Basics of Astrology

A comprehensive guide to the foundations of Astrology

in helping you start your journey

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What you'll learn
Types of Astrology
(The basics: Tropical, sidereal, Chinese)

The 12 Zodiacs
(The Archetypes and characteristics)

The Luminaries, Planets, Asteroids, and Points

(Introducing the important characters of your chart)

The 12 houses
(Introducing the 12 houses and identifying them)
 What you'll learn

The Aspects Transits

(Understanding the relationships of the planets)

How do you read it all together?

(Understanding how each concept to read charts)

But first - I want to introduce myself to you

Hi, I'm Harley!

I'm a practicing witch, astrologer, and tarot reader. Like you, I started as a student way back in late
2019 when I got curious about Astrology and Tarot. The funny thing is, I started to learn it because I
wanted to debunk it. But here I am now, practicing and teaching others the best as I can to share
what I have learned throughout the years.

What I do:
Astrology Readings
Tarot Readings
(Occasional) 1-on-1 teaching and guidance on Esoteric pratices

If you need any of these services, feel free to message me on my Instagram page @bookofharley_
 I:
What is Astrology?
What is Astrology?
"A form of divination of the supposed influences of the stars and planets on human affairs and
terrestrial events by their positions and aspects"
-Definition from Merriam-Webster Dictionary

"The study of the movements and positions of the sun, moon, planets, and stars in the belief that
they affect the character and lives of people"
-Definition from Cambridge Dictionary

"-A complex system that uses celestial phenomena in order to study an individual's fate. This
includes information not just about a person's character or psyche, but also about the concrete
external circumstances and events that take place during the course of their life."
-From 'Hellenistic Astrology' by Chris Brennan
Usage of Astrology & understanding
the misconceptions in the Modern Era

We live in an odd time wherein Astrology is seen as both

SCIENCE* and PSEUDOSCIENCE.

Some universities and colleges are offering advanced astrological

certificates while some use Astrology as a means to understand a
person's psyche. While some disregard its legitimacy of it since it is
tied to the popular culture version of "Zodiac fortune telling" - a
popularized version wherein a person's sun sign has been used as
a means to predict how their day is going to be. Like anything in
pop culture, the majority sees astrology as a fraud.

*Note: The use of word Science is loosely related to pattern reading and looking for past data that may help on studying patterns.
 Astrology is Astrology is not

based on mathematical data from various historical events that

maps out the correlation of planetary movements to earthly based on magic or paranormal
matters.

an evolving systematic approach that has been around since

a simple trend
4000 years ago and has guided multiple civilizations.

composed of different subjects that deal with a person's life,

a simple fortune-telling scheme
geographical events, worldwide trends, etc.

is a practice or systematic approach. a religion or set of superstitious beliefs

about the effects of planetary events. astronomy

Basic kinds of Astrological pratices
Due to cultural differences, beliefs, and varying historical happenings, Astrology evolved around the
world in different ways.

In reality, there are numerous types of astrology but the following are the most well-known and
most practiced:

Traditional Western Astrology (Hellenistic and Tropical)

Vedic Astrology (Jyotish Shastra)
Chinese Astrology
 Western (Hellenistic) Vedic (Sidereal) Chinese

Based on seasons and orientation

Based on the physical position of the
between the Sun and Earth Based on the Lunar and Solar Calendar
constellations in the sky (sidereal)
(Spring Equinox marks the Aries Season)

12 seasons starting at Spring Equinox Each sign/animal stays for a year.

12 signs with fixed dates (Aries season
(start date may change depending on Staring and ending on the Lunar New
starts on April 13)
the season) Year/Chinese New Year

12 house placements indicating an area Diamond or square-shaped chart that Has 12 animals for each month but in a
of your life may include 27 placements year, one main animal or sign prevails.
Why Tropical/Hellenistic Astrology?
Aside from its popularity, studying Tropical Astrology first can help you understand the foundations
of Astrology without being overwhelmed. As you begin to understand and decode the system of
Tropical Astrology, it'll be easy to understand the complexity of Vedic astrology, the principles of
Chinese Astrology and branch out even on Geographical Astrology (Astrocartography) and Horary.
Elements of Astrology
Signs
Planets and Luminaries
Houses
Aspects
The 12 Signs
Aries
The first sign
Element: Fire
Ruling planet: Mars
Modality: Cardinal

Being the first sign, Aries sets the pace. Most of the time people with Aries placements do good in
leadership roles. They're courageous, brave, and bold. They love starting new things but may have a
hard time maintaining the pace and finishing it. Easy to anger, easy to get bored, easy to fall in and
out of love. Fiery and impulsive.

Aries is related to fire, war, and strife. In predictive astrology, bad aspects of Aries may cause
these things. It may also pertain to leaders of the country who are just starting out, a presence of a
tyrant may come if badly aspected to Saturn .
Taurus
The second sign
Element: Earth
Ruling planet: Venus
Modality: Fixed

Sensual, pleasure-seeker, stubborn, and hard-working. Being ruled by Venus, they

often strive to achieve the finer things in life. Drawn to beauty and pleasure, they
make sure to take their time doing or experiencing something. When they set their
eyes on something, they rarely give up. Hard to change their ways. Generally, they
are warm, chill, and dependable. Sometimes, Taurus pertains to money, agriculture,
food, luxury, and women in predictive astrology.
Gemini
The third sign
Element: Air
Ruling planet: Mercury
Modality: Mutable

Quick-witted, curious, and communicative. Gemini gets a bad rep for having a God complex due
to its quality of always learning something new and knowing things most people do not. They
usually have "two-faces", a term that is usually misunderstood since they are a mutable air sign
and they tend to change their minds or attitude once they get to know something better. They are
versatile and can communicate and befriend others easily. Gemini refers to education and
personal communication in predictive astrology. It may also symbolize gossip if badly aspected.
Cancer
The fourth sign
Element: Water
Ruling planet: Moon
Modality: Cardinal

Nurturing, sensitive, and emotional. Cancer is ruled by the Moon and as a water
sign is receptive yet stubborn. They want to be needed and secure but if you do
get to their bad side, their hard shell will be tough to crack. They can be moody
and temperamental. However, if you are loved by a Cancer, they are very loving
and caring as they value home life. Cancer represents the mother. In predictive
astrology, this may refer to hearth, and the wrath of women.
Leo
The fifth sign
Element: Fire
Ruling planet: Sun
Modality: Fixed

Glamorous, generous, and creative. Leo is attention-grabbing and attention-

loving. Being ruled by the Sun, they naturally have a lot of energy and enthusiasm.
The lion is the 'king' of the jungle so most often than not, Leo's have a regal aura
with them. When unevolved, they might be stubborn with their ways, especially with
the things that give them attention and pleasure. They may also be self-centered
and prideful. Nevertheless, they are inventive and creative as fire signs. Like Aries,
Leo may also represent a leader or a tyrant in predictive astrology.
Virgo
The sixth sign
Element: Earth
Ruling planet: Mercury
Modality: Mutable

Precise, hardworking, and analytical. Virgos are talented problem solvers. They
are usually very quiet and gentle. They often like to be alone and may work
better independently. Out of the signs, they may also be the most organized and
consistent. They might be one of the smartest signs but with that comes
perfectionism and judgments. They tend to have a reputation for being
judgmental and critical of themselves and other people. Virgo represents legal
matters and innocence in predictive astrology.
Libra
The seventh sign
Element: Air
Ruling planet: Venus
Modality: Cardinal

Charming, social, and diplomatic. Libra is ruled by Venus and has an eye for beauty and
style. Physically, they always have a sense of proportion in their bodies. Libras strive to
have balance in all aspects of life which also makes them great negotiators. They do get a
bad rep for being too diplomatic and passive sometimes. They are also a lover of love so
they love chasing and being chased by the idea of admiration. They are more indecisive
and deeply sensitive than other air signs. Libra represents the arts and the masses. Like
Virgo, it may refer to justice but in a way that is related to the masses.
Scorpio
The eighth sign
Element: Water
Ruling planet: Mars (traditional) & Pluto (modern)
Modality: Fixed

Intense, cunning, and secretive. Like the scorpion, Scorpios can come off as very
piercing people. They have the natural ability to enchant and intimidate. They feel
emotions very intensely so they can hold grudges and be vengeful. Since they are fixed
signs, they tend to be very protective of the things they hold dear. Scorpios may also
be a little bit mature, especially as kids since they are sensitive to other people's
emotions. Scorpio represents sex and addictions in predictive astrology. Manipulation
may also come in mind. Though sometimes, it may empower certain genders.
Sagittarius
The ninth sign
Element: Fire
Ruling planet: Jupiter
Modality: Mutable

Adventurous, spontaneous, and philosophical. Sagittarius loves to experience new

things and learn something new every day. It is hard to pin them in one place as they
always seem to be moving. They may excel in sports or philosophy. Being ruled by
Jupiter, they radiate optimism or the energy of always looking for other ways. They are
free-spirited and restless and have a bad reputation for being non-commital to
someone or something. Sagittarius rules the foreign domain and higher education in
predictive astrology. It may also pertain to the freedom of the people.
Capricorn
The tenth sign
Element: Earth
Ruling planet: Saturn
Modality: Cardinal

Ambitious, patient, and enduring. When Capricorns set their eyes on something,
they do everything to achieve it and may be dominant. Like the mountain goats,
they strive when they climb higher and create something of their own. They are
responsible and mature enough to keep themselves disciplined. They are diplomatic
in a way that serves them. They have a bad rep for being cold but they do have a
dark or different sense of humor and outlook on life. They always put themselves
and the people they love first more than anything. In predictive astrology, this may
refer to organizations, governments and the corporate or a higher leader.
Aquarius
The eleventh sign
Element: Air
Ruling planet: Saturn (traditional) & Uranus (modern)
Modality: Fixed

Humanitarian, progressive, and independent. Aquarius is known to be a unique soul. They thrive
when they think outside of the box and go against the norm. Because of this, they tend to be a lot
more clever and inventive. They love exploring new concepts so even their beliefs might be
different from others. Most of the time, they are in their heads thinking about what's next so they
tend to look detached. They also have inventive and abstract views and may work well in helping
society grow and prosper or even destroy it. They do well in tech industries and everything
involving innovation. In Predictive Astrology, Aquarius may refer to technology, societal concerns,
and group of people in rebellion.
Pisces
The twelfth sign
Element: Water
Ruling planet: Jupiter (traditional) & Neptune (modern)
Modality: Mutable

Imaginative, intuitive, and compassionate. Pisces most of the time can be the creatives.
You'll catch them daydreaming and may draw or write down what they have in mind. They
are also romantics (or hopeless romantics) which gives them the inspiration to create. Pisces
also has a natural connection to the spiritual realm. They are very intuitive and may be good
at mystics arts. They may be super sensitive and empathetic since they feel emotions more
than others and may try to resort to escapism. Ruled by Neptune (modern Astrology), they
have the tendency to create illusions and be deceitful. Pisces often refers to spirituality and
religion. Whenever a generational planet goes into Pisces, it tends to activate a spiritual or
religious war. It may also pertain to large bodies of water and if badly aspected can
indicate bad incidents on waters.
Understanding the Modalities and Elements
Each sign is most of the time separated into two categories that may affect how they act:
The modalities and the elements they represent.

MODALITIES - also known as quadruplicities. Each modality may help you understand the behavioral
style of each sign's personality.
Cardinal: The leaders or initiators. Each sign under this modality starts every season. (Aries:
Spring, Cancer: Summer, Libra: Fall, Capricorn: Winter)
Fixed: The doers and devoted. Each sign thrives on dedication and their ways to finish
something. They maintain the momentum. (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius)
Mutable: The experimental ones. Each sign has an agile point of view and may pivot depending
on the needs of a certain situation. They also end each season. (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and
Pisces.
Understanding the Modalities and Elements
Each sign is most of the time separated into two categories that may affect how they act:
The modalities and the elements they represent.

ELEMENTS - also known as "triplicities". They can give you an idea of the general temperament of a
person. The elements can also give you an idea of the contrasting energies of feminine and
masculine they may possess.
Fire: Dynamic, active, and restless. May possess more masculine energy and masculine creative
prowess. Fire represents passion.
Earth: Sensual, grounded, and stable. They are assertive and always on the move. They are good
with material things and will do anything for them to stay stable and independent. Possesses
feminine energy and the idea of feminine creations.
Air: Communicative and mental. They linger on ideas and are good conversationalists. May
possess masculine energy and the energy of masculine ideations.
Water: Sensitive, emotional, and intuitive. They are empathetic and home/family oriented. They
are nurturers. May posses feminine energy and the energy of feminine principles.
The Planets and Luminaries
 The Sun
Luminary
Represents: The Self and your Ego
It helps you identify who you are inside. It is believed that you'll relate more to your sun
sign as you evolve and get older
The Sun may also show your relationship with your father depending on its placement.
Keywords: ego, personality, consciousness, vitality, stamina, father

The Moon
Luminary
Represents: The Unconcious and your Emotions
It helps you identify how you feel your emotions and how you process emotions.
The Moon may give you an idea of what your childhood was like and your sensitivity towards life.
The Moon represents your mother and it may show you the relationship you have with her
depending on its placement.
Keywords: emotions, unconsciousness, subconsciousness, moods, instincts, sensitivity, mother
Mercury
Represents: Your mind and communication
Mercury represents a person's intellect and reasoning. How he/she approaches learning and identifying
ideas.
it also shows the way you communicate, be it verbal or written, and how you express yourself through it.
It can also indicate the way you talk and socialize with the outside world.
Keywords: communication, intelligence/intellect, reasoning, mind, language

Venus
Represents: Love and Beauty
It shows how you love and how you want to receive and give love. This gives an idea of your ideal
relationships, both romantic and platonic.
Venus also helps you identify what you find beautiful and attractive be it on a person, a place, or a thing.
Your art style can also be identified by Venus.
Venus placements may also help you understand your values in life. Together with Jupiter, it is one of the
luckiest planets.
Keywords: love, beauty, attraction, art, harmony, values, creativity/creation, relationships
Mars
Represents: Your drive and passion
Mars shows your aggressions and how you feel and react to the extreme emotions (Anger, obsessive love,
extreme sadness)
It can also identify your level of competitiveness and how initiative you are towards your passion.
Passion in love may also be indicated by your Mars sign since it also represents your sexual desire.
Keywords: passion, sex, aggression, action, courage, competitiveness/competition, physical strength

Jupiter
Represents: Luck, fortune, and success
Jupiter is the luckiest planet. Everything it touches turns to gold and wherever it is in your chart may
indicate where you get an extra boost of luck and abundance.
Jupiter may also show your optimism in life and certain philosophical outlooks and understanding of the
world and events around you.
It shows where you can potentially grow and flourish if you are unsure of your next venture.
Keywords: luck, growth, expansion, success, victory, abundance, good fortune, wisdom
Saturn
Represents: Your karma and restrictions
Saturn rewards and disciplines. Wherever it is in your chart may give you an idea of your restrictions and where
you need extra patience and effort.
Your Saturn placement may also show how disciplined you are or how you approach obligations.
Saturn also indicates where you put extra or no boundaries at all.
Keywords: restriction, karma, boundaries, discipline, delayed gratification, rewards, restraints, obligations, structure

Uranus
Represents: Uniqueness and individuality
Uranus is a rebellious planet. Since it is a generational planet (meaning most of the people born under the
same generation may have the same Uranus placement but different houses), the eccentricity of the
generation may be identified through it.
It shows how you think outside the box and where you are most adept to change and rebel.
It may also show where you are innovative, especially with technology and advancements.
Keywords: uniqueness, rebellion, revolution, reformation, individuality, innovation, eccentricity, massive changes
Neptune
Represents: Your spirituality and illusions/delusions
Neptune is also a generational planet like Uranus, so most of the time, it shows the illusions of a certain
generation and their approach to escapism.
Neptune is the planet of dreams and spirituality so it helps you navigate your beliefs, spiritual connections, and
psychic abilities.
Since it deals with illusions, it may give a hint of your you make art or how you put to life the things you see.
Keywords: dreams, illusion, delusion, spirituality, mysticism, psychic abilities, intuition, compassion

Pluto
Represents: Transformation and power
Like Uranus and Neptune, Pluto is also a generational planet. It shows how a certain generation's approach
changes and transformations in society.
Pluto is the planet of death and rebirth. Where it falls in your chart can indicate where you might experience
a lot of changes and evolve. You may come out stronger or it may haunt you.
It may also represent mental manipulation and how you use your power to affect some people.
Pluto is the god of wealth and may sometimes indicate where you can get wealthy but not in a monetary
sense but through power and control.
Keywords: death, rebirth, evolution, power, transformations, surrender, manipulation, control
The 12 houses
Concept
The 12 houses helps us identify "WHERE" something will happen. Each house represents a certain area or
spheres of life and how each of that aspect may be affected by the planets that may fall under it.

The chart is divided into 2 axes: The eastern and the western (Ascendant, descendant) as well as the night
and day (Imum Coeli, Medium Coeli). To understand it better, look at the photo below:
The Horizon and the Meridian
When you look at natal charts, you'll see that these
important points ('Horizon and Meridian' or 'Cusps' as
called by others) are highlighted. The reason is that they
show an important separation of one's being and needs.
This will help you identify whether someone is introverted
or extroverted, or if they put themselves first or the
others. Of course, various aspects may still affect this
but it can give a basic idea. Another aspect of this is it
will help you figure out whether someone has a "Day
Chart" or a "Night Chart". The time of birth has nothing
to do with it but rather if the sun is on the upper part or
lower part of the chart. This may help you know what's
the most benefic and malefic planet for an individual.
The Ascendant and Descendant (The Horizon)
The Ascendant and Descendant axes separates the
chart into 'day chart' or 'night chart'. The Ascendant
shows the rising planets or constellation at the time of
your birth while the Descendant represents the ones that
are setting. For easier understanding, the Ascendant is
you while the Descendant may represent others.

Imum Coeli and Medium Coeli (The Meridian)

The meridians are the vertical divisions. These placements and the
planets that may fall under them show the uppermost point of
intersection (Medium Coeli or MC) and the lowest point of
intersection or those beneath the Earth (Imum Coeli or IC). In simple
understanding, the MC represents your shining and public moments
while the IM is your roots and where you came from.
The first house (Ascendant)
The house of your physicality, personality, and view of the world.
Together with an individual's Sun and Moon sign, the Ascendant (most of the time found in your first house)
makes up what we know as "The Big Three"
Knowing someone's rising sign or first house can give us an idea of what a person looks like.
The sign where the first house sits is usually more apparent than a person's sun sign. Make sure to check the
placement of the ruler of the first house too.
Keywords: Physical body, personality, views, facade, mask (debatable)

The second house

The house of values and possessions.
The second house placement tells us about the material circumstance of an individual.
It deals with wealth and abundance. How a person views and handles money individually.
The second house also correlates to our physical possessions and survival in this material world.
Keywords: Money, wealth, abundance, money you make, possessions, values
The third house
The house of communication, siblings, and lower education.
The third house is important in understanding an individual's way of communicating (written and verbal),
especially with his/her siblings, and how it affected them growing up.
It also deals with the lower education circumstances of a person. (Lower education may be from Kinder to High
School)
The third house also indicates short-distance travel and how a person views its importance or if it's something
lacking in his/her life. Also about your day-to-day routine and productivity.
Keywords: Communication, thinking, writing, short travel commute, siblings, lower education, childhood education,
close communities, day-to-day life

The fourth house

The house of roots and origins.
The fourth house mainly talks about a person's family; what kind of domestic home he/she grew up in and how it
influence him/her growing up.
The fourth house is important in understanding one's origins and understanding the comfort one wants.
Keywords: Family, home, roots, origins, generation, comfort, belongingness, youth
The fifth house
The house of pleasure and creation.
The fifth house represents a person's idea of fun and pleasure. This may also indicate a person's romantic
tendencies and sexual ideations.
It also gives an idea of how someone views creativity. All kinds of creations including kids. How they are with kids
and how they can possibly handle being with their own kids or even the odds of having one.
The fifth also shows the short-lived romance of flirting styles/tendencies of a person.
Keywords: pleasure, fun, creativity, creation, kids, children, romance, flings, flirting

The sixth house

The house of work, service, and physical health.
The sixth house describes the circumstances of our work, and service.
Since it deals with work and services, this also shows our relationships with co-workers and subordinates.
The sixth house also shows the status of physical health and what possible hardships and ailments we may face.
Another minor rulership the sixth house has is over our pets &animal companions and our relationship with them.
Keywords: work, service, co-workers, subordinates, physical health, ailments, sickness, pets
The seventh house (Descendant)
The house of relationships.
The seventh house gives us an idea of how we select our partners, the friendships that we cultivate, the people
that we attract, and even the people who repel us (public enemies).
If the 5th house deals with short-term romance, the 7th house is all about lasting friendships and marriages.
Keywords: relationships, marriage, long-term romance, friendships, enemies, public enemies

The eighth house

The house of loss, common property, and metaphysical.
The eighth house, the opposite of the 2nd house, deals with your shared finances and properties. This can be
debt, investments, insurance, shared businesses, taxes, and inheritance. It also shows how we deal with losing
these properties.
In traditional Astrology, this is also the house of death, how we deal with and see death as a part of life, or
sometimes, the possibility of experiencing death. This can be material death or literal death.
Due to this connection, the eighth house also shows our affinity with the metaphysical; the probability of being
connected to it and communing with the energies that deal with it.
Keywords: loss, death, common property, shared finances, metaphysical, psychic
The ninth house
The house of philosophies, foreign affairs, and higher education.
The ninth house mainly rules our life philosophies, ideologies, and worldview. Because of this, it also deals with
our higher learning or education (literally college or post studies).
Together with that, the ninth house helps us identify our foreign inclinations; how we perceive foreign cultures,
how we receive foreign ideologies or people, the possibility of finding happiness, abundance, or even love
abroad, etc.
Keywords: philosophy, learnings, higher intelligence, higher learning, ideologies, foreign land, foreign travel, foreign
culture, foreign opportunities

The tenth house

The house of career and public image.
The tenth house is one of the important houses that let an individual know his/her calling and profession. The
tenth house deals with our career and how we may be seen or what drives us to climb the ladder (or not).
It also indicates our general development - what we aim to become and how we are seen by the public with our
profession and calling.
Given that, the tenth house also deals with our public image, how the public perceives us based on our worldly
affairs, and calling that may affect how we influence a certain industry or build our legacy.
Keywords: career, work, corporate, calling, profession, public image, legacy
The eleventh house
The house of social circles, acquaintances, and hopes.
The eleventh house shows our relationship with the outside world, how we see our society, and how we are
accepted by our social circles. This may also indicate the hardships or leverage we have in making
acquaintances and navigating our social life.
Aside from that, the eleventh house deals with our hopes, dreams, and manifestations; how we push through
with what we want, how we get it, and even what are the barriers that may stop us from our hopes.
Keywords: society, acquaintances, social circle, social life, following, hopes, dreams, manifestations, innovations

The twelfth house

The house of isolation and spirituality.
The twelfth house deals with what is beyond our physical personal spheres. With that, the 12th house may show
some hard aspects of our lives including how we isolate or react to the possibility of being isolated, mental
health difficulties, hidden enemies, addictions, or spiritual growth.
It deals with the unseen realm, how we may navigate our spirituality, the unconscious and subconscious part of
an individual, and sometimes even the karmic cycles we may undergo.
Relevant 12th house placement may also indicate psychic understanding and abilities.
Keywords: isolation, sorrow, introspection, spirituality, unconscious, subconscious, karma, psychic realm, psychic
abilities, hidden enemies
Stelliums and other
important placements
Stellium
A "stellium" happens or appears in a chart when more
than 3 planets (or more) can be seen in one sign. The
stellium can be a lot more powerful if the planets under
it are a mixture of Inner and outer planets. The usual
formula of a stellium is Luminary (sun and/or moon),
inner planet, an outer planet)

A stellium will show you a heightened focus on a certain

part of your life depending on which house it falls. It may
show importance to your values and lessons in life
depending on where it is. Also, stellium can also affect a
person's prominent attitude or behavior that may
sometimes come off on a more dominant tone than
other important placements.
North Node & South Node
The North Node and South Node are two important points in the sky called "Lunar
Nodes". In the simplest term, the Lunar Nodes are also called "The nodes of Destiny" or
"The nodes of Fate". These points are indicated on where it falls where the eclipses
happen. Because of this, the nodes indicate the spiritual and karmic paths that we
need to move forward to or let go of. The nodes are always in two opposite signs.

In Vedic Astrology, the nodes are called "Ratu", the dragon's head (North node), and
"Ketu", the dragon's tail.
This is based on a Hindu mythology about an immortal demon named Svarbhanu who
drank the elixir of life and was punished by Vishnu by cutting off its head. However,
since the demon was immortal, it instead got separated into two entities, "Rahu", the
served head, and "Ketu", the body without head. As punishment, the gods grant him
immortality in both parts of the past (Ketu) and the future (Rahu).

This mythology best explains the nodes. The North node represents our karmic paths
while the South node reveals the past lessons of our life or previous lives in order to
help us on our journey by telling us that the past somehow dictates or influences our
future.
North Node
Your point of destiny.
You can find the North node on the exact opposite of the
south node.
It represents your karmic path and where you need to go
in order to feel fulfilled. The simplest explanation would
be, that no matter how much we avoid it because it's
hard to go there or attain it, we are still called to go
there anyway. It's where you are meant to be.
Since this is opposite to your roots or where you used to
be, it requires more energy and effort to go to where your
North Node is. Knowing its placement can give you an
advantage.
South Node
Your point of the past.
The South node represents our point of comfort and roots. It
is believed that the South node represents the energies,
relationships, or happening in your past (or even your past
lives) and how they will play a part in reaching your destiny.
Knowing your South Node will help you get out of your
comfort zone. It will also show your natural abilities and
what your talents are that seem very innate to you (some
believe that this is because of our past lives).
It may be tempting to stay here and be satisfied but you will
feel like you won't belong in this lifetime in this area. Your
South node will give you acceleration and boosts in order to
go an uncomfortable yet fulfilling place- your North Node.
Asteroids, minor planets and other placements
Chiron - known as "The Wounded Healer", Chiron is previously a comet, an asteroid, and now identified as
a minor planet. It orbits in between Saturn and Uranus and is a part of the constellation Centaur. It was
named after the Greek Centaur "Chiron" who served as the mentor of the demigods. There are varying
myths surrounding his mortality but it is believed that he is immortal. He's sired by Cronus but he was taken
by Apollo to whom he learn the art of healing and archery. Though he became a master of healing arts, he
cannot seem to heal himself - thus the wounded healer. In Modern Astrology, Chiron represents your core
wounds; What wounds and karmic cycles do you seem to have and cannot heal but may seem easy for you
to help others with. Knowing your Chiron and understanding its placement will help you heal your inner
wounds and understand your healing capabilities so you would not get taken advantage of by people.

Symbol of Chiron
Asteroids, minor planets and other placements
Lilith - also known as "Black Moon Lilith", is actually not an actual planet or asteroid but is a point in the
sky. The Moon travels along an elliptical path around Earth so it has 2 focal points. The focal point that is
not occupied by the Earth is where Lilith is. Lilith was named after the demon goddess "Lilith" who was
believed to be Adam's first wife but was demonized because of her refusal to obey. In Ancient Astrology,
Lilith symbolizes our relationship to the absolute and how we let it go. In its transit, it shows us our
frustrations and what we have hidden in our psyche. Modern Astrology simplifies this by identifying Lilith as a
potential of what is hidden in our Higher Feminine and the frustrations of our genders and societal
expectations.

Location of Lilith
Symbol of Lilith
Aspects and Transits
Aspects and Transits
Like anything in this Universe, planets, luminaries, and certain
points in the sky move. Some take days, most for weeks, and of
course, further planets take years. These movements have various
effects on a personal and worldwide level. These movements are
called "Transits" and the relationship between these transits is
called "Aspects".

Transits and aspects make a birth chart unique. Certain

placements may be apparent on charts but the changes in degree
and position on the chart of an individual, a nation, or an event
may indicate possible events that may unfold.
Transits
In the astrological sense, transit means the "passage of a celestial body over the
meridian of a place or through the field of a telescope". When a certain planet (or
luminary) moves from one placement to another. Take note that these movements
are based on what we see here on our planet not the actual speed of the planet's
movement. This would also include a planet's retrograde motion. Retrograde
happens when a celestial body appears to be moving in an opposite direction
than what it usually does from Earth. Retrogrades often give the collective a. time
to rethink and re-assess. In a birth chart, it would mean that an individual needs
more rethinking and effort in that area of life compared to others.

Even though an individual's birth chart placements are fixed, transits will activate
and influence certain life events. For example: if your 4th house sits in the sign of
Libra together with your Moon: If Mercury Retrograde happens in the sign of Libra,
this may activate certain events that may cause emotional misunderstanding with
your family compared to the usual diplomatic arrangement you have within your
home.
Aspects
Aspects refer to the relationship of one planet to another. As the planets move, their
distance from other planets may affect them. This adds another flavor to an individual's
chart. Your birth chart will have aspects but transits may have aspects to your birth chart
too. Some aspects may appear complicated and hard to decipher but they are important
in understanding the possible events and the reason for some as your life progresses. It can
serve as a cheat sheet for you to navigate the possibilities in your life.
Basic Aspects
Usually, aspects are certain angular relationships that are said to have intrinsic qualities – they are said to
be “harmonic”, “dynamic” or “neutral”. According to astro.com "These relationships influence how the
planets work together. There is also a certain amount of “play”, which means that an aspect is said to
“work” or be operative within a few degrees either way of being exact. This margin of “play” is defined by
the orbs."

Conjunct/Conjunction - 0°
A dynamic aspect. A conjunction occurs when two planets (or luminary) are close to one another on the
same sign. Typically, an orb of 0-9° is considered a conjunction.
The harmony would depend on the planets that are in conjunction.
In conjunctions, the planet that appears first is usually more in control. In one aspect, when a planet is
near the Sun's beam (especially lower than 8°) that would be in combust or burn. The planet preceding
it would be obscured.
Basic Aspects
Opposite/Opposition - 180°
An opposition happens when two placements are literally opposite of another, typically by 180°.
In simple terms, this may indicate a sense of polarity or duality in the relationship between the two
placements. Thus, opposition may oftentimes cause disharmonious and frustrating effects on the chart.
Even though this is the case, it would depend again on what planets are opposite of one another.
Oftentimes, oppositions are not as hard to solve as other hard aspects. Tensions can be resolved
through back and forth of two energies.

Square - 90°
For easier understanding, a square happens when two planets are usually 3 signs apart.
It is the hardest aspect out of all 5. The disharmony between the two placements may present
challenges and blockages. Most of the time, these challenges may appear all the time.
Squares do not mean that they will serve as bad luck for the rest of an individual's life. Like anything in
astrology, the pattern will keep on coming and it needs extra hard work and finding a sweet spot for
compromise. Achievements may be delayed.
Basic Aspects
Trine - 120°
For easier understanding, trine happens when two planets are 4 signs apart and of the same element.
Because of this, a trine is the most harmonious aspect. It presents an easy flow of energy between the
planets involved that tends to bring talents, creativity, intelligence, and luck.
Most of the time, having a lot of trine on a chart indicates easier navigation in life and a stroke of good
luck.

Sextile - 60°
For easier understanding, sextile happens when two planets are usually 2 signs apart.
Sextile is a harmonious aspect that gives an easy flow of opportunities if acted upon by the individual.
The collaboration of the planets together with their placements on complementary signs makes the
aspect harmonious for collaboration.
Sextile is like a stroke of "mini" luck compared to a trine. They are just opportunities that you need to
grasp and take advantage of.
How to read it all together
 Signs There is no right or wrong step in reading a
birth chart and how you can start. What's
important is you understand the elements
of the chart. You can use any natal chart
Aspects generator online but "astro.com", I believe
is the accurate one.

Planets,
For easier understanding, this is how you
luminaries, can interpret the elements:
points House - 'where' it occurs. What area
of life will it affect.
Houses
Signs - 'how' can it possibly manifest?
Planets - 'who' is affecting the events?
Aspects - 'how' are the characters
related?
Sample natal chart: Kim Kardashian

AC - for Ascendant. It falls under the sign of Sagittarius

making her a Sagittarius rising.
AC conjunct Neptune - her ascendant is influenced by
Neptune, the planet of illusions and dreams. This affects
how people see her physically and how people tend to
apply their illusions to her. She is known for being a
trendsetter and people mimic her style.
Neptune square MC - despite the illusory effect she has
on her physicality, her midheaven is often tainted because
of the friction of her public image and physical
perception of people towards her.
Want to learn how to read a
natal chart with me?
Send a message at @bookofharley to learn about classes or 1-on-1 mentoship