If you’d like to see how all my astrology content fits together, take a look at my color-coded category guide where I explain the different branches of astrology in which I personally specialize. The subjects go from beginner, advanced natal, forecasting, relationships and vocational/money, your astrology business and wellbeing. From there you can easily find the topics which match your own level and interests. And if you’re not sure where you fit in, you can check out my 5 Levels of Astrologer to see where you are on your astrology journey. Alison
I recently made the trip from my new hometown of Vancouver, British Columbia to Calgary, Alberta to speak at the Canadian Astrology Conference. This is some 971km. There are options to get there. Of course, you can fly, rent a car and drive yourself or take the coach.
I chose the latter option. It was the cheapest choice at just CDN$154 return. I went on Greyhound and there may be others who offer this service but I don’t know about them.
Thursday
As the bus was leaving at 6:30 am from Pacific Central Station in Vancouver I actually left my home at 5 am and got a taxi the station. You have to check in at the station and get your tag for the hold bag. You may take one bag and put it in the hold under the coach. And take one small cabin bag into the bus with you. There are overhead shelves for this.
As we boarded the coach is was crisp to say the least as I shivered on the 6C platform. I had a seat by myself as the coach was half full and the seat next to me was empty. This was nice as I could plonk my carry-on bag right next to me.
At the first stop the cops boarded and checked everyone’s ID and tickets which seemed odd but there you are. Onwards eastwards we stopped every now and then to pick up more passengers. Then a ten-minute halt where you can get off and dash to the loo.
On again. Finally, at around midway we stopped for 25 minutes in Kelowna. Everyone had to get off as they refueled the coach. I walked over to Starbucks for a grande latte and a croissant. Quite a rush really as heck I didn’t want to miss the bus.
Back on and more stops here and there at places I’ve never even heard of like Salmon Arm and Golden. Did salmons have arms? Is it a fishing joke about having a salmon arm to catch fish like a green thumb to grow a garden? And what about Golden? Was gold found there? I am sorry to say I had no clue.
We arrived in Calgary town centre at11:50 pm.. Yes, it took that long. I hailed a taxi to the hotel and settled into my room by 00:30am. Phew! That was Thursday.
Friday
On Friday I gave my presentation and there is more on that here.
Saturday
Saturday good times to be had but had to leave the proceedings early at 9:30pm as quite tired and I had an early start in the morning.
Sunday
My alarm went off at 5:00 am. Up and showered, packed and checked out of the hotel. Hopped into another cab back to the bus station. The coach pulled out at 7:30 am sharp and we were on our way back home.
This time no wifi on the bus and no electric sockets to charge your phone. Good thing I had juiced it up before I left the hotel. It was a long journey back home as we arrived at the Vancouver bus station at 9:30 pm. I was met by hubby and we went the final stretch together in yet another taxi.
In my front door at 10:15 pm having been travelling for almost sixteen hours. Tired but all good. Safe and sound.
In the cabin you can take one small bag like a backpack or handbag. Here are some ideas on what to have in it.
* Water to drink. * Food – More on this later. * Pen and notebook. * Computer laptop. * iPad. * Reading glasses. * Cash. * Ticket to ride. * Mints. * Lip balm. * Pashmina (women) scarf (men) fold as a neck pillow to sleep on. * Ear buds, phone and charger.
What to Put into Your Hold Bag
In a medium bag like a suitcase that goes in the cabin of an aeroplane. If your bag is bigger than that you are hauling too much junk.
* Clothes, shoes, cosmetics and toiletries. * Alcohol. * Other stuff that can be slung around.
Don’t use your best luggage for a coach trip. On a bus your bag will slide around in the hold and there are bigger bags and heavy boxes shifting about down there.
Don’t put anything in the hold that you may ever need again as your bag may get removed at a bus stop that you don’t get off at never to be seen again. These things happen.
What to Wear on a Coach Trip for 18 Hours
Flat shoes, trainers or other comfortable shoes.
Socks.
Black leggings or jeans.
Camisoles, t-shirts
Light jacket with top pockets.
Pashmina or scarf
Light makeup
Food and Drink on the Coach
Pre-make your snacks at home before you leave for an 18-hour coach ride. In sealed plastic bags put enough food for a four-hour time slot. So label each snack bag with the time you may eat the contents like for instance; 10 am, 2 pm and 6 pm. This is so you don’t eat the lot in the first hour.
Eating on a bus is usually done because of boredom.it is mindless snacking. If you take your own food you won’t be tempted to but burgers and fries at every stop creating a logjam in your digestive system and a hole in your pocket. The shuddering motion on a bus tends towards creating the situation of constipation.
Eat snacks like:
Cheese cubes or wedges.
Chicken strips – precooked and lightly seasoned.
Crackers.
Sandwiches – cheese on bread and butter pre-cut into fingers or soldiers as this is easier to eat on the move than a massive chunk of bread.
Grapes – The perfect fruit and no must core or peel to dispose of like with apples or oranges.
Bottled water – one bottle to sip when your mouth is dry. Don’t chug or you’ll be dashing to the loo every stop.
What not to eat or drink on a coach
Avoid snacks like:
Smelly food.
Garlic anything.
Eggs.
Fish.
Open coffee or other drink.
Alcohol is not allowed inside the bus.
No smoking on the bus.
Washroom
The coach has a dinky toilet and basin at the back. I believe the washroom is not really used by most people for that purpose which it is intended. Typically passengers prefer to wait until they stop at a scheduled break and then use the lavatory in the building.
I believe the back of the coach washroom is for those unfortunate souls who get travel sick. The tiny cubicle is almost like a Roman vomitarium. Let’s hear it for Caesar.
The journey over the Canadian Rockies is uphill then down dale and the roads are windy and switchback like. The bus heaves and rolls. Yes, folks throw up. Thus the washroom
What to do on a long bus ride
Read a book
Crochet or knit
Write your journal
Take photos
Chat lightly with the person next to you or across the aisle
Listen to your audiobooks.
What not to do on a long bus ride
Bug the guy in front of you by kicking the seat, twanging the footrest or heaving on his chair back as you try to stand up. All of this is spectacularly annoying.
Talk loudly either to others or on your phone.
Laugh loudly.
Swear. Not in Canada, please.
Author Bio
Alison Price: Professional Astrologer
Alison helps 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. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.
If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email atstarzology@gmail.com.
More Articles
If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.
Author: Alison Price - Published: August 2025 The Moon's Aspects The Moon As the Moon is the first planet that you will interpret when you do an astrology reading. The Moon's aspects are also super important. When you start out with aspects, I suggest you only...
Author: Alison Price - Published: August 2025 Planetary Aspects I am continuing on with a series on the planet's aspects which is part of a basic natal astrology reading series which I'm working on about the aspects of the planets. Cornerstones Aspects are one of...
Aspects are the angular correspondences formed between planets, angles and other points in a chart. Aspects are the angular connections between two planets or points in a chart. They are measured in degrees and minutes of longitude. Aspects are a function of simple geometry.
Every planet will usually have some aspects.
Not all charts will contain all the aspects.
It is unlikely that all planets will have every aspect.
Not all planets will aspect each other.
Some planets may not receive any aspects.
Often charts will have a preponderance of the one particular aspect.
Aspects and aspect patterns show the main storylines within a chart. The dialogue between the planets and chart points is found by the planetary connections expressed through the aspects.
Aspects are like a conduit passing information between two planets. Two planets in aspect will communicate with each other for better or for worse depending on the actual planets and the aspect in question.
Where do aspects come from?
Aspects angles are created by dividing the 360° chart wheel by different numbers.
Major and minor aspects
We will focus on the major and minor aspects. The major aspects are the ones used by the Greeks and are today known as “Ptolemaic aspects” after Claudius Ptolemy. The minor aspects are those found to have value in chart interpretation.
An unaspected planet has no Ptolemaic aspects (conjunction, sextile, square, trine or opposition) nor minor aspects (semi-sextile, quincunx, semi square or sesquiquadrate) to another planet (not a point) in a chart.
Interpreting Unaspected Planets
Unaspected planets can go one of two ways.
Rogue
They can be the rogue planet in a chart if prominent and unfettered.
Pure
Or they can rise to be the purest expression of themselves because they are not “tarnished” or influenced by an aspect from another planet.
Example chart Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie the prolific crime writer has an unaspected Mercury and she used it at its highest vibration and wrote good books.
Note: Morning planets were previously called the “oriental” planets, but this term is no longer appropriate, so from now on it will be referred to as the “morning” planet.
Introduction
From our vantage point on earth the Sun appears in the east rises, cumulates overhead and sets in the west. We know the Sun will do this the same each and every day.
It is the rotation of the Earth on its axis that makes the Sun appear to rise and in fact it is the Earth which is rotating/spinning/turning towards the east once a day.
In every chart there are the Sun, Moon and the planets as well as Pluto, Chiron and in astrological circles they are all known as ‘planets’. Each day the planets all seemingly rise over the ascendant in the east seen on the birth chart in a clockwise motion.
Whichever planet rises in the east ahead of the Sun is known as the Morning planet and is also known as the east planet and the scout planet. This planet can often be seen rising before dawn. It is almost like a harbinger for the Sun.
Morning Planet
Two Theories
This article will examine two theories pertaining to the Morning planet.
Vocational Indicators
First to determine if specific longitudinal aspects between the oriental planet and the Sun create particular vocational backdrop selections by considering all the possible Sun to oriental planet aspects from conjunction to opposition.
Tribune
Second to explore the Morning planet’s calling card or tribune theory which suggests that other people’s initial perceptions and responses are modified more by the nature of an individual’s oriental planet than by their ascendant
Defining the Morning planet
The oriental planet is also known as the eastern, vespertine or scout planet. Because of its placement with regard to the Sun it can often be seen before dawn. It is almost like a harbinger for the Sun.
How to Find the Morning Planet
Whichever planet rises ahead of the Sun is known as the Morning planet. To find the Morning planet in your chart first locate the Sun and then look clockwise to the next planet which will be the oriental planet. There may be over half a chart’s distance before the oriental planet is found.
Perception and Vocation
Two possible meanings
The first meaning for the oriental planet is as a tribune announcing the imminent arrival of the hero (the Sun). When Julius Caesar returned to Rome after the fighting he was lauded and the people lined the streets to the accompaniment of tribunes blowing their trumpets.
Shakespeare’s play “Julius Caesar” opens with the two Tribunes Marillius and Flavius speaking good things about Caesar and what he has done. This is all before he arrives on the scene.
Every hero is somehow lauded and this is one way that the oriental planet works in a chart. It is the harbinger and the announcer of the individual and it is working for you even when you are not focussed on you image projection. Therefore it follows that you would be wise to pay attention to your oriental planet and use it to your advantage.
If we consider another interpretation for the oriental planet as a tribune announcing the imminent arrival of the hero (the Sun). Where comments heard and impressions may be for good or ill. Shakespeare‘s play Julius Caesar opens where the tribunes Marullus and Flavius speak about the populaces unease and fear surrounding his unprecedented popularity. These tributes are spoken before Caesar arrives on the scene.
Every hero is somehow lauded or feared which is one feature shown by the oriental planet in a chart. It is the harbinger and the announcer of the individual which works for you even when you are not focused on you image projection.
Therefore, it follows that you would be wise to pay attention to your oriental planet and use it to your advantage.
The oriental planet heralds the dawn of the Sun. When the oriental planet rises above the eastern horizon it can be seen as the Sun‘s light reflects off it. We are aware of Venus‘ status as the morning star because it is very bright and noticeable when in the oriental position. The other planets can be similarly placed. You are brought to the fore by your oriental planet.
Tribune
The oriental planet is like a tribune announcing the Sun’s imminent arrival. It heralds the rising of the Sun. If the oriental planet is above the eastern horizon, we see this planet because of the Sun’s light shining on it the light from the Sun emanating from below the horizon in the east, illuminating this special planet.
Things are constantly being brought to the fore by the oriental planet.
Ring tones on other’s phones
Your voicemail message
Your business card
Your resume
Your “About me” page
Your website/blog
Vocation Indicator
Breakdown
A second meaning for the oriental planet is as a vocational indicator. Here the oriental planet leads the life (Sun) in the chart and shows which way you should be spending this life.
Job
A job has its root meaning in the word for a lump or a chunk of work. It’s astrological affinity is toward the 6th house complex. This includes the 6th house sign and aspects to the cusp of the 6th house, any planets in the 6th house, the 6th house ruler and Virgo. Typically those who had a job were artisans or anyone in the trades like bakers, carpenters and bricklayers and those in the services like the army, navy and airforce. Those who have a job are usually paid a wage every week.
Career
Your career is associated with the Midheaven and the 10th house complex. This includes the tenants of the 10th house its planetary ruler, aspects to the cusp or the 10th house (the MC) and Saturn.
Typically those who had a career were the professions like doctors, lawyers and accountant. It is your occupation and profession. Those with a career are usually paid a salary once a month.
Vocation
he word has its root in the Latin vocare which means “to call.” It is your true calling. Your calling is shown in your chart by the oriental planet.
Your vocation is defined as the answer to the question “What would you do if you did not have to work?” It is your true passion in life. Your vocation can often be glimpsed through your hobbies and what you do with your spare time.
How to Find the Morning Planet
No Birth Time
Without a birth time you determine the morning planet by calculating the chart for noon.
Check if the Sun is within half a degree to a planet, then check if the noon morning planet is within half a degree to another planet as both of these situations may change the Morning planet over the course of the day in question.
Find the planet that is clockwise from the Sun and that will be the Morning planet. There may be over half a chart’s distance to go before this planet is found but it is still the Morning planet.
Mercury and Venus
Mercury and Venus are more frequently the oriental planet in a chart becasue they travel with the Sun through the zodiac.
The Moon as Tribune
Reflected Energy
People with the Moon in this position often develop recognizable habits, which can make them predictable to those who know them well. They may come from a well-known family or be remembered for their careful and considerate nature. Much like a mood ring, they reflect the energy of those around them, shifting tone and color depending on their audience. There is also an instinctive awareness of opportunities and prospects.
Look Back
Moon morning planet individuals are encouraged to reflect on how they have been received in the past. They often look back at earlier experiences and may try to recreate positive responses from others. Feedback is vital for them, especially the kind of recognition they first experienced within their family. If their early environment offered encouragement, they carry this confidence into adulthood. However, if they lacked nurturing or positive reinforcement as children, they may unconsciously attract people who echo those same critical or dismissive patterns later in life.
Release
The key lesson here is to face themselves honestly and release old baggage, rather than repeating inherited dynamics. This Moon placement often points to a strong connection with the public sphere. Women, mothers, and family figures may play an important role, sometimes encouraging relationships or social connections, “You should meet Tom, he’s a good cook.” Above all, they feel compelled to share their lives with others and let the public know what’s happening.
Moon Morning Planet
What they say…
“She can look after that”
“Careful”
“She usually has a snack in her bag”
“Let me introduce my mother”
Lunar Vocational indicators
Familiar
The Moon morning planet placement suggests a person thrives in a workplace that feels comfortable and familiar. They often create a sense of family among colleagues, saying, “We’re like a family here.” Their desk or office space is usually filled with personal touches and reminders that make it feel more like home. Many also flourish when working from a home office.
Natural Gifts
These individuals are valuable assets to any organization, as they instinctively sense and address work-related issues. They have a natural gift for creating stability and maintaining harmony in the workplace.
Overstays
On the other hand, their strong attachment to the work environment can make it difficult for them to move on. They may stay in a role longer than is beneficial simply because they enjoy the home-from-home atmosphere and resist saying goodbye. To avoid stagnation, it is important for them to acknowledge this tendency and create a plan for gradual growth and advancement.
The Moon as the Morning Planet
Skills
Sees colleagues as part of a work family
Naturally takes on a caring or nurturing role
Thrives in a home office environment
Works well with women and supports female-centered issues
Responds to and fulfills the needs of others
Relies on intuition and instinct in the workplace
Provides nourishment, support, and encouragement
Brings calm and containment to situations
Moon as Morning Planet: Vocations
People with this placement often do well in careers that center on nurturing, food, home, history, or security.
Suitable fields include:
Antiques dealer or curator
Baker, caterer, chef, or food demonstrator
Barista, restaurateur, or lunchroom supervisor
Bed-and-breakfast or hotel owner
Dairy farmer, milkman, or yogurt shop operator
Cheese shop or ice cream parlor owner
Crab shack or malt shop proprietor
Garden center or horticulture professional
Home care, home repairs, or housing development
Home-based businesses and remote work
Genealogist or historian
Real estate broker or title deeds researcher
Caravan or RV park sales and management
Public storage worker or packaging manufacturer
Lock keeper, canal operator, or night watchman
Water park manager or wet nurse
Tupperware or household goods sales
Silversmith or crafts connected to the home
These vocations reflect the Moon’s connection to care, comfort, nourishment, and security, whether through food, shelter, or emotional support.
Lunar Morning Planet People you may Know
Whoopi Goldberg, Georgio Armani, Bernie Madoff and Kevin Spacey.
Mercury and Venus
Inferior Morning Planets
Because Mercury and Venus always travel close to the Sun, they are found in the morning position more often than any of the other planets.
Mercury: About one in three people (30%) have Mercury oriental.
Venus: About one in four people (25%) have Venus oriental.
Together, Mercury and Venus account for 55% of all charts with an inferior morning planet. This means more than half the population carries one of these placements.
As social beings, we rely heavily on communication (Mercury) and social grace (Venus). Those with Mercury or Venus oriental tend to excel in these areas, bringing natural ease to conversation, connection, and human interaction.
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.
Hosted jointly by the Calgary Astrology Association and the Edmonton Astrology Association it moves up and down Alberta. There was some talk of it going East to Ontario or West to Vancouver at some point.
The conference is like your Mars’ return and only comes around every two years.
In 2015 it was held in Edmonton and will be again in 2019. Then I understand it will be back to Calgary for 2021.
All speakers have to be Canadian or new Canadians who have made Canada their home, like me. Yes, I have a Canadian passport.
Venue
Held at the Executive Royal Hotel in Calgary near the airport to help attendees and speakers with their travel. The shuttle bus picks up and drops off.
Christine at the check-in desk was perky at midnight when I arrived. She even organized a complimentary cup of 2% milk for me so I could make tea in my room just like at home.
I take my own Twining’s Earl Grey tea bags and run the boiling water through the coffee machine. The only thing I always need is the 2% milk. The milk went in the room fridge for my late night and early morning tea.
I had a room with one queen size bed. The sheets were clean and crisp. The towels white and fresh. There was a super large desk and electrical outlets for my computer, phone and ephemeris etc.
I always offer On-the-Spot astrology readings (by donation as you see fit) at conferences where I am a speaker and I did so this time. My room was generous enough for clients to sit comfortably on a chair in a conversation style.
I do not like it if my room is so small that my clients have to sit on the bed. I only work with female clients in this way all of my male clients are accommodated in the public meeting rooms.
There was no room safe for valuables (computer) which was surprising. However I did appreciate the laminate floor instead of carpet. The illusion is of cleanliness all the way.
I tip my chambermaid every morning so we know where we are.
Alison and Kelly
The barman/server Ken was excellent and his sense of humour had the ladies laughing all night. He handled multiple changes of orders for dinner with ease and aplomb and brought several wine samples for our dearest lady to try before she chose her favourite.
The house white was a Chardonnay so I was good with that.
The Organisers
Organized by Donna and Peggy with help from Geni and no doubt many faceless others (and husbands in the wings) whom I never met.
Apparently, these two women have been astrology friends for years and the ease with which they worked together as a team showed. They are caring people whom I am now pleased to call my friends.
The event had a pre-conference morning with Kelly and then officially kicked off at 1 pm with the opening ceremony and then it was straight into the lectures.
I was delighted to be the initial speaker with my presentation on Superior Planet Synodic Cycles and I’d like to think that set the tone for all the quality talks to come.
My engaged audience. Thank you!
I want to give a special shout-out to my good friend Toby and my “longtime-no-see” old friends Franco, Kelly and Hillory. They all gave excellent talks.
I was happy to meet JoAnn and chat before dinner. There were good wines in the bar and the pre-dinner drinkies were a roaring success of conviviality and sparkling conversation.
The Saturday night buffet banquet was substantial as only you can get in Alberta. The haunch of Albert AAA beef was roasted and seasoned to perfection.
Fresh local vegetables (raw and cooked) and enough variety for the vegetarians amongst us. There was an enormous font of gravy with which to anoint your meal. Yum.
There was a dessert trolley with Nanaimo bars and other Canadian favourites. Double yum.
Alison, Toby and Caz.
Entertainment
Madame Popo had much to say and drew many laughs with her outrageous political commentary poking fun at leaders both local and abroad. Go for Justin.
I enjoyed her risqué assessment of the speakers and their quirks that she had picked up earlier.
Her lavish costume was breathtaking and clearly this is Vivienne Westwood’s inspiration and muse for her exotic creations. Madame P. had the personality and presence to pull it all off.
Delightful as she was Madam Popo had a valuable message.
That the gift you have of astrology, and its understanding, needs to be cherished and shared with your clients. This is your gift, use it well.
I loved this part. Her words were on my mind as I travelled back home to Vancouver.
This conference had wonderful after dinner entertainment. You should go to this event simply for the pleasure of experiencing spectacular Madame Popo.
Why You Should Attend
If you are Canadian you should support local astrology. There is a certain pride in the excellent quality of the people you will meet both those who run the show and those who attended.
This is what I would call a boutique astrology conference. Quality speakers, topics and fare but not so well known.
“a boutique astrology Conference”
If you are an American you should go because you love astrology and you need to experience Canadian hospitality at its best. Live dangerously and travel north of the border. You will love it.
Alison and Franco
If you live anywhere else (not North America) you should go because you can learn from a rich resource that is the basis of modern Canadian Astrology.
The Take Home
These are the things I have taken home from this weekend.
* Gratitude for having being invited to share my insights and experience with this audience. * Inspiration to try new things in astrology. * New friends to keep in touch with and join up with when they come to visit my city. * The knowledge that there is always something to learn in astrology and it is not always a technical detail. * That in my audience, if the light goes on in only one person’s eyes, I have done my job. * Thankful for those who enjoyed my talk and their private comments to me afterwards. Thank you. Hugs.
Banquet
Why I’ll Be Back
I wasn’t always a Canadian. In fact I lived in Africa for most of my life. But Canada is an inclusive country that embraces cultural diversity.
This is good.
There are many options for astrology conferences but to make the most of them you need to know how to have fun at an astrology conference so you get the best from your first, or fiftieth, experience.
If you decide to go to the next Canadian Astrology Conference In Edmonton learn what to pack for an astrology conference to make your event going that much sweeter.
Author: Alison Price - Published: October 2025 On your Marks, Get set, Go! Have you ever wondered why some people seem to process life in such a distinct way through thinking, feeling and expressing themselves almost in a rhythm of their own? The rising order of...
I left home and made my way to the Vancouver Art Gallery plaza and Robson Square in the heart of Vancouver.
I found a spot on the steps high up where the early birds had gathered. You know those eclipse watchers that were there before me.
9:10am
With my super eclipse shades, I began to watch the eclipse and the Moon’s limb slowly crept over the disk of the Sun. Very exciting.
The guy next to me was photographing with a very expensive looking camera. Two young students about aged 19 sat down with two plates of bacon, fried eggs, and toast from the food truck nearby. They proceeded to tuck in and wolf the lot down.
9:50am
The Moon’s limb reached the center point of the Sun’s disk easing in from the right.
So far it has been a bright and sunny summer’s day in the city. The sky was blue and virtually cloud-free, so perfect eclipse viewing weather. By now it is still very hot and with a slight breeze.
10:00am
The Moon is now almost two-thirds over the Sun. Is it getting cooler? I believe it may be.
The crowd has grown as more people gather on the steps.
Many are using the pinpoint viewing method of projecting the eclipse onto a card or the back wall.
The excitement was getting palpable.
I tried to take a photo with my eclipse glasses but the shot is a very blurry orange blob. Clearly, I am not a great photographer.
Trying to take a photo through my eclipse shades with my iPhone camera.
10:05am
Feeling a bit cooler now. Lots of people on the steps. The excitement is stronger as the conversations flow amongst the strangers who have come together at this special moment in time. Keen eclipse they exchange opinions on the best way to view the eclipse.
Keen eclipse watchers exchange opinions on the best way to view the eclipse.
The orange blurry blob is the eclipse.
10:20am
We are now at maximum coverage for Vancouver at around 78%. It seems strange how the Moon is moving from the right to the left. Now it is as total as it gets and it is definitely cooler now. The crowd is at full capacity on the steps now.
At the maximum the Moon seems to be moving off towards the bottom of the Sun as the thin crescent of the Sun still glares through the light is still strong but not the heat. The shadows seem even longer but how can that be?
At the moment of maximum, the crowd cheers and yells and everyone is smiling. What a super community here in Vancouver.
I am so happy I chose this spot to view the eclipse. The Sun now look orange and nearly red through my super cool shades.
People start to share their viewing screens and some let the flood of lawyers from the courts nearby to see. I cannot tell you the community support and camaraderie here on the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza.
This is truly a special place to live. I am grateful that my husband brought us here over five years ago.
What teh Sun looks like at greatest eclipse. Still lots of light but a little cooler.
The last solar eclipse I saw was in Phalaborwa on the Tropic of Capricorn at latitude 23S in the southern hemisphere. This solar eclipse is being watched on the forty-ninth parallel at latitude 49N on the Pacific West Coast of Canada.
Where will I see my next solar eclipse? Who knows but I will look in Solar Fire and find one close by or one that I can comfortably travel to.
My notes that were taken on location in Vancouver.
I’ll definitely see you the next eclipse and I may even have special Starzology eclipse shades for you as well in my favourite cantaloupe colour.
As you pass the age of sixty, and even the in the year coming up to your 60th birthday, the planets make a special contact to your birth chart as Saturn once more returns to its natal position.
This is where it was the day you were born and Saturn takes around thirty years to make one full pass through the zodiac.
Your first Saturn return happened at about age twenty-nine to thirty and the second Saturn return occurs at around age fifty-nine to sixty.
Saturn is the timekeeper of the zodiac and brings a time for you to recalibrate back to your core values as shown in your natal chart.
Acceptance
You can make the most of your second Saturn return by accepting the following:
You know who you are
You are mature
You know what you can and can’t do
You know your limitations both physical and mental
You consider starting a new business
You become the mistress or master of your own life
The Astrology of your Saturn Return
Your Saturn returns can happen in one of two ways. It all depends on the movement of Saturn at the time of your return. This movement is determined by the angular relationship Saturn has with the Sun in the transit chart.
If the Sun is square or sextile Saturn it will not be the Saturn retrograde that happens once a year.
Your Saturn return could be short as a one hit transit or prolonged if there is a three contact transit.
One Contact Return
In a one conjunction Saturn return the influence will be in orb for ten days beforehand and ten days afterwards the exact date.
If it is one single Saturn return you will immediately recalibrate back to all your natal aspects to Saturn.
Three Contact Return
If you are fortunate to receive a three contact Saturn return the transit can be for as long as three months as you experience an extended Saturn return that is more powerful and life changing.
There will be a first direct hit, then a second retrograde contact and finally the third contact.
The initial contact will set the stage for all this Saturn return favours.
The second contact makes you revise any plans or opinions about your life.
The third and final contact brings closure to the things initially opened at the first contact of the return.
Natal Saturn Direct
If your natal Saturn is direct and you get one transit it will be a relatively painless return. A Saturn return like this is short and sweet.
If your natal Saturn is direct and you get a three pass Saturn return it will draw out. The natal issues relating to Saturn and it’s complex in your chart as shown by the sign, house and aspects that you natal Saturn has.
Each contact will be reinforced in a prolonged Saturn return and you will have more time to assess and process the changes taking place in your life.
Natal Saturn Retrograde
If your natal Saturn is retrograde and you receive one direct contact from Saturn it will be refreshing and the positive side of Saturn will be available to you.
If your natal Saturn is retrograde and you receive a three hit Saturn return it will seem more familiar. The hesitation that comes from the Saturn retrograde will be reinforced through the aspects that you already have in your natal chart.
When to Expect Your Second Saturn Return
Your second Saturn return happens when Saturn does a full second cycle and returns to the sign it was in when you were born.
If your natal Saturn is in Aquarius your Saturn return will happen from March 2020 to March 2023.
If your natal Saturn is in Pisces you will get a Saturn return somewhere between 2023 and May 2025.
The Third Age
Your second Saturn return is like a passage of life. Everyone’s life is different and if you were married or not or have kids or grandchildren the situation will differ from person to person.
But there are main themes for the third age of Saturn.
Now you are free to do more. The constraints and demands of reproduction have passed as most women are now through their menopause and cannot have children. They may be called crones or elders.
The grown up kids may have moved out, gone to college or got married.
Your parents may have gone. Even your husband or wife may have shuffled off.
This time is for you to master yourself and to draw the line about people or things that demand too much from you.
You may downsize your home and find a smaller place and change things.
You are not responsible for so many things and now you can concentrate on yourself.
Now your duty is to yourself. You can approach life with renewed energy and accomplish things you have only dreamed of before.
Now you can:
Be free from responsibilities of a family or a husband.
Know that retirement is a dirty word
Travel
Make new friends
Get more education
Explore your creativity
Be a mentor for others
Have a simpler life
Get a smart phone
Eat nourishing and quality food
Exercise as you see fit
Volunteer your time
Upgrade your wardrobe and style
Get new hair and makeup
Love your grandchildren
Each second Saturn return will be different for everyone but the core meaning will remain.
If you plan carefully you will have a new lease on life and can do what you have always wanted to do on your own terms.
Author: Alison Price - Published: October 2025 Introduction Five-a-Side This time we're giving you are top ten tips about astrology and astrology readings. Five tips are from me, Alison, and the other five tips are from Arwynne.5 Top Tips for Aspiring Astrologers...
The Saturn Return is becoming one of the most talked about astrological events in people’s lives.
It is the third most popular astrological topic for the general public after, “What is your sign?” and “Did you survive Mercury retrograde?”
Everone receives a Saturn return or two or three during their lives. If you are over thirty you have already experienced one and have more to come.
When to Expect Your Saturn Returns
First Saturn return – Age 29/30
Second Saturn return – Age 58/59
Third Saturn return Age 87/88
Podcast: Saturn Returns
Listen to our podcast about Saturn Returns where we discuss more on Saturn Returns.
Click below.
Saturn and the Ages
Saturn is a broad timekeeper and marks the passage of life.
Before your first Saturn return you are in the first age. the second age occurs after your first Saturn return.
The third age begins after your second Saturn return and the fourth age starts after your third Saturn return.
The First Age
The first age is from birth to your first Saturn return at age 30.
This period of life takes you from child to adult to responsible person.
In these years you learn to do as you are told up to a point.
Those in authority like teachers, your parents, the government and older people will dictate how you should behave.
Maturity. You get in your lane and you know your place.
Your duty is to your parents. You learn the rules.
You are looked after by others but you struggle to be autonomous. You get honours for yourself.
Keyword – Crisp.
The Second Age
The second age covers the years of life from 30-60 this stage of your life are the mature years when you are responsible for other kids and holding down a job or taking a mortgage.
You may do traditional things and do what is expected by your betters and elders.
You may do traditional things and do what is expected by your betters and elders.
Now you consolidate your worldly achievements whatever they are.
You have a duty to your spouse, kids and your boss to reproduce and play by the rules.
You look after others. You are honour bound.
Keyword – Solid.
The Third Age
The third age starts at age sixty and lasts for thirty years until the age of ninety.
In this age you get more time for yourself and the responsibilities of earlier years often fall away.
You have mastery. Your duty is to yourself. You have some personal achievements.
You can rewrite the rules you live by.
You look after yourself.
You are honoured as you choose to do things for others.
Keyword – Capable.
The Fourth Age
The fourth age begins very late in life at age ninety.
This is the final Saturn return it ias the fourth one.
Not everyone will make it this far, but more do every year.
Now you will spend each day carefully living your life as if it were your last day on Earth. Time is precious.
You have limitations. You ignore the rules.
You have a duty to a higher order. You are looked after (physically and spiritually).
The indirect forecasting techniques are often those that equate one day’s planetary movement to one year of life. They are also known as symbolic forecasting techniques.
Examples of indirect forecasting techniques are:
Secondary progressions
Solar arc directions (Venus arc directions etc.)
Forecasting Techniques You Need to Know
Most astrology students learn the forecasting techniques in the following order:
Many astrologers only use transits as they are easier to learn. Every Sun sign horoscope column relies on transits only and this makes transits the most popular forecasting method in any astrologer’s repertoire.
“Transits are the most popular forecasting method.”
If you work on several charts and need to do the forecasting then if you know that Uranus will change signs into Taurus in May 2018 it will do so for everyone.
Once you know a transit movement you can use that knowledge for every single chart you every look at. This makes transits the go to astrological forecasting technique.
Everyone needs to know transits.
Secondary Progressions
The second most popular forecasting technique is conveniently called secondary progressions.
In this case, the movement of a planet for each day of life from birth is symbolised as the corresponding yearly movement.
If you are thirty-three then you will cast a secondary progressed chart for the thirty-third day after your birthday and use the planet’s positions that day to cast the secondary progressed chart.
Each person’s secondary progressed chart is different. No two are the same unless you were born at the same time, date and place.
This means it is more work for the astrologer because it is almost as another chart to read. Professional astrologers will probably use secondary progressions for your full forecasting picture.
Solar Returns
In a solar return chart you cast a chart each year for the exact time the Sun returns to its natal position.
If your birth Sun is at 15 degrees 45 minutes of Virgo then each year when the Sun returns to the precise position you cast another chart.
Each year you will have a new solar return chart.
People with the same birth date (but not the same year) will have similar solar return charts but not exactly the same.
So, everyone born on September 15th will have the Moon here and Venus there in their solar return chart but the ascendant will be different.
This makes solar return charts popular as they are based on the transits of the day and astrologers know where the Sun and Moon are and the other planets.
Graphic Ephemeris
The graphic ephemeris is a special diagram that has to be read by the astrologer and it typically shows the superior planets and their cycles over a year or two. See image.
This is probably the most useful tool I personally use in my astrological forecasting.
Eclipses
Solar and lunar eclipses are transits and are special due to the close alignment of the Sun, Moon and the Earth on the eclipse day.
Eclipses can be further broken down into:
General eclipse forecasts
Personal eclipse forecasts
Collective eclipse forecasts
Solar Arc Directions
In solar arc directed charts you take the progressed movement of the Sun (as found in the secondary progressed chart) and add the longitudinal measurement to all the planets positions at birth. From this you will create a new chart called the solar arc directed chart.
From this you will create a new chart called the solar arc directed chart.
If your natal sun is at 15 Virgo and you are 33 years old you add 33 to 15 Virgo and the result is 18 Libra. This is the position of your solar arc directed Sun.
You do the same for the other planets. Add the Sun’s movement to every planet in your chart and find the new placement which will be 33 degrees further in the zodiac.
In a solar arc directed chart the aspects between the planets remain the same but the planets change house and sign.
The solar arc directed chart changes slightly every day as you get older.
How Much to Learn in Forecasting
How much you have to learn about astrological forecasting depends on who you are now and who you want to be later. There are 5 levels of astrologer and you can see where you fit in.
Hobbyist Astrologer
If you are simply trying to learn some more about astrology to make your life easier and more understandable then stick to transits.
Student Astrologer
If you are a student astrologer and plan to be a professional astrologer one day then learn transits first and the work down the list, (secondary progressions, solar returns, solar arc directions, eclipses and other).
Professional Astrologer
To be a professional astrologer you really do need to know at least four forecasting techniques.
They will compliment each other and underline the trends in the clients forecasting picture.
You are a Client
If you are a member of the public and you are looking for a professional consulting astrologer then do yourself a favour and find one who does advanced forecasting techniques.
Ask your prospective astrologer, “Which forecasting techniques will you use when you do my predictions?” and see what their answer is.
“Which forecasting techniques will you use when you do my predictions?”
If they only use transits be wary as they may not be fully trained in the more complicated astrological forecasting techniques. This may imply they do not have a broad astrological education.
Creative Growth
If you have got this far then you will likely want to grow your astrological forecasting techniques and begin to understand the differences in each one. To be a better astrologer you need to know these things. Forecasting often separates the “men from the boys” in the astrology world.
“Can you tell me if Financial Astrology is lucrative? I would like to earn money as an astrologer.
What do you think is the best way to learn financial astrology?”
This is a question I received from a reader like you about making money as a financial astrologer. This query comes up often and I have answered it below.
“Is Financial Astrology Lucrative?”
Whether financial astrology is lucrative depends. There is not a “yes” or “no” answer.
It depends on who you are and what you know.
As an astrologer, it really hinges on your own natal chart. For all questions like these, we would look to your unique birth chart
Ask yourself the following about your own chart:
Do I have thenatal promise for income from financial astrology or even regular astrology for that matter?
Do I have planets in my second house?
Are they unafflicted?
Where is Uranus (the planet that rules astrology) and what is its condition?
Is Uranus unafflicted and that means it has no squares or oppositions from the malefics?
Is my second house ruler strong, direct and well-placed?
Then you would assess the Midheaven its ruler and the tenth house for your entrepreneurial skills.
Many astrologers do make some money from astrology. Anything from US$1 to US$999 per month.
Many astrologers work in this area with a variable income that can vary each month and it depends on how many charts they read and other activities.
Income of over US$1000 per month
Some astrologers make a reasonable amount. Here the benchmark is more than US$1000 per month. So that is around US$12000 per year.
But, does it provide for a full time living off astrology alone?
Perhaps not, but it does augment your day job, and it provides an outlet for the creative work that astrology can be.
If you live in Africa (as I did for over thirty years) or Asia you are likely to find this adequate income.
Income of over US$5000 per month
Very few astrologer fall into this category but it can be done. Here the income is enough to sustain astrology as a full-time job, career and vocation and you can comfortably budget for tax at around 20%.
With a net income of US$4000, anyone can manage, even those of us living in expensive cities in the first world.
You can look atthe five levels of astrologerand see where you are and map out yoru career path using this a guideline.
“What do you think is the best way to learn financial astrology?”
Let us assume that you already know basic chart reading and you can you interpret a chart with confidence.
Financial astrology falls into two camps:
Do you want to follow the stock exchanges, forex and financial markets and earn money through your general fiscal information and tips?
Or,
Do you want to help everyday people to make good financial decisions based on their own natal chart and what it suggests for investments and luck?
Either way, you need to fully understand the dynamics of a chart, the four financial house and two financial planets. In other words your money planets.
Where to next?
You have to be confident in basic astrology in the first place.
You have to understand financial markets, economics etc.
You should be tracking your own financial upliftment that has happened through your own decisions based on the astrology in your chart.
You should already be giving astrological financial advice to family and friends.
Investigate the messages from the forecasting techniques of current transits, solar arc directions and solar returns, secondary progressions and eclipses.
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.
Virgo Gets Things Done If you have planets in Virgo you can get things done. Virgo is a modest sign. Often people with many Virgo placements brush off their accomplishments as old hat when others comment on their abilities by replying simply "Oh, but everyone can do...
As you start to get into astrology and read horoscopes there is a natural sequence to charts that you will read. Some of you who begin with astrology may stop sooner than others who may go on to be competent astrologers.
Several of you will go on to be aspiring astrologers and competent astrologers and be able to provide an acceptable solid reading. You may read for friends and family or in a casual way.
A few of you will become experts and exceptional chart readers and can read any and every chart that comes your way. You are likely to attract clients at this stage.
Alison
Chart 1:
Your own chart
You will always start with your own chart and certainly, this chart will be with you through your astrology journey. You will read it in a simple way and then develop your interpretations into more complex methods in the future.
You will work on this chart for the rest of your life.
Charts 2-10:
Your immediate family’s charts
This includes your husband, wife, kids, parents and siblings etc. They are people you know very well and have known for many years. Now you can benefit from some basic chart reading skills.
At this point you are a hobbyist astrologer
Charts 11-18:
Charts of people who you do know
These are the charts of friends and people you know well enough to ask for their chart details, “so you can practice.” You will do these charts for free and enjoy the time spent pouring over each unique chart.
At this point you are a student astrologer
Charts 18-25:
Gateway charts Clients
These charts you will draw up for people who are technically “clients.”
You will tentatively explain that you are opening an astrology business and although you are still a junior astrologer, you wish to read their charts in a professional manner to practice your readings and your professional practice competency. You are aware of how your outer planet signature attracts clients.
Paid
You will charge them a moderate fee of around US$5-10 or barter for a cup of coffee.
These charts are for your gateway clients and they get you into being a professional astrologer. There may be more charts in this group but if you are determined that astrology is for you then you will only need about six practice runs and these are the charts you will use.
You are now in business. You charge a fair fee for your services. You may be interested in 10 things to do before your client arrives. At this point you are a junior professional astrologer.
The process of becoming an astrologer is not one straight line from start to finish. Each person will make detours and have stops and starts along the way. To see where you are exactly on your journey towards becoming an astrologer the five levels of astrologer are explained in more detail. You can see that you could be straddling two areas at once.
If you want to travel fast go alone,
if you want to travel far take a friend.
Overarch
Think about how many charts you have read. Consider where you are on your journey to becoming a fabulous astrologer.
Author Bio
Alison Price: Professional Astrologer
Alison helps 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. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.
If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email atstarzology@gmail.com.
More Articles
If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.
Author: Alison Price - Published: October 2025 Introduction Five-a-Side This time we're giving you are top ten tips about astrology and astrology readings. Five tips are from me, Alison, and the other five tips are from Arwynne.5 Top Tips for Aspiring Astrologers...
Author: Alison Price - Published: August 2025 The Moon's Aspects The Moon As the Moon is the first planet that you will interpret when you do an astrology reading. The Moon's aspects are also super important. When you start out with aspects, I suggest you only...
This post is part of a series on basic chart interpretation and how to read a natal chart. The other steps are listed below and will be developed soon.
The fourth step for a basic chart interpretation is where you take the margin notes and flesh them out.
You can either write directly onto the margin notes page or type some detailed notes up for a written report for your client. I tend to do the written notes if I am having a face to face session with my client.
Gone are the days of written reports but some of you may still find there is a clarity that comes from details written notes. I certainly suggest you do this at least once either for your own chart of someone close to you.
It is a good exercise in the discipline required to read an astrology chart.
Example Detailed Notes
Below is an example of the first page for detailed astrology chart notes for an example chart.
Each piece of the chart is considered and a report like this can be over 50 pages of text.
If you have Solar Fire you can start to add each paragraph into the database so you don’t have t o keep repeating yourself in the future when you do another chart which has the same components.
Notice how the second paragraph draws together the three parts of; the strong western hemisphere, the strong triple division of houses and the strong second quadrant.
This is a typical feature of interpretation where three indicators bring clarity to your readings.
1 Strong western hemisphere
2 Strong 2nd triple division of house
3 Strong 2nd quadrants
You always need to be on the look out for themes and indicators that come from more than one source when doing a basic chart interpretation.
Your Future Chart Interpretations
The more charts you read the better you will get at interpretations.
There is a tipping point for chart readings and when they start to get easier. It is after your twenty-fifth chart that you suddenly can read a chart with ease.
Every time you start to read a chart there are so many things to look at and it can be daunting.
Here I have brought the essence of chart reading down to a few features to consider. These are things you will always look at when you do any chart reading.
If you practice this type of high level chart your interpretation you will get to the heart of your chart reading sooner rather than later.
These tips will sharpen your focus so you don’t go off at a tangent or wander down a chart reading rabbit hole.
1. The Dominant Broad Stroke
The dominant broad stroke refers to the background feel for a chart. This is shown by the quantity of planets and their distribution throughout the chart.
The broad strokes do not consider individual planets.
Planet Count
You count the visible planets only and this will always add up to seven. The seven visible planets are the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.
The four hemispheres of north, south, east and west
The four quadrants numbered first, second, third and fourth.
In all of this find the highest possible number and focus on interpreting that broad stroke.
2. The Chart Ruler Complex
The chart ruler is the planet that rules the sign on the ascendant. If it is one of the three signs with two rulers (Scorpio, Aquarius or Capricorn) then look at both rulers.
Look closely at this planet and discover it’s message. Understand the chart ruler by sign, house, aspects and position in the chart.
Strong
The chart ruler is strong if it is in its own sign or in exaltation or in other words if it has essential dignity.
It is strong in accidental dignity which is the natural house of its sign. So for example, Mars in the eighth house is strong because Mars rules Scorpio the natural eighth sign.
Notice if it rules the hemisphere, quadrant, division or the house it tenants.
If the chart ruler has only soft aspects it is supported, but if it receives only hard aspects it is afflicted. A combination of both brings a neutral feel.
Position in the Chart
See if the chart ruler dominates the chart by being high in teh chart and most elevated, oriental, the final dispositor or is it in an angular house (first, fourth, seventh or tenth).
These positions add weight to the planets and give it gravitas.
Major Aspect Patterns
See if the chart ruler is well engaged by being part of a major aspect pattern. Check if it dominates the pattern.
This placement adds strength to the chart ruler.
Chart Ruler’s Direction
Check if the chart ruler’s motion is direct, stationary or retrograde.
Being direct adds weight and makes the planet strong but the state of being retrograde detracts from the planet’s potential. Being stationary can add strength depending on how comfortable it is in its sign.
To find the tightest aspect you have to consider the aspects between the planets and the orbs.
What to Look For
Look for aspects between the planets and not the points.
The planets to consider when looking for the tightest aspect are; the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto and Chiron.
What to Ignore
Do not consider any points like the Ascendant, the Midheaven, the Lunar Nodes or the Part of Fortuneetc.
I also do not consider the asteroids unless you use them in your daily astrology practice. If not then ignore asteroids including Ceres.
Only look for the five Ptolemaic aspects which are the conjunction, sextile, square, trine and opposition.
Tightest orb
Find the aspect with the tightest orb which should be 00°00′.
See which aspect it is and understand the meaning of this aspect.
Consider at the two planets in the aspect and how they will work together in this chart and in this aspect.
Check the house and signs that the tightest aspect lies over and understand what this means.
5. The Prominent Major Aspect Pattern
You need the find the most dominant major aspect pattern in the chart.
Some charts may not have a major aspect pattern and if so, then skip this step.
If there is more than one major aspect pattern of the same type, say you have three T-squares, then find the tightest orbed T-square, the non-disassociate T-square and the one that includes the chart ruler, the Sun or the final dispositor.
Find this major aspect pattern and fully understand the planets involved in it by sign, house and essential dignity.
Use these tips to help you read a chart quickly and easily.
Alison helps 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. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.
If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email atstarzology@gmail.com.
More Articles
If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.
Author: Alison Price - Published: October 2025 On your Marks, Get set, Go! Have you ever wondered why some people seem to process life in such a distinct way through thinking, feeling and expressing themselves almost in a rhythm of their own? The rising order of...
Author: Alison Price - Published: August 2025 The Moon's Aspects The Moon As the Moon is the first planet that you will interpret when you do an astrology reading. The Moon's aspects are also super important. When you start out with aspects, I suggest you only...
This post is part of a series on basic chart interpretation and how to read a natal chart. The other steps are listed below and will be developed soon.
Step 3 – Preparing for the interpretation – margin notes
Step 4 – Your interpretation – detailed notes
Preparing for the Interpretation – Margin Notes
Once you have the correct chart data, have cast the chart and printed it with the appropriate coloured highlights on the page the next step is the written notes you will make and first you will do the margin notes.
At this stage your are not using you astrology journal to take notes for a client that will be used to capture basic astrology interpretation meaning.
You will typically use loose paper with lines and, wait for it, a margin.
Margin
The margin is the column on the left side of a ruled page.
Margin notes are any notes you put in a margin. Simple.
Yes, but exactly what notes will you put in a margin when you do a chart interpretation?
Margin notes can be either handwritten astrology glyphs or astrology short form codes (used when typing or emailing).
Example Chart – Stephen King
Below is Stephen King’s chart.
Five Main Points for Chart Interpretation
The five important details for margin notes are:
The Balances
The Ascendant Complex
The Chart Ruler Complex
The Sun Complex
Major Aspect Patterns
Example Margin Notes for Stephen King
The Balances
Polarity
Active = 4 and passive = 3.
Hemispheres
NH = 6, SH – 1, EH = 4 and WH = 3.
Quadrants
Q1 = 3, Q2 = 3, Q3 = 0 and Q4 = 1.
The Ascendant Complex
ASC 29CA51.
Ascendant aspects
ASC-60-SU, ASC-60-VE, ASC-0-MA, ASC-120-JP, and ASC-120-NN.
First House Planets
PL and SA.
The Chart Ruler complex
MO SG 5th
Aspects of the chart ruler
MO-120-SA, MO-120-PL and MO-60-ME.
The Sun Complex
SU VI 3rd.
Sun aspects
SU-0-VE, SU-90-UR and SU-45-PL.
Major Aspect Patterns
Mini grand trine 1
(MO-120-PL)-60-ME
ME focal planet 4th
Mini grand trine 2
(MO-120-SA)-60-ME
ME focal planet 4th
Subsequent Margin Notes
After the five main points you will list in order:
The Moon complex (if not already done as the chart ruler)
The final dispositors complex (if not already done as the chart ruler)
The rest of the planets in order in the houses by angular, succedent and cadent
At the end, you will have everything listed in the chart. But the first five things will be the important issues and the ones that the client is dealing with already.
Interpreting a chart is easy when you break down the steps and do them in order of importance and order of relevance.
You do not need to be looking at a Chiron semi-sextile the North Node aspect as the first thing you consider.
Nor do you interpret from the planets in Aries first and then Taurus. Understand the weight of the planet and its prominence within a chart.
This post is part of a series on basic chart interpretation and how to read a natal chart. The other steps are listed below and will be developed soon.
The Physical Chart – Printing and Highlighting Main Features
This time I going to share with you some of my process and the focus will be on the natal chart. I will answer the following questions that plague new astrologers.
Once you have the chart cast what do you look for? What is important? What is not worthy of consideration and where do you start?
The image below is of a chart for Rosie and she is one of my clients. I have not shown the chart details that is; the time, date and place as that is not important.
What we are going to be looking at is how to prepare a chart for reading after you have printed it out and before you start.
This is like step 2 of the natal chart reading process.
What to Print
In Solar Fire or your other astrology program print a chart with a half aspectarian in the corner as shown above. This is a standard chart so you should have no problem doing this.
House Rulers
Write the house rulers against every house cusp. Start at the ascendant and in this chart (above) I have written Jupiter/Neptune and drawn a bubble around them at the house cusp.
Quadrant and Hemispheres
Draw a circle in the top right of the page. Draw a cross in it with one horizontal line and one vertical line.
This shows the four quadrants (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th) and the four hemispheres (north, south, east and west).
Only counting the visible planets from the Sun to Saturn count how many planets are in each quadrant.
In this chart there is one planet in the first quadrant (Saturn), two planets in the second quadrant (Jupiter and Venus), three planets in the third quadrant (the Sun, Mars and Mercury) and one planet in the fourth quadrant (the Moon).
Elements and Modes Table
Draw a table of four columns and three rows.
On the top label the columns F (fire), E (earth), A (air) and W (water). On the side label the rows C (cardinal), F (fixed) and M (mutable).
Add the number of visible planets (the Sun to Saturn) and write the quantity in the appropriate cell in the table.
Add up each row and column. The total will always be seven.
Chart Ruler
Find the chart ruler which is the planet or planets that rules the ascendant sign. In this case, it is Pisces so the ruling planets are Jupiter and Neptune. Colour in each instance of the ruling planets in yellow.
Major Aspect Patterns
Find all the major aspect patterns.
In this chart there is a stellium of the Sun, Neptune and Mars and a Moon yod of Mars, Pluto and the Moon.
Bracket the stellium and highlight in red so you can see it easily.
Colour the yod in green to relate to the quincunx colour which is green.
The idea is to bring forth the main features of a chart through the use of colour so you can easily see the main points when you pick up this chart again next month.
If you are reading many charts a week you do not have time to reread each chart to discover the main threads. they should be highlighted the first time around.
Most Elevated
Note the most elevated planet in this case it is Mercury (although I originally noted Mars in the drawing and I can’t change the image.
Note the lunar phase in this chart for Rosie it is a gibbous Moon phase.
Essential Dignity
Find the essential dignity of the planets and write the score on the left of the aspectarian. the aspectarian is the triangle-shaped grid at the bottom left of the chart.
In this chart we note that Mars gets a score of -5 for being in Libra and Venus of -4 for being in fall in Virgo.
Mutual Receptions
Note all mutual receptions in the chart. Interestingly enough in Rosie’s chart there are two mutual reception pairs, Mercury and Venus are the first pair and the Moon and Jupiter are the second.
On the back of the natal chart page you will also draw the dispositor tree using these handy mutual receptions as your start.
Alison
Watch the video about highlighting a birth chart as part of your chart preparation process.
Note that it refers to another birth chart but show sthe process that you will use for every chart you cast.
This post is part of a series on basic chart interpretation and how to read a natal chart. The other steps are listed below and will be developed soon.
Step 1 – The birth chart data – time, date and place.
Every chart is cast for a certain time, date and place. What we mean by these terms is explained below.
Unless you were witness to the birth you never know for sure.
Birth Time
The time for the birth chart is the actual time of the birth.
You really need the time of the first inhalation of breath by the child. It is at this time that the child takes in all the potentials of the universe at that exact moment.
A birth time of 5 pm or 6:30 am and close but not exact. As astrologers, we come across birth times like this every day and you will cast your chart to these times unless you have a better time.
The birth time is not:
The time the head crowned.
The time the umbilical cord was cut.
The time of the first slice for C-section or Cesarean births.
If there is no birth time
If there is no birth time ask questions to try to narrow it down. If their mother or aunt is alive you can ask them or anyone who may have been around at the birth.
For instance, you can ask, “Was it day or night? Was it before lunch or in the afternoon?
Birth Date
In all my years as an astrologer, I have only come across one person who did not know their birth date and they did not know the year.
As I recall she thought she was born on September 25th, 1967 or 1968. Wow, that was interesting. they had the time and the place but not the year.
Clearly, some people do not have a birth date and this really does pose a problem for astrologers as you cannot cast a birth chart with no birth date. In this case, it is better to ask a horary question and used the chart for those. It will not be a birth chart but it will be correct for the questions being asked.
Birth Place
The birthplace refers to the place they were born. We typically need the village, town or city and the county, state or province.
As an example, there are many places in the USA called Springfield and you need the state to know which one it was.
Some clients will tell you the actual hospital in the city they were born, which is interesting in itself, but if the birth time is not precise the exact hospital name will not help much either.
Overall
As an astrologer, you can only work with what they give you. If you have a good birth time, date and place then use it obviously you will do that.
Don’t worry about not being sure and not having exact with birth data as there is not much you can do.
The two options for getting a correct birth time from a near birth time are by:
Rectification or the birth chart. This is a special exercise that some astrologers do to good reviews.
Or checking the major transits to the ascendant and MC and this above all will be the best way to narrow down a wide birth time.
I personally do not practice rectification I prefer to use the transit and solar arc method for finding a correct birth time.
I mean you never really know do you?
My Kids
I have four children and with each birth my husband was there in the room with two watches on his arm to get the birth time. He was given strict instructions to get the exact inhalation of breath and because of this I have my four children’s birth times not only to the minute but to the second. Their birth times are precise.
If you are pregnant or someone close to you is expecting then get them to capture the exact birth time.
Even if they do not agree with astrology their child may thank them later when they grow up to be an adult and they need a birth chart cast.
I feel that in this day and age every child born now should have the correct birth time recorded for them for later.
Now and then you may manage to get to an Astrology Conference. What you pack and take with you can make or break your experience.
These events are typically three-day weekends but sometimes they have a day before (Thursday) and a day after (Monday) for special classes.
This weekend I’m off to Norwac the North West Astrology Conference in Seattle, WA, USA which has prompted this piece. I have attended this conference before and you can read about that trip here.
Short trips and weekends away are shown in your third house. Longer trips, overseas journeys, and extended stays from home of a week to ten days are shown in your ninth house.
So, is a weekend in another country (the USA) third or ninth? To my mind, the answer is ninth because it is further than a horse can travel in one day which they tell me is 50km and yes, I got that from the horse’s mouth. The trip to Seattle is 230km and that definitely falls into the ninth house.
Art of Packing
The time before last when I went to the Faculty of Astrological Studies Summer School in Oxford for a week I took a massive suitcase full to bursting.
I was overweight at Vancouver before I had even boarded the plane. Coming back I had to buy another suitcase in England for all the stuff (gifts, books and clothes) I had bought whilst I was there.
When the driver of the coach from London to Oxford tried to lift my 60lb suitcase into his hold under the coach he turned to me and asked, “Why is this so heavy? Have you got a body is here?”
Packing is an art. You need to learn how to pack and haul less stuff around.I now use a small Rimowa cabin sized suitcase on wheels and if something cannot fit in that it doesn’t go. The cabin size means it can be stowed in the overhead cabin on an aeroplane because it is small enough. I never check luggage to the hold when flying anymore.
Don’t take too much stuff.
Three-Day Weekend
I am going to share my tips and tricks about packing stuff for a three-day weekend astrology conference. This assumes you go on Friday morning and leave on Sunday evening, and so spend two nights in the hotel.
The Plan
You will be wearing your Friday outfit as your leave home. There is a new top for the Friday evening dinner.
Saturday sees you in a simple ensemble for the day and a change into your evening top for the banquet.
On Sunday morning your will again wear casual clothes as you will be traveling home in them later that day.
Tech stuff
Tech stuff is essential and you need the cables as well. If you are going to Europe you will need an adaptor to connect your tech stuff to the electricity supply.
Smartphone – To take photos, chat with the family at home, post to social media (I currently like Instagram) and to keep up with friends at the hotel with texts if you plan to meet up for breakfast etc.
I take my MacBook Air which I’ve had it since 2009 and it’s still going strong. I use this in my hotel room to continue my work but I don’t take it into the lecture rooms. The conference organizers don’t like that.
iPad with Astro Gold for casting charts at the conference. I usually offer readings at a reduced rate and currently do this through the featured charts and my Jupiter patron program.
Chargers for all equipment.
Clothes
These suggestions are for women. I expect men do something similar and may need a tie and jacket for the dinner and banquet.
Black pants.
Leggings.
Light tunic x 2.
Light knit top.
Light jacket.
Evening top, coloured – For the Friday night dinner.
Evening top, jazzy – This can have a little twinkle as it is for the banquet on Saturday night. This is where most of the photos are taken.
Running shoes.
Booties (ankle boots).
Socks – Always wear socks in a hotel and avoid walking barefoot on the carpet or in the bathroom and shower).
Camisoles or bras and panties (knickers) x 3 (the camis and panties double as pajamas).
Pashmina in a solid colour. I like rose pink or cream.
Scarf – Light cotton or silk in bright tones. Wrap twice around the neck with both ends hanging at the front.
Jewelry – regular daytime and statement jewelry for Saturday night.
Handbag/tote bag for the daily lectures, for notes, your journal and lecture handouts. Watch out that this particular bag is not massive or you will haul more stuff around all weekend.
Evening bag black, small – For your phone, credit cards, business cards, lipstick, cash and room key.
What to Wear When
Friday in the day – Leggings, tunic, light jacket, socks and booties.
You will be travelling and need stretch pants thus the leggings. The jacket could have pockets for your phone and cash. The tunic hangs lower at the back to cover your bottom and can be shorter in the front for ease when sitting in a car or on a plane for hours.
Friday evening – Replace the tunic for a nice coloured evening top and lose the jacket. Booties and socks. Evening bag. Photos may be taken.
Saturday in the day – Black pants, top (tunic or knit top) and scarf. Running shoes and socks.
Saturday evening – Black pants, jazzy evening top, pashmina, booties, socks, statement jewellery and evening bag.
Sunday in the day – Leggings, another coloured tunic, and the light jacket. Running shoes and socks.
With the leggings, you can wear them on Friday and Sunday. If you like you can wash them on Friday night so they will be dry and fresh for Sunday. It is up to you. If you do decide to do washing in your hotel room squirt some shampoo into the basin and wash your leggings a by hand. Hang them up in the shower to dry.
Makeup and Hair
Your usual makeup.
Earbuds.
Hairbrush.
Toothbrush and toiletries.
Medicines and Imodium. You never know.
Usual vitamins and supplements
Books
Promotional material – For instance a workshop you are presenting soon or another event that is coming up.
Ephemeris – I always travel with my big paperback Ephemeris.
Astrology journal – This is your daily astrology journal and contains all the information you like on astrology.
Business cards – To give to those who want. Never push your business card. Have them with you or out in front of you at the lecture table and people who need one will take one.
Awareness cards – I’ve started using these special postcard sized “awareness cards” and will give them out if someone is interested.
Pencils – These are my promotional pencils with my website details printed on. You may have other freebies to give.
Coloured crayons – This is for the astrology journal. After I have attended a lecture I like to colour the pages perhaps immediately or later that night as I unwind in my room before bed.
Pens – Take about three in case you lose one and then you can share with others
Extras
Your passport and Nexus card.
A copy of the proof of your conference payment. I once arrived at an astrology conference in Toronto and they did not have a record of my having paid. Fortunately, I did have my credit card receipt in my bag so all was good. But these things do happen.
A copy of the hotel booking. This can be in your wallet app to the hotel’s chain app, for instance, the Hilton app is used for Norwac.
Small denomination cash. This is so you will be ready to give something to any charities the conference supports, raffles at the banquet, a Tarot card or palm reading, the cash bar for your wine and tips for the waiters and chambermaid.
Sometimes there is a “Free stuff” table in the conference gathering area. This is the place to put your business cards, awareness cards, promotional materials like in my case my pencils and the flyer for our summer workshop in Vancouver in July.
What Not to Take
There are some things that you will use at home but don’t need to carry on trips. After all, you are hauling the bag around. If you free up your life and lighten your travels you will enjoy them so much more.
Pyjamas.
Robe or gown.
Slippers.
Extra shoes.
Extra bags.
Too many clothes just in case…
Regular shampoo and conditioner bottles. Always decant into 100mm bottles, take travel sizes or use the hotel’s products.
Alarm clock – Use your phone.
Big coat unless you are going north of the 60th parallel.
Other junk.
Your dog.
Astrology conferences can be so much fun. If you plan your trip carefully and only take the minimum of stuff you will enjoy the event all the more.
Born on November 14, 1975, in Mikhaylov, Belarus. Time unknown.
Technicalities
There is no birth time, so I have cast the noon chart because that brings the margin of error down to 12 hours. This means you have to dismiss the Ascendant, Midheaven and houses. What is left is correct which are the planets, signs and the aspects.
Moon
The Moon does change signs that day so if Gary was born in the morning, he will have a Pisces Moon and if in the afternoon an Aries Moon. If he was born in the morning, the Moon T-square would not be in effect and if in the afternoon the Moon T-square would be stronger and in closer orb.
Balances
Elements
There is no Earth element and this indicates he may take a while to find his footing. He will likely surround himself with earthy types or strong Taurus, Virgo or Capricorns.
Modes
In the modes, there are no mutable signs represented unless the Moon was in Pisces and at this stage it is difficult to say for sure. The strong cardinal mode suggests he does his own thing as a pioneer and rarely worries about what others think. He will lead from the front and if you choose to follow, he will be happy. There is not much room for compromise to suit you but when he feels he needs to make adjustments to his life or what he is doing he will change course and you need to keep up.
Identity
With his Sun in Scorpio, it is in a power sign and indicates that he faces the haters and buries them. There is not much room for non-believers and he does not want to convert you, you have to believe in him for there to be a dialogue.
Moon
Moon in the morning Pisces in the afternoon Moon in Aries. If the Moon is in Aries, then there is a strong mutual reception between the Moon in Aries and Mars in Cancer
Mercury Morning Planet
Mercury is the morning planet and this is quite a common placement for Mercury and does indicate a talker. People like Gary have a message and can bang on or almost beat a drum. His voice is powerful and his choice of words is not always suitable for delicate ears. Even though he uses strong language it is never derogatory, vulgar or dismissive of others.
Love and Money
Venus
Venus conjoined Pluto is one indicator of a millionaire. Venus in Libra is strong and as the final dispositor and makes him likeable and easy to love.
Family
Moon
If his Moon is in Pisces (which I rather suspect) it makes him protect his wife from perceived publicity and intrusion. She is never on display or brought forward as a prop for his life.
Mother
Much the same goes for his mother although we do get glimpses of her early teaching about truth and her expectations. That she would not praise him for doing nothing in particular, but only for when he did things for which she approved. His mother likely instilled many values he still refers to today and this role may have been picked up and continued by his wife. A woman is probably holding up a mirror of accountability for him.
Father
He revers his father shown by the Saturn trine Neptune and took his father’s small wine shop (again Saturn trine Neptune) and made it a prosperous business. You can check out some astro wine pairing. Gary knows where he comes from, how far he has come and he may see how much further there is ahead.
Genius and Creativity
Quintiles
His genius is shown through the aspects of the fifth harmonic or in other words any quintiles or bi-quintiles.
Sun biquintile Jupiter
Two strong planets are in this relationship the Sun is bi-quintile Jupiter which takes the credit for his positive buoyant outlook. This combination is double inspirational as they are the two fire planets. Promotion is used to further his identity and place himself front and center. He is not shy although there may be some natural stage fright at times. He is proud of his journey. The path he takes satisfies his inner core and heart. He promotes himself and others from this place.
Charisma
Jupiter trine Neptune
Gary uses his inbuilt charisma to grow. He enjoys being on the stage and laps up his audience. Jupiter trines Neptune which shows the early promotion of the Wine Library which was the first public presentation on YouTube that started it all. Both of these planets, Jupiter and Neptune are the Pisces rulers who work together in an easy way. Neptune rules film and video and he uses it in a powerful way. To promote (Jupiter) his process and document his journey.
Unaspected Mercury
Public Speaking
Gary’s unaspected Mercury may be a clue to why he is so prolific in his speaking and the easy way he shares his thoughts on how to do things.
Document the Journey
His method of documenting his journey to share with others (in the Daily Vee and other productions) is an inspiration. It is driven by the unfettered state of his Mercury which rules speaking, writing, orating, podcasting and off-the-cuff advice giving.
His People
We have often seen him in the after-chat in a dark street of a big city speaking directly to the people. His people. This is his favored way to share his message and reach his audience. He sees life through the “thought, word and deed” method and believes it as well. His currency is his message as his unaspected Mercury shows in its role as the Messenger of the Gods.
More Example Charts
Below is a selection of example charts. Thet generally show my process for getting the information together before the interpretation begins.
Author: Alison Price - Published: March 2025 Podcasting In our latest Starzology Astrology podcast episode, Arwynne and I look at the astrology of podcasting. We also look at the natal chart of contemporary podcaster Joe Rogan. Podcasting Planet We discuss the...
Author: Alison Price - Published: June 2024 Example Chart : Super Jupey This is an example chart reading for our listener Super Jupey. I think the name comes from the prominence of Jupiter in this chart. The Natal Chart Balances Strong Polarity...
Author Bio
Alison Price: Professional Astrologer
Alison helps 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. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.
If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email atstarzology@gmail.com.
More Articles
If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.
Author: Alison Price - Published: October 2025 Introduction Five-a-Side This time we're giving you are top ten tips about astrology and astrology readings. Five tips are from me, Alison, and the other five tips are from Arwynne.5 Top Tips for Aspiring Astrologers...
No Results Found
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
Humans are group oriented individuals. It is natural for us to congregate together even if it means simply sitting in a coffee shop or alone at a busy bar. The nature of people is to flock together. Did I hear “baaaa!”
Like minded people often gather to discuss their favored subject, support each other, bounce ideas off each other and explore theories amongst themselves.
A study group is created when several people join forces to work, read or study something of mutual interest. As I have said many times before, astrology can be an isolating interest.
It makes sense to go where you are understood and (dare I say it) everyone knows your name. Perhaps you have been thinking of getting some people together to mull over charts if so here are some ideas to help you formulate that plan.
When to Start a Study Group
Consult your chart to find the best time to begin building your astro group. Or any group for that matter. Bear in mind the planet that signifies the subject of the groups should be prominent. In our case Uranus rules astrology and astrologers.
Here are some times to look out for when creating a group:
Transits to your eleventh house. (For example, Mars is good to get things going.)
When the ruler of your eleventh house is aspected.
During transits to your North node. In astrology the North node suggests future people who may come into your life and the nodes are hubs and indicate get-togethers.
Conjunctions to your Vertex show new people entering your life.
Who to Invite
It is my belief that the people who will benefit from your group will make themselves known to you. It is natural for strong fire and air types to get together and the same for earth and water signs.
If you give it some thought, you will probably be able to come up with one or two people who live nearby and maybe interested.
Perhaps you have a busier astrologer in your area. Send them an invite. All astrologers have the same problem as in not having many others to talk to about the ins and outs of charts. This suggests why astrology conferences, retreats and seminars are so prolific and most astrology organizations are going from strength to strength.
When to Host
You may meet once a month, perhaps every third Wednesday, from 10:00am to noon or 7:00pm to 9:00pm. If you establish a firm day and time it makes it easier for attendees to juggle their schedule and make more appearances during the year.
What to Do
Astrology book clubs are often the first step. One new book is chosen each month and the attendees read it beforehand to arrive prepared and ready to discuss it at the meeting. You can explore the philosophies of the author compare your views on the techniques presented or even compare the “professional” book reviews found in the trade magazines.
Astrology transit groups usually discuss the current Moon placements and any major transits or planets changing signs happening during the month. This is a good method to support general first level forecasting techniques.
Astrology interpretation groups will often discuss each others charts comparing Jupiter placements or work through one planet each meeting going over, for instance, Jupiter in all the houses and learning by hearing how other members of the groups experience their Jupiter placement. this type of get together supports natal chart analysis and better interpretation skills.
These are just some ideas for bringing your astrology cronies together in meaningful discussion.
If you feel like hosting a group similar to one of these in your home you can benefit by offering to do all the three type of meeting suggested above.
Making astrology trading cards is a creative way to do arty things and learn some astrology as well.
Anyone who is interested to explore astrology in a fun way will enjoy crafting and trading with their Astrology Trading Cards.
Other ways of getting arty with astrology are through my astrologyWheel of Fortune.
The Inspiration for Astrology Trading Cards
Astrology trading cards are a twist on the famous artists trading card when an artist would do a large painting and then make several tiny copies on these cards to give to prospective buyers, galleries and other artists in an effort to promote their craft.
The cards would be swopped between others. You don’t sell them but you give one and they give you one back.
Over time you will have a vast collection of a variety artist’s work without spending a penny. At the same time you have distributed your hard won work to people who may be interested
Size
Each card is 64mm x 89mm or 2.5″ by 3.5″ which is a standard card size.
Astrology Theme
At a group meeting each person will be given a blank copy of the trading card template. You can download a PDF copy below.
[purchase_link id=”13940″ style=”button” color=”green” text=”Download Your Template” direct=”true”]
The leader, or moderator will offer you a hat, or jar, with pieces of paper containing one word indicating an astrology feature or theme. You take one piece of paper and the word printed on it is your theme for the day.
The pieces of paper will have either one planet, house, sign or aspect as your theme for you to work on. These are the starter words and are used in the groups I guide.
1st House, 2nd House, 3rd House, 4th House, 5th House, 6th House, 7th House, 8th House, 9th House, 10th House, 11th House or 12th House
Conjunction, Sextile, Square, Trine or Opposition
When I have a more advanced gathering or class I can have more advanced themes like; anticia, moiety, contra-parallel or transits.
Astrology Trading Card front and back
What you do
Say you get “Jupiter” as your astrology theme.
You write your own name in the by line on the back.
You will write the word “Jupiter” in the top block on each card on your sheet of six cards. You do this on every trading card on the page so in the end you have six Jupiter named cards with your name as your by line.
This is the fun part.
You draw the glyph and write keywords or draw images of what this theme means for each card. You can make each card the same or each one different. It does not matter how you embellish your cards but what is important is that you make something nice because you will be trading them with the other people at the end.
When you have finished you will have six detailed and coloured Jupiter trading cards.
The Trade
When you are happy with your designs and have completed the cards you cut them out. You may keep one for yourself if you like otherwise you will trade these cards with the other people who have various themes and will have made different cards.
That day you will go home with six original works of art signed by people you know and they will all be special and unique.
If you meet again the next week you can redo the hat/jar theme pull with the remaining theme prompts and over time you will grow a beautiful Astrology Trading Card collection that spans all the planets, houses, aspects and signs.
That is at least a total of about forty handy dandy astrology trading cards.
Show Us Your Cards
You may decide to make more cards you can buy actual cards in better quality cardstock and thicker thicknesses (available at Michael’s craft store) to make better cards.
As the interest in making these little cards grabs you, you can develop your style and the way you present your astrology through cards.
Every astrologer is different and each one will work with the energy of astrology in their own way.
When you finish a card take a photo and put it on Instagram or other social media with the hashtag #astrologytradingcard and we will love to see your work.
Grow Your Collection
This can be used as a learning resource for beginners and seasoned astrologers as well.
Getting Clever
In reality, the artists write their name and the title of the piece they have created on the back. You can get creative here as well. This is also a place to put your website and contact details.
More advanced astrologers who get into Astrology Trading Cards collection will make individual cards to trade with other astrologers.
In Vancouver?
Follow me on Instagram for more updates or direct message (DM) so we can get started if you are in Vancouver. I am up for a trade as soon as you are.
Join In at Conferences
I was at Calgary in September 2017 and at NORWAC in March 2018 and I had had some of my Astrology Trading Cards to trade with you.
Two planets may be in mutual reception when each planet is in the other planet’s sign.
Example: The Sun in Cancer and the Moon in Leo are in mutual reception because the Sun rules the sign of Leo and the Moon rules the sign of Cancer.
Technically planets in mutual reception need a Ptolemaic aspect joining them to be considered in mutual reception, but this strict rule can we waived now and then I believe.
A planet in its own sign cannot be in mutual reception with another planet.
Mutual Reception by Sign
When mutual reception by sign occurs, and each planet is in the other planet’s sign, it’s like the two planets have entered the party but it is crowded.
Only at the “aspect” have they found each other in the melee.
Then when it’s a Ptolemaic aspect they fall in love in the Moonlight.
Sigh…
Relationships Bonds
When two planets are in mutual reception it creates a bond between them that cannot immediately be seen as with an aspect.
Mutual reception is like a back-channel of energy that flows but you can only see it when you take a closer look.
Like when someone is chatting behind your back to another person and they have an allegiance to them and you don’t realise they are related, like cousins, and that is the connection.
Jupiter in Capricorn and Saturn in Sagittarius or Pisces
Uranus in Capricorn and Saturn in Aquarius
Neptune in Capricorn and Saturn in Pisces
Pluto in Capricorn and Saturn in Scorpio
Aquarius
The Sun in Aquarius and Saturn or Uranus in Leo
The Moon in Aquarius and Saturn or Uranus in Cancer
Mercury in Aquarius and Saturn or Uranus in Gemini or Virgo
Venus in Aquarius and Saturn or Uranus in Taurus or Libra
Mars in Aquarius and Saturn or Uranus in Aries or Scorpio
Jupiter in Aquarius and Saturn or Uranus in Sagittarius or Pisces
Saturn in Aquarius and Uranus in Capricorn
Neptune in Aquarius and Saturn or Uranus in Pisces
Pluto in Aquarius and Saturn or Uranus in Scorpio
Pisces
The Sun in Pisces and Jupiter or Neptune in Leo
The Moon in Pisces and jupiter or Neptune in Cancer
Mercury in Pisces and Jupiter or Neptune in Gemini or Virgo
Venus in Pisces and Jupiter or Neptune in Gemini or Virgo
Mars in Pisces and Jupiter or Neptune in Aries or Scorpio
Saturn in Pisces and Jupiter or Neptune in Capricorn or Aquarius
Uranus in Pisces and Jupiter or Neptune in Aquarius
Pluto in Pisces and Jupiter or Neptune in Scorpio
Conclusion
And that’s the lot. It is quite a comprehensive list and one chart may or may not have any mutual receptions.
You may decide to only use the traditional planets from the Sun to Saturn and this would be the case for creating a dispositor tree.
Starzclass
Aspiring Astrologer Activity: Mutual Reception
In your astrology journal and using a chart with a mutual reception, please do the following:
State the two planets in each other’s sign.
Decide if there is a Ptolemaic aspect between them or not.
Extend Yourself
Interpret the mutual reception pair by considering the planets, signs, houses, house rulers, aspect (or not) and possible energy that can be brought forwards as they are in cahoots with each other (100 words).
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.
This is another featured chart of inspirational people of our times. I have written a brief interpretation for Elon Musk and brought forward the important features of his chart.
Of course there are many smaller and minor details in this chart but as with all good astrology you need to stay on the high roads and leave the byways and back roads for another day.
On a side note, I love that he is from South Africa as you may know I spent the majority of my life there so it is close to my heart.
Chart Details
Birth details 7:30am, June 28, 1971, Pretoria, Gauteng, Republic of South Africa.
General
Elon has an air and water emphasis suggesting his ideas and emotions are closely linked. He will go with his gut feeling when making decisions. Once the ideas come to him the level of excitement generated will allow his internal compass to choose the path he should take by the reactions each idea evokes.
There is a lack of the fire element which means he has weak inspiration but as we shall see this is counterbalanced by the two fire planets, Mars and Jupiter, being so well engaged in his chart.
The Sun
The Sun in Cancer shows his deep feelings for his family and he sees the business as a family. He truly cares for his employees and will make himself available for them.
Venus
Venus oriental in the sign of Gemini the Twins indicates people speak well of him and they will give him the benefit of the doubt. They love his message. He has a warm manner that attracts his audience.
Moon
The crescent Moon phase is a sign of promise to come as his life develops. Thing will emerge in their own time.
The Virgo Moon brings an emotional component to detailed work and he has the knack of spotting minute flaws in plans, projects or people. With this attention to detail he does not mean to bring others down but he uses it as a way to make things better for all. The smallest feeling or nuance will influence him to reassess his team and with whom he surrounds himself.
Mutual Reception
There is an interesting mutual reception between the Moon in Virgo and Mercury in Cancer. This supportive relationship suggests the feeling in his voice will be a give away as the coolness of his demeanor is belied by the emotions as he talks and shares his ideas with others.
Using gesticulations and strong words to make people care and respond to his message is a tactic he employs to great effect. He can talk and people will want to be a part of it all.
Major Aspect Pattern
Cardinal T-square Uranus opposition Chiron square Mercury.
With Mercury as the focal planet it draws the weakness and the breakdowns of his ideas through to be mentally processed. He probably has an active mind carefully assesses all inputs before he speaks. He will probably be aware of or be challenged by his perceived mental and verbal agility. He is a man of few words until he becomes comfortable with you. We may never know the real Elon as he protects himself through layers of technology.
Aspects
The good Saturn trine Pluto aspect harnesses the power of determination which will encourage Elon to succeed.
The Jupiter conjunct Neptune (both Pisces planets) shows his exploration and vision are brought together to make something big. This is the sign of a dreamer.
The Jupiter opposition Saturn (and note both of these planets are also contra-parallel) makes this a double whammy opposition. His dilemma is between his reach and his grasp. Can he strive towards massive journeys without compromising his core goals? This aspect will be the energy that keeps him awake at night.
His natal Saturn is opposition to Neptune and again contra-parallel once more reinforcing his controlled imagination. He will likely see things through colour and feel and see the internal art they possess. This shows a duality of confidence coupled with the fear of following his own rainbow.
Thor’s Hammer
The Mercury square Chiron and both sesquiquadrate Jupiter form the Thor’s Hammer major aspect pattern. This drives the chart and the man. He may hesitate to speak up but his actions will be his voice. He may feel his background is weak but in time he will be lauded as a pioneer and explorer extraordinaire. In his own mind he is still a young man who struggles to make idle chit chat.
Creativity
Inherent creativity is shown by the quintiles in his chart.
The Quintile Arrow
This is the most likely major aspect pattern that spearheads his innovation and creative drive. Mars is conjunct the north node in Aquarius indicating unpredictable leadership. As the head of his tribe he keeps everyone on their toes.
But that’s not all.
Mercury and Pluto are quintile each other and both are bi-quintile Mars. This forms the rare quintile arrow and points to Mars as the resolution for all his creative energy. He is truly a pioneer in fact he probably has many projects and ventures in the pipeline. He can turn his ability to any of them. This makes him a man’s man and a no nonsense kind of guy.
Mars trine Venus shows he will relish a beautiful woman on his arm. If she can communicate on his level or not it will not matter. He is likely to have the met love of his life at a young age and she may have been, or still is, the girl next door. He will use his early connection to the fairer sex as a yardstick with which to measure other women against.
The Sun biquintiles Neptune which suggests his vast imagination and how being identified with “out of this world” things is a part of his life.
He is a dreamer with the drive to make innovation. We have not seen all he can do. The best is yet to come.
Now and then I like to cast the featured charts of people who are inspirations to us all. I look for those individuals who have made a difference in the lives of others by their ideas, creations and actions. This time I chose Jack Conte the inspiration and creative drive behind Patreon.
Chart Calculations
I have the birth details of July 13, 1984, San Francisco, California, USA. Because his birth time is unknown (to me) I’ve cast the midday chart.
The high noon time places the nativity halfway through the day and this means that no matter what his actual birth time was we are only a maximum of twelve hours out. Therefore most planets will be in the same positions in the signs.
The only question is the Moon’s sign. If he was born in the morning then the Moon was in Capricorn or if in the afternoon then the Moon was in Aquarius.
You have to ignore the ascendant and the house positions.
BriefInterpretation
If it is a Moon in Capricorn then he will be slightly reserved with his feelings and moods may linger longer than they need. This placement makes it hard to have felt loved in the early years. As an adult, he wants to provide a home environment where mutual respect is key.
With an Aquarius Moon, it brings a cool emotional attitude to life. He will be more inclined to text his feelings or recite poetry to his lady love. This placement suggests he likes many types of cuisine and will experiment in the kitchen and share his offerings with those close to him.
There are four planets in anaretic degrees. This means they are at 29 degrees of their signs. These are planets that are both subdued and yet paused awaiting their conscious revival by Jack himself. They are poised with their potential. As he grows older he can tap into these planets in a meaningful way.
The two artistic planets Venus and Neptune are both anaretic. They are in the quincunx aspect with each other and this suggests he continuously strives to discover the music he likes. It is as if he knows it’s inside himself but it takes time to tease it out and let it fully bloom. He will be constantly adjusting the type of beauty and atmosphere which his music evokes.
Inner Struggle
The Sun in Cancer shows he has vibrant emotional responses and this can create knee-jerk reactions to many events in his day. Time has to be taken to fully process the mood of the moment before his inspiration can shine.
The final dispositor of Jack’s chart is Mars in Scorpio and this provides him with controlled drive and the desire to challenge the status quo. He will likely compete with himself most of the time as things never seem to be exactly right. This suggests he redoes his efforts frequently until time itself pushes him to release the buried creative expression and give birth to his work.
He is a passionate warrior and will go into battle for things that touch his core. The biggest conflicts may be inside as he struggles to find his path and direction. This can be accomplished by constantly facing the issues close to his heart so he can help others in a meaningful way.
The conjunction of Mars with Saturn brings a steadfast discipline to finish the things he starts. The challenge here is that he may not like what it has become but he will continue to completion.
This man will get better as he gets older. The drive as a young man will slowly but steadily become reined into a special purpose as he grows older. In time he will move from being a generalist to become a specialist. This shift of focus will bring him more personal satisfaction than in the early years.
Art and Music
As the founder of Patreon for the patrons to the arts, the principle sits well with his Venus Neptune aspects and the signs in which both planets find themselves. To bring value to art will be a theme for Jack. At the same time he will continue to do his own musical work as he always considers himself an artist.
In days gone by he may have been a starving artist and the feeling of “want” will be the thing that propels him forward. This man will do more with a woman in his life than he can do alone. He is productive when his partner walks the path of life at his side, neither leading nor following, but as an equal.
His Venus in Cancer urges him to make music that soothes or makes the listener feel they belong in a world where many do not. Jack’s Neptune is stimulated to make the journey from amateur to professional musician. That he ever made any money from his songs is still unbelievable to him.
Energy Expression
Mars is trine the Sun and this give endless energy and a bright outlook to life. In his heart of hearts, he is up to the challenge. He will fight the good fight and be on the side of the angels.
Mars is square Mercury and this aspect shows the dichotomy between how he thinks and what he actually does. He can talk the talk and also walk the walk but the focus may be a troubling attribute. He will try hard to remain on track as the influences from other artists may be catalysts for a change of mind. Thoughts will benefit from being aired and groups like think-tanks will help him to get the energy for innovation out.
Mars and Saturn are the two bad boys of the zodiac and when they come together hard facts are faced and the result is a structure that sustains. Life will have its challenges for Jack and he may face many hurdles. Grit and determination to produce something of value will be the core drivers of his life.
MMXVII-MMXVIII
There are several planetary configurations that will stimulate change for Jack in the next year or two.
In October the growth planet Jupiter will conjoin his natal Pluto and this will be reflected as an expansion at the core levels of his life. Opportunities to bring buried projects to conception will present themselves. Personal transformation will be the over-arching them towards the end of 2017.
The month of December promises to be full of activity and events and an opportunity to be published or launch an album will be an option. Jack will go into 2018 with more drive and confidence from his supporters than ever before.
The challenge will likely be in deciding what to do next as the chances for great things come to him. It will be decision time and plans made during the last month of the year will affect his future.
At the end of the year as Saturn meets his Neptune it triggers the quincunx to Venus and there could be a sadness as some parts of his life will be let go. He cannot do everything and it is best to focus on one or two projects whilst shelving others even though they may promise to be fun. He does not need to fear, as he can return to them later.
The early months of 2018 will be a period all about planning and establish solid foundations on which to stand as Jack builds his empire.
Alison
Note, if you happen to have the correct birth time please send me the info and I’ll cast the exact chart. 💛
Chart points are not planets or entities at all they are points in space and typically occur where two imaginary lines cross.
The Ascendant
The Ascendant is the face you show to people one-on-one. It is the mask or façade presented to strangers. It is the initial thing people see about you. It is the first impression you give to others.
The Midheaven is the face you show the world. It is what the world knows you for. It represents your highest achievements in life and is your public status, reputation or notoriety.
Descendant
The Immum Coeli
The Vertex
The Part of Fortune
The Part of Fortune shows where and how your personal fortune is likley to manifest in this lifetime.
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.
Author: Alison Price - Published: October 2025 Introduction Five-a-Side This time we're giving you are top ten tips about astrology and astrology readings. Five tips are from me, Alison, and the other five tips are from Arwynne.5 Top Tips for Aspiring Astrologers...
Author: Alison Price - Published: August 2025 The Moon's Aspects The Moon As the Moon is the first planet that you will interpret when you do an astrology reading. The Moon's aspects are also super important. When you start out with aspects, I suggest you only...
This is part of theStarzology Astrology Basicsseries of posts on the four cornerstones for reading a chart. This is what you need to know to read a chart. The other cornerstones are signs, planets, housesand a fifth cornerstone (?) is chart points.
Podcast Episode: Aspects Introduction
In this podcast episode, Alison and Arwynne provide valuable insights into the aspects of your birth chart.
They delve into the specific angles of major, minor and lesser used aspects, discuss the orbs that influence them, and offer real-life examples of how these aspects manifest in actual charts.
Additionally, they offer guidance on where to begin and how to determine which aspects hold significance in your natal chart.
Introduction to Aspects
Aspects are the angular correspondences formed between planets, angles and other points in a chart.
They are measured in degrees and minutes of longitude in the signs.
Aspects are a function of simple geometry.
Every planet will usually have some aspects.
Not all charts will contain all the different aspects.
It is unlikely that all planets will have every aspect.
Not all planets will aspect each other.
Some planets may not receive any aspects from other planets (an unaspected planet).
Often charts will have a preponderance of one particular aspect such as trines or squares.
Aspects in General
Aspects and aspect patterns show the main story lines within a chart.
The dialogue between the planets and chart points is found by the planetary connections expressed through the aspects.
Aspects are like a conduit passing information between two planets.
Two planets in aspect will communicate with each other for better or for worse depending on the actual planets and the aspect in question.
Applying and Separating Aspects
An aspect is determined to be either applying or separating.
This state depends on the speed of the two planets and their position in regard to each other.
The planets are listed here by speed, from the fastest moving planet to slowest moving planet; the Moon, Mercury, Venus, the Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Chiron, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.
Note
Note: Sometimes Mercury and Venus can be slower than the Sun it depends on their position at the time.
Applying Aspects
Aspects that are applying are stronger than those separating.
The applying faster planet is moving towards the exact (or partile) aspect with the slower moving planet.
During an applying aspect the pressure is still building, and the effect is of potential still to come.
Aspects are applying when the faster moving planet has yet to catch up to the slower moving planet’s degree position.
Example
The Moon at 10° Virgo is applying a conjunction to the Sun at 15° Virgo.
Separating Aspects
Aspects are separating when the faster moving planet has passed the degree position of the slower moving planet.
After the aspect has been exact the aspect is separating and the effect is more of release or acceptance.
Example
The Moon at 15° Gemini is separating from an opposition to the Sun at 10° Sagittarius.
The major aspects are the ones used by the Greeks and are today known as “Ptolemaic aspects” after Claudius Ptolemy.
The five major aspects are the conjunction, opposition, trine, square and sextile.
Understanding Aspect Orbs
Orb Definition
An orb is the number of degrees by which an aspect can deviate from being exact while still being considered in effect.
Think of it as a margin of error or a zone of influence around the exact aspect angle.
The Importance of Orbs
Orbs are essential because planetary aspects are rarely exact to the degree.
By using orbs, you can determine:
Whether an aspect is in effect.
How strong the aspect’s influence is (tightness of orb).
Whether an aspect is applying (becoming more exact) or separating (becoming less exact).
Choosing Orbs
Debate
Aspect orbs are debated long and hard by astrologers who get together for an evening social. The debate goes on.
I suggest that if you are starting to learn astrology keep to my standard orbs, and as you become more experienced you can adjust the orbs to wider or tighter as you wish.
It is up to you.
Standard Orbs
These are the standard orbs I use.
Conjunction, opposition, trine and square: orb 8°.
Sextile: orb 4°.
Minor aspects: orb 2°.
Lesser used aspects: orb 1°.
Aspects of Longitude
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Aspects of longitude are the angular relationships between planets in a birth chart.
Think of them as cosmic conversations or dialogues where some planets are in harmony, others in tension and some are indifferent to each other.
These relationships influence how the energies of different planets interact and manifest in our lives.
The Five Major (Ptolemaic) Aspects
Where to Start
These aspects should be interpreted first in this order; conjunctions (neutral), oppositions and squares (hard) then trines and sextiles (soft).
So any conjunctions come first.
Only if you have time go onto the minor aspects.
The Conjunction
First Harmonic
The circle divided by one. 360°/1 = 360°.
Usually planets in conjunction will be in the same sign or house.
When a conjunction occurs over a sign boundary, they are said to be in a disassociate conjunction.
For instance, if the Sun is at 29° Virgo and the Moon is at 4° Libra, they are still conjunct but in a disassociate conjunction.
Conjunction (0°)
When two planets are very close together, their energies blend and intensify.
This can be harmonious or challenging, depending on the planets involved.
Conjunction Aspect Meaning
The conjunction is the most powerful aspect. It inclines the two planets towards togetherness and blends their energies. The planets virtually move as one and they have synergy.
Synergy means one plus one equals three. Each planet is indistinguishable from the other.
They show the same face to the world. Because of their close proximity it is hard for the first planet in the conjunction to clearly see the second planet and vice versa.
The Sextile
Sextile (60°)
Sextiles offer opportunities for growth and learning.
They require some effort to activate but bring positive outcomes.
Planets in sextile work well together and support each other.
They suggest that you have latent talents in the nature of the planets involved and this can be brought forward for the creativity and vision in your life. The sextile is a soft aspect.
The Trine
Trine (120°)
Trines represent harmony and ease and are usually in the same element.
Planets in trine support each other, offering natural talents and opportunities.
Planets in trine to each other are easy going and let the other planet be themselves. This is the best aspect of support and being positive. The trine is an easy or soft aspect.
The challenging square creates internal tension and dilemmas.
While difficult, squares drive us to take action, get of the couch and grow.
Planets that are square to each other have some tension between them. Their energies compete for dominance and challenge each other. Planets in square create internal dilemmas for you. The square is a hard or difficult aspect.
The Opposition
Opposition (180°)
Planets facing each other across the chart create a tug-of-war energy where projection is a theme.
Oppositions bring awareness through relationships and balance.
Planets that oppose are in tension with each other and will struggle to work together.
These planets create external dilemmas for you and can indicate where you project the issues to the other.
The minor aspects are those found to have value in chart interpretation. The four minor aspects are the semi-square, sesquiquadrate, semi-sextile and quincunx.
Minor Aspect Orbs
The orb for minor aspects is 2° both applying and separating.
Minor Aspects – Twelfth Harmonic
The twelfth harmonic aspects suggest potential frustrations where constant adjustments are required to maintain equilibrium in whatever is brought up by the planetary energies involved in the aspect.
Semi-sextile Aspect
Calculation
The circle divided by twelve. 360°/12 = 30°. The semi-sextile is half a sextile and one twelfth of a circle.
Semi-sextile Aspect Meaning
The semi-sextile suggests subtle niggling tensions.
It creates a slight unease that can motivate learning and adaptation
The semi-sextile is an aspect that can be unsettling and disruptive. There can be annoyances and tensions. It is a difficult aspect but in a quiet way. Both planets behave as if the other did not exist and try to ignore each other. The semi-sextile shows where you will push something off to another and try to redirect.
Quincunx Aspect
The circle is divided by twelve and then timesed by five. (360°/12) = 30° x 5 = 150° (i.e. 5/12).
A quincunx was a Roman coin.
The origin of the word is from the Latin “quince” meaning five and “uncla” meaning one-twelfth.
The quincunx is sometimes referred to as the inconjunct.
Quincunx Aspect Meaning
The quincunx is the aspect of adjustment, paradox, and the need for compromise.
Also known as the inconjunct, the quincunx creates a sense of niggling unease that requires constant fine-tuning
It is an aspect of awkwardness and unease.
The quincunx shows where adjustments are needed.
These two planets will grind along, but are never happy together.
They can be un-supportive of each other and make for disharmony in a niggling way.
Minor Aspects – Eighth Harmonic
These aspects fall into the eighth harmonic which indicates they are manifesting aspects and will generally exacerbate change through tension upon us.
Semi-square
The circle divided by eight. 360°/8 = 45°. The semi-square is also known as the octile. Orb for a semi-square is 2°.
Semi-square Aspect Meaning
The semi-square is an aspect of internal tension.
It can create low-level stress that pushes for personal development
The semi-square is half of a square and it can be difficult to work the two planets energies smoothly.
They can be unstable and require a change of approach each time.
This aspect inclines the individual to persisting and to keep working at making it better and finding a solution.
The circle divided by eight and then multiplied by three. (360°/8) = 45°x 3 = 135°. The orb for a sesquiquadrate is 2°. The sesquiquadrate combines one square and one semi-square. The sesquiquadrate is also known as the tri-octile.
Sesquiquadrate Aspect Meaning
Sesquiquadrates indicate external challenges that require creative solutions.
This aspect often manifests as recurring issues that demand innovative approaches
It is an aspect of tension and difficulty.
The planets challenge each other, and this person has to redo decisions.
This aspect spurs the person to find peace.
Lesser Used Aspects
Quintile
Although not one of the big five aspects I use the quintile aspect as well as it is the aspect of creativity. Planets in quintile to each other show your creative expression in line with the meaning of the two planets. The quintile should always be considered when analyzing creative expression and outlets in your life. I also consider the lesser-used aspects in the fifth harmonic like quintiles and bi-quintiles. In fact, I like quintiles a lot for insights into creativity and inspiration. Quintiles are 72° and bi-quintiles are 144° with an orb of 1°. However, I personally avoid the septiles, noviles and deciles. I’ll explain.
When you divide the chart of 360° by seven, you don’t get a whole number as the result is 51.428°. The Bi-septile and tri septile also have non-whole numbers or fractions.
Novile
The Novile is an aspect at 40° with an orb or 1°.
This is very close to the semi-square at 45° (orb 2°) and it seems not worth the bother.
Decile
The decile aspect is 36° with an orb of 1°.
This is very close to the semi-sextile at 30° with an orb of 2°.
This aspect again seems like too much bother.
Author Bio
Alison Price: Astrology Coach
Alison specializes in guiding Aspiring Astrologers. Her aim is to help you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart, often sprinkled with a touch of humor.
Author: Alison Price - Published: August 2025 The Moon's Aspects The Moon As the Moon is the first planet that you will interpret when you do an astrology reading. The Moon's aspects are also super important. When you start out with aspects, I suggest you only...
The chart basics are four basic building blocks of knowledge. as a student of astrology you need to get a grip on some basic principles and this post is about the houses. The other building blocks are:
An astrological chart is divided into twelve sections, or houses, and each house is a different size.
The chart looks like a pizza where each house is a segment.
Each house represents a separate area of life and planets in houses suggest that a particular area of life, like family or work, is important to you.
The houses are like a slice of life.
First house
The first house shows you, your body, what you look like, your complexion, fashion style, gait, haircut and first impression.
Second house
The second house is all about money, credit and acquisitions. It shows your values and what you value more than money. It suggests your self-worth and self-esteem.
Third house
The third house shows your brothers and sisters, school, neighbors, local area, short journeys and community involvement.
Fourth house
Your home, hearth and family life is shown by the fourth house in your chart.
Your dominant parent (who is the one was there on a daily basis providing care and nurtured you) is shown by the fourth house.
Fifth house
The fifth is the fun house.
It shows your children, your leisure activities, your romantic dates, play dates, sport, concerts and your creative expression.
It suggests where you find entertainment and this includes risk activities like riding on a roller coaster, playing the stock market and gambling.
Sixth house
The sixth house is the house of your day-to-day work, pets, small plants, health and service to others.
It shows your diet and exercise appetite.
The sixth house in your chart shows your daily rituals, meditation and other habitual practices.
The seventh house indicates your marriage, your partner/spouse, business partners and your relationship with other people.
It shows the general public, your relationship with others and open enemies.
Eighth house
The eighth house suggests your secrets, sex life, money from others, donations from others, support from others, inheritance, insurance, debt, death and taxes.
It shows the inevitable things of life.
Ninth house
The ninth house suggests your vision, life-path, travel, long journeys, higher education, foreign cultures, publications and religion.
Tenth house
The tenth house is all about your career, public standing, reputation and what the world knows you for.
It is where you are in the public eye.
It indicates your passive parent
Eleventh house
The eleventh house shows your choice of friends, groups and causes.
It is where you are a team player.
It shows your social conscious.
Twelfth house
The twelfth house is the house of your imagination, self-undoing, chronic health issues, institutions, dreams, sleep and your subconscious.
It shows your secret enemies.
Starzclass
Aspiring Astrologer Activity: 12 Houses
In your astrology journal, and referring to your natal chart, please do the following:
Write a short interpretation on each house. Mention the sign on the cusp, the house ruler, if there is an intercepted sign in the house and any planet in the house (100 words for each house).
Astrologers know that life comes in cycles. One of the more obvious cycle is the seasonal changes we experience as the Sun moves through the zodiac and enters a cardinal sign every three months.
Signs can be categorized by their components of polarity (masculine or feminine), element (fire, earth, air or water) and mode (cardinal, fixed or mutable).
Signs can be interpreted by these three distinct components in a broad way.
This time we will take a look at the meaning of each sign in more detail and discover some of the personality traits, body parts, careers, and correlations associated with each sign.
This is not to say that someone with the Sun in a particular sign will have that specific career, but it shows the inclinations for someone with a strong sign energy, through multiple planets, or if the Midheaven in that sign, to be attracted to the type of a careers and activities associated with the sign.
The Meaning of the Signs
Each sign has a different meaning and when a planet is in one sign it will behave differently to when in another sign.
In your chart the planets will be in a variety of signs.
The Sun passes through all the tropical signs.
There are twelve signs of the tropical zodiac: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.
The signs start at Aries the first sign and end at Pisces the twelfth sign.
Pisces is the sign of the Fish. Its symbol is two fish tethered together but swimming in the opposite direction. The Sun is in Pisces from February 21st to March 21st.
Alison helps 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. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.
If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email atstarzology@gmail.com.
More Articles
If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.
Author: Alison Price - Published: October 2025 Introduction Five-a-Side This time we're giving you are top ten tips about astrology and astrology readings. Five tips are from me, Alison, and the other five tips are from Arwynne.5 Top Tips for Aspiring Astrologers...
Author: Alison Price - Published: August 2025 The Moon's Aspects The Moon As the Moon is the first planet that you will interpret when you do an astrology reading. The Moon's aspects are also super important. When you start out with aspects, I suggest you only...
Hi, I’m Alison Price, an astrologer and podcaster helping aspiring astrologers read charts with confidence. At Starzology, I share clear lessons, tips and resources from beginner basics to advanced techniques so you can connect with the cosmic story and grow your skills one starry insight at a time.
Looking to bring a piece of my artwork into your home? I'm thrilled to announce that select pieces are now available in my Redbubble shop! You can find this featured image as both greeting cards and stickers. Your support helps me continue creating astronomical art that celebrates the wonders of the cosmos. Visit my shop to browse the collection.
Extras
