Dear NightFall Astrology readers,

This is the third article in my free “Astrology Basics” series. So, in my previous article, we’ve established that the zodiac signs are the planets’ roles in an astrological chart.
Here, we’ll discuss the stages where planets play their characters: the 12 astrological houses.

The houses in a chart are essential as they provide the PERSONAL context for interpreting it. They represent different areas of life (or the stages where the planets play their roles) internally and externally. They are referred to when identifying the position of a planet in a chart. By analysing the houses, one can gain insight into the dynamics at play in a person’s life, both internally and externally. It is important to note that every chart represents a promise to unfold and involves both internal and external dynamics. The 12 houses of the zodiac provide a framework for identifying where certain energy patterns occur in a person’s life. Ultimately, houses give meaning to a chart by providing a context for interpreting its configurations.

I use whole sign houses very proudly and recommend that you do too. I’ve already written an article on why I use whole sign houses based on set theory, astronomy, and metaphysical considerations. Those who know me understand that I don’t advocate for or discuss issues I don’t feel I have a firm grasp on.

The meanings of the houses come from three primary considerations: angularity (whether a house is angular, succedent, or cadent), aspect relations to the ascendant (does the house form a whole sign aspect to the sign of the ascendant), and the planetary joy scheme.

House I (Helm): Self, body, character, appearance:

The first house, also known as the helm or the hour marker, is an angular house. It represents most primarily self-physical body character. It is your vitality. It is where the sky met the Earth, where your soul entered your body. And it is this intermediary between the mind and the body because the Ascendant designates both above and below the horizon. Below the horizon often deals with the body/physical matters; above, the ascendant deals with more mental or abstract matters, and the first house contains both.

The first house in a chart is closely tied to the individual and represents the native’s body, character, and mind. Any planets in the first house can significantly affect a person’s identity. It is a highly distinctive house that plays a critical role in steering the course of an individual’s life. The condition of the first house and its ruler are key determinants of how well the individual can direct their life. It is often likened to a ship’s helm or steering wheel and is one of the most important houses when considering a person’s identity. While other parts of the chart may have some relevance, the ruler’s placement in the first house and the rising sign are the most indicative factors.

For a few thousand years, up until about 100 years ago, when people asked for your sign, they knew it was the rising sign because the rising sign changes every two and a half hours, while the sun sign changes every 30 days. So, it really is very much you.

The first house is also the joy of Mercury as well because Mercury is communication. It does very well as an intermediary between expressing yourself and living yourself.

House II (Gate of Hades): Finances, possessions, income, self-worth:

The second house is a succedent house. It is the gate of Hades. It is immediately what follows after you have a body, which is dealing with supporting that,  covering things such as money and food.

The second house is considered the best of the “bad” houses, although it’s actually more neutral than negative. It represents the troublesome areas of life that require significant effort, such as managing finances and acquiring possessions. Since it’s the second house that comes after one’s birth, it’s associated with an individual’s relationship to material possessions and their ability to support themselves financially. This house is often used to describe a person’s approach to money – some may tend to hoard, while others are more impulsive. The planets in this house can also provide insights into people’s spending habits and how they value material possessions.

Bonatti, a medieval astrologer, believed that the second house was related to substance or the native, often in terms of food, which is a possession. The condition of the ruler of the second house can indicate psychological patterns related to self-worth and how you provide for yourself, either financially or through nourishment. This house describes how you make money, which is not always straightforward, as some people may earn income through unexpected means, such as their pets or children. Ultimately, the second house is primarily associated with finances and possessions.

House III (Goddess): Siblings, short trips, school, communication:

The third house is considered a cadent house and is associated with the joy of the Moon, which is why it is often referred to as the Goddess.

The third house has a variety of meanings, such as communication, short-distance travel, and information that is important to us. It is also connected to the fourth house, which deals with home and family, and represents the immediate surroundings of our community. The third house is associated with basic education, where we learn about individuals we encounter in our everyday lives, such as siblings, acquaintances, and neighbours. It is also linked to convenient travel, such as our daily commute or a vacation home we frequently visit.

It also pertains to our daily routines, particularly with regard to the gathering and sharing of information. It is also associated with creative pursuits on a more basic level, such as writing columns or horoscopes. This house is closely linked to the fourth house, which deals with matters of home and family and the immediate surroundings of our neighbourhood. It also covers our daily commutes and other forms of comfortable travel. Despite its many advantages, the third house is often regarded as the least positive of the positive houses due to its association with the ordinary and mundane activities that underpin our familial responsibilities.

House IV (Subterranean): Parents, home, family, private life:

The fourth house is known as the subterranean pivot. It is the next angular house below the earth – the chart’s darkest, most foundational, and private part. Angular houses manifest very clearly as they are the backbone of the chart, the vertebrae. While it’s the least powerful because it comes after the Ascendant, it’s still quite impactful and significant.

The fourth house is a cornerstone of the chart and symbolises crucial elements such as family, parents, private life, and early experiences. How you were raised, your family background and your ancestors are all integral to this house. This house is also associated with the concept of home, including its emotional and physical aspects of it. People with significant connections to the fourth house may pursue careers related to ancestral work or real estate.

This house is a crucial component of the chart and is associated with family, childhood, private life, and ancestry. It can offer insight into a person’s emotional patterns and experiences, particularly if it’s linked to the eighth house. Often hidden from view like the midnight sky, the fourth house is a private aspect of the chart that may influence a person’s relationship with land and property. Additionally, the fourth house can offer clues about the final outcome of things, as our starting point often informs our destination. Although it is not underdeveloped, the fourth house is considered primitive in the sense that it is fundamental and essential.

House V (Good Fortune): Children, creativity, pleasure, sex:

The fifth house is often referred to as the house of good fortune and follows the fourth house, which is associated with family. As such, the fifth house is often linked with matters relating to children, romance, and creativity. It’s Venus’s joy. With its connection to Venus, it is also often associated with pleasure and enjoyment.

The fifth house is associated with creativity and encompasses various forms of creation, including children, students, and apprentices. It can also represent artistic projects and any form of creative expression. Fertility, both in a biological sense and in terms of how easy it is for you to create and bring things into the world, can also be indicated by the fifth house. This house follows the foundational fourth house (it’s a succedent house) and is connected to how you spend your time and what you bring into the world. Although it is a little detached, the fifth house is generally considered an enjoyable house associated with good luck. When a planet or ruler is present in the fifth house, it often signifies good fortune and positive reception from others.

House VI (Bad Fortune): Illness, injuries, work, subordinates:

The sixth house is the house of bad fortune, so it is one of the major challenging houses, the disadvantageous houses. It does not aspect the Ascendant. It is not quite as detrimental as the 12th house, but it is challenging. It’s the joy of Mars because the sixth house deals with dealing with the physical body, with illness or injury, or just physical upkeep.

The sixth house is essentially the house of tasks and responsibilities that must be managed to achieve our goals. If Mars is present in the sixth house, it can be especially beneficial as Mars can help you tackle the tasks at hand. The sixth house is also related to health and physical wellness and managing co-workers or employees, as these factors are often necessary for success in achieving one’s goals. It is also connected to the seventh house, which represents relationships, and having the sixth house in order can support the establishment of positive and supportive partnerships. Additionally, the sixth house can involve subordinates, customers, and others who contribute to one’s success in a supportive role.

In ancient times, it even dealt with slavery, but that meaning is no longer applicable. Today, the sixth house represents what we have to deal with to do what we want to do, including managing co-workers or subordinates, dealing with physical challenges and injuries, and taking care of pets or others who depend on us. Even if you excel in your chosen field, a strong sixth house will still require you to respond to challenges and obstacles. For example, a doctor with a strong sixth house may be highly skilled in dealing with physical challenges but will still face difficulties and obstacles in their work.

House VII (Setting): Relationships, partnership, marriage, the other:

The seventh house is known as the “setting place”. It is sunset, opposite the first house. It is where the soul meets the body of the other, so it is the angular house, but it is sunset. It is the blending of the mind and body of another, and so it’s our one-to-one partnership. It is the first clear indicator of something outside ourselves that is mostly other-oriented with another party.

The seventh house is one of the most important houses in the chart as it deals with relationships. The house reflects how you interact with others, what kind of people you attract, and how you conduct yourself in one-to-one relationships. It’s also related to contracts, agreements, and legal partnerships, such as marriage or business contracts. The sign on the cusp of the seventh house and any planets in it can give further insights into the nature of relationships in your life. As the opposite sign to the first house, it represents the “other” in your life and often reflects qualities or traits missing in your personality.

A dominant seventh house is frequently associated with having a career that involves working with clients or having relationships that play a significant role in your life, resulting in you frequently finding yourself in a partnership. The prominent partnership type may be determined by the ruler of the house and could manifest in a specific area of your life more frequently. Transits to the seventh house often pertain to other individuals, such as your romantic partner, rather than affecting you solely or possibly bringing about a partnership’s emergence or end.

The seventh house can reveal the type of people that a person tends to attract or the dynamics of their relationships. It may also include competitors or individuals with whom they are in conflict. The seventh house represents the known enemy, the person directly across from oneself, and it can be beneficial in certain circumstances. For instance, in a tennis match, it could be one’s opponent. Additionally, some astrologers associate the seventh house with the process of death, as it represents the moment between self and other or life and death, commonly known as sunset.

House VIII (Idle): Death, inheritance, others’ assets:

The eighth house is often referred to as the “idle place,” and while it’s not the worst place to have planets in a chart, it is still considered disadvantageous because it doesn’t aspect the Ascendant. As the follow-up to the seventh house, it represents what we receive from others, including money, inheritances, and psychological baggage. Because it is a difficult house, it can indicate sudden or instantaneous events like death.

The presence of planets in the eighth house doesn’t imply that an individual will perish, but rather indicates an increased understanding of the inevitability of death. The eighth house is connected with matters of inheritance, financial obligations, and loans, which frequently entail dealing with others. Professions that involve collaborating with people, such as therapists, counsellors, and accountants, may also have placements in this house. The eighth house is linked to power dynamics and personal growth. While it can be a source of profound and turbulent transformation, it can also be an area where individuals are able to improve their financial situation and get out of debt.

House IX (God): International matters & travel, higher education, religion, philosophy:

The ninth house is considered the house of God and is a cadent house rising up to support the tenth house of career. It relates to one’s higher education, beliefs and outlook on life, alongside international matters and travel. The ninth house is also known as the joy of the Sun, as it represents recognition, fame, and higher knowledge. It is the most positive cadent house, although cadent houses generally take longer to manifest.

The ninth house is a thought-provoking domain that deals with exploration and is linked to belief systems, religions, and philosophies. It frequently encompasses the study of intricate subjects like politics, law, and astrology. Prominent ninth-house placements are often associated with people who are well-travelled, highly educated, and familiar with diverse cultures. Additionally, the ninth house can signify long-distance travel in relation to one’s upbringing and perspective. It is also connected to religion and philosophy, symbolizing the journey towards knowledge in general. One’s beliefs, whether conservative, religious, or non-religious, can be indicated by the ninth house and its ruler.

House X (Midheaven): Career, actions, reputation, public image:

The Midheaven, also known as the tenth house, is a robust angular house that has historically been referred to as the Midheaven. The MC, which is the highest point of the ecliptic, is what we now consider the Midheaven. However, in the past, the tenth house was also referred to as the Midheaven, despite having a different name as a calculation point, so some clarification is necessary. Nevertheless, it remains the most prominent high point in the sky.

Generally, it is a very visible, very high part of the sky, and it is angular and squaring the Ascendant or the first house. So, there is a debate about whether the first or tenth houses are more powerful. I think they’re both powerful.

Both the first house and the tenth house hold significant power as they represent the individual and what he/she does in the world. It pertains to what one is known for, their public image, reputation, and the visibility of their profession. For some, this aspect is a crucial part of their life, while it can be a source of struggle for others. However, for some, it can be the key to their success. The tenth house is straightforward and symbolises high noon, representing a highly elevated and prominent position. It represents one’s career and involves deliberately curating their professional image. The tenth house can also suggest social media involvement in one’s profession.

House XI (Good spirit): Friends, groups, alliances, hopes:

The 11th house is the house of good spirit. It is a succedent house following the 10th house, and the planets there are rising up to the 10th house, supporting the dreams of the career. It is the joy of Jupiter, which makes a lot of sense because it is this larger collective of good spirit.

The eleventh house is a positive and social house that is associated with groups, organisations, and aspirations that provide support. It represents larger collectives that can rally behind an individual, indicating audiences or voters for politicians. Frequently, prominent rulers of the eleventh house are present in the charts of celebrities or politicians to denote a strong support system. It pertains to social capital and the audience that backs an individual.

House XII (Bad spirit): Secret enemies, loss, seclusion, sickness:

And finally, we have the twelfth house, which is a cadent house. It’s called the house of bad spirit. It has no aspect to the Ascendant; it’s just the worst of the disadvantageous houses. It’s kind of like this twilight zone, otherworldly, in-between reality, and not a place of being isolated and in danger. It’s associated with prenatal conditions and Saturn finds its joy there.

The twelfth house represents the inner world of self-sabotage, confinement, and isolation, akin to being trapped in a mental hospital. It is a challenging house that is rarely associated with an overseas yoga/spiritual retreat, and it often depicts individuals going through their struggles alone. The twelfth house is often linked to mental health problems, which is in contrast to the physical health issues associated with the sixth house. Although the twelfth and sixth houses are opposing, they are interconnected, with the twelfth house primarily dealing with mental health issues.

A prominent and positively aspected twelfth house can imply that an individual is capable of assisting others in overcoming mental health challenges or working in areas related to imprisonment or liberation, especially in foreign contexts. Such situations may arise from being imprisoned due to one’s marginalised identity or feeling trapped due to it. The twelfth house may also indicate hidden enemies or betrayals, people who unexpectedly backstab, or the presence of large, wild animals. Traditionally, the sixth house is associated with pets and small animals, while the twelfth house is linked to elephants and similar large animals, although the rationale behind this is unclear.

The 12th house can be associated with isolation and exile, but it can also manifest positively through spiritual practices or productive alone time. The quality of this experience depends on the condition of the 12th house and its ruler. If they are in good condition, time spent alone can be beneficial.

So there you have it! Here’s a succinct description of the 12 astrological houses (anciently known as “places”) for you! Comment below if you’d like to share anything particularly relevant or special about the houses in your chart!

Thank you for reading.

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L’article Astrology Basics Part 3: The Houses est apparu en premier sur NightFall Astrology.

Dear NightFall Astrology readers,

This is the second article in my free “Astrology Basics” series. So, in my previous article, we’ve established that the planets are the main actors in an astrological chart. Here, we’ll be talking about their roles: the zodiac signs they’re occupying.

The zodiac acts as a background. Each zodiac sign is a lens for the planets. Signs are activated through the planets. So, you will have an X planet in a Y sign (Venus in Libra, for example). And these zodiac signs manifest archetypally, not just in personality traits, but in personal and world events.

Firstly, we have to define what a zodiac is. A zodiac is a belt of the heavens about eight degrees on either side of the ecliptic or the Sun’s orbit, that includes the Sun, the Moon and all other apparent celestial recognised bodies, divided into 12 equal divisions. It’s an orbital path that we divide into 12 equal segments, and there are three different zodiacs:

• The tropical zodiac based on the seasons.
• The sidereal zodiac based on fixed stars.
• The constellational zodiac itself, represented by the uneven divisions of the sky.

The sidereal zodiac is used mainly in India, and the tropical zodiac is used mainly in the West, but they do not belong exclusively to each of these parts of the world. There are some Indian astrologers who use the tropical zodiac and some traditional Western astrologers who use the sidereal zodiac (also known as the “fixed Babylonian zodiac”).

{ If you’d like to learn more about the differences and utility of the Tropical and Sidereal Zodiacs,
check my detailed article on the subject. }

These two main systems used in astrology are based on idealising the zodiac as if they were in 12 equal segments. We are taking the constellations of varying sizes and pretending that they’re all 12. We’re knowingly doing this; we aren’t just buying into tradition and following it blindly, but it is very nuanced and technical.

There are four main considerations for each zodiac sign, which are: planetary ruler (what planet rules each sign), modality/quadruplicity (the seasonal quality of that sign), element (Fire, Earth, Water, Air), and polarity (feminine/masculine, active/passive, yin/yang).

We also have the image or the icon (the animal or the person) associated with each sign. For example, Aries is the ram; Cancer is the crab etc. They’re all theoretically derived from the constellation. It doesn’t mean that you look at the Virgo constellation and it looks like a Maiden holding wheat/ and you’re like that looks like a maiden holding wheat. They aren’t synonymous with the sign themselves; they’re rather helpful invocations, and the constellations themselves aren’t very clear. So, don’t depend on astronomy to fully validate these meanings.

There are multiple considerations, and if you’re using the 12-letter alphabet where signs equal planets equal houses, just unlearn that immediately. They aren’t the same. If you do happen to find the same keywords with signs and houses (for example, Cancer is a family-oriented sign, and the fourth house deals with home), it’s not because those two things mean one another; it’s because they happen to both come to that conclusion.

But you will rarely get the same exact keyword applying to both the sign and the house because they are two completely different categorical systems. It would be similar to trying to equate numbers with words.

The zodiac signs are NOT the active part of astrology; they’re the planets’ lenses or roles.

So let’s get into a brief description of each of the 12 signs:

1) ARIES (March 20th-April 19th): Aries is a Yang sign, meaning it is active because it is a Fire sign. Fire and Air signs are active, also known as masculine or yang signs. Fire and Air signs initiate energy; they bring things to the surface. Aries is a Yang/active sign because it is a cardinal fire sign. It is the initiation of spring. It is the most abrupt, most catalysing, most direct sign.

It’s ruled by the planet Mars, which further adds to the aggressive or initiatory quality that Aries brings forth. To get fire, you have to have friction, so Aries is in an inherently friction-based sign.
It’s an intemperate fire; it is combustible but not sustainable. It is the HIIT workout, not the long-distance run. It is very much the 100-metre sprint.

Aries rules the head. “Hot-headed” is a good word for Aries, and Aries people tend to do things all at once or be impulsive and then need a lot of rest. There’s a spontaneous urgency, which acts really well for heroic and courageous actions. Pure courage is definitely one of the most beautiful parts of Aries.

2) TAURUS (April 20th-May 20th): Taurus is a Yin/passive sign. It is a passive/receptive sign because it is an Earth sign. It is grounded, stable, and it is fixed Earth. It is holding down the season of spring; it represents the fertility and the gravitas of beginning to grow anew. It’s also ruled by the planet Venus: the planet of endurance and valuable things. Taurus is the cultivation of taste and receiving everything the 5 senses can provide us. That’s why tactile sensory qualities are a big deal to Taurus, and it rules the neck. It is where we take in and emit pleasure.

Taurus is a very attractive sign. It’s also a very consistent sign (don’t hold your breath for them to change) and dependable. You shouldn’t try to hurry up, rush or change them because they are staying fertile and grounded in their own right. This can mean they can be tedious and stubborn because they don’t like change.

3) GEMINI (May 21st-June 20th): Gemini is a mutable Air sign that marks the transition from spring into summer, and it’s characterised by unstable and active energy. As a Yang sign ruled by Mercury, it represents a communicatory quality that reflects its constantly changing directions, making it adaptable and flexible.

Gemini rules the shoulders out to the fingers, and it’s like brainstorming energy that splits into two and considers all the different information, making it both stimulating and non-committal. Its curiosity and precociousness keep it bubbling in the air but also ungrounded at the same time. The volatile and chaotic territory of Yang/active Mercury that stations direct and retrograde much more often than any other planet reflects the changing quality of Gemini. Overall, wherever Gemini is in one’s chart, it’s a place to accumulate data and be kept guessing, with youthfulness, playfulness, and the ability to entertain ideas.

4) CANCER (June 21st-July 22nd): Cancer, the Cardinal Water archetype, marks the beginning of the summer season and is associated with emotional energy. As a Yin/receptive sign, Cancer seeks emotional comfort, which explains why it holds emotional precedence so closely. Ruled by the Moon, Cancer is centrally and foundationally based on the hierarchy of needs spectrum, and its crab image is fitting because it moves side to side, scoping things out, and isn’t direct.

The sign’s moodiness and changing nature are due to the Cardinal initiation of constantly changing water flows rather than adapting to others like a mutable sign. Cancer’s protective nature comes from caring deeply. This sign rules the chest and maternal body parts. The volatility associated with the sign comes from a protective space of wanting to care for its own home, not from chaos. Ultimately, Cancer desires a relationship with the world that is built on feeling cared for, as it knows what it’s like to receive emotional support.

5) LEO (July 23rd-August 22nd): Leo is a Fixed Fire sign representing summer’s peak. As a Yang/active energy, Leo holds steady in its luminosity and requires constant fuel and hunger to maintain its fiery nature. It is the fireplace that burns all night long after Aries has lit the match. Leo is ruled by the Sun, which is the centre of our solar system and is required to illuminate everything. As a result, Leo tends to attract attention and craves recognition. There is a regality and royalty to Leo, and it is not afraid to show it.

While there is pride and generosity in Leo, it can also be self-centred and egotistical. Leo can operate from the ego/identity archetype, reminding others they have an ego too. However, there can be a literal inability to see any other way than their own. Leos have the ability to light up the room and encourage others around them. They also tend to curate their performance. Leo rules the heart, the cardiovascular system, and the right eye.

6) VIRGO (August 23rd-September 22nd): Virgo is the Mutable Earth sign that marks the transition from summer to autumn. As a Yin and receptive Earth sign, it’s focused on adaptation, digestion, and discrimination. Ruled by Yin Mercury, Virgo is detail-oriented, reflective, and critical. It’s associated with the digestive system, minimalism, and a desire to improve things.

However, Virgos can be overly critical and perfectionistic and get lost in details instead of focusing on the bigger picture. Their input can be impactful when channelled constructively, but they can also experience analysis paralysis and self-criticism. Overall, Virgo represents the archetype of the critical thinker at its highest manifestation.

7) LIBRA (September 23rd-October 22nd): Libra is that Cardinal Air sign that marks the beginning of autumn, which is a transition into a darker time of the year. It is active and initiates the air element of communication, setting an intellectual precedent and initiating social dynamics. Libra has a goal in mind, but sometimes that can be indirect. It is ruled by Venus, which has a trend of wanting harmony and equilibrium.

Libra has an excellent eye for aesthetically pleasing things and is passionate about justice, unity, fairness, law, and legal matters. Libra rules the hips and pelvis. Libra season marks the fall equinox. Debating, relating, and conversing with others is crucial to Libra. It can be the peacekeeper/peacemaker and the opponent/adversary. Libra is highly social, loves to bounce ideas off of others, and has a lot of emotional intelligence.

8) SCORPIO (October 23rd-November 21st): Scorpio is a Yin Fixed Water sign associated with the fall season. It’s a passive yet profound and powerful sign. Its strength lies in its emotional system, which is ruled by Mars and equipped for battle. Scorpio is steady and stable unless provoked. It rules over the genitals and the reproductive organs, representing the body’s fixed and intense part. Scorpio is not wild like Aries; instead, it’s like a sniper shot that is incisive and wants to get to the bottom of things.

Scorpio is fascinated with the darker side of life and is always aware of the spectrum of human emotions, leading to a deep awareness of danger and death. Scorpio thinks seven steps ahead, which can lead to over-manipulation and playing with others’ feelings to protect its waters. However, this can also turn into paranoia due to the over-intellectualisation of emotions.

9) SAGITTARIUS (November 22nd-December 20th): Sagittarius is a Mutable Fire sign, marking the transition from autumn to winter, symbolising the descent into the cold. As a Yang/active sign, it represents the spread of fire passion, akin to a wildfire that knows no bounds. Ruled by Jupiter, the planet of abundance and growth, Sagittarius desires to include many experiences in its repertoire. It embodies the archer-centaur, representing exploration, myth, expansion, adventure, animal instinct, and human intellect.

Sagittarius rules over the thighs and upper legs, symbolising the body’s powerhouse that is strong and sturdy. This sign embodies the lifting up of spirits. It can represent a crusader, motivational speaker, professor, or guru, as well as being extremely generous. However, on the negative side, Sagittarius can be obnoxious and exude a “know-it-all” vibe.

10) CAPRICORN (December 21st-January 19th): Capricorn is a receptive, Cardinal Earth sign that initiates the winter season. As a yin sign, it treads carefully and waits to respond to attacks or help. Capricorns are practical, focused on climbing the mountain, and ruled by Saturn, which represents boundaries and limits. Capricorns focus on implementing necessary limits to ground themselves, building structure, and growing towards success. The sea goat image suits them well as they move slowly and steadily towards their goals. They rule over the knees and bones, which hold us together and take a lot of abuse.

Capricorns are dependable, aware of rules and structures, and can turn their emotions off and on. They are conservative and steady and build up their endeavours steadily to actualise their dreams. However, this can lead them to see everyone as a threat or something to be used, making them go cold in emotional situations. Overall, Capricorns focus on climbing the mountain step by step to achieve success.

11) AQUARIUS (January 20th-February 19th): Aquarius is a zodiac sign that is characterised as a Fixed Air sign, which is a bit contradictory but interesting. It is associated with the winter season, as well as communication, information, and light energy. Aquarius is ruled by Saturn, which gives it a focus on structure and boundaries. This sign is not rebellious but has a tendency to think outside the box, collect data, and upgrade. It aims to build a more inclusive structure outside the confines of Earth. The water bearer is the image associated with this sign, representing the deliverer of life energy.

Aquarius wants to revolutionise but not to anarchise. It is grounded but also quirky and energetic. The age of Aquarius concept is distorted and vague, and this idea has nothing to do with the sign’s characteristics. Aquarius is associated with radical, grounded ideas and has the potential to bring significant change.

12) PISCES (February 20th- March 19th): The final zodiac sign is the yin mutable water sign representing the transition from winter to spring. It is ruled by Jupiter, which emphasises expanding perspectives and emotional involvement. Pisces seeks to connect through emotional energy and grow in empathy with others. The image of the fish swimming in two opposite directions shows that Pisces understands multiple truths that can contradict and still be valid. This can lead to being overly accepting of others and lacking in boundaries. Pisces has a lot of faith and trust, which can sometimes be to a fault and lead to gullibility.

Pisces wants to be liberated from anything that holds back emotional experience and desires to help fill the emotional void of others. This sign is associated with emotional intelligence and empathy. Still, it can also fall into unhealthy martyrdom patterns and seek validation through projecting ego onto others. Overall, Pisces emphasises the importance of emotional fulfilment in all aspects of life.

Thank you for reading.

Fuel my caffeine addiction and spark my productivity by clicking that ‘Buy me a coffee’ button—because nothing says ‘I love this blog’ like a hot cup of java!
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Your Astrologer – Theodora NightFall ~

Your next 4 steps (they’re all essential but non-cumulative):

1. Follow me on Facebook & Instagram!

2. Subscribe to my free newsletter, “NightFall Insiders”, the place where the most potent magicK happens, and get my daily & weekly horoscopes, exclusive articles, updates, and special offers delivered directly to your inbox!

3. Purchase one of my super concise & accurate mini-readings that will answer your most pressing Astro questions within 5 days max!

4. Book a LIVE Astro consultation with me.

L’article Astrology Basics Part 2: The zodiac signs est apparu en premier sur NightFall Astrology.

Dear NightFall Astrology readers,

I thought it would be useful for all of you to have this series of concise and comprehensive articles covering astrology’s basics from both a traditional and modern point of view. Moreover, knowing the basics will be crucial for future members as they won’t be able to get a grip on the more advanced material covered in the exclusive articles.

This first article will cover the planets. Planets are the core players in astrology, so without really understanding the planets first, you can’t adequately dive into the signs and the houses or even begin to read a chart.

Before we get into it, I’d like to make the following disclaimer: I’m a traditional Western astrologer who’s open to the influx of modern astrological research. However, I don’t use modern rulerships for the signs, i.e. the trans-Saturnian (outer) planets: Uranus ruling Aquarius, Neptune ruling Pisces, and Pluto ruling Scorpio. The oldest of these three was discovered in 1781 in the 18th century (242 years ago), and ONLY 33 years after its discovery, astrological significations started being associated with it by J. Corfield in his 1814 book “The Urania”. 33 years (and even 242) is far too short of a time period for this archetypal symbolism to be tested (versus millennia for the traditional planets), even less so for Neptune (discovered in 1846) and Pluto (discovered in 1930 and re-categorised as a “dwarf planet” by astronomers in 2006).

In Babylonian Astrosophy (we all know the Babylonians “invented” astrology), the concept of light and being seen by the naked eye is fundamental. Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto don’t fall under this category. The luminaries (Sun and Moon) and the 5 traditional planets’ astrological symbolism and archetypes DO come from ancient cosmology (a combination of mythology, spirituality, philosophy, and astronomy) that naturally associates mythology and celestial bodies (the wandering stars). This is true for Babylonian, Egyptian, and Hellenistic astrology (I’m not including medieval and renaissance astrology as they’ve inherited these concepts from the previous three and added their own techniques to the discipline).

Finally, the 7 traditional planets (the luminaries and Mercury through Saturn) rule the zodiac signs and are exalted in some of them (the domicile and exaltation scheme is foundational in astrology).

Having said that, I will include a brief overview of the modern significations of the three trans-Saturnian planets as I respect the ongoing research regarding them and consider them as “energetic qualifiers”.

So, let’s get into this short overview of the planets in astrology.

I. Planets in ancient times:

Planets in ancient times were known as the “wandering stars”, communicating their intentions towards earthly events. This was a metaphor; they were thought of as being the intermediary between the pure divinity of the fixed stars, which did not move as much (stars in the constellations move one degree backwards every 76 years), and the lower divinity of the human soul. They were the messenger or the medium between the two, and these multifaceted alignments of the planets were messages to be communicated as omens for humans to predict what will to them (fate as in future). There were seven traditional planets (the luminaries – the Sun and Moon – were included for practical purposes).

The Sun was known as “Helios”, the Moon as “Selene”, Mercury as “Hermes” also known as “the twinkling one”, Venus as Aphrodite or “the sparkling one”, Mars as “Ares” or “the fiery one”, Jupiter as Zeus or “the radiant one”, and Saturn as Cronos “the shiny one”.

The early origins of these planets were named after Babylonian Gods, and around the 6th century BCE, they turned into Greek names and then Roman names. For example, the goddess of love in Babylon – Ishtar – turned into Aphrodite, who then, with the Romans, became Venus.

Thus, to this day, when we’re talking about the planets, we’re invoking these divine archetypes. We don’t have to think of them as literal gods (I don’t), but it’s the kind of homage to the practice that we’re going through: to still uphold those names and call upon the archetype of a specific divinity. And a lot of the planets’ meanings came from millennia of correlation and data compilation that is embedded in the collective consciousness (what we currently call folklore or mythology; “collective consciousness” is a fairly “New-Age” concept coming from Carl Jung’s notion of the “collective unconscious”).

So, ancient astrologers would notice that, for example, when Mars was in a certain conversation with Saturn that the crops didn’t grow. In contrast, when Jupiter and venus were in a certain conversation, the rain would be plentiful, and these things over millennia were compiled. Evidently, the ancients weren’t some “ignorant barbarians who didn’t have the technology” (as some modern astrologers would put it; go tell that to Pythagoras!); they were, in their own way, compiling a lot of empirical data very diligently. From the 4th century onward, this divine idea became less relevant as Christianity was institutionalised under the Roman Emperor “Constantine the Great” (the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was built on his orders).

The politicisation of Christianity started posing a big issue to astrology because of its polytheistic ideas, and its decline reached its peak with the age of enlightenment that started in the late 17th century, and the idea that reason is the only most upholding form of using the mind, or even the mind itself as being this holier-than-thou concept. From the 18th century onwards, astrologers wanted astrology to be as reason-oriented as possible, so they disconnected a lot of the magical traditions from it, which weren’t and aren’t inherent to astrology anymore, but naturally continued to develop from it thanks to the underground hermetic mystery schools and orders (such as the Rosicrucians and Martinists) that did survive.

Today’s modern archetypal school of astrology, popularised by Liz Greene, Karen Hamaker-Zondag, and Richard Tarnas, and based on Carl Jung’s theory of psychological archetypes, plays into the same idea of the divine archetypes but in a more collective psyche-oriented way of thinking. This revival of astrology that has been taking place since about the 80s hasn’t just been about the ancient forms of astrology; it also has to deal with what was lost during the Dark Ages and the Enlightenment (when reason overpowered the magical tradition).

Furthermore, myths about the outer planets can add clarification, but they don’t justify the meanings because of this dichotomy that has been upheld since the 17th century between hard science and pseudoscience, where we have a clear separation between the physical and the metaphysical. This separation didn’t exist in ancient times, so the myths about the 7 traditional planets come from these ancient civilisations’ cosmology and have stood the test of time.

However, the trans-Saturnian (outer) planets are really poorly correlated to their mythical counterpoint. Mythological Neptune (Poseidon) is much more terroristic and sexually perverse than the astrological Neptune, which is formless and blobby. Uranus’ myth has to do with getting his genitals cut off, and that’s not an indicator that we ascribe to Uranus (chaos and disruption). Conversely, the inner planet myths do tend to actually coincide pretty well because the formation of the myths often happened alongside the naming of the planet.

The rule you can always follow with certainty is that each planet is a transcendental archetype. An archetype is the purest form or nature of something (for example, the Goddess Athena is the epitome of war strategy and wisdom); it’s perfection.

II. Significations of the 7 traditional planets:

With the planetary meanings, there’s a system of basic contrasting natures. It was first mentioned by the last major classical astrologer of antiquity: Rhetorius. These contrasting natures between the planets describe the spectrum of the human experience. The Sun emits while Saturn rejects. The Moon receives while Saturn excludes. Mercury argues, Jupiter affirms, Venus unifies and harmonises, and Mars severs or separates.

A) The luminaries: the Sun & the Moon:

With the luminaries, the concept of light visibility and transmission of light was really indicative of the foundations of astrology (the Babylonian astrosophy we mentioned in our intro). Therefore, the 2 planets that provide light are essential to the chart.

• The Sun is the archetype of the celestial god, and it’s necessary to see anything. It’s the centre of the solar system, it lights up the world, and this idea of sight as understanding informs a lot about astrology.

The Sun’s home sign is Leo; it’s exalted in Aries, it’s fallen in Libra, and it is exiled (or in detriment) in Aquarius. It leads the daytime team of planets (day sect): Sun, Jupiter, and Saturn. This team of planets is led by the Sun, and its orbit is always steady. It’s this consistent upholding force; it has a young nature to build, and it has a hot and dry temperament. It’s not excessive like Mars, but it’s this luminosity of lighting up and informing. It represents our egoic creativity. It deals with the story that is motivating us to self-actualise!

The Ascendant is much more our character, body, and identity (the way we dawn/rise on people). But the Sun can be who we aspire to be (what God has intended for us to be if we consider the esoteric astrology point of view). The Sun is what we are famous for, what our honours and accolades are, and our career-based fame. More often than not, it will represent the father, authority figures, or masculine people of prominence in your life.

• The Moon, as an archetype, was known as the celestial goddess. The Moon reflects the Sun’s light; it doesn’t provide it. It is the queen; it is also this counterfeit, non-rigid, always responding type of energy because it’s of the utmost impermanence. It’s only in a sign for two and a half days. It is this constant and fastest background noise of the chart, which can either be a beautiful background symphony or a bombardment noise!

The Moon reflects bodily cycles and our emotional world, that which is changing and evolving in a particular rhythm. In the body, it can deal with, for example, female menstruation cycles. It can deal with how we take care of ourselves.

The sign and placement of the Moon and the house placement deal with what brings us back to equilibrium. It is the coming into being and the passing away of things. It is at home in Cancer and rules this sign. It is exalted in Taurus, it is fallen in Scorpio, and it is exiled in Capricorn. So, with it being in fallen/depressed Scorpio (a sign that oscillates between the extremes of everything) and the Moon needs (emotional) stability and wants the steadiness of Taurus, no planet can then be exalted in Scorpio.

Because Scorpio is the depression of the Moon (the disturbing background noise), nothing can be exalted there. The Moon leads the nighttime sect (Moon, Venus, Mars). It is of yin (feminine) nature; it nourishes, and it has a moist and cool temperament (the perfect conditions for germination or growing a baby in a womb). Finally, it represents matriarchs and maternal figures.

B) The 5 traditional planets:

• Mercury, as an archetype, is the bestower of intelligence. It is intelligence more so than wisdom (wisdom is Jupiter’s realm). But it’s also the “glittering one”, and with that idea of glistening, the brilliance of the mind is perfectly captured.

Mercury makes statements and declares (like the Pages in Tarot). Overall, it fills this role of being a vacillating messenger, so it switches sides a lot. Depending on your chart, it can either be on the daytime or the night team. When it’s a morning star, it’s in the diurnal sect; when it’s an evening star, it’s in the nocturnal sect. So, it isn’t inherently benefic or malefic; it’s neutral. I see it as an “adviser” or even a “judge” who must be impartial and independent.

It’s the only planetary mythological figure that can go both in the world and in the underworld; it’s the messenger. It rules Gemini and Virgo (it’s also exalted in Virgo). It is fallen in Pisces and is exiled in Sagittarius. It’s the second fastest-moving planet (after the Moon) around the Sun, so it can’t ever be more than about one sign ahead or behind the Sun. It is variable in temperament; our perception and thinking patterns vary greatly. It represents our intellectual faculties: studying and debating, writing, speech, communication… It also deals with commerce and trade (one of the reasons why the Evening Mercury is called “the trickster”).

• Venus, as an archetype, is the fertile life force. She passively attracts. It has to do with that which is appealing and attractive – the gentle unification. It’s the lesser benefic. It gently unifies and harmonises.

It rules Taurus and Libra; it is exalted in Pisces; it is fallen in Virgo, and it is exiled in Aries and Scorpio.  It has this yin nature that brings things together magnetically; it doesn’t cancerously grow and expand like Jupiter. It is moist and hot. it represents value systems (material and relationship values), and it can actually represent war in terms of how you get what you want and picking sides.

It is attraction, reception, and appeal. It can deal with women or feminine figures, and any type of femininity in life (it’s more physical than the Moon). Finally, it rules aesthetics, beauty, art, physical pleasure, relationships, harmony and diplomacy.

• Mars, as an archetype, is the destroyer of life force; it is the combative warrior; it’s an eliminatory agent. So, it severs things, and it cuts away.

It rules and is at home in Aries in Scorpio; it is exalted in Capricorn, fallen in Cancer, and exiled in Taurus and Libra. It is the lesser malefic (it’s smaller than Saturn). It energises everything it touches. As a lesser malefic, you can also step upon it, as in you can “overcome it”. It is dry and excessively hot; it is overwhelmingly intemperate warmth; it is violent! And extreme heat is necessary for some things such as transmutation, working with metal or gear elements (welding), and working with chemicals…

Mars cuts like a knife; a knife can come in handy, like a scalpel, to save someone’s life or kill them. Thus, Mars can be both like the courageous warrior that does his duty and the aggressor/perpetrator/criminal. It represents male/active energy and competition (think of the Greek God of War “ARES” or the mythological hero “Achilles”!).

Physically and health-wise, we relate inflammations to it. When it’s retrograde, it’s a particularly troublesome indicator in everything that it rules.

• Jupiter, as an archetype, is the expansive life force! This is this huge gas giant, the magnificent king, Zeus, the Pope! It is abundant inflation which can be cancerous (if out of control), or it can be life-providing.

Its domiciles are Sagittarius and Pisces; it is exalted in Cancer; it is fallen in Capricorn; and it is exiled in Gemini and Virgo. It is the greater benefic: it is extremely generous and says a BIG YES to everything (kind of like Santa Claus)! It is hot and moist.

It represents growth, prosperity, and expansiveness.  It can also really definitively represent teachers, gurus, or leaders (it rules wisdom and higher knowledge). In your chart, if you have a prominent Jupiter, you’ll likely come across teachers and superiors in your life that help you out in that way. And while mercury represents more data collection and facts, and just intelligence, Jupiter has lived wisdom. And there’s a word that shows up a lot for this which is “Gnosis”, which means “knowledge of spiritual mysteries”. It’s the experience of information that leads you directly to the Divine through a journey, not just the straight facts. It’s a similar concept to what’s often mentioned in ancient Greek philosophy, i.e. true wisdom is an understanding of principles and a system, not memorising facts. That system is Jupiter. It can also represent alliances, trusting groups, freedom, and setting prisoners free…

• Saturn, as an archetype, represents the boundaries of the life force. This is the giant ringed planet of the literal boundary of where we can see in the universe. Past Saturn, we cannot really see the rest of the planets through the naked eye.

It’s the idea of the elder hermit: he’s grumpy, skinny, stoic, and whiny. But he is always there, following through. It can be very restrictive, which is not inherently bad when we understand its purpose. However, it is the bigger malefic, and it is SOBER.

Saturn’s domiciles are Capricorn and Aquarius; it is exalted in Libra, fallen in Aries, and it is exiled in Leo and Cancer. It has a yin/receptive and yang/active nature because it’s of the daytime sect and rules both a feminine (Capricorn) and a masculine sign. It has to be noted, though, that there’s a general dispute about its nature among ancient authors. But it has the “Yin” nature to endure.

It represents constriction and boundaries as in “it rains diamonds”, which is beautiful because it takes a lot of dedication and construction, but that’s scary at the same time (diamonds are sharp!).  It’s dry, and it’s excessively cold (the conditions for death). it represents lessons, punishments, challenges, and sobriety.

It represents sorrow, misery, loss, slander, depression, isolation, psychological turmoil and deterioration in general. It stands for elders, ancients, orphans, widows… those people that have gone through something and are therefore hardened and wise. Saturn’s wisdom is different from Jupiter’s; Saturn is the wisdom that you get from meditating alone for 20 years or from being in prison. Saturn’s the harsh/tough love teacher who has big authority (and can tend towards authoritarianism).

On the more positive side, Saturn represents heritage and legacy, things that stand the test of time, such as historical monuments and libraries. It’s also related to structure and governments, so bureaucracies and administrations are his forte. Saturn, as the God Kronos, rules over karma and time, and with him, you reap what you sow; your rewards are entirely based on merit and integrity.

These are the 7 traditional planets used and tested by ancient astrologers through millennia. For the final part of this article, dealing with the recently discovered trans-Saturnian planets (Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto), I’ll include a brief overview as found in one of the main books of reference on the topic “Cosmos and Psyche” by Richard Tarnas.

III. The outer planets:

“The above seven archetypal principles correspond to the seven celestial bodies known to the ancients and constituted the foundation of the astrological tradition from its prehistoric origins through the early modern era. These principles were well established in their basic character from the beginning of the classical Western astrological tradition in the early Hellenistic era, from around the second century BCE onward, and their meanings continued to develop and are elaborated through later antiquity, the medieval era, and the Renaissance not only in astrological practice and esoteric writings but in the art, literature, and evolving religious and scientific thought of the larger culture (…)

Compared with the planets known to the ancients, with their Greco-Roman mythological associations and corresponding astrological meanings, the names and meanings of the three planets discovered by telescope in the modern era present a very different situation. Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto were named by modern astronomers without any archetypal correspondences in mind. They, therefore, inherited no archetypal meanings sanctioned by ancient tradition, meanings that were, in turn, affirmed, refined, and elaborated by continuing observations over many centuries. This circumstance formed the starting point for an unexpectedly fruitful line of research whose results inform the following chapters. Based on the astrological research community’s expanding body of empirical correlations for all the planets, many insights and clarifications concerning the relationship between the planets’ given astronomical names and their observed archetypal meanings have now emerged. While correlations involving the ancient planets out through Saturn consistently suggest a definite coherence between the planets’ inherited mythological names and the observed synchronistic phenomena, correlations involving the outer three planets point to archetypal principles that, in crucial respects, differ from or radically transcend their astronomical names (…)

• Uranus: Discovered in 1781 by the astronomer and musician William Herschel (…)  Since at least the turn of the twentieth century, the unanimous consensus among astrologers is that the planet Uranus is empirically associated with the principle of change, rebellion, freedom, liberation, reform and revolution, and the unexpected breakup of structures, with sudden surprises, revelations and awakenings, lightning-like flashes of insight, the acceleration of thoughts and events; with births and new beginnings of all kinds; and with intellectual brilliance, cultural innovation, technological invention, experiment, creativity, and originality. In addition to the occurrence of sudden breakthroughs and liberating events, Uranus transits are linked to unpredictable and disruptive changes; hence the planet is often referred to as the “cosmic trickster.”

• Neptune: In 1846, on the basis of unexplained aberrations in the observed orbit of Uranus, the French mathematician Urbain LeVerrier posited the existence and position of a planet beyond Uranus whose gravitational influence was pulling Uranus out of its calculated orbit. The new planet was immediately discovered in the predicted position by the German astronomer Johann Galle in 1846 and named Neptune after the god of the sea. Neptune is associated with the transcendent, spiritual, ideal, symbolic, and imaginative dimensions of life; with the subtle, formless, intangible, and invisible; with the unitive, timeless, immaterial, and infinite; with all that which transcends the limited literal temporal and material world of concretely empirical reality: myth and religion, art and inspiration, ideals and aspirations, images and reflections, symbols and metaphors, dreams and visions, mysticism, religious devotion, universal compassion.

• Pluto: On the basis of discrepancies observed in the orbit of Neptune and aberrations yet unexplained in the orbit of Uranus, the existence of a further planet was posited by the American astronomer Percival Lowell, which led to its discovery in 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh. After much consideration among many alternatives, the new planet was named Pluto, god of the underworld. Observations of potential correlations with Pluto by astrologers in the subsequent decades suggested that the qualities associated with the new planet in fact bore a striking relevance to the mythic character of Pluto, the Greek Hades, and also to the figure of Dionysus, with whom Hades-Pluto was closely associated by the Greeks (…)Beyond these ancient Greco-Roman figures (Pluto, Hades, Dionysus) and cognate modern European concepts (Freudian id, Darwinian nature, Schopenhauerian will, Nietzschean will to power and Dionysian impulse), the archetype associated with the planet Pluto also encompasses a number of major deities outside the Western context, such as the Hindu deity Shiva, god of destruction and creation, and Kali and Shakti, goddesses of erotic power and elemental transformation, destruction and regeneration, death and rebirth (…)

To summarise the consensus of contemporary astrologers: Pluto represents the underworld and underground in all senses: elemental, geological, instinctual, political, social, sexual, urban, criminal, mythological, demonic. It is the dark, mysterious, taboo, and often terrifying reality that lurks beneath the surface of things, beneath the ego, societal conventions, and the veneer of civilization, beneath the surface of the Earth, that is periodically unleashed with destructive and transformative force”.

Thank you for reading.

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L’article Astrology Basics Part 1: The planets est apparu en premier sur NightFall Astrology.