESS. BUSI NESS CONTACTS MA Y TUR N I NTO LOVE. V -E ~I C H APTER T -H S H I GHLI GH T S t.t ,. MANY HECTI C SOCI AL, LOVE OR ART IST IC EXPERIENCES COULD COME IN AND OUT OF YOUR LI FE WITH G~ AT RAPI DITY. UNCONVENTI ONAL LOVE. ART APPEALS TO you BUT MA Y NOT BE VERY ENDURI NG. CHANGES . EXI NNER T ~ UCNA I IL .YT VE-SSQ-UR CITME NT. FLIRTATIONS CAN DISTUPO YOU~ .,.. YOU MA Y GET CRAVINGS FOR COMFORT. SOCI AL LI FE OR SWEETS AN D HAVE FEELI NGS OF DISATISFACTION WHICH ARE HARD TO APPEASEI AT TI ME9 VOU MAY 9E VAIN. sPOIL LOVED ONES OR HAVE VERY OI ~ERNT TASTES SU-SS O- VE AND SOCIAL 9ACI(GROUND FROM A f'lAN YOU LOVE OR ARE FOND OF. ••• VOUA PERSONALI Ty IS LOV I NG. SWEET AND AFFECTI ONATE _ A 9IT TOO MUCH SO AT TI HES. you HAVE DES I RES ABOUT HOME. PROPERTY. FAMI_ LY WHI CH ARE HARD TO SATIS FY. PRETTY THI NGS . LOV INGNESS AND I OR VE- SOP-AS APTIST I C ATTAI NME NTS APE THINGS YOU STRIVE FOR. " YOU HA Y IDEALI ZE SOMEONE OA SON€THING ONLY TO F I NO THAT CIRCUMSTANCES SEEM TO DENY GRATIF I CATION. YOU'RE SENTI MENTAL. ROHAN_ TIC. SACRIF IC I AL FOR LOVE OR ART BUT YOUR AIMS SEEM [VER OUT OF REACH. THESE ENERG IES ARE EXCELLENT APPLIED TO CREATI VI TV. VE-SOR-NE YOU COULD BE VERY PURPOSEFUL IN PURSUI NG WHO OR WHAT YOU WANT. YOU TRY THE MORE FRUS TRATED YET OBSTACLES ARI SE AND THE RED~AH YOU MA Y FEEL. A LOVED ONE SEEMS HARD TO PLEASE. KEEP A REALI STI C '/IEW OF WHAT 16 POSSIBL E. YOU CAN BE VERY DI PLOMATI C. VE-S OR- MA VOU COULD BE KNOWN SOCIAL EVENTS. YOU I NG. DESI GNING. THE ALSO APPLI ES TO ANV FOR YOUR LOOV.S. ARTIST I C ABI LITY OR PUSLIC MAY 00 WELL IN MODELLING, I NTERIOR DECORA T~ ARTS . SELLI NG OR PUBLIC ENTERTAINI NG . THI S IMPORTANT WOMAN OR SUPERI OR IN YOUP LI FE. VE-C J N-MI IN ONE PARTICULAR AREA OF YOUR LIFE YOU COULD BE SELF- I NDULGENT. SOCIAL ACTIVI TIES AND THE LUX URIES OR GOOD THI NGS I N LI FE OFTEN COME YOUR WAY. SPOILI NG LOVED ONES OR YOURSELF IS FUN BUT AVO I D EXCESSI VE VANI TY OR BEING E X T~A VA GAN T WITH LOV€D ONES. VE-CJ N-JU Figure 7 Computer Generated Interpretation. E 9 The Fast WayBy NEyeballing" Eyeballing is a fas t, educated guess method of creating an approximation of a na tal chart. It is not as accurate as a calculated cha rt either by computer or by hand calculation . The ad vantage of eyeballing is that it is quick and does not require an expensive compu ter or a lot of refer"'lee books like the hand calcu lation me thod does. The disadvantages are that an eyeballed chart lacks comp leteness and precise accuracy. EYEBALLING THE PLA NETS You need an ephemeris to eyeball the planets. To how you how eyeballing works, we will use the "I' hemeris page in figure 3. We will use the same birth inlurrnation that was used in the computerized chart in figlire 1 so yo u can compare the results. As a refresher the date of bir th is July 4,1929 and the li me of birth is 9 am EST. For eyeballing, the place of birth I. not important. First w rite down the location of the planets for July 4, 1" 29 as shown on the ephemeris page in figure 3. This is as 121 122 / Astrology for Beginners The Fast Way-By "Eyeballing" / 123 follows: Sun ll CN31 Mercury 20GE07 Jupiter 04GE44 Neptune 29LE22 North Node 18TA31 Venus 25TA56 Saturn 26SA07R Pluto 17CN44 Moon01GE04 Mars 29LE45 Uranus 11AR18 Now you make some decisions. Firs t you kno w that the planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto (these are the heavy planets) move so slowly that there is very little change from on e day to the next. The north node d oesn't change mu ch from day to day either. You can observe this by scanning down the ephem eris page. So for eyeballing purposes, you will take the read ing directly from the ephemeris for the heavy planets and the north nod e. Next, you look at the placements for the rem ain ing five fast planets for the following day, July 5. If an y of them changed their sign the following day, makea note of it because in a few moments we will need todo some interpolation. You notice that Mars changed to Virgo on July 5; for now just write down Mars OOVI21. None ofthe others changed their sign, so you will use their July 4 locations for your eyeballing-except for the Moon becau se it mov es very fast. So for the Moon (always) and for Mars in this specif ic chart, we need to interpolat e. Keep in mind that the positions shown for each day ar e at midnight (the beginning of the day) in Greenwich, England. For eyeballing, we just assume it is midnight at whatever location the birth took place. This, of cou rse, introduces inaccuracy, but after all we are just eyeballing. Since the birth tim e is 9:00 am, that is approximately on e-third of the way from the beginning ofJuly 4to the be ginning of July 5. I get this by d ividing the 24 hou rs of till' day by 9, which is roughly on e-third. Remember, we are just approximating. Looking at the epheme ris, you can see that the Moon moved 14 degrees from July 4 to July 5.So take on e-third of 14, which is approximately 5, and add it to the position of the Moon at the beginning of July 4. Hence, OlGE04 + 5 degrees = 06GE04. This is what you will use for your eyeballed position of the Moon . Now do the same for Mars as you did for the Moon. Mars moved approximately 36 seconds from July 4 to July 5. One third of36 is 12, which you will add to the Mars July 4 position. Hence, 29LE45 + 12 minutes = 29LE57. This is what you will use for your eyeballed position of Mars . Here is a comparis on of your eyeballed planet locations with the computer calculated planet locations: Sun N.Node Moon Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Pluto Eyeballed Calculated Error llCN31 12CN05 34 minutes 18TA31 18TA30 1 minute 06GE04 09GE42 3 degrees 38 min. 20GE07 20GE42 35 minutes 25TA56 26TA31 35 minutes 29LE57 00V106 9 minutes 04GE44 04GE51 7 minutes 26SA07R 26SA06R 1 minute 11AR18 llAR19 1 minute 29LE22 29LE23 1 minute 17CN44 17CN45 1 minute The eyeballing is very close to calculated accuracy in II cases is it not ? All the major aspects between the planI. are the same as the calculated aspects, so for aspects we , nn regard eyeballing as being accurate. The most serious deviations in the above chart a re 124 / Astrology for Beginners the Moon being 3 degrees off, wh ich is still a pretty good guess. And Mars actua lly was in Virgo in the calculated natal chart rather than in Leo. This woul d cause some inaccuracy wh en interpreting Mars-in-sign. The inaccuracies are due to the d ifferences between the location of the birth (Toled o, Ohio in this case) from the ephemeris, which is cha rted for Greenwic h, Engla nd. The reason Greenwich is chosen as the reference po int is that Greenwich is located exactly at zero degrees long itude. This makes it easy then to calculate the differences at other longitudes in the wo rld. The factors that must be compe nsa ted for to get an accurate chart are: longitude, latitude, curvature of the earth, and time zone changes. When you get more experience, you will be able to make a reaso nably close eyeballing compensation for these factors also, and thus have an even more accurate guess than the one we have just finished compiling. Except wh en I am doing a chart for pay, I almost always just do eyeballing because I have learned to be quite accurate at it. For pay, of course, I use the computer and do it absolu tely accurately. So far we have eyeballed the planet placemen ts by sign and degree and aspect. Now we need to eyeball the ascendant (rising sign) and then set up the houses and place the planets in the houses. EYEBALLING THE RISING SIGN You have probably noticed that no two people with the same Sun sign are exactly alike. In fact, some people with a given Sun sig n are very little like their Sun sign traits while oth ers seem to be exactly like a textbook picture of their Sun signs. It is a safe bet that you have a num- The Fast Way-By "Eyeballing" / 125 ber of characteristics that are completely unlike your own Sun sign. One of the major reasons for the differences is in one's rising sig n, or ascenda nt. Everyone has a rising sign, and it is every bit as important in determining person al characteristics and traits as is the Sun sign. .The rising sign rules the 1st house in everyone's horoscope. The 1st house has do ma in over the ph ysical body, personality, personal traits, attitude, physical desires, one's outlook on life, etc. There are about forty major personal factors under 1st house domain. It is the most personal of all twelve houses. The Sun sign establishes the total basic patterning for ,\ person. The rising sign modifies that pa tterning to form I he uniqueness that is you . Of course, there are many other thin gs besides rising sign that enter into the modification of one's Sun sign, but rising sign is the most prominent modifier. If you understand your basic Sun sign charocteristics and your basic rising sign characteristics, you will have a nearly complete understanding of self. Of course, this goes for your understanding of others nlso. If you have two friends who are Canc ers and one is loppy whil e the other is a neat-freak, you will underland why by blending their individua l rising signs with I heir Cancer Sun sign. Blending Sun signs and rising signs is fun, and you 1.·,lm a lot of astrol ogy that way. Most importantly, you I""m a lot about people that way, and that really is what n.rtal astrology is all about. Blending Sun sign s and rising signs is sort of a game, ml you only need three things to play this game: 1. A basic knowledge of all twelve zodiac Sun signs. Uti have already gotten this knowledge earlier in this 1'1 'Ilk, and you can expa nd on it by getting more detailed I'. II iks from your library or bookstore. _ 126/ Astrology for Begi,lners 2. You mu st know wh at the rising sign is. Shortly, I will show you a quick and easy way to determine the rising sign. 3. You mu st know the time of day the birth took place. Often this information is on the birth certificate. Otherwise, ask the moth er. Just a close gu ess will suffice for our purposes here. If the birth time cannot be determined, use 6 am. To be absolutely certain of rising signs in one hundred percent of the cases, a complete horoscope chart must be done. This is compl ex, time consuming, and not necessary for the average astrology buff who wants to enjoy astrology without con sulting a professional astrologer or casting an absolutely accurate chart. I hav e devised a chart, which is shown in figure 8, that gives you a quick look-up method of determining a rising sign . The chart will not be accurate for one hundred percent of the people, but it is accurate for the majority of people born in the United States or in similar latitudes in other countries. In the chart, I use the conventional two-letter abbreviation for the zod iac signs: AR (Aries); TA (Tau rus); GE (Gemini); CN (Cancer); LE(Leo); VI (Virgo); LI(Libra); SC (Scorpio); SA (Sagittarius); CP (Capricorn); AQ (Aquarius); and PI (Pisces). Sun signs are listed down the chart; rising signs across the top of the chart. The time range listed in the smal1 squares is the time period for a birth. To find a person's rising sign, look down the chart to his/her Sun sign, then read that line across to the proper birth period. The column in which the birth period occurs has the nam e of the correct rising sign at the top of the column. For example, su ppose your Sun sign is Capricorn and you were born at 6:15pm . Look down the left colu mn Cl-t ra HI <u a cuiU l'tI S 0.. ~ 0.. ~ c, ~ 0.. ~ 0.. (is ~ lUfU lU S lU S HI o.. S S/ S S S a~ H S HI ;:a H~ S 0"1 :: r-...a.. LO r-... _('1")::_ 0\= r...o-. LO r-.. 1C"l1O .... ('1"):::- C"') l/) S §J S §] S §J S SI Ul S i:il ~ ~ -( I..~ . ~ SI-~ S ~ I \0 UJ~1= SOL~ §J UJ ~ ~4I]OL \0. ri2~]=~ ) " l ' ( ~ )"U CI UI ~ I.... ~l U .... .... -( (f) ~l 0\ ~l ~l ~l t--. O\ lI')t-.. ct)U") .... ('l") 0.. ~ 0.. ~ S S t--.O\ 10-. ::::: 0.. S ~ ~ ~ ....I~ r-...O\ ~ I~ LOr... UI )'f( ~ ~ ~ ~ i:il .... ('1") 0\ _ ~ S0.. ~ _C'f') a0.. ~ ::_ S ~ 0\;:: aeu SIn:l H SI ioHSI S HI Hiii ('1")::: ~ So..ra S .... @rtS lU io r-, (UlU lUia r-, f")lt') .... t--.O\ ("I')lI") s i:i I S § I a i:il s i:il a gj ~ SI S SI S SI S SI S SIS gj l a ~ I~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ':- I O\ ~ ~ :' ~ ~ ~ ~ ;~1 0\;t ,Eo V'J jl:J ~! !~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I~ ~ ~I I~ ~ I~ ~ !I~ .- I~! II 5= U U U !H ('f') U') • •.q ") ~ I! ~ ~ z I........ ~ ~ ~ u .... .... _ .... 0\ ~~ t-..O\ aS U U lU lU ('l") lt'J .... r<") lO r-.. ~I ~I ]I~ ~I ~I .... l~ U 0\ .... l~ I~ ! ~ I ; !I~ ~ m r-, (l") lt) .... ("') _ O\ ~ .... r. ~U') ~ ("f) LO ~ I ~ ~ I ~ ~ I ~ ~ I ~ ~ I ~ ~ I ; ~ I ! ~ ~ ~ !~ ! ~ ..J ~ "II. - Cf") ! ~ I~ ! 1 ~ ~ I ~ I ~ ~ I ~ ~ I ; ~ I ! ~ ~ ~! ~ ! ~ ! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ;~ ~ s ~! t3 0 ! !~ ! ~ ;; ~I :J ~ ;1i 0 ~ 5:1 . ~ l§ t-.. O\ io t-, U\ U\UIU! UI l EiIlEi\ §. Eil§. I~ u 0 \ - t-..O\ I ;5 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ cO ~ ~ 128 / Astrology fo r Beginners to CP then read across until you find the time block in wh ich your birth time falls. In this case, that would be the time block labeled 5 pm/ 7 pm because 6:15 pm falls within tha t time period. Then read up that 5 pm/7 pm column to see which zodi ac sign is at the top; it is CN (Cancer). So Cancer wou ld be the correct rising time in this example. Time is listed as standard time. For births during daylight savings time, subtract one hour from the birthtime and use tha t to reference in this chart. For example, if your birthtime is record ed as 7:30 am OST, use 6:30 am when using this cha rt. Once you know both the Sun and rising signs for a person, you can easily tell a great d eal about that person. All you need to do is study the Sun sign profiles for both signs and blend them together. For instan ce, suppose your friend has a Cancer Sun sign and a Leo rising sign, Cancer people tend to be timid, reclusive and home loving. Leos are outg oing, show-offs, and interested in playing. A person with this Cancer-Leo blend is likely to be a fun loving home body who likes to retreat into privacy for a while and then break out and be the life of the part y sometimes. First look up you r own rising sign and study how it blends uniquely with your Sun sign to make you the person you 'are. Then start doing the same thing with family members. Then friends. You will have fun, fascina te you r family and friends, and learn about people and astrology in the process. A final word about using the rising sign chart. You will notice that certain birth times can fall into two different rising sign time periods . For instance, an Aries Sun sign person who is born at 7 am could fall into either an Aries rising sign or a Taurus rising sign. How do yOll know which is correct? The Fast Way- By "Eyeballing" / 129 The rule of thumb for these borderlin e time period s is: Use the first rising sign if the birthd ate is in the first half of the Sun sign period . Use the second rising sign if the birthdate is in the second half of the Sun sign period. In this example, the person most likely has an Aries rising sign if his/her birthdate falls in the first fifteen days of Aries: that is, from March 21 to Ap ril 4. The person is likely to have a Taurus rising sign if the birthdate is in the last fifteen days of Aries; that is, from April 4 to April 19. There are excep tions to this rule of thumb. The best way to decide is to look at both rising signs and see which really does fit the person in qu estion when you blend each rising sign with the Sun sign. As soon as you do this, it will become immediately obvious which is the correct rising sign. Every once in a while you meet a person who is exactly like his/her Sun sign. Most likely this person was hom about Sun rise (5 am - 7 am period), and has the same Sun and rising sign. These births are commonly called dou ble Aries, double Taurus, double Gemini, etc. Now you have written down your eyeballed planet positions based on my birth information, and you have learned how to eyeball a rising sign. The only remaining lep is to eyeball my rising sign and then create an eyehailed chart with houses and the planets placed in these houses. MAKING AN EYEBALLED NATAL CHART Here is where the greatest inaccura cy of eyeballing omes in-creating the hou ses. There just is not a guaran1"l'd way to eyeball the hou ses and feel comfortable about tlu-lr accuracy. Given my birth inform ation, and using figure 8, deI.- rmine my rising sign. Go down the left column to CanI 130/ Astrology for Beginners cer and then across to 9am. Since 9 is a borderline time, either Leo or Virgo, you make a decision. For these borderline cases, recall that I said if the birthdate is in the first half of the Sun sign period , use the first rising sign. If the birth date is in the second half of the Sun sign period, use the second rising sign . My birth date is July 4, wh ich is in the first half of the Sun sign period . Therefore, you know my rising sign is Leo because Leo comes before Virgo. But what degree of Leo? Here is wh ere you make an educated guess. Think about it a moment. You know from figur e 8 that my 9 am birth time is bord erline to Virgo. Therefore gu ess at a degree tha t is in the latter degrees of Leo. Here is a good rule of thumb (still using my example): For 7 am use 1 degree Leo; for 8 am (the halfway point) use 15 degrees Leo; for 9 am use 29 degrees Leo. Apply this sa me logic to the other time period s for all your rising sign eyeballing. You will be as close as you can get by eyeballing. With this method, your 1st house cusp will not be in error by more than about 14 degrees, worst case, and usually closer than that. Now take a blank horoscope chart and label the first house cusp (the rising sign) with 29LEOO(29degrees 0 seconds of Leo).This then will be the eyeballed rising sign for my birth chart. To digress a moment. If you do not have a pad of horoscope charts, you can easily make one. Just turn a bowl or plate upsid e down on a shee t of paper and trace around it. Then you hav e the circle. Now use a ruler to divide it into twelve pie shaped sections. Don't be overly concerned about making the pie sha ped equal sizes. You can label the houses 1 through 12 starting at the 1st house and numberin g counterclockwise. Refer to figures 1, 2 or 'I for an idea of the general layout. Now comes the most inaccurate part of the entirr The Fast Way- By "Eyeballing" / 131 eyeballing process-setting up houses 2 through 12. There simply is no way to guess accura tely. So here is what you do. You set up all houses to be equal. That is, put 29LEOO on the 1st house cus p, 29VlOO on the 2nd house cusp, 29LIOOon the 3rd and so on through 29CNOO on the 12th house cusp. Next place the eyeba lled planets in the houses. Figure 9 shows wh at your final eyeballed cha rt shoul d look like. Compare figure 9 wit h the compu terized chart, figlire 1. Pretty darn close aren't they? There are only two Items that do not match closely: (1) the eyeballed Venus falls into the 9th house instead of the 10th where it should he, and (2) Mars is in Leo wh en it should be in Virgo. This is phenomina lly close. Eyeballing does work quite well. If you were to ana lyze the eyeba lled chart, the .malysis would be amazingly close to the analysis of the romputerized chart. The principal differences woul d be these: 1. Mars in Leo would reflect me as being more openly af:gressive than I really am with Mars in Virgo. Also, it would show me less skillful with word s than I really am with Mars in Virgo. 2. Venus in the 9th house would reflect me being a I ronger candidate for a religious life or in the publishing husiness as perhaps an ed itor or in ma rketing rather than " Mn writer interactin g with the public as my Venus in the 1111 h reflects. Otherwise the charts would interpret much the Mll e . The degree of error with eyeba lling, if you do it right, 1' "0 minimal that it is well worth pursuing. Of course, I do IIl1t purport that eyeballing is a replacement for an accuI ~tdy constructed chart. 132/ Astrology for Beginners Tile Fast Way-By "Eyeballing" / 133 The one feature that does not correlate between figures 1 and 9 is that of the houses. None of the eyeballed house cusps have the correct degree on them, and most are not even close. However, they do correlate with regard to the signs ruling the houses. If you were to eyeball my wife's natal chart (see figure 4) you would not have the signs on the houses correlate because she has two intercepted signs, and there is no way to know that when you are eyeballing. When eyeballing houses, you must assume that it will be a conventional wheel such as in my natal chart. Eyeballing does come close enough, in general, to ' matching a calculated chart that you can glean a great deal of valuable information from an eyeballed chart. When you get accustomed to eyeballing, you can set up a chart in a matter of minutes. In more advanced astrology, the exact degrees on all the house cusps and for all the planets are also analyzed. This gives a deeper and broader scope of interpretation. Analyzing the degrees lets you get deeper inside the perNon. For this, you must have an accurately constructed hart-no eyeballing. We will not go into analysis of degrees in this book, but I just want to make you aware that it does exist. In the latter part of this book I will refer you to a good reference book for degree analysis if it should interest you . Figure9 An Eyeballed Natal Chart 10 The Original WayBy Math Roll up your sleeves, sharpen your pencils, get plenty of paper, and get your calculator if you have one. In this chapter you will learn how to construct an accurate natal chart step by step, doing the calculation s yourself, Ihe same way the computer does it. If you really do not want to learn how to create a natal chart, that is OK. Most of you won't want to, preferring inIcad computerized charts or eyeballing. In this case, I recommend that you at least read this chapter without actu ,illydoing the steps because you will gain an awareness of nil the factors invo lved. In addition, there are some terms used that are not men tioned elsew here in this book and it would benefit you to at least be familiar with the terms . Of cou rse, if you want to become a real pro or a top notch amateur, you should definitely take the time to lv.rrn the method of chart calculation in this chapter. The method in this chapter is the one I used for many Vo', lrs in my pre-computer days. It is just as accurate as the , omputer-c-just slowe r-much slower. I've gained two advantages from knowing how to , «nstruc t a chart step by step. First, I am able to eyeball a 135 136 / Astrology for Beginners chart faster and more accurately because my mind can approximate the adjustments tha t must be made. Second, when I make an error in en tering data into the computer, or when I read any chart that contains a significa nt error, it is immediately apparent to me because I know approximately what the chart should look like. Here are two example of some of the many errors I have encountered. Case #1 : A woman I knew quite well hired me to do her chart and give her an analysis. She gave me her birth information. The moment I glanced at the chart, I knew she had given me incorrect information because the chart was nothing like the person I knew she rea lly was. She insisted, "I copied the information from my birth certificate !" I asked to see the birth certificate. It read 12:05 pm; she had writ ten 12:05 am. Twelve hours difference is tremendous. Even the short time between the bir th of identi cal twins makes a difference. From Case #1, learn to be careful, de tail consciou s, and doub le check everything. Probably 90 percent of the errors I encounter are due to erroneous birth information. Case #2: A woman, whom I did not know, wrote and asked me to do a chart and analysis and mail it to her. I did a computerized chart. She replied to tell me that I was a lousy as trologer. Her proof was a photocopy of a hand crea ted chart done "by a world famous astrologer." She mentioned his name, which I promptly forgo t because I'd never heard of him. This hand drawn chart had two significa nt er rors that were apparent at a glance. First, it had Venus trine tluSun, which is abso lute ly impossible! The Sun and Venus are never separated by more than 48 degrees. Second, II had Pluto in Gemini, which meant she had to have been born som etime prior to May 26, 1914 because that is till' The Original Way- By Math/ 137 last day that Pluto was in Gemini in the past several hundred years. Yet she gave her birthdate as being in 1927. I wrote to tell her this only to receive a scathing response that I was not competent. Astrology certainly brings interestin g experiences. Now let's proceed with erecting a natal chart. We will use the ephemeris page show n in figu re 3, a Tables of Houses, a logarithm cha rt (wh ich I will call a "log" chart from now on), a blank horoscope chart, a table of geographical coordinates, and a book of time changes. I will discuss each of these items in sufficient detail for you to use them. Before we begin the actual calcul ation, lets examine some of the factors required for the calculation. Tables of Houses A Tables of Houses is a book that contains 360 charts, one for each degree of the horoscope wh eel. Each cha rt contains the data necessar y to calculate the degrees and signs on each hou se cusp for a given birth time and place. Figure to conta ins simulations of the two charts requ ired 10 calculate the hou se cusps we are going to use in the ex.unpie we will work in a few moment s. Keep in mind that a complete Tables of Houses has 160 charts, each one different from the others . In figure to, I have just included enou gh inform ation to give you an Idea of what each table looks approxima tely like. In an acIlIil l Table of Houses book, there would be a listing of all 60 d,,!;rees north latitude. I've jus t included a few of them for tllus tra tion. Most Tables of Hou ses books contain ad ditional v.rluab le information such as geographical coord ina tes I" r major cites of the world and time zone tables. 138 / Astrology for Beginners ~ ~ 1:> o. '" ... 0 gJ 5I - The Original Way-By Math / 139 ~o:t'Ol)" -' 0000\0\ NNN ........ ~Mf~ B '" :>........ .... .... .... QOooooOOO\ s'"'" li~ '"-' '" ~ ~ '" uz <!l E 'D \O t--. O\ O C5f:j (;l r-: :s O 1:> '" 0 ~ 0 '" 0'1 0\ '" ~ co co Mr : <!l E N -'" .z:; ~ ?=3 .- ~ 8 8 ~ U l! '1:l_ ~ 1~ ~~ !:l~ U')\O oo O\ .... ............ .... N ~[;j :?;!l z u ~ ~ ~ '" 8~ -' S: :R ~ - '" o ('l") .... lt)'I1' 0 \00_ _0 _0NN N " ",..!9 ~ ~ ~ ----- .B "' ~ ".z:; ,.8 eo 80: ]" l' )g ~ becau se nstruct. tes west ch, Eng- ....=. .B ~$ -- -_ ~ ~ 88 ~ "''1:l -tl~ '1:l= 1~ ~ ~!:; ol 1 ~ :0.2 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~; I ~ 8:e l'll'll'l<'l<'l !5 ~ ,4:12 es north degrees, :34' 12," '.c ", ..!9 s 6:20 3:16 :j " I ~ ~ ,.§ -tb :> .... s:::::J ..£l 1;(: g~ of coorfollows: 2:40 ·3 :16 0\ 0\ 0\ 0\ 0\ '30 '" ~ ill ",'1:l - '" !5"' - ... j i I :! ; r-, r-, r-, r-, t-, ... ~ ~ ~ :0.2 -.or:--.O\ o (',I .... _ _ _ N ('f") ~:e !5 ~ '" '.0 ~r-.oO\ 5 --E!. § ;;; :;Hl :0.2 "''1:l ~ ~ ;: '1:l_ '"-' - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ --- - ~ N 0 ~ --_.... ~ 0 \0 \0\0 \O t'-. '" :>...o r-..r--. r-. c:o '" ~ f-- ",..!9 0 NNNNN ~lE ~;:& -o "It') NNNNN ll') OlO O "'~ ::J .B 'D 00 0 '3 0 '" ~ ill ", '1:l N~ lo: i: ~ eo !5 LJ ~ ~N '" ~ point on s are exngitude. anaccuby com create a nates as -- - '" ' " :0.2 ~N ~ ... ,.8 -tb :> 0: " 08 U.z:; ~:e - '" - .... frl~ .z:; j:f l'< lo: '1:l- ............ N N - ~ o:.z:; C""l Lf) .... ("I')U") - ........ .... .... .B ~ ~ '.0 :ol ::J NN ........ 00 00 00 00 CO ... r<) r-., OO f"-" U") - Geographical Coordinates ~ ~ :il ~ 8 not give gure 11 uld ever alculate will not reas, for 140/ Astrology for Beginners The Original Way-By Math / 141 Figure 11. Longitude Time Rule: Each degree of longitude is equal to 4 minutes of clock time. Longitude for Toledo, Ohio is 83 W 33. Step 1 83 degrees x 4 minutes 332 minutes Step 2 60 S hoy rs 1332 300 32 minutes 33 minutes x 4 seconds 132 seconds Step 3 Step 4 2 minutes 60 1132 (Each minute of longitude must equal 4 seconds of clock time.) .l2.ll 12 seconds StepS Add the results of steps 2 and 4 together. S hours 32 minutes + 2 mbnutes 12 seconds S hours ~_. . q minutes 12 seconds This is the total Toledo longitude time. Compare this result with the listing ofcoordinatesin the Longl tudes and Latitudes of Major Cities chart and you will see th.11 they are identical. In these cases you need to figure ou t the geog raphica l coo rdinates using a map (world a tlas or road map). Most maps have latitude a nd longitude mar ks a t intervals around the periphery of the map. These arc usu ally prin ted in very small letters; I've see n them in black, red , and blue ink. Most commonl y they will mark off every four degrees of latitude and long itude. What yo u need to do is find the birthplace on the map as closely as yo u can and then int erpolat e the coord inates using the on es marked on the map as a guide. This is quite simple. For exa mple, suppose one lat itud e mark is 34 degrees and the next one is 38 degrees a nd your birthplace lies three-fourths of the way past 34 toward the 38 d egree mark. Use a rul er to measu re. The birthplace would be three-fou rths of 4 (the distan ce between marks) past 34. Three-fourths of 4 is 3. So add 3 to 34 lind the birthplace is at 37 d egrees N latitude. Do the sa me kind of measurement for the lon gitude, a nd then you hav e the geographical coordinates. A Tables of Houses is a mu st for d oing hand calculalions. You can get on e at the library or purchase one. I recommend purchase becau se they are not expe ns ive and lI U will use them cons tantly. iogarithm Chart Figure 12 is a log table. It is a mathematical table tha t I~ used for hundreds of mathemat ical calculations, not just lor astrology exclusively. In ast rology, the chart is used to calculate the exact pllsition of each plan et with respect to the place of birth. Do not let the impressiv e appearance of the table inIlmidate you. It is quite simple to use. You simply look up numbers. Shortly, I will give you a step by step exa mple. 142 / Astrology for Begillllers The Origina; Way- By Math / 143 0 "'1'1 n"l' v.I<Dt'ooXlo!l 0 _ N M "l' IiI <D~lI: al i 0: _ 11, 1111! 1, 11111;l 1111: 1, 11111111111111111111111111! 111I I · ., :l_el f'l <D I~"l= _ 0 ... t t ll'l"l'Io'IUlt-lXlal O ..C'lM" "" CD t'o<XI o!lO "'I'I M., ,,, C toOll ' t lt'tlt.MN t ..NtltIMMI'lM f'lMt'1 M '..H ? .,. .,..,.If.Io'l'''lIj),,, lIl ltl..,.., .,..,. ~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ! ~li i l l i§ i § § i i ~ l i j i l li i§ i ii i i ll n5 5 ialj~[fIHt1;D6§ ~ i ~ i i§ § l a~ ~ i ~ ~ i ~ ~ ~ ~ i~~~ ill § ! ~i~i i i~~ ~i i ~i i i i ~§i ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ i! ~ ~ !~ ~ ~ i l ! • •••-•. ••••••...'•• -•.•..••••••••-. ..••, ~ ... . . ".5•••••• sss•••••••••••••••• ;.i.i••••••••• i •• Wiii •• ii• • • j ~ : ~ : : : : : : :~ : ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~§ § ~ : ~ ~: : ~: : : ! !~ ~~~ ~~ 2~§~ § § ~ !¥ § ! ! ! ~ ~ § ~ ~ § ~g ~ § g § ~ § ~ ~ ~ ~ i i ft ti ~ ~ ~ B ! !~ ~ ! 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N<'l''l'.,.l 'l '' 'lIi I/)01 ' '' Time Changes There are books you can ge t at the libra ry or purchase that sh ow the various time changes in the Un ited States Over the years . To calculate a natal chart yo u need to know the tim e zone and the kind of time in effect a t the mom ent of birth. For exam ple, Toledo, Ohio is in the Eastern Tim e one, which is known as Zo ne 5 beca use it is five tim e zones west of Greenwich, Eng land. On July 4, 1929, Tol ed o wa s using Eastern Standard Time. H owever, on July 4, 1990 Toledo was using Eastern Daylight Tim e, which is one hour faster tha n standard lime. If all time zones swi tched uniforml y fro m standard time to d aylight tim e it would be a simp le matter to au tomatically sub tract the one hour fro m d aylight time when calcula ting a chart. H owever, the switching of tim es is nnything but uniform. Some pla ces don't switch a t all. Some sta tes allow each county to choose whether or not to swi tch. And then I here Were War Time changes at various times in various ,laces. It is a mess. The only way to know for certain is to 1ook it up in a book. I've recommended suc h a book in Pa rt IV of this book. For our calculations in this cha p ter, I will tell you the rorrect tim e to use, Ihe Chart Figu re 13 is the cha rt we will use for the hand calculnted natal cha rt for 9 am, Ju ly 4, 1929 at Toled o, Ohio. I will sho w you how to calculate the mid-heaven and '''l'cndan t cus ps and how to calcu late the Su n position. All Ih,' other house cusps and plan et positions are calculated tn exactly the sa me manner, and yo u can d o them or not as VI lli choose. I've filled in those w e calcu late in this exa m1"'" in the chart. The Original Way-By Math{ 145 144 { Astrologyfor Beginners 1' . W. He wit t N.m", _ _ Birthpl. « I'll y r , 19Z9 _ .: do, Oh io Tnle :.~ ~ :. l) Figure 13 Natal Chart am EST _ There are a number of designs of blank charts in pad form available at reasonable prices . The one shown here is just one type . Or you can make your own. Chart Calculation In order to de termine the house cusps, we first must calculate the "Sidereal Time of Birth." Figure 14 shows step by step how to do this simple calculation. This calculation is to compensate for the time difference and curvature of the earth from Greenwich, England to the point of birth (Toledo, Ohio in this case). The ephemeris page, figure 3, used for this calculation is a midnight ephemeris. That is, the data given is for zero hours, the very beginning of the day. Some ephemeris books are noon ephemeris. I've made a note in figure 14 to tell you what you need to do differently if you use a noon ep hemeris. Figu re 14 is self-explanatory, so I won't belabor the matter by talking you through it here . The result of our calculation in figure 14 is a sidereal time of 3:14' 12." We will now use this number to look up da ta in the table of house, figure 10. In the upper left comer of the lefthand chart in figure 10 you see the numbers 3h 12m Os, In the same place in the rlghthand chart you see the nu mbers 3h 16m Os. The sidereal time of birth for the example we are working is 3h 14m 12s, which is almost exactly halfway between these two consecutive charts. So to find the house cusps for our notal chart we will have to interpolate halfway between the two table of houses charts in figure 10. Also take note tha t running vertically between the I wo charts is a listing of latitudes (abbreviated LAT.) from II to 60 degrees. The birth latitude in our example is 41N39, which is about two-thirds of the way between the 41 and 12 degree latitude figures. Therefore, we will have to inu-rpo late two-thirds of the way between the latitude figures, 146/ Astrology for Beginn ers The Original Way- By Math / 147 Figure 14. Chart Calculation Figure 14, Continued Birth Date: July 4,1 929; Time: 9:00 am; Place: Toledo, Ohio Step 1 9:00 am EST Birth time (less one hour if needed for Step 2 +00:00 Step 3 9:00 + 5:00 Step 4 14:00GMT 18:46'04" StepS 32:46' 04" 5:34'12" 27:11' 52" Step 6 2'20'1 daylight savings time or War time) If pm birth time, add 12:00 hou rs; add zero for am . Add time zone hours (see zone chart below) to convert to GMT. To GMT, add sidereal time from ephemeris (see fig. 3). GMT Correction Table Add 10" correction for every GMT hour at the end of Step 5. If the number at the end of Step 5 is greater than 24:00:00, subtract 24:00:00 before calculating the GMT correction from the chart below. 30' to 36' = 06" 0' to 6' = 01" 6' to 12' = 02" 36' to 42' = 07" 12' to 18' = 03" 42' to 49' =08" 18' to 24' =04" 48' to 54' = 09" 24' to 30' = 05" 54' to 60' = 10" Tim e Zones Subtract longitude time (see chart earlier in this cha pter), (For subtraction, this is the same as 32:45' 64". ) + 5 + 6 + 7 See GMT correction chart below for +8 further instru ction Add correction for GMT (see chart below). 27:1372" 24:00:00 If this number is more than 24:00:00, subtract 24:00:00 from it. 3:13'72" = 3:14'12", which is the sidereal time of birth . FOR NOON EPHEMERIS:The rules are slightly different if yOll are using a noon ephemeris (the above calculations are for" midni ght ephemeris). In constructing a chart using a noon ephemeris, Step 2 above is exactly opposite. That is, in Step 2 add 12:00 hours for an am birth time, and add 00:00 for a pm birth time. All other calculations are as shown above. +10 +10.5 for Eastern Standard Time for Central Standard Time for Mountain Standard Time for Pacific Standard Time for Central Alaska Time for Hawaii an Stand ard Time (EST) (CST) (MST) (PST) (CAT) (HST) Centered near th e top of the left hand chart yo u will lind 20 TA 26 and in th e same pl ace in th e rig hthand chart you will find 21 TA 26. These are th e positions for th e midheaven (lOth house cusp). To find th e m id heav en for o ur examp le chart, w e will need to interpolate be tween these two midheaven positions. Let's do the midheaven first . The m idheaven di ffer"lice between the two ch arts is exac tly 60 m inutes (o ne degree). Half of 60 is 30. So add 30 m inutes to th e midheaven !,osition in th e lefthand ch art and you ha ve 20 TA 26 + 30' 20 TA 56, which is th e 10th house cu sp for ou r exa mp le. Write this on your blank ch art as I have d one in figure 13. Since you now know th e 10th house cus p, yo u au to- 148/ A strology for Beginners matically know the 4th house cusp. It will be the same degree and minutes in the opposite sign, or 20 SC 56. Write this on your chart also. Now let' s do the Ascendant (ASC),or 1st house cusp. The left chart at 41 degrees latitude shows 26 LE 56, and the right chart shows 27 LE43. They are 47 minutes apart. Half of 47 is 24 (rounded), so add 24 to the lower number: 26 LE 56 + 24 = 27 LE 20. . Do the same type of calculation now for the 42 degree latitude. The left chart shows 27 LE 15 and the right chart shows 28 LE01.They are 46 minutes apart. Half of 46 is 23 minutes. Add 23 minutes: 27 LE 15 + 23 = 27 LE 38. Since our birth latitude (41N39) falls 2/3 of the wa y between the 41st and 42nd degree latitudes, we must now interpolate between the numbers we calculated in the two previous para graphs. The difference between 27 LE 38 and 27 LE 20 is 18 minutes. Two-th irds of 18 is 12. Add 12: 27 LE 20 + 12 = 27 LE 32, which is the degree and sign of our calculated Ascendant. Enter this on the 1st house cusp of your chart. Of course, this automatically makes the 7th house cusp become 27 AQ 32; enter this on your chart also. When you compare our calculations so far against . the computer generated ones (see figure 1) you will see a minute or so difference. The reason is that I have used rou nded minut es and no seconds in my ephemeris page, table of houses page, and my calculations for simplicity. The compu ter uses minutes and seconds and fractions of seconds and does no rounding until the final calculation. The rounded calculations I use are certainly close enough, and for all practical purposes can be considered precise, When I first started in astrology, I used seconds and fractions of seconds just like the computer, but found it to be too cumbersome for general use. If you choose you can proceed to calculate the re- The Original Way-By Mati. / 149 maining house cusp s in the same man ner as I've just explained . If they vary significantly from the computer generated figures, recheck your ma th. Figure 15 is self-explan atory and shows step by step how to calculate planet positions. The Sun is used as an example and is filled in on figure 13. If you choose you can calculate the remaining planets and fill them in on your chart. You now have been introduced to the three methods of creating a natal chart: By computer, by eyeballing, and by han d calculated math. Whichever method you choose is up to you. Interpreting the results is the same for all three method s, and you will learn how to do interpretations in the next seve ral chapters. The Original Way- By Math / 151 ISO/Astrology for Beginners Figure 15. Planet Correction Figure 15, Continued With a midni ght epheme ris, always use the Greenwich day of birth an d the day following when find ing the moveme nt of a planet in a 24-hou r period . The same applies to using a noon ephemeris, with the following exception :For am births where the GMT is less than 24:00, use the previous day and the bir th day. The planet positions are given in the ephemeris (figure 3 for our purposes here). First you must de termine the consta nt log from the log chart in figure 12 that represents the GMT of the birth time. The GMT is the number you obta ined at the comp letion of Step 3 in figure 14 when calcu lating the chart . In our example case, the GMT is 14:00. In cases where the GMT is 24:00 or more, sub tract 24 to obtain the GMT number to use here. Now look up 14 de grees and 00 minutes in the log chart in figu re 12.Go across the top to 14 and down toO.The number is .2341. So the constant log for this specific birth is .2341. It is usually wri tten CL .2341. This same constant log will be used to calculate all of the planet positions for this specific birth . Sun position a t midnight Greenwich on ]uly 4,1 929 is: 11 CN 32 Sun position at midnightGreenwichon]uly5, 1929is: 12CN 29 To find the movement of the Sun in this 24 hour period, subtract II CN 32 from 12 CN 29. Add the constant log to the Sun log number : 12 CN 29 = 11 CN 89 - 11 CN 32 = II CN 32 00 57' movem ent Now refer to the log chart in figure 12 to find the log equivilent of 57' . Look do wn to left column to 57 and then over to 0 (because there are zero deg rees). You find the number 1.4025. Sun 1.4025 CL .2ID 1.6366 Now look up 1.6366 in the log chart to see what degrees and minutes comes closest to it. You will find that 00 degrees an d 33 minutes comes closesllo 1.6366. This means that the Sun moved 33' from the position listed in the ephemeris unt il the birth time and place bein g cha rted. To find where the Sun was at 9 am on]uly4, 1929 in relation to Toledo, Ohio, add the 33' to the ephemeris position: Ephemeris II CN 32 Movem ent 00 33 11 CN 65 = 12 CN 05 Position If you look at the computer calcula ted position for the Sun in figure I, you will see it exactly matches the position calculated above. All planet positions are calculated exactly as described above. The only things di fferent will be the ephemeris numbers and the constant log because the birt h times and places will be d ifferent for each chart you constru ct. 11 Planets in the Signs This chapter and the three following chapters are designed to give you a quick reference for interpreting the various factors that go into compiling a complete natal horoscope interpretation. For example, if a chart has Mercury in Gemini, look lip the brief interpretation for it in this chapter.Combine it with all the other pertinent interpretations and you end lip with a good overall interpretation for the chart. The interpretations in these four chapters are brief, mvering only some of the salient points. For more depth lid details, you will need to read more extensive books that specialize just in interpretations. These chapters do, however, provide accurate and sufficiently complete inlormation for beginners to get an excellent start on their 1',llh to the enjoyment and practice of astrology. SUN ' h,-Sun in the Signs An entire chapter, Chapter 4, was devoted to Sun 01/1115 because the Sun is the single most important planet III ,IllY chart. The Sun will not be covered additionally here 155 156 / Astrology for Beginners except to point out that in any chart the Sun re presents the self-body and personality. Colors associated with the Sun are gold and oran ge. Refer to Chapter 4 for details. MOON Moon in Aries Gives a person a great deal of energy. Confers am bition . Inclines person to temper flare-ups and impetu ousness. Person is usually courageous and confident. These people do not tolerate interference from others. They are independent and do what they want, right or wrong. There usually is a capacity for lead ership. Moon in Taurus These people tend to have stead y emotions. On the positive side, these peo ple are hard working, patient, and appreciate the fine things in life. Negatively, they are lazy. very stu bborn, materialistic, and unwilling to change. These people are good at handling money and domestic matters. They often attract the good thin gs in life. Often they have a green thumb. Moon in Gemini This confers quick-wit, ability to communicate both in writing and speaking. Negatively, these peopl e can be unreliable and untrustworthy. Positively, they are intelligent, versatile, ingenious, and ad aptable. Sometimes they talk too much. If the Moon is heavily afflicted with harsh aspects (squares, oppos itions), it indicates much confu sion and distorted reasoning. If the Moon has favorable aspects (trines, sextiles, or conjunctions), it indicates per. sons who have excellent ability to think and rationalize clearly and who are resourceful. Planets in the Signs / 157 Moon in Cancer The Moon is most powerful here . On the positive side, they are wa rm, loving, maternal, rom antic. On the negative side, they are overly romantic, have a smothering affection, like to hoard things, and often have a mean streak. Domestic security is vitally important to these people, and they can have strong ties to their mother. These people are usu ally good cooks . They often are overly sensitive to the remarks and actions of others, which can cause them to withdraw and brood . Moon in Leo These people want to be the center of attention. Often Ihey are prima donnas. They need recognition - to be admired and appreciated. They are capable of great love and Kreat ambition. Negatively, they can be egotistical showoffs, Positively, they are enthusiastic, responsible, devoted, kind, and generous. These people have a tendency to dominate others. They love children, but expect them to he well groomed . Moon in Virgo These people are hardworking, pay great attention to d"tail , and are very fussy about cleanliness and good nu Irition. If well aspected, it confers cleverness and ingenulty.If harshly aspected it usually confers slyness, nagging, ,uld perhaps a touch of greed. Most often these people are hy and prefer to work behind the scen es, avoiding the lhnclight. Mooll in Libra Strong sensitivity to others, especially marriage and l-usiness partners. With good aspects, these people are I"d.mced, humble, courteous, and gentle. With adverse I-ccts, these peopl e are unbalanced and do nearly every- Planets in the Signs /159 158/ Astrology for Beginners thing in extremes. These people often are well suited for public relations work. Their link to their parents, and especially the mother, is quite strong. Moon in Scorpio This is not a favorable position for the Moon. These people are strong headed and biased to the extreme. Positively, they can be quite passionate and have ample selfconfidence; they can be psychic and have compassion for others. Negatively, they can be cruel. rude, stubborn, and selfish. Moon in Sagittarius These are optimistic, cheerful people who love the outdoors and foreign travel. They tend to be idealistic, often overly idealistic. They usually follow traditional religious and philosophical views. If adversely aspected, they can be nervous, restless, and discontented most of the time. With positive aspects, they are little rays of sunshine in everyone's life. Moon in Capricorn These people are usually ambitious, hard workers whose main goal is personal financial security. They are much more materialistic than spiritual. Everything they do is with self-interest in mind. With positive aspects, they can be witty and faithful. With negative aspects, they can be unscrupulous. Moon in Aquarius Indicates dealing with the public. These are the friendly humanitarians who somehow manage to remain impersonal while being the champion of human causes. They can be quite stubborn. Often they have strong psychic abilities. Freedom is all important to these people. Moon in Pisces This is an exceptionally strong psychic position. These people are very sensitive and emotional. This Moon position is often associated with outstanding artistic, musical, or poetic ability. Because of their sensitivity, these people become easily hurt by the words and actions of others. Sometimes they become neurotic or -psychotic. Sometimes they are extremely timid . MERCURY Mercury in Aries A quick, alert mind . Sometimes jumps impetuously to conclusions without giving the matter sufficient thou ght. There can sometimes be a quick temper or irritability. These people are decisive and competitive. They make decisions based more on a personal point of view rather than on impersonal facts. They have good minds, but sometimes become egotistical, sarcastic, and changeable. Mercury in Taurus These people appreciate beauty. Their thought processes are geared toward what is practical, material. or financially beneficial. These are not necessarily brilliant thinkers, nor are they usually original. but they are shrewd in business. They often make good managers. In extreme cases, there can be dullness or lust. Mercury in Gemini Mercury is most powerful here. These are the very bright people who can write and speak well . Professional communicators often have this placement in their natal chart. It is nearly impossible to out think these people; I hey have exceptionally agile minds. If harshly aspected, 160 / Astrology for Beginners it can cause acute nervousness, often to the point of mental burnout. If these people lack self-disciplin e they will become a jack of all trades and a master of none. These people need to guard against allowing themselves to become sidetracked from their main goal. Mercury in Cancer Love of history and antiques is indicated here. Much of their thinking concerns their home and domestic matters. In business, they are most suited for real estate, food, and consumer products. Adv erse aspects to this position often confers cruelty. Mercury in Leo Unique capacity for lead ership on the positive side. Self-centered and domineering on the negative side. These people have strong willpower and usu ally a onetrack mind focused on what it is they want. Great selfconfidence goes with this placement, also. These people are slow to make up their mind s, and equa lly slow to change their minds. Their special areas of interest are the stock market, theater, investments, artistic pursuits, and education. They like to combine travel to be both work and pleasure. MercurY in Virgo Mercury is very strong here. These people are detail conscious to the extreme. They make good researchers. Their minds are analytical, and they have grea t reasoning ability . They insist on precision and orderliness. They are efficient. These people do best when they have a specialized skill or are well educated. These peopl e are work oriented and do not waste time. Any wo rk requ iring exactness is for them. Some suitable occupational areas are mathematics, medicin e, and hygiene. Planets in the Signs / 161 Mercury in Libra Positively, these people are balanced and have vision. Negatively, they are un bala nced and lack vision. Some good fields for these people are astrology, public relations, psychology, counseling, and law. These people have hardworking, stern minds and expec t others to be the same way. They are rep ulsed by bad man ners. Mercury in Scorpi o Positively, these people are sp iritua l, wise, and seek great depths of understand ing. Negati vely, they are selfcentered and concerned only with gra tifying their physical desires. This position confers an intuitive mind capa ble of great insights. When they speak, they say exactly what they think regardless of how it affects others. Very determined minds are indicated here that can, in extreme cases, become scheming minds. These people make good investigators and researchers. If Mercury is heavily afflicted with harsh aspects, then there can be excessive preoccupation with sex. Mercury in Sagittarius The mind is concerned with social justice, law, religion, philosophy, and higher ed uca tion. This is not the best placement for Mercury, often causing the persons to lose sight of truth. These people frequently have the gift of prophecy. These people sometimes become so concerned about conformity tha t they become hyp ocrites. They often consider themselves to be au thorities (know it all). They nee d to realize that just because a current trend is popular, It does not necessarily mean it is right. Mercury in Capricorn Ambiti on and visionary are the key word s here. Also shrewd, practical, and status conscious. These are realistic Planets in the Signs / 163 162/ Astrology for Beginners people. In extreme cases, they will do whatever it takes to get what they want without regard to right or wrong. Generally, however, they work hard to get the education they need to succeed, and they do succeed without resorting to anything underhanded. These people do not waste their time with theories or lofty thoughts-they think the only ideas that are good are those that have some practical value. Vel/us it' Taurus Venus is very strong here, both for good and for bad. On the up side, these are loving, compassionate people. On the down side, these are brutish, gluttonous people. In any case, these people are always intense in their pursuits. These people love comfort, luxury, beauty, and the good life in general. They almost always keep their homes beautiful, often with artsy objects. Talented singers often have this placement of Venus in their natal chart. Mercury in Aquarius These are big thinkers, large scale thoughts, often concerned with masses of people (the public). No tim e wasted here on small or petty thinking. These are usually open minded people who seek truth. Mercury is strong here and often confers a highly evolved mind-intuitivc, or concerned with the betterment of humanity. This is an excellent position for astrologers or for occult disciplines in general. These people seek mental stimulation through friends and groups of people. Venus in Gemini These people often marry more than once because they need more than one outlet for their affection. It is not uncommon for them to have twins. Variety in love life, varicty in travel, variety in all emotional pursuits are the key phrases for this Venus. These people really are offended hy crude behavior. Often they are superficial in their procssed romantic interests. in Cancer Mother instinct. Self-sacrificing. Also can be change"h ie and selfish. Deeply sensitive about their romantic tcelings. They assume a dignified facade to cover their ""sily hurt feelings. They can be moody and unpredict"hie, which can be threatening to a successful marriage. Women with this position are very domestic; they love to , ook and keep house. Men with this position often "mother" their families. I'l'tlUS Mercury in Pisces These people usually have photographic memories and vivid imaginations. They are highly intuitive and telepathic. These are sympathetic people who are often too easily swayed by others. Negatively, they can be weak willed or wallow in self-pity. If Mercury is adversely aspected, it often indicates a persecution complex. VENUS Venus in Aries These people demand personal attention and tend III be self-centered. They pursue their love interest with vigor. In a woman's chart, it indicates a woman wh o I. usually the aggressor (chases the man). Sometimes theo" people are bullies. in Leo These people love drama. Their personal behavior is .lr.una tlc, they are born romantics and they like their rom.mces to be dramatic and exciting. They dramatize their motions, like to be the center of attention. These are very " ,rial people. They love to throw parties, the more lavish, V"IIIIS 164 / Astrology for Beginners Planets in tire Signs / 165 the better. They are warm, outgoing, and affectionate. They are loyal to those people they think are worthy of their loyalty. Sometimes these people are prima donnas, and at social gatherings make a concerted effort to vie for attention. They love children . In some cases, these people become possessive and jealous. They are usually excellen t actors and actresses. tively , these peopl e are faithful and end uring. Negatively, lustful and demanding. Und er all circums tances these people maintain their di gn ity and prid e. Wom en with this placement sometimes use their sex ap pea l to ga in power and to manipulat e people. Love-hate relati onships are common, and on ce a roman ce is broken or turns cold, it is never mended. Venus in Virgo This is not the best position for Venus. Usually one of two extremes characterize this position. (1) Vicious, sly, underhanded, overly critical of others (never of self), di fficult to get along with, crude, sloppy, promiscuous. (2) Humble, shy, self-sacrificing to help others, neatness freaks, well mannered, clean, extremely faithful, nurturing. Often they are a mixture of some of each of these two extremes. Probably there are more unmarried people wit h this Venus placement than any other . These people often make good doctors and nurses, cooks, dietitians. Venus in Sagittarius You never feel neutral abou t these people. You eithe r love them or detest them because of th eir potential extremes of behavior (or a mixture the reof), For examples, they can be open, honest, forthright, unafraid, religi ous, moral; or they can be blunt to the point of offensiven ess, Imp ractical, cruel, self-centered , do thin gs only for selfish purposes, try to impose their religious beliefs on others . Usually these people like ou tdoor spo rts, are fond of horses, and often see k to marry people of foreign extraclion or even other races . They also prefer people with high er education. Venus in Libra This is a powerful position for Venus. It bestows gen· eral personal physical attractiveness and attractiveness to the opposite sex. Marriage is important to these people and they generally have many opportunities for marriage. They have a strong sense of justice. These people ar e easy to get along with. They are refined and have an innate un derstanding of other people. Women with this position desire to be deeply cared for, and th ey want th eir men to be well po ised and suav e in public. This is a good position for su ccess in the performing arts. Venus in Scorpio Sex is the keyword here. Strong emo tions and sexual d esires. Passionate, jealous, secretive, and sensu al. Pos ill Capricorn Ambitious, calcu lating, d ependable. They often seek " marriage partner who will increase their station (status) In life. They sho w their emo tion in their actions rather than in words. They are proud a nd rese rved and are often I"'rceived as being snobbish. In public they suppress their "motions and sexuality, but can be quite d emonstrative in private. If they marry young, they quite often see k an " Ider, mature partner . Converse ly, if they marry when Ihey are old er, they often seek a mu ch younger partner . tl,, :y are loya l to those they love. Some times these people , house careers as antique dealers or work in art ga lleries "" I museums. In extreme cases, they are overly con, - m ed about money or sta tus to the exclusio n of everyIhln/; else. V"II US Planets in the Signs / 167 166/ Astrology for Beginners Venus in Aquarius Impersonal but friendly people. These people are usually well liked because they spa rkle with ene rgy, are electric, and have an unusual manner abou t them . Often they are self-sacrificing to help othe rs. Frequently their romances are sudden and superficial, rather than stable or long lasting.They do not like partners who shy away from social gatherings or events because these are very social, group oriented people: In some cases, these peopl e are eccen tric or promiscuous. Any occupation in which electricity or electronics is a major factor is often chosen by these people for their career . Venus in Pisces Powerful placement for Venus. Love is at its hi ghest vib ration here. Deep compassion, sympathy, and un dersta nding of love and life. These are romantic, sensitive people, and they feel lonely and disappointed if they do not receive demonstrations of love and affection from others. Sometimes their disappointments lead to mental illness or neurosis. This position of Venus probably bestows more innate ability in artistic creativity than any other placement. Many great artists, poets, and composers haw Venus in Pisces in their natal charts. Becaus e of their sensitivity, others frequently take advantage of them.They suffer (martyr complex) in silence (usually). In extreme cases, they may lack discrimination, be lazy, or overly d epend ent on others. MARS Mars in Aries Don't mess with these people. They d on' t takr "nothin' from nobody, no time!" Powerful Mars in Ari« bestows courage, great energy, a strong sense of competl tiveness, the d esire to alway s win and always be first. They ask no quarter and give none. They have much initiative, are usually head strong, impulsive, and independent. They love physical games. Football and car racing often appeal to them. These people are never spectators in life-they are full time active participants. Sometimes they have violent tempers, are overly ag gressive, or are ego tistical. They need to learn to be more patien t and loving. Mars in Taurus These people are slow, but they have great perseverance and determ ination . They never give up. They are not aggressive, bu t if forced to fight they will do so unrelentingly, to the d eath if necessary. Often their choice of career is in some field that requires patience and persistence such ,IS using tools to create objects that are durable and attractive. They hav e strong desires for money and possessions .ind will sometimes gravita te to a career in the money tlelds such as banking. Men with this Mars placement often lose their hair prematurely. Mars in Gemini These peopl e have active, critical minds and often have mechanical or engineering skills. They love to argue nnd often becom e irritable. They have good ideas but not tu-cessarily the perseverance to see their ideas th rough to u uition. This is a common Mars position for news report' -IS and critics. It is quite likely these people will have 1ll,IIly changes of occupation and may even pursue two I' lhs at the same time. fII"rs in Cancer This is not Mars best position. Often there is mood in,·ss, frustration that leads to anger, intense emotions, lack 168/ Astrology for Beginners of harmon y on the domestic scene. Suppressed anger can result in ulce rs or psyc hological problems. It can indicate poor relat ionship with the par ents. People wi th this placement are frequently hom e improvement buffs, which becomes an outlet for their pent-u p frus trations. Occasionally these people have great sympathy for those less fortu nate and d o work on their behalf. Mars in Leo A great dea l of willpower, crea tivity, and energy arc associated with this placement. Usually there is mu ch self-confidence and leadersh ip ability. These people must be the cen ter of wha tever is going on; they demand atten tion. Frequently they are egotistical and are showoffs, They are strongly opinionated, a nd often make enemies because of it. The re are on ly two ways: their way and the wrong way. They have stro ng attraction to the opposite sex. The men are masculine and proud, but they do tend to lose their hair at a young age . In extreme cases, they can be brassy and un pleasant to be around for very lon g. Sometimes they are d om ineeri ng, and believe they are infaIlible. Mars in Virgo This is the sign of the perfectionist. These people an' very skillfu l in their work. They are precise and like to b,' recognized for their attention to detail. Some occupation, associated wit h this placement are precision machinists, craftsmen, surgeons, nurses, those in the hea lth care pro fession in general. Sometimes these people are highly critical of ot hers, especially others who a re not as detail conscio us as they are . People wit h this placement are 111': thod ical and do not take actions unless there is a practiceI reason to do so. In extreme cases, they ge t so wrapped III' in details that they never see the big picture and do nul Planets in theSigns /169 achieve much a t all-the"can't see the forest for the trees " synd rome. Mars in Libra These are the social movers and shakers. They d irect their immense ene rgy toward social activities of all so rts from social reform to fraternal type activities. These people do no t act alone; they must have partners or a group. Social injustice infu riates them, and they will become involved eve n on issues that do not affect them personally. They desire marriage as an ou tlet for their own gratification, and seek partners who are aggressive and ene rgetic . While these people are usually aggressive and selfish, they ton e it down with socia l refinement and grace, which makes them mo re pleasant to be around . Mars in Scorpio These people are in tense in everything they do. They .ire un comprom ising. Everything they pursue is to the extreme. They eit her have devoted frien ds or bitter enemies. They either are devo tedly spiritual or have gutter level lust, Nothing is halfway w ith them. In extreme cases they .ire full of anger and hold grudges forever. If they are yo ur friend, they will d ie for you. If you are their ene my, they will stop at nothing to ge t more than even with you. As I'lI1ployees, they are usually reliable and serious. They have no fear of dea th. No thing will de ter them from ,H'hieving their goa ls. Exactly how these tra its will appear In ind ividual horoscopes depends on the aspects to Mars In that cha rt. In general, sq uares from Saturn, Ura nus, l'Iuto or Neptune tend to bring out the worst; the more ex,,1'1 the sq ua re, the stronger the influence. The entire chart " ',lIly needs to be studied to come up with an accurate I'",nouncement. 170 / Astrology for Beginners Mars in Sagittarius These people are almost always open and direct in their dealings with others. They play fair, but do inter pret the rules to their own advantage. Their motivations are almost always idealistic. They support causes and try to improve their social order. There is a strong love of sports and of hunting. Usually they have strong religious or philosophical beliefs, and in extreme cases try to convert others to their way of thinking. They are reliable, demand ing, quick, and are go-getters. Mars in Capricorn These people are extremely materialistic and will expend great am ounts of energy in their work to achieve status, money, and power so they can satisfy their materialistic craving. They are practical peopl e wh o know how to use their energies efficiently. Many executives, politicians, and military leaders have this position of Mars in their natal charts . Usually they have good self-discipline. They are able to take and carry out orders from their superiors, and they are also capable of giving ord ers. They de mand obedience and discipline from those under their command. They take great pride in doing their job well. and have no tolerance for lazin ess. Parents with this plan' ment expect great things from their child ren and are ver disappointed if their children let them down. If Mars is ai flicted (has harsh aspects) then there is total disregard for the rights of oth ers-they becom e selfish, cold, and will run rou gh shod over anyone in their way. Mars ir Aquarius These people are happy only wh en they are dea llng with the public in som e way. They may be social or ant social (depending on aspects), but they must interact witIt masses of people. They desire ind ependence and oftl'll Planets in the Signs / 171 follow un orth odox methods. They usually do not work well under authoritarian rules-they want to make their own rules to suit themselves. Negatively, these are the people who try to overthrow the existing social stru cture or government, often d estroying the old ways before they have anything worthwhile to replace the old wa ys with. Positively, these are the people who seek social justice for all, wh o will not tolerate prejudice, and who perform social services to help those less fortuna te. Mars in Pisces These are self-sacrificing peopl e wh o are more interested in helping others than in their own welfare. They make excellent nurses. Unfort unate ly, they are easily misused by others w ho take advantage of their generosity and goodwill. Often these peopl e are considered to be weak becau se they rarely stand up for their rights. This position favors those wh o wo rk behind the scenes rather than in public view. This is a favora ble pos ition for artistic .md musical careers. JUPITER lupiter in Aries These people are almost always endo wed with exrvptionally good health and are outgo ing, generous, and 'I uite aggressive. If JUpiter is harshly afflicted, then they ..nn become rude and overbearing. They are willin g to emh.irk on a large project and pursu e it mu ch furth er than others would be willin g to do. Sometimes they become overzealous and pursu e a matter to the an noya nce of othr , N. These people often become lead ers in ed ucational and plritual matters. Planets in the Signs / 173 172 / Astrology fo r Beginners Jupiter in Taurus These peop le usually know how to use money and material possessions in a beneficial mann er. They also have the tend ency to attract money and material good s to themselves. They often find their careers in the world of comm erce and business. They love good food and often become overweight. At times they can be jealous and demanding. In extreme cases, they are greedy and suspi cious. This is a good placem ent for those interested in musical or artistic careers . This is also a good position for gardeners. Jupiter in Gemini These are brilliant intellectuals who are very adaptable and expressive. However, unless other factors in the natal chart confer self-discipline, these peopl e scatter their mental energies without achieving much. In other words, they can have a broad but superficial knowled g" that is not of much worth in dollars and cents. Positively, these people can be skillful writers, educators, lecturers, and lead ers who can contribute much to society. Usually there is much traveling in their lives, both men tally and phy sically, and almost always some foreig n travel. Addl tional vocati ons are businesses concerned with publish ing, travel, importing/ expo rting, commu nications, mail orde r, and personal services. Jupiter in Cancer This is a powerful position for Jupi ter . It ind icates i. good family background-not necessarily wealth y- bill rath er love, kindness and positive parental influence Quite often these people become financially well off :.1 some point in their lives. These people are fond of food and are good cooks, often overeatin g to the poi nt of Crt'"t ing digestive probl ems .Some careers: real esta te, farming housing, anything in the food industry, articles for use in the home. Some times these people have dreams that are not practical. In extreme cases they may be miserly and fickle. Jupiter in Leo These people love to do things on a grand scale. They love parad es, rituals, drama, fraternal organizations. They are usu ally quite generous, self-confident, and optimistic. They enjoy giving, but expect to be admired for it. Leadership ability and dignity go with this position. These peopl e have to watch themselves lest they become conceited, arrogant, and overbearing. They love children and are interested in their welfare. Hence, they often become school teachers, Sunday school teachers, scoutleaders, etc. They often have a gambling streak in them, includin g interest in the stock market. Usually an abundance of talent go with this position. If Jupiter is heavily afflicted with harsh aspects, it forewarns of disappointments and losses in love, children, speculation, and romances. [upiter in Virgo This is not the best position for Jupiter. It foretells of overwork . Because they are extremely detail conscious nd because they put their entire being into their work, Ihey are in danger of becoming workaholics and burning themselves out. These people are compassionate and will p, ive their all for others. In extreme cases, these people can lx -come tyrants. Usually they have moral integrity. Often these people seek to work in hospitals or educational instinulons. If they are wealthy, they usually donate large mounts of money to educational or health causes. Planets in the Signs /175 174/ Astrologyfor Beginners [upiter in Libra This confers an enduring marriage and a good home life unless Jupiter is heavily afflicted with harsh aspects. These people usually are well balanced mentally and physically, have good judgment, and much talent. If Jupiter is very heavily afflicted, then there is danger of lawsuits and other legal problems. [upiter i" Scorpio These people are often involved on a large scale in matters of corporate finances, insurance, taxes, legacies, death, of real estate. Often they are interested in occult matters, especially in life after death and mental telepathy. They can be intense and uncompromising in their beliefs, thus creating many enemies. If Jupiter is well aspected to Uranus, Neptune or Pluto, these peopl e can be quite gifted psychically. If harshly aspected to these planets, then there is usually unwise or illegal use of psychic ability such as manipulating others for personal gain . [upiter in Sagittarius Jupiter is powerful here. Positively, it indicates people who are straightforward, generous, deep thinkers, and farsighted. They are interested in foreign cultures, education, philosophy, and religion . Negatively, it indi cates narrowmindedness, demanding, and even vicious. Jupiter in Capricorn These people make their own opportunities rathci than wait for opportunity. They are conscientious and an' . willing to work harder than asked. Generally they haw mora l integrity in business. They tend to have conserve tive views, and exercise great caution and mature judf, ment in everything they do. They do have a strong deslr » for power and status, which often causes problems with their domestic life. This position is typical of the executive who lives at the office and hardly ever sees his family. These people do not like waste and in extreme cases become miserly. [upiter in Aquarius Great tolerance is foretold by this Jupiter position. They do not harbor prejudice and insist on equality in every respect for all people. Positively, these people are statesmanlike and conscientious. Negatively, they are scheming and egocentric. If this Jupiter is well aspected, there can be interest in occult matters, astrology, reincarnation, cosmic law, and humanitarian causes. [upiter in Pisces If this Jupiter has aspects to Uranus, Neptune or Pluto there will most likely be considerable psychic ability and great intuition. These people are extremely compassionate and understanding. In extreme cases, these people an be weak and selfish. SATURN Snturn in Aries This is not the best position for Saturn. People born with this in their natal chart may have to work very hard II their life with very little gain to show for it. These peoI'lecan be forceful, direct, and domineering. This position ~ I,() indicates resourcefulness. In highly developed peo"I,·such as Albert Einstein, who had this placement, it can Ir,.d to mental creativity. Sometimes these people can be d"fensive and difficult to communicate with. In extreme I .!Nes, these people can be tyrants. 176 { Astrology for Beginners Planets in the Signs {177 Saturn in Taurus If Saturn is well aspected, these people are patient and steady and have practical man agem ent ability, especially in areas of finance. They are builders who can acquire much if they are willing to work hard-they get nothing for free. They tend to be fruga l. At about age 29 these people seek a caree r that will provide them wit h financial and domestic security. Some professions they are especially adept for are: banking, investments, insurance, or business management in general. If Saturn is not well aspected, they can be stubborn, greedy, and miserly. Saturn in Gemini Quick mind and quick hand s are ind icated here. They have well-disciplined, logical minds and are good at problem solving. They are generally ade pt at math ematics and science and often follow occupations involved with these. They are thorough and well organized and insist on clear communications. As a result, they usually achieve something worthwhile for their efforts. Some additional occupations these people frequently pursue an' bookkeepers, secretaries, accountants, writers, researchers, and teachers. They often pursue two jobs at the sam,' time. If Saturn is heavily aspected with harsh aspects, till' person will likely be underhanded or prefer stealing 01 gambling instead of honest work. Saturn in Cancer This is not the best position for Satu rn. It often indI cates a childhood that was cold, unlo ving, fullof problem that leave emotional scars. Nevertheless, these peopl take their home life seriously and work hard to have home, even though it may cost them heavy indebtedness They prefer to work alone and like to work around till home. For all their efforts, they often times never really have a satisfactory home life. On rare occasion, one of these people will be d ishonest or lazy. Saturn in Leo Hard workers but they don' t like to get their hands dirty if they can avoid it. These people have an insatiable need for recogn ition and for feeling important. Many become actors or other professions where there is a great deal of publicity and publi c notice. As parents, they are strict disciplinarians. Physically, they are often prone to heart trouble. In addition to all fields of entertainment, they also like specu lative investments. If Saturn is heavily afflicted, there can be losses or d isappointm ents with finances or throu gh child ren. Saturn in Virgo Some keyword s here are: practical, hard working, precise, perfectionist, detail conscious, accuracy, efficlency, neat, patient. These peopl e typically do not tak e hreaks--they work, work, work, and drive others just as hard. They live by rul es, which makes it difficult for oth ers 10 get along with them at times. They often work in med irlne, health or science research, bookkeepin g or other remrd keepin g. Often these people become gloomy and nustere, They need to de velop a sense of hu mor. Worry .md overw ork often lead to health problems. ,~" l l rn in Libra These peopl e often marry late in life or else marry a vrious person. The marri age often involves hard work nd burdens. This is a powerful position for Saturn and '''''1 uently indicates attainment of grea t wealth and high "" nors. Lawyers, jud ges, arbitrators often have this Sat'" n placement. These people are reliable and humanitar1.11I. Saturn, when afflicted, in all signs tends to produce 178 / Astrology for Bcginncrs some sort ofcriminal behav ior. Howe ver, in Libra, ittends to produce few er or less serious criminal activi ty. Saturn in Scorpio There is a strong desire to have authority and a hard drive to attain their ambitions. Whether they use honest, fair meth ods or underh and ed , dishonest methods depends on Saturn's aspects. They can be hard taskmasters. They are fanatical about their principles. They tend to gravitate toward businesses dealing with finances, taxes, insurance, matters concerning pro pe rty of others . Being a tax accountant in a corporation is an example. Saturn in Sagittarius These peopl e have dee p concern ove r their personal reputation. They general1y are intelligent and also have self-discipline. If Saturn is wel1 aspected, they make good leaders wh o are humane and warm. If poorly aspected, they can be dictatorial, d emanding, and slave dri vers. They like to be regarded as an author ity in some way, often in religion, phil osoph y, or ed ucation. In extreme cases, they are self- righteous. Saturn in Capricorn Saturn is strong here, bestowing strong ambition 101 power, to get ahead in the world . Often these people choose politics, science or bu siness as their profession They are usual1y stern, appear to be cold and calculating to oth ers <although they may not be that way at al1 in their hearts), strict disciplina rians, hard working, task master. This is definitely a leadership placement unless the rest 01 the horoscope does not support it. These people have th" personal drive to overcome just about any adversity. If th, person is hon est, success is almos t assured. If dishonest the person may succeed for a while, but will most ~ . Planets in tI,CSigns / 179 suredly have a great fall. Saturn in Aquarius Often these people gravitate toward organi zations because they need to work with groups of people. As with allSaturn positions, this one also has ambition and the desire to be in charge. In any case, most often they want jobs that deal with the public such as clerk in a store, sales work, politics, or championing some humanitarian cause. If Saturn is well aspected, they are honest, responsible, friend ly, and have good judgm ent. If poorly aspected, they can be selfish and domineering and demand that others follow their rules. Saturn in Pisces Saturn is the karmic planet, and Pisces is the karmic sign. Togeth er they can give a person di fficulties such as: fearfulness, neuroses, linked too strongly to the past rather than living in the present. Often these people have difficulty coping with the present. Positively, they are humbl e, understanding, and are willing to help less fortuu.i te people. Negatively, they can be paranoid and worry 10 excessiveness. If they learn to avoid so much introspeclion, they can overcome much of the drawbacks that go with this Saturn placement. As employees, they either are ..lfless workers, or shiftless bums, dep ending on Saturn's "pects. URANUS Uranus sp ends about seve n years in each sign. As a " 'slIlt, its sign placement is more indicative of a generatlun of peopl e than it is of individual traits. Covered here 'I' a few keywords for potenti al ind ividual traits associI"d with the Uranus signs placements. Uranus' s house 180 I Astrology fo r Beginners placements are much more individualized than its sign placements as you will see in the next chap ter. Uranus in Aries Impulsiveness, temper, tactless. Sometimes violent, fanatical. Uranus in Taurus Determined, som etimes stubborn. Sometimes gifted artistic and musi cal talents. Interest in electronics an d accounting. Uranus in Gemini Restless, sometimes eccentric, impractical, and stran ge thin king patterns. Sometimes poor relationships with brothers, sisters, and neighbors. Uranus in Cancer Dislikes parental authority. Like unique architecture. Fill their homes with gadgets and electronic items. May be interested in communal living. Much psych ic sensitivity. Sometimes mood y or erratic behavior. Uranus in Leo Strong willpower and creative ability. Develop s new concepts in art and theater. Dislikes conformity, preferring to set their own rul es. Sometimes they can be extremely stubborn, insisting on having their own way. making it difficult to get along with them. Uranus in Virgo Original, yet practical, ideas with regard to work Probably many chan ges in employment. Sometimes CI ratic health problems. Planets in the Signs / 181 Uranus in Libra Seeks to change existing laws. Often have telepathic ability. Sometimes have great difficulty ge tting along in marriage or other kind s of partnerships because they often are not Willing to accept mutual responsibility . Uranus in Scorpio Powerful emotions. Intolerant of laziness. Sometimes violent temper and will do whatever they feel they have to do (including being destructive) to achieve what they want. Uranus in Sagittarius Strong desire to integrate science and religion with the occult, astrology. Sometimes they are skep tics or agnostics. Curious about foreign cultures. Uranus in Capricorn Strong ambiti ons and desire to succeed . At times, can hc overambitious. Likes to do away with the old and replace it with something new. Uranus in Aquarius Powerful posit ion for Uranus. Intuitive insights, «eks truth. Strong willpower and strong desire for ind eI'..ndence. Deep concern for humanity. Reformers, usu,tllyworking within groups. In some cases, extreme eccen- trlcity. IIrt/lllls in Pisces Seeks liberation from the past. Continual struggle to nV" rcome the past and evolve to a high er spirituality. unetirnes they try to avoid facing unpleasant situations. unetirnes they are impractical or even deceptive. 182/ Astrology for Beginners Plal/ets in the Sigl/s / 183 NEPTUNE the malter. Social responsibility. Neptune spends about 13 years in each sign. As a result its sign placement is more indicative of a generation of people than of individual traits. A few individual poten tial trait keywords are given here for Neptune's sign placements. Neptune's house placement is much more individualized than its sign pla cement as you will see in the next chapter. Neptune in Aries Spiritual creativity. Sometimes spiritual pride and egotism. Neptune in Taurus Visionary insights. Sometimes preoccupation with money and possessions. Neptune in Gemini Active imaginations. Sometimes superficial values. Neptune in Cancer Strong psychic abilities. Sometimes overly sentimental. Neptune in Leo Strong artistic talents. Sometimes suffer from self delus ion. Neptune in Virgo Sometimes psychosomatic illness. Dwells too much on unimportant matters. Neptune in Libra: Blind conformity without evaluating the worth 0' Neptune in Scorpio Loose morals. Clairvoyance. Neptune in Sagittarius Much foreign travel. Sometimes aimless wandering (cults, gurus, etc.). Neptune in Capricorn Karm ic reckoning. Neptune in Aquarius Highly developed intuition a nd clairvoyance. Neptun e in Pisces Healing ability. High spiritual development. PLUTO Plu to spends 248years to make one cycle through the od iac. Its sign placement is definitely ind ica tive of masses of people rather than individuals. Additionally, Ihere has been very little time to study Pluto thoroughly lx-cause it was on ly discovered in 1930. We will not atI,"npt to d efine the influence of Pluto's sign placements wlth regard to individua ls. Pluto' s house placement is qu ite important in ind ivid ual cha rts as yo u will see in the next chapter. 12 Planets in the Houses SUN Sun in First House Powers of leadership. Strong will and great energy and vitality. Not easily swayed by others. Great ability to overcome illness. Ambitious. These people want to feel importan t and will work hard to achieve it. If the Sun is afflicted with harsh aspects, there can be egotism, excessive pride, and a desire to rule rather than lead . Sun in Second House This shows how the person will likely earn and Hrend money by the sign the Sun is in while in the second house. For example, if the Sun is in Leo, the person migh t ...arn a living in the theater (or some other Leo pursuit). If Ihe Sun is afflicted, there may be squandering of money. Sun in Third House Achievement through mental accomplishments. Delre for travel. Brothers, sisters, and neighbors play an important role in these people's life. If afflicted , these people <'1\ n be snobs. 185 Planets in the Houses /187 186/ Astrology for Beginners Sun in Fourth House These people are proud of their homes and their her itage. Early life is usually a stru ggle with prosperity coming late in life. Strong interest in land and natural resources. If afflicted , inability to get along wi th parents or ru les his/her own household as though it were property ra ther than people. Sun in Fifth House Great love of life and creative expression. These people are highly competitive and strive to be noticed. They gravitate toward the theater, arts, sports, and musical careers. They love children but often have no ne or very few of their own. Sometimes can be egotistical. They have happy, optimistic dispositions. They are intense lovers. Sutl in Sixt/l House Delicate health and no t good recuperative powers. These people seek distinction through their work and th rough service to others. If the Sun is afflicted they may experience long periods of unemployment w hich can be harmful to their self-esteem beca use they ident ify strongly with thei r work. Sun in Seventh House These people must have close personal relationships, Marriage is extremely important to them. If the Sun is well aspected. they will attract good ma tes and will have " good marriage. If afflicted, they attract the wrong type 01 mate for them which can lead to a d ifficult ma rriagi These people can be good salespersons. Sutl in Eigllth House Great interest in life's mysteries such as death alltl life after death. With good aspects, this Sun placem ent CitII foretell of inheritances. With poor aspects, it forete lls of litigation over money ma tters. Sometimes this Sun ind icates that the person will gain recognition or ho nors afte r death but not during their lifetime. Sun in N in th Ho use There is great interest in spiritual matters, religion, law, philosoph y, and hig her ed uca tion. Foreign travel is often ind icated . in some cases, these people are bigots, condescending, and narrow minded. Sun in Tenth Ho use Grea t am bition to ac hieve positions of power and autho rity. Usually these people are d ignified and will work ha rd to succeed. Managerial ability goes wi th this Sun position . If afflicted, there can be d ictatorial behavior. in Eleventh House Usua lly these people have man y friends.They are inu-rested in occult ma tters. Ofte n they desire group lead erhip, These people are humanitar ians. If the Sun is aftllcted, there is a tendency to d ominate others. 5 1111 ~ II in Twelfth House These peo ple direct their thoughts a nd energies inw.ird rather than outward . They spend much time in self I ontemplation. Often they seek work in asylums, hospil,lI s or other large insti tu tions. By serving others, they find lulfil lmenl. If the Sun has harsh aspects, there can be ex1I,'me shy ness or neurosis. MOO N ',,11/1 in First House Highly impressionable; so me times psyc hic. They de- 188/ Astrology for Beginners Planets ill the Houses / 189 sire personal recognition and seek approval from others. They are fond of food and sometimes are overweight. They allow themselves to be greatly influenced by other people. Moody and changeable. Moon in Seventh House These people find emotional fulfillmen t throu gh marriage or other relationships. Often they marry a fath er or mother figure. Moon in Second House Good business ability, Strong need for financial security. They often work in businesses dealin g with food, real estate or domestic goods . Moon in Eighth Hous e Intense emotions and psychic sensitivity. Sometimes too much sensuality. Moon in Third Hous e Prone to d aydream ing and flights of fantasy. Much mental dwelling on unimportant matters. Gets bored easily. Much activity with bro thers and sisters. They regard neighbors as being part of their family. Strong imaginations. Moon in Ninth House Strong spiritual and mora l valu es, especially with regard to family and home life. These peop le's beliefs are based on emotion and feelings rather than on fact or logic. Moon in Fourth House Strong Moon position. Family relationships extremely important and influence all other aspects of the person's life. Mother especially is a strong influence. If the Moon has harsh aspects, the hom e life can be quite unpleasant. Moon in Fifth House Romance is a big thing for these people, and they often become emotionally dep end ent on their rom antic' partner. There can be family interference in romance. If the Moon has harsh aspects, these people are prone 10 gambl e or speculate impulsively. Moon in Sixth House Unstable health . Sometimes psychosomatic illness. Prone to be hypochondriacs. Many changes of emp loy ment unless the Moon is in a fixed sign. These people like pets and small animals. Moon in Tenth House Often come from families with high stand ing in the community. Careers are often influ enced by wom en. Almost always, this Moon position foretells of prominence In public life. These people are driven by a need for recognition and prominence. Moon in Eleventh Hous e There is a great need for friend ships. They like people around all the time and function best in groups. They have many acquaintances, but most are likely to be superficia l. Their own emotions are influenced by what oth er people think. Moon in Twelfth House The past is a great influence over these peopl e. Many h.rve psychic ability . They are shy and their feelings are ""sily hurt. If the Moon has some harsh aspects, there can h,· neu rosis and loneliness. If the Moon has many harsh .'"pects, it signifies mental illness and probable institutionalization becau se of it. 190 I Astrology for Beginners Planets in the Houses I 191 MERCURY person would be wise to avoid speculation in the stock market or similar financial specu lation. Mercury in First House These people are aware of ever ything around them, Logical minds. Talkative and often write a great deal. Usually very intelligent. They excel at being able to express themselves. They make good physicians, wri ters, secretaries, and scholars. Competitive. Mercury in Sixth House Methodical, efficient people who usually pursue highly specialized work that involves exacting attention to detail. Favorable for science, engineering, and medical careers. Mercury in Second House Business ability in all area s of communication. Preoccupation with money. Generally these people have original ideas. Mercury in Third House Generally superior intelligence. Very strong interests in all sorts of communication. Much short distance traveling. Spend much time writing letters. Good problem solvers. If Mercury has harsh aspects, there can be difficulty with contracts and agreements. Mercury in Fourth House These people often work out of their home. Often their parents are well educated. They will likely have a large personal library in their home. Earth sciences interest them. They may even be writers dealing with environmental probl ems . These people often lead " nomadic life, roaming from place to place. Many tim" . they live in trailers. Mercury in Fifth House Here you find playwrights and drama critics. Fore.' ful and dramatic speakers and writers. They like mental games. This is a good placement for school teachers, esp cially for the primary grades. If Mercury is afflicted, th. Mercury in Seventh House Adept at working and communicating effectively with other people in a partnership or cooperative type of work. They make good mediators and counselors. They need marriage partners who are intelligent and well educated. Mercury in Eighth House There is interest in matters dealing with death, inheritance, taxes, insurance. These are usually secretive peop le. They love intrigue. These people never forget a wrong performed against them. Their own death is often mused by respiratory diseases or by disorders of the nervII l1S system . Mercury in Ninth House There is much interest in law, religion, philosophy, nnd higher education. Much interest in foreign cultures and travel. Good position for lawyers, especially trial lawy"·rs. Also good position for professors and teachers. If Mercury is afflicted, there can be opinionated snobbery. Mrrcury in Tenth House Good organizers and planners. Leadership ability. Ih cdlent position for all work dealing with the public. 192 / Astrology for Beginners Many politicians and writers have this Mercury in their natal chart. Also a good position for publishing, lecturing, teaching professions. Mercury ill Eleuenth House These people are interested in group communication. They function at their best in concert with others; there are no "loners" here. Most often they have some affiliation with astrol ogy, humanitarian causes, scient ific investigation s, and va rious occult matters. in extreme cases, they are eccentric and impractical. Mercury ill Twelftlt House They make decisions based more on feelings than on facts or logic. These are shy peopl e who rarely say what is really on their mind. There can be great psychic ability and awareness. If Mercury is afflicted, there can be mental illness or neurotic behavior. VENUS Veilus ill First Hous e Love of beautiful clothes. These people are charming, have poise and grace, and are friendly and likable. In a woman's chart, this indicates physical beauty. There can be talent in various art forms. Usually indicates a happy childhood. . Vellus ill Second House Love of wealth and the things wealth can buy . Love of beautiful material objects in general. These people seek wealthy partners or those with social status . Women are usually extravagant. Men usually spend too much on their women friend s. These people are usually able to gel the help they seek. Planets ill the Houses / 193 Venus in Third House Good communicators. Much travel, especially short distance. Love of literature. Often they communicate through newspapers or other published means . Vellus in Fourth Hous e Love of home and family life. They like to entertain in the home and cook for their friend s. Home is usually a place of beauty. Much happiness through their parents and usually inherit from the parents. Love of garde ning. Vellus in Fiftlt Hous e Love of life. Romance is vitally important to them . Optimistic. These people are often talent ed in the performing arts. Usually these peopl e are well liked. Deep love of children, and their child ren are likely to be quite attractive and talented. Venus in Sixth Hous e Love of work. Social and romantic opportunities through their work. Harmonious relationships with coworkers and boss. Like to work in beautiful, pleasant surroundings. These people sometimes are clothing designers. Deep affection for pets and small animals. Venus in Seven tit House Love of personal relationships. Get along very well with other people. They usually ma rry at a young age and most often have good marriages. They rarely end up in court. Venus in Eighth Hous e Extremely intense emotions, which can easily get out of control and develop into jealousy or possessiveness. in general, this is not a good placement for Venus. This does, 194 { Astrology fo r Beginners Planets ill the Houses {195 however, ind icate financial gain throu gh marriage and / or inheritance. Venus in Ninth House Love of religion and philosophy.Often there are long journ eys primarily for pleasure. Most likely will meet their romantic and social contacts through churches, universities, or in foreign countries. Relationship wit h inlaws is usually harmonious and profitable. Venus in Tenth Hous e Great social ambition. Most often will choose a profession related to the arts. Will seek marriage to someone who has social status and/or wealth. Good relationships with employers and other authorities. Much success in dealing with the opposite sex. Venus in Eleventh House Marria ge partner is met through group activities. Many warm friend ships through group activities. Many friend s of the opposite sex. These peopl e almost always achieve their hop es and dreams. Venus in Twelfth Hous e Love of solitude and peace. Secret love affairs. Shy ness that can lead to loneliness or frustration in ro mantk situations. Feelings are easily hurt. Great compassion for the troubl es of others. MARS Mars in First Hous e Self-confidence. Courage. Leadership ability. " H gressive. Great energy and stamina; these people can a, complish twice as much as most peopl e. These people a" participants in life-not bystan ders. Often the men are physically rug ged. If Mars is heavily afflicted, they will likely be combative or even violent. If there is selfdiscipline, these people usually achieve high goa ls. Mars in Second Hou se These people strive to achieve financial .gain.They prefer to be in business for themselves rather than work for others. They will fight to protect their possessions, but will readily give away possessions to gain favors from others. If Mars is afflicted, they are often dishonest and will pick fights . These are competitive people. Mars in Third Hous e Mentally alert and quick thinking. Sometimes very assertive, hence they make good newspaper reporters or commentators. Tendency to jump to conclusions with out sufficient facts. These people often work with machinery In various fields of communication or in the transportation industry. If Mars is poorly aspected, they can be reckless drivers who hav e little concern for other drivers. If heavily afflicted, they can be argumentive, have trouble with contracts, or get along poorly with broth ers, sisters, .md neighbors. Mars in Fourth Hous e These people like to dominate the home and family, often causing quarrels and unpleasant ness. They are doIt -yourself repairmen at home. Often these people work hard to improve the environment. Strong constitu tion and much energy even in old age. If Mars is heavily afflicted, Ihere is danger of fire, theft, and accide nts in the home. III" rs in Fifth Hous e These people vigorously pursu e love, sex, pleasu re, 196 / Astrology for Beginners and gam es. Athl etes often have this Mar s placement. They like to work with children becau se it gives them a sense or power and au tho rity . If Mars is heavily afflicted by harsh as pects, there is danger that their own child ren may exp erience death or serious accide nts. Also with heavy afflictions, there can be out of wedl ock pregnancy. Mars in Sixth House These are hard working skilled people wh o us ually have a profession that requires the use of tools or machinery.Some exa mples: surgeons, mechanics, mechanical engineers, equi pme nt operators, etc. These people have no pa tience for lazy workers. If Mars is afflicted, they are in dan ger of injury in their work and should exercise extreme caution at all times. Mars in Seventh Hous e These peopl e are agg ress ive and choose ag gressiw marriage business and marri age partners . They can accomplish much if Mars is not afflicted . If afflicted, then' will be serious di sagreements with bu siness partners and likely divorce fro m marriage pa rtner. These people frc qu ently become sales persons or public rela tions persons, and they ar e alwa ys aggressive. Mars in Eig1lt11House Emo tional intensity a nd strong desires, especially sexual desires. Sometimes there is psychic ability. Often indicates sudden dea th, a violent one if Mars is afflicted. Ii Mars is heavil y afflicted, there are usu ally criminal tcn denci es, There is aggressiveness with other people' money . Mars in Ninth Hous e These people are crusaders, promoting social reform, Planets in the Houses / 197 championing some cau se, trying to sway others to their way of thinking. They back up their beliefs with action, thus often achieving success. They like adventure and foreign travel. Fire and brimstone evangelists are typical of this Mars placement. Frequently they are narrow-minded and overly aggressive, which gains them mu ch resentment from others. They often condem n those who have beliefs different from theirs. . Mars in Tenth Hous e This is a powerful position for Mars. There is executive ability, much initiative, strong desire to achieve high goals. These people very frequently become famous (or notoriou s in some cases). Military, business, a nd political Icaders often have thi s placement. In extreme cases, their quest for power is pursued with no regard for right or wrong. If Mars is heavily afflicted, there can be sudden revcrsals of fortune, usually due to un ethical or d ishonest dea lings. Mars in Eleventh House These people are aggressively involved with group ictivities. Their friends are almost always aggressive and masculine or behave in a masculine way. This placem ent prod uces revolutionaries if Mars is heavily afflicted. With Mars afflicted, these people will most likely di e, or be seriously injured , in the company of friends or could be the m use of a friend's death. Mars in Twelfth House These people are secretive in order to avoid opposilion from other people. They gravitate toward work in Ij.rge institutions where they can lose their identity. These people need to be open and hon est. There is danger of beIlIg incarcerated in prison or institutions if Mars is heavily ufflic ted, 198 / Astrologyfor Beginners JUPITER Jupiter in First House These are the boy scouts and girl scouts-honest, tru stworthy, optimistic, friendly, truthful, kind, well liked, helpful, dignified (especially in later years) , confident , popular. There is lead ership ability here, especially in education, religion, and social orga nizations. These peopl e are always protected; even when things look grim, help will come in the nick of time. There is some possibility of becoming obese, especially in later years. Jupiter in Second Hous e Exceptional busin ess ability and good fortune in money matters. If Jupiter is badly afflicted, the mon ey will be frittered away. Businesses associated with this placement are: hospitals and institutions, domestic products, food , real estate, publishing, travel, ed uca tion, psychology . Planets in the Houses / 199 Jupiter in Fifth House Great fondness for children, and often these peopl e become teach ers and counselors for children. Their own children are usually quite fortunate and achieve honors. There is happiness in roma nce unless Jupiter is afflicted . In addition to education, these people are interested in sports and the arts. Jupiter in Sixth House These people strive to make a practical contribution to society. They are especially adept at various healing skills (both mental and physica l). Chr istian Science practitioners are typical of this Jupiter posi tion . These peo ple are well liked and respected for their work skills. There can be laz iness and a holier-than -thou attitude if Jupiter is afflicted. lupiter in Seventh House Good fortune throu gh marriage and business partnerships. These people are kind and friend ly. They often marry someo ne with money or social status . There is ability in sales, law, public relations, and negotiatin g. Jupiter in Third House There is interest in publishing, writing, religion, teaching, philosophy, communications, and both long distance and short distance travel. If Jupiter is afflicted by Mars or Uranus, there is danger of accidents whil e traveling, but the person usually will not be seriou sly hurt. There is good relationships with siblings and neighbors unl ess Jupiter is afflicted. [upiter in Eighth Hous e Death is usually peaceful and due to natural causes unless Jupiter is badly afflicted . These people usually gain through inheritance, join t fina nces, or insurance. They are attracted to businesses asso ciated with death and taxes. Jupit er in Fourth Hous e Harmony in family life. Good fortune in the last hall of life. Usually come from good families. Often the home is large and there are many family members. There is likelihood of inheritance from other family members. If Jupiter is heavily afflicted , family members can be a burden and cause large expenses. [upiter in Ninth Hous e These people generally seek as much ed ucation as they possibly can . Often these people are clergy or have other positions assoc iated with religion. They are usu ally very understanding. They like travel, espec ially foreign. Other professions are likely to be in publish ing or education. 200/ Astrology for Beginners Jupiter in Tenth House Success and prominence in the profession in the later part of life. There is much professional ambition, honesty, and reliability. These peop le have good reputations and often have positions in the public domain. These are good managers and executives. They have a good chance of acquiring wealth in the latter part of their life. This position also confers a great deal of protection for the person . Jupiter in Eleventh House Involvem ent with group activities, especially humanitarian and charitable org anizations. Generally kind and well liked . These people are usually generous and willing to lend a helping hand to friends and organizations. If Jupiter has many harsh aspects, the person may lack a sense of responsibility and will probably use friends for their own personal gain. Jupiter in Twelfth House These people often give their time and money quietly behind the scenes to charitable causes. They also like seclusion where they can meditate, pray, or stud y. Some times there is psychic ability. If Jupiter is badly afflicted, thes e people may themselves become charity cases or in mates of institutions. There is a tendency to dwell on fan tasies. If well aspected , this Jupiter brings help in times 01 crises. SATURN Saturn in First House These people usually appear to others to be cold, re mote, humorless, and excessively cheap. They are, how ever, very serious minded and hard working and can h,' loyal friends. They d o need to learn to love and to lighten PIa/lets in the Houses/ 201 up to achieve happiness. If Saturn is heavil y afflicted, these people hav e a "rough row to hoe" - usually a harsh childhood, frustrations, hostility, continual obstacles in their path through life. Satun! in Second House These peopl e must wor k hard for a living. If Saturn is well aspected, they will most likely achieve financial success (wealth), which is always their goa l becau se they have a deep seated fear of poverty. If Saturn is poorly aspected, they will gain very little, or nothing, for all their hard work. Thes e people are usu ally shrewd in bus iness and get their money's worth. They are always frugal, and sometimes miserly. Saturn in Third House These people often seek careers where science or mat hematics are involved becau se they have meth odical, practical, disciplined minds. They are not prone to travel very much, and then only for business purposes. They may have problems with their siblings or neigh bors if Saturn is afflicted. Satun! in Fourth House In their later years, these people ofte n become confi ned to their home either by choice or by necessity. They must have a hom e, especially in later years , to feel secure and they consciously work to have that securi ty. Often there is emotional isolation or separation from family members. Their home and family often im pose heavy burdens on these people. Saturn in Fifth House Women with this placement can have difficulty in f: iving birth. Career choices often concern the entertain- 202/ Astrology for Beginners ment ind ustry, stocks and investmen ts, schools, and sometimes politics or bu siness management. They often have roman ces with olde r persons. If Saturn is heavily afflicted, they often have disappointment in love, do not like or get along wit h children, and may eve n become impotent or frigid due to emo tional blocks. Saturn in Six th House Efficient, serious, skilled, hard working people. They have ana lytical minds with a bent tow ard engineerin g, mechanics, medicine, science, or anything requiring precision and attenti on to detail. They are health conscious, but may suffer from chro nic illness if Satu rn has harsh aspects. They are respected by their co-workers un less Saturn is harshly aspected, in which case they have unsatisfactory relationships. Saturn in Seventh House This is a strong Saturn placement that bestows a stro ng sense of responsibili ty and justice. They seek serious minded pa rtners and usually marry later in life. The ma rriage, or other type partnerships, will be end uring if Saturn is well aspected, and fraug ht wit h problems if it is harshly aspected . Saturn in Eighth House They often fear death and can have d reams and psychic experiences that d isturb them psychologically. If Saturn is well aspected, they can be success ful in handling other people's money, insurance, corporate finances, inheritance and taxes. If Satu rn is badly afflicted , they will most likely be involved in litigation or other problems in these same areas. Saturn in Ninth House Their business is likely to deal with teachin g, pub- Planets in the Houses/203 lishing, law, religion and travel. Their ow n personal travel, how ever, will be for business, rarely for pleasure. They have high standards and tend to follow conventional lines of thought and behavior. If Saturn is afflicted, they are pron e to be narrow-minded . Saturn in Tenth House This placement promises great success , achievement, pu blic recognition, and honors when Saturn is well aspected . It also promises public d isgrace and a fall from the heights of achievement when Saturn is afflicted or when the pe rson fails to conduct him/ herself with integrity. This is a good placement for politicians and busin ess executives. Saturn in Eleventh House These people seek out others who are powerful and influen tial in order to advance their own interests. They work in and through groups and organizations. They gravitate toward friendships with olde r, serious minded peopl e. Saturn in Tw elfth House These peo ple rarely get recognized for their wor k or contributio ns. Then tend to rema in in the background and hide themselves in large institutions either as workers or ,IS inmates, depending on wheth er Saturn is well aspected or poorly aspected . They often have secret enemies wh o work to bring about their downfall. URANUS Uranus in First House These people cannot stand routine work or a routine lifestyle. They mu st have constant change, excitement, 204/ Astrology for Beginners and adventure, and they have very little regard for security. Freedom is extremely important to them. They tend to be eccentric, unconventional, a skewed behavior that swings to extremes (never in moderation), unpredictable, and if Uranus is well aspected they have superior intelligence or genius. More often than not, they are tall. Uranus in Second House: They have an unconventional sense of value, often earning money in unusual ways. Their finances are un settled, suddenly making or losing money. They are borrowers and lenders. Frequently they earn money with inventions, electronics, or scientific fields. If Uranus is afflicted, they don't pay their debts and have conflict about it. Planets in the Houses / 205 aspected. There are sudden romances that terminate just as suddenly. Romantic partners are eccentric, strange, or unusual in some way. Their children can be extraordinarily gifted if Uranus is well aspected, but can have abnormalities or peculiar problems if poorly aspected. If Uranus is heavily afflicted, there will likely be anti-social behavior. Uranus in Sixth House These people gravitate toward high technology fields in occupations such as programming and engineering. Usually they have harmonious relationships at work, and will often quit a job if they are not satisfied with their co-worker relationships. If Uranus is afflicted, they will have explosive relationships with co-workers. Uranus in Third House: Exceptionally intuitive people who often receive ideas and information through sudden insights. They seek intellectual and unusual friendships. They have little regard for the opinions of others, preferring to dig out the facts for themselves. This placement often produces writers of astrological, occult, and scientific works. If Uranu s is afflicted, they are fidgety, restless, impractical, and constantly change their opinions. Uranus in Seuenth House Long term marriage is rare, and divorce is fairly common because these people want freedom and independence above all. They cannot stand to have a partner who they feel out shines them. Their relationships with people are at either of two extremes: extremely close or superficial with rapid turnover of people. Other people are confused by their unpredictable behavior. Uranus in Fourth House: There will be lots of gadgets and electronic devices in their home, and their home life will be unusual. They use the home for meetings for occult activities or other group meetings. Parents and family do not have a strong, binding effect on these people. There will most likely be many sudden changes of residence. Uranus in Eighth House There is much interest in the occult and psychic matters, and often they possess considerable psychic ability. 'heir death is most likely to be sudden, and via an accident if Uranus is afflicted. They often have sudden changes in fortune-rags to riches and vise versa-depending on how Uranus is aspected. Uranus in Fiftlr House: In general, love life is unstable unless Uranus is well Uranus in Ninth House They have unorthodox views and interests such as 206/ Astrologyfor Beginners astrology, reincarnation, or strange religious beliefs. If Uranus is well aspected they can be highly spiritual and philosophical-a guru for example. If poorly aspected they may belong to fanatical cults and espouse views that are worthless and impractical. . Uranus in Tenth House Their political views are ultra-liberal or radicalnever conservative. They have leadership ability in humanitarian, scientific, occult, electronic, and astrology fields. They are prone to sudden changes of fortune. There may be many job changes and difficulty in getting along with those in authority. They want total freedom in their job with no one telling them what to do. Uranus in Eleventh House These are definitely humanitarian people who arc truth seekers and who have no respect for tradition or the status quo. They like humanitarian group activities. They are usually unwilling to be bound to just one relationship. If Uranus is afflicted, they will probably suffer treachery from persons they thought were friends. Uranus in Twelfth House They are highly developed psychics if Uranus j,. heavily aspected with favorable aspects. They spend much time in introspection and meditation. If Uranus i. afflicted, they can be neurotic and suffer delusions. They often join secret organizations and they prefer to work be hind the scenes where they are not noticed. Planets in the Houses /207 hoi, especially if Neptune is afflicted, because it will most likely result in self-delusion, confusion, tendency to drift aimlessly through life with no achievement or success, and in extreme cases it can result in possession by an un desirable astral entity. If well aspected, these people have highly developed intuition and clairvoyant faculties, and can have inspired mystical visions. Some typical occupations would be: movie or television camera person, hypnotist, composers, mu sicians, artists. Neptune in Second House These people are idealistic about money and often donate their money to spiritual and humanitarian causes. They frequently use their intuition to amass large sums of money only to let it slip through their fingers and mysteriously disappear. They are often extravagant. If Neptune is afflicted, they will be lazy, impractical, and their finances will be a mess; they may even depend on others for support. Neptune in Third House They have very intuitive minds and good visualization ability. They gravitate toward occult subjects, often as writers. They usually have nicknames or pseudonyms. If Neptune is afflicted, they are prone to fantasize, dayII ream, and learning difficulties. NEPTUNE Neptune in Fourth House They live, or would like to live, near the water. There I. strong emotional ties with the home and parents. Frequently one of the parents is psychic. There can be nervous disorders, especially later in life, if Neptune is aflIicted. Neptune in First House These people must avoid the use of drugs and alco Neptune in Fifth House Their children will likely be intuitive and very sensi- 208 I Astrologyfor Beginners tive. They, themselves, have great intuitive insight and artistic expression in music, art, and the stock market. If Neptune is afflicted, it is often better if they never marry or have children for there can be great psychological problems, illegitimate children, and broken families. Neptune in Sixth House Work is a spiritual experience for these people. They are most interested in medicine, spiritual healing, health foods, and other kinds of healing. Often they are able to communicate psychically with animals. If Neptune is afflicted, they may be hypochondriacs or mentally ill. Also, if afflicted, there can be much unemployment and unreliability. Neptune in Seventh House These people have great intuitive awareness of others and thus are greatly affected by the moods and feelings of others. They usually have a strong psychic link with their marriage partner. These people more often than not have artistic and musical talent; at the very least, an appreciation of art. Neptune in Eighth House There are usually psychic tendencies, and they haw a special interest in communicating with the dead . Thenis often strange things going on with regard to their pari ner's money such as secretive things or deception. If Nep tune is afflicted, there can be problems concerning income tax fraud, insurance fraud, or fraudulent circumstance, surrounding death. Neptune in Ninth House There is an interest in cults and mystical organlza tions . These people are very impressionable. If Neptune I Planets in the Houses I 209 afflicted, they become misguided in their spiritual beliefs and practices. Neptune in Tenth House Intuition plays an important role in their chosen career. Astrologers, clergy, psychiatrists frequently have this Neptune position. If Neptune is well aspected they will usually achieve honor in their work. If poorly aspected, they will achieve dishonor. Neptune in Eleventh House Unusual, idealistic friends and group associations. They are generous and helpful to their friends and have a close spiritual rapport with them. If Neptune is afflicted, they must use great care in selecting friends because there is an excellent chance of their friends being deceptive and even becoming enemies. Neptune in Twelfth House A strong intuitive link with cosmic consciousness. They prefer privacy. Often they remember previous incarnations and are able to bring forth wisdom from those previous experiences into the current lifetime. If Neptune is well aspected they can possess healing ability and other psychic abilities which they use beneficially. If badly nspected, they have mental confusion, neurosis, and misl-\uided use of their innate psychic ability. PLUTO Pluto in First House These people are so extremely individualistic and lion-conforming that it is very difficult to get along with I hem in marriage, business, or other close relationships. If I 'luto is conjunct the ascendant and heavily aspected there 210 / Astrology for Beginners are strong clairvoyant and psychic abilities. Usually these people have strong willpower. Pluto in Second Hous e Powerful drive and ambition to get money and other material resources. Often their quest for money involves oth er people's money. If Plut o is well aspected they will have considerable resourcefulness in achieving wea lth. If Plu to is afflicted, they will most likely be greedy and selfish, causing them to lose friend s and probably getting them involved in litigation over money matters. Pluto in Third Hous e These people have scientific ability and much mental resourcefulness. They are highly op iniona ted and will not chan ge their minds unless strong factual evidence convinces them that they were wrong. They are secretive and often deal in secret transactions. When they travel, it Is most often for secret or strange reasons, and they are ill danger of accidents during travel. This would be a good position for spies, undercover agents, diplomatic courl ers, etc. Pluto in Fourth Hous e These people tend to dominate their own home and domestic life, sometimes alienating other family mem bers, Sometimes there is interest in the occult, which USlI ally develops late in life. They are interested in the earth, geology, and sometimes mining. Pluto in Fifth House These people hav e much creative pow er which call be expressed through art or love; often they have talented children. If Pluto is afflicted, they tend to sexual excess.'. and will dominate or be dominated by their romantk Planets ill the Houses / 211 partner. Also if afflicted, they may be overly severe toward children, and are likely to lose money if they indulge in speculation. Pluto in Sixth Hous e People who work on government atomic energy projects often have Pluto in this position . Other professions may be junk and salvage or secretarial. Whatever they d o, they seek to improve their work and working conditions. [f Pluto is badl y afflicted, they can be very difficult to work with, thus causing employment problems. Pluto in Seventh House These people have a tend ency to dominate or be dominated by others. In marriage or oth er pa rtnerships Ihey tend to be attracted to strong willed, dominating types of people. This is a good position for jud ges, psychologists, and lawyers. Pluto in Eighth House They have powerful wills, sometimes combined with considerable psychic ability. They have great strength and resourcefulness in a crisis. If Pluto is affl icted, they will have problems with insuran ce, taxes, other peopl e's money, or inh eritance. Pluto in Ninth House Strong spiritual leadership ability is evide nt here . Ihey have no tolerance for hypocrisy. If Pluto is afflicted, Ihey can be religious fanatics who try to change everyone 10 their own way of thinking. t'luto in Tenth Hous e These people are leaders who have strong will power urd a drive to succeed . They know how to wield pow er 212/ Astrology for Beginners wisely and effectively. However, if Pluto is afflicted, they become dictatorial and put their personal gain ahead of everything else. Pluto in Eleventh House They have the ability to be successful leaders of groups if Pluto is well aspected. If badly afflicted, tend to be self-serving leaders and extravagant spenders. Pluto in Twelfth House This is a strong occult position, conferring great intu ition and understanding of life's mysteries when Pluto is well aspected. If Pluto is afflicted, there is danger of destructive psychic forces, secret enemies, or neurotic problems . 13 The Aspects CONJUNCTIONS NOTE: The only major aspect the Sun can have with either Mercury or Venus is a conjunction. The only major aspec ts that Mercury and Venus can have with each other are a conjunction or a sextile, Sun conjunct Moon Person combines concentration with impulsiveness. Alternates between being passive and aggressive. Sun conjunct Mercury This gives great mental energy and power, but if the ron junction is too dose (less than 4 degrees generally) there is danger of mental burnout. These people are usunlly un able to see themselves as others see them. conjuner Vet/us They love life and are usually optimistic and cheer1111. Sometimes a little conceited. There is talent in art and music, They express themselves well . S Utl 213 214/ Astrology for Beginners Sun conjunct Mars This confers great willpower and courage. Tendency to be aggressive and self-assertive. The Aspects / 215 people who are the masters of their lives and environment. Sun conjunct Jupite r Pleasing personalities. Generous and optimistic. They attract good luck. Can usually win others over to their way of thinking or doing. Enthusiastic. Sun conjunct Midheaoen These people exert great influence thro ugh their careers and personal reputations. They are attracted to public life or politics, More often than not, they gain some sort of fame. Sun conjunct Saturn They have great self-discipline which they need because they encounter many frustrations. They gain only by hard work-nothing comes easy or for free. Moon conjunct Mercury They spend much thought concerning their families and home life.Sometimes they are overly sensitive to criticism. Sun conjunct Uranus To others, these people often seem to be eccentric and unpredictable because they act suddenly, decisively and with power. This is because they can see and understand things tha t others do not readily perceive because these people have well developed innate psychic ability. Often these people are geniuses. Moon conjunct Venus Usually successful in love. They make good diplomats. They express their emotions through art or beauty. Women with this aspect display their creativity through culinary skills or in beautiful clothing. Sun conjunct Neptune This also is a psychic aspec t. They can be genuinely inspired or be self-deluded, depending on the rest of the horoscope. Sun conjunct Pluto This is an extremely powerful psychic aspect, giving the person enormous energy and power. They und erstand cosmic law and power and know how to use it. Sun conjunct Ascendant These are strong, healthy people who rare ly get sick, and if they do get sick they recuperate rap idly. Powerful Moon conjunct Mars Prone to fits of anger; temper tantrums in children. Whatever they do, they feel and act with emotional intensity. Their actions are based more on emotion than on reason. They can be da ngerous enemies because emotion blinds them to common sense . Moon conjunct Jupite r These are generous, sympathetic people who are concerned about doing something good in the world. They are usually trustworthy. They often affiliate themselves wit h religious or educational causes. Emotional attachment to home and family. 216 / Astrology for Beginners Moon conjunct Saturn These people are usually regarded as wet blank ets because they are dour, humorless, and seem to have no joy. Too often their emotions are strongly linked to the past and to memories rath er than to the present. They usually are hard, self-disciplin ed workers. They are practical and have common sense. Moon conjunct Uranus These people gravitate toward strange and unusual experiences. Moody, they have sudden changes or emotional swings and are unpredictable. Good intuition and imaginative powers go with this aspect. Their family life is often quite unusual. Moon conjunct Neptune These people tend to be psychic, and there often are religious and spiritual tendencies. There can be arti stic or musical ability. Sometimes they have prophetic dreams. Moon conjunct Pluto They deliberately precipitate drastic changes in their , or in their family's life. They have strong wills and intense feelings. Quite often there are psychic tend encies. They tend to be overbearing, thus driving people from them. Moon conjunct Ascendant These people tend to appear to be feminine and haw feminin e behavior, thu s it is a more favorable position for women than for men. They are highly impressionable, and their childhood experiences have an excep tionally strong influence on them throughout life. Moon conjunct Midh eaven Usually these people are in the public eye and all' The Aspects / 217 popular. There can sometimes be gain through wealthy wom en. Often these people are connected with a family business. This position favors entertainers, politicians, and businesses that deal with homes or domestic products. Mercury conjunct Venus This aspect bestows literary talent, grace in expression in both speech and writing, and natural diplomatic ability. These people also have mathematical and scientific talent. In extreme cases, they can be fickle. Mercury conjunct Mars These people love controversy, debates, competition, and mental challenge. They have keen, energetic minds. They can make good reporters. They love to express themselves, making them naturals for politics. Mercury conjunct Jupiter They are usually broadminded and confident. They tend toward occupations wh ere they can influence oth ers through their mental abilities and speaking abilities. For exampl e, clergy, politicians, lecturers, teachers. Mercury conjunct Saturn This aspect bestows a disciplined mind that is logical nnd precise. They are good planners . They work hard and leave no stone unturned in their qu est for success. They .ilso make good architects, engineers, draftspersons and related professions. Mercury conjunct Uranus These people are often geniuses. Their minds are exl eptionally quick and original. Often they pursue careers III electronics. They are very independe nt, and sometimes 218/ Astrology for Beginners too ind epend ent. Sometimes they are hard to get along with. Mercury conjunct Neptune These people are dreamers, and in extreme cases live in a dream world to the exclusion of reality. They often have psychic ability. Sometimes they can be deceitful. They have pow erfu l imaginations. Photograph y is often a good profession, or hobby, for these people. Mercury conjunct Pluto These are truth seekers, and they use their willpower and penetrating minds to get to the bottom of thing s. They love to delve into secrets and flush ou t the truth. This is a good aspect for detectives or other type investigators. In some cases, they can be overbearing. Mercury conjunct Ascrndatlt These people have exceptional intelligence. They tend to talk too much, which sometimes annoys others. They use logic in all their thinking processes. Mercury conjunct Midheauen Most often their profession will be in some field of communications such as newspaper work, free-lance writer, radio announcer, etc. Other favorabl e occupations are teachers, librarians, secretaries, scientists, work for the telephone company, or various sorts of clerks. Vrnus conjunct Mars Basically, this is a sensual aspect. It bestows passion, physical love desires, artistic expression of love or sexual connotations. In its highest expression, it is a generous, loving outpouring of help to others. In its most base expression, it is raw sexual exploitation. The Aspects / 219 Vetlus conjunct Jupiter This can brin g so much ease and good fortune into the person's life that they become lazy and unappreciative; however a strong Saturn in the chart negates this, bringing out the best qualities. These people are usually qu ite generous, and they love to brin g joy to others. Venus conjunct Saturn An excellent aspect to have in a chart, it bestows high quality talent for music and the ar ts. Prac tical and generous, these people have a strong sense of justice, harmony, and fair play. If these people feel they are unloved, they often become extremely depressed . Vrnus conjunct Uranus They have sudde n attractions and shifts of affection. Often they confu se friendship and romantic love. Seldom can they devote their love to just one person . Their love life is almost always in a state of flux and change. Venus conjunct Neptune At its highest expression, this aspect bestows a pure, spiritual love that borders on being divine. At its lowest expression, it foretells of romantic dreamers who are a burden to others and who are often unreliable and deceptive. Venus conjunct Pluto The positive side bord ers on being divine. The negative side bord ers on perversion. This aspect does bestow generous amounts of talent, especially for music, drama, and opera. Venus conjunct Ascendant This aspect bestows physical beauty and attractive- 220/ Astrology for Beginners ness. It also confers grace, charm, and harmony. In extreme cases, the person becomes infatuated with their own attractiven ess. Sometimes they are socially aggressive. Venus conjunct Midheaven These peop le seek to improve their status. Women sometimes promote their careers by charming those in authority. This aspect especially favors those who wor k in the arts or in public relations. Mars conjunct Jupiter These peopl e believe in themselves, sometimes to the point of being fanatical about it. They relentlessly pursue whatever goal they consider to be worthwhile, and they never accept "NO" for an answer. They have a great amount of energy and enthusiasm. Mars conjunct Saturn Unless this conjunction is well aspected by other plan ets, there will be anger, violence, and resentment. If badly aspected, this conjunction will bestow destructive and criminal tendencies. These people do have exceptional capacity for hard work, endurance, and courage. This aspe ct favors military careers. Mars conjunct Uranus These people are rebels and revolutionaries. They have courage, but usually lack good judgm ent. They seek to change things sudde nly, and usu ally by drastic, unacceptable means. Their very nature puts a great strain Oil their nervous system. This aspects carries with it a pro pensity for accidents. The Aspects / 221 Mars conjunct Neptune This aspect confers susceptibility to poisoning, drug reactions, and infectiou s diseases. These people almost always have strong psych ic abilities, especially healing abilities. Sometimes they have lofty goals that are unrealistic. Mars conjunct Pluto This aspect bestows more than a normal amount of power, energy, willp ower and courage. They have no fear of death or danger. In poorly developed people, there will likely be violent and criminal behav ior. Mars conjunct Ascendant These people are forceful and aggressive. They are basically leaders, and they leave their mark wherever they go. They can accomplish a great deal if they master the art of diplomacy. Otherwise, they just make people angry. They tend to plunge into things without giving it much forethought. Mars conjunct Midheaven These people are highly ambitious and they desire to become important and prominent in their professional lives. They are goal oriented, and they expend great energy to achieve their goals. Political and military careers benefit from this aspect. [upiter conjunct Saturn This aspect comprises opposing forces-the optimism and ease of Jupiter with the gloom and hardship of Saturn. The usu al result is that the person must shoulder heavy burdens throughout life but has an element of help and protection when the going gets the roughest. They are erious minded, but optimistic up to a point; sustained 222 / Astrology for Beginners disappointments can kill their optimism. Jupiter conjunct Uranus This aspect brings sudden and unusual benefits and advantages to the person. These people usually oppose the traditional or established way of doing things. Jupiter conjunct Neptune There is a tendency for extreme idealism, often accompanied by lack of self-discipline and lack of practicality. Often they promise more than they can deliver. Sometimes there is considerable psychic ability. They have great imagination. Jupiter conjunct Pluto This aspect confers the ability for intense concentration and strong determination to achieve goals. Usually the goals are to improve and benefit self and others. This aspect favors administrators and judges. Jupiter conjunct Ascendallt These people have self-confidence and optimism with the ability to inspire others. If the conjunction is afflicted, they will most likely be overweight. They usually like to travel. Jupiter conjunct Atidheaven These people have an excellent chance of attaining prominence. This aspect favors those in business, clergy persons, lawyers and associated law professions, and those in the field of education. Saturn conjunct Uranus Disciplined Saturn has a stabilizing effect on erratic Uranus, producing genius or near-genius intelligence that The Aspects /223 is practical, original, and creative. These people have much to offer the world. They enjoy serious studies such as mathematics, astrology, and sciences. Saturn conjunct Neptune If the conjunction is favorably aspected, it confers good power of concentration. It favors musicians, artists, and those engaged in secretive work. If afflicted, it can bestow all sorts of difficulties such as depression, being confined to an institution, and morbidity. Saturn conjunct Pluto These two powerful planets combine to endow the person with the ability to perform work that will have farreaching and long lasting effects. Often their work will be of a secret nature. These people possess much personal power. Saturn conjunct Ascendant This aspect indicates difficulties in early life. It confers reliability, a serious nature, the ability to perform hard work, and usually a strong sense of responsibility. Saturn conjunct Atidheaven These people almost always will rise to high positions in life regardless of whether they have integrity or not. With integrity, they will be a success and achieve honor. Without integrity they are guaranteed a great fall. IIranus conjunct Neptune This conjunction occurs about every 171 years and 1""StS its influence on a whole generation of people rather Ihan on individuals to any great degree. It does confer KllOd imagination and originality. 224 / Astrology for Beginners Uranus conjunct Pluto This occurs about every 115 years, affecting an entire generation. In individuals, it can confer some psychic ability. Uranus conjunct Ascendant These people are alert and individualistic. Their intuitive powers are high ly developed. Often these people study and practice astrology. They insist on having personal freedom and will not tolerate interference from oth ers. Uranus conjunct Midheaven This aspect favors occupations in electronics, science, physics, and astrology. They often gain fame and high positions, but there can be sudden changes in professional reputation. Neptune conjunct Pluto This aspect influences society in general in a subtle way to help them raise their consciousness to greater heights of love and understanding. It is so subtle that it may go unnoticed in individual horoscopes. Neptune conjunct Ascendant Very definitely confers psychic ability . They can have a "hypnotic".quality about them. Professional hypnotists are favored by this aspect. Neptune conjunct Midheaven These are not stable emp loyees. Their best bet is 10 engage in professions that require creative imagination such as photography, acting, music, painting, and psy· chology. If the conjunction is afflicted, there is danger 01' public disgrace. The Aspects / 225 Pluto conjunct Ascendant This aspect confers willpower and stamina and considerable psychic awareness. Pluto conjunct Midheaven This aspect alI but guarantees public notice-fame or notoriety, depending on the rest of the horoscope and the individual's choices. TRINES Sun trine Moon Bestows harmonious balance in the person. Insures good health and good recuperative powers. They tend to get along welI with family and parents. They work welI with children and have self-confidence and optimism. Sun trine Mars Bestows good health, physical strength, enthusiasm, leadership ability, decisiveness, courage, ambition, and willpo wer. Sun trine Jupiter This confers the same attributes as Sun trine Mars. In addition, it bestows good fortune, success, and honesty. Sun trine Saturn Self-discipline and good organizational ability go with this aspect. In addition, it confers practicality, honesty, good concentration powers, and a conservative disposition. These people do not waste anything. 5//11 trine Uranus These people have strong wills and the ability to tap lnto cosmic consciousness. They have leadership ability, 226 / Astrology for Beginllers crea tivity, and personal magnetism. Good astrologers often have this aspect. Sun trine Neptune Good intuition. These are usually spiritual people who express themselves in music, religion, art, or giving spiritual guidance. Sun trine Pluto These people have exceptional powers of concent ration and an excess of energy.Sometimes they have leadership ability. Sun trine Ascendant Favorable aspect for a good marriage or partnerships in general.The aspect gives much energy, willpower, selfconfidence, and optimism . Sun trine Midheaven This gives leadership ability and increases the perso n's chances of significant success in their career. This is a favorable position for all occupations in public life. Moon trine Mercury This aspect bestows common sense and good business ability. They are good comm unicators and often cond uct business over the phone or by mail. They hav e very good memories. Moon trine Venus This aspec t confers a pleasant disposition and good voice quality. It also bestows femininity and beauty. There usually is some arti stic ability and good taste in general. This is a good aspect for the performing arts. The Aspects / 227 Moon trine Mars Controlled, constructive emo tions. They will fight for what they believe to be right. They combine action with imagination . Moon trine Jupiter These people are devoted to their home, famil y, and parent s. They have expansive imag inations. Often they gain wealth through inh eritance or through their own business acum en. Moon trine Saturn These people have dignity and a sense of responsibility. They have good orga nizational ability, are cau tious, conserva tive, honest, and have common sense. They are shrewd in bu siness. Moon trine Uranus These people are unconv entional and have strong imaginations. They are original and energetic. Often they are interested in as trology and have some psychic ability. MOOlI trine Neptune This provides a conside rable amount of psychic ability. They often have careers in psychology. Moon trine Pluto Tremendou s personal power and emotional control /;0 with this aspect. They also have grea t courage and determ ination. Moon trine Ascendant These peopl e express their emo tions in a constructive way . They also cond uct themselves harm oniously in marriage. 228I Astrology for Beginners Mootl t rine M idheauen Th is aspect favors a good marriage and domestic life. Halso enables the person to deal successfu lly with peopl e in positions of authority. Mercury trine M ars This aspect confers grea t mental energy, mental concentration, and mental end ura nce. These are forceful, dramatic speakers. Often they enter law, the militar y, politics, or any pro fession that can give them op portunity for leadership. M ercury trin e Jupiter This gives a qu ick mind that is tolerant and abso rbs information effectively. These peop le have integrity and are honest. They usu ally like to travel. Mercury trine Sa tum These people are loyal friends. They usually have very good manual dexterity. Their mind is well organized, and exacting work appeals to them. A good memory goes with this aspect. M ercury trine Uratlus These people are espec ially suited for investigation or researc h wor k. It is also an excellent aspect for the stud y and practice of as trology . These are not crowd followers they form their own opi nions. M ercury trine Ne ptune This aspect bridges the logical mind with the spirl tual mind to confer ability in both areas. A great deal of in tuit ion is present . Often artistic ability is presen t. t i« Aspects I 229 M ercury trine Plu to There is great mental ability to de lve into the deepest su bjects and un derstan d them . This is an excellent aspect for physicists and those working in the nuclear energy field . It also favors writers of detective and mystery stories. M ercury trine Ascendant These people are qu ite adept at influencing others. They have sha rp, quick, inte lligen t minds. Mercurq trin e M idlteaven These peo ple will excel in any profession tha t makes use of their excellent me ntal and communication abilit ies. Vetlus trine Mars This aspect is favorable for happiness in marriage and romance. These people express themselves forcefully and harmoniously. They arc fun loving and usually have sex appeal. Vet/us trine Jupiter In a horoscop e that is genera lly weak, this aspect confers laziness becau se things come too easy to the person. Otherwise, this aspect confers harmony and an optimistic, pleasing disposition . There us ua lly is some crea tive potential here. Venus trine Saturn These people are usually sharp in business. They are also loyal friends and are good marriage pa rtners. Sometimes they appear to be shy or too serious. Vetlus trine Uranus Sudden good fortune (financial especia lly) is associ- 230/ Astrology for Begirmers a ted with this asp ect.These are bubbly, fun lovin g people. They have a grea t deal of sex appeal and have no d ifficulty in a ttrac ting romance. Venus trin e Neptune These can be crea tive ge niuses, especially in music and art. They a re very romantic a nd are attracted to unusual roma nces or lovers. Venus trine Pluto These are definitely roma ntic people who have strong sex drives. They have an intense emo tional nat ure and often fall in love at first sight. Venus trine Ascendant This aspect confers grace, harmo ny, attractive ness, and cha rm. Usua lly they are popular and have good mar riages. Venus trine Midheauen Beauty, cha rm , an d grace playa vital role for success in their occupa tion. If a performing a rtist has this aspect, so me favorable public recog nition is guaranteed . Mars trine Jupit er This aspec t bestows construc tive action, ene rgy, and enthus iasm. If they are religiou s, they put their religious beliefs into action in the finest sense of the word. Mar s trin e Satu rn These peo ple are shrewd and work hard to satisfy their ambitions . They are skillful, daring, and have great willpower. They are able to bear heavy res po nsibilities, end ure hardshi ps or eve n face da nge r. t t« Aspects / 231 Mar s trine Uranu s They are ou tspoken, and ha ve nerv ou s energy which can be di fficult for others to dea l with. They are resourceful and original, often pioneering new meth od s of doing things. Mars trine Neptune This aspec t confers a keen sensit ivity that enables them to detect insincerity in others, sens ing danger, and utilizing innate psychic abi lities. People who work with liquids often have this as pect. Ma rs trine Pluto These are ruthless fighters wh o give no quarter to defend wha t they believe to be righ t. They live life dynamically and have unbrea kable willpower. Mars trine Ascendant These people a re active, decisive, and have stro ng willpow er. Mars trine M idheauen They work har d to sa tisfy their a mbit ion to climb the ladd er of success in their profession and to take ca re of their famil y. Jupiter trin e Saturn This aspect bestows financial, business, and man agerial abilities. It also gives honesty, com mo n sense, and integrity. They usu ally have cool tempers and are d ign ified. Jupiter trine Uranus They do not like rules or cons traints; they desire unrestricted freedo m. Some times these peo ple are genui ne geniuses. They have crea tive ability. 232 I Astrology for Beginners The Aspects I 233 Jupiter trine Neptune This is primarily a psychic aspect, conferring theability to interact with cosmic conscious ness. They prefer to live near the wate r and awa y from urban centers. Saturn trine Ascendent: They have a di gnified and conse rva tive dem eanor, and never act impulsively. They are usu ally tru st worthy. If marri ed , their marriage will be stable. Jupiter tritle Pluto This aspect confers tremendous creative power. They can focus their concentra tion, wh ich enables them to achieve mu ch throu gh meditation . Uratlus trine Neptune This as pect lasts ma ny yea rs and affects a n enti re generat ion of peopl e. In ind ividua l cha rts it confers an interest in occult matters such as astrology a nd psychic ph enomena. Jupiter trine Ascendant This gives a n optimis tic, construc tive attitude. They ar e enthusiastic, have self-confide nce, and hav e good will tow ar d others. Usually they hav e harmoni ou s marriages. Jupiter trine Mid/wavetl They usually rise high in their profess ion due to their con structive attitude . Religion and law are favored by this aspect. Saturn trine Uratlus This aspect is favo rable for careers in science, as trology, mathematics, or lead ers of grou ps. They have considerable willpower and are practical. Llranus trine Pluto This aspect lasts many yea rs and affects an entire gen erati on of people. In ind ividual cha rts it confers an interest in life after death and reincarna tion. Uratlus trine Ascendant Often these people are clairvoyant or intuitive. They ar e original and have mu ch will power. They are natural leaders wh o inspire others. Llranus trin e Midheavetl They usually work in "unus ua l" field s and achie ve success, sometimes fame, whi ch often comes suddenly and un exp ectedly. Saturn trine Neptune These are good organizers who work best behind the scenes or in secretive typ e work such as investigation. They are skillful ana lysists, which also ada pts them to working with investments. Neptune trine Pluto This aspect lasts a very long time, affecting a n entire gen eration . Its affects ar e hardly noticed in indi vid ual charts except for a tendency tow ard psychic matters. Sahlrn trine Pluto Often these peopl e hav e a karmic mission to fill. They work tirelessly to achieve their goa ls. Good aspect for managerial position s. Neptu ne trin e Ascendatlt They have well developed intuition . To oth ers, they often appear to be intriguing or mysteriou s. Usua lly the y have a close rapport with their marriage partner. 234 / Astrologyfor BegilJlJers Neptune trine Midheauen They use their excellent intuition effectively in their profession to solve problems and to deal with their superiors. They usu ally have a close rapport with their parents. They often live near water. Pluto trine Ascendant This confers strong will power and excellent powers of concentration. They inspire others. Pluto trine Midheauen These people seek leadership positions in their profession . They make stro ng, farsighted executiv es. SEXTILES Sun sextile Moon This aspect end ows popularity and a harmonious marriage. These people easily make friends with the opposite sex. sextil e Mars Energy, will power, decisiveness, and leadership ability are associa ted with this aspect. The aspect also bestows courage and ability to endure hardship. The Aspects / 235 stern, but they are loyal friend s. Sun sextile Uranus This aspect favors inventors becau se they have pe rceptive minds and much willpower for creating thin gs that others are un able to do. These are magnetic people wh o inspire others. Sun sextile Neptune This aspect confers good imagination and visualization powers. They are quite sens itive to other people' s emotions. They love animals. SUIt sex tile Pluto Great willp ower, resourcefulness, and exceptional end urance are the marks of this aspect. Sun sextil e Ascendant This is a good asp ect for a good marriage. They are enthusiastic and creative and they express their energy harmoniously. Still Sun sextile Midll eaven They express themselves well in their profession . They also have lead ership ability. sex tile Jupiter This aspect gives a grea t deal of protection to the person; they rarely have any serious harm come to them. These peop le are also generous, confid ent, and optimistic and usually love to travel. Moon sextile Mercuru Neatn ess, cleanliness and good hygiene are associated with this aspect. These peopl e are good communicators. They also have good memories. sextile Saturn These peopl e are methodical and practical, having mu ch pati ence and self-discipline. They often appear to be Moon sextile Venus This is favorable for all matters associa ted with marriage and home life. They are affectiona te and are usu ally popular. Still S till 236/ Astrology for Beginners Moon sex til e Mar s These peop le will fight to protect their famil y and hom e. They have a great deal of energy. Moon sextile [upiter These people have a"gree n thumb." They are cheerful, hon est, a nd optimis tic. Moon sextile Sahml These peopl e are level-head ed, practical, frugal, and generally possess integrit y. To ot her people they often appear to be d ull. Moon sextile Uranus These people can quickly spot an oppo rtunity, and they know how to take ad vantage of it. They have many female friends.Some times their moth er is an unusual person. Moon sextile Neptune Psychic ability definitely comes with this aspect, and they usu ally know how to use it in the most spiritua l and way. Moon sextile Pluto These peopl e do not have a lot of "clutter" in their life. They use their minds to create the reality they want. Moon sex tile A scendant This confers harmony within self, between them and others in general, and within marriage. Moon sextile Midheauen This confers harmon y in the workplace with cowork ers a nd su pe rvisors. If is also favorable for a ha rrno- Tire Aspects /237 niou s home life. Mercl/ry sextile Venl/s Grace in behavior, ski ll in speech and wr iting, and a calm di sposition a re marks of this aspect. Mercurv sextile Mar s These people plan wha t they are goi ng to do, and then they do it. Thus, they are efficient and productive. They also have sharp mind s. Merwry sextile [upiter This as pect is concerne d wi th intellectu al pursuits, especially in law, religion, philoso phy, and ed ucation. These people a ttrac t good things to themselves. They love to travel. Mercl/ry sextile Satu rn This is the premier aspect of the well disci plined mind . Their mind is precise, practical, and thinks th ings through thoroughly. They lea ve no thing to chance. Mercurv sextile Uranl/s Quick, inventive mind s with a good memory are marks of this aspect. They often ge t sudde n flashes of knowled ge or inspiration that ena bles them to solve problems. Mercl/ry sextile Neptune This as pect favors ph otogra ph ers and writers. These people can intuitively sense what other peopl e are up to. Often they work in secre t or on secret projects. Merwry sextile Pluto These peopl e a re able to exp ress them selves power- 238 I Astrologyfor Beginners Tire Aspects I 239 fully and effectively. They have strong will power. on help from others. Mercun) sextile Ascendant This aspect bestow s the ability to communicate excep tionally well with others. Venus sextile Pluto This aspect favors creativity in music or a rt. Often their marriage seems to be preordained. Mercun) sextile Midheaven Their ability to communicate well enables these people to do well in their profession. They also are good planners. Venus sextile Ascendant These peopl e have grace and harmony in th eir selfexpression. Sometimes they are peacemakers between warr ing factions . Venus sex tile Mars This aspect promotes harmony between the sexes. These people are usually happy and full of energy. Sometimes they become wealthy, and they are always generous with others. Venus sextile Midheaucn These are natural diplomats. They find contentment both at home and in their pro fession . Venus sextile Jupiter This as pect bestows good fortune and an easy, comfortable life. These people are usually qui te popular. Ma rs sextile Jupiter These people are rarely lazy. They work strenuo us ly to help oth ers who are unfortunate. Often they are missionaries or engaged in some religiou s activity. They are undefeatable. Venus sextile Saturn This aspect confers exceptional artistic skill. They tend to be formal in their conduct. They are frugal and have good judgment in the use of money. Mars sextile Satunl Endurance and fortitud e are the keywords here. There is a ba lanced blend of discipline and energy to produce practical, efficient, and tireless workers. Venus sextile Ura,lUs These people fall in love suddenly and marry suddenly . They are popular and have many friends . Usually their marriage and friendships are good , brin ging them good fortun e. Mars sextile Uranus These peop le know exactly what they want and they go after it with courage, fast action, and will power . These are forceful people. Venus sextile Neptune Keen artistic imagination go with this aspect. In a weak horoscope, these peopl e are likely to be lazy and rely Mars sextile Neptune These peopl e can see through the motives of oth ers, hence they are not easily fooled . Any professions that requ ire exceptional imagination and supe rior energy need 240 / Astrology for Beginners people with this aspect in their natal chart. Mars sextile Pluto The keywords here are great courage, iron will power, and tremendous energy. Mars sextile Ascendant These peopl e earn resp ect becau se they are op en and direct in their dealin gs. Mars sextile Midheauen This is a favorable aspect for both domestic and professional matters. Sometimes they use their home as the base for their professional activities. Jupiter sextile Saturn This aspect con fers a balance between Jupiter's expansiveness, optimism, and enthusiasm and Saturn's constrictiveness, caution, practicality, and organization. Jupiter sextile Uranus These peopl e make good astrol ogers. They are kind and altru istic. Often they are lucky in sudde n, unexpected way s. Jupiter sextile Neptune These people often have great imagination but frequ ently lack the common sense to know how to use it. They tend to be gus hy and overly sentimental. Jupiter sextile Pluto Often this aspect signifies wisdom and insight. Jupiter sextile Ascendant Good fortun e in marriage and in dealing with the The Aspects / 241 public is indica ted here. They know how to arouse enthusiasm in oth ers, enabling them to be successful promoters for wha tever enterprise they are involved with. Jupiter sextile Midheaven These are honest and genero us people, gaining them popularity in their professional dealings. They usu ally have excellent reputations. Saturn sextile Uranus These people know how to take o riginal or "off the wall" ideas and apply them in a practical way. They are tru thful, loyal friend s. Sahlm sextile Neptune They have the ability to discipline and focus their grea t imaginative powers in orde r to produce practical results. They have grea t insight. Satum sextile Pluto These peopl e know how to use p ow er wisely. The rest of the horoscop e mu st be strong for th is aspect to have much influence in the person's life. Satum sextile Ascendant The keywords here are integrity, se nse of resp onsibility, very serious disp osition, reliability, self-d iscipline, good organization. They are respected even though they appear to be cold, and impersonal. Saturn sextile Midheauen These people, if they work in an es tablished organi zation, will move up through the ranks becau se their superiors have confidence in them. They like tradition . 242/ Astrology for Beginners Uratlus sextile Neptune This aspect lasts man y years, affecting an entire generation, and is usually not prominent in an ind ividual's horoscope. There may be artistic ability. Uranus sextile Pluto Individuals may have sudden intu itive flashes on how to bring about constructive cha nges. Uratlus sextile Ascendatlt These arc unusual people who stand apart from the crowd. Others find them interesting. Sometimes they decide to get married sudde nly, or their marriage ceremon y may be a strange one. Uranus sextile Midheauen Often they adva nce professionally throu gh the help of friends. They often entertain friends in their home. Neptune sextile Ph/to This aspect has an extremely long dura tion and is not usually significant in individua l horoscopes unless either Neptune or Plu to is in an angular house (lst, 4th, 7th, 10th). In this case there will be unusual scientific or psychic abilities. Neptune sextile Ascelldatlt Clairvoya nce or other extrase nsory abilities usuall y accompany this aspect. Others find these people to be charming and arc drawn to them magnetically. Neptu ne sextile Midheauen This confers excellent intuit ion in the professional life, enabli ng the person to sense and understand the subtle and hidden things that are going on. The Aspects / 243 Pluto sextile Ascendant Good powers of concentra tion accompa ny this aspect. These people act decisively. Pluto sextile Mid1leavetl Consid erabl e professional skill and ambition arc indicated here. SQUARES Sun square Moon Creative self-expression is usually blocked by the person's family. They usually have difficulty getting along with the oppos ite sex. They feel insecure. Sun square Mars These are argumentive people wh o try to achieve their goals by force, thus antago nizing oth ers. They are their own worst enemies because of their brash, aggressive behavior. Some times there arc temper outburs ts. Sun square Jupiter They have an unrealistic view of themselves. Usua lly they are very extra vaga nt and can fritter money away faster than they can ea rn it. They want too mu ch too quickly. Sun square Saturn This aspect puts a seemingly endless string of obstacles in the person's path, crea ting a life of hard ship. If the person is strong, this aspect builds character. If not, it beats the person down. Sun square Uranus This confers erratic behavior, impractical ideas, and 244 / Astrology for Beginners lack of self-discipline. They often do not reap the rewards from their work due to their irrational behavior, which creates enemies. Sun square Neptune These people usu ally suffer from self-delusion and hav e a tend ency to try to avoid responsibility . They frequently have secret love affairs and get involved in scandals. Sun square Pluto These people are forceful and domineering, creating resentment in oth ers. They are too aggressive with the opposite sex. Sun square Ascendant These people have difficulty dealing with the public, with partners (including marriage). They don't seem to know how to present their tru e self. Usually they try to dominate others . Sun square Midheav en Career and family life do not run smoothly, and they conflict with each oth er. Usually they do not get along well with co-workers or with their boss. Moon square Mercury There is a tendency for problems wit h the nerv ous system or the digestive system. These are classic bores who rattl e on and on about nothing worth listening to, much to the agony of their listeners. Moon square Venus They tru st their spouse or oth er partners too much, and are taken advantage of by them. They get involved in The Aspects / 245 unwise romantic situa tions. Sometimes they are just plain unlucky. Moon square Mars This confers volatile emotions and temper. They do not get along with women. Because they have little control over their emotions, they should avoid alcohol use. Moon square Jupiter These people are suckers for a sob story, and are easily "taken" for financial loss as a result. Foreign travel will likely bring them some sort of misfortune. Sometimes they are just plain lazy. Moon square Saturn These people are constantly "down in the dumps," moody, pessimistic, depressed, unhappy, etc. A black cloud seems to always be over their head . Often they have an inferiority complex. Mo on square Uranus These people usually have ingenuity and great talent, but also tend toward perv ersity and hav e sudde n mood swings. Often their life is plagued with misfortun es that occur suddenly, such as accidents, ill health, catastrophes, etc. Moon square Neptune These people live in a fantasy world tha t is muddled and confused . Drug and alcohol abuse are associated with this aspect. There can be psychosis or insanity. They often become social parasites. Moon square Pluto These people do not like to be confined by anything, 246/ Astrologyfor Beginners be it a job, a marriage, laws, etc. They want to force their way on others. Moon square Ascendant Difficulties with self-expression are associated with this aspect. It also creates probl ems with all relationships, including marriage. Moon square Midheaven They have emotional problems with parents or family. These probl ems spill over to interfere with their profession, causing further problems with their employer. Mercury square Mars These people lack tact, jump to conclusions, have one-sided reasoning, and are argumentive. As a result, they do not do well in jobs dealing with the public. Mercury square Jupiter These people promise more than they can deliver. They attempt thin gs beyond their capacity. They usually have good intentions, but lack common sense. They cannot keep secrets. Mercury square Saturn Mental inhibition is indicated here. This can be dullness, narrow mindedness, no imagination, too wrapped up in unimportant details, or pessimism. In some cases, they are dishonest schemers. Mercury square Uranus A nervous disposition and harebrained ideas are indicated here. They will not accept advice from an yone. They may be perverse, make snap judgments, and be quite changeable. TheAspects / 247 Mercury square Neptune This confers absentmindedness and general mental disorganization. These people absolu tely cann ot keep a secret. They have great difficulty communicating clearly. Mercury square Pluto They have strong will power, but usually use it in destructive ways. They are brutally blunt, saying exactly what they think in a harsh manner regardless of wheth er it hurts someone. Mercury square Ascendan t They express themselves awkwa rd ly in speech and in writing, makin g it difficult for them to communicate well with anyone . As a result they have constant problems in their personal life and with the world at large. Mercury square Midheaven They communicate poorly at horne and at work, with the most serious problems occurring at work . Venus square Mars Problems in romance and relationships are indicated here. They tend to use, or be used by, others for sexua l gratification only .They lack refinement in their social conduct. 1fthey do not control their passions, great harm will corne to them. Venus square Jupiter Overindulgence and laziness are the keywords here. They have no appreciation for the true values in life, and are often morally corrupt. Vellus square Saturn Life is often exceptionally harsh for these people. Un- 248/ Astrologyfor Beginners fulfilled love and financial hardship are common. Sometimes they are obsessed with a quest for wealth, regardless of what they have to do to obtain it. Venus square Uranus This aspect usually indicates divorce if there is a marriage because these people will not sacrifice any personal freedom in order to make the marriage work. There can be fickleness with this aspect. Venus square Neptune Unwise use of affections and sex are keywords here. There can be anything from dishonesty in marriage, to perverseness, to homosexuality. If Venus or Nep tune are favorably aspected by other planets, then the person will direct their sexual energy in some creative way , such as writing or art, rath er than in sexual misuse. Venus square Pluto There is a tendency to give in to overwhelming sexual passions. Sometimes external events, such as war, disrupt personal happiness. Marriage is likely to be motivated more by material gain than by love. Venus square Ascendant The person may be ultra-sensitive emotionally, thus precipitating problems in the marriage. Sometimes the person has no social grace. Venus square Midheaven Often the person find s both their job and their home life to be dull and unfulfilling. Most likely they will not get along very well with their parents. The Aspects / 249 Mars square Jupiter This is a very destructive aspect that may be found in the horoscopes of those who glorify war, have violent tendenci es that they d isplay under the guise of seeking social justice, who espouse fanat ical religions that often use violence against those wh o oppose them, and so forth. Mars square Saturn Physical hardships, violence, broken bones, accidents, uncontrolled anger, dangerous condition s, and callousness are associated with this aspect. Military career persons frequentl y have this aspect. Mars square Uranus Death through accide nts is a definite possibility with persons who have this aspect because they tend to be reckless, impulsive, and react sudde nly without first exercising good judgment. Mars square Neptune Drug, alcohol, and sexual abuse are associated with this aspect. In heavily afflicted horoscopes there may be d ishonesty or even criminal activity. Ma rs square Pluto This is a dangerous aspect because the person is inclined to use force to get whatever they want. In an otherwise good horoscope, it indicates grea t courage. These people are attracted to violent situations, such as wars, rebellions, riots, and often die a violent death. Mars square Ascendant These people may be bullies. They tend to be overly aggressive in their relationships with oth ers. 250/ Astrology for Beginners Mars square Midheaven There is generally strife both at work and at home, with problems at one place triggering problems at the other place. There is also a tendency to get into trouble with the law. Jupiter square Saturn There are difficulties or misfortunes in business and financial matters. Sometimes this is due to poor planning or poor judgment. Sometimes they lack confidence or fail to take the initiative at the right time. Jupiter square Uranus These are restless people who constantly seek adventure, often through travel. Usually they cannot. be depended on to fulfill their promises, nor can their friends . They are usually Bohemian type people. Jupiter square Neptune These are skillful talkers whose words are meaningless because they never back them up with constructive action. They tend to be lazy and live in a dream world while their real world crumbles around them. Jupiter square Pluto These people don't hesitate to take the law into their own hands in order to change society to conform to their ideas. These usually are not nice or popular people. Jupiter square Ascendant Here you find the "holier than thou" people. They also tend to spread themselves too thin. Jupiter square Midheaven These people have grandiose ideas about their own Tile Aspects / 251 worth and their potential achievements. They need more humility and common sense. Saturn square Uranus These people vacillate between conservative and radical behavior. They tend to be dictators and are oppressive toward those who have different views than they have. Sudden misfortune may occur to them. Saturn square Neptune Fear of being inadequate and an inferiority complex go with this aspect. Others tend to shun these people because of their peculiar behavior. Various phobias are often connected with this aspect. Saturn square Pluto These people often feel that they are carrying the weight of the entire world on their shoulders because this aspect brings heavy responsibilities and many disappointments. Saturn square Ascendant These people are excluded from social activity because of their sour, cold, unresponsive disposition. They have difficulty in finding a marriage partner, and if they do the odds are overwhelmingly in favor of a divorce. They have few, if any, friends. Sa tu rn square Midl/eaven They have to work extremely hard to care for their families because heavy burdens are always on their shoulders. Often their parents are a burden. Their life in general is filled with obstacles to happiness. 252 / Astrology for Beginners Uranus square Neptune This square lasts for many years and is indicative of an entire generation. It usually is not prominent in individual charts unless Uranus or Neptune are quite strong in the chart. This tends to make individuals "set in their ways" and subject to nervousness; they are often "high strung." Uranus square Pluto This aspect lasts for years and is not prominent in individual charts unless Uranus or Pluto are otherwise strong in the chart. Individuals never feel secure no matter how much they have. Uranus square Ascendant These people are non-conformists to the extent that they create problems for themselves. They are prone to divorce because they are not willing to give up a little personal freedom in order to make the marriage work. Uranus square Mid1leaven These people refuse to conform to any routine. They rebel against authority-their boss, the government, parents. They change jobs and residences frequently for no valid reason. They have the "hippie" syndrome. Neptune square Pluto This rules corrupt social and governmental condi tions for generations. There is no one alive today who has this aspect in their natal horoscope. Neptune square Ascendant This aspect denotes unreliable, deceptive, confused people who live in their own dream world. The Aspects / 253 Neptune square Midheauen Unless the rest of the horoscope negates this influence, the person will be disorganized, unreliable, lazy, inefficient, and sometimes dishonest. One good aspect to Neptune from some other planet is usually sufficient to nega te this aspect. Pluto square Ascendant A tendency for aggressive and antisocial behavior characterize this aspect. Divorce is almost a given, and there is high likelihood of lawsuits. Pluto square Mid1leaven These people want to change things to suit them, and they cause much conflict in the process. They tend to not get along very well with supervisors or authorities in general. OPPOSITIONS Sun opposition Moon These people are born during the full Moon, which can give them difficulty in relationships with others. Due to stressful relationships, they can develop health problems, especially psychosomatic ailments or nervous condi tions. If either the Sun or Moon has a trine to any other planet, it will greatly lessen the effect of this full Moon stigma. Sun opposition Mars These people are extremely difficult to get along with because they always want to argue or fight. Because they are continuously psyched up for doing battle, they eventually put a strain on their heart. 254 / Astrology for Beginners Sun opposition Jupiter These people are much too optimistic. They promise much, but deliver little. Sometimes they are showoffs or are just plain arrogant. Sun opposition Saturn It is difficult for these people to develop friendships because they are too stiff and formal, even cold, in their demeanor. As a result, they usually marry late in life, if they even marry at all. Often they do not have children of their own. Sun opposition Uranus It is difficult for oth ers to get along with these people because they insist on everything having to be done their way . They also tend to be irritable and tense, making others feel uncomfortable. They do crazy things for no good reason other than because they felt like doing them. Sun opposition Neptune This aspect bestows confusion and distorted understand ing coupled with prejudices. Often they are deceitfu l or dishonest, and they tend to live in their own fantas y world . Sun opposition Pluto This is the classic dictator aspect--extremely overbearing, forceful will power that demands others to do what they want, and a desire to transform the world in accordance with their personal beliefs. Needless to say, these people's life is often in danger. Moon opposition Mercury These are prattling bores that everyone strives to avoid being around. They never shut up, and they never The Aspects / 255 say anything worth listening to. They also cannot take criticism of any kind . Moon opposition Venus Sexual excesses and dietary excesses characterize this aspect. Domestic problems are common. Moon opposition Mars Alcoholism is common with this aspect. There often are temper outbursts over insignificant things that can be followed by violence . The men tend to treat women poorly, and the women tend to be unfeminine. They also tend to be irresponsible. Moon opposition Jupiter Extravagance in general, and overeating in particular, are associated with this aspect. They tend to be wasteful. They also are all talk and no action . Moon opposition Saturn Early childhood experience usually has a marked effect on these people, leaving them depressed, overly formal and unable to establish friendships. They have difficulty in getting along with employers (parental figures), thus creating conflicts at work which usually spill over to the domestic scene. Moon opposition Uranus Perversity, instability, undependability, unpredictability, sudden changes in mood, and irritability are marks of this aspect. Mothers neglect their children. Men neglect their wives. Moon opposition Neptune Alcohol and drug abuse are common with this as- 256/ Astrology for Beginners pect. Their domestic life is often in shambles due to irresponsibility and laziness. Sometimes they get involved in shady money making schemes. The Aspects / 257 this aspect. Moon opposition Pluto Intense emotions cause problems in relatio nships with family and friends. There are sometimes family quarrels concerning inheritance. Mercury opposition Pluto These people often deal with secret or dangerous information, which causes them great mental tension and d istress. Spying or detective work are sometimes associated with this aspect. In extrem e cases, the nature of their work can bring about their death. Mercury opposition Mars These people are prone to argue at the drop of a hat, which makes them unpopular. They are unable to see the other person's point of view. They love to find fault with others. Venus opposition Mars This aspect signifies emotional problems in relationships, often of a sexual nature. These people are easily hurt by other people's unkindness. This is not a favorab le aspect for a good marriage. Mercury opposition Jupiter These are daydreamers who talk big, but don't follow through. If they go to college, they will take some course of study that has no practical value once they graduate. Venus opposition Jupiter Marital problems may occur over religious matters. Hypocrisy rears its head occasionally. These people have such a sickeningly sweet beha vior that it irritates others. Mercury opposition Saturn These are critical nags who see the dark side of ever ything. They tend to be narrow minded and highly opinionated. They are inclined to respiratory disorders; smoking is especially harmful to them . Mercury opposition Uranus These people tend to be blunt and tactless, eccentric, stubborn, arrogant and conceited . No one can make them change their mind no ma tter what, but they may chan ge their mind of their own choice dozens of times a day. Mercury opposition Neptune Deceit and scheming are tend encies common with Venus opposition Saturn An unhappy marriage, financial hardships, and depression often accompany this aspect. There are all sorts of emotional frustrations that go with this aspect. Venus opposition Uranus Emotional instability is the keyword here. Many divorces are common. Many sudden, short lived romances are common. They foolishly squander money. Venus opposition Neptune Drug and alcohol abuse often enter the picture here. There may be scandals due to secret love affairs or other secret involvements. In some cases, there are homosexual tendencies. TheAspects / 259 258/ Astrology for Beginners Venus opposition Pluto There are uncontrollable passions here that can caus e many problems. They often attract undesirable associations into their life. Criminal involvement with sex, such as prostitution, in order to make money is sometimes present. Suicide attempts due to disappointment in love is a definite possibility. Mars opposition Jupiter This is the aspect of the soldier of fortune. Everything they do is self-serving. They are zealous in promoting their own religion or philosophy to the point of alienating others. death is common. Jupiter opposition Saturn Legal problems and lawsuits are probable with this aspect. There can also be d ifficulties in long distan ce travel and in foreign countries. These people are seld om happy, and are often under pressure to do more than they are capable of. Jupiter opposition Uranus Money gets frittered away in unwise "get rich qu ick" schemes. These people usu ally mean well, bu t they have no sense of reality. They will su dde nly change courses or take off on trips with no rational reason. Mars opposition Saturn These people are frustrated, and they use violent, aggressive action to cover-up their own fears and inad equ acies in relation to others. Their own ambitions are often thwarted by others. In extreme cases, criminal tend encies may appear. Jupiter opposition Neptune These people are generally unreliable and impractical. They do not fulfill their promises more due to forgetfulness than to deliberate dishonesty. Dru gs, alcohol, gases and fumes pose a serious danger to them. Mars opposition Uranus There is danger of a violent death with this aspect. Bad temper is common. There is often involvement in dangerous or unstable situations. Friends often become enemies. Jupiter opposition Pluto There is conflict with others because these peopl e have persistent determination to ind octrinate others with their religious and philosophic views. These people generally lack humility. Mars opposition Neptune Drugs and alcohol are dangerous for these peop le. They often take action without rational thought. Psychosomatic illness is fairly common. Saturn opposition Uranus These people work hard, but have no common sense and are poor planners. They also preach one thing, but practice something else. Unexpected events constantly thwart their progress. . Mars opposition Pluto These people use power solely for selfish reasons. In extreme cases they resort to extreme violence. A violent Satu rn opposition Neptun e A persecution complex goes with this aspect. They 260I Astrology for Beginners do not trust anyone. Sometimes they must be institutionalized or are plagued by hard to diagnose and cure psychological problems. Saturn opposition Pluto This aspect brings misfortune into the life. They can receive or give cruelty. Uranus opposition Neptune This long lasting aspect affects a generation of people.ln individual horoscopes it can be involved with alcoholism, sexual involvements or excesses, or neurotic behavior. Uranus opposition Pluto This aspect indicates a generation of people whose lives are disrupted by social and political upheaval such as war or economic depression. Neptune opposition Pluto This aspect involves a generation of people. It is apparent in individual charts only if both planets are in angular houses and are heavily aspected by other planets, in which case they will behave in a manner quite different from their peers. 14 Signs on the House Cusps Whatever zodiac sign appears on the cusp of a house rules that house. Each sign has certain basic attributes that influence the house it rules. Each house has certain basic attributes of a person's life that it rules. To interpret this interaction between the house and ruling sign, simply combine the attributes of both the house and its ruling sign . I'll give you an example at the end of this chapter. The following are two tables of attributes, one for houses and one for signs, that you can use for a quick reference when interpreting natal charts. 261 262 / Astrology for Beginners Signs on tile HouseCusps/ 263 Table 1 House Attributes (Continued) HOUSE ATTRIBUTES (See Chapter 7 for more extensive det ail) First House I Your ph ysical body and personality. How others perceive you . Selfawareness and self-interest. Life and health to some extent. Second House I Income that you earn or acqu ire. Your money and possessions. Your material resourcesin general. Third House I Your conscious mind and thought processes. Mental activity in general. Your brothers, sisters, and neighbors. Short distance travel and accidents during travel. Communications of all sor ts. Fourth House I Your home, both as a child and in ad ulthood when you have your own home. Domestic life in general. The end of any matter . Fifth House I bling Romance. Love . life. Sports. Gamand speculation. Children. Entertainm ent and part ies. Crea tive ability and creative urge. Sixth House I Your health . Working conditions and tools. Clothing. Your employees. Service to oth ers. Small animals. Seventh House I Marriage and other partnerships. Relations with oth ers. Open enemies. Eighth House I Death . Ninth House I Religion or other philosophical beliefs. Foreign countries and foreign travel (long distance travel in general). Large animals. Publishing and printing. Law an d legal matters. Ed ucational matt ers. Dreams and some psychic experiences. Tenth Hou se I Your tru e profession in life. Ambitions. Public reputa tion. Social and professional status. Honors. Inheritance. Insurance. Taxes. Ot her people's money. Sexual matters. Investigations. Eleventh House I Friends . Groups of people. Your wishes, hopes, and dreams. Your relationship with the govern ment. Twelfth House I Secrets. Hidde n enemies. Self-delusion. Institu tions of all sor ts. Work and activity behind the scenes, out of the public eye. Some psychic matters such as seances. 264 / Astrology for Beginners Signs on the House Cusps/26S Table 2 SIGN AlTRIBUTES Libra Partners hips. Joint ente rprises. Refinemen t. Harmony. Balance. Fairness. Beauty. Overly romantic or idealistic. Scorpio Secrecy. Vindictiveness. Coercion. Intense emotions and des ires. Jealousy. Possess iveness. Sometimes meann ess. Fatalistic attitude. Forced changes. Never gives up. Sagittarius Much communication of all sorts. Much mental effort expended . Short distance travel. Diversity. Good fortune. Abundance. Optimism. Lack of d iscrimination. Foreign matters. Long dis tance travel. Philosophy. Humor. Capricorn Moodiness. Extreme sensitivity. Much intuition or psychic insigh t. Tenacity. Domestic matters. Association with food. Need for public recognition. Ambition. Self-discipline. Hard wo rk. Respon sibility. Desire for status. Seriousness. Fruga lity. Public ambitions. Business. Ho nors . Coldness. Aquarius Freedo m. Inde pendence. Unconventi onal. Humanitarian. Artistic talents. Friends . Sudden changes and events. Expensive tastes. Much originality. Inventiveness . Scientific and electrical meth ods. Pisces Sympathy. Und erstanding. Activities behind the scenes.Secretiveness. Fraud . Psychic matters. Institu tions of all sorts. Sick people. Drugs. Aries Action. Much energy . Impulsiveness. Combativeness. Lead ership. Enthusiasm. Strife. Taurus Possessiveness. Profit. Slow but steady progress. Stubborness. Determination. Reliability. Slow to change. Dynamic when aroused . Gemini Cancer Sign Attributes (Continued) Leo Prid e. Enjoyment. Romance. Children . Optimism. Flamboyance. Tempermental reactions. Games, gambling, and speculation. Virgo Much discrimination. Cau tion. Analysis. Work. Perfectionism. Efficiency. Details. Crafts manship. Critical and flaw seeking. Health . Service to others. 266 / Astrology for Beginners Here is an example from figure 1 to illustrate how to interpret the sign influence on a hous e cusp. In figure 1, Virgo is on the second house cusp. The second house pertains to how I will earn my money. Virgo defines the parameters of craftsmanship, details, service to others, work, perfectionism, analysis, flaw seeking, and efficiency. This means I will work at an occupation that employs these traits. Iam a professional writer, specializing in non-fiction, self-help, how-to books . All of the Virgo traits are absolut ely necessary for success in earning money in this profession. It all fits neatly, doesn't it? Play around with it in your own chart. It is an excellent way to learn astrology. 15 Putting It All Together Now you have had your basic training in natal astrology. You know the language. You know how a natal chart is constructed. You have chapters of reference data to refer to in order to compile a natal chart interpretation that covers many salient facts. All that remains now is for you to compile an interpretation. Here is how, using the natal chart in figure 1: 1. The 1st house cusp has Leo on it. Look up "Leo" and "First House" in Chapter 14 and write them down. 2. Neptune is in Leo in the 1st house. Lookup "Neptune in Leo" in Chapter 11 and "Neptune in First House" in chapter 12 and write them down. Neptune is also conjunct the ascendant, conjunct Mars, trine Saturn, square Venus, and widely square Jupiter. Look up all of these aspects in Chapter 13 and write them down. 3. Proceed around the chart, house by house, planet by planet until you have written down all the interpretations. 4. Now read over all you have written. You will see patterns formin g. For example, you will see (in this specificchart) that writing ability appears several times. Thus 267 268 I Astrology for Beginners you can conclude that the person (me in this case) is going to be, or should be, a professional writer. You will also see some things that cancel out other things. For example, the positive effects of Saturn trine Neptune cancel out or mitigate the negative effects of Venus square Neptune. Many things appear only once, and are not likely to apply to me, or if they do it would be only superficially. 5. Step 4 above enables you to synt hesize the da ta into an accurate ana lysis of the natal chart. In practice, you do not have to start your interpretation at the 1st house and proceed systematically around the chart as I have done in the preceding example. You can start anywhere, jump around, whatever, just as long as you eventually cover everything. It all comes out the same in the end. As you become more experienced and have more data committed to memory, you will see major natal patterns and meanings in an instant without hav ing to look everything up. When I first look at a chart, I note the patterning first. How many planets are on the east side (left half), how many on the wes t side (right half), how many in the top . half and how many in the bottom half? What planets are they? How are they clustered? This only takes seconds, and it tells me a great dea l before I even start looking at specific de tail. Let me digress briefly to discuss patterning a little. Patterning really is an advanced astrology study, but I wa nt to at least familiarize you with it. At a quick glance, the astrologer notices where all the planets are. Here are some rules of thumb that the astrologer notices: How many planets are in angular houses (houses 1, 4, 7, and to) ? If the majority of planets are in ang ular hou ses, it indicates a prominent position in the world. Putting it All Together I 269 How many planets are in succedent houses (houses 2,5,8, and 11)? If the majority of planets are in succedent houses, it may make the person stubborn and uncompromising. How many planets are in cadent houses (houses 3,6, 9, and 12)? If the majority of the planets are in cadent houses, the person will probably complete a major part of some undertaking, but someone else will get credi t for it. If the majority of the planets are in the left half of the chart, it indicates a leadership ability. If the majority are in the righ t half, it ind icates a person who would rat her not lead if they can avoid it. If the majority of the planets are in the bottom half of the chart, the person most likely goes through life reacting to outside stimuli for direction. If the majority are in the top half, the person chooses his/her own direction rather than being directed by outside stim uli. The majority in cardinal signs indica tes a self-starter; in mutable signs, a thinker or intellectual; in fixed signs, a person who can get things done when they have a direction given to them. Whenever there is a cluster of four or more planets it is a flag that something unusual, extreme, or ou tstandi ng will take place in the person's life. And there is much more to patterning than what I have just given. The astrologer can mentally blend the nearly infinite number of patterns into a reaso nably clear picture before actually studying each facet of the chart in detail. Look at figure 1 for the pa tterning. Eight of the ten planets are on the left side of the chart. I have been a noncommissioned officer in the military and an executive with IBM. The leadership firs the patterning, does it not? Seven of the ten planets are in the top half of the chart. I am extremely independent, and I make things 270/ Astrology for Beginners happen for myself; I never wait for something external to happen to determine what I will do. It fits again. Notice the cluster of four planets in the 10th house in figure 1. With the particular planets involved, it assures the person of a prominent place in the world and public recognition. I have a number of books published domestically and internationally, which brings me considerable recognition. Again it all fits. What I have given merely scratches the surface of patterning. I have had to make a judgment call on what to leave out of this book so it wouldn't be so huge that it would intimidate the beginner and so expensive that very few people would purchase it. By the same token, I have given only some of the salient data for each sign, planet, house, and aspect. There is sufficient material in this book to satisfy most of you, let you have fun, and also learn a great deal about yourself and other people. In Part IV, I list some references for those of you who want to take the next step and learn more and do more with astrology. Astrology is one pursuit that is fun, gives mental , stimulation, provides valuable knowledge and insights, is relatively easy to learn, can soak up as much time as you are able to give it, and it sets you apart as a unique individual. One thing-you never learn it all, so it is always a challenge. Now get busy and have a good time in the world of astrology! 16 Transits and Progressions We all would like to be able to look into the future to see what potentially lies in store for us. When is a favorable time to do something, such as getting married, signing a contract, seeking a different job, etc.? When is an unfavorable time to do these things? Well, you can look into your future using your natal chart. This is what transits and progressions are all aboutpredictive astrology. The subject is easily an entire book by itself and is beyond the scope of "beginner." I mention this subject of predictive astrology to you as a recommendation for your next step of study. It is exciting and valuable . Now that you know the basics, you will be ab le to master predictive astrology quite easily. In brief, predictive astrology dea ls with the planetary movements and positions at any given time in the future as it relates to your natal chart. As a hypothetical example, assume that on July 18, 1999transiting Uranus becomes trine your natal Sun and sextile your natal Pluto. This could trigger an era of psychic awareness and experience for you that would change your entire life. Enough said . If you are interested in the future, explore predictive astrology. 27\ 17 References This chapter contains information concerning organizations, books, and other material that can help you expand your own astrological horizons in whatever direction you choose. Ido not imply that the data in this chapter is all there is or that other sources (not listed) might not be just as good. What I have put in this chapter concerns sources that I am personally familiar with and that I feel comfortable in recommending to you at this stage of your learning experience. I have not put the information in any particular order and the item number does not indicate any preference over another item lower in this list. This is simply a discussion of some sources for your consideration. It is sort of a "jump start" for your further expansion into astrology. 1. Llewellyn Publications. This publisher has an expansive line of astrology books, services, and materials. I especially recommend: (a) Their computerized natal chart service, which is very reasonably priced; (b) Their several astrological calendars, which contain a wealth of astrology information in addition to being a calendar; (c) Their 275 276 / Astrology for Beginners Daily Planetary Guide, which is filled with great information and features. They offer a great deal more. I recommend you write or phone them (toll free) to request a free copy of their catalog and a list of all their astrology books, services, and materials. Here is how to contact Llewellyn: Llewellyn Publications P.O. Box 64383-307 St. Paul, MN 55164-0383 Phone (toll free): 1-800-THE-MOON 2. Your local bookstore that specializes in astrology books. Browse through the astrology section. 3. Your local library. This is where I spent hundreds of hours in the beginning. They should have an ephemeris, tables of houses, and a wide variety of astrologybooks. 4. Evangeline Adams. This great astrologer is now deceased, but she left a legacy of excellent books . Read everything you can by her. She is probably one of the finest astrologers of all time. You may have difficulty finding her books through a bookstore, but the library should . have them . 5. The American Federation of Astrologers. This is an excellent professional association of which I am a member. They offer associate memberships to beginners and have an extensive list of books, materials, and services available to members. Their annual dues are quite reasonable . If this interests you, you can write for information on joining to: American Federation of Astrologers P.O. Box 22040 Tempe, Arizona 85282 6. Computer programs for astrology. If you have a References / 277 computer, or are considering buying one, and want to obtain the required software, you can write to: Matrix Software 315 Marion Avenue Big Rapids, Michigan 49307 Or phone: (616) 796-2483 I have had Matrix software for years and use it frequently. I find it to be excellent. Before you purchase a computer and printer, write to Matrix to find out which computers and printers are compatible with their software. This will prevent you from purchasing equipment that won't work. 7. Predictive astrology. This is what I talked about very briefly in Chapter 16. An excellent book on this subject is Predictive Astrology by Frances Sakoian and Louis S. Acker, published by Harper & Row. 8.Sun Signs. There are several excellent books on Sun Signs. Query Llewellyn Publications about their offerings (see above for address and phone number). In addition, Evangeline Adams, mentioned in item #4above, wrote an excellent one. Another excellent one is Linda Goodman's Sun Signs by Linda Goodman, published by Bantam Books in paperback. 9. Degrees . Each degree in the horoscope wheel has a specific significance. For an interpretation of the degrees, I especially like Practical Astrology: Haw to Make it Work For You by Ierryl L. Keane, published by Parker Publishing Company. This book also contains other astrology information, but I use it exclusively for reference on degree interpretation. to. An all around good reference for chart interpretation is The Astrologer's Handbook by Frances Sakoian & Louis S. Acker, which covers interpretation on a more ex- 278 I Astrology for Beginners panded scale. 11. Transits. An excellent companion book for the one mentioned in #7above is Transits Simplifiedby Frances Sakoian and Louis Acker, published by Harper & Row. By now you must be aware that Frances Sakoian and Louis Acker are prominent astrologers. 12. Ephemeris. There are a number of ephemerides books on the market, and they all are pretty much the same-all are good. The two I happen to have are: The Concise Planetary Ephemeris for 1900 to 1950 A.D. atMidnight and The Complete Planetary Ephemeris 1950-2000 A.D., which is also a midnight ephemeris. Both are published by The Hieratic Publishing Co. 13.Tables of Houses. There are many tables of houses on the market, and they are all good and all pretty much the same. The one I happen to have is The American Book of Tables, published by Astro Computing Services. 14. Time changes. I recommend Time Changes In The U.S.A. by Doris Chase Doane, published by the American Federation of Astrologers, Inc. This book should be available through your bookstore. If not, write to the address in #5 above. Ms. Doane has also written other time changes . books for Canada, Mexico, and the world. If you are going to compile natal charts for persons born outside the United States, you will want to get these other time changes books also.