5 Planetary Complex Tips Chart Reading

5 Planetary Complex Tips Chart Reading

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Chart Complexes

There are many techniques which you can use to read a birth chart and one highly popular method is with chart complexes.

A complex contains everything to do with a particular feature in a chart

You can have house complexes, point (Ascendant, Lunar node, Part of Fortune etc.) complexes and planetary complexes.

In this post we’re going to look at planetary complexes.

A Planetary Complex

Each planet in your chart will have its own complex.

There will be the Sun complex, the Moon complex, Jupiter’s complex and even Eris’ complex.

Planetary Complex Components

The five components that go to make a planetary complex are the planet’s:

  • Meaning
  • Sign
  • Aspects
  • Position
  • Influence

Let’s have a look at each planetary complex component in detail.

1 Planet’s Meaning

The planet in question always retains its core meaning.

For example, Mercury will always have the urge to communicate, and Mars will always have the urge to initiate actions.

Pay attention to a planet’s keywords.

2 Planet’s Sign

When considering a planet in a sign you always want to find if there is any essential dignity.

This feature itself is probably the most prominent influence when considering a planets complex.

Rulership

A planet in rulership is resilient.

Planets in rulership can work at their full potential 100% of the time.

Any planet in its own sign has the urge to dominate and express itself in the person’s life.

This is likely to be one of the top planets in the chart.

Exaltation

A planet in exaltation, is robust and walks towards the light.

If there is an exalted planet and there are no planets in rulership, the exalted planet will push itself forward into the person’s life.

Fall

A planet in fall, will benefit from support from other planets to achieve its potential.

Planets in fall can easily be dragged down by challenges from the malefic planets.

Detriment

A planet in detriment will struggle to express itself in this person’s life.

This planet will need a lot of work to see its positive energy.

A debilitated planet is likely to effortlessly turn towards the dark side.

Face

A planet with face, steps forward and wants to help the person.

Term

A planet with term, is usually a nice-to-have and will support any planet struggling to move forward.

3 Planetary Aspects

Challenges or support from other planets are shown by the aspects.

Most planets have aspects to the other planets.

Consider the nature of the aspects themselves and the planet making the aspect.

Hard Aspects

The hard aspects are the opposition, the contra-parallel, the square, the semi-square and the sesquiquadrate.

Hard aspects bring challenges and energy is required to overcome the friction or obstacles expressed by the aspect.

Soft Aspects

The soft aspects are the trine and the sextile.

Soft aspects bring ease and support and boost the planet in the nature of the other planet making the aspect.

Neutral Aspects

The neutral aspects are the conjunction and the parallel.

Impartial aspects may be supportive or non-energetic.

These unbiased aspects add robustness to the planet in question.

Unaspected Planets

A planet is unaspected if it does not receive a Ptolemaic aspect from another planet.

Do not consider aspects from the points when determining unaspectedness.

4 Planetary Position

There are some positions that planet may have in a chart which are more important than other placements.

It’s like being in the right place at the right time.

High in the Chart

When a planet is high and near the top, at the most elevated position or in the Midheaven Gauquelin sector in a chart, it becomes more significant.

A planet in this position supports what you do in the outside world and in the public domain.

East in the Chart

When a planet is placed in the east, at the Ascendant position, either rising or in the Ascendant Gauquelin sector or bothit attains more significance.

A planet in this position supports your personal brand, message and the impression you make on others.

Proximity to the Sun

When a planet has solar proximity by being either cazimi, combust or under-the-beams it may add to, or detract from, the planet’s ability to express itself.

A planet in this position needs further consideration.

5 Planetary Influence

Through the principle of chart division, we can slice the chart up in several ways.

A planet may have influence over several sectors of the chart although some planets have no sway through chart division.

Hemisphere Ruler

There are four hemispheres in each chart, the Eastern, Western, Northern and Southern hemispheres.

When a planet is a hemisphere ruler by being on the cusp of the hemisphere, it brings a broad influence over half of the chart.

Either the self (Eastern hemisphere), others (Western hemisphere), the public life (Southern hemisphere) or the private life (Northern hemisphere).

If it is a tenant in the hemisphere that it rules, it increases its authority.

Quadrant Ruler

There are four quadrants in each chart the first, second, third and fourth quadrants.

When a planet is a quadrant ruler by being on the cusp of the quadrant, it has influence over one quarter of the chart.

If the planet is a tenant in the quadrant which it rules, it gains dynamic power.

House Ruler

There are twelve houses in each chart.

When a planet is a house ruler by being on the cusp of the house, it impacts the area of life shown by the house.

If the planet is a tenant in a house which it rules, is intensifies its dominance.

Triple Division Ruler

There are three triple divisions in a chart, the first, second and third triple division.

When a planet is a triple division ruler by being on the cusp of the division, it impacts the Me (first triple division), We (second triple division), or You (third triple division), message shown by the division.

If the planet is a tenant in a triple division which it rules, is intensifies the main keyword of the division (Me, We or You).

Influence Assessment

When analyzing a birth chart, go through and work out every planet complex and determine which are the dominant planets within a chart.

Having attained a full picture of each planet’s complex you can decide just how influential each planet is in the chart.

This may bring up some surprising results.

It is often at this time that you realize that perhaps the Sun and the Moon are not as influential as you thought and maybe Uranus is a dominant planet within a chart.

Birth Chart Steve Wozniak

Example Chart Steve Wozniak

Sun Planetary Complex

Meaning: Identity, ego and self-awareness.

Sign: Leo dignity sign ruler

Aspects Soft: Trine Chiron and sextile Neptune.

Aspects Neutral: Conjoined Pluto.

Position: 11th House. Dispositor tree top line.

Influence: Rules and is in the 11th House.

Moon Planetary Complex

Meaning: Feelings, reactions and needs.

Sign: Cancer in dignity sign ruler.

Aspects Hard: Square Mars.

Aspects Soft: Trine North Node

Aspects Neutral: Conjoined Venus.

Position: 10th House. Dispositor tree top line.

Influence: Cancer is intercepted so the Moon has no place to rule.

Mercury Planetary Complex

Meaning: Languages, ideas, thinking and trade.

Sign: Virgo dignity well placed.

Aspects hard: Semi-square Mars and square Chiron.

Aspects neutral: Conjunct and parallel Saturn so a double whammy.

Position: 12th house. Dispositor tree top line.

Influence: Rules Chart, rules and is in the Eastern hemisphere, rules and is in the Northern hemisphere, rules 1st quadrant, rules 4th quadrant, rules 1st house, 10th house and 12th house.

Jupiter Planetary Complex

Meaning: Growth, vision and luck.

Sign: Pisces retrograde, in dignity, has face essential dignity and is traditional sign ruler.

Aspects soft: Water Grand Trine with Mars and Uranus. Note these are the only Jupiter Aspects.

Position: In 6th house. Dispositor tree top line.

Influence: Rules and is in the Western hemisphere, rules and is in the 2nd quadrant and rules and is in the 6th House

Uranus Planetary Complex

Meaning: Computers and the internet, lateral thinking and breaks.

Sign: Cancer, no essential dignity.

Aspects soft: Water Grand Trine with Mars and Jupiter.

Aspects hard: Square Neptune.

Aspects neutral: Parallel Pluto.

Position: Most Elevated, Midheaven Gaquelin Sector and 10th house.

Influence: Rules 5th house.

Transiting and Progressed Planets

The planetary complexes indicate how that planet will fare and express itself for this person when it influences the chart by transit or progression.

Any planet which is weaker in the natal chart, when transiting or progressing the chart by aspect is likely to be weaker as well.

To know a planet’s natal strength can help determine whether as a forecast indicator it will be influential or not for this individual.

This shows up in instances where perhaps in a chart with a weak Saturn complex, and therefore their Saturn Return is not as challenging for that person as it is for the person whose Saturn is the most dominant planet in the chart by complex.

Warmly,

Alison

Aspiring Astrologer Activity

In your astrology journal and referencing your birth chart and a current ephemeris, please do the following:

working on charts

Natal

  • List the five key features of Planetary Complexes.
  • Choose every planet from the Sun to Pluto and list their Planetary Complexes.
  • Select the planet with most substantial and important Planetary Complex and fully analyze and get to know this planet.

Transits

  • See which house your most important planet (by planetary complex) is transiting today.
  • List the aspects it will make to your natal chart in the next twelve months and enter them in your calendar.
  • On a monthly basis, monitor these transits and ponder how they are unlolding in your life.

Blogs and Articles

More astro information from our blog.

 

The Yod – Major Aspect Pattern

The Yod – Major Aspect Pattern

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A Yod is an astrological planetary configuration also know as a major aspect pattern which is formed when three planets line-up in a particular way.

A yod looks like a triangle. See image.

This week the three planets in the current yod are Jupiter in Gemini, Saturn in Scorpio and Pluto in Capricorn.

You can also refer to this current pattern as a Jupiter Yod because Jupiter is the focal planet.

How to Create an Astrology Study Group

How to Create an Astrology Study Group

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by Alison Price

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.

 

Prices

Prices

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Note to Readers

I am reviewing my pricing and I am moving towards a donation based pricing system. This will allow everyone to pay what they can afford and what they feel comfortable with.

For more information email me at starzology@gmail.com

 

Private Astrology Classes

These classes are all by Zoom one-on-one with Alison.

Price Details

These prices are per person.

All classes, consultations and services are prepaid.

If you want to have a class with your sister, friend or mother each person pays the same amount.

You cannot take one class and then decide to swap it for a semester and get a reduced rate.

If money is tight you should carefully consider whether astrology is for you at this time. See if you qualify for a free class.

Consultations and Readings

Intermediate Reading (One hour) –

Beginner’s Astrology: Natal (16 Classes)

Semester One: Basic Natal Charts

Signs, planets, points, houses and aspects.

Semester Two: Advanced Natal Charts

Essential dignity, Lunar phases, retrograde, Nodes, chart shape etc.

Intermediate Astrology: Natal (16 Classes)

Semester One:

Dignities, phases, retrograde, most elevated, derivative and oriental.

Semester Two:

Proximity, Anticia, synodic cycles, moiety and dexter.

Advanced Astrology: Forecasting (16 Classes)

Semester One: Direct Astrological Forecasting

Transits, solar returns and eclipses.

Semester Two: Indirect Astrological Forecasting

Secondary progressions, solar arc directions and mundane.

Vocational Astrology: Money and Career (2 Classes)

Your passion, earning and soft skills.

Chart challenges and job seeking tips.

Relationship Astrology (4 Classes)

Love and Romance Questions

Synastry and chart comparison, composite midpoints, Davison charts, Wedding Elections.

Your Astrology Business Setup (2 Classes)

Basic Business Setup

Start charts, website, products and services.

Privacy and mission statements.

Astrology Mentorship (by the hour)

Individual sessions to focus on your knowledge gaps.

Client work advice.

Practise readings so you can get better.

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The Great Year and the Age of Aquarius

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Believe in the Chart

Believe in the Chart

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by Alison Price

Those of us brave enough to step into the world of helping others carry a special burden.

As counseling astrologers we can sometimes be reticent to tell the story in the chart as it is, as opposed to how we would like it to be.

Life paths and motivations indicated in a chart may not sit well with us and we could easily think scenarios suggested in the nativity are unsuitable to mention to the client.

Thoughts run through our minds and we wonder if people do in fact live like this. This colouration of issues and facts all stems from the internals of our own charts.

The Window

What we choose to come into this world with is suggested by our natal chart and the planets, houses, signs and aspects that make each one of us unique.

Consider correlating your natal chart, and so the one that you are living with, to a stained glass window made from a variety of colours, shapes and textures some little panes transparent, some not perhaps some even rose tinted.

Looking out we still see the world as others do (a tree is still a tree) but our view is filtered by the combinations of planetary complexes from our own charts. It is almost as if we are standing behind a magnificent kaleidoscope and the light is shining in.

Other people will see different shapes, patterns and emphases as they perceive the world via their own vantage point.

The Friend

A while back I sent a preliminary astrological interpretation to my dearest friend. She is not my oldest friend in age, but I have known her for the longest time.

We were at school together. Over the years we had not kept in touch until one day last spring when, thanks to the miracle of the internet and social networking, we caught up with each other again.

There are many things in her life that she has experienced which I know nothing about and there are no doubt innumerable adventures she has taken and people she has met in the missing thirty-five years since we last spoke face to face.

In my initial interpretation of her nativity there were the usual standard clues of astrological information. You know the sort of thing, planets in signs, houses and aspects.  Some features more prominent than others but generally a regular birth chart.

Her chart suggested she had a life spent going down roads of the type that had never opened up for me.

Not having first hand experience I was hesitant to delicately express the situations shown by her natal chart. Deciding to bite the bullet, and as calmly as possible, I began to broach the subjects showing her darker side.

There is much wrangling in astrological circles about who to charge and how much usually depending on your competence and experience. My recent policy is to provide complimentary astrological services for family and friends.

That really means doing free work for family and friends. Who are my friends? Well they are those people who I met before they knew I was an astrologer.

At this stage in my career I thought I had all my family and friend’s charts nailed down, but suddenly here was a new chart for an old friend and in a way it was very exciting indeed because I knew her.

She had expressed an interest in my craft on several occasions in our tentative emails so I thought it was time to take the plunge and send her one of my fabulous interpretations.

With her given time on the hour (which we know is not really correct) and a totally unexpected birth place (one always has to check these things) I constructed a birth chart for her.

My approach for her interpretation was to stick to the bones and use broad strokes by focussing on outlining quadrants, modes and elemental balances. I felt my report was solid astrology without excessive detail.

Some may even say I suffer from TMI (too much information). I clicked ‘send’ and off it went to her living on another continent.

The Remorse

That night I couldn’t sleep. What gave me the right to mention her problems, bring up her internal angst, expose issues with her demons, dragons, life situations and experiences not suitable for dinner party conversations?

I was mortified by what I had said in my report and wished to have it all undone in the blink of an eye.

The next morning her return email was flashing in my inbox. I was sweating. It was one thing to lose contact with someone for thirty-five years and another to lose that same person within six months of getting back in touch.

But there it was positive feedback showing the beauty of astrology.

“Wow, thank you so much this is more than I had hoped for. You are so correct I am amazed. I shall re-read it all again and then get back to you. Thank you” she gushed.

Phew!

The Chart

The chart never lies only we do. I had talked myself into a funk about her reaction and had forgotten that the nativity speaks for itself. We as students of astrology have to listen and bring the story to life for the client by taking the role of interpreter.

This has been a learning experience to me. Clients with tricky areas in their charts often know about them already and have taken them on board.

Although I found myself feeling uncomfortable about many things that my friend’s astrology was saying, to her it was all old news.

Looking at life through my strongly Virgo stained glass window this has been a lesson in being self-critical with a need to openly embrace the possibilities and potentials that others experience as a matter of course.

 

10 Classic Comments Astrology Clients Make

10 Classic Comments Astrology Clients Make

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by Alison Price

Astrology is a fascinating subject which draws in individuals from many walks of life. As a professional you meet numerous varied and interesting people.

Perceptions that clients have of an astrologer’s abilities are clearly shown in the wide range of remarks that are heard in a consulting room.

These comments simply highlight the point of view held by the average person. Take a look through the list below and see if anything rings true for you.

1 “If I hadn’t already paid I would have cancelled.”

This is a classic comment. The client is wary and apprehensive. Had he or she not made the payment they would have not have arrived at the appointment.

The solution may be to take a deposit at the booking. The hard truth here is, if you do not accept remuneration upfront, you will probably experience many no-shows.

2 “I have brought a friend to sit in on the reading.”

This happens with brand new clients. If he or she has not already met you they could have a vision that a consultation includes the slaughter of a chicken and writing in blood.

They are apprehensive of what is to come. It may seem crazy that anyone would think this. It is your job to ensure you present a professional countenance at all times.

3 “I thought you may say I am a bad person.”

This stems from the view that astrologers are in some way able to criticize or judge their customer’s character, actions or lifestyle choices.

We all feel we could be better in many ways and your client thinks that you can see his or her flaws and will comment about them. Everyone is acutely aware of his or her shortcomings. Perhaps you need to emanate an impression of kindness and understanding.

Being an astrologer places you in a strong position over others or so it seems to them.

4 “I was wary about what you could tell me.”

They are not sure of the reach and depth that an astrology consultation can take. It is natural to be unsure of being exposed in some way. It is the astrologer’s job to make their client comfortable.

Reaching out to people can take many forms. Discuss the obvious chart indicators before delving into the darker realms of their chart.

5 “I was worried you would not like me.”

Often the client thinks you will make personal comments about their life or way of living.

He or she may have old ideas brought forward over the past two thousand years when astrology has been brought from the dark ages into the twenty-first century.

6 “I thought you were going to tell me I am going to die.”

There is a common misconception that the general public thinks the natal chart automatically says when someone will die.

Your customers generally do not want to know this type of information. Even if you believe you can predict death it is not advisable to discuss your thoughts on the matter.

Probably the best way to quash their fears is to state at the booking that you will not be considering their demise.

7 “You have the power today which concerns me.”

Many people fear giving up their personal power or control and this can show up in a client’s resistance to a reading. It is only natural and comes under the title of “letting others in.” Astrology is tantalizing to many.

The thought of someone seeing into their very being is very self-centered and which is what we offer in readings. One hour to discuss the individual and only them is intoxicating for some but daunting to others.

8 “I don’t believe in astrology.”

A section of people do not believe in astrology but at the same time they are curious.

This is an opportunity for an astrologer to explore the chart in a way, which the client is comfortable. Focusing on the main message of the squares in a chart will give the client something to immediately relate.

The best outcome for this person is that they leave the consulting room with a positive image of the modern astrologer.

9 “I am anxious about this.”

Many people are indeed anxious about laying their soul bare to the intense scrutiny of an astrologer. Your very presence can make some individuals twitchy.

We are in a counseling profession. Your customers need to feel safe. This can be achieved by allowing them to work through their issues in a supportive environment.

10 “Will you tell my wife?”

There is only one correct answer here. “No, you won’t tell his wife.”

Whatever comes out during an appointment, the good, the bad and the ugly, remember that discretion is everything. You have to be confidential with your customer’s disclosures.

No doubt you will hear things you wished you had not but that goes with the territory. Astrologers who do not hold their client consultations private will soon have a reputation as such.

Conclusion

It is up to you as an astrologer to be prepared for your client’s general apprehensions and worries about astrology.

Much of these misconceptions can be allayed by the professionalism that you bring to your work. The public needs to discover that modern astrology is both relevant and useful.

First prize is for your clients to go forward speaking your praises and those of our profession.

Make sure you not only have excellent interpretation skills so you can correctly delineate a chart but also ensure you bring your human side and add to astrology’s reputation in a positive way.