GUIDE TO INTERPRETATION
Having learnt the A-B-C of the Language of the Stars we can now begin to get a sense of how a competent astrologer might begin to put full sentences together by building a solid Interpretation (or analysis) of an individual’s Birth Chart.
First and foremost, is it fundamentally important to realize that with any chart Interpretation it is always necessary to analyze ALL the individual factors of the Birth Chart and before carefully blending them into a reasonable representation of the individual. No one person can ever be defined by a singular factor of their astrological Birth Chart as this requires that all those factors be balanced, one against the other, before a solid conclusion can be arrived at. This is a skill that takes years, if not decades, to perfect!
Having said that we must of course learn how to walk before we can run. Consequently, it does no harm whatsoever to examine the individual elements in isolation first and then make a simple stab at blending two or more of them. Let us therefore start with baby steps by considering a chart where an individual’s Sun is in Leo and in the 4th House. We might deduce from this that the individual's core TRUE NATURE (Sun) wishes for RECOGNITION (Leo) in the HOME (4th House). At the same time if the same individual’s Moon is in Capricorn in the 10th House, we might expect that their SUBCONSCIOUS FEELINGS (Moon) are most comfortable when they are WORKING HARD AND PATIENTLY (Capricorn) in building CAREER PRESTIGE (10th House). See how it works? We are already beginning to define the way that this person focuses their life and seeks their own form of individuality.
In this way a trained astrologer will work through all the planets, their Sign location and their house position, writing down their observations for each one. Soon a more complex, yet increasingly informative, picture will emerge of the subject in question. Indeed the more information the astrologer can glean from the planets in the Signs and Houses the clearer a picture will emerge of that person. Of course, in reality this all will prove far more difficult than it sounds for the beginner. But at least this process outline does give a good insight into the objectives and challenges that the student will face.
The new student of astrology should indeed not expect too much from his or her first efforts. The important thing is to jump in somewhere – anywhere – and just focus on those few factors that stand out more than any other. If you can get a glint of recognition in the eye of the recipient as they hear what you have to say about them (as you will if you do it right and speak the truth as you see it) then you will have made real process – and this will be incentive enough to take it to the next stage!
Now here are two other factors you might consider once you get some confidence at the Planet-in-Sign-and-House stage.
Planetary Aspects: The aspects between the planets are a major factor to take into consideration. When checking out the planetary aspects the astrologer needs to ask themselves – i.e. are all the facets of the overall personality integrated or in conflict? For example, if the Sun is in an opposition aspect (inharmonious) with the Moon it signifies that there is conflict between the Conscious Self (Sun) and the Unconscious Self (Moon).
On the other hand, if there is a trine aspect (harmonious) between the two planets then the Conscious Self and the Unconscious Self are more likely to be integrated.
If there is no aspect between any two planets (which is likely, more often than not) then there will be no particular connection between them, stressful or not.
Elemental influence: It is now advisable to consider what elements the planets are in when assessing the strength of that planet or its aspects. For example, there may be a perfectly good trine aspect (harmonious) between two planets, which suggests a good contact between the two. However, if those two planets are located in conflicting elements (say one is in Fire and the other is in Water) then the contact is less comfortable for the individual than if both planets are in the same element.
Similarly, even if a harmonious aspect is found between two planets that are incompatible in their natures (say the warm and gentle Venus with the cold and limiting Saturn) then there will tend to be discomfort within the individual's psyche, however good the aspect is.
Secondary aspects: Aspects between the Ascendant and other house angles should be considered. The Ascendant is perhaps the most important reference point in the whole Birth Chart as it represents not only the physical body but also the lens through which the individual views (and projects himself onto) the world. This is why it is so important to have an accurate time of birth when calculating a Birth Chart.
Planets which aspect the Ascendant will have a special significance. For example, Mars positioned on the Ascendant (conjunct) can give added energy, drive and passion to the expression of the individual. The Sign that planet is in and the other planets that access it could modify (or accentuate) this effect of course.
On the other hand, Mars conjunct the Ascendant can also bring anger, aggression or even physical damage if it is badly placed by Sign or other planetary aspects.
Neptune conjunct the Ascendant on the other hand could bring a greater sensitivity to the physical system, or it could simply cloud the perceptions - subject to the nature of its placement in relation to Sign and the other planets.
Other important aspects in the chart might include all those a planet might make to the major cusps (the beginning of each Sign or House), especially with the 4th, 7th and 10th houses. Planets aspecting these points could well invoke a particular significance to the area of the life in question – i.e. issues relating to home (4th), partnerships (7th) and prestige/reputation (10th).
iii) Mutual Reception: When two planets are in each other's Signs it is said that they arc in Mutual Reception. For example, if Mars (ruler of Aries) is in Libra and Venus (ruler of Libra) is in Aries, then the two planets are in Mutual Reception.
Mutual Reception is more or less the equivalent of an aspect between the two planets. It can be defined harmonious or inharmonious when the nature of the planets and the Sign/House position they are in is assessed. Consequently, Mutual Reception can be a significant factor in chart interpretation at from time to time.
iv) Chart Shape:
Sometimes the planetary placements in a Birth Chart will take on a definite shape. For example, you may find that they are all bunched in one particular part within the chart. This suggests an extra accumulation of energy in that area of the life activities that can have an added significance for the Interpretation. It should therefore not be neglected if it is observed.
If the majority of the planets are located in the bottom half of the chart (i.e. beneath the horizon - the line between the Ascendant and the 7th House cusp) then much of the personality will be hidden from view psychologically. This is called a bucket chart.
However, if one planet is isolated above the horizon in the upper part of the chart, then it has an added significance as the bucket handle – meaning that it is effectively the focal point of all the submerged planetary energies in the lower part of the chart. It should therefore be taken far more seriously in terms of the ultimate Interpretation.
On the other hand, if the majority of the planets are above the horizon, it is known as an umbrella chart – meaning the individual concerned is an open book in terms of ‘what you see is what you get’. With the majority of their energy make-up being so visible it is very difficult for such individuals to conceal their thoughts, feelings and emotions - unless of course an umbrella handle planet located beneath the horizon might modify this situation somewhat.
If a majority of the planets are located on the left side of the chart (e.g.. on the Eastern that is left of a line connecting the 4th and 10th House cusps) then the individual will be more notably independent – i.e. their energies being more focused around the me (Ascendant) side of the their being.
Alternatively, if a majority of the planets are congregated on the right side of the chart, the individual will be far more reliant on others in their expression – i.e. focusing all their energies around the you (7th House cusp) part of their being.
v) 10th House: When considering a detailed Interpretation, it is perhaps wise to consider any planets or Sign relating to 10th House. Issues such as career, reputation and/or public standing can be indicated here. (Although not always and the rest of the chart needs to be studied before a full and final decision can be made.) For example, the planet Saturn strongly positioned in the 10th House will tend to give someone a severe, cold or even severe public image, whereas Jupiter similarly placed will incline to a more warm, jovial and/or otherwise appealing image. Aspects to any 10th House planets will also have some bearing on how the individual’s career or public standing will be perceived.
Click below to learn more about...
CHART BLENDING
PHILOSOPHICAL POINTS TO REMEMBER
ASTROLOGY WITH INTEGRITY
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First and foremost, is it fundamentally important to realize that with any chart Interpretation it is always necessary to analyze ALL the individual factors of the Birth Chart and before carefully blending them into a reasonable representation of the individual. No one person can ever be defined by a singular factor of their astrological Birth Chart as this requires that all those factors be balanced, one against the other, before a solid conclusion can be arrived at. This is a skill that takes years, if not decades, to perfect!
Having said that we must of course learn how to walk before we can run. Consequently, it does no harm whatsoever to examine the individual elements in isolation first and then make a simple stab at blending two or more of them. Let us therefore start with baby steps by considering a chart where an individual’s Sun is in Leo and in the 4th House. We might deduce from this that the individual's core TRUE NATURE (Sun) wishes for RECOGNITION (Leo) in the HOME (4th House). At the same time if the same individual’s Moon is in Capricorn in the 10th House, we might expect that their SUBCONSCIOUS FEELINGS (Moon) are most comfortable when they are WORKING HARD AND PATIENTLY (Capricorn) in building CAREER PRESTIGE (10th House). See how it works? We are already beginning to define the way that this person focuses their life and seeks their own form of individuality.
In this way a trained astrologer will work through all the planets, their Sign location and their house position, writing down their observations for each one. Soon a more complex, yet increasingly informative, picture will emerge of the subject in question. Indeed the more information the astrologer can glean from the planets in the Signs and Houses the clearer a picture will emerge of that person. Of course, in reality this all will prove far more difficult than it sounds for the beginner. But at least this process outline does give a good insight into the objectives and challenges that the student will face.
The new student of astrology should indeed not expect too much from his or her first efforts. The important thing is to jump in somewhere – anywhere – and just focus on those few factors that stand out more than any other. If you can get a glint of recognition in the eye of the recipient as they hear what you have to say about them (as you will if you do it right and speak the truth as you see it) then you will have made real process – and this will be incentive enough to take it to the next stage!
Now here are two other factors you might consider once you get some confidence at the Planet-in-Sign-and-House stage.
Planetary Aspects: The aspects between the planets are a major factor to take into consideration. When checking out the planetary aspects the astrologer needs to ask themselves – i.e. are all the facets of the overall personality integrated or in conflict? For example, if the Sun is in an opposition aspect (inharmonious) with the Moon it signifies that there is conflict between the Conscious Self (Sun) and the Unconscious Self (Moon).
On the other hand, if there is a trine aspect (harmonious) between the two planets then the Conscious Self and the Unconscious Self are more likely to be integrated.
If there is no aspect between any two planets (which is likely, more often than not) then there will be no particular connection between them, stressful or not.
Elemental influence: It is now advisable to consider what elements the planets are in when assessing the strength of that planet or its aspects. For example, there may be a perfectly good trine aspect (harmonious) between two planets, which suggests a good contact between the two. However, if those two planets are located in conflicting elements (say one is in Fire and the other is in Water) then the contact is less comfortable for the individual than if both planets are in the same element.
Similarly, even if a harmonious aspect is found between two planets that are incompatible in their natures (say the warm and gentle Venus with the cold and limiting Saturn) then there will tend to be discomfort within the individual's psyche, however good the aspect is.
Secondary aspects: Aspects between the Ascendant and other house angles should be considered. The Ascendant is perhaps the most important reference point in the whole Birth Chart as it represents not only the physical body but also the lens through which the individual views (and projects himself onto) the world. This is why it is so important to have an accurate time of birth when calculating a Birth Chart.
Planets which aspect the Ascendant will have a special significance. For example, Mars positioned on the Ascendant (conjunct) can give added energy, drive and passion to the expression of the individual. The Sign that planet is in and the other planets that access it could modify (or accentuate) this effect of course.
On the other hand, Mars conjunct the Ascendant can also bring anger, aggression or even physical damage if it is badly placed by Sign or other planetary aspects.
Neptune conjunct the Ascendant on the other hand could bring a greater sensitivity to the physical system, or it could simply cloud the perceptions - subject to the nature of its placement in relation to Sign and the other planets.
Other important aspects in the chart might include all those a planet might make to the major cusps (the beginning of each Sign or House), especially with the 4th, 7th and 10th houses. Planets aspecting these points could well invoke a particular significance to the area of the life in question – i.e. issues relating to home (4th), partnerships (7th) and prestige/reputation (10th).
iii) Mutual Reception: When two planets are in each other's Signs it is said that they arc in Mutual Reception. For example, if Mars (ruler of Aries) is in Libra and Venus (ruler of Libra) is in Aries, then the two planets are in Mutual Reception.
Mutual Reception is more or less the equivalent of an aspect between the two planets. It can be defined harmonious or inharmonious when the nature of the planets and the Sign/House position they are in is assessed. Consequently, Mutual Reception can be a significant factor in chart interpretation at from time to time.
iv) Chart Shape:
Sometimes the planetary placements in a Birth Chart will take on a definite shape. For example, you may find that they are all bunched in one particular part within the chart. This suggests an extra accumulation of energy in that area of the life activities that can have an added significance for the Interpretation. It should therefore not be neglected if it is observed.
If the majority of the planets are located in the bottom half of the chart (i.e. beneath the horizon - the line between the Ascendant and the 7th House cusp) then much of the personality will be hidden from view psychologically. This is called a bucket chart.
However, if one planet is isolated above the horizon in the upper part of the chart, then it has an added significance as the bucket handle – meaning that it is effectively the focal point of all the submerged planetary energies in the lower part of the chart. It should therefore be taken far more seriously in terms of the ultimate Interpretation.
On the other hand, if the majority of the planets are above the horizon, it is known as an umbrella chart – meaning the individual concerned is an open book in terms of ‘what you see is what you get’. With the majority of their energy make-up being so visible it is very difficult for such individuals to conceal their thoughts, feelings and emotions - unless of course an umbrella handle planet located beneath the horizon might modify this situation somewhat.
If a majority of the planets are located on the left side of the chart (e.g.. on the Eastern that is left of a line connecting the 4th and 10th House cusps) then the individual will be more notably independent – i.e. their energies being more focused around the me (Ascendant) side of the their being.
Alternatively, if a majority of the planets are congregated on the right side of the chart, the individual will be far more reliant on others in their expression – i.e. focusing all their energies around the you (7th House cusp) part of their being.
v) 10th House: When considering a detailed Interpretation, it is perhaps wise to consider any planets or Sign relating to 10th House. Issues such as career, reputation and/or public standing can be indicated here. (Although not always and the rest of the chart needs to be studied before a full and final decision can be made.) For example, the planet Saturn strongly positioned in the 10th House will tend to give someone a severe, cold or even severe public image, whereas Jupiter similarly placed will incline to a more warm, jovial and/or otherwise appealing image. Aspects to any 10th House planets will also have some bearing on how the individual’s career or public standing will be perceived.
Click below to learn more about...
CHART BLENDING
PHILOSOPHICAL POINTS TO REMEMBER
ASTROLOGY WITH INTEGRITY
Back to top of page