Basic Concepts of Astrology

1. The Zodiac Belt

• Zodiac: The zodiac is a belt in the sky about 8-9 degrees wide where stars and planets move. It consists of 12 signs, each occupying 30 degrees.
• Signs: The 12 signs in the zodiac belt are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Each sign has its unique characteristics and qualities.

2. Planets

• Sun: Associated with identity, life energy, and ego.
• Moon: Related to emotions, the inner world, and the subconscious.
• Mercury: Linked to communication, intellect, and thinking style.
• Venus: Governs love, beauty, art, and relationships.
• Mars: Represents energy, action, passion, and conflict.
• Jupiter: Symbolizes growth, luck, abundance, and wisdom.
• Saturn: Associated with discipline, responsibility, limitations, and maturity.
• Uranus: Linked to innovation, freedom, change, and rebellion.
• Neptune: Represents dreams, illusions, intuition, and spiritual quest.
• Pluto: Symbolizes power, transformation, rebirth, and destruction.

3. Astrological Houses

• A natal chart is divided into 12 houses, each representing different areas of life. The houses focus the influence of planets in specific life domains.
  • 1st House (Ascendant): Personal identity, appearance, and first impressions.
  • 2nd House: Material values, possessions, and income.
  • 3rd House: Communication, education, siblings, and short trips.
  • 4th House: Family, home, and roots.
  • 5th House: Love, creativity, children, and entertainment.
  • 6th House: Health, daily work, and service.
  • 7th House: Marriage, relationships, and partnerships.
  • 8th House: Shared resources, inheritance, sexuality, and transformation.
  • 9th House: Higher education, travel, philosophy, and religion.
  • 10th House (Midheaven): Career, social status, and public image.
  • 11th House: Friends, social groups, and ideals.
  • 12th House: Hidden enemies, dreams, spiritual quest, and the subconscious.

4. Aspects and Interactions

• Conjunction: Two planets in the same sign and degree. Creates merging and strengthening effects.
• Square: Two planets 90 degrees apart. Causes challenges and struggles.
• Trine: Two planets 120 degrees apart. Provides flow and ease.
• Opposition: Two planets 180 degrees apart. Creates balance and tension.
• Sextile: Two planets 60 degrees apart. Offers opportunities and cooperation.

5. Natal Chart

• Natal Chart (Birth Chart): A map of the sky at the moment of a person's birth. This chart includes the signs, planets, houses, and aspects, and helps determine a person's potential influences, talents, challenges, and destiny.