Symbology and signification of sights and planets

Astrology zodiak elements

The twelve astrology signs are grouped into four essential elements to which life would not be possible without. They are air, fire, water and earth. Each of these four elements has characteristics independent to each that the twelve astrology signs are based upon. The symbolism is so exact that the element that your astrology sign lies under greatly influences your personality traits and your characteristics. All of the elements must work in sync with each other so that one does not get out of control, they have to co-exist peacefully in order to sustain a balance in life. That is what astrology signs are about, balancing yourself and others in the game of life.

Planets and they signification

In addition to the Earth, Astrology deals with ten planets, namely the Sun, the Moon (the two luminaries are considered planets in astrology), Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. Minor celestial bodies, such as the Dark Moon, asteroids and the nodal axis, are also taken into account, and are addressed at the end of this chapter. Each planet has its precise function in the natal chart, and represents a specific energy. The planet's action is influenced by the sign it tenants. It plays out primarily in the area of life indicated by the house where it is posited.

The planets are divided into two classes: personal planets, (or fast-moving planets), and collective planets (or slow-moving planets).

The personal planets are the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars. They are said to be fast-moving because it takes them a short time to travel the Zodiacal circle (from a minimum of 28 days for the Moon to a maximum of 1 year and 220 days for Mars). As they quickly shift from one sign to the other, they release their energies very differently in each individual.

The other planets are slower and require between 12 to 249 years to travel through the entire Zodiac, depending on the planet considered. This is the reason why they are called collective planets, with the exception of Jupiter and Saturn, because their motion is faster. Collective planets remain in a sign for several years and their energies affect one or several generations. Therefore, their influence on the individual's personality is less important.

The Sun and the Moon are two valuable sources of information on the individual's basic psychology. They are of utmost importance for the interpretation of the natal chart, and are called Luminaries because they are the brightest planets

Houses and Aspects in the Birth Chart

In astrology, an aspect is defined by the angular distance between two planets. The nature of the aspect depends on the number of degrees separating the two planets. Aspects are of utmost importance in assessing the natal chart because they help in identifying the nature of the relationship, whether hard or soft, between the energies released by the planets involved, which constitutes all the complexity and richness of the personality.

Aspects express themselves more or less strongly according to their importance, or lack of. Moreover, angles between planets never exactly match the standard definition of aspects. Thus, the exactness of the aspect, referred to as "orb" in astrology, is to be considered. If the orb is tight (almost exact aspect), the aspect is more powerful. If the planets are linked by a wide orb aspect, their influence is less strong. Each aspect is allowed a different orb, and traditionally, some astrology schools assign them slightly differing coefficients.

In natal charts, usually accepted orbs (exactness of aspect) are 9 to 10 degrees for oppositions and conjunctions, 7 to 9 degrees for trines and squares, 4 to 6 degrees for sextiles, 2 degrees for quincunxes and sesqui-squares, around 1 degree for semi-sextiles and semi-squares, and often 0.5 to 1 degree for quintiles and their family (semi-quintiles and bi-quintiles).

Much smaller orbs are used in forecasting and synastry works because these techniques require that aspects be more exact if they are to be efficient.

In astrology, an aspect is defined by the angular distance between two planets. The nature of the aspect depends on the number of degrees separating the two planets. Aspects are of utmost importance in assessing the natal chart because they help in identifying the nature of the relationship, whether hard or soft, between the energies released by the planets involved, which constitutes all the complexity and richness of the personality.

Aspects express themselves more or less strongly according to their importance, or lack of. Moreover, angles between planets never exactly match the standard definition of aspects. Thus, the exactness of the aspect, referred to as "orb" in astrology, is to be considered. If the orb is tight (almost exact aspect), the aspect is more powerful. If the planets are linked by a wide orb aspect, their influence is less strong. Each aspect is allowed a different orb, and traditionally, some astrology schools assign them slightly differing coefficients.

In natal charts, usually accepted orbs (exactness of aspect) are 9 to 10 degrees for oppositions and conjunctions, 7 to 9 degrees for trines and squares, 4 to 6 degrees for sextiles, 2 degrees for quincunxes and sesqui-squares, around 1 degree for semi-sextiles and semi-squares, and often 0.5 to 1 degree for quintiles and their family (semi-quintiles and bi-quintiles).

Much smaller orbs are used in forecasting and synastry works because these techniques require that aspects be more exact if they are to be efficient.

Conjunction - 0°

The conjunction tends to be a harmonious aspect. Its quality depends greatly on the planets involved, as well as on how close the aspect is. For example, a conjunction between the Sun and Mercury is generally regarded as harmonious. If, however, the distance between them is less than a few degrees, Mercury is said to be “burnt” or “in combustion”, with corresponding results. In general, the conjunction shows an immediate connection which usually works in one way or another.



Opposition - 180°Although the opposition is generally regarded as “disharmonious” or dynamic, it often has quite a motivating and energizing effect. Here too, the quality of the aspect depends on the planets involved, and on what one makes of it. On the whole, an opposition between two planets creates tension between them, often with positive results.



Square - 90°The square is regarded as a disharmonious aspect, the planets involved seem to be “blocked”. The problems that arise from the square keep on turning up, like a bad penny. The difficulty lies in trying to reconcile two forces that are trying to move in completely different directions. Usually this takes the form of desires and needs which are mutually exclusive.



Trine - 120°The trine is a harmonious aspect, the planets involved work together in a complementary fashion, enriching one another. Trines show where our natural talents lie, whether we actually make use of them or not is up to us.



Sextil - 60°The sextile tends to have a harmonious effect, depending of course on the planets involved.