Astrology is old as time, and we have read and heard stories about Kings, Queens, Emperors, and World Leaders using it to find answers and guidance. After all, if they used Astrology for help, why won’t you?
People have been curious and relying on Astrology for centuries, so it is only fair to give you a chance to learn more about the science of the stars and planets.
You are probably already familiar with your Sun sign and maybe even your Ascendant, but Astrology is so much more than that!
Don’t worry. This Guide, right here, will help you dive deeper into Astrology’s meaning and make things simpler for you. So the next time you read your horoscope and Birth Chart, you will be able to understand it better and find out so much more.
Astrology’s Influence on Tarot Readings
Astrology plays a significant role in understanding and interpreting tarot cards, as both systems share a common symbolic language. By incorporating astrology into tarot reading, it can provide a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the cards and their messages.
Each of the 78 tarot cards has astrological correspondences, which can provide additional layers of meaning to a reading. The 22 Major Arcana cards are often associated with specific zodiac signs, planets, or elements, while the 56 Minor Arcana cards are connected to the four elements and their corresponding zodiac signs.
For example, The Emperor card is associated with Aries, and The Lovers card is linked to Gemini. By understanding the astrological associations, a tarot reader can provide a more comprehensive interpretation of the cards in a spread.
The Signs of the Zodiac Wheel
The placement the Sun occupies at your exact moment of birth is known as your Sun sign, and also, sometimes, it is referred to as a Star sign, Zodiac sign, or Birth sign. Your Sun sign represents your self-expression and main personality traits. Therefore, reading about it can help you find out important characteristics about yourself and your talents.
From an astronomical perspective, we are aware that the Sun stays still, and it is actually the Earth that circles around it. As Earth orbits the Sun, it appears to pass in front of different constellations or, in Astrology, known as the Zodiac signs.
From an Astrology point of view, we look as if the Sun is “moving” and takes about a year to form a complete circle. So now we have the Zodiac Wheel, divided into 12 parts where each Sun sign occupies one-twelfth or 30 degrees.
The Sun changes signs every 30 days, known as a “season.” So, for example, when the Sun is in Aries, we have the Aries season, which is a one-month period till the Sun occupies the next sign in line and announces the following “season.”
We have 12 Sun Signs as part of the Zodiac; Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Then, depending on where the Sun was at the time of your birth, you get assigned your Astrology Sign.
The Signs and the Elements
Astrology divides the Zodiac signs into four groups according to their element – Fire, Earth, Air, and Water.
Fire Signs – Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.
Fire signs are passionate, energetic, and full of enthusiasm. They want to live life freely and be adventurous. Unfortunately, patience is not their virtue, so they tend to overlook small details and do things their way.
Earth Signs – Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.
Earth signs are calm, trustworthy, and grounded. They live life at their own pace and avoid stress by taking their time to do things. They are incredibly loyal and practical, but the strong need for stability can often make them inflexible.
Air Signs – Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.
Air signs are creative, fun, and full of ideas. They live life fast and to the fullest. They often tend to be ahead of their time with their visions, and their minds work overtime. Focus is not their strong side, so you can easily notice bouncing from one thing to another.
Water Signs – Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.
Water signs are intuitive, sensual, and sensitive. As empaths, they thrive on emotions and choose to believe in the best of people. However, you can never fool them as their intuition is stronger than anyone can imagine.
The Signs Divided by Modality
There is also another categorization of the Zodiac signs in three groups – Cardinal, Mutable, and Flexible according to Modalities, also known as Qualities of the signs. It shows how they express their elements.
Cardinal
Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn are associated with the beginning of the season and are the initiators of the Zodiac. These people are fine starting things from scratch and changing directions.
Fixed
Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius are associated with the middle of a season when nature is calm and stable, like the nature of the signs. These people are determined and quite persistent in achieving what they want.
Mutable
Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces are associated with a change of season, and they are amazing mediators. These people adapt to change quickly and easily and cushion the process of transformation for others as well.
Find out more about the 12 Zodiac Signs.
Before we begin to explore the basic traits and characteristics of the signs, there is something else very important to learn about. Since the Sun sign is calculated at local time and date, if one is born in Europe and another in Australia, depending on the time, they might have different Zodiac signs as we calculate time differently, as we have different time zones.
In addition, when a person is born on, for example, 20th March, which is when Pisces ends and Aries begins on 21, it is said they are born on a Zodiac cusp. This means that although a person can’t have two signs (you are only assigned one), they can still have traits from both Sun signs.
So now, without delay, let us dive into your sign’s main traits and characteristics.
Aries
(March 21 – April 19)
It is no wonder these people love to be number one! The Zodiac Wheel starts with Aries, represented by the Ram. Confident, incredibly charming, and passionate, Aries can’t seem to stay in one place for longer than 5 minutes. They are the athletes of the Zodiac but also one of the most stubborn people you will ever meet.
Taurus
(April 20 – May 20)
Calm and grounded, it seems these people are always in a Zen mood. Represented by the Bull, mighty Taurus will amaze you with their determination and loyalty. These people always keep their word, and you can rely on their help and support anytime. However, being big fans of stability, they tend to be pretty resistant to changes.
Gemini
(May 21 – June 20)
Fun and easygoing, the Twins will quickly charm everyone around them with their friendly nature and amazing storytelling abilities. Since their sign represents duality, it is not a surprise for the Gemini to change their mind in a blink of an eye. They are incredibly creative and true social butterflies.
Cancer
(June 21 – July 22)
People born under this sign are kind and nurturing. Moreover, they are incredibly protective over the people they love and are highly empathic. Represented by the Crab and a water sign, it is not a surprise they enjoy being near water, as it calms their nerves and soul. Because of their sensitive nature, avoiding negative people and energy is important.
Leo
(July 23 – August 22)
Generous and fabulous, they always get the room’s attention. Represented by the King of the jungle, these people are born leaders and love to be in the spotlight. They live life lavishly and can make everyone want a taste of that lifestyle. Leo has a big heart, and their confidence is radiant.
Virgo
(August 23 – September 22)
The Zodiac’s perfectionists will charm everyone with their amazing organizational skills and excellent communication abilities. Virgos are great with details, so if you need someone to do the job the best way possible, you should turn to them. Hardworking and practical, they will always satisfy and complete things.
Libra
(September 23 – October 22)
Always on their best behavior, people born under this sign will make you feel like you are in the presence of royalty. They own incredible diplomatic skills and manage to smooth over difficulties and hardships almost effortlessly. Libra is not a sign that likes to get into arguments but rather lives life in harmony and balance.
Scorpio
(October 23 – November 21)
Mysterious and attracted to danger, Scorpio has a magnetic effect on people. Their strong intuition is almost never wrong, which is the secret to their success. In addition, they love power and being in charge, so it is not an exception to find themself in power struggles with authoritative people.
Sagittarius
(November 22 – December 21)
Represented by the Archer, these people are fearless. They love to live life in the most adventurous and freest way possible. Spontaneous and always ready to make a change of scenery, Sagittarius can be the ideal travel buddy. Their connection with nature and spirituality is amazing.
Capricorn
(December 22 – January 19)
Ambitious and goal-oriented, these people are the workaholic of the Zodiac. Capricorns are not afraid of a challenge, and their determination always helps them make a breakthrough. They aim high and always push the limit forward. In addition, their favorite competition is with themselves.
Aquarius
(January 20 – February 18)
Known as the Water Bearers, these people represent knowledge, innovations, and ideas. Incredibly creative Aquarius tends to always be a step before everyone else. Rebellious by nature, they are not fans of rules and tend to do things their way, which is why we refer to them as the inventors of the Zodiac.
Pisces
(February 19 – March 20)
The Fish thrive on emotions. These people are highly intuitive and incredibly creative. Pisces people are full of understanding, compassion, and support, so it makes them the ideal friend to turn to if you need a shoulder to cry on. As the dreamers of the Zodiac, their romantic side is very strong.
Monthly Horoscope
As the earth travels through space circling the sun all the stars and planets “move” to. This informs the ever changing horoscope for each and everyone of us.
Your Rising Sign
If the Sun represents you as an individual and the way you express yourself, the Rising sign is how other people perceive you. The first impression you leave on them and how you present yourself into the world.
The sign that was rising on the Eastern skyline at the exact time you were born is your Rising sign. It is more personal as it changes every two hours, compared to your Sun sign, which changes around every 30 days.
So, for example, when you are born under the sign of Gemini, but you seem to be very organized, unlike the usual Twins who love chaos, the answer might be because your Rising sign is Virgo, which is known for being methodical and systematic.
To fully understand your personality and core traits, you must look into your Rising/Ascendant sign. All you need is your date of birth, place, and time. Nowadays, the Internet and the app store on your phone allow you to use many free calculators and find your Rising sign.
Your Moon Sign
The placement of the Moon at the time you were born signifies your Moon sign. It can be calculated in the same way as your Rising Sign.
Since the Moon is directly tied to your feelings, it is only logical that the way you process all of your emotions can be discovered through your Moon sign. It is beneficial to find out which sign the Moon was set when you were born, as this side of you is often hidden from the world.
Knowing your Moon sign can help you deal with feelings easier and in a healthy way. If you’ve always wondered why you act a certain way or why some feelings are triggering for you, here is where Astrology can help.
Aries
You are incredibly passionate, and sometimes it can be hard for you to control your emotions. As a result, you can act very impulsive and even recklessly. You tend to feel every feeling more intense than the rest of the people.
Taurus
You are incredibly calm and rational. The grounded nature of the Bull allows you to act very reasonably, even in the most intense and difficult situations. In addition, you like to do things that arouse your senses and make you feel pleasant emotions.
Gemini
You are prone to mood changes, and reaching emotional stability can be challenging. On the other hand, you are very creative and always feel incredibly enthusiastic about starting new things. As a people pleaser, you tend to show emotions other people expect to feel from you.
Cancer
You are protective and nurturing with caretaking energy. The Cancer Moon explains your sensitive side and the incredible intuition you possess. A good cry is often what helps you release the tension and pressure you feel deep inside.
Leo
You don’t have a problem expressing your emotions and sharing how you feel with those around you. However, your feelings are deeply impacted by other people’s opinions and perceptions about you. Since you love attention, you are more prone to act dramatic even if there is no need for it.
Virgo
It is no wonder why you overanalyze everything and seek clarity even in your most mixed emotions. Having a Virgo Moon means you are always the one worrying about everything and everyone to the point where you may even start feeling anxious.
Libra
Emotional balance is the main key to feeling happy. In addition, you are incredibly romantic and extremely charming. Your secret power is connecting to people’s emotions by carefully listening to them.
Scorpio
You are incredibly passionate and have a gift for reading other people’s emotions. However, it can be difficult for you to open up about your emotions as you prefer to keep most things to yourself.
Sagittarius
You are a free spirit and highly in tune with your spiritual side. The best thing about having a Sagittarius Moon sign is that you have absolutely no problem showing and expressing how you feel! For you repressing emotions is something you almost never practice.
Capricorn
You don’t like to rely on other people, and because showing your emotions can make you vulnerable, it is no exception to politely smile through the pain or anger you feel inside. Learning to share your emotions can be very beneficial for you.
Aquarius
Deep down, you are a very generous person and love to help people. However, expressing your emotions is not your favorite thing. As a result, at times, you may seem emotionally detached and can come out as a person that is too afraid to commit.
Pisces
Your emotions are strongly influenced by other people’s emotions. Having the Moon in Pisces means you are an empath, and what other people feel often reflects on your emotions. You have an incredible ability to put yourself in other people’s skin and feel what they feel.
Your Natal Chart
The most reliable and accurate method to discover more about yourself, your present, past, and future is having an astrologist look at your Natal (Birth) Chart.
Think of your Chart as a snapshot of the sky the moment you were born. It is like your fingerprint as it is unique and one of a kind. However, keep in mind that to receive reliable and accurate information, it is essential to know your precise time of birth, as approximations or estimates will skew the results.
Your Chart portrays the main planets and all aspects they form, and that way, you can have a deeper look into your life and personality. It reveals your strengths and weaknesses and can even help you prepare for significant future events.
Key Details of your Natal Chart
Houses: The 12 Zodiac signs relate to 12 houses in your Chart. Each house has a different meaning and reveals a different aspect of your life. With your exact time of birth, you can find out which planets circulate in which house and what are the effects of that transit.
Aspects: If you are not deep into Astrology, aspects can be a bit confusing. Luckily you have this Guide to help you understand the basic meaning of all the lines going through your Chart. Namely, all the planets form so-called aspects with each other, which are divided into five major forms: Conjunction, Opposition, Trine, Square, and Sextile.
Of the five major aspects in Astrology, some are considered to be “hard” aspects (Opposition; Square), and others “easy” aspects (Sextile; Trine) or also known as “soft” aspects.
The Conjunction is when planets are within 0° of each other on the Chart (or close to it). We can’t say whether it is a hard or soft aspect as it depends on the planet’s energies. For example, it can be a great aspect if the planets’ energies blend well together. On the other hand, if the planets’ energies are incompatible, it creates discomfort and difficulties.
Meaning of the Planets
Besides the Sun and the Moon, there are seven main planets in Astrology that influence your Chart. As mentioned, they all have specific meanings in different areas of your life.
Here is what each celestial body relates to:
Mercury – The planet of communication offers insight into your relationship with others.
Venus – The planet of love, harmony, and money.
Mars – The planet of passion, energy, and power.
Jupiter – The planet of growth, expansion, and luck.
Saturn – The planet of order, rules, and discipline.
Uranus – The planet of rebellion, changes, and unexpected events.
Pluto – The planet of death, rebirth, and transformation.
Final thoughts,
Astrology is not simple, and it takes time and effort to fully understand it. However, it can be a fun ride as it gives you a chance to learn something new about yourself and the people around you. Most importantly, it helps you learn from your past, gives you guidance in the present, and prepares you for the future.
There is so much more to mention, and we can go even deeper into all details and fragments, but for now, this should be a great start. This is a significant first step toward understanding the meaning of Astrology. Remember, Astrology only gives your guidance and helps you see the opportunities in front of you. At the end of the day, you are still the one that makes the final decisions and choices. It is up to you to create the best life for yourself!
