INTRO / Disclaimer

This is a general compilation of definitions for the different elements that constitute astrological charts and chart readings. All of this information has been pulled from the internet mixed with personal editions. I don't claim ownership over any of this information and don't aim to make any profit. My only wish to share and allow it to serve as a tool to those who are interested in learning how to read charts. So please use as you wish.

Astrological chart readings are an art and just like any art form there are an infinite amount of ways to read them from styles to methods on how to interpret each element. If there is somewhat of a concensus on chart reading interpretations and definitions in western culture, I've made an attempt to put the general aspects together. Here is what I've been able to put together so far.

Rising

INDEX

Rising Sign (Ascendant + Chart Ruler)

Luminaries

Planets

Zodiac Signs

Sign Qualities + Elements

Nodes, Asteroids & More

Houses

Aspects

ASTRO Chart

LUMINARIES

The luminaries were what traditional astrologers called the two astrological "planets" which were the brightest and most important objects in the heavens, that is, the Sun and the Moon. Luminary means, source of light.

☉ Sun ☀️

The Sun tells us of the actual core of a person, the inner self, of that which is of central concern. It also shows us the general vitality and the ability to assert oneself, it describes a general tone of being which colors everything else. 

Sign Equivalent: Leo ♌︎ | Period: 365.25 Days

☾☽ Moon 🌑 🌒 🌓 🌔 🌕 🌖 🌗 🌘

The Moon represents our feelings and emotions, the receptivity, imagination and basic feeling tone of a person. It also has an effect on the sense of rhythm, time and timing, it influences our adaptability to change, our mobility and versatility.

Sign Equivalent: Cancer ♋︎ | Period: 27.32 Days

PLANETS

Personal planets, also called “inside planets,” are those that are closer to Earth and change zodiac signs frequently, meaning that they have a larger impact on our personalities and they vary from person to person. Personal planets include the sun, the moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars, and affect peoples’ day-to-day lives. A lot of times they may point to a literal event happening in your life. 

Generational planets, also called “outer planets,” are further away from us, move more slowly. Generational planets are planets are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, and they more so reflect societal goings-on, and events that will impact entire communities of people rather than just you.

☿ Mercury

Mercury represents reason, reasonableness (common sense), that which is rational. It stands for the spoken and written word, putting in order, weighing and evaluating, the process of learning and skills. 

Sign Equivalent: Gemini ♊︎ & Virgo ♍︎ | Period: 88 Days

♀ Venus

Venus gives us a sense of beauty, the enjoyment of pleasure, aesthetic awareness, love of harmony, sociability, taking pleasure in relationships and eroticism. 

Sign Equivalent: Libra ♎︎ & Taurus ♉︎ | Period: 225 Days

♂ Mars

Mars represents the energy and drive of a person, their courage, determination, the freedom of spontaneous impulse. It also describes the readiness for action, the way one goes about doing things as well as simple aggression. 

Sign Equivalent: Aries ♈︎ | Period: 1.9 Years

♃  Jupiter

The search for individual meaning and purpose, optimism, hope and a sense of justice are represented by Jupiter. So also faith, a basic philosophy of life, the striving for spiritual growth and expansion. 

Sign Equivalent: Sagittarius ♐︎ | Period: 11.9 Years

♄ Saturn

Saturn shows how we experience "reality", where we meet with resistance and discover our limitations. It represents the conscience and moral conviction, the laws and rules which we choose to obey. It also tells us about  our powers of endurance and the ability to concentrate, it lends qualities like earnestness, caution and reserve. 

Sign Equivalent: Capricorn ♑︎ | Period: 29.5 Years

♅ Uranus

Uranus stands for intuition, it transmits sudden inspiration and lightning insights. An openness for all that is new, unknown and unusual. A sort of wrong-headed contrariness is also associated with this planet. It is said to be characteristic of astrology as such. 

Sign Equivalent: Aquarius ♒︎ | Period: 84 Years

♆ Neptune

This planet gives us the super-sensory, opens doors to mystical experience and the transcendental. On this level it is hard to discern where perception moves into deception, illusion and false appearances, and so Neptune is associated with all of these, with drugs and all kinds of pseudo-realities. 

Sign Equivalent: Pisces ♓︎ | Period: 165 Years

♇ Pluto

Pluto describes how we deal with power, personal and non-personal, be it through suffering the power of others or exercising it ourselves. It describes how we meet the demonic and magical, our regenerative powers and our capacity for radical change and rebirth: the cycles of dying and becoming. 

Rules over Scorpio ♏︎ | Period: 248 Years

ZODIAC SIGNS

♈︎ Aries 

Aries, the first zodiac sign, embodies action, energy, and competition, but struggles to control their impatience and aggression. Embodies willpower, impulsive, initiative, courageous and active energy. Often rushes into things head-first.

🜍 Cardinal Fire 🜂| Ruled by Mars ♂

♉︎ Taurus

Taurus is a practical and well-grounded zodiac sign that values the fruits of their labor. They have a strong desire to be surrounded by love and beauty. Sensual, pleasure-seeker, steadfast, strives for security. They embody luxury and abundance but can be very stubborn. Sees red when provoked for a long time.

 🜔 Fixed Earth 🜃 | Ruled by Venus ♀

♊︎ Gemini 

Playful, creative and intellectually curious, Gemini is constantly juggling a variety of passions, hobbies, careers, and friend groups. Mental type, witty, communicative, mobile, takes pleasure in learning. They are perceptive, analytical, and often very funny.

☿ Mutable Air 🜁 | Ruled by Mercury ☿

♋︎ Cancer

.The Cancer zodiac sign is one of the most loyal, emotional, and determined signs. Referred to as the "Mother of the Zodiac." Cancer energy is homey, and comforting. Seeks safety and closeness but can be sharp or snippy. Very much a family person.

🜍 Cardinal Water 🜄 | Ruled by the Moon ☾

♌︎ Leo

This makes them warm hearted, and they love to enjoy life and have fun. Generous and glamorous, these folks are impossible to miss since they love being center stage. Leo energy likes to shine bright like to sun. Very expressive and artistic.

🜔 Fixed Fire 🜂 | Ruled by the Sun ☉

♍︎ Virgo 

Virgos are known for their meticulous attention to detail and their deep sense of humanity, which makes them one of the most caring signs of the zodiac. Virgo energy is practical, likes to be of service, is very precise and utilitarian. They do what needs to be done. Very intellectual, has a critical point of view.

☿ Mutable Earth 🜃 | Ruled by Mercury ☿

♎︎ Libra 

Libra is obsessed with symmetry and strives to create equilibrium in all areas of life. These air signs are the aesthetes of the zodiac. Their sense of beauty and proportion is tactful and harmonious. Sometimes hovers between the scales.

🜍 Cardinal Air 🜁 | Ruled by Venus ♀

♏︎ Scorpio

Scorpios are known for their passionate and assertive nature. Scorpio energy is powerful, intense, mysterious, determined and focused.  Extremely emotional, they crave intimacy. Their strength comes from the psychic, emotional realm. Intuitive and enticing, the shadowy side of Scorpio is fuelled by a relentless desire for control.

🜔 Fixed Water 🜄 | Ruled by Pluto ♇ & Mars ♂ 

♐︎ Sagittarius

Outspoken, smart, assertive, and talented. Sagittarius rules over higher education and philosophy. They tend to have a free-spirited, carefree, and cheerful demeanor. Their love for movement, wanderlust and impulsive nature often finds them elsewhere.

 ☿ Mutable Fire 🜂 | Ruled by Jupiter ♃

♑︎ Capricorn

Competitive with a sense of purpose. Enduring, proud, ambitious. Capricorns are persistent, practical, and sensitive. They can get stuck at craggy heights. They're known for their hardworking habits, they're overachievers who make success look effortless — even though they put a lot of time into their relationships. Known as the "Father" of the zodiac.

 🜍 Cardinal Earth 🜃 | Ruled by Saturn ♄

♒︎ Aquarius

The essence of Aquarius energy is community-oriented, original, open-minded, fair, logical, humanitarian, connecting, and inviting. Aquarius energy is communicative and progressive although it can also be guarded or detached. Idealistic, Aquas desperately try to find a sense of freedom.

 🜔 Fixed Air 🜁 | Ruled by Uranus ♅

♓︎ Pisces 

Pisces are highly creative and imaginative, as well as compassionate and loving. Their emotional sensitivity factor is high, helping them to remain in tune with others but also leaving them vulnerable to criticism. It represents a sensitive, helpful and adaptable energy. Pisces can also be hard to hold onto and can struggle with escapism.

 ☿ Mutable Water 🜄 | Ruled by Neptune ♆

ZODIAC SIGN QUALITIES

Zodiac sign qualities (also called modalities or triplicities) refer to the different stages in the year's seasonal cycle. 

🜍 Cardinal (Aries ♈︎ | Cancer ♋︎ | Libra ♎︎ | Capricorn ♑︎)

Start. Cardinal zodiac signs start each season. A Beginning, inception, or eruption. 

🜔 Fixed (Taurus ♉︎ | Leo ♌︎ | Scorpio ♏︎ | Aquarius ♒︎)

Embody. Fixed zodiac signs embody each season fully. To personify, manifest, realize, incorporate or integrate.

☿ Mutable (Gemini ♊︎ | Virgo ♍︎ | Sagittarius ♐︎ | Pisces ♓︎)

Change. Mutable zodiac signs conclude each season and help to transition us into the next one. To transform and adapt.

ELEMENTS

Each sign represents one of the four elements.

🜂 Fire (Aries ♈︎ | Leo ♌︎ | Sagittarius ♐︎)

Brave, bold, expressive. Confidence, passion, independent spirit.

🜃 Earth (Taurus ♉︎ | Virgo ♍︎ | Capricorn ♑︎)

The material world, wealth, value. Grounded, cultivated and practical.

🜁 Air (Gemini ♊︎ | Libra ♎︎ | Aquarius ♒︎)

Witty, social, spacey. Creativity, intellect and connection.

🜄 Water (Cancer ♋︎ | Scorpio ♏︎ | Pisces ♓︎)

Imagination, emotions, Intuition. Nurturing and empathetic.

NODES, ASTEROIDS & MORE

Nodes

Eclipse points that are seen as portals into the past lives and ancestral roots together with looking into future possibilities in this lifetime. Mathematical points, the lunar nodes are directly opposite each other in the chart. Every year and a half, the lunar nodes change signs.

☊ North Node - Also called True Node. Fate, destiny, in this lifetime.

☋  South Node - Your past lives. Karma and what we're learning to let go of.

⚸ Lilith

Known as the “dark moon” or the “unseen planet.” She is associated with intuition, psychic abilities, and hidden knowledge. Lilith is also believed to be a powerful feminine force—one that can also be seen as dangerous. In many ways, she represents the shadow side of our nature.

⚷ Chiron 

In modern astrology, Chiron represents our core wounds and how we can overcome them. Chiron is named after a centaur Greek healer, philosopher, and teacher who, ironically, could not heal himself, and is symbolized by a key, demonstrating the importance of unlocking this minor planet's major lessons.

HOUSES

Each chart is divided into twelve Houses, each one corresponding to a zodiac sign. The houses show where things will likely manifest. This is the next level of understanding your own unique energy imprint.

1st House - ♈︎

Your ascendant shows how you will instinctually go about achieving your soul purpose. This is also how people see you, even your outward appearance. Your physical drive, courage and ability to push yourself into new directions, while allowing the freedom to instinctually pursue your desires, is how you will carry out your purpose.

2nd House - ♉︎

This house shows your inner relationship with yourself and your sense of worth. This house reveals what you find truly valuable, which also ties into what brings meaning into your life. This shows your ability to be self-contained, your innate personal resources and your desire to create your own security. This will show your relationship with money, your finances and your material gains. 

3rd House - ♊︎

How you make sense of life. Your mindset, logic and reason. This is your communication style. How you speak, write, teach and filter the information you receive. This is your daily life, how you socialize and share your thoughts or ideas.

4th House - ♋︎

The foundation of your emotions and your emotional security. How your early environment affected your sense of identity. This house strongly ties into how you identify with yourself on a personal level. This shows your relationship with your mom, your family and your home. This is where you will find your IC, the inner most part of who you are & what you need to nurture to feel good.

5th House - ♌︎

How you will uniquely express yourself through what you create. This is your inner child at play, your heart, your passions, you in love, children & your creative self expression. How you will actualize your creative gifts.

6th House - ♍︎

Where you learn to help others. Where you are of service. Where self introspection leads to humility and self improvement. This brings attention to health, illness and your daily routine. This is usually tied into the type of work you are here to do.

7th House - ♎︎

Where you learn about yourself through your experience with others. Where you have alliances, enemies, partnerships and relationships of all sorts. Where you become aware of what others innately have that you do not, so you aspire to as well. Where you learn balance from extremes. This filters the way you perceive others.

8th House - ♏︎

This house shows where your soul has chosen to evolve to metamorphic proportions through confrontation, pushing you past your limits. Kinda like an orgasm, which also is ruled by the house of sexuality. This is about your innate desire to merge with another, intimacy and commitment. Your motives, your intentions and what you keep hidden. Your 8th house points to the type of sexual experiences your soul will look for to evolve.

9th House - ♐︎

How you understand & perceive what happens in your life which affects how you find joy. Your philosophies, your beliefs and your religious views. This house rules the natural laws, your search for truth and how you go about your higher learning & spiritual development.

10th House - ♑︎

This is the area you work towards. The legacy you will leave behind. Your MC shows the area your highest achievements will be found. A lot of times this will be from your career or the public image you create. This shows your ambition, where you need to persevere and where you will look to build your own security.

11th House - ♒︎

Where you need some rebellion to liberate yourself from preexisting conditions that prevent you from evolving into your true unique self. This is where big changes happen through the process of reconditioning yourself from patterns that do not allow you to grow and evolve. How you contribute to the group, your community & humanity, through your individuality.

12th House - ♓︎

Where you are meant to transcend your difficulties and rise above your reality. This can reveal hidden resources, your psychic abilities and how you reconnect with the divine. This show how you escape your reality and where you can get lost. It rules the realms of the unconscious, the mystical, the limitless, the infinite and your innate desire to return.

ASPECTS

☌ Conjunction - 0° 

The conjunction tends to be a harmonious aspect. Its quality depends greatly on the planets involved, as well as on how close the aspect is.

☍ Opposition - 180°

Although the opposition is generally regarded as “disharmonious” or dynamic, it often has quite a motivating and energizing effect.

□ Square - 90°

The square is regarded as a disharmonious aspect, the planets involved seem to be “blocked”. The difficulty lies in trying to reconcile two forces that are trying to move in completely different directions.

△ Trine - 120°

The trine is a harmonious aspect, the planets involved work together in a complementary fashion, enriching one another.

✱ Sextile - 60°

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