Think of it like a map that provides a snapshot of all the
planetary coordinates at the exact time of your birth. Every
individual’s birth chart (also know as a natal chart) is
completely unique. The location, date, and time of your
birth is all that is needed to calculate your birth chart.
Visually a chart is a 360 degree wheel divided into 12
sections. Each section is named after the famous
constellations or zodiac signs that we are all familiar with
(i.e Aries, Leo, Gemini, …). Your planets are plotted onto
the wheel to see which sign they fall into to. For example,
to calculate your Sun sign we look at which zodiac
constellation the Sun was sitting in at the time of your
birth.
Astrologers interpret this map by looking at the interplay
of all your astrological elements and based on the
archetypes that each of the signs represent. Each planet can
offer insight into your individual character and clarity
about your soul's avenues for growth and personal evolution.
Understanding the Planets and Their Meanings
The stars offer boundless insight, which these days is
frequently presented through horoscopes. Our horoscopes can
illuminate our daily experiences and help us recognize how
the planets' movements — such as Saturn's retrograde — can
help us make helpful life changes. But let's take a step
back: How does this process of interpreting the locations
and motions of the planets even work? What is the definition
of a zodiac sign, and how are the signs impacted by the
planets?
These questions are fundamental to
learning the basics of reading your birth chart, which reveals the
location of the planets in the sky at the time of your birth. An
analysis of this chart, also called a natal chart, can provide deep
insight into your personality, motivations, and desires. Let's take a
look at how the art of astrology and the craft of reading birth charts
formed, and how you can apply it to your life.
What does
astrology have to do with the stars?
Humans have stargazed since the dawn
of time. Over thousands of years, our prehistoric ancestors tracked
awesome phenomena such as powerful
eclipses and short-range comets, as well as frequent cyclical
patterns. Distinctive twinkling star clusters were deemed
"constellations," while fixed, celestial bodies were identified as
"planets." Underneath the calm of the velvety night sky, the moon,
Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn — known as the "classical
planets" — were discovered.
According to Space.com, the ancient Babylonians created the zodiac
by dividing the sky into 12 sections, each named after the largest
constellation it contained. The zodiac calendar both tracked time and
provided predictions: The Babylonians observed that the movement of
planets, called transits, corresponded with both auspicious events and
misfortunes on earth. As Swinburne
University notes, the Romans adopted the zodiac at the dawn of the
first century, expanding the roles of the stars and planets through
mythology. It was at that intersection of meticulous observation and
epic folklore that astrology was born.
For centuries, astrology was at the
heart of science, medicine, philosophy, and magic. The Hermetic axiom
"as above, so below" signified the belief that the vast, mysterious
macrocosm of the universe reflects the microcosm of humans' experiences.
The advent of the telescope and the corresponding discovery of the
so-called "modern planets" — Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto — completed the
celestial puzzle. Though the function of astrology has changed (it's now
more frequently used to gauge
romantic compatibility than to predict the fate of the harvest),
today we still observe the planets as the ancient Babylonians did.
What do
the planets symbolize?
Though astrology is a vast, complex, and highly specialized
study, the core principles are straightforward: A birth
chart is a snapshot of the sky at the moment of your birth. It reveals the precise location of each of the planets
and which constellation they occupied as you entered the world. In some
birth charts, all the planets are in the same constellation; in others,
they're spread widely across the sky. The distance between these planets
is important since each has its own celestial function. Let's take a
look at each significant entity in the sky.
The Sun
When someone asks you what your sign is, whether or not they
know it, they're asking about the position of the sun at
your moment of birth. The sun symbolizes our fundamental
essence. This vibrant celestial body represents our ego,
sense of self, basic personality, and general preferences. The sun governs the zodiac
sign of Leo, the vivacious, dynamic fire sign that exudes both
bravery and theatricality. It takes approximately one month to transit —
or move across — a zodiac sign.
The Moon
The moon's gravitational pull regulates the climate and oceanic tides.
Within astrology, the moon represents our emotional inner world. While
the sun exposes our outer experience, the moon symbolizes everything
beneath the surface. It represents the spiritual retreat of our most
private selves. It governs the zodiac
sign of Cancer, the sensitive, protective water sign that defines
nurture, comfort, and security. The moon is the fastest moving celestial
body in the sky and takes approximately two and a half days to transit a
zodiac sign.
Mercury
The smallest and innermost planet of the solar system, Mercury is named
after the Roman deity who served as a messenger to the gods. Within
astrology, it symbolizes communication. While the moon reflects our
emotions, this planet reflects logic and rationality. Mercury uses its
clever intellect and relentless curiosity to analyze, sort, and
classify, helping us synthesize and articulate complex ideas. It governs
both air
sign Gemini and earth
sign Virgo, each representing a different side of Mercury’s
expression: Chatty Gemini is output, while analytical Virgo is input.
Mercury takes 13 or 14 days to transit a zodiac sign and goes
retrograde three or four times per year. This planet's infamous
retrograde brings about communication mishaps, travel delays, and texts
from exes.
Venus
Named after the
enchanting Roman goddess, Venus is the vibrant planet that represents
beauty, love, and abundance. Indulgent Venus is happiest when
luxuriating: Fine wines, extended baths, and aromatic moisturizers align
with the Venusian spirit. This planet's highbrow tastes reflect our
interest in art and culture, while its romantic sensibilities reveal our
idealized perception of love. Both earth
sign Taurus and air
sign Libra are ruled by Venus, each representing a different side of
Venus's expression: sensual Taurus is physical, while flirtatious Libra
is cerebral. It takes approximately four to five weeks to transit a
zodiac sign and goes retrograde every 18 months. During Venus
retrograde, try to avoid making major changes to your appearance, such
as getting a tattoo or plastic
surgery.
Mars
The Red Planet is known as the warrior of the zodiac. Named after the
Roman god of war, Mars symbolizes action, determination, and aggression.
Its impassioned spirit often manifests when we're racing to meet a
deadline, running to catch a flight, or competing for a selective
position. Mars is the fire under our ass, providing the
adrenaline-charged boost of energy that fuels movement. It also reflects
our physical passion and lust. This planet governs
Aries, the impulsive fire sign known for its high-octane vivacity.
Mars takes approximately six to seven weeks to transit a zodiac sign and
goes retrograde every two years. When it goes retrograde, we may have
trouble standing up for ourselves or experience a lack of motivation in
the bedroom.
Jupiter
The largest planet in the solar system, Jupiter — or Zeus, in Greek
mythology — is recognized for its colossal presence. Lucky planet
Jupiter symbolizes fortune, philosophy, abundance, and spirituality.
This generous planet governs expansion, encouraging us to widen our
scope and broaden our horizons through philosophy, spirituality, and
education. It governs
Sagittarius, the adventurous fire sign known for its thrill-seeking
disposition. Jupiter takes approximately 12 to 13 months to transit a
zodiac sign and goes retrograde each year for around 120 days. Its
retrograde is often a time of philosophical growth.
Saturn
The ringed gas giant is associated with time, regulations, and
restrictions. On a good day, Saturn symbolizes hard work, professional
achievements, and steadfast resilience. On a bad day, however, it can be
harsh and unemotional, forcing us to learn through tough love and
difficult challenges. Though this planet has an odd way of showing its
affection, Saturn does have
our best interest in mind. It simply wants us to play by the rules.
Saturn governs regimented
Capricorn, the enterprising earth sign known for its tireless
ambition, and takes approximately two and a half years to transit each
sign. It goes retrograde each year for around 140 days. During
Saturn retrograde, life may feel more restrictive, and we must work
harder to launch projects.
Uranus
Uranus is unusual: as
Science Museum reports, it’s the first planet discovered by a
telescope, the only celestial body named after a Greek deity, and is
tilted so far on its axis that it essentially orbits the sun on its
side. Fittingly, Uranus symbolizes technology, rebellion, and
innovation. This revolutionary planet hates the
rules and is always eager to facilitate groundbreaking, dynamic change.
Uranus can have surprising effects (after all, the planet loves shock
value). It governs
Aquarius, the free-thinking air sign recognized for its eccentricity
and nonconformity. Uranus takes approximately seven years to transit
each sign and goes retrograde each year for around 150 days. During the
planet's retrograde, we are asked to leave the past behind and continue
onward with life.
Neptune
Neptune's vivid azure color perfectly complements its astrological
significance. Named after the Roman god of the sea, this planet governs
the magical, mysterious vastness of the spiritual unknown. When a thick
fog rolls across the ocean, it's difficult to discern the separation
between the water and the sky. Similarly, Neptune's power exists at the
intersection of fantasy and reality. On a good day, Neptunian energy is
extremely creative and powerfully psychic. On a bad day, however, it can
become delusional and escapist. When Neptune's influence is felt,
explore your imagination, but remember to throw down an anchor: You
never want to get lost at sea. This planet governs
Pisces, the intuitive water sign recognized for its incredible
imagination and psychic powers. The planet takes approximately 14 years
to transit each sign and goes retrograde each year for around 150 days.
During Neptune retrograde, secrets are revealed, so don't try to get
away with duplicitous behavior.
Pluto
Though this icy celestial body didn't measure up to the astronomical
definition of a planet, by astrological standards, Pluto is still a
really big deal. It symbolizes power, transformation, destruction, and
regeneration. Named after the Roman god of the underworld ("Hades," in
Greek mythology), Pluto's power is rooted in darkness. This beguiling
planet seamlessly slithers into complex infrastructures, quietly
transforming systems from the inside. Pluto reminds us that in order for
us to manifest change, we must release the past. It is associated
with Scorpio, the elusive water sign defined by its mysterious
disposition. Pluto takes approximately 14 to 30 years to transit each
sign and goes retrograde each year for around 185 days. When Pluto goes
retrograde, we are asked to let go of what's no longer serving us so
that we can transform into a better version of ourselves.
How do
the planets help us interpret birth charts?
Learning about the planets in
relation to the zodiac is a critical step in beginning your journey into
the stars. The planets with short orbits move across the zodiac
frequently and where they are in a natal chart is specific to an
individual's date and time of birth. Referred to as the inner planets,
they include the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars, and they directly
impact our unique personalities and day-to-day experiences.
The planets on the other side of the
asteroid belt are referred to as the outer planets. These celestial
bodies — Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto — move much more
slowly, changing signs every one to thirty years. The outer planets
define larger life themes, as well as experiences shared by generations.
The significance of the outer planets
in a birth chart is determined by the houses they occupy. A birth chart
is divided into twelve sections referred to as houses. Each house
represents an area of life: Houses one through six address everyday
activities and mundane matters such as personal finances, the home, and
routines; houses seven through 12 relate to more abstract concepts,
including philosophy, legacy, and psychic abilities. The placement of
the planets in the houses reveals where we store our energy, as well as
our strengths and weaknesses.
Examine your
own chart, and consider the planets and their corresponding signs
and houses. How is a planet's function influenced by its zodiac sign,
and which area of life does it impact most directly?
From here, your
unique interpretation of a birth chart should follow this formula: Planet
+ Sign + House = Interpretation
For instance, if your natal moon is
in sensitive Cancer in the seventh house, the house that represents
committed partnerships, your emotional happiness may be very connected
to your relationships. If your natal Mars is in pragmatic Virgo in the
eleventh house, the house related to humanitarianism, you may be
motivated to help others in very practical ways.
The unique placement of the planets
in the houses is determined by your rising
sign, also known as your ascendant. This is the zodiac sign
that was on the eastern horizon at the exact moment of your birth. Your
rising sign creates the entire architecture of your birth chart and
defines your planetary chart ruler, the planet associated with your
chart (to calculate yours, identify your rising sign and then which
planet governs that zodiac sign). This rising sign also defines our
external experience: If your sun sign writes the speech, your rising
sign is how the speech is delivered. As astrologers describe it, it's
the "mask worn in public." It reveals how you're perceived by others and
how you interface with the world.
Whether your goal is to become a
professional astrologer or simply make sense of your birth chart,
understanding the planets, signs, and houses can expose the complex
depths of astrological wisdom. Spend lots of time with your birth chart:
Your ability to interpret the placements in it will be strengthened as
you apply the chart to your everyday life. Don't be afraid to create
narratives and make bold observations. After all, that is how the solar
system was discovered.
At the core of astrology, cosmic
warrior, is the enduring belief that the human spirit mirrors the
universe: Both are beautifully diverse and infinitely mysterious. And
ultimately, astrology is the art of stargazing. Your curiosities will
always illuminate the darkness.
