The Ultimate Cheat Sheet On Astrology

Astrology is predicting events, explaining traits, and answering questions using the positions of celestial bodies in space. It's a form of divination, which is obtaining knowledge through esoteric and spiritual means. Astrology isn't "woo-woo" for most, and can provide practical, easy to understand insight if you know how to look for it.

The "Big Ten" Planetary Bodies

Planetary bodies show significant points in astrology using planets that can (usually) be seen with the naked eye, or using a telescope. There's vast information on each main planet, and more on smaller planets outside of the eleven covered here. This is a "crash course" to get you started on your journey in astrology and Zodiac interpretation.

The Sun - The Sun is the most important planetary body, as it refers to the individual and their knowledge of the self. The Sun shows how you "show up" in the world, both by your ego and your sense of purpose. The symbol used is similar to the Jungian symbol for individuation, as the Sun is the most evolving and transcending body.

The Moon - The Moon shows the subconscious, the "shadow self" that lives by our side but can only be seen in certain light. The Moon reflects off of the Sun, and reflects our true self. The Moon also relates to our abilities as caregivers and nurturers, and can help to explain our habits and patterns.

Mercury - Mercury represents our mind, knowledge and intellect. Named after the God of commerce, communication and trade, this planet sheds light on communication, and how we express ourselves. When Mercury is in retrograde, it's best to look inward and evaluate the technical abilities you have that can help you move forward to the next phase in life.

Venus - Named for the Goddess of Love, Venus is one of the brightest objects in the night sky. This planet represents the capacity to give/take love, acceptance, affection and sensuality, as well as the ability to grow and develop these areas.

Mars - This fiery red planet is named after the God of war and passions. Mars shows our capacity and quickness to anger, sexuality and fervent energy. Mars can show when drastic action and big emotions can best come into play, and when to search your more mild, restful self instead.

Jupiter - Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system, and is a gas giant much like the Sun. The God Jupiter ruled over social order and justice, much like Zeus in Greek mythology. In astrology, this planet can represent the aspirations of your higher self, your faith, sense for optimism and moral code.

Saturn - The symbol for Saturn represents God's sickle and the openness of spirit. Named after Saturnus, the God of seed and growth, this planet shows us our self-discipline, material resource needs, and reminds us of our responsibilities and inner-most goals.

Uranus - The coldest planet in the system, Uranus is the planet that embraces change and growth. The position of Uranus in a natal chart can show where out-of-the-box thinking can impact your life the most, and calls you to challenge the already known. In the Greek mythos, Uranus is the personification of Heaven and the spiritual unknown.

Neptune - Neptune is the higher octave of Venus, and shows the ability for love for the people and world around us. Compassionate, empathetic and kind, Neptune chart placement can show the areas where we need to accept more love from others or give love more freely to those around us.

Pluto - Though claimed to be a "dwarf planet", Pluto has lost no importance in the world of astrology. This planets position in natal charts refers to renewal, rebirth, compulsions and evolution. Pluto was named for the God of the Underworld, and can show our deepest, truest selves.

Sun, Moon and Rising Signs

Sun Sign - The sun sign is the "main sign" that rules your being as a whole. Meaning, our sun sign is the sign that is determined simply by the month and date of our birth. When people say "I'm a Scorpio..." they are often referring to their sun sign. The sun sign is the most mainstream sign, and often the only sign people will know.

Pro tip - Don't be the "...we actually have three signs..." person when others tell you their sun sign. It sounds patronizing, and doesn't make people want to learn about astrology.

Ascending/Rising Sign - This is our "rising sign", or the sign that we show as a façade to others. The ascendant is our mask, the pieces of self and personality we choose to show others. This refers to the "main sign", or the Zodiac symbol that represents who you are on the surface. This is the ruling sign in your first house of your natal chart.

Descending/Moon Sign - The moon shows us our shadow self, the innermost parts of our being and personality that we keep hidden. This is your internal energy, your private thoughts and emotions, and inner self. This is found by plotting your birth chart and usually requires the exact date and time of your birth.

Major and Minor Aspects

Conjunction - An astrological conjunction is when two planets align perfectly within the same sign, and therefor generate energy by working together. A conjunction will occur when two planets are 0' (zero degrees) apart in the same house.

Opposition - Opposition occurs when two planets are directly across from one another on a natal chart. This creates opposing energies that work against each other, and can create or foretell challenges. An opposition will occur when two planets are 180' degrees apart and within wheel of each other across a natal chart.

Square - A square is when two planets are 90' apart, and three houses away from one another. Squares can mean conflict between two planetary energies, but can also be a call to action to take the steps necessary to advance your spiritual journey.

Trine - A trine occurs when two planets are 120' degrees from one another, and is an angle of open energy flow and support. When two planets are in a trine, they exist within the same element (air, fire, water, earth). When planets exist in the same element, they naturally understand the energy that the other gives, and they work in harmony.

Sextile - Though not as powerful as the trine, a sextile is a positive angle in the natal chart and occurs when planets are 60' degrees apart. A sextile is formed when a fire and water sign are 60' degrees apart, or when a fire and earth sign are also 60' apart. These pairings are similar energies and support one another to create fun, happy energy in the natal chart.

Semi-Sextile - A semi-sextile will occur when two planets are 30' apart, or approximately one house. This causes friction, because the planets are not working together at this angle. Two planets existing in a semi-sextile will not have any traits in common.

Quincunx - This is also referred to as an inconjunct, and occurs when two bodies are 150' apart, approximately five houses away from the other. A quincunx shows a disconnect, two energies that cannot work together currently.

Semi-Square - A semi-square occurs when two bodies are 45' degrees apart from the other, and represents barriers and potential blockages that are prohibiting your spiritual advancement. This area will require a change to overcome, but its far from a negative aspect.

Sesquiquadrate - Also called a sesquisquare, this minor aspect occurs when two planets are 135' apart, approximately 1 1/2 houses. This aspect represents subtle, unseen barriers and challenges. Because they don't create much friction, the Sesquiquadrate represents the issues and negativity we procrastinate on and put off for later.

Retrogrades for the Modern Age

When a planet is in retrograde, this is the appearance of backwards movement of the celestial body. According to NASA, this is only an illusion that is created based on the Earth's position in the sky and the orbital patterns of other planetary bodies.

The significance of retrogrades in astrology can be complex. Because planets orbit forward on an elliptical cycle, a retrograde is a movement out of the normal orbital pattern. Simply put, retrogrades can show areas where drastic, quick change can occur.

Because a retrograde is a movement much outside of the normal orbit, it's no wonder that retrogrades can bring sudden, startling surprise. For the simple astrologer, a retrograde can bring a change in life that we don't necessarily want, but could desperately need. For example, when Mercury is in its retrograde, relationships you're invested in but that no longer serve you may come to a close. You may get a job offer, or be let go and forced to find a better, more caring employer.

Retrogrades are a time for reflection, introspection, and change. Change doesn't often go unnoticed, and this can feel unsettling or uncomfortable. Use a time of retrograde to refocus and reframe your thought and search for the lesson that comes with life's big changes.

The Twelve Houses

First House - This is referred to as "the house of the self". This is our identity, what we show to the rest of the world. The ruling sign in this house is our sun sign, and the planets of our first house have a strong influence on our personality and outward goals.

Second House - This house holds our desires, values, and physical/material needs. Planets that fall into this house show us what we physically need in life, as well show what we place high value on. This is called "the house of possessions", and how we view finances, monetary wealth and purchased possessions.

Third House - Communication is key, and that is why the third house is often referred to as "the house of communications". This can be our emotional intelligence, common sensibility, and how we use both to interact with the people closest to us. This house rules how we speak to those in our life and how impactful our communications are on others.

Fourth House - "The house of home" isn't a skillful play on words, but the term used to describe our fourth house, as it rules over our concept of home. This is our roots, where we come from, our emotional relationships with family, and our home life. This can also show important facets of our parents, specifically the father, and our experiences with them.

Fifth House - Anything called "the house of pleasure" seems like a good time. In this house, creativity and pleasure rule. This covers a lot, namely sex, relationships, art, and creative aspirations. You love languages and inclinations are found in the fifth house, as well as how you give and accept love from others.

Sixth House - In this house, we find our physical and mental health rules. Called "the house of health", our personal health can be showcased here. This also houses our aide to others, skill mastery and can provide insight on how we overcome obstacles.

Seventh House - Though most of the houses show how things fit into our world, the seventh house shows us how we fit into the world of other people. "The house of partnership" can give us a look into how we relate to others, specifically romantic partners.

Eighth House - If you thought the fifth house was fun, "the house of sex"/ the eighth house brings more good times. This house covers what our carnal relationships can bring and take from us, and how we exist in those moments of passion. This is our rebirth, and a renewal of our spiritual being.

Ninth House - Here is where we find our relationships with religion, philosophy, and the "big" mortal questions. "The house of philosophy" brings us up close to our ideals and beliefs, and pushes us to seek our on truth about the mysteries of the universe.

Tenth House - Status quo and our rise in the ranks rules this house. Named "the house of social status", the tenth house gives insight into our career, authority, social status and structure, and how our community sees our efforts. This shows how our personality comes into our working world, as well as what gives us drive, ambition and motivation.

Eleventh House - Here we have our "house of friends", and the eleventh house shows how we relate to our chosen community. Planets and bodies in this house can show us how friends will relate and interact with key moments in our life, as well as how they will take to certain aspects of our personality.

Twelfth House - Last, but farthest from least. The twelfth house is the house of our shadow self, our subconscious, our interior motivations. Known as "the house of the unconscious", and this is where we hide our pain, trauma, fears and insecurities. Understanding what makes us tick can help us avoid anxieties and conquer fear, making this house extremely insightful for finding growth opportunities.