Planets, Houses and Aspects

In astrology, a natal chart includes several celestial bodies, with the natal planets being the core factors used to interpret personality and life path. These planets represent different aspects of human experience and have unique meanings in a chart.

In ancient astrology, seven planets were considered the primary influencers of human affairs. With the advent of modern telescopes, three additional outer planets were discovered, adding a deeper, collective, and spiritual layer to astrology.

Below are the planets and other key points traditionally calculated in a natal chart:

The Classical Planets - The 7 planets visible to the naked eye, these are the most foundational planets and were used in ancient astrology:

1. Sun: Represents the core essence, ego, and life purpose.

2. Moon: Governs emotions, instincts, and subconscious habits.

3. Mercury: Rules communication, intellect, and thought processes.

4. Venus: Represents love, beauty, relationships, and values.

5. Mars: Symbolizes drive, passion, action, and physical energy.

6. Jupiter: Governs growth, expansion, optimism, wisdom, and philosophy.

7. Saturn: Rules discipline, responsibility, boundaries, and life lessons.

The Modern Planets - Discovered with telescopes, these planets influence generational and collective energies, as well as deeper psychological and spiritual shifts:

8. Uranus: Associated with change, innovation, rebellion, and individuality.

9. Neptune: Governs spirituality, dreams, intuition, and illusion.

10. Pluto: Represents transformation, power, regeneration, and deep psychological change.

Additional Key Points - Though not technically planets, the following points are also crucial in calculating and interpreting a natal chart:

- AC (Ascendant): Self-expression, personality, outward behavior, and how you are perceived by others.

- DC (Descendant): Relationships, partnerships, and how you connect with others on a one-to-one basis.

- IC (Imum Coeli): Inner world, home, family roots, emotional foundation, and private life.

- MC (Midheaven): Career, public image, social status, ambitions, and how you pursue success.

- North Node: Indicates life purpose, destiny, and the path of personal growth.

- South Node: Relates to past lives, ingrained patterns, and where comfort lies.

Other Important Celestial Bodies and Points - Some modern astrologers also consider asteroids and hypothetical points, depending on the complexity of the chart, for deeper exploration:

- Ceres: Represents nurturing, self-care, and fertility.

- Chiron: Represents deep wounds, healing, and the process of integrating pain.

- Juno: Governs marriage, partnerships, and commitment.

- Lilith (Black Moon Lilith): Represents raw, primal instincts, sexuality, and taboo aspects of self.

- Pallas Athena: Represents wisdom, strategy, and problem-solving abilities.

- Part of Fortune: Reflects areas of potential success and happiness, depending on its sign and house placement.

- Vesta: Represents dedication, focus, and spiritual service.

Astrological Houses

The natal chart is divided into 12 houses, each governing different areas of life.

While planets indicate the ‘what’—the energy at play—the 12 houses show ‘where’ that energy manifests in your life. Each house represents a distinct area of experience.

1st House: Self, identity, appearance, and the way others perceive you.

2nd House: Personal values, material possessions, finances, and self-worth.

3rd House: Communication, learning, siblings, and local environment.

4th House: Home, family, roots, and emotional foundations.

5th House: Creativity, romance, children, self-expression, and pleasure.

6th House: Work, daily routines, health, and service to others.

7th House: Partnerships, marriages, relationships, and cooperation.

8th House: Shared resources, intimacy, transformation, death, and rebirth.

9th House: Higher education, travel, philosophy, and belief systems.

10th House: Career, public life, reputation, and long-term goals.

11th House: Friendships, social networks, and collective goals.

12th House: Subconscious mind, spiritual growth, solitude, and hidden aspects of life.

Natal Aspects

Aspects define the relationships between planetary energies. A harmonious trine or sextile may indicate talents that come naturally, while a square or opposition may highlight areas of struggle that lead to growth.

The most common aspects include:

Conjunction (0°): Planets are close together, blending their energies. This can be empowering or overwhelming depending on the planets involved.

Sextile (60°): Represents opportunities, ease, and harmony between planets. It encourages constructive interactions but may require some effort to activate.

Square (90°): Creates tension and conflict between planets. It often signifies challenges that require resolution and personal growth.

Trine (120°): A harmonious flow of energy between planets, bringing ease and natural talent. It indicates areas where things come naturally to an individual.

Opposition (180°): Two planets are directly opposite one another, creating a push-pull dynamic. This aspect often highlights balancing efforts between polarities in life.

The 12 Astrological Zodiac Signs 

The foundation of astrology lies in the concept of the zodiac, which is divided into twelve equal segments, each associated with a specific astrological sign. These signs are further divided into four elements (fire, earth, air, and water) and three modalities (cardinal, fixed, and mutable).

In Western astrology, the zodiac is based on the Tropical Zodiac, which follows the Sun’s path relative to the Earth’s seasons rather than the actual positions of the constellations. This system ensures that Aries always begins at the March equinox, marking the astrological new year, regardless of shifts in the stars over time.

Zodiac Personalities – Key Words, Dates, Elements & Modalities

• Aries (March 21 - April 19) – Fire | Cardinal | Bold, leader, competitive
• Taurus (April 20 - May 20) – Earth | Fixed | Reliable, patient, strong-willed
• Gemini (May 21 - June 20) – Air | Mutable | Versatile, adaptable, curious
• Cancer (June 21 - July 22) – Water | Cardinal | Nurturing, emotional, intuitive
• Leo (July 23 - August 22) – Fire | Fixed | Confident, generous, ambitious
• Virgo (August 23 - September 22) – Earth | Mutable | Detail-oriented, practical, analytical
• Libra (September 23 - October 22) – Air | Cardinal | Diplomatic, charming, balanced
• Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) – Water | Fixed | Passionate, intense, determined
• Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) – Fire | Mutable | Adventurous, optimistic, philosophical
• Capricorn (December 22 - January 19) – Earth | Cardinal | Disciplined, responsible, ambitious
• Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) – Air | Fixed | Independent, humanitarian, eccentric
• Pisces (February 19 - March 20) – Water | Mutable | Compassionate, imaginative, intuitive

Together, planets, houses, aspects and astrological zodiac signs create a unique blend of energies that shape an individual's personality, behaviours, life challenges, and growth opportunities. Understanding these components provides deep insight into one's natal chart and personal astrological blueprint.

Love and Light,

LLOracles