Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The Basics of Astrology Explained
The Basics of Astrology Explained
~ I
Now for the first time you can learn the basics of astrology
in one, easy-to-read book. Astrology for Beginners ex-
plains all of the essentials including planets, houses, as-
pects, chart construction, interpretation and much more.
",, ' 10111' William Hewitt explains each Sun Sign with sim-
I'"' IIV nnd accuracy in an easy-to-understand manner. He
I,,, 10" Io ".,he three different methods for constructing your
, 10,11 1 11111 modern way, the fast way, and the original ,.
.'
'\' .uul f;ives a detailed description of each. '
•
I" I \' 0 ' v ,'i1": this book is simple and clear, Many descrip-
II , ''' 'I rl ' 0' . " pported with illustrated examples including
I I"" 111' . own natal chart. '
II I< Iot",t"S!! for Beginners you will learn all ofthe fun-
",,·,,1,,1. " l lh,: amazing science of astrology!
Llewellyn's Modem Astrology Library
About the Author
William W. Hew itt has been p racticing astrology professionally, as
an avocatio n, since ea rly 1974. He is a me mbe r of the Am erican Fed -
eration of Astrologers and specialize s in natal cha rts and interpreta-
tion . Hewitt has also been a professional clinical hypn otist since
1972. He has his own practice in Colorado wh ere he resides. A
member o f the Nati onal Writer's Club, Hewitt lectures on various
subjects including astrology, hypnosis, psychic phe nomena, mind
control. and othe r areas. He is the author of Hypnosis, Beyond Hyp-
Astrology
For Beginners
nosis, and r ea LeafReading.
1999
Llewellyn Pu blica tio ns
~ ; t. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0383, U.S.A.
About th e Llewellyn Modem Astrology Library
Astrology for Beginners. Copyright © 1991 by William W. Hewi tt. All
righ ts reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any
The books in this series are on the leading edge of prac-
manner wha tsoever, inclu ding Internet usage, without written per- tical and applied astrology as we move toward the culmi-
mission from Uewe llyn Publications, except in the case of bri ef qu o- nation of the 20th century.
tations embod ied in critical articles and review s. This is not speculative astrology, nor astrology so eso-
teric as to have little practical application in meeting the
needs of people in these critical times. Yet, these books go
FIRST EDITION far beyond the mean ing of "practicality". as seen prior to
Ninth printing, 1999 the 1990s. Our needs are spiritual as well as mundane,
planetary as well as particular, evolutionary as well as
progressive. Astrology gro ws with the times, and our
Cover design by Christophe r Wells
times make heavy demand s upon Intelligence and Wis-
dom.
Library of Cong ress Ca taloging-in-Publication Da ta The au thors are all professional astrologers drawing
Hew itt, William W., 1929- from their own practice and knowledge of historical per-
Astrology for beginners : an easy guide to under standing and sons and events, demonstrating proof of their conclusions
interpreting your chart / by William W. He w itt. with the horoscopes of real people in real situa tions.
P' em. _ (Llew ellyn' s modem astrology library series) Modern Astrol ogy relates the individual person to the
Includes bibliographical references. Universe in which he / she lives, not as a passive victim of
ISBN 0-87542-307-8 alien forces but as an active participant in an environment
1. Astrology. I. Title. II. Series .
expanded to the breadth and depth of the Cosmos. We are
BF1708.1.H48 1992
'91-36399 not alone, and our responsibilities are infinite.
133.5-<1c20
CIP The horoscope is both a measure and a guide to per-
sonal movement-seeing every act undertaken, ever y de-
Llew ellyn w erld wtde d oes no t pa rticipate in, endorse, o r ha ve any authori ty or rcspon-
cision made, every event as timedynamic: with effects that
sibility concern ing p riva te b usiness transactions between ou r authors and the public. move through the many d imensions of space and levels of
All m ail ad d ressed to the aut hor is forw ard l.>d b ut the p ublis her can no t, unl ess consciousness in fulfillment of Will and Purpose. Every
spec ifically Instructed by the author, give ou t an ad d ress o r ph on e number.
ct becomes an act of Will, for we extend our awa reness to
cunsequences reachin g to the ends of time and space.
This is astrology supremely important to this unique
~",rio d in human history, wh en Plu to tran sits through
Llewellyn Publicalions Scorpio and Neptune through Capricorn . The books in
A Division of Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd . I his series are intended to provide insight into the critical
P.O. 64383. 51.Paul , MN 55164-0383 ""l'ds and the critical decisions tha t must be made.
www.llewellyn.com These books, too, are "activ e age nts," bringing to the
I ""der knowledge whic h will libera te the higher forces in-
Printed in the United States of America Id,: each .person to the end that we may fu lfill tha t for
which we were intended.
- Carl Llewellyn Weschcke
Other Books by Willi am Hewitt
Hypnosis
Tea LeafReading
Bridges to Success & Fulfillment
The Art of Self Talk
Psychic Developmentfor Beginners
Hypnosisfor Beginners
Self-Hypnosisfor a Better Life This book is dedicated to
my wife, Dolores, who is the
AudioTapes Sun and the Stars in my life.
Become Smoke-Freethrough Self-Hypnosis
Psychic Workout through Self-Hypnosis
Relaxation and Stress Management through Self -Hypnosis
Your Perfect Weigllt through Self-Hypnosis
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Introduction . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
The following portions of this book are reprinted by PARTI
the kind permission of Horoscope Guide, JBH Publishing TH E BASICS
Company, Inc.: 1 Astrology-The Big Picture 3
2 Natal Astrology 15
Chapter 2. From Horoscope Guide May 1988, arti cle
"Meeting The Challenge" by William W. He witt. 3 The Language of Astrology 23
4 Sun Sign Mini-Profiles 39
Chapter 4. From Horoscope Guide's 1987 Astro An- 5 The Planets 61
nua l, article "M ini-Profiles" by William W. Hewitt. 6 The Aspects 85
7 The Houses 95'
Chapter 9. Substantial portion from Horoscope Guide
July 1986, article " Fun With Sun And Rising Signs" by PART II
William W. Hewitt. ERECTING A NATAL CHART
II The Modem Way-By Computer 109
The author is grateful to HoroscopeGuide and its pub-
'I Tile Fast Wa y ~ By "Eyeballing" 121
lisher, Michelle Arnot.
III The Original Way-By Math 135
PART III
INTERP RETING A NATAL CHART
•
II I'1'"11'ls in the Signs 155
1 J l'I,,"ds in the Houses 185
I I II", Aspects 213
I I 'l lp- ". on the House Cusps 261
I ~ 1'lIll ll1g it All Together 267
II, I , " ,. I l~ .md Prog ressions 271
PART IV
REFERENCE MATERIAL
II, ,, ,.,,,,'''' 275
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
specialization. Many other books are reference books for Most of you will not need, or want, to read this
just one topic such as Sun signs. chapter because you either will not want to be-
Some of the basic bo oks are so basic tha t they leave come professionals or you will prefer to use
one with the question, "Where do I go from here?" Other computerized charts.
basic books quickly submerse the reader in mathematical • Discusses computerized horoscope charts. This
calculations before establishing what astrology is all makes astrology easy, inexpensive, and avail-
abou t in the reader's mind. able to everyone.
On e can m entally drown in the sea of astrological in- • Recommends references to more detailed mate-
formation . It need not be this way. Astrology is an exciting rial for those who want to go even deeper into as-
and eas y to understand scien ce when presented in an or- trology.
derly, clear, and simplified manner. The purpose of this The most widely practiced astrology is natal (birth)
bo ok is to do just that. astrology. Th is d eals with the analysis of a person's total
This book d oes not have all the answers, but it will p rofile as derived from certain birth information . There
point you to where you can find the answers. To cover the arc many other specialized fields of astrology that deal
entire subject of astrology completely would require at with things like weather, catastrophes, national and inter-
least 20,000 pages. I hav e managed to cover the basics in nntional affairs, and much more.
just a few hundred pages by leaving out vast amounts of Natal astrology is where it all starts, and th is bo ok
information that a beginner does not need, and by using will de al only with na tal astrology. Understand this, and
"11 can easily expand into other fields if you so choose.
brief rather than wordy discussions. This book has all that
99% of you will ever need or want. I'robably 99% of all practiced astrology is natal astrology.
Specifically, this book: I have been practicing astrology professionally, as an
• Tells you what astrology is and how it works. w ••cntlon, since early 1974. My natal chart is used as an ex-
• 'Teaches the basics (signs, planets, houses, aspects, 1111''': In this book so you only need to study it to know all
etc.). ,b, ,"1me. The MAFA after my name signifies that I am a
• Teaches how to interpret a natal (birth) chart. ""·,,, b..r of the American Federation of Astrologers.
• Briefly discusses transits, predictive astrology, Now turn to Chapter 1 and begin your jou rney into
and progressions. 1I,.I"nc!lIn ting world of the stars and you . . . th e world
• Shows you" eyeballing" methods for roughly d e- II I ".Io ology.
termining a horoscope chart in minutes without
William W. Hewitt, MAFA
using math.
• Has a sepa rate chapter on how to mathematically
calcu late a precisely accurate horoscope chart.
The method I present is simple and accu rate. Es-
sentially, you look up numbers and fill in blanks,
performing simple addition and subtraction.
1
Astrology-
The Big Picture
3
4/ Astrology for Begin/lers The Big Picture / 5
Astrology is as old as measured time. There are prob- planets and the Sun and their interrelationships. There is
ably as many different approaches to this fascinating sub- not much in the heavens that is not cyclical-happening
ject as there are astrologers in the world today. In general, over and over . It is this repeating pattern that enables us to
astrology embraces the idea that there is a connection be- recognize heavenly events.
tween the heavens and ear th-that the heavens and the The Moon goes through fou r phases every 29 1/2
earth are un ited, interpenetratin g and sha ring a common days: first quarter (New Moon); second quart er; third
space and time. The grea t cosmic events happen ing be- quarter (Full Moon); and fourth qu art er. This waxing and
yond the ear th (eclipses, planetary line-ups, etc.) do not waning of the Moon continues endlessly in an absolutely
cause events to occur on earth but rather reflect the events predictable pattern.
hap pening on earth. In other words, there is no cause in The Sun returns to the solstice points (spring, sum-
the heave ns and then an effect here on earth. Planetary mer, autumn, and winter) predictably year after year .
events are not causing events here on earth. Rather, both Each planet has its own unique fixed orbit around the
plan etary and earthly events happen simultaneously and Sun that is absolutely predictable. The planets, Moon, and
are mu tually reflective. Neither is the cause of the other. Sun have predictable, rep eating relationships to each
Both are the product of the moment ... one acted out in the other in space. All of these are circles or cycles. Astrology
heavens abo ve, the other here on the earth below. is a study of those events where there is a return or cycling.
There is only one grand d rama. The great drama en- The cosmo s is a vast clock- wheels within wheels
acted in the sky is also acted out, in exact detail, here on within wheels to which we all respond. A cosmic dance
earth in the same moment. Earth is part of the cosmos and that performs endlessly.
shares in that cosmic moment. All major cosmic events are A horoscope chart is a time slice of this vast cosmic
interactive; that is, they represent an activity also taking performance. The clock is stopped, in a mann er of speak-
place within ourself, our consciousness, and in our daily ing. This is why the date, time, and place of birth are im-
life. portant. The moment of birth is a significant moment to
Astrology is a study of heavenly cycles and cosm ic stop the clock and examine the cosmic arrangement. Any
events as they are reflected here in our earthly environ- important event is worth a cosmic snapshot. Some imp or-
ment. The movements and cycles of the planets form a tant dates are birth, marriage, children, etc. Any moment
hu ge cosmic clock that ticks off the time and events, past, in time that a person considers significant is the kind of
present, and future. The cosmic patterns revealed in the event worthy of having a horoscop e chart cast for it.
rhy thmic motions of the planets help shed light on the By studying the planetary arrangement for a given
seem ing helter skelter of everyday life. It is easy to lose moment, the astrologer can gain an accurate picture of
track of our direction in life due to the commotion of da ily what has happened on earth at that moment. This is what
living. However, by studyi ng ou r cosmic clock (astrol- astrology is all about. This may sound like science fiction
ogy), we have a tool to give us better control and to see the to you at this point, but believe me, it is very real. Astrol-
order of things in what appears to be disorder at times. ogy wo rks!Those of you wh o have had a chart cast and in-
Astrology is a stu dy of the cycles of the Moon and terpreted by a competent astrologer know that it is real.
6/ Astrologyfor Begillllers
The Big Picture /7
The ana lysis of these important moments is very
complex. The math ematics needed to erect a horoscope and flowing . .. coming and going of these cycles in our
chart is tedious and time-consuming. The best way to lives. One common misconception about astrologers is
erect a chart is to use a compute r. In later chapters I will that they have their heads in the clouds. It is true that we
discuss three methods of erecting a natal horoscope chart: have one eye to the heavens, but, most of all, we are con-
by computer; by "eyeballing"; and the original way- cerned with the here and the now, with everyday events.
hand calculated math ematics, which is how I learned. We have learned to notice cycles and they fascinate us. We
Astrology helps us to see ourself and life in a greater study these cycles with great attention . Our interest in the
perspective, to obtain the big picture. Astrology also pro- heavens springs from our experience here on earth with
vides very specific information to help us direct the events the endless cycles and events surrounding us-into which
in our life with grea ter·s uccess. The remaining chapters each of us is born and must live.
will teach you more about this. Now I want to introduce you to som e of the terms
The more you learn abou t astrol ogy, the more you and tools of astrology. Keep in mind that the end result of
will be concerned with cycles. Not only with the planetary astrology is to provide a tool that enables you to under-
cycles but also how these cycles show up in everyda y life. stand and live life better.
The whole point of stUdying these cosmic cycles is to ga in
ASTROLOGICAL TERMS
insight into how they appea r in our lives here on earth.
All of us notice some reOCcurrence or cycling effects In the introduction of this book I told you that the fo-
in our lives . " certain habits, problems and joys seem to cus of the book is natal astrology. The primary purpose of
Occur to us over and over. These are the day-to-day or natal astrology is to construct a horo scope chart based on
pra ctical signs of the existence of cycles and our con- specific birth data and then to interpret the meanings in
sciousness of them. Married people tend to be particularly the chart in order to ascertain important information
aware of cycles since, in the ebb and flow of a very close about the person whose birth data was used . Thus the
,relationship, we notice that we alterna tely have times of horoscope chart is the principal tool for natal as trology .
grea ter and less closeness. We come together and we drift The horoscope chart is called by various other names
apa rt. Again and aga in.
also: natal chart, nata l horoscope, chart wheel, radix
Astro logy offers a new way of orga nizing the events wheel or chart, birth chart, etc. Figu re 1 is a full blown na-
in ou r life-a new way ofseeing and understanding them. tal horoscope chart. Look at it a few moments.
Astrology provid es a way of ordering and understanding At this point I don't expect you to understand what
our experience. Learning to notice and take adva ntage of you are looking at. It is probably just a confusing jumble of
the cycles in our life can lead to an enhanced ability to han- symbols and numbers.
dle the problems life presents. When we understand how We will be referring back to figure 1 many more
cycles repeat themselves, how they work, we are pre- times to explain parts of it. By the time you finish this book
pared to get the mos t out of each phase of that cycle. As- you will be able to read figur e 1, or any oth er horoscope
trologers sludy, on the practical level, the endless ebbing chart, with the same ease and enjoyment as wh en you
8 / Astrology for Beginners The Big Picture./9
read a novel.
For now, I just want you to know what a horoscope
CHART ffiEPAAED 8V
chart looks like. A NATAL HOROSCOPE consists of a se- l!C
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learn in a later chapter. For now, just be concerned with VE RTEX
The zodiac stretches through all 360 degrees of the is divided into twelve sections or Houses. The 1st house
sky and is divided into the familiar 12 signs (Aries, Taurus, cusp is on the extreme left hand side of the wh eel and the
Gem ini, etc.) of 30 degrees each. Planet positions are 10th house cusp is on the top. The 7th and 4th are simply
measu red within the signs by degrees, minutes and sec- opposite the 1st and 10th. The remaining house cusps
onds . For example, my Moon (my Moon at birth) is in the (2nd, 3rd .,. 5th, 6th . . .8th,9th . . . I l th, 12th) are called the
sign GEMINI (3rd sign) and in the 9th degree of Gemini intermediate hou se cusps because they are interm ediate
and 42 minutes. My Moon is at 9 degrees and 42 minutes between the pri mary cusps (Ist, 4th, 7th and 10th). It is
of the sign Gemini. You can see this in figure 1. Look at the these intermediate cusps that diffe r (in general) from one
10th hou se (top of cha rt in the pie-slice numb ered 10). You hou se system to another.
will see a symbol tha t looks like the moon with numbers I'm sure all this sounds confusing, and it is. It con-
09lI 42 below it. The "lI" rep resents Gemi ni. The 09 and fused me when I was a beginner. Just let it rest lightly on
42 tell the degrees and minutes of Gemini wh ere the moon your mind. It will clear up as we go on. For now, I just
was located when I was born. want to give you some notion of what house cus ps and
Most chart wh eels give the planet positions both on hou se systems are. The most popular house systems in
the wheel and in a list outside the wheel. As you can see in use today are the Placidian and Koch houses. The
figure 1, the planet positions are also listed in a chart be- Placid ian house system is used in this book. Simplisti-
low the wheel. cally, Placidian merely refers to a specific math ematical
HOUSE CUSPS: Most as trologers d ivide the zodiac approach to erecting a natal horoscope chart. Give it no
into twleve sections or HOUSES accord ing to a system. more concern.
There are a number of HOUSESYSTEMS used by astrolo-
gers. Proponents of one house system often feel very AUXILIARY TECHNIQUES
deeply tha t their method of d ividing the heavens is the' The NATAL CHART captures a sing le moment or
most sig nificant.
slice of time. There are some other techniques that can be
To better understand the next paragraph, you need
used in conju nction wit h the natal chart:
to know ,what a house cusp is. The word "cusp" is the TRANSITS: The natal chart can be compared to a
name of the lines in the chart that mark the beginning of a chart tha t is cast for the current date. These current d ate
house. The houses are those twelve pie-shaped wedges in charts are called TRANSIT CHARTS, and they relate the
figure 1. The natal chart is read counterclockwise starting astrological factors that exist in the sky now to those that
with the ascendant (labeled ASC at the left side of figure existed at the moment of your birth. Transi ts will be dis-
1), which is the horizontal line between the 12th and 1st cussed only superficially in this book to give you some fa-
house. Hence, the cusp of the 1st house is also the ascen- miliarity as a begi nner. The study of transits, in my judg-
dant. Most systems agree that the ascenda nt marks the
ment, goes beyond the scope of "begi nner."
first house cusp, the descende nt marks the 7th, the mid- PROGRESSIONS: Another popular techniqu e is to
heaven marks the 10th, and the nadir marks the 4th house relate the na tal chart to that same nata l char t as progressed
cusp. Look at the chart wheel in figure 1 and notice how it
Tile Big Picture /13
12 / Astrology for Beginners
study on your own and become more advanced or even
into the future. As we have just seen in the preceding sec- become a professional astrologer. Elsewhere in this book I
tion, transit charts are charts progressed to a future date will recommend various books to help further your study
by the regular movement of the planets in the sky. As- if that is your desire. Those books, in turn, will lead to even
tro logers have a wid e variety of alternate methods of pro-
more advanced study. And so it goes.
gressing a chart. The "DAY FOR A YEAR" method is very Astrology has such a broad scope and has so many
popular. By this method, one day (24 hour revolution) is facets to it, that there is something to satisfy everyone's
equated with one year (seasonal cycle) of life. Thus the
35th day after birth is considered to represent the 35th specific d esire.
But for everyone, the place to start is here-with the
year after birth, and so on. A chart for the 35th day after basics. Chapter 2 will start to bridge the gap between the
birth is calculated and compa red to the natal chart. This "big picture" presented here in chapter 1 and the myriad
will only be discussed superficially in this book to give
of details in the chapters after 2.
you some familiarity, but progressions definitely go be- Now turn the page and take your next step on the
yond the scope of beginner. journey into yourself-into the world of natal astrology.
SOLUNAR RETURNS: Another popular method is
that of solar return s and lunar re turns . In this technique, a
chart is calculated for the precise tim e that the Sun (or
Moon) re turns to the position it had at your birth. Thus if
your natal Sun was at 25 degrees and 48 minutes of the
sign Canc er, a solar return chart would be one cast for
when the Sun returned to this identical sp ot during the
current year. This cha rt is then compar ed to the Natal
Chart. This will not be discussed further in this book. I
briefly mention it here to mak e yo u aware of the terms and
because ,it is part of the big picture of natal astrology.
SUMMARY
Natal Astrology
15
16/ Astrologyfor Beginners Natal Astrology /1 7
1. A tool that provides greater understanding of self. mirror because the plan ets' pa tterning is constantly
2. The oldest empirical science in the world. chan ging. The planets and their relationships to each
3. A patterning of a person's innate birth potentials, other and to the ear th cha nge unend ingly in an absolutely
strengths, weaknesses, tend encies, and probabilities. In- predictable way. We can mathematically calculate exactly
telligent information is availabl e on every aspect of a per- where every planet will be at any time in relation to any
son's life from cradle to grave. point on earth. This means we have a mirror that can re-
What natal astrology is not: flect events in the past, present, or future anywhere on
1. It is not a cure-all. earth. An aweso me thought, is it not?
2. It is not fatalistic. The individual always has the This powerful tool was given to us as part ofcreation.
ability to choose by exercising the birthright of free will. The plan ets were created as part of our world for our use.
3. It does not advocate that the planets control our The science of astrology strives to understand and use this
lives. We, through our choices, control our own lives. great gift for the benefit of humanity.
Even though it is about five-thousand years old, as-
The Philosophy of Astrology trology is still in its infancy. The plan et Pluto, for instance,
I do not personally know any astrologer who thinks was only discovered in February 1930, and it is still being
that planets cause events in our lives. studied. Who knows what all is ou t there to provide us
Astrology is based on the observation that events on even more informa tion?
earth are instantly reflected in the heavens. A simplistic Still, a great deal of valuable, useful information is
analogy might be this: If you look into a mirror while trim- known and can be used to enrich our lives and help us to
ming your eyebrows and you accidentally pierce your make better decisions and choices.
skin with the scissors, you will instantly see the wound It works this way. Suppose your birth occurred at
bleeding in the mirror. The mirror did not cause the' 6:44pm EST, on March 31, 1960 in Kingston, NY. The as-
. wound or the bleeding, did it? The mirror accurately re- trologer figures ou t math ematically wh ere the Sun, Moon,
flected an event at the precise time the event occurred. and the eight know n planets were at that moment with re-
If it were possible to have a mirror that looked ahead spect to that specific geograp hic point on earth. He deter-
in time, you could have seen the accident ahead of time mines that your natal Sun is at 11 degrees and 15 minutes
and thus avoid it by exercising more care or by not trim- of Aries in your sixth hou se; your Moon is at 5 d egrees and
ming your eyebrows at that time. 7 minutes of Gemin i in your eighth house; and so forth for
In astrology, the heavens (the planetary positions the remaining eight known plan ets.
and movements), are our mirror of earthly events. Nearly The astrologer then enters the information onto a cir-
five thousand years of careful observation and record cular map known as a horoscope cha rt, which shows your
keeping have supplied us with accurate knowledge as to unique horoscope pattern ing. Then hundreds of factors in
what kinds of earthly events are associat ed with what the patterning are studied and compiled into a report
kinds of heavenly patterns. known as your Nat al Horosco pe Analysis. This rep ort can
Our astrological mirror is superior to our bathroom tell virtually every thing about all aspects of yo.ur life as
18 / Astrology for Beginners Natal Astrology / 19
were reflected in the mirror of the heavens at your birth deeply loved. Their horoscope charts showed that the mu-
moment. tual attraction was totally physical, very strongly so, and
This kind of natal horoscop e report can be greatl y that they had virtually nothing else in comm on. In addi-
beneficial. Suppose, for example, your were unsure of tion, his chart showed a violent temper and a sad istic na-
what career path to pursue. Your chart will tell you in ture . In spite of this, she chose to marry him . Within a few
which pursuits you have the best chan ce of being success- weeks after the marriage, he beat her brutally. Fortu-
ful, and then you can make a choice based on this knowl- nately, she remembered my warning and left him before
edge rather than just shooting blindly in the dark. Predic- he could hurt her further. Astrology clearly showed her
tive astrology is similar to natal astrology excep t that pre- the probabilities and choices, but the choice was hers
dictive astro logy looks at a future date and analyzes your alone to make.
options at that time. This knowledge can help you avoid One can wisely use this feature of astrology to im-
or lessen probl ems and take betler ad vantage of opportu- prove chances of having a harmonious and happy rela-
nities. tionship. "Relationship" applies not only to marriage, but
What can astrology do to enhance a person's life? also to romance, friend ship, business, or any sort of part-
Let's examine three of the most dominant factors in the life nership.
of a person: compan ionship, career, and time. But in any situation, it is the ind ividual's choice that
The discu ssions on "companionship" and "career" directs the events, not the planets. The plan ets show the
are two actual cases of astrol ogical counseling I per- parameter? involved and the likely result of choices. But
formed for two clients. The discussion on "tim e" contains always. the individual's choice prevails. This is the least
valu able information that I furn ish in all my astrological understood, and most important factor in astrology. As-
counseling sessions. These will start to give you a small , trology is not fatalistic at all. The individual is in charg e.
sampling of wha t astrological counseling is all about. The horoscope chart shows the potentials; the individual
. Later in chapter 8 I have the details of my most challeng- makes the choices.
ing astrological assignment.
Career
Companionship I have already mentioned briefly that your chart can
An astrologer can do a compatibility analysis be- identify your innate talents, strengths, and abilities. Often
tween any two people and very accurately delineate the a person selects a career path becau se of money, family
positive and negative as pects of a given relationship. The tradition, or just by chance. Rarely do these careers pro-
axiom "forewarned is half armed" really applies here. The duce self-fulfillment. How much betler it would be to se-
more you know abou t the compa tibility (or incompatibil- lect a career that takes ad vantage of what you have to offer
ity) between you and ano ther person, the better equipped and of your interests.
you are to interact wit h that person to your benefit. I did an analysis for a thirty-eight year old bachelor.
I d id a compatibility analysis for a young lady who He was grossly unhappy with every aspect of his life. His
was going to marry a man whom she was certain she chart showed why. He was a mediocre, bored electronics
20/ Astrology for Beginners Natal Astrology / 21
engineer, yet his chart very strongly indicated that law en- based on what is, on fact, on calculations, and on interpre-
forcement was his strongest interest and latent talent. He tation by a qu alified person. The skill of the astrologer is
readily admitted that he had always wanted to bea police- the only weak link in the chain. A good astrologer will
man since he was a young boy. But peer and parental pres- erect an accurate chart and interpret it accurately. An un-
sure to select a career that paid well had influenced him to skilled or careless astrologer will not do a good job. But
become an engineer. His chart showed a slight ability for this isn't unique to astrology, is it? The same is true of all
engineering, hence he could do it, but it wasn't even close professions. A good physician helps you get well while a
to being his strong suit. In addition, his chart indicated a poor one just drains your money or even causes problems.
strong materialistic streak. It also showed a love of chil- A competent mechanic makes your car run properly, an
dren and a desire for marriage. He chose to let materialism incompetent one doesn't.
dominate him; as a result he drove women away rather The point is that astrol ogy is a viable science that can
than attracting them. If he had his horoscope done years be of value in your life. It merits your op en-minded con-
earlier, he would have clearly seen his probabilities and side ration.
options and might have mad e some different choices to Astrology does not have all the answers and is not a
ensure his happiness. cure all. It is just one of many tools ava ilable for you to use
in order to better orchestrate the direction of your life. It is
Time not fatalistic. In all cases, astrology presents your options.
Many people bum up time in unproductive pursuits The choice you make is alwa ys up to you alone. You alone
just to keep busy and kill excess time . Others pine away are the Captain of your ship. Astrology merely provides a
their time in loneliness. Neither situation has to be that more complete map for you to set sail with.
way. Everyon e is so multi-faceted in talent and interests
that there is plenty of self-fulfilling activity to be engaged
in. Most people do not realize this truth. They go through
life as one-dimensional persons because they hav en't dis-
covered -their multi-dimensional nature. A horoscope
chart and analysis will clearly show each person's depth,
multi-talents, abilit ies, etc. Armed with this knowledge, it
becomes easy to select extra-curricular activities that are
fulfilling and worthwhile, be it a hobby, avocation, second
career, volunteer work, travel, or whatever. Again astrol-
ogy presents the options-you make the choice. Some
may choose to become amateur astrologers. This will eat
up as much time as you choose to devote, and it is an excel-
lent way to get to know, understand, and meet people.
There is nothing magical about this process. It is all
3
The Language of
Astrology
23
24/ Astrology for Beginners The Language ofAstrology /25
Printed Handwritten Zodiac Sign the Winter Solstice, which is the first day of winter (ap-
Glyph Glyph Abbreviation Name prox. December 21).
y y AR Aries Notice how a life cycle corresponds to the zodiac cy-
'tf 8 TA cle. Birth-spring. Youth-summer. Adult-autumn. Sen-
Taurus
ior years - winter. Remember our discussion of cycles in
JI :II: GE Gemini cha pter 1. Life is a series of cycles that is mirrored in the
e ~ CN Cancer cycles of the heavens.
Q d\ LE Leo The Sun moves through the zodiac at a uniform
T!P "YYIf VI Virgo speed. Since the zodiac has only 360 degrees and a calen-
""-
m,
.Jl-
~
- LI
SC
Libra
Scorpio
da r year has 365 days, the Sun must progress approxi-
mately 57 minutes per day through each sign sequen-
l' x" SA Sagittarius tially. The Sun's movement is approximately three sec-
;0 --v< CP Capricorn onds less than one degree every 24 hours. For all practical
-X ~ AQ Aquarius purposes (except for exact calculations) consider the Sun's
movement as being one degree a day. You will see in a
* PI Pisces
Each sign occupies 30 degrees of the horoscope
wheel. Figure 2 is the natural wheel, and it shows the rela-
later chapter how this one degree per day approximation
can come in handy for "eyeballing" a chart.
You can determine a person's Sun sign very quickly
tionships of the signs. The cusp of the 1st house is zero de- at a glance in figure 2.Suppose the birthdate is October 18.
grees and zero minutes of Aries (written OOAROO). This is A glance at the natural wheel in figure 2 shows that Octo-
the beginning of the natural wheel, and it corresponds to ber 18 falls between September 23 and October 23. The
the Spring Equinox, which is the first day of spring (ap- chart shows thatthe Sun sign between those dates is Libra.
. prox. March 21).Spring, of course, is the natural start of the Thus the person's Sun sign is Libra.
four seasons. If a birthdate falls on one of the dates on a house cusp
Reading the natural wheel counterclockwise, 30 de - in the natutal wheel, you would need to erect a natal chart
grees later you encounter the second house cusp at zero in order to know the person's Sun sign .
degrees and zero minutes of Taurus (written OOTAOO). For example, a person born on June 21 might be a
You can continue to read each cusp, in turn, counterclock- Gemini with the Sun at 29 degrees Gemini or a Cancer
wise to learn the sequential order of the zodiac signs.
with the Sun at zero degrees Cancer because that is the
The natural 4th house cusp, OOCNOO, corresponds to
the Summer Solstice, which is the first day of summer (ap- day the Sun makes the transition from Gemini to Cancer.
prox. June 21). On ly an accurate natal chart, using the time of day the
The natural 7th house cusp, OOLIOO, corresponds to birth occurred, will tell for sure whether the person is a
the Fall Equinox, which is the first day of autumn (approx. Gemini or a Cancer. The same sort of thing is true for the
September 23). days on all the other natural house cusps.
The natural 10th house cusp, OOCPOO, corresponds to A person born on the day the Sun changes signs is
26 / Astrology for Beginners The LAnguage ofAstrology / 27
The Planets
..
0'
~
::: There ere eight known planets currently used in as-
trology plus the Sun and the Moon. Technically, the Sun
and Moon are luminaries, not planets. However, astrol-
ogy considers the Sun and Moon to be planets for pur-
poses of creating and analyzing natal charts. This is be-
cause the Sun and Moon act like planets in terms of their
effects on the earth and its inhabitants.
So from this point on, consider that there are 10 plan-
ets. The glyphs and abbreviations for the planets are
shown in the following chart. I have also included a col-
Figure2 umn to show how I handwrite the glyphs.
The Natural Wheel
28 / Astrology for Begi/l /lers The u1I1guage of Astrology / 29
Ilisted all the aspects in the above chart so you would expanding their scope of meaning and usage until you be-
know what they are. However, in this book we will be con- come an accomplished amateur astrologer. So don't give
cerned only with major aspects for the most part. I gener- up. Please bear with me. I know the language of astrology
ally do not even take minor aspects into account when do- can seem confusing because it is foreign and it is hard to
ing a natal interpretation unless there are so few major as- relate to at this point. But believe me, it would be much
pects that I must turn to the minor ones in order to get any- more confusing if I were to surge ahead into chart con-
thing at all. struction and interpretation without explaining the lan-
The aspects add an element of harmony or dishar- guage first.
mony-ease or difficulty-smoothness or frustration-to Back to the ephemeris. You can probably check an
the horoscope, depending on the aspect. This will be dis- ephemeris out of the library. Ask the librarian for assis-
cussed in some detail in the chapter on aspects. For now, tance in finding it. Or you may wish to purchase one. I
in general. the harmonious aspects are the trine, sextile, have two: One that covers the years 1900 to 1950and one
and semi-sextile. The difficult aspects are the square, op- that covers the years 1950 to 2000. I'll soon be looking to
position, semi-square. The conjunction can be either har- purchase one that goes beyond 2000. In the beginning
monious or not, depending on the planets involved and when I was first learning astrology in early 1974,I practi-
some other factors. More later on this. cally lived at the library using their ephemeris and other
astrology reference books. As I became more and more ex-
Ephemeris perienced and started doing astrological work profession-
This is the single most important item you absolutely ally, I purchased my own books and now have quite a nice
must have in order to practice astrology, even as a begin- astrology reference center in my home library. If the as-
ner. Without an ephemeris, you can do next to nothing of trology bug bites you, you will probably do the same
any importance. thing.
An ephemeris is a book, or sometimes a series of In this book, however, you will only need figure 3 in
books, that contains charts that show where every planet order to follow the examples that will be given later.
was, is, Of will be for every day past, present, and future.
Figure 3 is a simulated ephemeris page that shows Retrograde and Direct Motion
where every planet was on everyday in July 1929. Later in These are terms that refer to the direction of plane-
this book I will show you how to read and use this page. tary movement with relation to the earth. Direct, symbol-
A typical ephemeris page gives more information ized by the letter D, refers to the normal forward move-
than I have shown in figure 3. I deliberately did not in- ment of planets as seen from earth. Retrograde, symbol-
clude the additional information because I consider it be- ized by the letter R, refers to the movement of planets that
yond the scope of beginner information, and I did not seem to be backing up as seen from earth. The Sun and
want to make you any more confused than you may al- Moon never go retrograde. All the other planets do go ret-
ready be. Before you are finished with this book, we will rograde from time to time, and this time is very significant
have used all of the terms in this chapter many times over, in doing interpretations. The planets do not actually back
32 / Astrology for Beginners The Language of Astrology / 33
up, that would be impossible. But they appear from earth
to back up due to their orbit in space.
· ~;:t' ~;.s:l 8S;!SS!S!: = :' 2: ~ S: ; JlQ~
"· 5
!::!::!::!::!::!:: !::t::!::!::!::::!:: ees eeee eseeeee ~=
In figure 3 find the Saturn and Uranus columns. Re-
fer to your symbol chart in order to find these columns.
=!:M;l~E ~;:Sl $~ :$;t~ :.SI;~08 Sg=~
,• ~ s Scan down these columns and you will see each one has an
0
· ~
ec seea
~ ~
~;: :H~ :::l:::l:::l:::l;:'l:::Hl ;: ;j:J~ l :
~8 8888
=:2~qj
R in it.
For Saturn, the R appears at the top of the column,
• 0
-e 0
which ind icates that Saturn was already in retrograde mo-
·· •
======= ======= ======= === = ~=
tion when the month of July 1929 started. Saturn contin-
li:I2~!a ~;:lt. ~ ~;!:=E8 a8.s:~ ~ :r :; ~ ;S: ;:l
•• . 0 ues to stay retrograde during the entire month and be-
· <El
S2:;;:; :rc::S ~=:l
1l~I :q :Q:::n :U Q ;!J :Q ;!J :Q;Q :Q;Q;Q;Q;Q :qQ
':;~=lr g~;:
~ ~
:-;lS2
~ ~ ~
1:1:;'::1:
~
yond because no D appears to indicate a change back to
direct motion.
~ • 0
·· s s s s s e ess s
'I ~ g :;1 :!
BBBB888 8866666 88888gg
:f~ ;J,= r;~8=stEl aSi!: ~S :l ;::;S:;;5l:::' ~
~
00
For Uranus, the R does not appear until July 18 (read
across to the left to find the date). So Uranus was in direct
~ • s s .~
~ mot ion until July 18 when it turned retrograde. It then
··
,~ .... ~ ~" '~ ~." .... a s e e e c e z z e e ~ . ~ stayed retrograde the remainder of the month and be-
os:;~. : :::: .s: .s: t:; :s: s:: o a s s e s c a ~ n ~ :=; :; ~ ; .s:SS= ;g-
-·
•
:l~Q
~
l~ ~8oSa
•
0
S8gE=~ :::':!. =:!:!:!::=!!: ~ ~:l il
;;
yond.
,,
· ea e a ae c =S:!S::Ci
:;~1Q
<
~2:! ~B8a
~s!:n;
8.s:::::S::!; ::I :;: l:. .:r.;::;11 ;Q;:::;::
=8~;QS2:
!:=
:1~
~ g 8
1l the birth takes place.
For an example, look at figure 1. In the center of the
• chart ittells you tha t I was born onJuly4, 1929at9am EST
· eeeees eeeesee scccccc
~r; .:r~1 ;p' :IN = ~ ~ E S ! o :S~ :; $i; t
t:!::t:!::!::!::!::
:;O= li; ;S:, ~ l!'i f.
cccc
:l?,~ in Toledo, Ohio. At that moment in relation to Toledo,
"• 5 ~ Ohio, 27LE33 (27 degrees and 33 minutes of Leo) was ris-
·
.. :=s
! 8>S!=
ao~
~= :!~?2li
~ $i; t ~ ~ ;s: ~
;:
il:
~nJ:l
2:!?~
~ l
8>
~r.1i8oSa
8S~: ~ :i;O
s a s s
:; ~ ;1, ;
ing on the eastern horizon.
".
:;:j",
The ascendant is also called the rising sign, and it is
~ E ~:5. ~ ~Sit: ~Q8B=!:; ;Q 1i:lt;'~ ~(; 8a!~: ? ~ one of the most pow erful points in a natal chart. The as-
5- cendant is always the cusp of the first house and rules that
E ,£ ~ !: ~=. ='2:~2:~ 2:~ 2: ~ ~ li l i ? lillillillil
house.
~ ~
<
:t ~ 3: ... I1..'" ", :t ... ;r; ... I1.. '" ," ~F: ;r ... u. ", ", :t ... 3: ... I1..'" ", :t ... 3:
planets in fire signs, two planets in earth signs, three plan- that I have three planets in cardinal signs, two in fixed
ets in air signs, and two planets in water signs. This is a signs, and five in mutable signs. A fair balance. The cardi-
reasonably good balance. It means my personality and be- nal and mutable influences are the strongest, making me
havior are not skewed strongly in one direction at the sac- enthusiastic, energetic, changeable, adaptable, etc. I am a
rifice of other characteristics. I am slightly stronger in little "down to earth" but only enough to keep my enthu-
mental pursuits (three air signs) and in drive and enthusi- siasm from getting out of hand.
asm (three fire signs). You can see from this discussion of the triplicity and
This same little chart has three columns across the the elements that we are already getting into interpreta-
top labeled CARD, FIX and MUT. We will discuss this in tion to a small degree. There will be more later on interpre-
the very next section. tation, but it is impossible to not get into it in bits and
pieces while we discuss the language of astrology because
Triplicity language has meaning built into it.
Each zodiac sign is associated with one of these three
(triplicity) human qualities-Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable. Transits
Cardinal people are action people. They initiate Transits are the positions of the planets at the present
things. They move around, get things off dead center. moment, not \IS they were at birth. Transits trigger the na-
They are not content with the status quo. They want tal chart into action or they attract minor (usually) events
movement, results, progress. If you wanted to hire some- into our lives. To ascertain when an experience is likely to
one to get a new project started, you would do well to hire occur you compare the transit positions to the natal posi-
someone with a lot of cardinal influence in their chart. tions to see if there are any aspects (conjunctions, trines,
Fixed people are stable . They don't like much sextiles, squares, oppositions, etc.) between the transits
change. Status quo suits them fine. They will stick to and the natal positions. We will discuss this in more detail
things and get them done. If you want to hire someone to later.
finish the project once it is started, you should hire some- There are more astrological terms than discussed
one with strong fixed influence in their chart. here, but I am going to stop at this point. In my judgement,
Mutable people are versatile. They adapt quickly to we are now treading that fine line between what a begin-
any situation. These are the people mixers and salesper- ner needs to know and what will just add confusion.
sons. These people like plenty of change. They cannot
stand status quo. Hire these people to be your salesper-
sons.
Look at the same chart in figure 1 that you looked at
for the elements. You can now understand what the label-
ing across the top of the chart means: CARD for cardinal,
FIX for fixed, and MUT for mutable.
Study the chart for a few moments and you can see
4
39
40 / Astrology for Beginners Sun Sigu Mini-Profiles /4 1
Some of the charac teristics of Taurus are: material- house. So in my horoscope char t, my tenth hou se affairs
ism, greed, laziness, patience, practicality, steadiness and and the action of Venus are influenced to some degree by
end urance. They are somewhat slow, but always finish Taurus. This is an especially strong influence in my chart
what they start. as you will see after you read further in the book and get
Some of the interests of Taurus are: comfort, posses- into interpretation s.
sions of all sor ts. For now, just remember the Key Word , POSSES-
These people are usually fiercely loyal to their SIONS, and the ruling planet, VENUS, to begin under-
friends, often bu rdenin g themselves with their friends' stand ing Taurus.
problems. They also are very jealou s people, usually to the
extre me. GEMINI
They tend to not be too aware of themselves or their
Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac and is ruled by
motives. They are grea t planners, and then they will wor k
the planet Mercury, the planet of mentality and communi-
hard to make those plans ma terialize.
cation. Geminis are probably the most intelligent people
We have had several U.S. Preside nts, among them
of the zodiac. They have quick minds and are curious
Harry S. Tru ma n and Ulysses S. Grant, born under the
about virtually everything. The only probl em is that they
sign of Tau rus .
rarely have any self disciplin e. Therefore, they lack the
Tauruses are the accumulators and builders staying power to finish what they start. They are the "Jack
of the zod iac. ofall trades, and master of none." If a Gemini acquires self
Qualities: Fixed-Earth discipline there is nothing he/she cann ot achieve.
Key Phrase: I HAVE! Geminis are the most happy when they are involved
Key Word: Possessions in many pursuits at the same time. Mostly they prefer in-
Virtue: Reliability tellectual activiti es such as philosophy, writing, talkin g,
Defect: Stubbornness or thinking up things for others to do.
Rulership: Natural ruler of the 2nd house Geminis need to strive to acquire calmness because
Ruling Planet: Venu s they are in danger of "burnout" of their nervous system
since they are always stressing their nerv ous sys tem so
much,
When Taurus is on any hou se cusp, or when any Geminis tend to be: fickle, su perficial, witty, inquisi-
planet is in Taurus, the affairs of that hou se or that planet
tive, intelligent, versatile.
will be affected by Tau rus influences such as: profit, slow Some Gemini interests are: communication of all
but steady progress, determination, slow to change, but -orts, travel, being a know-it-all, learning, talking, writ-
dynam ic whe n aroused, possessive altitudes .
Ing, reading.
Refer to figure 1 and you can see that Taurus is on my
10th house cusp and the planet Venus is in Taurus in tha t
44/ Astrology for Beginners
Sun Sign Mini-Profiles /45
We have had only one U.S. Preside nt, John F. Ken- Hom e and family life are of the utm ost importance to
nedy, born under the sign of Gemini. Cancers, and they will do whatever is necessary to estab-
Geminis are the salesmen and communicators of lish and protect their domestic security.
the zodia c. They are also the noncon formists of the Cancers are easily hu rt by the slights of others. These
zodiac. are very compl ex people, sometimes ap pea ring extre mely
Qualities: Mutable-Air strong and at other times to be as vulnera ble as a child.
Key Phrase: I THINK! Very few people ever really understand Cancers; there-
KeyWord: Variety fore they never receive the necessary understan din g from
Virtue: others.
Alertn ess
Defect: Shallowness Cancers are very loving people. Once a love is begun,
Rulership: Natural ruler of the 3rd house they never stop loving. How ever, they can be very cruel
Ruling Planet: Mercury enemies. These people are usu ally shy, even timid,
moody, and react more from intuition or emotion than
When Gemini is on any house cusp, or when any from reason.
planet is in Gemini, the affairs of that hou se or that planet They are masters of the art of passive resistence. They
will be affected by influences such as: much communica- can be directed through kindness, but if forced, they be-
tion (writing, speaking, etc.) involved, much mental effort come immovable.
expended, travel, diversified interests . Cancers tend to be: moody, domestically and family
Refer to figur e 1and you can see that Geminfis on my oriented, sensitive, emo tional, tenacious.
eleventh house cusp and that I have the three plan ets Jup i- Some Cancer interests are: home, security, love of
ter, Moon and Mercury in Gemini in my tenth hous e. country .
These are very powerful influences in my chart. With all We have had several U.S. Preside nts, among them
those planets in my mid-heaven in Gemini, it is easy to see alvin Coolidge and Gerald Ford, born under the sign of
why I am a professional writer . This will become even ancer,
clearer to you as you read the rest of the book.
For now, just remember the Key Word, VARIETY, Cancers are the homemakers of the zodiac.
and the rulin g planet, MERCURY, and you will have be- Qualities: Cardinal-Water
gun to understand Gemini. Key Phrase: I FEEL!
Key Word : Tenacity
CANCER Virtue: Caring
Defect: Combative
Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac and is ruled by Rulership: Natural ruler of the 4th hou se
the Moon. Cancer is the most sensitive sign and is the Ruling Planet: Moon
strongest of the water signs.
46 / Astrology for Beginners Sun Sign Mini-Profiles/ 47
When Cancer is on any hou se cusp, or when any We have had several U.S. Presidents, am ong them
planet is in Cancer, the affairs of tha t house or that planet Herbert Hoover and Benjamin Harrison, born under the
will be affected by Can cer influ ences such as: mood sign of Leo.
changes, extreme sensitivity, "mothering" attitude, need
to deal with and be recognized by the general public, often Leos are the entertainers (sometimes clowns) of the
some association with food, much intuition or psychic in- zodiac. They ar e also the "on es in charge."
sight. Qualities: Fixed-Fire
Key Phrase: I WILL!
Refer to figure 1 and you can see that Cancer is on my
Key Word: Power
twelfth house cus p and that the Sun and Pluto are in Can-
Virtue: Magn animous or Nobl e
cer in my eleventh house. We will explore how this blends
Defect: Ostentatious or sho w-offs
in with my overall horoscope interpretation later on in the
Rulership: Natural ruler of the 5th hou se
book.
Ruling Planet: Sun
For now, remember the Key Word, TENACITY, and
the ruling plan et, MOON, to begin to understand the Sun When Leo is on an y house cusp, or when an y plan et
sign Cancer. is in Leo, the affairs of that house or planet will be affected
by Leo influences such as: enjoyment, kinglike rul ership,
LEO romance, flamboyancy, pomp, optimism, faith, temper-
mental reactions, events concerning children.
Leo is the fifth sign of the zod iac and is ruled by the
Sun. These a re nobl e and generous people, although they Refer to figure 1 and you can see that Leo rules my
.•scendant (first house) and that the planet Neptune is in
often possess oversi zed egos . They are over-confident,
LL'O in the first house. This is a powerful influence in my
blunt, and outspoken. These characteristics often cause
life as you shall discover later on in the book.
them to lose friends. Leos are courageous and loyal. They
like to be in charge. For now, remember the Key Word, POWER, and the
ruling planet, SUN, to begin to unde rsta nd the Sun sign
Leo's are strongly attracted to the opposite sex.
Woe be unto a nyone wh o hurts a Leo's child! LEO.
Leos tend to be: romantic, idealistic, ambitious, ego- VIRGO
tistical, tempermental, loyal, enthus iastic, generous, opti-
mistic, domineering, affectionate. Virgo is the sixth sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the
Some Leo interests are: sports and games, achi eve- planet Mercury. Virgos constantly search for knowledge.
ment, fun , being in the spotlight, child ren (especially Virgos are very detail conscious and do well in an y
theirs). line of work that requires exactness. Virgos ar e practical
md efficient.
48 / Astrology for Beginners Sun Sign Mini-Profiles / 49
The single greatest defect of Virgo is that they are crimination, caution, analysis, work, seeking perfection,
very critical of oth ers . .. even judgemental of others. If health, efficiency, details, craftsmanship, seeking flaws.
they overcome this negative trait they can attain the high- Refer to figure 1 and you can see that Virgo is on the
est of spiritual achievement in life. cusp of my 2nd house and that the planet Mars is in Virgo
Sometimes they become so immersed in detail that in my 1st house. This is a strong influence in my chart, and
they lose sight of the big picture. They also tend to worry a you will see how as you progress through the book.
lot which can adversely affect their health. If they learn to Remember for now that the Key Word is SERVICE
disciplin e their minds to think constructive thoughts, they and the ruling planet is MERCURY.
then usually have very good health and be of great benefit
to humanity. Virgos often go into some branch of the LIBRA
medical profession. Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac and is ruled by
Probably more Virgos remain unmarried than any of the planet Venus, the planet of beauty and grace.
the other signs because they have difficulty in finding Libras are rarely loners; they want and need compan-
anyone who measures up to their high standards. ionship. Thus marriage is very important to them. Also,
Virgos tend to be: critical, methodical, neat, reliable, they prefer an occupation that brings them in partnership
practical, mental, industrious, and cautious. with others or at least brings them in close contact with
Some Virgo interests are: fault finding, helping to im- others. They make good counselors and judges because
prove others, work, details, perfection. they can clearly see both sides of an issue. However, this
We have had several U.S. Presid ents born under the ability to see an issue from all sides frequently gives them
sign of Virgo, among them William H. Taft and Lyndon B. a problem in making decisions, especially concerning mi-
Johnson. nor matters. For instance, it may take a Libra hours just to
Virgos are the craftsman of the zodiac. pick out a blouse or shirt when there is a selection to
Qualities: Mutable-Earth choose from.
Key Phrase: I ANALYZE! Libras are rarely lazy. They work hard, and also de -
Key Word: Service mand that their partners work just as hard. They have a
Virtue: Thoroughness strong sense of justice and fair play. They rarely express
Defect: Pettiness or Fussiness nger, but when they do it is usually a "storm." Their an -
Rulership: Natural ruler of the 6th house ger subsides quickly, however, and they do not hold
Ruling Planet: Mercury grudges. Anger frequently leaves them feeling ill.
Libras tend to be: romantic, dependent, fickle, coop-
When Virgo is on any hou se cusp, or when any «rative, gracious, extravagant, somewhat materialistic.
plan et is in Virgo, the affairs of that house or that planet Some of the Libra interests are: partnerships, justice,
will be affected by Virgo influences such as: much dis- peace, companionship, beauty, social life.
SO/ Astrologyfor Beginners Sun Sign Mini-Profiles / 51
We have had several U.S. Presidents, among them Scorpios have strong will power and an intense emo-
Dwight D. Eisenhower and Jam es E. Carter, born under tional drive. Their sex drive and their interest is sex is usu-
the sign of Libra. ally very strong. Scorpios are not "half-way" people;
Libras are the diploma ts of the zod iac. whatever they do, they do it wit h intensity and complete-
Qualities: Cardinal-Air ness. They have no fear of death .
Key Phrase: I BALANCE! Because of their strong emotional drive, they need to
Key Word: Harmo ny keep their integrity high else they fall into undesireable
Virtue: Fairn ess behavior such as violence, jealousy, hatred, or possessive-
Defect: Ind ecisiveness ness.
Rulership: Natu ral ruler of the 7th hou se These people often become workaholics. They drive
Ruling Planet: Venu s themselves hard, and usu ally drive others unmercifully.
There are two correct ways to pronounce Libra: lee- They despise weakn ess in self or others.
bra or lie-bra. The "lee-bra" pronunciation is the one most Often they will help others, but then they expect the
often used by most people. Ho wever, the "lie-bra" pro- one wh o was helped to start helping themselves. They
nunciation is the one most often used by professional as- will give a helping hand , bu t not for long.
trologers and well informed ama teur astrologers. So if Scorpios are secretive people. They also are ruthless
you want to sound like a well inform ed astrol oger, say enemies or competitors.
"lie-bra." Scorpios tend to be: vindict ive, sarcastic, heroic,
WhE!n Libra is on any house cusp, or wh en any plan et forceful, cynical, secretive, determined, suspicious.
is in Libra, the affairs of that hou se or that planet will be Some Scorpio interests are: sex, unraveling myster-
affected by Libra influences such as: partnersh ips, joint
ies, mon ey of others, being the unseen power.
enterprises, refined harmony, balance, fairness, beauty,
. some times idealistic or roman tic to the extreme. There have been more U.s. Presidents born under the
Refer to figure 1 and you can see that Libra is on the sign Scorpio than under any other sign. Two of these were
cusp of my third house. I have no plan ets in Libra. The in- Theodore Roosevelt and John Adams.
fluence of Libra in my cha rt is sub tle and hardly even no- Scorp ios are the de tectives of the zodiac.
ticed . I'll point out the influence in the chapter on inter-
preting the natal chart. Qualities: Fixed-Water
To start understand ing Libra, remember the Key Key Phrase: I DESIRE!
Word, HARMONY, and the ru ling planet, VENUS. Key Word: Resourcefu lness
Virtue: Intense dedication
SCORPIO Defect: Vindictiveness
Rulership: Natura l ru ler of the 8th house
Scorpio is the eighth sign of the zodiac and is ru led by Ruling Planet: Pluto
the planet Pluto. This is an extremely strong sign; no sign
is so potent for good or for evil as is Scorpio.
52/ Astrology for Beginners Sun Sign Mini-Profiles / 53
When Scorpio is on any house cusp, or when any These are idealistic people. They must learn wisdom
planet is in Scorpio, the affairs of that house or that planet and balance or else they can become fanatics and follow
will be affected by Scorpio influences such as: secrecy, co- blindly some narrow dogma.
ercion, deep emotion and desires, jealousy, fighting to the Peple born under the sign of Sagittarius tend to be:
death, possessiveness, forced changes, sometimes a fatal- optimistic, friendly, argumentative, generally easy-going.
istic attitude, sometimes an area where meanness pre- Some Sagittarius interests are: religion, philosophy,
vails. traveling (especially foreign), horses, law, books, publish-
Refer to figure 1and you can see that Scorpio ison the ing, giving advice.
cusp of my 4th house. I do not have any planets in Scorpio. We have had several U.s. Presidents, among them
The subtle influence of Scorpio in my horoscope chart will .achary Taylor and Martin VanBuren, born under the
be better understood when you get to the chapter on inter- sign of Sagittarius.
pretation.
Remember the Key Word is RESOURCEFULNESS Sagittarians are the philosophers of the zodiac.
and the ruling planet is PLUTO. Qualities: Mutable-Fire
Key Phrase: I SEE!
SAGIlTARIUS Key Word: Freedom
Virtue: Hopefulness
Sagittarius is the ninth sign of the zodiac and is ruled Defect: Non-discriminating
by the planet Jupiter, the planet of expansiveness and Rulership: Natural ruler of the 9th house
good fortune. Ruling Planet: Jupiter
Sagittarians are honest and freedom loving . No mat-
ter how difficult a situation becomes, there always seems When Sagittarius is on any house cusp, or when any
. to be help for the Sagittarian because they seem to always planet is in Sagittarius, the affairs of that house or that
be under some sort of protective shield. planet will be affected by Saggittarian influences such as:
These are generally spiritual people, but they some- good fortune, abundance, optimism, lack of discrimina-
times become narrow minded if they are associa ted with a tion, where hunches playa significant role, foreign people
social or religious group that has limited vision . or things, helping others to find themselves, philosophy,
These people call the shots as they see them without humor.
any embellishment; therefore, they are often considered Refer to figure 1 and you can see that Sagittarius is on
to be blunt or lacking in tact. my 5th house cusp and that the planet Saturn is in Sagitta-
Women Sagittarians make charming companions, rius in my 4th house. This plays a significant role in my
but usually dislike domestic tasks and are generally quite horoscope chart as you will see later.
independent. Remember that the Key Word is FREEDOM and the
ruling planet is JUPITER.
54 / Astrology for Beginners Sun Sign Mini-Profiles /55
These are determined, stubborn, and often argumen- are responsive to the thou ghts and feelings of others. They
tive people. They have the ability to stir up much dislike always want to do the right things, but usu ally have little
toward themselves. will power. The y are unable to make u p their own minds.
People born under the sign of Aquarius tend to be: These people rarely participate in sports or strenu -
tactless, independent, naive, broadminded, dogmatic, re- ous activity. They are not combative . They will suffer
bellious, impersonal. rather than fight for their rights; they have a mar tyr com-
Some Aquarian interests are: helping others, friends, plex.
astrology, truth, politics. They can be so stubborn tha t no one can reason with
We have had several U.S. Presidents, among them them . They also like to drift, rather than buckle down to a
Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt, born under responsibility.
the sign of Aquarius. They alternate between pessimism and optim ism. In
Aquarians are the reformers of the zodiac. fact, they alternate in much of their behavior from one ex"
Qualities: Fixed-Air treme to the other; thi s is very an noyi ng to an yone who
Key Phrase: I KNOW! has to live or work with them.
Key Word: Independence Generally, these are not ambitious people; they seem
Virtue: Friendliness to be tuned in to some dream world. They often ma ke ex-
Defect: Eccentricity cellent artists in all fields of art. They have overactive
Rulership: Natural ruler of the 11th house imaginations.
Ruling Planet: Uranus Pisces are blind to any faults in anyo ne they love.
When Aquarius is on any house cusp, or when an y Pisces tend to be: sensitive, impression able, change-
planet is in Aquarius, the affairs of that house or that able, day-dreaming, compassionate, psych ic, careless, de-
, planet will be affected by Aquarian influences such as: pendent.
need for freedom and independence, unconventional be- Some int erests of Pisces are: hospitals, medicine,
havior or altitudes, humanitarian ideals, artistic talents pets, drugs, just thinking, serving others.
d isplayed, friends, sudden changes and events, expensive We have had several U.S. Presid ents, am on g them
tastes, much originality and inventiveness, use of scien- .eorge Washington and Andrew Jackson, born und er the
tific and electrical methods. Mign of Pisces .
Refer to figure 1 and you can see that Aquarius is on Pisceans are the martyrs of the zod iac.
my 7th house cusp and that I have no planets in Aqu arius. Qualities: Mutable-Water
This influence is very minor in my chart. Key Phrase: I BELIEVE
Remember the Key Word is INDEPENDENCE and Key Word: Compassion
the ruling planet is URANUS. Virtue: Charitableness
PISCES Defect: Easily influenced
Rulership: Natural ruler of the 12th house
Pisces is the twelfth sign of the zodiac and is ruled by
the planet Neptune. These are very sensitive people who Ruling Planet: Neptune
58/ Astrology for Beginners Sun Sign Mil/i-Profiles /59
When Pisces is on any hou se cusp, or when any Sagittarius: hip s, thighs, muscles, sciatic nerves
planet is in Pisces, the affairs of that house or that pla net Capricorn: skeletal struc ture, skin
will be affected by influences such as: subject to sympathy Aquarius: legs an d ankles, blood circulation, electric-
and understanding, mystical experiences, activiti es be- ity of the bod y, eye retina
hind the scenes, fraud, idealism at the expense of practi- Pisces: feet, toes, lymph glands, sweat glands
cality, activity concerned with drugs, sick people, institu-
tions, secrets or secret activities. The preceding list is just the tip of the iceberg of a
Refer to figu re 1 and you can see that Pisces is on the very specialized field in astrol ogy, bu t it should give you
cusp of my 8th hou se. I do not have any planets in Pisces. some appreciatio n of the vast scope of as trology.
The Piscean influence in my chart is subtle.
Remember the Key Word , COMPASSION, and the
ruling planet, NEPTUN E.
The Planets
.ipply,
61
62 / Astrology for Beginners The Planets / 63
The descriptions in this chapter touch only on some pects and placements that could help compensate for this
of the key characteristics. You will need to read books de- weak Sun.
voted more completely to planets in order to gain more The point is that in any given chart there may be a
complete knowledge. However, at the beginner stage, this planet or two that is weak. The remaining planets more
chapter has sufficient information to allow you to begin to often than not are able to compensate for some weakness.
interpret charts and have a reasonably good amateur And in all cases: NO PLANET ISCOMPLETELY POWER-
knowledge of astrology. LESS IN A CHART, REGARDLESS OF ITSPLACEMENT.
A planet may have less power in some charts, but it is
SUN never without some power.
You have probably noticed some people who seem to
The Sun is the single most important planet in the na-
have little or no difficulty at all in achieving goals. Others
tal chart because it represents your ego and individuality.
seem to have great difficulty. Often the difference is that
It represents, by its house and sign placement, where you
the Sun (or other planets) in one chart are more strongly
have the ability to "shine." It shows your ambitions and
deepest character traits. It represents your vitality. placed than in the other chart.
In general, the Sun functions more powerfully in Leo,
A strong Sun in a chart can overcome much weak-
ness or adversity elsewhere in the chart. Aries, and Sagittarius.
In general, the Sun functions with more difficulty in
A weak Sun in a chart makes it more difficult for a
person to achieve goals. Aquarius, Libra, and Gemini.
In the other six signs (Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio,
Let me digress briefly to discuss a weak Sun . What I
Capricorn, and Pisces), it seems to hit a happy medium be-
say here also applies to any planet that may be weakly
I ween easy and difficult.
placed in the horoscope.
Some Solar characteristics are: ambition, confidence,
One example of a weakly placed Sun would be: Sun
trength, leadership, desire for recognition, individuality.
in Libra and placed in whatever house in the chart is ruled
Some positive characteristics of the Sun are: dignity,
by Aquarius, and where there are no major aspects to the
Sun from any other planet. I\" nerousity, will power, loyalty, fairness, honor.
Some negative characteristics of the Sun are: jeal-
Without regard to the rest of the horoscope chart, a
OIlSY, conceitedness, arrogance, laziness, obstenence.
person with this Sun would not have much will power,
The Sun rules Leo. It also rules the heart, spine,
would probably not have much charm.
perm, and genetic inheritance.
However, there are nine other planets in the horo-
The Sun moves through all twelve zodiac signs each
scope, and they can help to overcome a weak Sun.
v,'ar, progressing approximately one degree a day (53sec-
For example, Mars conjunct Venus in the 1st house
unds a day is more exact). It spends approximately 30
could do wonders for providing some charm. A well
d,.ys in each zodiac sign. The Sun never goes retrograde.
placed Pluto could provide some will power. And so
If you look at figure 1 you will see that my Sun is
forth. There are a great many combinations of planet as-
placed in the 11th house in Cancer. This, among other
64/ Astrologyfor Beginners r ile Planets / 65
things, says that my ability to "sh ine" will be in relation to The Moon's position in the chart also indicates how
11th house and Cancer matters. The 11th house is a public the public will react to the person.
house, and it has to do with dealing with the public at The Moon affects moods, memory, and subconscious
large and groups of people. (You will learn more about the thoughts. The Moon represents the mother, domestic mat-
11th house in a later chapter.) Cancer, among other things, ters, and home life.
has to do with the home and with psychic matters. In general. the Moon fu nctions more powerfully in
Now let's examine what I do for a living. I write .ancer, Taurus, and Pisces.
books in my home, books that go ou t to the world at large. In general. the Moon functions with more difficulty
Three of my publish ed books to date deal with psychic In Capricorn, Scorpio, and Virgo.
matters. I also lecture to groups of peo ple on these sub- In the other six signs (Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sag-
jects. ittarius, and Aquarius), it seems to hit a happy medium
Are you beginning to see wha t kinds of informa tion between easy and difficult.
can be gleaned from a natal chart? Basic Luna r types are: emotiona l, sens itive, imagina-
Are you beginning to see how to star t interpretin g tion, domestic, instictive, and changea ble.
planets in signs and houses? Some positiv e characteristics of the Moon are: inspi-
With the discussion of each plan et, I will delve into ration, magnetism, visiona ry and positive psychic pow-
this sort of interpretation a little so you start to get the feel «rs, flexibility, amourous ness, creativity.
of astrology. Then later on we will go deep er into interpre- Some negativ e characteristics of the Moon are: self-
tation.
destructive or negativ e psychic pow ers, dreaminess,
MOON moodin ess, possessiveness, smothering love, tendency to
1>,. clannish.
Next to the Sun, the Moon is the mos t personal of The Moon rules Cancer. It also rules nutrition, storn-
the planets and has great effect on a person. It shows the nch, breasts, womb and impregnation, body fluids, sub-
everyday activities of life-how you ge t along with peo- «onscious mind, insanit y, instincts, memory, and diges-
ple, especi ally with women (regardless of your gender).
tion.
The Moon shows wh ere your strong emotional attach-
ments are. In a man's chart, the Moon (an d Venus) pla ce- The Moon moves throu gh all twelve zodiac signs
ment shows the typ e of woman he is drawn to. In a wo m- "bout every 28 days, progressing about 12 to 15 degrees a
an's chart, the Moon (and Mars) for the type of man she is d,ly (the speed varies). It spends abo ut 2 1/ 2 days in each
drawn to. lOd iac sign, and it never goes retrograd e.
Where the Moon is placed by sign and house indi- Refer to figure 1. My Moon is in Gemini in the 10th
cates wh ere there is a stro ng, major interest in life. The house. The Moon show s, among other things, wh ere a
Moon 's position in a natal chart also shows what area of I"' rson's major interest in life is and what occurs in a per-
life will have man y fluctuations and cha nges, and wh ere on's daily activities.
there will be a strong dri ve to achieve stability and secu- Gemini rules communications (talking, writing, etc.)
rity . rllllOng other things . One of the 10th house matters is what
66 / Astrologyfor Beginners The Planets / 67
we do in life that is exposed to public view. (More about (age.
the 10th house in a later chapter.) In general, Mercury functions most powerfully in
My daily activity is writing, and writing is my major ernini, Virgo, Aquarius, and Scorpio.
interest. The public views me as an author. It all fits, In general, Mercury functions with more difficulty in
doesn't it? Sagittarius, Pisces, Leo, and Taurus.
In addition, I receive letters from my readers from all In the other four signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Cap-
over the United States and from many other countries. ricorn), it seems to hit a happy medium between easy and
And 99% of my letters are from women. That fits, too, difficult.
doesn't it? Mercurial types tend to be: adaptable, mental, active,
Astrology really works! nble pursue several activities simultaneously, expressive,
communicative.
MERCURY
Some positive characteristics of Mercury are: ability
10 learn quickly, resourcefulness, brilliance, eloquence,
Like the Sun and the Moon, Mercury is a personal
planet. Mercury rules the conscious, reasoning mind . dexterity, and great awareness.
Mercury's house and sign placements show how the mind Some negative characteristics of Mercury are: an un-
directs its thoughts. Mercury reflects our link of reason be- warranted sense of superiority, indecisiveness, instabil-
tween the conscious and subconscious, between physical lty, talks too much, gullable, and nosy.
and spiritual. Mercury rules both Gemini and Virgo. It also rules
As we think, so we become. Mercury in the chart de- Ihe nervous system, tongue movement, hands, reflexes
picts our thinking process. .md coordination, mental awareness, memory, and the
Mercury's links (aspects) with other planets give fur- ('(lnscious mind.
ther description of our thought processes. For example, a Mercury goes through all twelve zodiac signs in ap-
strong link with Saturn shows a serious thinker. proximately one year, never getting further away from
If Mercury is in close aspect with another planet, it the Sun than 28 degrees. Mercury goes retrograde for ap -
becomes strongly influenced by that planet and becomes a proximately three weeks each time, about four times a
channel through which the other planet expresses its VI'ar. Because of this, Mercury sometimes is ahead of the
power. When powerfully placed by sign, house position, ';11 n and sometimes trails the Sun. Mercury is sometimes
or aspect, Mercury becomes an extremely powerful influ- Ihe "morning star" and sometimes the "evening star."
ence in the chart. Mercury travels from 0 degrees to 2 degrees 12 min-
People who are slow witted or who have great diffi- Illesa day, depending on whether it is retrograde or in fast
culty in learning or understanding often have a poorly direct motion. This means Mercury stays in one zodiac
placed Mercury in their chart. If Mercury is in a strong ad- _If;n from 14 to a little over 30 days, again depending on
verse aspect with other planets, it is very difficult for the Ih., motion.
person to use their mental faculties to their best advan- In figure 1 you can see that my Mercury is in Gemini
In the 10th house. This is an especially powerful place-
68/ Astrology for Beginners The Planets / 69
ment because Mercury is in the sign it rules (Gemini) and movement.
is in the powerful midheaven (lOth house). Some negative Venus characteristics are: vanity, lazi-
Mercury rules writing (among other things) and is in ness, jealousy, self-indulgence, indecisiveness, posses-
the public 10th house. And what do I do for a living? siveness.
Right-I am a writer who writes books for the public. Venus ru les both Taurus and Libra. It also rules ova-
Once again, you can see how astrology can accu- ries, throat, and blood circulation.
rately detail a person's life. Venus moves through all twelve zodiac signs in ap-
proximately one year, never getting further away from
VENUS Ihe Sun than 48 degrees. Like Mercury, Venus goes retro-
Venus is also a personal planet. It typically shows flrade and sometimes is ahead of the Sun and sometimes
where money may be gained or spent. trails the Sun . Venus, too, may be the "morning star"
Venus represents refinement, harmony, love, sometimes and she "evening star" at other times .
beauty, and artistry. It shows how you will interact with Venus travels from 0 degrees to 1 degree 16minutesa
other people. day, depending on whether it is retrograde or not. This
In a man's chart, Venus, along with the Moon, shows means Venus stays in one zodiac sign from 23 days to a lit-
the kind of women he will be attracted to and possibly tle over two months, depending on its motion.
marry. See Mars to find the kind of man a woman is at- You can see in figure 1 that my Venus is in Taurus in
tracted to. . the 10th house. This is a powerful placement. Among
Venus is often called the lesser benefactor. This ot her things, this indicates that I will earn my money by
means it is associated with good fortune in minor ways. do ing something creative (writing in my case) for the pub-
For example, winning a small amount of money in the lot- lic.
tery. Its house position shows where good luck can ap- In a man's chart, I mentioned that Venus and the
pear. Moon indicate the kind of woman he is likely to marry.
In general, Venus functions most powerfully in Tau- My Venus is in Taurus, and I am married to a woman who
rus, Libra, Pisces, and Aquarius. has a Taurus ascendant in her natal chart. Further, my
In general, Venus functions with more difficulty in Moon is in Gemini (talkative people), and my wife is very
Aries, Scorpio, Virgo, and Leo. t.ilkative, I like talkative women. At this writing, we have
In the other four signs (Gemini, Cancer, Sagittarius, l-cen happily married for 40 years. I guess it pays to flow
and Capricorn), it seems to hit a happy medium between with the energies expressed in the natal chart, does it not?
easy and difficult. By now you can see the pattern forming. Each planet
Venus rules over: romance, love, gentleness, beauty, placement is reinforcing other planet placements in my
sociability. • hart. Even without looking further, you can easily con-
Some positive characteristics of Venus are: charm, re- d ude that I will be a successful professional author.
finement, consideration, creativity, inspiration, graceful
70 / Astrology for Beginners The Planets / 71
MARS tolerance for pain, muscular energy, certain diseases that
cause pain, fevers and inflamm ations.
Mars is action, energy and courage. It rep resents our Mars moves throu gh all twelve zod iac signs in ap-
most primative and agg ressive urges. It also strongly in- proximately two years, staying in one sign an average of
fluences sexual matters. 1.5 months.
The Mars placement in a natal chart shows where Mars travels from 0 degrees to 1 degree 16 minutes a
physical activity will take place and indica tes the kind of day, depending on wh ether it is in retrograd e or direct
things that will arouse you- how you react to violence, motion,
etc. Figure 1 shows that my Mars is in Virgo in the 1st
In a woman 's chart, Mars describes the kind of man house. This is a pow erful placement because it is in the
she will be most physically attracted to. It also describes first hou se which Mars rules normally (see the Natural
how she will get along with such a man- harmoniously Wheel in figure 2) and Mars is in close conjuction with my
or not. See the Moon and Venu s for the kind of woman a ascendant and wi th Neptune. We will discuss the specif-
man is attracted to. ics of this later in the chap ter on chart interpretations.
Any aspect between Mars and the Sun in a chart Mars in Virgo is a common placement in the charts of
gives strong will power and a strong physical constitu- surgeons and various craftsmen such as carpenters, en-
tion . gravers, etc. From this, you might hastely conclude that I
Mars in aspect to any planet gives a great deal of en- .rm skilled with my hands in some way. Noth ing could be
ergy to the action of the oth er planet-this may be good or further from the truth-I am usu ally quite clumsy and in-
not so good, depending on the specific chart. «pt in using my hands.
In general, Mars functions more powerfully in Aries, Mars in Virgo does confer skill and craftsmanship,
Capricorn, and Leo. hut in my case it is craftsma nship with words, not with
In general, Mars functions with mo re difficulty in Li- things.
bra, Cancer, and Aqu arius. I point this out to impress the point that when you in-
In the other six signs (Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Scor- lerpret a natal chart you should not be too quick to make
pio, Sagittarius, and Pisces), it seems to hit a happy me- the obvious interpretation. You must study the entire
dium between easy and difficult . chart carefully and look for subtilties.
Mars types tend to be: forceful, independe nt, strong, In my chart there is not one other indication that I
desiring, courageous, impulsive, energetic. might be skilled with my hands, but there is plenty of
Some positive characteristics of Mars are: determina- .. I her evide nce that I am skilled with word s. Thus you can
tion, self-reliance, an aggressive nature, bold , and de- . ..nclude that Mars in Virgo in my chart gives power and
voted. "I\ergy to my ability with crafting words .
Some negative chara cteristics of Mars are: jealousy,
stubbornness, violence, destructive, warlike, cruel.
Mars rules Aries. It also rul es surgery, red blood cells,
72{ Astrology for Beginners The Planets { 73
always easily. And Saturn lets us reap what wesow. !fyou In general, Saturn functions more powerfully in Cap-
sow good seed (good works) Saturn assures reward. Of ricorn, Libra, and Virgo.
course, if you sow bad seed, watch out! You will get ex- In general, Saturn functions with more difficulty in
actly what you deserve. ancer, Aries, and Pisces.
Many astrologers consider Saturn to be a malefic In the other six signs (Taurus, Gemini, Leo, Scorpio,
planet because it is associated with obstacles, difficulties, Sagittarius, and Aquarius), it seems to hit a happy me-
hardships, working to earn rather than getting a free ride. dium between easy and difficult.
Let me digress for a moment. Traditional astrology Saturnian types tend to be: serious, sincere, cautious,
considers Mars, Saturn, Uranus, and Pluto to be malefic conventional, judicious.
planets. The Sun, Moon, Venus, and Jupiter are consid - Some positive influences of Saturn are: stability, self-
ered to be benefic planets. Mercury and Neptune are con- discipline, wisdom, thriftiness, patience, endurance, hu-
sidered to be neutral. I do not subscribe to this philosopy. mility.
The so-called malefic planets are often associated Some negative influences of Saturn can make one:
with difficulties, but I do not consider this to be bad (ma- miserly, narrow-minded, selfish, fearful, pessimistic, and
lefic). Difficulties give us the opportunity to develop char- not flexible (rigid).
acter and strength. If you want a sharp knife, you must put Saturn rules Capricorn. It also rules the body skele-
it to the grindstone. If you want a strong character, you ton, teeth, skin, knees, paralysis, fear, falls, chronic condi-
must go through tests and difficulties (life's grindstone). tions, calcium, gall bladder.
The so-called benefic planets are often associated Saturn moves through all twelve zodiac signs in ap-
with easy going (little or no difficulties), but I do not con- proximately 29 1/2 years, staying in one sign an average
sider this to necessarily be good (benefic). Too much ease ..f 2 1/2 years.
in a chart never gives the person the character develop- Saturn travels from 0 degrees to 8 minutes a day, de-
ment he/she needs. For example, the rich kid who has pending on whether it is in retrograde or direct motion.
everything given to him from birth on, and grows up to be Figure 1 shows that my Saturn is in Sagittarius in the
a incapable of doing anything worthwhile. IIh house. This placement shows that my father was a
And I do not believe any planet is neutral. Irict disciplinarian, which he was. Saturn represents the
My philosophy is that it is the choices the person ",I her in a chart (the Moon, the mother) and the 4th house
makes with regard to their planetary influences that de- '" the domestic scene; Saturn is the disciplinarian.
termines good, bad, or neutral. For example, Saturn may Saturn's house placement shows the area of a per-
present a certain difficulty in a person's chart. That person on's life where that person has the most lessons to learn
can choose to give up and become a failure or to overcome .md where the person has the greatest feeling of inade-
and become a success. The planets present the circum- quacy .
stances and options, the person makes the choices.
Now back to Saturn. I'll not mention malefic or
benefic again in this book.
76 I Astrology for Beginners The Planets I 77
hind the scenes for the person. late gland, and allergies.
Pluto is the great transformer. It breaks down the old , Pluto moves through all twelve zodiac signs in ap-
and replaces it with the new. Pluto is associated with the proximately 248 years, staying in one sign from 14 to 30
most drastic changes, forced conditions, mass mov e- years.
ments. ' Pluto travels from 0 degrees to 3 minutes a day, de-
In mythology, Pluto ruled the underworld and was pending on whether it is in retrograde or direct motion.
the first kidnapper. It was discovered in the thirties wh en Figure 1 shows that my Pluto is in Cancer in the 11th
kidnapping ran rampant (e.g., the Lindberg kidnapping), house. This house placement shows that I will deal with
when crime, gangsters, and racketeering (AI Capone) masses of people, which is exactly what I do as an author
flourished, and the "underworld" became very powerfu l. of books .
Also dictators (Hiller, Mussolini, Stalin and oth ers)
emerged into world prominence. Pluto rules all of these NODES OF THE MOON
things.
The nodes of the Moon are not planets. There is a
Labor strikes involving masses of people also fall un-
der the domain of Pluto. Mass production in industry, north node and a south nod e; they are calculated points in
pace based on the Moon's position. The position of the
also . The list of these sorts of things is quite extensive,
north nod e is indicated in the Ephemeris (refer to figure 3
Pluto is no small-time influence.
10 refresh your recollection). The south node is always ex-
On a more personal basis, Pluto rules work behin d
the scenes or in isolation, death and disappearances, re- "elly opposite the north nod e. The nodes are always in ret-
tirement, urge to tear down and rebuild, influences sexua l mgrade motion.
We have a solar eclipse when both the Sun and Moon
behavior, and secret obsessions.
MC exactly conjunct either of the nodes. We have a lunar
In general, Pluto functions more powerfully in Scor-
t ' clipse when the Sun and Moon are in exact opposition
pio and Aquarius. In general, Pluto functions with more
.md accompanied by the nod es.
difficulty in Taurus and Leo.
The reason I include the nodes in this chapter on
In the remaining eight signs not enough is known to
planets is because their influence can be interpreted as
make knowledgeable statements about Pluto's function-
I hough they were planets. In my opinion, it is a minor in-
ing with regard to easy or difficult.
tluence and I usually do not bother to interpret them in a
Some basic Pluto characteristics are: extrasensory
unta] analysis unless the chart is so lacking in major as-
perception, forcefuln ess, intensity, restructuring.
Some positive Pluto characteristics are: spirituality, "" cls that I need to use all I can get. Other astrologers
IIl ll\ht disagree with my stance. When you start doing
transformation and revitalization, positive clairvoyance.
vou r own chart interpretations, use your own judgement.
Some negative Pluto characteristics are: destruction,
Traditionally, the north node is viewed to have an in-
fanaticism, anarchy, atrocities.
tluence somewhat like that of the planet Jupiter. The south
Pluto rules Scorpio. It also rules the reproductive or-
nodc is viewed to be somewhat like Saturn.
gans, rectum, obsessions, deep-seated problems, the pros-
82 / Astrology for Beginners The Planets / 83
The north nod e in a chart represents the area wh ere you may want to keep an eye on it to see if it is significant
development of new talent s should be di rected. in your natal chart. .
The south nod e in a cha rt represents talents already I would interpret my placement as being lucky in my
developed. My north nod e is in Taurus in my 9th hou se deali ngs with mass es of people (111h hou se) especially
conjunct my midheaven, and my south node is in Scorpio with rega rd to domestic or psychic mailers (Cancer).
conjunct my nadir (refer to figure 1).1woul d interpret this Enough said about the Part of Fortune.
to mean that Ishould concentrate on earning money (Tau -
rus) in publishing (9th house) becau se my writing ability SUMMARY
(3rd house) is alread y d eveloped. I should write about oc- This has been a brief discussion of the planets' salient
cult matters (Scorpio) wh ich I alread y know. This, in fact, points. It is by no means an exhaus tive pr esentation of
is exactly what I now do. fa cts. I cou ld easily written four times as mu ch on each
The nod es seem to have some association with the planet and still not have covered everything.
subconscious mind. Some astrologers regard the nod es to My purpose is not to d eluge you will large amounts
be karmic points or fated cond itions. In expe rience, I have of data. My purpose is to give you a sufficient amount of
not encountered any evide nce from wh ich to draw my key, salient information so you can begin to understand
own conclusion about this karmic or fated aspect. .md use astrology . For those read ers wh o want to know
I try to keep an ope n mind, and I urge you to d o the more, there are literally hundreds of books available for
same. Enough said about the nodes. further study.
PART OF FORTUNE In this chapter, I also exposed you to mini-analysis
.md interpretations to better prepare you for a more thor-
Like the nodes, the Part of Fortune is not a planet; it is ough discussion on these mailers later in this book.
a calculated point in space tha t can be inter preted as By seeing how one natal chart, mine, is constructed
though it were a planet . II nd interpreted you will be able to do the sa me thing with
The .Part of Fortu ne is said to be a lucky point. your own chart (or other peop le's charts).
If you will look at figure 1 near the bottom center you
will see: PARTOFFORTUNE = 25CN ll , wh ich is the loca-
tion of my Part of Fortune.
When I study the cosmic events in my life associated
with good luck, sometimes the Part of Fortu ne has been
involved and sometimes not. In 'any case, I regard this as
such a minor influence that Ido not bother to calculate itor
interpret it.
When you use computer calculated charts like I now
do, you get the Part of Fortune for free. If you do the same,
6
The Aspects
CONJUNCTION
8S
86/ Astrology for Beginners rile Aspects / 87
and INTENSITY because each planet in a conjunction minute more, it becomes 0 degrees of the next sign .
tends to bring out the characteristics of the other planet in- Another conjunction in figure 1 is in the 11th house.
volved. In other words, the two planets mutually intensify My Sun at l2CN05 is 5 degrees and 40 minutes away from
each other. my Pluto at l7CN45.This meets the criteria of being within
"Mutually intensify" applies only to conjunctions, 8 deg rees of each other and thus qualifies as a conjunction.
and it means that the planets involved have much more However, at nearly 6 degrees apart, it is on ly a moderately
power and influence in the horoscope than if they were powerful conjunction. It lacks the intensity of the Nep-
not conjunct (or "conjoined") because their powers com- tune-Mars conjunction just discussed.
bine, generally in a beneficial way but not always. Some other conjunctions in figure 1 are:
The conjunction might enhance the mutual attrib- In 10th house, Jupiter at 04GE51 is 4 degrees 21 min-
utes. For example: Mercury conjunct Mars will give an ex- utes from Moon at 09GE42. Fairly strong.
ceptionally keen, active mind. In 10th house, Venus at 26TA31 is 8 degrees 20 min-
A conjunction can sometimes have a compromising utes from Jupiter at 04GE51. This is a weak conjunction be-
effect. For example: Saturn conjunct Jupiter. Saturn tend s cause it is on the fringe of not being a conjunction. Not
to restrict jupiter's expansiveness, and Jupiter tends to much intensity.
free the Saturn restrictiveness. As a result, there is a com- See if you can find these additional conjunctions in
promise-less hardship than Saturn would normally figure 1: Venus conjunct the midheaven; Neptune con-
bring and less good fortune than Jupiter would normally junct the ascendant; Mars conjunct the ascendant; north
bring. node conjunct the midheaven; north node conjunct Ve-
An example of a very powerful, intense conjunction nus.
can be found in figure 1 in the 1st house. My Neptune at Conjunctions add a great deal of strength to any natal
29LE23is only 43 minutes away from my Mars at 00VI06. ..hart.
You can find the effects of this conjunction in chapter 13.
This is an example of two planets being conjunct even TRINE
though they are in different signs. This is possible because This is a major aspect where two planets are 120 de-
Neptune is only 37 minutes away from being at zero de- WeL'S apart, plus or minus 8 degrees (that is from 112 to
grees Virgo. Do you see how to figure this? 12fl degrees apart). Of course, the more exact, the more
29 LE 23 I'owerful the influence.
± 37 The trine is a very powerful aspect, and it is always
2960=00VIOO h.mnon ious (easy). Trines in a chart help the person to
If you don't see this, refer back to chapter 3 where the
overcome difficulties in life and sometimes bring great
degrees and seconds of signs are discussed. Recall that oud fortune.
The keyword for the trine is EASY LUCK. The trine
there are 30 degrees to each sign: 0 degrees through 29 de-
Indicates where things come with little effort for the per-
grees 59 minutes make up anyone sign. If you add one
88 / Astrology for Beginners
TheAspects /89
son. It identifies natural talents and wh ere success is most SQUARE
easily obtained.
An example of a trine can be found in figure 1. Nep- This is a major aspect where two plan ets are 90 de-
tun e in the 1st hou se at 29LE23 is 3 degrees 18 minutes grees apart, plus or minus 8 degrees (82 to 98 degrees
from being exactly 120 degrees from Saturn in the 4th apart). This is a very powerful aspect, and is the most di f-
house at 26SA06. This is a fairly strong trine. fficult and potentially destructive of all aspects. The key-
Some other trines in figure 1 are: Mars trine Saturn; word for the square is OBSTACLES.
Saturn trine the ascenda nt. Squares put lots of energy into the chart and keep
Occasionally in a horoscope chart you will see three you very busy overcoming obstacles. If you learn to use
plan ets, each of wh ich forms a trine with the other two. Ihis energy constructively, squa res are quite beneficial.
This is called a Gra nd Trine, and it is extremely powerfu l Otherwise, they can hold you back or beat you do wn. The
for good. The meanin gs of each of the three trines in a "ffect of squares depends entirely on you r attitude. If you
grand trine is the same as each trine separately. Ho wever, .rre a negative person, a lot of squares in your chart can
in the Grand Trine configuration, the power is increased make life a living hell.
many times, and it will overcome all, or nearly all, inhar- Squares in a chart indicate where you will feel com-
monious aspects that may be in the horoscope chart. pelled to strive harder and where you are most likely to
have clashes.
SEXTILE I have analyzed hundreds of charts, and I have never
This is a major aspect where two planets are 60 de- ven a chart of an outstanding person without also seeing
grees ap art, plus or minus 8 degrees (52 to 68 degrees more than one square in the chart. Squares are absolutely
apart). This is always a harmoniou s aspect, bu t not as "ecessary to develop chara cter. The key is to use the en-
powerful as a trine. The keywo rd for a sextile is OPPOR- l'rf:y from the squ ares in a positive, construc tive mann er.
TUNITY. I have seen several char ts that had no squa res at all.
I" cvery case, the people involved drifted throu gh life
Sextiles show where there is opportuni ty and luck
without even the smallest achievement .They seemed con-
throu gh action. For the sextile to brin g the luck or results,
n-n ted because life had not handed them any significant
you must take action, usually work, for it. Conv ersely, the
trin e most often gives you the good luck with little or no problems, but it had not handed them any significant re-
wards either.
action on your part.
An example of a sextile in figu re 1 is the Moon sextile You can see why I do not regard squares as being
Uranus. This is quite a strong sextile becau se they are "Ihe bad boys of astrology" as do some astrologers. I
IIlI nly believe we need challenges, obstacles, and prob -
withi n 1 degree and 37 minutes of being exactly 60 de-
h-rus in order to get the most out of life. Squares give those
grees apa rt. I hlngs to you .
Some other sextiles in figure 1 are: Pluto sextile the
north node; Pluto sextile the midh eav en. An example of a square can be found in figure 1. My
-un at 12CN05 in the 11th hou se is within 46 seconds of
90 / Astrotogy for Beginners
Tile Aspects / 91
being an exact square to my Uranus at llAR19 in the 8th Opposition creates pushing and pulling in ones life,
house. This is an extremely strong square. and only by learning to cooperate can this be resolved sat-
Some other squares in figure 1 are: Uranus square isfactorily.
Pluto; Venus square Mars; Venus square Neptune; Mars In figure 1 there is an example of an opposition. My
square Jupiter; Jupiter square Neptune; Venus square as- Mercury at 2OGE42 in the 10th house is in opposition to
cendant. my Saturn at 26SA25 in the 4th house. This opposition is 5
Once in a great while in a horoscope chart you will degrees 24 minutes from being exact and is only moder-
see four planets, each of which forms a square with two of ately strong. Basically it tells me that I need to learn to dis-
the other planets and an opposition with the third. This is cipline my mind. Since it is not a strong aspect in my chart,
called a Grand Square, and it is extremely powerful. It that was not a big problem for me-although it was one
gives a great many obstacles in the person's life. Each Ihat I did face, and solve many years ago when I was much
square and the oppositions are interpreted just the same younger.
as though they were single, but the grand square configu- There are no other oppositions in my chart.
ration increases the power many times. It takes a tremen-
dous amount of work and fortitude to overcome the diffi- SEMI-SEXTILE
culties presented by a grand square. Many people are de-
feated or held back by this configuration. Those who learn This is a minor aspect where two planets are 30 de-
to flow with the energy and redirect it into a positive di- grees apart, plus or minus 3 degrees (27 to 33 degrees
rection will become outstanding individuals. "part). The keyword for the semi-sextile is COOPERA-
IWE.
OPPOSITION The sextile is much like the sextile, but it is consider-
"Illy less powerful.
This is a major aspect where two planets are 180 de- There are a number of semi-sextiles in figure 1. One
grees apart, plus or minus 8 degrees (172 to 188 degrees). of them is the Sun-Moon, which are 32 degrees 23 minutes
This is a .difficult aspect, but not as much as is the square. "part. A fairly weak aspect.
The keywords for the opposition are COOPERATION or
AWARENESS. SEMI-SQUARE
The opposition indicates areas where there is need to
balance opposing forces or circumstances to find a happy This is a minor aspect where two planets are 45 de-
medium. There is always a certain amount of difficulty in I\l'ecs apart, plus or minus 3 degrees (42 to 48 apart). The
doing this. Many adjustments have to be made in order to ~<'yword for the semi-square is FRICTION.
make best use of the energies created by oppositions. The semi-square is much like the square, but it is con-
Through the confrontations caused by oppositions, I iderably less powerful. It is a minor frustrating aspect.
you have the opportunity to gain greater awareness of self There are several semi-squares in figure 1. One of
and of others. I ln-m is Venus-Sun, which are 34 seconds from being ex-
" I, a strong semi-square aspect.
92 / Astrology forBeginners
The Aspects / 93
SESQUI-SQUARE
In addition, Venu s is placed in the 10th house of my
This is a minor aspect where tw o plan ets are 135 de- public work life, and Saturn, which rules the work life is
grees apart, plus or minus 3 degrees (132 to 138 degrees placed in my 4th house (rules the domestic scene). Every-
apart). The keyw ord for the sesqui-squ are is AGITA- thing ties together; these were the areas I needed to adapt
TION. It introduces minor obstacles that are an ag itation my behavior to in ord er to solve conflicting problems.
more than a serious problem.
There is only one sesqui-square in figure 1, and that is
between Uranus and the ascenda nt, which are 1 degree 14
seconds from being exact. This is just a moderately strong
aspect.
INCONJUNCT or QUINCUNX
This is a minor aspect where two planets are 150 de-
grees apart, plus or minu s 3 degrees (1 47 to 153 degrees
apart). The keyword for the inconjunct is GROWTH.
This is probably the most important of the minor as-
pects, and is probably one worth watching in natal charts.
This aspect indicates problems you need to learn to
adapt to or work around, which can lead to maturity and
increased self-confid ence (growth). This aspect can be
harsh or easy, dep ending on the specific plan ets involved.
If the ascendant is involved, it can ind icate health prob-
lems.
There is only one inconjunct in figure 1, and that is
between Venu s and Satu rn, which are only 25 seconds
from being exact. This is a very strong inconjunct, and I
felt its influence for a number of years until I learned how
to apportion my lime and energies satisfactorily betw een
my home life and my work life. Once I found the right bal-
ance and altitude, the inconjunct was no longer apparent.
In this inconjunct, Saturn represents my work life
(Saturn rules work, and is also the na tura l ru ler of the 10th
house) . Venus represents my wife, hence my home life.
7
The Houses
KINDS OF HO USES
""xu l ar :
These are the Ist, 4th, 7th, and 10th houses. Planets
ploced in these houses hav e a greater scope of action than
I'lnnets placed in other houses.
95
96 I Astrologyfor Beginners The Houses / 97
When the majority of planets in a person's natal chart HOUSES OF FUNCTION
are in angular houses, it indicates a prominent position in
the world. Houses of Life:
1st: Personal character
These are the Ist, 5th, and 9th houses. These are
4th: Latter part of life
houses of dynamic energy, enthusiasm, motivating
7th: Fortune of marriage
power, religious conviction. The 1st is self; 5th children;
10th: Public recognition
9th philosophy of living. These houses are the fire
If you look at figure 1, you will see a portion of the triplicity.
chart at the bottom labeled HOUSES. It shows seven
planets in angular (ANG) houses; two in the Ist, one in the Houses of Endings:
4th, and four in the 10th. The overwhelming majority of These are the 4th, 8th, and 12th houses. The 4th
planets in my chart are in angular houses. house pictures the end of life or the end of a matter. The
11th house pictures death and regeneration. The 12th
Succedent:
house pictures the subconscious, karma, and what is
These are the 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 11th houses. Planets
brought into this life. These houses are the water
placed in these houses tend to give stability, willpower, triplicity.
fixity of purpose, but no great activity.
When the majority of planets in a person's natal chart /louses of Substances:
are in succedent houses, it indicates the person may be These are the 2nd, 6th, and 10th houses. The 2nd
stubborn and uncompromising. house depicts the accumulation of money and movable
Figure 1 shows I have three planets in succedent possessions. The 6th house depicts the facility to work or
(SUC) houses: one in the 8th and two in the 11tho the occupation. The 10th house depicts the employer or
o Cadent: profession, reputation, and honors. These houses are the
"arth triplicity.
These are the 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th houses. Planets
placed in these houses generally express very little activ- tlnuses of Relationships:
ity. They tend toward thought, communication of ideas, These are the 3rd, 7th, and 11th houses. These de-
and the ability to get along with people. rribe the person's relationship in the community as fol-
When the majority of planets in a person's natal chart lows:The 3rd house describes relationships with relatives
are in cadent houses, there is usually very little, if any, nnd neighbors; the 7th house describes relationships with
public recognition. The person will probably complete a p"rlners (marriage and business); the 11th house de-
major part of any undertaking, but someone else will get l Tibes relationships with friends and organiza-
the credit. lions. These houses are the air triplicity.
Figure 1 shows that I do not have any planets in ca-
dent (CAD) houses.
98 / Astrology for Beginners The Houses /99
THE TWELVE HOUSES 2. Self-preservation.
3. Self-earned or self-acquired mone y and posses-
FIRST HOUSE sions.
4. Your money, finances, securities, movabl e goods,
holdings, etc.
Persons in the First House: You, the self, your body.
5. Borrowing and lending.
Matters of the First House: The beginning, self-interest,
6. Penalties and fines.
the present, early environment.
7. Financial gains.
Key First House Rulerships:
8. How you receive and give.
1. The head and face.
A Few Occupations: Stockbroke rs, bankers, accountants.
2. Your physical body and its appearance, including
stature, complexion, attractiveness, strength, en-
ergy, constitution, abnormalities (ifany), grace and THIRD HOUSE
poise (or awkwardness), coordination, physic al
desires, etc. In short, everything concerning you r I'ersons in the Third House: Brothers, sisters, neighbors.
physical body. Matters of the Third House: Communications, short
3. Your personal affairs (not sexual affairs). trips, the conscious mind.
4. Your personality. Key Third House Rulerships:
5. Your attitude and outlook on life. 1. The arms, wrists, hands, fingers, shoulde rs, lun gs,
6. The impression you make on others. That is, how thyroid gland and nervous system.
others see you . 2. Your brothers, sisters, and neighbors.
7. Your personal environment. 3. Your mentality, how your mind functions.
8. Your private life. 4. Your nervous energy.
9. Self-awareness. 5. Your will power.
A Few Occupations: Soldiers, explorers, pioneers. 6, Transportation.
A Few Occupations: Writers, spea kers, salespersons, ra-
dio announcers, teachers, auctioneers, reporters, sec-
SECOND HOUSE
retaries.
Persons in the Second House: Bankers, investors, all per-
sons who deal with mon ey. I'OURTH HOUSE
Matters of the Second House: Money, personal freedom,
movable possessions, acquisitions. I'crsons in the Fourth House: Parent, provider, patron.
Key Second House Rulerships: Matters of the Fourth House: House and home, land, do-
1. The neck, throat, and base of skull. mestic affairs, end of life, end of a matter.
100/ Astrology for Beginners
The Houses/101
Key Fourth House Rulerships: 12. Theaters and other places of en terta inme nt.
1. The stomach, digestive system, ribs, breasts. A Few Occupations: Actors and actresses, professional
2. Your hom e, dom estic environment. entertain ers in general, pro fessional athletes, ar tists.
3. Land, imm ovabl e possessions, property, mines.
4. Parent of your opposite sex.
5. The end of your life. SIXTH HOUSE
6. The end of matters (for example, the end of a love
affair or the end of a job). I'ersons in th e Sixth House: Workers, doctors, nu rses,
7. Your grave (final resting place). landlords.
8. Your sense of security. Matters of the Sixth House: Illness, employment, service,
9. Circumstances in your later life. labor.
10. Your base of operations. Key Sixth House Rulersh ips:
A Few Occupations: Cooks and chefs, butlers and maids, 1. The intestines.
nutritionists, miners. 2. Conditions un der wh ich you work.
3. Your general state of health.
4. Your employees, subordinates, etc.
FIFTH HOUSE 5. Your susep tibility to illness.
6. The service you are capable of giving.
Persons in the Fifth House: Child, lover, entertainer, 7. Disag reeable duties and work.
gambler. 8. Clothing.
Matters of the Fifth House: Love affairs, children, talent, 9. Diet.
speculation, entertainment, gambling, sports. 10. Small an imals, both domestic and wild .
Key Fifth House Rulerships: II. Love of anima ls.
1. The heart. 12. The manner in wh ich you perform your obliga-
2. Your love affairs (not sexual affairs) . tions.
3. Your children . 13. Labor an d work in general.
4. Sports . 14. Tools used for perfor ming work.
5. Hobbies. A Few Occupations: Physicians, nurses, health practitio-
6. Relaxation and entertainment. ners and those in the health care field in general.
7. Gambling and speculation.
8. Education.
9. Games of all sorts. EVENTH HOUSE
10. Creative urges.
11. Ego to leave something of yourself behind when l'vrsons in the Seventh Hous e: Spouse, pa rtners, the pub-
you die. lic, enemies.
102 / Astrology for Beginners The Houses/ 103
Mailers of the Seventh House: Marriage, divorce, part- A Few Occupations: Butchers, morticians, executioners,
nerships, the public. detectives, pathologists, any occupation connected
Key Seventh House Rulerships: with death.
1. Kidneys, bladder, groin.
2. Marriage and partnership.
3. Describes your spouse. NINTH HOUSE
4. Success or failures in marriage and partnerships.
5. Your public or open enemies. Persons in the Ninth House: Strangers, publishers,
6. Sexua l perverseness. clergy, di plomats.
7. Your dealings with others in general. Maller of the Ninth House: Long journeys, printing and
8. Your social drive. publishin g, law, cou rts, philosophy, religion, foreign
9. Your awareness of others. affairs an d mailers, higher education .
A Few Occupations: Judges, referees and umpires. Key Ninth House Rulerships:
1. Hips, thighs, buttocks, the sciatic nerve.
2. Religion and related activities.
EIGHTH HOUSE 3. Your philosophy, beliefs and spiritual leanings.
4. The courts, law, and the legal system.
Persons in the Eighth House: Investigators, persons deal- 5. Some psychic expe riences.
ing with the dead and affairs of the dead . 6. Higher education.
Mailers of the Eighth House: Other people's money, sur- 7. Long trips and travel to foreign countries.
gery, manner of death, regeneration. 8. Large animals, both domestic and wild.
Key Eigh th House Rulerships: 9. Places far away from your birthplace.
1. Sex organs, rectum, urethra 10. Church.
2. Veneral diseases. 11. Higher thoughts, expanding consciousness.
3. Sex drive. AFew Occupations: Lawyers, clergy, diplomats, printers,
4. Cause of your death. publishers, bookbinders.
5. Affairs of the dead in general (for example, inheri-
tance, wills, life insurance, funerals).
6. Whether you will profit or lose through anoth er's n iNTH HOUSE
death .
7. Slaught er houses. l'ersons in the Tenth House: Employer, parent, presi-
8. Surgery and autopsies. dent, head person (the one in charge).
9. Morgues. M.lllers of the Tenth House: Career, reputation, activity,
10. Other people's money. honors.
11. Some occult experiences. K, ~y Tenth House Rulerships:
104/ Astrologyfor Beginners Tire Houses / 105
1. The joints, knees, skeletal structure, teeth . 9. Your reputation in money matters and as a winner.
2. Your public life (this is the most public house). 10. Any sort of organization to wh ich you belong.
3. Your tru e profession, business, vocation, or means A Few Occupations: Any humanitarian work.
of earning a living.
4. Your ambition.
5. How the public views you . TWELFTH HOUSE
6. Your reputation, any honors or recognition you
gain. I'ersons in the Twelfth House: Widow s, or phans, secret
7. Rewards of karma. enemies.
8. Your standing in the community. Mailers of the Twelfth House: Institutions, escapis m,
9. Your parent of the same sex. self-undoing, subversion, subconscious.
10. Persons in power (presidents, officials, kings). Key Twelfth House Rulerships:
11. Your goals, aspirations, achievements, promotions. 1. The feet and toes, phl egm and mucus.
12. Business. 2. Self-undoing, downfall, bad habit s.
13. Your authority. 3. Prisons.
A Few Occupations: Politicians, bu siness leaders, manag- 4. Hospitals.
ers, directors, any position of leadership or power. 5. Secrets.
6. Secret enemies.
7. Work or activity behind the scenes.
ELEVENTH HOUSE 8. Confinements in institutions.
9. Limitations, restraints, restrictions of all sorts.
Persons in the Eleventh House: Friends, social contacts, 10. The hidden side of your life.
the public at large, advisors. 11. Crime.
Mailers of the Eleventh House: Hopes, wishes, friends, 12. Misfortu ne, trouble, losses, pain, sorrow, etc.
groups, organizations. 13. Your most difficult tasks and hardest battl es.
Key Eleventh House Rulerships: 14. Things you must work out for you rself.
1. The ankles and calves. 15. Fierce animals that could cause you harm.
2. Your hopes and wish es. A Few Occupations: Wardens, prison guards, spies,
3. Your likes and dislikes. thieves.
4. Your friends.
5. Idealism.
6. How you interact with masses of people.
7. Clubs and organizations, especially those of a hu-
manitarian nature.
8. Your ability to overcome obstacles.
8
109
110 / Astrology for Beginners The Modern Way-By Computer /111
signs on house cusps and has other signs that do not ap-
pear on any house cusp. The sign s that do not appear on
Me
22~ 06
CHARTPflEPMIEDHY
WILLIAMW HEWITT
any house cusp are contained completely within some
, house-they are "intercepted" in that hou se.
' 8 ~62:
.. .." ..
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06
" ", Look at figure 4, and I'll explain, Look at the Ascen-
" ", 11 / 19)
dant (ASC); it has Taurus on the 1st house cusp.
I Going counterclockwise, look at the cusp of the sec-
" 9 ~ 04 / 2~
ond house. It has Gemini on it, Look at the 3rd house; it
'V
I " also has Gemini on it.
10 9
j,lfollS ,IU I 8 Follow the house cusps around. When you get to the
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7 6th house, notice that it has Virgo, but wh en you proceed
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ae to the 7th, it has Scorpio. What happened to Libra which
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comes between Virgo and Scorpio?
Libra falls completely within, or is intercepted by,
the 6th house. The 6th house is a really big house in this
chart, having approximately 41 degrees in it.
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. The 12th house on the opposite side of the chart also
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WATER 2
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So what is the big deal about charts with intercepted
M'gns? Not much, really. You interpret them just the same
' N any other chart; all the same rules apply. But you need
1" be aware of what they are, oth erwise you would think
Ih"re was an error when you cast a char t with intercepted
oIK"S.
Figure 4 Inte rcept ed signs are fairly common, and occur
Natal Chart with Intercepted Signs, ",uslly in charts for extreme northern or southern loca-
112/ Astrology for Beginners The Modern Way-By Computer / 113
tions, although they can occur anywhere. No tice my
chart in figure 1 is for Toledo, Ohio, and the one for my ~ &PECTS ~ ~ bO NI DPOINTS FOR HEWITT, WILLIAM fGEOCENTRICl
wife in figure 4 is considerably further sou th, New Or- ~ su ~ W NA JU SA UR !~ ~ ~
n~ 42! l =C NO ~ !~OG E 42 !2 b T A: 1 !OV JO b ! 04 G E~ 1 ! 2 6 S AO b! 1 1 AR 1 91 ~9 L E ~ :! 17 C N 4~ ! l e T ~O'A
leans. ' ~- - - -+- - - +- - - -+- - - - - -+- - - -+- - - + - - - - - -+- - - - -+- - -- + --- - + - - - - - - +
• .. ,..o- - ! :S ~ 23' 11 co: 1 3 I I ! GO 2 4 ! ' CJN ' !1 6 3 30! t a XT. ! 79 41! as OJ ! 2 1 12 !
Even though I am discussing this in the cha pter ! ! 1 37 A ! ! 4 :l IS ! !
~ ~ G E :;3 ! -S U-! 2 1 23! . s se.! 49 0 1! 37 1 4 ' 16 4 0 1! tSQR, ! . s sal! 'CJN . ! ~ 3 :::::i !
about computer generated charts, this information is ! ~4A ! 4 b B ! Z 19 A i :l 4 0A '
1~ 1 2 ! O I C N:3 !- M e - ! 2 4 12 ! b9 2'" 1:1 :I I ! ' QPP.! to'" 2 3 ! be 4 1 ' 2 7 O:::: ! ::1 2 12 '
valid for hand calculated charts also. This just happened ! :l 2 4A! ,
IlG£O b ! I 9G E le ~O B GE 3 6 ! -V E- - ! ' SOR, , BZO ! II NC" I S SOI! ISQAI' S l 14 ! 8 01!
to be the point wh ere I decided to discuss the matter. ! 1 3 SA! 2SS ! l Z9 ! ~ SlA ! !
1 "C~ 4 ' Ob LE 0:5! Z~ N ~ 4' l lCN I 8 ! - -HA - - ! ' SORt! ITRl l! 118 47 ' I CJNI ! I SS al ! IOI ::6 '
Now back to computer generated charts. ! 4 4 5A! 4 OOS ! 4 3 S ! Z 3'9A '
A glance at figure 4 shows all of the information "'CdI 17 ! :;:3GE::lS! I::G£ 47'OOGE4 1 ! 17CN2 B ! -- J U-_ ! I S B 4S! S3 '3:: ! 'SCR . ! ' SSO I ' Ib
S28 S ' 2 06 B !
21!
' !
1 ' ," IS4 ! 0 4 LJ O~ ! 2 3 PJ
I ::; ! ITR U !I~B 24~ 1Pl la ! =aL1 0b ! I:;P I 2a ! __ SA _ _ ~ IO S
given clearly. Not only do you get a very accu rate chart ! '3 I S9 '
2 1 ! 14:;: :::: 4'
,
wh eel, you get variou s tables that summarize valu able in- IUTAJ l ~ 2 6 TA42 I I bTAOI ~ OJ,TAS::;! 2OG£ 4::;! OBTAO:5! 18A 0 42! - -UR- -! I J8 0 4 ' . s e R. ! 3 7 I I !
! ! I b 268! !
formati on. I. C N 3!O:;L£4 4 ~ 2S C N0 3 1 12C NS7! 2'9 LE4:; !17 C N07!2 L I 4 S!20GE 1 ! - - N E - _ ! 41 3 a ! IOO :54 '
, ,. ." .
Also with the computer, you can generate other ~ [ 4 4 ~ 1 4CN:5S! 04C NI 4 ! 2GEO a 108L£:5! 2bGEla ! 06 L I S :5!2 '9T A32! OB L E 3 4 ' - - PL -_ ! I S _T '!
! ! • 4SA !
kind s of tables and charts such as is shown in figures 5 and . fAOb ! 1:5GE I 7 ! 0 4 GE3 b ! 2 2 TA3 0 ! 0 '9CN I 8 ' 2 6 TA4 0 ! 0 7 p l l a ! 2'9ARS 4 ! oeCNS 7 ! I 9GE0 7 ! - - NO__ ~
! ! ! ! ! !
6. Figure 5 shows all the aspects and the degrees of sepa- "C - -
1.43 ' S I 06! 2'9 44 ! ICJN I ! 9'9 07 ! 13 S 2 !144 S 3 ! 39 J,'9! <;Ia:!:5 ! , s n , ! 'CJ N '~
ration. This saves much time from having to figure it out ! ! :5 3 2A ! ! ! 3 14S! 2 2'96!
"'QI 20 ! Ib GE32! OS GES O! 2 3 TA4:5! t OCN3 2 ! ::::7TAS:5 !OBPI:;': 2!OI TA0 9 ! l OCN1I ! I lJGE2 ;: ! t9TA44 !
yourself. Figu re 6 shows harmonic patterning, which ".--
" S I! 'SSC. ! &6 :'il ! 'BQR ~ tCJ N' 1 8242 ! ITRU ! ' S ES' ! 'C JNt ! 3 9 4 B! 9'904!
will not be discussed in this book becau se it is more ad- 299 ! I I 0 3S1 Z 3:::1 A ! ! 1 2 89 ' 1 t4 S ! 1 SOAI
I *LN JB ! 0 4 LE 4<;1 ! 24C NOa ! 1 2CN0 2! Z a LE~ ! tbC N I2!b L I 4 <;1 !I '9GE2b !2 8 L E 2 S ! 0 7L E 3 9 ! Qe C N 02 !
van ced astrology. ._---------+------+------+--------------------+---------------------------+
The advantages then of a computer generated chart ~ ~ ~ ~ M!JU ~! ~ NE ~ NO
.QC 4 2 ! 12 CNOS ! 2 OGE4 2 ! 2'/'TA3 1 ! OOVJOb ! 0 4 GES I ! 2 6 SA06 ! I I ARt '9! 2 9 LE 23 ! 17CN4S ! 18 TA30!
are:
1. Fas t to generate. II ~ ' DATA-SCOPE FOR H EWIT T .W I L LI ~ (HEWI TT. WI LL IAN
Astrology is exciting. t.t ,. MANY HECTI C SOCI AL, LOVE OR ART IST IC EXPERIENCES COULD COME IN
AND OUT OF YOUR LI FE WITH G~ AT RAPI DITY. UNCONVENTI ONAL LOVE.
ART APPEALS TO you BUT MA Y NOT BE VERY ENDURI NG. CHANGES . EX-
CITME NT. FLIRTATIONS CAN DISTUPO YOU~ I NNER T ~ UCNA I IL .YT VE-SSQ-UR
.,.. YOU MA Y GET CRAVINGS FOR COMFORT. SOCI AL LI FE OR SWEETS AN D HAVE
FEELI NGS OF DISATISFACTION WHICH ARE HARD TO APPEASEI AT TI ME9
VOU MAY 9E VAIN. sPOIL LOVED ONES OR HAVE VERY OI ~ERNT TASTES
AND SOCIAL 9ACI(GROUND FROM A f'lAN YOU LOVE OR ARE FOND OF. SU-SS O- VE
••• VOUA PERSONALI Ty IS LOV I NG. SWEET AND AFFECTI ONATE _ A 9IT TOO
MUCH SO AT TI HES. you HAVE DES I RES ABOUT HOME. PROPERTY. FAMI_
LY WHI CH ARE HARD TO SATIS FY. PRETTY THI NGS . LOV INGNESS AND I OR
APTIST I C ATTAI NME NTS APE THINGS YOU STRIVE FOR. VE- SOP-AS
" YOU HA Y IDEALI ZE SOMEONE OA SON€THING ONLY TO F I NO THAT CIRCUM-
STANCES SEEM TO DENY GRATIF I CATION. YOU'RE SENTI MENTAL. ROHAN_
TIC. SACRIF IC I AL FOR LOVE OR ART BUT YOUR AIMS SEEM [VER OUT OF
REACH. THESE ENERG IES ARE EXCELLENT APPLIED TO CREATI VI TV. VE-SOR-NE
YOU COULD BE VERY PURPOSEFUL IN PURSUI NG WHO OR WHAT YOU WANT.
YET OBSTACLES ARI SE AND THE RED~AH YOU TRY THE MORE FRUS TRATED
YOU MA Y FEEL. A LOVED ONE SEEMS HARD TO PLEASE. KEEP A REAL-
I STI C '/IEW OF WHAT 16 POSSIBL E. YOU CAN BE VERY DI PLOMATI C. VE-S OR- MA
VOU COULD BE KNOWN FOR YOUR LOOV.S. ARTIST I C ABI LITY OR PUSLIC
SOCIAL EVENTS. YOU MAY 00 WELL IN MODELLING, I NTERIOR DECORA T~
I NG. DESI GNING. THE ARTS . SELLI NG OR PUBLIC ENTERTAINI NG . THI S
ALSO APPLI ES TO ANV IMPORTANT WOMAN OR SUPERI OR IN YOUP LI FE. VE-C J N-MI
IN ONE PARTICULAR AREA OF YOUR LIFE YOU COULD BE SELF- I NDULGENT.
SOCIAL ACTIVI TIES AND THE LUX URIES OR GOOD THI NGS I N LI FE OFTEN
COME YOUR WAY. SPOILI NG LOVED ONES OR YOURSELF IS FUN BUT AVO I D
EXCESSI VE VANI TY OR BEING E X T~A VA GAN T WITH LOV€D ONES. VE-CJ N-JU
Figure 7
Computer Generated Interpretation.
9
121
122 / Astrology for Beginners The Fast Way-By "Eyeballing" / 123
follows: day by 9, which is roughly on e-third. Remember, we are
just approximating.
Sun ll CN31 North Node 18TA31 Moon01GE04 Looking at the epheme ris, you can see that the Moon
Mercury 20GE07 Venus 25TA56 Mars 29LE45 moved 14 degrees from July 4 to July 5.So take on e-third of
Jupiter 04GE44 Saturn 26SA07R Uranus 11AR18 14, which is approximately 5, and add it to the position of
Neptune 29LE22 Pluto 17CN44
the Moon at the beginning of July 4.
Now you make some decisions. Firs t you kno w that Hence, OlGE04 + 5 degrees = 06GE04. This is what
the planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto you will use for your eyeballed position of the Moon .
(these are the heavy planets) move so slowly that there is Now do the same for Mars as you did for the Moon.
very little change from on e day to the next. The north node Mars moved approximately 36 seconds from July 4 to July
d oesn't change mu ch from day to day either. You can ob- 5. One third of36 is 12, which you will add to the Mars July
4 position.
serve this by scanning down the ephem eris page.
So for eyeballing purposes, you will take the read ing Hence, 29LE45 + 12 minutes = 29LE57. This is what
directly from the ephemeris for the heavy planets and the you will use for your eyeballed position of Mars .
north nod e. Here is a comparis on of your eyeballed planet loca-
Next, you look at the placements for the rem ain ing tions with the computer calculated planet locations:
five fast planets for the following day, July 5. If an y of
them changed their sign the following day, makea note of Eyeballed Calculated Error
Sun llCN31 12CN05 34 minutes
it because in a few moments we will need todo some inter-
N.Node 18TA31 18TA30 1 minute
polation. You notice that Mars changed to Virgo on July 5;
Moon 06GE04 09GE42 3 degrees 38 min.
for now just write down Mars OOVI21.
None ofthe others changed their sign, so you will use Mercury 20GE07 20GE42 35 minutes
Venus 25TA56 26TA31 35 minutes
their July 4 locations for your eyeballing-except for the
Mars 29LE57 00V106 9 minutes
Moon becau se it mov es very fast.
So for the Moon (always) and for Mars in this specif ic Jupiter 04GE44 04GE51 7 minutes
chart, we need to interpolat e. Saturn 26SA07R 26SA06R 1 minute
Keep in mind that the positions shown for each day Uranus 11AR18 llAR19 1 minute
ar e at midnight (the beginning of the day) in Greenwich, Neptune 29LE22 29LE23 1 minute
England. For eyeballing, we just assume it is midnight at Pluto 17CN44 17CN45 1 minute
whatever location the birth took place. This, of cou rse, in-
The eyeballing is very close to calculated accuracy in
troduces inaccuracy, but after all we are just eyeballing.
II cases is it not ? All the major aspects between the plan-
Since the birth tim e is 9:00 am, that is approximately
I. are the same as the calculated aspects, so for aspects we
on e-third of the way from the beginning ofJuly 4to the be
, nn regard eyeballing as being accurate.
ginning of July 5. I get this by d ividing the 24 hou rs of till'
The most serious deviations in the above chart a re
124 / Astrology for Beginners The Fast Way-By "Eyeballing" / 125
the Moon being 3 degrees off, wh ich is still a pretty good ber of characteristics that are completely unlike your own
guess. And Mars actua lly was in Virgo in the calculated Sun sign. One of the major reasons for the differences is in
natal chart rather than in Leo. This woul d cause some in- one's rising sig n, or ascenda nt.
accuracy wh en interpreting Mars-in-sign. Everyone has a rising sign, and it is every bit as im-
The inaccuracies are due to the d ifferences between portant in determining person al characteristics and traits
the location of the birth (Toled o, Ohio in this case) from as is the Sun sign.
the ephemeris, which is cha rted for Greenwic h, Engla nd. .The rising sign rules the 1st house in everyone's
The reason Greenwich is chosen as the reference horoscope. The 1st house has do ma in over the ph ysical
po int is that Greenwich is located exactly at zero degrees body, personality, personal traits, attitude, physical de-
long itude. This makes it easy then to calculate the differ- sires, one's outlook on life, etc. There are about forty major
ences at other longitudes in the wo rld. personal factors under 1st house domain. It is the most
The factors that must be compe nsa ted for to get an personal of all twelve houses.
accurate chart are: longitude, latitude, curvature of the The Sun sign establishes the total basic patterning for
earth, and time zone changes. When you get more experi- ,\ person. The rising sign modifies that pa tterning to form
ence, you will be able to make a reaso nably close eyeball- I he uniqueness that is you . Of course, there are many
ing compensation for these factors also, and thus have an other thin gs besides rising sign that enter into the modifi-
even more accurate guess than the one we have just fin- cation of one's Sun sign, but rising sign is the most promi-
ished compiling. nent modifier. If you understand your basic Sun sign char-
Except wh en I am doing a chart for pay, I almost al- octeristics and your basic rising sign characteristics, you
ways just do eyeballing because I have learned to be quite will have a nearly complete understanding of self.
accurate at it. For pay, of course, I use the computer and do Of course, this goes for your understanding of others
it absolu tely accurately. nlso. If you have two friends who are Canc ers and one is
So far we have eyeballed the planet placemen ts by loppy whil e the other is a neat-freak, you will under-
sign and degree and aspect. land why by blending their individua l rising signs with
Now we need to eyeball the ascendant (rising sign) I heir Cancer Sun sign.
and then set up the houses and place the planets in the Blending Sun signs and rising signs is fun, and you
houses. 1.·,lm a lot of astrol ogy that way. Most importantly, you
I""m a lot about people that way, and that really is what
EYEBALLING THE RISING SIGN n.rtal astrology is all about.
You have probably noticed that no two people with Blending Sun sign s and rising signs is sort of a game,
the same Sun sign are exactly alike. In fact, some people ml you only need three things to play this game:
with a given Sun sig n are very little like their Sun sign 1. A basic knowledge of all twelve zodiac Sun signs.
Uti have already gotten this knowledge earlier in this
traits while oth ers seem to be exactly like a textbook pic-
ture of their Sun signs. It is a safe bet that you have a num- 1'1 'Ilk, and you can expa nd on it by getting more detailed
I'. II iks from your library or bookstore.
S <u a
ra HI S S/
HI o.. l'tI S0.. ~ 0.. ~ c, ~
S 0.. ~
S a~ H (is ~ S H~ S
HI ;:a lU S
126/ Astrology for Begi,lners
_
Cl-t
cuiU
1C"l1O .... ('1"):::-
S
0"1 :: r-...a.. LO r-...
0..
_('1")::_ 0\=
lUfU lU
r...o-. LO r-..
C"') l/)
S §J S §] S §J S SI Ul S i:il ~ ~
2. You mu st know wh at the rising sign is. Shortly, I
will show you a quick and easy way to determine the ris-
ing sign.
-( I..~ . ~ SI-~ S ~ I \0 UJ~1= SOL~ §J UJ
CI
~ ~4I]OL \0. ri2~]=- ~ ) " l ' ( ~ )"U
3. You mu st know the time of day the birth took
place. Often this information is on the birth certificate.
Otherwise, ask the moth er. Just a close gu ess will suffice
~ I.... ~l
U .... ....UI 0\ ~l ~l ~l
t--. O\ lI')t-.. ct)U") .... ('l")~l ~ ~ ~ ....I~ r-...O\
_
UI )'f( ~
~ I~ LOr...
0\ ~ ~
~ i:il .... ('1")
for our purposes here. If the birth time cannot be deter-
-( 0.. ~
S 0.. ~
S S
0.. ~ S0.. ~ _C'f')
a0.. ~ ::_
S ~ 0\;:: lU ~ So..ra
aeu SIn:l H SI ioHSI S HI Hiii ('1")::: S
@rtS (UlU lUia
mined, use 6 am. (f) 10-. :::::
t--.O\ io r-, ("I')lI") ....
t--.O\ r-, f")lt') ....
To be absolutely certain of rising signs in one hun-
dred percent of the cases, a complete horoscope chart
must be done. This is compl ex, time consuming, and not s i:i I S § I a i:il s i:il a gj ~ SI S SI S SI S SI S SIS gj l a
necessary for the average astrology buff who wants to en-
~ I~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ':- I O\ ~ ~ :' ~ ~ ~ ~ ;~1 0\;t ,Eo
V'J
joy astrology without con sulting a professional astrologer ~
or casting an absolutely accurate chart.
I hav e devised a chart, which is shown in figure 8, jl:J ~! !~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I~ ~ ~I I~ ~ I~ ~ !I~ .- I~! ~ ~ ~ .
~~ l~ l~ ~
that gives you a quick look-up method of determining a
rising sign . The chart will not be accurate for one hundred II 5= U U U !H ('f') U') • •.q ") .... _ 0\ t-..O\
aS U U
lU lU ('l") lt'J .... r<")
U
0\ t-.. O\ io t-,
l§
percent of the people, but it is accurate for the majority of .... lO r-.. ....
people born in the United States or in similar latitudes in
~
other countries.
In the chart, I use the conventional two-letter abbre- ~ I! ~ ~ ~I ~I ]I~ ~I I~ ! ~ I ; !I~ ~ cO
~
viation for the zod iac signs: AR (Aries); TA (Tau rus); GE
(Gemini); CN (Cancer); LE(Leo); VI (Virgo); LI(Libra); SC
(Scorpio); SA (Sagittarius); CP (Capricorn); AQ (Aquar- u ~ ~ ~
z I........
....
~I
....
0 \ - t-..O\
U\ U\UIU! UI l EiIlEi\ §. Eil§. I~ u
m r-, (l") lt) .... ("') _ O\ ~
.... r. ~U') ~ ("f) LO - Cf")
~
I ;5 1 ~ ~ I ~ I ~ ~ I ~ ~ I ; ~ I ! ~ ~ ~! ~ ! ~ ! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
son's rising sign, look down the chart to his/her Sun sign,
then read that line across to the proper birth period. The
column in which the birth period occurs has the nam e of
the correct rising sign at the top of the column.
For example, su ppose your Sun sign is Capricorn
and you were born at 6:15pm . Look down the left colu mn
..J ~ ~ ~ ~ ;~ ~! ! !~ ! ~I
"II. ~ s t3 0 ~ ;; :J ~ ;1i 0 ~ 5:1
128 / Astrology fo r Beginners The Fast Way- By "Eyeballing" / 129
to CP then read across until you find the time block in The rule of thumb for these borderlin e time period s
wh ich your birth time falls. In this case, that would be the is: Use the first rising sign if the birthd ate is in the first half
time block labeled 5 pm/ 7 pm because 6:15 pm falls of the Sun sign period . Use the second rising sign if the
within tha t time period. Then read up that 5 pm/7 pm col- birthdate is in the second half of the Sun sign period.
umn to see which zodi ac sign is at the top; it is CN (Can- In this example, the person most likely has an Aries
cer). So Cancer wou ld be the correct rising time in this ex- rising sign if his/her birthdate falls in the first fifteen days
ample. of Aries: that is, from March 21 to Ap ril 4. The person is
Time is listed as standard time. For births during likely to have a Taurus rising sign if the birthdate is in the
daylight savings time, subtract one hour from the last fifteen days of Aries; that is, from April 4 to April 19.
birthtime and use tha t to reference in this chart. For exam- There are excep tions to this rule of thumb. The best
ple, if your birthtime is record ed as 7:30 am OST, use 6:30 way to decide is to look at both rising signs and see which
am when using this cha rt. really does fit the person in qu estion when you blend each
Once you know both the Sun and rising signs for a rising sign with the Sun sign. As soon as you do this, it will
person, you can easily tell a great d eal about that person.
become immediately obvious which is the correct rising
All you need to do is study the Sun sign profiles for both sign.
signs and blend them together. For instan ce, suppose
your friend has a Cancer Sun sign and a Leo rising sign, Every once in a while you meet a person who is ex-
Cancer people tend to be timid, reclusive and home lov- actly like his/her Sun sign. Most likely this person was
ing. Leos are outg oing, show-offs, and interested in play- hom about Sun rise (5 am - 7 am period), and has the same
ing. A person with this Cancer-Leo blend is likely to be a Sun and rising sign. These births are commonly called
fun loving home body who likes to retreat into privacy for dou ble Aries, double Taurus, double Gemini, etc.
a while and then break out and be the life of the part y Now you have written down your eyeballed planet
sometimes. positions based on my birth information, and you have
First look up you r own rising sign and study how it learned how to eyeball a rising sign. The only remaining
blends uniquely with your Sun sign to make you the per- lep is to eyeball my rising sign and then create an eye-
son you 'are. hailed chart with houses and the planets placed in these
Then start doing the same thing with family mem- houses.
bers. Then friends. You will have fun, fascina te you r fam-
ily and friends, and learn about people and astrology in MAKING AN EYEBALLED NATAL CHART
the process.
A final word about using the rising sign chart. You Here is where the greatest inaccura cy of eyeballing
will notice that certain birth times can fall into two differ- I omes in-creating the hou ses. There just is not a guaran-
ent rising sign time periods . For instance, an Aries Sun 1"l'd way to eyeball the hou ses and feel comfortable about
tlu-lr accuracy.
sign person who is born at 7 am could fall into either an
Aries rising sign or a Taurus rising sign. How do yOll Given my birth inform ation, and using figure 8, de-
know which is correct? I.- rmine my rising sign. Go down the left column to Can-
130/ Astrology for Beginners The Fast Way- By "Eyeballing" / 131
cer and then across to 9am. Since 9 is a borderline time, eyeballing process-setting up houses 2 through 12.
either Leo or Virgo, you make a decision. For these border- There simply is no way to guess accura tely. So here is
line cases, recall that I said if the birthdate is in the first half what you do.
of the Sun sign period , use the first rising sign. If the birth You set up all houses to be equal. That is, put 29LEOO
date is in the second half of the Sun sign period, use the on the 1st house cus p, 29VlOO on the 2nd house cusp,
second rising sign . 29LIOOon the 3rd and so on through 29CNOO on the 12th
My birth date is July 4, wh ich is in the first half of the house cusp.
Sun sign period . Therefore, you know my rising sign is Next place the eyeba lled planets in the houses. Fig-
Leo because Leo comes before Virgo. But what degree of ure 9 shows wh at your final eyeballed cha rt shoul d look
Leo? Here is wh ere you make an educated guess. like.
Think about it a moment. You know from figur e 8 Compare figure 9 wit h the compu terized chart, fig-
that my 9 am birth time is bord erline to Virgo. Therefore lire 1. Pretty darn close aren't they? There are only two
gu ess at a degree tha t is in the latter degrees of Leo. Items that do not match closely: (1) the eyeballed Venus
Here is a good rule of thumb (still using my exam- falls into the 9th house instead of the 10th where it should
ple): For 7 am use 1 degree Leo; for 8 am (the halfway he, and (2) Mars is in Leo wh en it should be in Virgo.
point) use 15 degrees Leo; for 9 am use 29 degrees Leo. This is phenomina lly close. Eyeballing does work
Apply this sa me logic to the other time period s for all quite well. If you were to ana lyze the eyeba lled chart, the
your rising sign eyeballing. You will be as close as you can .malysis would be amazingly close to the analysis of the
get by eyeballing. With this method, your 1st house cusp romputerized chart.
will not be in error by more than about 14 degrees, worst The principal differences woul d be these:
case, and usually closer than that. 1. Mars in Leo would reflect me as being more openly
Now take a blank horoscope chart and label the first af:gressive than I really am with Mars in Virgo. Also, it
house cusp (the rising sign) with 29LEOO(29degrees 0 sec- would show me less skillful with word s than I really am
with Mars in Virgo.
onds of Leo).This then will be the eyeballed rising sign for
2. Venus in the 9th house would reflect me being a
my birth chart. I ronger candidate for a religious life or in the publishing
To digress a moment. If you do not have a pad of
husiness as perhaps an ed itor or in ma rketing rather than
horoscope charts, you can easily make one. Just turn a " Mn writer interactin g with the public as my Venus in the
bowl or plate upsid e down on a shee t of paper and trace 1111 h reflects.
around it. Then you hav e the circle. Now use a ruler to di- Otherwise the charts would interpret much the
vide it into twelve pie shaped sections. Don't be overly Mll e .
concerned about making the pie sha ped equal sizes. You The degree of error with eyeba lling, if you do it right,
can label the houses 1 through 12 starting at the 1st house 1' "0 minimal that it is well worth pursuing. Of course, I do
and numberin g counterclockwise. Refer to figures 1, 2 or 'I IIl1t purport that eyeballing is a replacement for an accu-
for an idea of the general layout. I ~tdy constructed chart.
Now comes the most inaccurate part of the entirr
132/ Astrology for Beginners Tile Fast Way-By "Eyeballing" / 133
Figure9
An Eyeballed Natal Chart
10
135
136 / Astrology for Beginners The Original Way- By Math/ 137
chart faster and more accurately because my mind can ap- last day that Pluto was in Gemini in the past several hun-
proximate the adjustments tha t must be made. Second, dred years. Yet she gave her birthdate as being in 1927.
when I make an error in en tering data into the computer, I wrote to tell her this only to receive a scathing re-
or when I read any chart that contains a significa nt error, it sponse that I was not competent.
is immediately apparent to me because I know approxi- Astrology certainly brings interestin g experiences.
mately what the chart should look like. Now let's proceed with erecting a natal chart. We
Here are two example of some of the many errors I will use the ephemeris page show n in figu re 3, a Tables of
have encountered. Houses, a logarithm cha rt (wh ich I will call a "log" chart
Case #1 : A woman I knew quite well hired me to do from now on), a blank horoscope chart, a table of geo-
her chart and give her an analysis. She gave me her birth graphical coordinates, and a book of time changes. I will
information. The moment I glanced at the chart, I knew discuss each of these items in sufficient detail for you to
she had given me incorrect information because the chart use them.
was nothing like the person I knew she rea lly was. She in- Before we begin the actual calcul ation, lets examine
sisted, "I copied the information from my birth certifi- some of the factors required for the calculation.
cate !" I asked to see the birth certificate. It read 12:05 pm;
she had writ ten 12:05 am. Twelve hours difference is tre-
mendous. Even the short time between the bir th of identi - Tables of Houses
cal twins makes a difference. A Tables of Houses is a book that contains 360 charts,
From Case #1, learn to be careful, de tail consciou s, one for each degree of the horoscope wh eel. Each cha rt
and doub le check everything. Probably 90 percent of the contains the data necessar y to calculate the degrees and
errors I encounter are due to erroneous birth information. signs on each hou se cusp for a given birth time and place.
Figure to conta ins simulations of the two charts requ ired
Case #2: A woman, whom I did not know, wrote and 10 calculate the hou se cusps we are going to use in the ex-
asked me to do a chart and analysis and mail it to her. I did .unpie we will work in a few moment s.
a computerized chart. Keep in mind that a complete Tables of Houses has
She replied to tell me that I was a lousy as trologer. 160 charts, each one different from the others . In figure to,
Her proof was a photocopy of a hand crea ted chart done I have just included enou gh inform ation to give you an
"by a world famous astrologer." She mentioned his name, Idea of what each table looks approxima tely like. In an ac-
which I promptly forgo t because I'd never heard of him. IlIil l Table of Houses book, there would be a listing of all 60
This hand drawn chart had two significa nt er rors d,,!;rees north latitude. I've jus t included a few of them for
that were apparent at a glance. First, it had Venus trine tlu- tllus tra tion.
Sun, which is abso lute ly impossible! The Sun and Venus Most Tables of Hou ses books contain ad ditional
are never separated by more than 48 degrees. Second, II v.rluab le information such as geographical coord ina tes
had Pluto in Gemini, which meant she had to have been I" r major cites of the world and time zone tables.
born som etime prior to May 26, 1914 because that is till'
138 / Astrology for Beginners The Original Way-By Math / 139
Geographical Coordinates
~ ~ gJ 5I ~ ~o:t'Ol)"
:ol
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becau se
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nstruct.
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r-, r-, r-, r-, t-,
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gure 11
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alculate
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l'll'll'l<'l<'l
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will not
reas, for
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140/ Astrology for Beginners The Original Way-By Math / 141
Figure 11. Longitude Time In these cases you need to figure ou t the geog raphica l
coo rdinates using a map (world a tlas or road map). Most
Rule: Each degree of longitude is equal to 4 minutes of clock
time. maps have latitude a nd longitude mar ks a t intervals
around the periphery of the map. These arc usu ally
Longitude for Toledo, Ohio is 83 W 33. prin ted in very small letters; I've see n them in black, red ,
and blue ink. Most commonl y they will mark off every
Step 1 83 degrees four degrees of latitude and long itude. What yo u need to
x 4 minutes
332 minutes
do is find the birthplace on the map as closely as yo u can
and then int erpolat e the coord inates using the on es
marked on the map as a guide.
Step 2 S hoy rs This is quite simple. For exa mple, suppose one lat i-
60 1332 tud e mark is 34 degrees and the next one is 38 degrees a nd
300 your birthplace lies three-fourths of the way past 34 to-
32 minutes
ward the 38 d egree mark. Use a rul er to measu re. The
birthplace would be three-fou rths of 4 (the distan ce be-
Step 3 33 minutes tween marks) past 34. Three-fourths of 4 is 3. So add 3 to 34
x 4 seconds lind the birthplace is at 37 d egrees N latitude. Do the sa me
132 seconds kind of measurement for the lon gitude, a nd then you hav e
(Each minute of longitude the geographical coordinates.
must equal 4 seconds of A Tables of Houses is a mu st for d oing hand calcula-
Step 4 2 minutes clock time.)
60 1132 lions. You can get on e at the library or purchase one. I rec-
.l2.ll ommend purchase becau se they are not expe ns ive and
12 seconds lI U will use them cons tantly.
iogarithm Chart
StepS Add the results of steps 2 and 4 together. Figure 12 is a log table. It is a mathematical table tha t
S hours 32 minutes I~ used for hundreds of mathemat ical calculations, not just
+ 2 mbnutes 12 seconds lor astrology exclusively.
S hours ~_.
q .
minutes 12 seconds In ast rology, the chart is used to calculate the exact
pllsition of each plan et with respect to the place of birth.
This is the total Toledo longitude time. Do not let the impressiv e appearance of the table in-
Ilmidate you. It is quite simple to use. You simply look up
Compare this result with the listing ofcoordinatesin the Longl numbers. Shortly, I will give you a step by step exa mple.
tudes and Latitudes of Major Cities chart and you will see th.11
they are identical.
142 / Astrology for Begillllers The Origina; Way- By Math / 143
Time Changes
There are books you can ge t at the libra ry or purchase
i 0 "'1'1 n"l' v.I<Dt'ooXlo!l 0 _ N M "l' IiI <D~lI: al
that sh ow the various time changes in the Un ited States
0:
0 ... t t ll'l"l'Io'IUlt-lXlal O ..C'lM" "" CD t'o<XI o!lO "'I'I M., ,,, C toOll '
:l_el f'l ., <D I~"l= _ t lt'tlt.MN t ..NtltIMMI'lM f'lMt'1 M '..H ? .,. .,..,. .,..,.If.Io'l'''lIj),,, lIl ltl..,..,
_ 11, 1111! 1, 11111;l 1111: 1, 11111111111111111111111111! 111I I · Over the years .
~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ! ~li i l l i§ i § § i i ~ l i j i l li i§ i ii i i ll
To calculate a natal chart yo u need to know the tim e
n5 5 ialj~[fIHt1;D6§ ~ i
zone and the kind of time in effect a t the mom ent of birth.
~ i i§ § l a~ ~ i ~ ~ i ~ ~ ~ ~ i~~~ ill § ! ~i~i i i~~ ~i i ~i i i i ~§i ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ i! ~ ~ !~ ~ ~ i l For exam ple, Toledo, Ohio is in the Eastern Tim e
! • •••-•. ••••••...'•• -•.•..••••••••- -. ..••- ,
~ ... . . ".5•••••• sss•••••••••••••••• ;.i.i••••••••• i •• Wiii •• ii• • • one, which is known as Zo ne 5 beca use it is five tim e
Chart Calculation
In order to de termine the house cusps, we first must
calculate the "Sidereal Time of Birth." Figure 14 shows
step by step how to do this simple calculation. This calcu-
lation is to compensate for the time difference and curva-
ture of the earth from Greenwich, England to the point of
birth (Toledo, Ohio in this case).
The ephemeris page, figure 3, used for this calcula-
tion is a midnight ephemeris. That is, the data given is for
zero hours, the very beginning of the day.
Some ephemeris books are noon ephemeris. I've
made a note in figure 14 to tell you what you need to do
differently if you use a noon ep hemeris.
Figu re 14 is self-explanatory, so I won't belabor the
matter by talking you through it here . The result of our
calculation in figure 14 is a sidereal time of 3:14' 12." We
will now use this number to look up da ta in the table of
house, figure 10.
In the upper left comer of the lefthand chart in figure
10 you see the numbers 3h 12m Os, In the same place in the
rlghthand chart you see the nu mbers 3h 16m Os. The side-
real time of birth for the example we are working is 3h
14m 12s, which is almost exactly halfway between these
two consecutive charts. So to find the house cusps for our
notal chart we will have to interpolate halfway between
the two table of houses charts in figure 10.
Also take note tha t running vertically between the
I wo charts is a listing of latitudes (abbreviated LAT.) from
II to 60 degrees. The birth latitude in our example is 41N39,
which is about two-thirds of the way between the 41 and
12 degree latitude figures. Therefore, we will have to in-
Figure 13 u-rpo late two-thirds of the way between the latitude fig-
Natal Chart ures,
146/ Astrology for Beginn ers The Original Way- By Math / 147
155
156 / Astrology for Beginners Planets in the Signs / 157
except to point out that in any chart the Sun re presents the Moon in Cancer
self-body and personality. Colors associated with the The Moon is most powerful here . On the positive
Sun are gold and oran ge. Refer to Chapter 4 for details. side, they are wa rm, loving, maternal, rom antic. On the
negative side, they are overly romantic, have a smother-
MOON
ing affection, like to hoard things, and often have a mean
Moon in Aries streak. Domestic security is vitally important to these peo-
Gives a person a great deal of energy. Confers am bi- ple, and they can have strong ties to their mother. These
tion . Inclines person to temper flare-ups and impetu ous- people are usu ally good cooks . They often are overly sen-
ness. Person is usually courageous and confident. These sitive to the remarks and actions of others, which can
people do not tolerate interference from others. They are cause them to withdraw and brood .
independent and do what they want, right or wrong.
There usually is a capacity for lead ership. Moon in Leo
These people want to be the center of attention. Often
Moon in Taurus Ihey are prima donnas. They need recognition - to be ad-
These people tend to have stead y emotions. On the mired and appreciated. They are capable of great love and
positive side, these peo ple are hard working, patient, and Kreat ambition. Negatively, they can be egotistical show-
appreciate the fine things in life. Negatively, they are lazy. offs, Positively, they are enthusiastic, responsible, de-
very stu bborn, materialistic, and unwilling to change. voted, kind, and generous. These people have a tendency
These people are good at handling money and domestic to dominate others. They love children, but expect them to
matters. They often attract the good thin gs in life. Often he well groomed .
they have a green thumb.
Moon in Virgo
Moon in Gemini These people are hardworking, pay great attention to
This confers quick-wit, ability to communicate both d"tail , and are very fussy about cleanliness and good nu -
in writing and speaking. Negatively, these peopl e can be Irition. If well aspected, it confers cleverness and ingenu-
unreliable and untrustworthy. Positively, they are intelli- lty.If harshly aspected it usually confers slyness, nagging,
gent, versatile, ingenious, and ad aptable. Sometimes they ,uld perhaps a touch of greed. Most often these people are
talk too much. If the Moon is heavily afflicted with harsh hy and prefer to work behind the scen es, avoiding the
aspects (squares, oppos itions), it indicates much confu lhnclight.
sion and distorted reasoning. If the Moon has favorable
aspects (trines, sextiles, or conjunctions), it indicates per. Mooll in Libra
sons who have excellent ability to think and rationalize Strong sensitivity to others, especially marriage and
clearly and who are resourceful. l-usiness partners. With good aspects, these people are
I"d.mced, humble, courteous, and gentle. With adverse
I-ccts, these peopl e are unbalanced and do nearly every-
158/ Astrology for Beginners Planets in the Signs /159
thing in extremes. These people often are well suited for Moon in Pisces
public relations work. Their link to their parents, and es- This is an exceptionally strong psychic position.
pecially the mother, is quite strong. These people are very sensitive and emotional. This Moon
position is often associated with outstanding artistic, mu-
Moon in Scorpio sical, or poetic ability. Because of their sensitivity, these
This is not a favorable position for the Moon. These people become easily hurt by the words and actions of
people are strong headed and biased to the extreme. Posi- others. Sometimes they become neurotic or -psychotic.
tively, they can be quite passionate and have ample self- Sometimes they are extremely timid .
confidence; they can be psychic and have compassion for
others. Negatively, they can be cruel. rude, stubborn, and MERCURY
selfish.
Mercury in Aries
A quick, alert mind . Sometimes jumps impetuously
Moon in Sagittarius
to conclusions without giving the matter sufficient
These are optimistic, cheerful people who love the
thou ght. There can sometimes be a quick temper or irrita-
outdoors and foreign travel. They tend to be idealistic,
bility. These people are decisive and competitive. They
often overly idealistic. They usually follow traditional re-
make decisions based more on a personal point of view
ligious and philosophical views. If adversely aspected,
rather than on impersonal facts. They have good minds,
they can be nervous, restless, and discontented most of the
but sometimes become egotistical, sarcastic, and change-
time. With positive aspects, they are little rays of sunshine
able.
in everyone's life.
Mercury in Taurus
Moon in Capricorn
These people appreciate beauty. Their thought proc-
These people are usually ambitious, hard workers
esses are geared toward what is practical, material. or fi-
whose main goal is personal financial security. They are
nancially beneficial. These are not necessarily brilliant
much more materialistic than spiritual. Everything they
thinkers, nor are they usually original. but they are
do is with self-interest in mind. With positive aspects,
shrewd in business. They often make good managers. In
they can be witty and faithful. With negative aspects, they
extreme cases, there can be dullness or lust.
can be unscrupulous.
Mercury in Gemini
Moon in Aquarius
Mercury is most powerful here. These are the very
Indicates dealing with the public. These are the
bright people who can write and speak well . Professional
friendly humanitarians who somehow manage to remain
communicators often have this placement in their natal
impersonal while being the champion of human causes.
chart. It is nearly impossible to out think these people;
They can be quite stubborn. Often they have strong psy-
I hey have exceptionally agile minds. If harshly aspected,
chic abilities. Freedom is all important to these people.
160 / Astrology for Beginners Planets in the Signs / 161
it can cause acute nervousness, often to the point of mental Mercury in Libra
burnout. If these people lack self-disciplin e they will be- Positively, these people are balanced and have vi-
come a jack of all trades and a master of none. These peo- sion. Negatively, they are un bala nced and lack vision.
ple need to guard against allowing themselves to become Some good fields for these people are astrology, public re-
sidetracked from their main goal. lations, psychology, counseling, and law. These people
have hardworking, stern minds and expec t others to be
Mercury in Cancer the same way. They are rep ulsed by bad man ners.
Love of history and antiques is indicated here. Much
of their thinking concerns their home and domestic mat- Mercury in Scorpi o
ters. In business, they are most suited for real estate, food, Positively, these people are sp iritua l, wise, and seek
and consumer products. Adv erse aspects to this position great depths of understand ing. Negati vely, they are self-
often confers cruelty. centered and concerned only with gra tifying their physi-
cal desires. This position confers an intuitive mind capa -
Mercury in Leo ble of great insights. When they speak, they say exactly
Unique capacity for lead ership on the positive side. what they think regardless of how it affects others. Very
Self-centered and domineering on the negative side. determined minds are indicated here that can, in extreme
These people have strong willpower and usu ally a one- cases, become scheming minds. These people make good
track mind focused on what it is they want. Great self- investigators and researchers. If Mercury is heavily af-
confidence goes with this placement, also. These people flicted with harsh aspects, then there can be excessive pre-
are slow to make up their mind s, and equa lly slow to occupation with sex.
change their minds. Their special areas of interest are the
stock market, theater, investments, artistic pursuits, and Mercury in Sagittarius
education. They like to combine travel to be both work The mind is concerned with social justice, law, relig-
and pleasure. ion, philosophy, and higher ed uca tion. This is not the best
placement for Mercury, often causing the persons to lose
MercurY in Virgo sight of truth. These people frequently have the gift of
Mercury is very strong here. These people are detail prophecy. These people sometimes become so concerned
conscious to the extreme. They make good researchers. about conformity tha t they become hyp ocrites. They often
Their minds are analytical, and they have grea t reasoning consider themselves to be au thorities (know it all). They
ability . They insist on precision and orderliness. They are nee d to realize that just because a current trend is popular,
efficient. These people do best when they have a special- It does not necessarily mean it is right.
ized skill or are well educated. These peopl e are work ori-
ented and do not waste time. Any wo rk requ iring exact- Mercury in Capricorn
ness is for them. Some suitable occupational areas are Ambiti on and visionary are the key word s here. Also
mathematics, medicin e, and hygiene. shrewd, practical, and status conscious. These are realistic
162/ Astrology for Beginners Planets in the Signs / 163
people. In extreme cases, they will do whatever it takes to Vel/us it' Taurus
get what they want without regard to right or wrong. Venus is very strong here, both for good and for bad.
Generally, however, they work hard to get the education On the up side, these are loving, compassionate people.
they need to succeed, and they do succeed without resort- On the down side, these are brutish, gluttonous people. In
ing to anything underhanded. These people do not waste any case, these people are always intense in their pursuits.
their time with theories or lofty thoughts-they think the These people love comfort, luxury, beauty, and the good
only ideas that are good are those that have some practical life in general. They almost always keep their homes
value. beautiful, often with artsy objects. Talented singers often
have this placement of Venus in their natal chart.
Mercury in Aquarius
These are big thinkers, large scale thoughts, often Venus in Gemini
concerned with masses of people (the public). No tim e These people often marry more than once because
wasted here on small or petty thinking. These are usually they need more than one outlet for their affection. It is not
open minded people who seek truth. Mercury is strong uncommon for them to have twins. Variety in love life, va-
here and often confers a highly evolved mind-intuitivc, ricty in travel, variety in all emotional pursuits are the key
or concerned with the betterment of humanity. This is an phrases for this Venus. These people really are offended
excellent position for astrologers or for occult disciplines hy crude behavior. Often they are superficial in their pro-
in general. These people seek mental stimulation through cssed romantic interests.
friends and groups of people.
in Cancer
I'l'tlUS
Venus in Aquarius tiveness, the d esire to alway s win and always be first.
Impersonal but friendly people. These people are They ask no quarter and give none. They have much in-
usually well liked because they spa rkle with ene rgy, are itiative, are usually head strong, impulsive, and inde-
electric, and have an unusual manner abou t them . Often pendent. They love physical games. Football and car rac-
they are self-sacrificing to help othe rs. Frequently their ing often appeal to them. These people are never specta-
romances are sudden and superficial, rather than stable or tors in life-they are full time active participants. Some-
long lasting.They do not like partners who shy away from times they have violent tempers, are overly ag gressive, or
social gatherings or events because these are very social, are ego tistical. They need to learn to be more patien t and
group oriented people: In some cases, these peopl e are ec- loving.
cen tric or promiscuous. Any occupation in which electric-
ity or electronics is a major factor is often chosen by these Mars in Taurus
people for their career . These people are slow, but they have great persever-
ance and determ ination . They never give up. They are not
Venus in Pisces aggressive, bu t if forced to fight they will do so unrelent-
Powerful placement for Venus. Love is at its hi ghest ingly, to the d eath if necessary. Often their choice of career
vib ration here. Deep compassion, sympathy, and un der- is in some field that requires patience and persistence such
sta nding of love and life. These are romantic, sensitive ,IS using tools to create objects that are durable and attrac-
people, and they feel lonely and disappointed if they do tive. They hav e strong desires for money and possessions
not receive demonstrations of love and affection from oth- .ind will sometimes gravita te to a career in the money
ers. Sometimes their disappointments lead to mental ill- tlelds such as banking. Men with this Mars placement
ness or neurosis. This position of Venus probably bestows often lose their hair prematurely.
more innate ability in artistic creativity than any other
placement. Many great artists, poets, and composers haw Mars in Gemini
Venus in Pisces in their natal charts. Becaus e of their sensi- These peopl e have active, critical minds and often
tivity, others frequently take advantage of them.They suf- have mechanical or engineering skills. They love to argue
fer (martyr complex) in silence (usually). In extreme cases, nnd often becom e irritable. They have good ideas but not
they may lack discrimination, be lazy, or overly d epend tu-cessarily the perseverance to see their ideas th rough to
ent on others. u uition. This is a common Mars position for news report-
' -IS and critics. It is quite likely these people will have
MARS 1ll,IIly changes of occupation and may even pursue two
I' lhs at the same time.
Mars in Aries
Don't mess with these people. They d on' t takr fII"rs in Cancer
"nothin' from nobody, no time!" Powerful Mars in Ari« This is not Mars best position. Often there is mood i-
bestows courage, great energy, a strong sense of competl n,·ss, frustration that leads to anger, intense emotions, lack
168/ Astrology for Beginners Planets in theSigns /169
of harmon y on the domestic scene. Suppressed anger can achieve much a t all-the"can't see the forest for the trees "
result in ulce rs or psyc hological problems. It can indicate synd rome.
poor relat ionship with the par ents. People wi th this place-
ment are frequently hom e improvement buffs, which be- Mars in Libra
comes an outlet for their pent-u p frus trations. Occasion- These are the social movers and shakers. They d irect
ally these people have great sympathy for those less fortu - their immense ene rgy toward social activities of all so rts
nate and d o work on their behalf. from social reform to fraternal type activities. These peo-
ple do no t act alone; they must have partners or a group.
Mars in Leo Social injustice infu riates them, and they will become in-
A great dea l of willpower, crea tivity, and energy arc volved eve n on issues that do not affect them personally.
associated with this placement. Usually there is mu ch They desire marriage as an ou tlet for their own gratifica-
self-confidence and leadersh ip ability. These people must tion, and seek partners who are aggressive and ene rgetic .
be the cen ter of wha tever is going on; they demand While these people are usually aggressive and selfish,
atten tion. Frequently they are egotistical and are show- they ton e it down with socia l refinement and grace, which
offs, They are strongly opinionated, a nd often make makes them mo re pleasant to be around .
enemies because of it. The re are on ly two ways: their way
and the wrong way. They have stro ng attraction to the Mars in Scorpio
opposite sex. The men are masculine and proud, but they These people are in tense in everything they do. They
do tend to lose their hair at a young age . In extreme cases, .ire un comprom ising. Everything they pursue is to the ex-
they can be brassy and un pleasant to be around for very treme. They eit her have devoted frien ds or bitter enemies.
lon g. Sometimes they are d om ineeri ng, and believe they They either are devo tedly spiritual or have gutter level
are infaIlible. lust, Nothing is halfway w ith them. In extreme cases they
.ire full of anger and hold grudges forever. If they are yo ur
Mars in Virgo friend, they will d ie for you. If you are their ene my, they
This is the sign of the perfectionist. These people an' will stop at nothing to ge t more than even with you. As
very skillfu l in their work. They are precise and like to b,' I'lI1ployees, they are usually reliable and serious. They
recognized for their attention to detail. Some occupation, have no fear of dea th. No thing will de ter them from
associated wit h this placement are precision machinists, ,H'hieving their goa ls. Exactly how these tra its will appear
craftsmen, surgeons, nurses, those in the hea lth care pro In ind ividual horoscopes depends on the aspects to Mars
fession in general. Sometimes these people are highly In that cha rt. In general, sq uares from Saturn, Ura nus,
critical of ot hers, especially others who a re not as detail l'Iuto or Neptune tend to bring out the worst; the more ex-
conscio us as they are . People wit h this placement are 111': ,,1'1 the sq ua re, the stronger the influence. The entire chart
thod ical and do not take actions unless there is a practiceI " ',lIly needs to be studied to come up with an accurate
reason to do so. In extreme cases, they ge t so wrapped III' I'",nouncement.
in details that they never see the big picture and do nul
170 / Astrology for Beginners Planets in the Signs / 171
Mars in Sagittarius follow un orth odox methods. They usually do not work
These people are almost always open and direct in well under authoritarian rules-they want to make their
their dealings with others. They play fair, but do inter pret own rules to suit themselves. Negatively, these are the
the rules to their own advantage. Their motivations are al- people who try to overthrow the existing social stru cture
most always idealistic. They support causes and try to im- or government, often d estroying the old ways before they
prove their social order. There is a strong love of sports have anything worthwhile to replace the old wa ys with.
and of hunting. Usually they have strong religious or Positively, these are the people who seek social justice for
philosophical beliefs, and in extreme cases try to convert all, wh o will not tolerate prejudice, and who perform so-
others to their way of thinking. They are reliable, demand - cial services to help those less fortuna te.
ing, quick, and are go-getters.
Mars in Pisces
Mars in Capricorn These are self-sacrificing peopl e wh o are more inter-
These people are extremely materialistic and will ex- ested in helping others than in their own welfare. They
pend great am ounts of energy in their work to achieve make excellent nurses. Unfort unate ly, they are easily mis-
status, money, and power so they can satisfy their materi- used by others w ho take advantage of their generosity
alistic craving. They are practical peopl e wh o know how and goodwill. Often these peopl e are considered to be
to use their energies efficiently. Many executives, politi- weak becau se they rarely stand up for their rights. This
cians, and military leaders have this position of Mars in position favors those wh o wo rk behind the scenes rather
their natal charts . Usually they have good self-discipline. than in public view. This is a favora ble pos ition for artistic
They are able to take and carry out orders from their supe- .md musical careers.
riors, and they are also capable of giving ord ers. They de
mand obedience and discipline from those under their JUPITER
command. They take great pride in doing their job well.
and have no tolerance for lazin ess. Parents with this plan' lupiter in Aries
ment expect great things from their child ren and are ver These people are almost always endo wed with ex-
disappointed if their children let them down. If Mars is ai rvptionally good health and are outgo ing, generous, and
flicted (has harsh aspects) then there is total disregard for
'I uite aggressive. If JUpiter is harshly afflicted, then they
the rights of oth ers-they becom e selfish, cold, and will ..nn become rude and overbearing. They are willin g to em-
run rou gh shod over anyone in their way. h.irk on a large project and pursu e it mu ch furth er than
others would be willin g to do. Sometimes they become
Mars ir Aquarius overzealous and pursu e a matter to the an noya nce of oth-
These people are happy only wh en they are dea llng r , N. These people often become lead ers in ed ucational and
with the public in som e way. They may be social or ant plritual matters.
social (depending on aspects), but they must interact witIt
masses of people. They desire ind ependence and oftl'll
172 / Astrology fo r Beginners
Planets in the Signs / 173
housing, anything in the food industry, articles for use in
Jupiter in Taurus
These peop le usually know how to use money and the home. Some times these people have dreams that are
material possessions in a beneficial mann er. They also not practical. In extreme cases they may be miserly and
have the tend ency to attract money and material good s to fickle.
themselves. They often find their careers in the world of
comm erce and business. They love good food and often Jupiter in Leo
become overweight. At times they can be jealous and de- These people love to do things on a grand scale. They
manding. In extreme cases, they are greedy and suspi - love parad es, rituals, drama, fraternal organizations.
cious. This is a good placem ent for those interested in mu- They are usu ally quite generous, self-confident, and opti-
sical or artistic careers . This is also a good position for gar- mistic. They enjoy giving, but expect to be admired for it.
deners. Leadership ability and dignity go with this position.
These peopl e have to watch themselves lest they become
Jupiter in Gemini conceited, arrogant, and overbearing. They love children
These are brilliant intellectuals who are very adapt- and are interested in their welfare. Hence, they often be-
able and expressive. However, unless other factors in the come school teachers, Sunday school teachers, scoutlead-
natal chart confer self-discipline, these peopl e scatter ers, etc. They often have a gambling streak in them, in-
their mental energies without achieving much. In other cludin g interest in the stock market. Usually an abun-
words, they can have a broad but superficial knowled g" dance of talent go with this position. If Jupiter is heavily
that is not of much worth in dollars and cents. Positively, afflicted with harsh aspects, it forewarns of disappoint-
these people can be skillful writers, educators, lecturers, ments and losses in love, children, speculation, and ro-
and lead ers who can contribute much to society. Usually mances.
there is much traveling in their lives, both men tally and
phy sically, and almost always some foreig n travel. Addl [upiter in Virgo
tional vocati ons are businesses concerned with publish This is not the best position for Jupiter. It foretells of
ing, travel, importing/ expo rting, commu nications, mail overwork . Because they are extremely detail conscious
orde r, and personal services. nd because they put their entire being into their work,
Ihey are in danger of becoming workaholics and burning
Jupiter in Cancer themselves out. These people are compassionate and will
This is a powerful position for Jupi ter . It ind icates i. p, ive their all for others. In extreme cases, these people can
good family background-not necessarily wealth y- bill lx -come tyrants. Usually they have moral integrity. Often
rath er love, kindness and positive parental influence these people seek to work in hospitals or educational insti-
Quite often these people become financially well off :.1 nulons. If they are wealthy, they usually donate large
some point in their lives. These people are fond of food mounts of money to educational or health causes.
and are good cooks, often overeatin g to the poi nt of Crt'"t
ing digestive probl ems .Some careers: real esta te, farming
174/ Astrologyfor Beginners Planets in the Signs /175
[upiter in Libra their domestic life. This position is typical of the executive
This confers an enduring marriage and a good home who lives at the office and hardly ever sees his family.
life unless Jupiter is heavily afflicted with harsh aspects. These people do not like waste and in extreme cases be-
These people usually are well balanced mentally and come miserly.
physically, have good judgment, and much talent. If Jupi-
ter is very heavily afflicted, then there is danger of law- [upiter in Aquarius
suits and other legal problems. Great tolerance is foretold by this Jupiter position.
They do not harbor prejudice and insist on equality in
[upiter i" Scorpio every respect for all people. Positively, these people are
These people are often involved on a large scale in statesmanlike and conscientious. Negatively, they are
matters of corporate finances, insurance, taxes, legacies, scheming and egocentric. If this Jupiter is well aspected,
death, of real estate. Often they are interested in occult there can be interest in occult matters, astrology, reincar-
matters, especially in life after death and mental telepa- nation, cosmic law, and humanitarian causes.
thy. They can be intense and uncompromising in their be-
liefs, thus creating many enemies. If Jupiter is well [upiter in Pisces
aspected to Uranus, Neptune or Pluto, these peopl e can be If this Jupiter has aspects to Uranus, Neptune or
quite gifted psychically. If harshly aspected to these plan- Pluto there will most likely be considerable psychic ability
ets, then there is usually unwise or illegal use of psychic and great intuition. These people are extremely compas-
ability such as manipulating others for personal gain . sionate and understanding. In extreme cases, these people
an be weak and selfish.
[upiter in Sagittarius
Jupiter is powerful here. Positively, it indicates peo- SATURN
ple who are straightforward, generous, deep thinkers,
and farsighted. They are interested in foreign cultures, Snturn in Aries
education, philosophy, and religion . Negatively, it indi This is not the best position for Saturn. People born
cates narrowmindedness, demanding, and even vicious. with this in their natal chart may have to work very hard
II their life with very little gain to show for it. These peo-
Jupiter in Capricorn I'lecan be forceful, direct, and domineering. This position
These people make their own opportunities rathci ~ I,() indicates resourcefulness. In highly developed peo-
than wait for opportunity. They are conscientious and an' "I,·such as Albert Einstein, who had this placement, it can
. willing to work harder than asked. Generally they haw Ir,.d to mental creativity. Sometimes these people can be
mora l integrity in business. They tend to have conserve d"fensive and difficult to communicate with. In extreme
tive views, and exercise great caution and mature judf, I .!Nes, these people can be tyrants.
ment in everything they do. They do have a strong deslr »
for power and status, which often causes problems with
176 { Astrology for Beginners
Planets in the Signs {177
Saturn in Taurus have a satisfactory home life. On rare occasion, one of
If Saturn is well aspected, these people are patient these people will be d ishonest or lazy.
and steady and have practical man agem ent ability, espe-
cially in areas of finance. They are builders who can ac- Saturn in Leo
quire much if they are willing to work hard-they get Hard workers but they don' t like to get their hands
nothing for free. They tend to be fruga l. At about age 29 dirty if they can avoid it. These people have an insatiable
these people seek a caree r that will provide them wit h fi- need for recogn ition and for feeling important. Many be-
nancial and domestic security. Some professions they are come actors or other professions where there is a great
especially adept for are: banking, investments, insurance, deal of publicity and publi c notice. As parents, they are
or business management in general. If Saturn is not well strict disciplinarians. Physically, they are often prone to
aspected, they can be stubborn, greedy, and miserly. heart trouble. In addition to all fields of entertainment,
they also like specu lative investments. If Saturn is heavily
Saturn in Gemini afflicted, there can be losses or d isappointm ents with fi-
Quick mind and quick hand s are ind icated here. nances or throu gh child ren.
They have well-disciplined, logical minds and are good at
problem solving. They are generally ade pt at math emat- Saturn in Virgo
ics and science and often follow occupations involved Some keyword s here are: practical, hard working,
with these. They are thorough and well organized and in- precise, perfectionist, detail conscious, accuracy, effi-
sist on clear communications. As a result, they usually clency, neat, patient. These peopl e typically do not tak e
achieve something worthwhile for their efforts. Some ad- hreaks--they work, work, work, and drive others just as
ditional occupations these people frequently pursue an' hard. They live by rul es, which makes it difficult for oth ers
bookkeepers, secretaries, accountants, writers, research- 10 get along with them at times. They often work in med i-
ers, and teachers. They often pursue two jobs at the sam,' rlne, health or science research, bookkeepin g or other re-
time. If Saturn is heavily aspected with harsh aspects, till' mrd keepin g. Often these people become gloomy and
person will likely be underhanded or prefer stealing 01 nustere, They need to de velop a sense of hu mor. Worry
gambling instead of honest work. .md overw ork often lead to health problems.
Saturn in Cancer ,~" l l rn
in Libra
This is not the best position for Satu rn. It often indI These peopl e often marry late in life or else marry a
cates a childhood that was cold, unlo ving, fullof problem vrious person. The marri age often involves hard work
that leave emotional scars. Nevertheless, these peopl nd burdens. This is a powerful position for Saturn and
take their home life seriously and work hard to have '''''1 uently indicates attainment of grea t wealth and high
home, even though it may cost them heavy indebtedness "" nors. Lawyers, jud ges, arbitrators often have this Sat-
They prefer to work alone and like to work around till '" n placement. These people are reliable and humanitar-
home. For all their efforts, they often times never really 1.11I. Saturn, when afflicted, in all signs tends to produce
178 / Astrology for Bcginncrs Planets in tI,CSigns / 179
some sort ofcriminal behav ior. Howe ver, in Libra, ittends suredly have a great fall.
to produce few er or less serious criminal activi ty.
Saturn in Aquarius
Saturn in Scorpio Often these people gravitate toward organi zations
There is a strong desire to have authority and a hard because they need to work with groups of people. As with
drive to attain their ambitions. Whether they use honest, allSaturn positions, this one also has ambition and the de-
fair meth ods or underh and ed , dishonest methods de- sire to be in charge. In any case, most often they want jobs
pends on Saturn's aspects. They can be hard taskmasters. that deal with the public such as clerk in a store, sales
They are fanatical about their principles. They tend to work, politics, or championing some humanitarian cause.
gravitate toward businesses dealing with finances, taxes, If Saturn is well aspected, they are honest, responsible,
insurance, matters concerning pro pe rty of others . Being a friend ly, and have good judgm ent. If poorly aspected,
tax accountant in a corporation is an example. they can be selfish and domineering and demand that oth-
ers follow their rules.
Saturn in Sagittarius
These peopl e have dee p concern ove r their personal Saturn in Pisces
reputation. They general1y are intelligent and also have Saturn is the karmic planet, and Pisces is the karmic
self-discipline. If Saturn is wel1 aspected, they make good sign. Togeth er they can give a person di fficulties such as:
leaders wh o are humane and warm. If poorly aspected, fearfulness, neuroses, linked too strongly to the past
they can be dictatorial, d emanding, and slave dri vers. rather than living in the present. Often these people have
They like to be regarded as an author ity in some way, difficulty coping with the present. Positively, they are
often in religion, phil osoph y, or ed ucation. In extreme humbl e, understanding, and are willing to help less fortu-
cases, they are self- righteous. u.i te people. Negatively, they can be paranoid and worry
10 excessiveness. If they learn to avoid so much introspec-
Saturn in Capricorn lion, they can overcome much of the drawbacks that go
Saturn is strong here, bestowing strong ambition 101 with this Saturn placement. As employees, they either are
power, to get ahead in the world . Often these people ..lfless workers, or shiftless bums, dep ending on Saturn's
choose politics, science or bu siness as their profession "pects.
They are usual1y stern, appear to be cold and calculating
to oth ers <although they may not be that way at al1 in their URANUS
hearts), strict disciplina rians, hard working, task master.
This is definitely a leadership placement unless the rest 01 Uranus sp ends about seve n years in each sign. As a
" 'slIlt, its sign placement is more indicative of a genera-
the horoscope does not support it. These people have th"
tlun of peopl e than it is of individual traits. Covered here
personal drive to overcome just about any adversity. If th,
'I' a few keywords for potenti al ind ividual traits associ-
person is hon est, success is almos t assured. If dishonest
the person may succeed for a while, but will most ~ . I"d with the Uranus signs placements. Uranus' s house
180 I Astrology fo r Beginners
Planets in the Signs / 181
placements are much more individualized than its sign Uranus in Libra
placements as you will see in the next chap ter.
Seeks to change existing laws. Often have telepathic
Uranus in Aries ability. Sometimes have great difficulty ge tting along in
Impulsiveness, temper, tactless. Sometimes violent, marriage or other kind s of partnerships because they
fanatical. often are not Willing to accept mutual responsibility .
Uranus in Scorpio
Uranus in Taurus
Determined, som etimes stubborn. Sometimes gifted Powerful emotions. Intolerant of laziness. Some-
artistic and musi cal talents. Interest in electronics an d ac- times violent temper and will do whatever they feel they
counting. have to do (including being destructive) to achieve what
they want.
Uranus in Gemini
Uranus in Sagittarius
Restless, sometimes eccentric, impractical, and
stran ge thin king patterns. Sometimes poor relationships Strong desire to integrate science and religion with
with brothers, sisters, and neighbors. the occult, astrology. Sometimes they are skep tics or ag-
nostics. Curious about foreign cultures.
Uranus in Cancer Uranus in Capricorn
Dislikes parental authority. Like unique architec-
ture. Fill their homes with gadgets and electronic items. Strong ambiti ons and desire to succeed . At times, can
May be interested in communal living. Much psych ic sen- hc overambitious. Likes to do away with the old and re-
place it with something new.
sitivity. Sometimes mood y or erratic behavior.
Uranus in Aquarius
Uranus in Leo
Strong willpower and creative ability. Develop s new Powerful posit ion for Uranus. Intuitive insights,
concepts in art and theater. Dislikes conformity, prefer- «eks truth. Strong willpower and strong desire for ind e-
ring to set their own rul es. Sometimes they can be ex- I'..ndence. Deep concern for humanity. Reformers, usu-
tremely stubborn, insisting on having their own way. ,tllyworking within groups. In some cases, extreme eccen-
trlcity.
making it difficult to get along with them.
IIrt/lllls in Pisces
Uranus in Virgo
Original, yet practical, ideas with regard to work Seeks liberation from the past. Continual struggle to
Probably many chan ges in employment. Sometimes CI nV" rcome the past and evolve to a high er spirituality.
ratic health problems. unetirnes they try to avoid facing unpleasant situations.
unetirnes they are impractical or even deceptive.
182/ Astrology for Beginners
Plal/ets in the Sigl/s / 183
NEPTUNE
the malter. Social responsibility.
Neptune spends about 13 years in each sign. As a re-
sult its sign placement is more indicative of a generation of Neptune in Scorpio
people than of individual traits. A few individual poten - Loose morals. Clairvoyance.
tial trait keywords are given here for Neptune's sign
placements. Neptune's house placement is much more in- Neptune in Sagittarius
dividualized than its sign pla cement as you will see in the Much foreign travel. Sometimes aimless wandering
next chapter. (cults, gurus, etc.).
Neptune in Cancer Plu to spends 248years to make one cycle through the
Strong psychic abilities. Sometimes overly sentimen- od iac. Its sign placement is definitely ind ica tive of
tal. masses of people rather than individuals. Additionally,
Ihere has been very little time to study Pluto thoroughly
Neptune in Leo lx-cause it was on ly discovered in 1930. We will not at-
Strong artistic talents. Sometimes suffer from self I,"npt to d efine the influence of Pluto's sign placements
wlth regard to individua ls.
delus ion.
Pluto' s house placement is qu ite important in ind i-
vid ual cha rts as yo u will see in the next chapter.
Neptune in Virgo
Sometimes psychosomatic illness. Dwells too much
on unimportant matters.
Neptune in Libra:
Blind conformity without evaluating the worth 0'
12
SUN
185
186/ Astrology for Beginners Planets in the Houses /187
Sun in Fourth House foretell of inheritances. With poor aspects, it forete lls of
These people are proud of their homes and their her i- litigation over money ma tters. Sometimes this Sun ind i-
tage. Early life is usually a stru ggle with prosperity com- cates that the person will gain recognition or ho nors afte r
ing late in life. Strong interest in land and natural re- death but not during their lifetime.
sources. If afflicted , inability to get along wi th parents or
ru les his/her own household as though it were property Sun in N in th Ho use
ra ther than people. There is great interest in spiritual matters, religion,
law, philosoph y, and hig her ed uca tion. Foreign travel is
Sun in Fifth House often ind icated . in some cases, these people are bigots,
Great love of life and creative expression. These peo- condescending, and narrow minded.
ple are highly competitive and strive to be noticed. They
gravitate toward the theater, arts, sports, and musical ca- Sun in Tenth Ho use
reers. They love children but often have no ne or very few Grea t am bition to ac hieve positions of power and
of their own. Sometimes can be egotistical. They have autho rity. Usually these people are d ignified and will
happy, optimistic dispositions. They are intense lovers. work ha rd to succeed. Managerial ability goes wi th this
Sun position . If afflicted, there can be d ictatorial behavior.
Sutl in Sixt/l House
Delicate health and no t good recuperative powers. 5 1111in Eleventh House
These people seek distinction through their work and Usua lly these people have man y friends.They are in-
th rough service to others. If the Sun is afflicted they may u-rested in occult ma tters. Ofte n they desire group lead er-
experience long periods of unemployment w hich can be hip, These people are humanitar ians. If the Sun is af-
harmful to their self-esteem beca use they ident ify tllcted, there is a tendency to d ominate others.
strongly with thei r work.
~ II in Twelfth House
Sun in Seventh House These peo ple direct their thoughts a nd energies in-
These people must have close personal relationships, w.ird rather than outward . They spend much time in self
Marriage is extremely important to them. If the Sun is well I ontemplation. Often they seek work in asylums, hospi-
aspected. they will attract good ma tes and will have " l,lI s or other large insti tu tions. By serving others, they find
good marriage. If afflicted, they attract the wrong type 01 lulfil lmenl. If the Sun has harsh aspects, there can be ex-
mate for them which can lead to a d ifficult ma rriagi 1I,'me shy ness or neurosis.
These people can be good salespersons.
MOO N
Sutl in Eigllth House
Great interest in life's mysteries such as death alltl ',,11/1 in First House
life after death. With good aspects, this Sun placem ent CitII Highly impressionable; so me times psyc hic. They de-
188/ Astrology for Beginners Planets ill the Houses / 189
sire personal recognition and seek approval from others. Moon in Seventh House
They are fond of food and sometimes are overweight. These people find emotional fulfillmen t throu gh
They allow themselves to be greatly influenced by other marriage or other relationships. Often they marry a fath er
people. Moody and changeable. or mother figure.
Moon in Second House Moon in Eighth Hous e
Good business ability, Strong need for financial secu-
rity. They often work in businesses dealin g with food, real Intense emotions and psychic sensitivity. Sometimes
too much sensuality.
estate or domestic goods .
Moon in Third Hous e Moon in Ninth House
Prone to d aydream ing and flights of fantasy. Much Strong spiritual and mora l valu es, especially with re-
mental dwelling on unimportant matters. Gets bored eas- gard to family and home life. These peop le's beliefs are
ily. Much activity with bro thers and sisters. They regard based on emotion and feelings rather than on fact or logic.
neighbors as being part of their family. Strong imagina-
tions. Moon in Tenth House
Often come from families with high stand ing in the
Moon in Fourth House community. Careers are often influ enced by wom en. Al-
Strong Moon position. Family relationships ex- most always, this Moon position foretells of prominence
tremely important and influence all other aspects of the In public life. These people are driven by a need for recog-
person's life. Mother especially is a strong influence. If the nition and prominence.
Moon has harsh aspects, the hom e life can be quite un-
pleasant. Moon in Eleventh Hous e
There is a great need for friend ships. They like peo-
Moon in Fifth House ple around all the time and function best in groups. They
Romance is a big thing for these people, and they have many acquaintances, but most are likely to be super-
often become emotionally dep end ent on their rom antic' ficia l. Their own emotions are influenced by what oth er
partner. There can be family interference in romance. If people think.
the Moon has harsh aspects, these people are prone 10
gambl e or speculate impulsively. Moon in Twelfth House
The past is a great influence over these peopl e. Many
Moon in Sixth House h.rve psychic ability . They are shy and their feelings are
Unstable health . Sometimes psychosomatic illness. ""sily hurt. If the Moon has some harsh aspects, there can
Prone to be hypochondriacs. Many changes of emp loy h,· neu rosis and loneliness. If the Moon has many harsh
ment unless the Moon is in a fixed sign. These people like .'"pects, it signifies mental illness and probable institu-
pets and small animals. tionalization becau se of it.
190 I Astrology for Beginners Planets in the Houses I 191
tive. They, themselves, have great intuitive insight and ar- afflicted, they become misguided in their spiritual beliefs
tistic expression in music, art, and the stock market. If and practices.
Neptune is afflicted, it is often better if they never marry or
have children for there can be great psychological prob- Neptune in Tenth House
lems, illegitimate children, and broken families. Intuition plays an important role in their chosen ca-
reer. Astrologers, clergy, psychiatrists frequently have
Neptune in Sixth House this Neptune position. If Neptune is well aspected they
Work is a spiritual experience for these people. They will usually achieve honor in their work. If poorly
are most interested in medicine, spiritual healing, health aspected, they will achieve dishonor.
foods, and other kinds of healing. Often they are able to
communicate psychically with animals. If Neptune is af- Neptune in Eleventh House
flicted, they may be hypochondriacs or mentally ill. Also, Unusual, idealistic friends and group associations.
if afflicted, there can be much unemployment and unreli- They are generous and helpful to their friends and have a
ability. close spiritual rapport with them. If Neptune is afflicted,
they must use great care in selecting friends because there
Neptune in Seventh House is an excellent chance of their friends being deceptive and
These people have great intuitive awareness of oth- even becoming enemies.
ers and thus are greatly affected by the moods and feel-
ings of others. They usually have a strong psychic link Neptune in Twelfth House
with their marriage partner. These people more often than A strong intuitive link with cosmic consciousness.
not have artistic and musical talent; at the very least, an They prefer privacy. Often they remember previous incar-
appreciation of art. nations and are able to bring forth wisdom from those pre-
vious experiences into the current lifetime. If Neptune is
Neptune in Eighth House well aspected they can possess healing ability and other
There are usually psychic tendencies, and they haw psychic abilities which they use beneficially. If badly
a special interest in communicating with the dead . Then- nspected, they have mental confusion, neurosis, and mis-
is often strange things going on with regard to their pari l-\uided use of their innate psychic ability.
ner's money such as secretive things or deception. If Nep
tune is afflicted, there can be problems concerning income PLUTO
tax fraud, insurance fraud, or fraudulent circumstance,
surrounding death. Pluto in First House
These people are so extremely individualistic and
Neptune in Ninth House lion-conforming that it is very difficult to get along with
There is an interest in cults and mystical organlza I hem in marriage, business, or other close relationships. If
tions . These people are very impressionable. If Neptune I I 'luto is conjunct the ascendant and heavily aspected there
210 / Astrology for Beginners Planets ill the Houses / 211
are strong clairvoyant and psychic abilities. Usually these partner. Also if afflicted, they may be overly severe to-
people have strong willpower. ward children, and are likely to lose money if they indulge
in speculation.
Pluto in Second Hous e
Powerful drive and ambition to get money and other Pluto in Sixth Hous e
material resources. Often their quest for money involves People who work on government atomic energy pro-
oth er people's money. If Plut o is well aspected they will jects often have Pluto in this position . Other professions
have considerable resourcefulness in achieving wea lth. If may be junk and salvage or secretarial. Whatever they d o,
Plu to is afflicted, they will most likely be greedy and self- they seek to improve their work and working conditions.
ish, causing them to lose friend s and probably getting [f Pluto is badl y afflicted, they can be very difficult to work
them involved in litigation over money matters. with, thus causing employment problems.
213
214/ Astrology for Beginners The Aspects / 215
Sun conjunct Mars people who are the masters of their lives and environ-
This confers great willpower and courage. Tendency ment.
to be aggressive and self-assertive.
Sun conjunct Midheaoen
Sun conjunct Jupite r These people exert great influence thro ugh their ca-
Pleasing personalities. Generous and optimistic. reers and personal reputations. They are attracted to pub-
They attract good luck. Can usually win others over to lic life or politics, More often than not, they gain some sort
their way of thinking or doing. Enthusiastic. of fame.
a ted with this asp ect.These are bubbly, fun lovin g people. Mar s trine Uranu s
They have a grea t deal of sex appeal and have no d ifficulty They are ou tspoken, and ha ve nerv ou s energy which
in a ttrac ting romance. can be di fficult for others to dea l with. They are resource-
ful and original, often pioneering new meth od s of doing
Venus trin e Neptune things.
These can be crea tive ge niuses, especially in music
and art. They a re very romantic a nd are attracted to un- Mars trine Neptune
usual roma nces or lovers. This aspec t confers a keen sensit ivity that enables
them to detect insincerity in others, sens ing danger, and
Venus trine Pluto utilizing innate psychic abi lities. People who work with
These are definitely roma ntic people who have liquids often have this as pect.
strong sex drives. They have an intense emo tional nat ure
and often fall in love at first sight. Ma rs trine Pluto
These are ruthless fighters wh o give no quarter to de-
Venus trine Ascendant fend wha t they believe to be righ t. They live life dynami-
This aspect confers grace, harmo ny, attractive ness, cally and have unbrea kable willpower.
and cha rm. Usua lly they are popular and have good mar -
riages. Mars trine Ascendant
These people a re active, decisive, and have stro ng
Venus trine Midheauen willpow er.
Beauty, cha rm , an d grace playa vital role for success
in their occupa tion. If a performing a rtist has this aspect, Mars trine M idheauen
so me favorable public recog nition is guaranteed . They work har d to sa tisfy their a mbit ion to climb the
ladd er of success in their profession and to take ca re of
Mars trine Jupit er their famil y.
This aspec t bestows construc tive action, ene rgy, and
enthus iasm. If they are religiou s, they put their religious Jupiter trin e Saturn
beliefs into action in the finest sense of the word. This aspect bestows financial, business, and man age-
rial abilities. It also gives honesty, com mo n sense, and in-
Mar s trin e Satu rn tegrity. They usu ally have cool tempers and are d ign ified.
These peo ple are shrewd and work hard to satisfy
their ambitions . They are skillful, daring, and have great Jupiter trine Uranus
willpower. They are able to bear heavy res po nsibilities, They do not like rules or cons traints; they desire un-
end ure hardshi ps or eve n face da nge r. restricted freedo m. Some times these peo ple are genui ne
geniuses. They have crea tive ability.
232 I Astrology for Beginners The Aspects I 233
261
262 / Astrology for Beginners
Signs on tile HouseCusps/ 263
Table 1 House Attributes (Continued)
HOUSE ATTRIBUTES
(See Chapter 7 for more extensive det ail) Seventh House I Marriage and other partnerships.
Relations with oth ers. Open ene-
mies.
First House I Your ph ysical body and personality.
How others perceive you . Self- Eighth House I Death . Inheritance. Insurance.
awareness and self-interest. Life and Taxes. Ot her people's money. Sex-
health to some extent. ual matters. Investigations.
Second House I Income that you earn or acqu ire.
Your money and possessions. Your Ninth House I Religion or other philosophical be-
material resourcesin general. liefs. Foreign countries and foreign
travel (long distance travel in gen-
Third House I Your conscious mind and thought eral). Large animals. Publishing and
processes. Mental activity in general. printing. Law an d legal matters.
Your brothers, sisters, and neighbors. Ed ucational matt ers. Dreams and
Short distance travel and accidents some psychic experiences.
during travel. Communications of all
sor ts. Tenth Hou se I Your tru e profession in life. Ambi-
tions. Public reputa tion. Social and
Fourth House I Your home, both as a child and in professional status. Honors.
ad ulthood when you have your own
home. Domestic life in general. The Eleventh House I Friends . Groups of people. Your
end of any matter .
wishes, hopes, and dreams. Your re-
Fifth House I bling
Romance. Love . life. Sports. Gam-
and speculation. Children. En-
lationship with the govern ment.
tertainm ent and part ies. Crea tive Twelfth House I Secrets. Hidde n enemies. Self-delu-
ability and creative urge. sion. Institu tions of all sor ts. Work
and activity behind the scenes, out
Sixth House I Your health . Working conditions and
tools. Clothing. Your employees.
of the public eye. Some psychic mat-
ters such as seances.
Service to oth ers. Small animals.
264 / Astrology for Beginners
Signs on the House Cusps/26S
Table 2
Sign Attributes (Continued)
SIGN AlTRIBUTES Libra Partners hips. Joint ente rprises. Re-
finemen t. Harmony. Balance. Fair-
ness. Beauty. Overly romantic or
idealistic.
Aries Action. Much energy . Impulsiveness. Scorpio Secrecy. Vindictiveness. Coercion.
Combativeness. Lead ership. Enthu- Intense emotions and des ires. Jeal-
siasm. Strife. ousy. Possess iveness. Sometimes
Taurus Possessiveness. Profit. Slow but meann ess. Fatalistic attitude. Forced
steady progress. Stubborness. Deter- changes. Never gives up.
mination. Reliability. Slow to change. Sagittarius Good fortune. Abundance. Opti-
Dynamic when aroused . mism. Lack of d iscrimination. For-
Gemini Much communication of all sorts. eign matters. Long dis tance travel.
Much mental effort expended . Short Philosophy. Humor.
distance travel. Diversity. Capricorn Ambition. Self-discipline. Hard
Cancer Moodiness. Extreme sensitivity. wo rk. Respon sibility. Desire for
Much intuition or psychic insigh t. Te- status. Seriousness. Fruga lity. Public
nacity. Domestic matters. Associa- ambitions. Business. Ho nors . Cold-
tion with food. Need for public recog- ness.
nition. Aquarius Freedo m. Inde pendence. Uncon-
Leo Prid e. Enjoyment. Romance. Chil- venti onal. Humanitarian. Artistic
dren . Optimism. Flamboyance. Tem- talents. Friends . Sudden changes
permental reactions. Games, gam- and events. Expensive tastes. Much
bling, and speculation. originality. Inventiveness . Scientific
and electrical meth ods.
Virgo Much discrimination. Cau tion.
Pisces Sympathy. Und erstanding. Activi-
Analysis. Work. Perfectionism. Effi-
ciency. Details. Crafts manship. Criti- ties behind the scenes.Secretiveness.
cal and flaw seeking. Health . Service Fraud . Psychic matters. Institu tions
to others. of all sorts. Sick people. Drugs.
266 / Astrology for Beginners
267
268 I Astrology for Beginners Putting it All Together I 269
you can conclude that the person (me in this case) is going How many planets are in succedent houses (houses
to be, or should be, a professional writer. You will also see 2,5,8, and 11)? If the majority of planets are in succedent
some things that cancel out other things. For example, the houses, it may make the person stubborn and uncompro-
positive effects of Saturn trine Neptune cancel out or miti- mising.
gate the negative effects of Venus square Neptune. Many How many planets are in cadent houses (houses 3,6,
things appear only once, and are not likely to apply to me, 9, and 12)? If the majority of the planets are in cadent
or if they do it would be only superficially. houses, the person will probably complete a major part of
5. Step 4 above enables you to synt hesize the da ta some undertaking, but someone else will get credi t for it.
into an accurate ana lysis of the natal chart. If the majority of the planets are in the left half of the
In practice, you do not have to start your interpreta- chart, it indicates a leadership ability. If the majority are in
tion at the 1st house and proceed systematically around the righ t half, it ind icates a person who would rat her not
the chart as I have done in the preceding example. You can lead if they can avoid it.
start anywhere, jump around, whatever, just as long as If the majority of the planets are in the bottom half of
you eventually cover everything. It all comes out the same the chart, the person most likely goes through life reacting
in the end. to outside stimuli for direction. If the majority are in the
As you become more experienced and have more top half, the person chooses his/her own direction rather
data committed to memory, you will see major natal pat- than being directed by outside stim uli.
terns and meanings in an instant without hav ing to look The majority in cardinal signs indica tes a self-starter;
everything up. in mutable signs, a thinker or intellectual; in fixed signs, a
When I first look at a chart, I note the patterning first. person who can get things done when they have a direc-
How many planets are on the east side (left half), how tion given to them.
many on the wes t side (right half), how many in the top Whenever there is a cluster of four or more planets it
. half and how many in the bottom half? What planets are is a flag that something unusual, extreme, or ou tstandi ng
they? How are they clustered? This only takes seconds, will take place in the person's life.
and it tells me a great dea l before I even start looking at And there is much more to patterning than what I
specific de tail. have just given. The astrologer can mentally blend the
Let me digress briefly to discuss patterning a little. nearly infinite number of patterns into a reaso nably clear
Patterning really is an advanced astrology study, but I picture before actually studying each facet of the chart in
wa nt to at least familiarize you with it. detail.
At a quick glance, the astrologer notices where all the Look at figure 1 for the pa tterning. Eight of the ten
planets are. Here are some rules of thumb that the astrolo- planets are on the left side of the chart. I have been a non-
ger notices: commissioned officer in the military and an executive
How many planets are in angular houses (houses 1, with IBM. The leadership firs the patterning, does it not?
4, 7, and to) ? If the majority of planets are in ang ular Seven of the ten planets are in the top half of the
hou ses, it indicates a prominent position in the world. chart. I am extremely independent, and I make things
270/ Astrology for Beginners
27\
17
References
275
276 / Astrology for Beginners References / 277
Daily Planetary Guide, which is filled with great informa- computer, or are considering buying one, and want to ob-
tion and features. tain the required software, you can write to:
They offer a great deal more. I recommend you write
Matrix Software
or phone them (toll free) to request a free copy of their
315 Marion Avenue
catalog and a list of all their astrology books, services, and
Big Rapids, Michigan 49307
materials. Here is how to contact Llewellyn:
Or phone: (616) 796-2483
Llewellyn Publications
P.O. Box 64383-307
St. Paul, MN 55164-0383 I have had Matrix software for years and use it fre-
Phone (toll free): 1-800-THE-MOON quently. I find it to be excellent. Before you purchase a
computer and printer, write to Matrix to find out which
2. Your local bookstore that specializes in astrology computers and printers are compatible with their soft-
books. Browse through the astrology section. ware. This will prevent you from purchasing equipment
3. Your local library. This is where I spent hundreds that won't work.
of hours in the beginning. They should have an 7. Predictive astrology. This is what I talked about
ephemeris, tables of houses, and a wide variety of astrol- very briefly in Chapter 16. An excellent book on this sub-
ogybooks. ject is Predictive Astrology by Frances Sakoian and Louis S.
4. Evangeline Adams. This great astrologer is now Acker, published by Harper & Row.
deceased, but she left a legacy of excellent books . Read 8.Sun Signs. There are several excellent books on Sun
everything you can by her. She is probably one of the fin- Signs. Query Llewellyn Publications about their offerings
est astrologers of all time. You may have difficulty finding (see above for address and phone number). In addition,
her books through a bookstore, but the library should Evangeline Adams, mentioned in item #4above, wrote an
. have them . excellent one. Another excellent one is Linda Goodman's
5. The American Federation of Astrologers. This is an Sun Signs by Linda Goodman, published by Bantam
excellent professional association of which I am a mem- Books in paperback.
ber. They offer associate memberships to beginners and 9. Degrees . Each degree in the horoscope wheel has a
have an extensive list of books, materials, and services specific significance. For an interpretation of the degrees, I
available to members. Their annual dues are quite reason- especially like Practical Astrology: Haw to Make it Work For
able . If this interests you, you can write for information on You by Ierryl L. Keane, published by Parker Publishing
joining to: Company. This book also contains other astrology infor-
American Federation of Astrologers mation, but I use it exclusively for reference on degree in-
terpretation.
P.O. Box 22040
Tempe, Arizona 85282 to. An all around good reference for chart interpreta-
tion is The Astrologer's Handbook by Frances Sakoian &
6. Computer programs for astrology. If you have a Louis S. Acker, which covers interpretation on a more ex-
278 I Astrology for Beginners
panded scale.
11. Transits. An excellent companion book for the
one mentioned in #7above is Transits Simplifiedby Frances
Sakoian and Louis Acker, published by Harper & Row. By
now you must be aware that Frances Sakoian and Louis
Acker are prominent astrologers.
12. Ephemeris. There are a number of ephemerides
books on the market, and they all are pretty much the
same-all are good. The two I happen to have are: The
Concise Planetary Ephemeris for 1900 to 1950 A.D. atMidnight
and The Complete Planetary Ephemeris 1950-2000 A.D.,
which is also a midnight ephemeris. Both are published by
The Hieratic Publishing Co.
13.Tables of Houses. There are many tables of houses
on the market, and they are all good and all pretty much
the same. The one I happen to have is The American Book of
Tables, published by Astro Computing Services.
14. Time changes. I recommend Time Changes In The
U.S.A. by Doris Chase Doane, published by the American
Federation of Astrologers, Inc. This book should be avail-
able through your bookstore. If not, write to the address in
#5 above. Ms. Doane has also written other time changes
. books for Canada, Mexico, and the world. If you are going
to compile natal charts for persons born outside the
United States, you will want to get these other time
changes books also.