starzology banner

Sign up to get STARZLIFE free astrology newsletter every Sunday.

Book Your Reading
Aspect Orbs

Aspect Orbs

by

Aspect Orbs

In astrology, aspect orbs play a significant role in interpreting the relationships between celestial bodies in a birth chart. These orbs are essentially a range of degrees within which an aspect between two planets or points is considered to be effective. Understanding aspect orbs is crucial for a more nuanced interpretation of an individual’s astrological profile.

Each planetary aspect has its own specific orb range. The orbs influence how strong or weak the connection between two planets or points is.

The most common aspects include conjunctions, sextiles, squares, trines, and oppositions. Let’s delve into each of these and explore the importance of aspect orbs.

 

 

Standard Aspect Orbs

To start with use these orbs. They are the standard aspect orbs I use..

Astrologers debate aspect orbs as a matter of course and it is one of the constant topics for discussion (along with houses systems) when astrologers get together.

Ultimately every astrologer finds the orbs that best resonate with their type of astrology, research or work.

But in the meantime…

Aspects of Longitude

  • Conjunction  0° – orb 8°
  • Square 90° – orb 8°
  • Trine 120° – orb 8°
  • Opposition 180° – orb 8°
  • Sextile  60° – orb 4°
  • Semi-sextile  30° – orb 2°; Quincunx  150° – orb 2°
  • Semi-square 45° – orb 2°; Sesquiquadrate 135° – orb 2°
  • Quintile 72° – orb 2°; Bi-quintile 144° – orb 2°

 

Explore more >>> Conjunction Aspect

Explore more >>> Opposition Aspect

Aspects of Declination

  • Parallel – orb 1°
  • Contraparallel – orb 1°

 

 

Forecasting Aspect Orbs

For transits and secondary progressions use an orb of 1° applying and separating.

As you become more experienced you can tighten this orb down to 30′ coming and going.

 

Explore more >>> Why Transits are Different for Everyone

 

Note for Solar Fire users

If you have Solar Fire you will need to set up these aspect details as an Aspect set and save the settings.

 

 

Read more >>> Aspects applying and separating

Read more >>> Fibonacci aspects

Read more >>> Aspects

Polish Your Readings

It’s important to note that while these orb ranges provide a general guideline, individual preferences among astrologers may vary. Some astrologers may use smaller orbs for a more precise analysis, while others may prefer larger orbs for a broader perspective.

As a professional astrologer, your creative and upbeat approach can bring a unique flavor to the interpretation of aspect orbs. Consider the orbs as the varying degrees of a musical scale, with each aspect creating a distinct chord in the symphony of an individual’s life.

Mindfulness in considering the orbs allows for a more compassionate and holistic understanding of the complexities within a birth chart.

standard-aspect-orbs

Pin this to read later

Author Bio

Alison Price: Astrology Coach

Alison wants to help you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor.

Learn more about Alison’s journey.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.

 

No Results Found

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

USA Election Day 2024

USA Election Day 2024

Author: Alison Price   -   Published: October 2024 Election Day Chart Let the Astrology Speak I don't want to comment directly on the politics, or whom I believe is going to win this race or which party I support, or whether I'd take the red of the blue pill, because...

No Results Found

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

Saturn in Pisces: Limiting Beliefs

Saturn in Pisces: Limiting Beliefs

by

Saturn in Pisces

How Saturn’s Energy in Pisces will Manifest

The two-and-a-half-year transit of Saturn through Pisces from 2023 to 2025 will affect all Pisces folks as Saturn draws close and makes a conjunction to your natal Sun.

If will also affect anyone with other planets in Pisces or those people with a Pisces Ascendant or Pisces Midheaven.

To a lesser extent this dynamic energy shift will affect people with chart points, like the North or South Node, the Vertex or the Part of Fortune, in Pisces.

Saturn Transit Position

Only as Saturn moves to within 1°, both applying and separating to your Sun, planets or chart points in Pisces will there be a focus affect for you.

In general, it is not a two-and-a-half-year effect to your natal chart.

Transiting Saturn Conjoins North Node in Pisces

Listen to our podcast about transiting Saturn conjoining the North Node in Pisces in a guest chart.

Arwynne discusses the chart of her guest Sionnaine and how transiting Saturn stimulating her North Node in Pisces has unfolded in her life.

Saturn in Pisces: Video

Watch the video below where I chat with intergrative astrologer Christine Linwood about the transit of Saturn through Pisces.

Saturn in Pisces and Your Sun Sign

Saturn Aspects to Your Sun – Time Frame

While Saturn is in Pisces it will aspect every Sun sign and this will be different depending on the aspect being formed.

Some aspects are easy, some are challenging and some are neither.

Additionally, as Saturn moves quite slowly, its influence will only come into play when Saturn gets to be within one degree of the perfection of the aspect to your Sun.

Virgo Sun signs

Will receive an opposition from Saturn to your Sun which will probably present as authority figure like your parents, your boss or the government restricting your activities somehow.

Gemini and Sagittarius Sun Signs

Gemini and Sagittarians will receive squares to their natal Sun from Saturn. Squares usually show up as internal struggles with yourself. You may be stopped in your tracks as your make judgements about how you should move forward. Use this time to carefully consider and take your time. There is no rush where Saturn is concerned.

Cancer and Scorpio Sun Signs

The two water signs of Cancer and Scorpio will receive positive energy from Saturn as it make a trine to your Sun signs.

This is likely to present as mastering something in your life.

Aries and Aquarius Sun Signs

The two adjacent signs to Pisces, Aries and Aquarius, may not see much energy either up or down as Saturn moves through Pisces because Saturn will make a semi-sextile to your Sun position.

Leo and Libra Sun Signs

For Leo and Libra, this transit will probably manifest as many adjustments having to be made as Saturn make the irritating quincunx aspect to your Sun position.

Saturn in Pisces in 2023

During 2023 Saturn will only cover the first seven degrees of Pisces. This will specifically affect people born between the 19th and the 26th of February in any given year. These people will receive a triple conjunction from Saturn to their Sun in 2023.

As Saturn retrogrades in the early part of 2023 it brings a higher concentration of its energy to certain parts of the sign and particularly the first quarter or initial seven degrees of Pisces.

Saturn in Pisces What to Expect

Relaxing Laws into Guidelines

The very nature of Pisces is to water down and dilute things like stringent laws that have been in place for years.

Saturn is the planet that rules the government and the establishment so while it is in Pisces strictures will loosen.

Saturn in Pisces for All Signs

If you know your Ascendant sign then read that sign or if not, then read your Sun sign.

Saturn in Pisces for Aries

Saturn enters your private area suggesting you may be alone more. It will be easier to live in isolation and spend your time unaccompanied with your thoughts. You would do well to go on a retreat and spend some time secluded in some way. The lure of bright lights will fade a little for you during this period.

This is the time to look inwards and spend time on self-improvement.

Saturn in Pisces for Taurus

Saturn enters your friendship area suggesting you need to hang with others and find some groups with interests like yours.  It is always easier to meet people when you have a common hobby.

Perhaps activities like photography, hiking, cooking or gardening would appeal to you now. You will benefit from associations with individuals like yourself and those who challenge you in some way. You may decide to volunteer at a food bank or soup kitchen to help your fellow man or woman.

Saturn in Pisces for Gemini

This period will probably be a huge boost for your career as Saturn is the natural ruler of the Midheaven and so your tenth house of career and public life.

Your reputation will be cemented now and you may want to spruce things up a little and remove any juvenile photos, expressions or unsuitable comments that detract from the impression you are trying to project.

You will want to be taken seriously now and you may be attracted to politics, the government or other similar avenues.

Saturn in Pisces for Cancer

Saturn enters your vision area which suggests you are likely to cement your life path and where you are going.

Saturn brings form and structure to solidify what it touches, so in your life-goals and life-path zone you can anticipate some firm commitments with yourself and clarity on what you are doing with your life.

You can also expect to take a few courses or some further career training in preparation for the following years when Saturn stimulates your career sector.

Saturn in Pisces for Leo

Saturn enters your debt and taxes area suggesting as one this is the time to get organized with your taxes. If you owe anyone, it will be come due now. If your papers are in order, you will be dealt with fairly receiving neither more nor less that what you are due.

This is the best time of your life to crush any credit card debt or pay back what you owe to others.

It may be a frugal existence for a while, but at the end of the two and a half years you will have a far better understanding of how borrowing affects many areas of your life.

Saturn in Pisces for Virgo

Saturn enters your partnership zone. This may be when you decide to tie the knot as you strive for a relationship with someone who is stable and respectable now. You may marry an older person.

If you are single, there are likely to be offers to get together which at first may seem a little dull but secure. This will be something you have to consider now.

If you are already in a meaningful relationship, you could decide to call it a day as boredom pervades your marriage. Think long and hard before throwing in the towel.

Saturn in Pisces for Libra

Saturn enters your work sector to bring honors, recognition and promotions if you are worthy. This is the period when you can achieve good results in your profession. The efforts of past years will be recognized and conferred upon you now. If you still need time to build your career, these two and a half years as Saturn passes through Pisces, will lay the foundations for prosperity yet to come.

If you want to open your own business, the cosmos will support that for you now. Just make sure to build your company on sounds principles and good work ethics. This is not the time to cut corners where owning a business is concerned.

Saturn in Pisces for Scorpio

Serious Saturn enters your fun-loving zone which can be quite a contradiction at times. Now you want to play by the rules and stay in your lane. Pleasure will be all the sweeter if you have earned it. Work hard and play hard will be your motto now.

Games of strategy which utilize the long game will be of benefit for you now. The board game of Monopoly epitomizes this time of your life. Slow and steady wins the prize.

Saturn in Pisces for Sagittarius

Saturn enters your home and family sector. There may be issues with your parents or other older people on your family who lean on you now.

You will be turned to by your family to provide so make sure your own reserves are stocked up plenty. Anticipate requests for handouts by family now. They will look to you for practical solution to their own problems.

More than most now you must pace yourself or you may find your reserves depleted and still demands are being made on your purse.

Saturn in Pisces for Capricorn

Saturn is your sign ruler and where it exerts its energy will always be important for Sea Goats.

This will be a great period to learn something new. You may enjoy taking a short course or attend a few weekend conferences where you can master skills that interest you.

Saturn enters your neighborhood sector. This is a time when good fences make good neighbors. Avoid conflict with people in your street and always maintain some distance.

Additionally, your relationship with any cousins or siblings will probably take a serious tone now.

Saturn in Pisces for Aquarius

Saturn enters your money area and you can expect some restrictions on both earning and spending now.

If you have established savings and good money management plan all will be well. However, if you are living pay cheque to pay cheque that will be some hard lessons to be learned as the planet of discipline passes through your earning area.

Even if you want to contribute it is better to give one dollar than to ignore others. ‘

Your money must work hard for you now.

Saturn in Pisces for Pisces

This planetary shift of the ringed planet, Saturn, passing through your sign will benefit Pisces folk. Saturn enters your personal life and how you see yourself area to bring a grown up flavor to your life.

If you are young, you may mature over these two years. If you are over 30 you may find that responsibilities weigh heavily now.

Shift unwanted stuff and free yourself if commitments both financial and personal that no longer serve you.

Author Bio

Alison encourages you to explore your unique creativity and live a satisfying life through your personal astrology. She offers her insights from the heart and with a sense of humor.

Go here to read more about Alison’s story.

If you want to send Alison a quick message go here.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this and you want to discover some more about astrology you may like some additional astrology articles from our blog.

7th House

7th House

In astrology, the 7th HOUSE suggests your partnerships, marriages, contracts and public relations. It also covers open enemies and the general public.

7th House

7th House

In astrology, the 7th HOUSE suggests your partnerships, marriages, contracts and public relations. It also covers open enemies and the general public.

The Aspiring Astrologer 52 Self-paced Astrology Lessons: Book

The Aspiring Astrologer 52 Self-paced Astrology Lessons: Book

by

Author: Alison Price   –   Published: June 2022   –   Revised: January 2024

The Aspiring Astrologer – 52 Self-paced Astrology Lessons

I’m excited to share with you information about my new book The Aspiring Astrologer – 52 Self-paced Astrology Lessons now available on Amazon.

I’m going to give you a bit of a history of the evolution of this book and how it came about.

I’m also going to be sharing with you who this book is for and whether it would interest you or not.

eBook Edition

Now available in eBook form.

Many of your have asked for an ebook edition of this book and now I’ve finally got one for you.

The physical book from Amazon is only available at Amazon.com and .uk becasue of its size. So people around the world could not get a copy.

The content is the same.

Alison

May 2024

 

Buy my eBook now
Get your copy now

Video Flipthrough

Watch the video below on YouTube.

Here I go over the main points of this astrology book and I provide a full-page flipthrough of every page in the book so you can see if it is for you.

 

Who This Book is For

New Astrology Students

This book is suitable for new astrology students. If you have decided to learn a little astrology, then this is the book to help you get there. Many people choose to know some astrology, and a few take the next step and discover a wonderful world of insights which astrology can provide. This book will guide you to focus on key pointers in a birth chart, so you can read a chart quickly and confidently.

New Astrology Teachers

This book is suitable for new astrology teachers. Use it as a guide to bring structure to your classes. If you are just starting out as an astrology teacher, use this book as a guide to pace your classes for your astrology students. Typically each chapter will be a two hour class.

Time and Energy Management

If you have reached a period in your life when time is critical, and you do not have three years to spend learning something new, then this book is for you. If you are at the start of your astrological journey this is for you.

It is for anyone who wants to get to grips with astrology fast and who does not have time to waste. You can learn about the importance of staying on the highways and leave the roads less travelled for another day.

You can spend the rest of your life learning more about astrology, but you do not need to know everything right now. You are at the start of your astrological journey and this book will guide you towards details which are immediately important and the things that can be left for the future.

Self-paced Astrology Lessons

This book combines all the astrology lessons I have taught for the past twenty-five years to my private students. Each chapter is one lesson. Typically when I teach the lessons in a classroom they take about two hours to complete. However some classes are a little longer specifically the Houses lesson and the Synasty lesson. I usually have a week to a fortnight between classes so my students can digest the information, practice on many charts and do some more research by themselves.

Table of Contents

Evolution of This Book

When I began teaching astrology to three women one Saturday afternoon at my kitchen table, I wrote out a one-page guide for each lesson. Every person received the one-page class note. They went away and returned the following week for the next class at which time I provided the second lesson one-page class note.

Over time, I developed each one-page into multiple sheets and included more information. I increased the page count for each lesson to about ten pages whilst fleshing out every topic into broader paragraphs which became the discussion points in the lesson. By now I had made sixteen beginner, intermediate and advanced forecasting classes with around ten individual pages each for the forty-eight classes with a total page count of 480.

Then I created a mini eBook for each stage. Later when I began to teach the Relationship and Vocational astrology courses with six classes each, I wrote more class notes. Only earlier this year did it occur to me to bring everything together into one book. This book. In the past I had toyed with multiple smaller books but decided to amalgamate all the class notes I had created over the years into this one volume. Through the editing process, I condensed the Houses lessons into one class even though I had taught it over two. 

I had forty-seven main classes including six Relationship and six Vocational classes, with around ten pages per class. This brought the class count to fifty-nine. I wanted to have fifty-two classes which is of course one class for every week in the year. I compressed the two Relationship and Vocational courses into five classes, three for Relationships (thus the Synastry class has parts 1, 2 and 3 and is the biggest class) and two for Vocational. Now I had fifty-two classes in total. Some classes are longer and some are shorter than others.

Page Design

Each page is sourced from my early one-page layouts. Each page usually has a main heading and several paragraphs, diagrams, tables or charts. These are all discussion points and can be explored further by the student and certainly developed by the teacher. I encourage you to source other supporting material around each class.

I have endeavored to keep the style of the page layout similar to the original one-page class notes as that is how you learn the subject and how it is taught. Where there is space available on some pages, I have added diagrams or illustrations as inspiration. Most drawings are my own creations however some are free images for public use from Pixabay.

How to Use This Book

This is a working book. You are invited to write in it, make notes and draw diagrams as you learn. Perhaps you have other keywords you want to bring into your astrological practice and you may add them to these pages. Color things in, add collage and make it your own.

Aspiring Astrologer Activities

There are Aspiring Astrology Activities after each chapter. This is your class homework and the activities are about the content you have learnt in the lesson. These activities are important as they are a guide about what to do for every chart that you ever cast or interpret.

Astrological Defaults

This book teaches western tropical psychological astrology and mainly Placidus house cusps.

Where to Get Your Copy

The Aspiring Astrologer – 52 Self-paced Astrology Lessons book is available at Amazon. This is quite a huge book with 570 pages and measures 8” by 10” or 20cm by 25cm. The size makes it heavy.

The actual publication costs at Amazon are quite hefty themselves and of course you will have to add on the shipping to your area. This makes the cost of the book slightly more than most astrology books but it’s due to the sheer volume of information you receive. To get your copy from Amazon click here.

Typos and Errors

I wrote, designed, formatted and self-published this book myself. I have had two editors go over it, but as I’ve learned in the past, errors do creep in. If you find an error or typo, please let me know and I will fix it for the next person.

Warmly,

Alison

#TheAspiringAstrologer

Author Bio

Alison Price: Astrology Coach

Alison wants to help you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor.

Learn more about Alison’s journey.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.

 

USA Election Day 2024

USA Election Day 2024

Author: Alison Price   -   Published: October 2024 Election Day Chart Let the Astrology Speak I don't want to comment directly on the politics, or whom I believe is going to win this race or which party I support, or whether I'd take the red of the blue pill, because...

No Results Found

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

Zodiac Sign Notebooks

Zodiac Sign Notebooks

by

Zodiac Sign Notebooks

I am excited to share with your my latest venture in creating Zodiac Sign Notebooks. I loved designing these colorful notebooks.

Each one has what I call “light astrology” (so nothing highly technical and tricky as astrology can often get), which will appeal to the person in the street.

Perfect for all who have a Sun Sign, oh right, that’s everyone in your life.

These handy ruled notebooks are specially written and designed by myself.

They are themed and tailored to the individual zodiac sign.

Benefits

Each Zodiac Sign Notebook focusses on one sign.

There are twelve individual Zodiac Sign Notebooks in the whole collection.

Choose the book for your sign and the signs of your loved ones.

When you reach for your Zodiac Sign Notebook, you are automatically learning more about your sign.

Newbies can trace the glyphs for their sign which are printed on every page.

Aspiring astrologers will appreciate the snippets, at the bottom of every right-hand page, which contain interesting information about the specific sign.

Star Giving

If you are the star astrologer in your group (that’s the only person who knows the difference between a bull and a fish), consider your family, friends, and the people whom you love and stimulate their interest in astrology with the gift of a Zodiac Sign Notebook.

They will love you for it.

The goodness is in the giving. You will benefit as others begin to understand why you love astrology as well.

People can get a glimpse into your world and the astrology that you love.

Features

  • The sign glyph is on every page.
  • Ruled pages.
  • Every other page has an interesting snippet especially about the sign.
  • The books have the sign’s affinities like the planetary ruler, precious metal and minerals, angel, trees, plants, herbs, compatibilities with the other signs and more.
  • Suitable for anyone with a Sun sign.
  • These medium sized (6″ x 9″) softcover notebooks contain 120 pages and are perfect for everyday use.
  • Available from Amazon.

How to Order Your Zodiac Notebooks

To order each book from Amazon, simply click on the image below.

Please note that as this is a brand new project.

5th House

5th House

In astrology, the 5th HOUSE suggests your creative side. It rules recreation and procreation as well as gambling and the stock exchange.

5th House

5th House

In astrology, the 5th HOUSE suggests your creative side. It rules recreation and procreation as well as gambling and the stock exchange.

5th House

5th House

In astrology, the 5th HOUSE suggests your creative side. It rules recreation and procreation as well as gambling and the stock exchange.

The Lunar Nodes

The Lunar Nodes

by

Author: Alison Price   –   Published: June 2021   –   Revised: February 2024

  

Lunar Nodes

The Lunar Nodes are points in a chart and they are an interesting part to the whole story when you read a chart. When I first started doing astrology I was not thrilled with lunar nodes as a concept as I was more interested in solar astrology being a Leo. Over time I learned to understand the Moon’s nodes better. It just goes to show that not everything in astrology is interesting to everyone. You need to find your focus as well.

 

 

 

The Luminaries Path Intersection

The Sun’s path is called the plane of the ecliptic. The Moon’s path is angled at close to five degrees to the plane of the ecliptic. The Moon crosses the plane of the ecliptic twice a month, once traveling north and once going south.

The Moon’s north node is found at the point where the Moon crosses the ecliptic moving north (NN). The Moon’s south node is located at the point where the Moon crosses the Sun’s path moving south (SN).

Eclipses

When the Sun is near the conjunction to the nodes there is the chance of a solar eclipse or a lunar eclipse. This occurs roughly every six months as the Sun moves halfway around the zodiac and goes from one node to the other node.

 

 

Lunar Nodal Axis

In your chart, the Moon’s nodes are an axis with the north node at one end, and the south node at the other end. Some charts only show the north node and you can determine the South Node’s position as it is always directly opposite the north node.

 

Mean and True Nodes

The mean node is the average placement of the Moon’s nodes. The Moon’s mean nodes are always retrograde as they precess through the signs in longitude. The Moon’s true nodes can be direct, stationary or retrograde.

 

Lunar Nodal Speed

The Moon’s nodes precess (or move backward) at a rate of approximately 18.6 years through the whole zodiac. At age 19, 38, 56, and 75 when the nodes return to their birth position, you will experience a nodal return.

 

Lunar Nodes Transit the Signs

The lunar nodes spend around eighteen months in each sign.

 

Planetary Nodes

All the planets (except the Sun) have north and south nodes. For example, Pluto’s nodes are at +/- 20 degrees Cancer and Capricorn. The planetary nodes are not exactly opposite each other in the chart.

 

The Meaning of the Nodes

North Node

 

The North Node

The north node is also known as the dragon’s head or Caput Draconis. Connections to new people are shown through your north node. Meetings, get-togethers, and rendezvous are likely to happen. The north node is concerned with things that occur at a hub (computer routers, airports).

The north node shows your current incarnation in this life. It suggests your karmic objectives. The north node is related to consciousness. The north node indicates your future path and where you can grow and evolve.

The South Node

The south node is also known as the dragon’s tail or Cauda Draconis. The south node suggests connections with people from your past. It indicates the things that you already know. The south node shows your past incarnations – past lives.

This point is related to unconsciousness and sub-consciousness. The south node clearly shows your past and your past lives. It is a place where stagnation can take place.

Lunar Nodal Interpretation

The Nodal Complex

The north and south nodes are usually interpreted as an axis.

  • Note the zodiac sign polarity is it active or passive.
  • Note the two houses as a pair.
  • Note any aspects from the Moon to the nodes as they need careful consideration.
  • Note and planets that conjoin a node, and thus opposes the other node, as they are significant.
  • Note any planet that squares to the nodal axis as they will square both nodes, and this needs some consideration.

Personal Eclipse Points

In your natal chart, the nodal positions are referred to as personal eclipse points as they show where the eclipses would have been that year.

Nodal Degrees

The zodiac degree of the north and south nodes is known as your nodal degree, and any planet on that degree is vital in the nodal interpretation.

Aspects to the Nodes

If a planet aspects one node it usually also aspects the other node, except for some of the trine/sextile combination as the sextile aspect orb is only 4°and the trine is 8° degrees.

Conjunctions and Oppositions

Any planet conjunct a node will influence the nodal axis in a meaningful way. This planet suggests that you are being pulled forward in life (north node conjunction) or by being held back by your past (south node conjunction).

Squares to the Nodal Axis

Planets square will aspect both the north and the south nodes in a square and will in a way stop either future or past dominating the life. This person may not move forward without significant challenges.

 



The Lunar Nodes in the Signs

Aries – Libra

The north node in Aries fears but should push towards, independence.

The south node in Libra falls back to the partner to find balance.

 

Taurus – Scorpio

The north node Taurus fears but should push towards, stability.

The south node in Scorpio falls back on reliability.

 

Gemini – Sagittarius

The north node in Gemini fears but should push towards communication.

The south node in Sagittarius falls back on adventure.

 

Cancer  –  Capricorn

The north node in Cancer fears but should push towards self-reliance.

The south node in Capricorn falls back on the tried and tested.

 

Leo – Aquarius

The north node in Leo fears but should push towards creativity.

The south node in Aquarius falls back on being awkward.

 

Virgo – Pisces

The north node in Virgo fears but should push towards, kindness.

The south node in Pisces falls back on the sympathy of others.

 

Libra – Aries

The north node in Libra fears but should push towards, finding a partner.

The south node in Aries falls back on attacking others.

 

Scorpio – Taurus

The north node in Scorpio fears but should push towards, transformation.

The south node in Taurus falls back on resisting change.

 

Sagittarius – Gemini

The north node in Sagittarius fears but should push towards, philosophy.

The south node in Gemini falls back on empty comments and gossip.

 

Capricorn – Cancer

The north node in Capricorn fears, but should push towards, setting goals in life.

The south node in Cancer falls back on withdrawing to home.

 

Aquarius – Leo

The north node in Aquarius fears, but should push towards, being humble.

The south node in Leo falls back on arrogance.

 

Pisces – Virgo

The north node in Pisces fears, but should push towards, empathy and support.

The south node in Virgo falls back on criticism.

 

nodes-in-the-houses-pin

Pin this to read later

The Lunar Nodes in the Houses

First and Seventh houses

The north node in the first house is the quest to take a leadership role.

The south node seventh house is the quest to influence others.

Second and Eighth houses

The north node in the second house is the quest to establish personal security.

The south node in the eighth house is the quest to enable others financially.

Third and Ninth houses

The north node in the third house is the quest to know before speaking your mind.

The south node in the ninth house is the quest to realize that knowledge is already in you.

Fourth and Tenth houses

The north node in the fourth house is the quest for security in life.

The south node in the tenth house is the quest for a status-conscious family.

Fifth and Eleventh houses

The north node in the fifth house is the quest to procreate and take risks in life.

The south node in the eleventh house is the quest to find allies.

Sixth and Twelfth houses

The north node in the sixth house is the quest to have a satisfying work ethic.

The south node in the twelfth house is the quest to understand the meaning of life.

Seventh and First houses

The north node in the seventh house is the quest for a partner.

The south node in the first house is the quest for self-happiness.

Eighth and Second houses

The north node in the eighth house is the quest for deeper understanding.

The south node in the second is the quest for self-respect.

Ninth and Third houses

The north node in the ninth house is the quest for knowledge. The south node in the third house is the quest for learning.

Tenth and Fourth houses

The north node in the tenth house is the quest to do well in life. The south node in the fourth house is the quest to be supported by your family.

Eleventh and Fifth houses

The north node in the eleventh house is the quest to collaborate with others.

The south node in the fifth house is the quest to be sure about things.

Twelfth and Sixth houses

The north node in the twelfth house is the quest for understanding.

The south node in the sixth house is the quest for daily work.

Starzclass

Aspiring Astrologer Activity: Lunar Nodes

In your astrology journal and referring to your chart or the chart of a potential client do the following:

  • Determine the Moon complex.
  • Name the Lunar phase.
  • List the Lunar Nodal complex.

Extend Yourself

  • Interpret the Lunar Nodal complex and consider the signs, houses, and important aspects (conjunctions and squares) (250 words).
lunar-nodes

Pin this to read later

 

 

Moon Extras

Here are some more posts about the Moon in astrology which you may enjoy.

Author Bio

Alison Price: Astrology Coach

Alison wants to help you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor.

Learn more about Alison’s journey.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.

 

2nd House

2nd House

Author: Alison Price   -   Updated: March 2025 Houses 2nd House There are always twelve houses in each chart. You have a second house and that’s the house we're looking at today.   2nd House Chart Position Type of House The second house is a succedent house which...

5th House

5th House

In astrology, the 5th HOUSE suggests your creative side. It rules recreation and procreation as well as gambling and the stock exchange.

Retrograde Planets

Retrograde Planets

by

Author: Alison Price   –   Published: May 2021   –   Revised: March 2024

Retrograde Motion

Let’s have a look at retrograde planets.

Retrograde motion is a phenomenon that occurs due to our vantage point here on Earth when we look at the planets in our Solar system.

When astrologers use the term retrograde, they are referring to apparent retrograde motion. Definition: To go or to seem to go backwards, to become worse or to decline.

In a chart a retrograde planet has the letters or symbol “Rx” next to their glyph and degrees. In some charts the planet and degrees are written in red to indicate the planet is retrograde.

A planet that is retrograde is seemingly moving backwards but it is that the Earth is moving forward swifter than the planet in question. There may be several retrograde planets in each chart or there may be no retrograde planets, it depends on the chart.

Astronomy of Retrogradation

Retrograde motion affects all the planets with the exception of the Sun and Moon. The luminaries are always direct and never retrograde. 

When a planet is retrograde it is closer to the Earth than at other times. 

As an outer planet draws towards the opposition to the Sun, it becomes well placed for viewing through a telescope, as the full light of the Sun is on the planet.

Station Retrograde and Station direct

In a birth chart, the station retrograde, and station direct points are marked with an “S” symbol for stationary. 

Typically, planets are considered to be stationary when they are within an orb of 0°10’ of the station. The orb depends on the aspect set settings in your computer program. 

The slower the planet, the longer it lingers in the orb of the station.

How Retrograde Periods are Shown in an Ephemeris

In an ephemeris all retrograde periods are indicated by a capital “R” and are shaded.
When the retrograde period is complete a capital “D” for direct is printed.

Retrograde Interpretation

Retrograde Planet Expression

A retrograde planet in a natal chart is retracing its steps over the same degree and minutes of the zodiac as it passed before birth. 

The planet would have crossed that spot in the zodiac previously (moving direct) and is now retrograding back over a previously passed area of the sign. It is going back over what has gone before and symbolically this imparts a reduced energy flow to the planet.

Retrograde motion is as if you are jogging down the road quite confidently, and then you realize you dropped your keys, so you stop and walk backwards looking for them, then pick them up and then once again start to jog forwards again. This shows that retrograde motion is much slower than direct motion.

Reduced expression of the planet

The state of being retrograde appears to change a planet from its natural urges and direction and cause it to manifest effects similar to its opposite planetary pair attributes such as; Venus and Mars (female/male), and Jupiter and Saturn (expand/contract).

The Sign of the Retrograde

The sign in which the planet retrogrades needs to be considered. A planet may sometimes retrograde over one or two signs.

A Retrograde Sign Ruler

When a retrograde planet in a birth chart rules a sign, it takes momentum from that sign and makes it harder for that planet to rule the sign in a confident way. 

Any planets in a sign ruled by a retrograde planet may show their own urges more so than the sign placement may indicate.

A Retrograde House Ruler

When a retrograde planet in a birth chart rules a house, the affairs of that house may initially be thwarted and held in abeyance until later in life when the retrograde planet stations direct by progression.

 

Sun and Moon Retrograde

This is a joke so do not get caught. The Sun and Moon are never retrograde! To say someone has a retrograde Sun is an old astrology joke.

Retrograde Motion Cycle

Normally a planet which is direct moves along at a regular pace. As planets approach their retrograde period their movement changes in the following way:

 

  • The planet enters its pre-shadow period. This is at the point where it will station direct later in the retrograde cycle.
  • The planet slows down.
  • The planet appears to stop, and this is the station retrograde.
  • The planet begins to move retrograde at a slower speed than when direct.
  • After a few weeks or months, the planet slows down again.
  • The planet appears to stop at the station direct.
  • The planet begins to move direct again and gets back up to speed in its after-shadow period.
  • The planet leaves the shadow period at the point of the original station retrograde point.

Retrograde Motion Sequence

  • Direct motion (D) enters the shadow
  • Stations retrograde (SRx or S)
  • Retrograde motion (Rx)
  • Stations direct (SD or S)
  • Direct motion (D) still in the shadow, but leaves

Retrograde Period

In each retrograde period a planet will make its two stations at particular degrees and minutes of the zodiac. Each retrograde period will cover a different part of the zodiac and will last for a varying amount of time.

The Shadow

The section of the zodiac where the planet will retrograde is known as the shadow period. The planet enters the pre-shadow or shadow, moving direct, before the actual retrograde period starts. 

After the retrograde period at the point when the planet stations direct, the planet remains in the after-shadow or shadow, moving direct, until the planet passes the original station retrograde point again.

The Inferior Planets Retrograde

The pattern for the inferior planets when retrograde is specific. In the diagram the Sun is in the center. The orbit of either Mercury or Venus is shown in the next circle out. The Earth’s orbit is shown by the outer circle.

 

Diagram

It is only as the inferior planets move into the most westerly and most easterly position that the retrograde cycle starts. Positions 1 and 3 show the station retrograde and the station direct respectively.

Sun Conjunctions

During a retrograde cycle there are three conjunctions to the Sun. The first direct pass, the retrograde conjunction, and the final direct conjunction with the Sun.

Retrograde Time Period

The time in days for the retrograde period depends on the positions of the inferior planets and the earth and how far each body is from the Sun. This is why each retrograde period may be slightly longer or shorter than the previous one.

Mercury Retrograde

Mercury is probably the most well-known retrograde planet where it is even common knowledge outside astrological circles. Mercury is usually retrograde for three weeks and about three times a year or every four months. In any one year Mercury will typically retrograde in the same elementthen the retrograde period shifts into another element.

Mercury Retrograde Keywords

  • Suggests a hesitation in learning and school life
  • Indicates that learning to read and write may be slower
  • Considers thoroughly before contracting or speaking
  • Rehearses to eliminate imperfect speech

Mercury rules the nervous system delivering messages to and from the brain.

Mercury Retrograde Morning Planet

  • Quiet and retiring.
  • Reviews and weighs all angles before speaking.
  • Deep thinker and someone who contemplates.
  • Reviews information and files for the future.

Mercury Retrograde Evening Planet

  • Halting speech and may lisp or stutter
  • Shy
  • Nervous
  • Ultimately accomplished in education.

Venus Retrograde

Venus is retrograde about every eighteen months for about forty days (six weeks). Venus’s retrograde motion begins when she is one sign ahead of the Sun, and direct motion resumes when she is one sign behind the Sun. Venus rules the feminine principle and is a receiver of both material goods and love.

  • Suggests a hesitancy in giving and receiving love
  • Indicates time is needed to appreciate money
  • Seems like another Mars
  • Ability to acquire material possessions
  • Early in life financial reversals, then acquires financial savvy
  • May be tactless and rude, learns social skills the hard way

Venus Retrograde as Morning Planet

  • The urge to connect
  • Sensitive and easily hurt
  • Financially careful

 

Venus Retrograde Evening Planet

  • Beauty is appreciated later
  • Wealth growth later in life

 

The Superior Planets Retrograde

The superior planets have their obits outside that of the Earth’s. They are the planets from Mars to Pluto. The superior planets are retrograde every year except Mars, which is on an almost two year retrograde cycle. 

The superior planets begin their retrograde periods when they are near the trine to the Sun. Whilst the Sun travels the four months (i.e. one third of the chart) towards the next trine, the superior planets are retrograde. Around the point when the Sun passes the perfect to the trine to a superior planet, the superior planet again begins direct motion. When a superior planet is in opposition to the Sun it is always retrograde.

Mars Retrograde

Mars is retrograde every twenty-two months for about eleven weeks. This means it is retrograde about every second year.

Mars Retrograde Interpretation

Suggests a hesitancy in assertive matters. The individual is likely to retain anger inside.

Jupiter Retrograde

Jupiter is retrograde for around four months and direct for around nine months every year.

Interpretation

  • Suggests a hesitancy in vision, expansion, and philosophy.
  • The ability to build bridges is reduced.

Saturn Retrograde

Saturn is retrograde for about four and a half months each year.

Interpretation

  • Suggests a hesitancy in establishing boundaries, and limitations.
  • Indicates that maintaining boundaries is reduced.

Uranus Retrograde

Uranus is retrograde for about five months each year.

Interpretation

  • Suggests a hesitancy in expressing uniqueness and original ideas.
  • The urge to step outside the norm is reduced.

Neptune Retrograde

Neptune is retrograde about six months every year.

Interpretation

  • When Neptune is retrograde it suggests a hesitancy in sleep patterns and dreams.
  • The urge to be artistic is reduced.

Pluto Retrograde

Pluto is retrograde for about six months each year.

Interpretation

  • Suggests a hesitancy in establishing a personal power base.
  • The urge to purge the unwanted is reduced.

Starzclass

Aspiring Astrologer Activity: Retrogrades

In your astrology journal please do the following:

  • Name two types of planetary station.
  • State how a the retrograde period shown in an ephemeris.
  • Note at what two points in the retrograde cycle a planet enters and leave its shadow period.
  • Name any planets that are never retrograde.
  • Note how often Mercury goes retrograde each year.
  • Name which planet is generally retrograde every second year.
  • Note which planet has the shortest retrograde periods.
  • Name the typical aspect at which the superior planets go retrograde.

Referring to your chart, please do the following:

  • Note which planets are retrograde.
  • Note if any planets are stationary.
  • Decide if  you have a retrograde chart ruler.
  • Write out all your retrograde planet complex’s using astrological short form code.

Extend Yourself

  • Choose one planet that is retrograde and suggest how it may have manifested in your life (100 words).

Extend Yourself Further

  • Choose one retrograde planet and interpret it fully (500 words).
retrograde-planet-pin

Pin this to read later

Author Bio

Alison Price: Astrology Coach

Alison wants to help you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor.

Learn more about Alison’s journey.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.

 

2nd House

2nd House

Author: Alison Price   -   Updated: March 2025 Houses 2nd House There are always twelve houses in each chart. You have a second house and that’s the house we're looking at today.   2nd House Chart Position Type of House The second house is a succedent house which...

USA Election Day 2024

USA Election Day 2024

Author: Alison Price   -   Published: October 2024 Election Day Chart Let the Astrology Speak I don't want to comment directly on the politics, or whom I believe is going to win this race or which party I support, or whether I'd take the red of the blue pill, because...

No Results Found

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.