Astrology basics for the curious

1

What is astrology?

Astrology is a tradition of interpreting the positions of the Sun, Moon and planets in relation to time and place. Historically connected with astronomy, it is now often used as a language for self-reflection. Newspaper horoscopes usually focus on the Sun sign, while a birth chart considers the positions of the sky at the time of birth.

The difference between astrology and astronomy matters: astronomy measures and explains; astrology interprets meaning. There is no scientific evidence that planetary positions predict events, so astrology is best approached as symbolic reflection, not as a forecast.

2

The twelve signs

The zodiac divides the ecliptic into twelve sections of 30 degrees. Each sign has an element, modality and ruling planet. Select a sign to read its daily horoscope.

• ♈︎AriesMarch 21 – April 19
• ♉︎TaurusApril 20 – May 20
• ♊︎GeminiMay 21 – June 20
• ♋︎CancerJune 21 – July 22
• ♌︎LeoJuly 23 – August 22
• ♍︎VirgoAugust 23 – September 22
• ♎︎LibraSeptember 23 – October 22
• ♏︎ScorpioOctober 23 – November 21
• ♐︎SagittariusNovember 22 – December 21
• ♑︎CapricornDecember 22 – January 19
• ♒︎AquariusJanuary 20 – February 18
• ♓︎PiscesFebruary 19 – March 20

3

The four elements

Fire

Momentum, courage and enthusiasm. Fire signs remind us that sometimes the first step matters most.

Aries · Leo · Sagittarius

Earth

Stability, reliability and sensuality. Earth signs build foundations meant to last.

Taurus · Virgo · Capricorn

Air

Thought, words and connection. Air signs bring fresh ideas into relationships.

Gemini · Libra · Aquarius

Water

Emotion, intuition and depth. Water signs sense what remains unspoken.

Cancer · Scorpio · Pisces

4

Planets as roles

In astrology, planets represent roles and signs describe how those roles are expressed. Mars in Aries is interpreted differently from Mars in Pisces.

• SunCore identity and vitality
• MoonEmotions, habits and inner security
• MercuryThinking and communication
• VenusLove, beauty and values
• MarsDrive, courage and anger
• JupiterGrowth, meaning and perspective
• SaturnStructure, responsibility and time

5

The twelve houses

Houses represent areas of life. The rising sign marks the beginning of the first house, and the remaining houses follow around the chart.

1. 1.Self, appearance, beginnings
2. 2.Values, money, body
3. 3.Thought, conversation, surroundings
4. 4.Home, roots, family
5. 5.Creativity, love, play
6. 6.Work, routine, health
7. 7.Partnerships, agreements
8. 8.Transformation, shared resources, depth
9. 9.Travel, philosophy
10. 10.Career, reputation, purpose
11. 11.Friends, communities, hopes
12. 12.Subconscious, rest, endings

6

A critical perspective

A thoughtful horoscope reader is also a skeptic. Texts are often broad enough for many people to recognize themselves in them—a phenomenon known as the Forer effect. That is not a problem if you keep it in mind: the open space is where you bring your own experience.

That is why we do not present horoscopes as predictions about health, money or relationships. Let them be an invitation to pause for a moment.