For centuries there has been a misunderstanding concerning the nature of astrology to the effect that the heavens somehow "influence" events here on Earth. This theory of celestial influence has penetrated into the modern world until today it is the main concept or idea of astrology supported by the public -- the lay astrological audience. 

Professional astrologers do not hold with theories of celestial influence. Instead, the modern astrologer conceives of the heavens and Earth as united, interpenetrating, and sharing a common space and time. 

The great cosmic or celestial events happening around and beyond the Earth (eclipses, lineups, and so on) are not seen as CAUSING events to occur on Earth, but as great signatures of events ALSO happening here on Earth. 

In other words, there is no "cause" in the heavens followed by an "effect" here on Earth. Instead, both planetary and earthly events happen simultaneously and are mutually reflective. Neither is the cause of the other; both are the product of the moment, one acted out in the heavens above, the other here on the Earth below. 

While astrologers don't feel that heavenly events are the cause of events here on Earth, they do feel that specific heavenly events are enacted here on the Earth too -- at the same moment. In other words, there is only one grand "play. The great drama enacted in the sky is also acted out (in exact detail) here on Earth in the same instant. Another way to say this is that the Earth is part of the cosmos and shares in that cosmic moment. 

Scientists have been discovering (for example) that sunspots, solar flares, and solar activity have a very definite (and almost immediate) effect here on Earth. Astrologers tend to feel that all major cosmic events such as eclipses are interactive; they represent an activity also taking place within us and our consciousness. 

In summary, astrology is a study of heavenly cycles and cosmic events as they are reflected in our earthly environment and vice-versa -- a vast cosmic clock. Astrologers find the cosmic patterns revealed in the rhythmic motions of the planets a great help in shedding light on the seeming helter-skelter of everyday life. Astrologers may have their heads in the heavens, but only to better guide their feet here on Earth. 

Aspects are an important part of modern astrology. - As the planets move in their elongated orbits around the Sun, they form various angular relationships with one another, using the Sun (or Earth) as the center. These are called aspects.

The most popular aspects result from dividing the circle by numbers like 1, 2, 3, 4, resulting in aspects such as the conjunction (0 degrees), opposition (180 degrees), trine (120 degrees), square (90 degrees), and so forth.

When two planets form an aspect with one another, their energies and natures are said to combine and work in harmony or discord. For example, when two planets are exactly on opposite sides of the Sun (or Earth), they are in opposition.

Also worthy of consideration when looking at aspects are the planets involved. Aspects to the Sun and Moon (the lights) are most important, followed by the planetary aspects involving  Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.

If your natal chart has an accurate birth time, then aspects to the chart angles (ascendant and midheaven) are also important. The particular combination can make a difference too.

Aspects between planets such as Saturn and Mars (traditional malefics) are obviously more potentially explosive than the same aspect between Venus and Jupiter (traditional benefics).

Hard Aspects

Hard aspects (squares, oppositions, semi-squares) indicate Challenges. The "hard" aspects: square (90 degrees) and semi-square (45 degrees).  These represent challenge, obstacles, and substance. They provide meat and potatoes in our life. Too many can block or obstruct the life flow, yet too few can cause life to be weak or thin. Life can be challenging, and things are not always easy. The major challenges in a natal chart are where we can expect increased activity and personal involvement -- ready or not.

These critical areas of life can be difficult, and the resulting confusion and possible obscuration often makes it hard for us to see and act with normal clarity. Therefore, when it comes to the hard aspects (squares, oppositions, semi-squares) , you may wish to exercise caution and extra patience.

Soft Aspects

Easy aspects (trine, sextile) -- Talents. The "soft" aspects: trine  (120 degrees) and sextile (60 degrees) The soft aspects bring ease, clarity, and vision to our lives. We can see, grasp, and understand what is happening. Too few of the soft aspects means we don't know what we are doing or what is happening in our lives, while too many soft aspects make for a life that runs cool, is overly mental, and lacking in substance.

Despite whatever problems we may have, there are areas of life where we have clear insight and real talent -- natural ability. When it comes to these matters, our judgment is sharp and we always manage to take charge. We have the knack. It may be as simple as the ability to work hard and accomplish things without something going wrong. An innate sense of the workings of these parts of life makes it easy for us to learn and accomplish things where they are concerned.

Neutral Aspects

Neutral aspects (conjunctions) -- Emphasis - These are areas of life where we show intense focus and activity. For better or worse, these qualities stand out and are obvious to all those who come to know us. They are very clear parts of our character.

Emphatic Aspects

The "emphatic" aspects -  The emphatic aspects are those that emphasize or align two planetary energies with one another.

Conjunction (0 degrees) Two planets at the same point in the zodiac are said to be in conjunction. Their natures are fused or blended into one.

Opposition (180 degrees) Two planets at opposite sides of the zodiac. The energies are in alignment with each other. They can pull together or apart, depending upon the nature of the planets involved.

Orbs

"Exact" aspects and aspect's "orbs". - Aspects between planets gradually form, become exact, and separate. When an aspect is exact, it has its greatest impact. Yet, the effect of most aspects can be felt for some time before and after the moment when it is exact.

The range within which an aspect is in operation is called its "orb of influence,"  or simply its orb. An orb of one or two degrees of arc on either side of the exact aspect is considered a close or tight orb, while an orb of 10 degrees is loose.

Chart Patterns

This option examines the major chart patterns in effect for a given date. The key to the inner self (who you are) is the heliocentric patterns at birth. These are examined, explained, and contrasted with the outer (geo) patterns -- how you appear.

Next, the most "connected" planet(s) are detailed, the key to your inner life and growth. Then, the most connected planet(s) in your outer circumstances are explained. And last, the "hot spot" -- the most aspected planet, irrespective of patterns.

To the right of the key planets appear numbers which indicate the number of contacts for that planet, either as part of overall patterns or, in the case of the "hot spot," as a sum total of aspects in the geocentric chart, connected or not.

Not only do the planets move slowly at different speeds in great elongated orbits around the Sun, but the Earth itself turns on its axis once in 24 hours. As the Earth turns during a day, each one of us is exposed to the entire 360 degrees of the zodiac. The natal chart is a diagram or picture that stops the cosmic clock and captures the universe as it exists at a particular moment.

A natal chart is your individual cosmic portrait or mandala. It is what the universe has to say about who you are and what you may become. The seeds of the future are always sown in the present, but can we read them? This is what the study of astrology is all about: reading the signs of the times and listening to what they have to say about ourselves, now and in the future. Your cosmic portrait is ready any time you are.

The Sun sign interpretations that we find in most newspapers are a far cry from the work of professional astrologers. For one, the sign the Sun was in on the day of your birth (for example Aries, Taurus, or Gemini) is only one of many factors that are looked at by professionals.

In addition to the day and year of birth, most professionals use the time and place of birth as well. Birth date, year, time and place are all needed to pinpoint your place in time and space.

Given this information, an astrologer creates what is called a natal or birth chart (erroneously called a horoscope by some).

Each natal chart includes the exact position of the Sun, Moon, and the planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. These planets are then placed in a circular diagram called a chart wheel. This wheel is a miniature diagram of what the sky looked like at the moment of birth as seen from the birthplace.

The very top of the chart, or MC (Medium Coeli -- short for midheaven) is that part of the zodiac directly overhead, while the bottom of the chart, or IC (Imum Coeli, or lower heaven) is the part beneath your feet and on the other side of the Earth from you. At the extreme left-hand side of the wheel is the ascendant, or rising sign -- the part of the zodiac that is on the horizon or rising at the birth moment. 

Conversely, the descendant is on the right-hand side of the chart. This is the part of the zodiac that is setting. These four points, the ascendant, descendant, midheaven, and IC are very important to astrologers. They are sensitive points.

These houses are numbered counterclockwise, starting with the 1st house and the direction east, on the left-hand side of the wheel. Planets in the heavens are placed on the chart wheel in the houses that correspond to where they actually are in the sky.

Of the 12 houses, astrologers find the four most important are the one directly above our heads (10th), the one under our feet (4th), the one on the left and to the east (1st), and the one on the right and to the west (7th). These four are called angular, because they mark the corners of the chart: south, north, east, and west.

Life continues after the birth moment. Astrologers watch the planets (as they continue on in the sky after a birth) move through the houses of the natal chart. Their movement is counterclockwise as they go from the upper hemisphere (houses 7-12), across the ascendant, (1st house cusp) into the lower hemisphere (houses 1-6), and on around.

In the chart wheel, the planets are placed in their zodiac positions. The zodiac stretches in a circle through all 360 degrees of the surrounding sky, and this circle is divided into sections of 30 degrees -- the familiar 12 signs.

Planet positions are measured within signs by degrees, minutes, and seconds of circular arc. Each degree contains 60 minutes of arc and each minute of arc contains 60 seconds of arc.

For example, I might tell you that my Moon (Moon at birth) is in the sign Taurus (2nd sign). More exactly it is in the 23rd degree of Taurus. It is actually at 23 degrees and 28 minutes of the sign Taurus.

The chart wheel is usually divided into 12 sections called houses. The houses are numbered (counter-clockwise) from 1 to 12. The pie-like lines that divide one house from the next are called house cusps. For example, the cusp of the 1st house is the horizontal line on the left-hand (east) side of the wheel.

Keep in mind that our Earth makes a complete turn on its axis once in 24 hours. The chart wheel represents the space surrounding where we were born. It is as if we were standing outside with the sky above us (upper part of chart) and the Earth beneath our feet (lower hemisphere). As the Earth turns, it brings each of the 360 degrees of the zodiac overhead (or to any part of the wheel) once in 24 hours -- a new degree of the zodiac every four minutes.

As you can see, the symbols for the planets have been placed in the part of the sky (the house) in which they were at the time of your birth. For example, if you were born in the daytime, then the symbol for the Sun will be somewhere in the upper half of the wheel. If you were born at noon, the sun would be almost right overhead or at the top of the chart, while if you were born at midnight it would be at the bottom (4th house) of the chart.

The wheel is also seen as two hemispheres -- a top and a bottom. The upper part of the chart (houses 7-12) represents that part of the sky that was overhead and above the horizon at the time of our birth.

It has to do with the world of thoughts, ideas, ideals, and planning. The lower hemisphere (houses 1-6) marks that part of the heavens that we have under us -- and cannot see -- below the horizon and on the other side of the Earth from us. It has to do with experiences, embodiments, incarnation, and so forth. In other word, the sky above and the Earth below.

The Ascendant or rising sign indicates how we make an entrance or come across, thus our appearance. It is that particular activity that others come to know as us, our trademark, the way we appear or come on. It is what is fresh and new about us.

The way we express or present ourselves is indicated by the Ascendant, which is said to be the most personal point in the natal chart since it is dependent upon the time we were born. If we do not know the birth time, then we do not know the Ascendant.

Planets - The Lights: Sun & Moon

At the time of our birth, the planets (through their configurations and relationships) tell us something about how things were when we were born. Each planet points to special qualities within us. Yet, of all the planets, the two most important planets to astrologers are the "lights," the Sun and the Moon. From where we stand here on Earth, the great shining Sun by day and the reflecting Moon at night are our constant companions. They have much to tell us as to where we have been and where we are headed.

The Lights: The Sun and Moon - (or lights, as they are called) are the two most important bodies. It is sometimes easier to understand what they represent in astrology if we consider how they interrelate with the Earth.

A good analogy is the following. Each of us is on Earth. The bright and shining Sun represents someone older, someone we look up to -- whether that be a teacher or guru.

The Moon - represents someone younger, especially the groups that we used to belong to. That is the analogy. Here is how we might think about it:

We can't live either on the Sun or Moon. We have grown out of and beyond the younger generation (Moon). Out of it we once came or were born. This is why the Moon is said to be a mystery. It is both our parent and our child.

Regardless, we no longer are alive to what moves the younger generation. The same kind of reasoning is true of those older than us, who have taken more degrees of experience. We are still too young... not yet ready to live in the solar environment.

We receive light from the Sun, and it makes life grow. We each have both a Sun and a Moon. In the course of a month, these two bodies take up various positions in relation to where we are on Earth. At the Full Moon, the Moon is beyond the orbit of the Earth (farther out) and reflecting sunlight back on us.

At the New Moon, the Moon is within the Earth's orbit and lost in the Sun. Tradition suggests that we start (or may receive) an impulse at the New Moon, build and develop it for two weeks until the Full Moon, and then gradually understand or draw some conclusions from the experience during the two weeks after the moon is full.

Sun - The heart and center of it all. The father, guru, teacher or figure of authority. Anyone older or living in an experience more disciplined than our own. That which we look up to and receive light from. That which we may become. Esoteric Interpretation:

From the Sun comes light, that which draws us into life. The Sun represents all the changes we have not yet taken, that part of us that we have not yet experienced but are headed toward. The Sun represents our identity, or self, in that it is toward these that we are moving and developing. Thus, it also represents that which we will become: older people, authorities -- those we look toward, or up to. Our essence, or future. Teachers, gurus, and older (more experienced) people are represented by the Sun. The Sun is "hot stuff," those further up the road of life experience.

Moon - Our surroundings, the environment out of which we came. Our past and childhood. Our formative years and self. The background. That out of which we emerged. The Moon signifies the mother, wife and female children, or any woman in question. It rules crowds, the masses and public opinion. 

Esoteric Interpretation: Here is information about the kind of environment we create around us, our support system. It is not only the surroundings that we set up today, but the Moon also represents our past, the particular history and social background out of which we grew.

Aside from our social background, the Moon governs all of the old habits that we have grown beyond. We tend to look down on, or back on, our Moon. It represents those experiences out of which we have come, all those younger souls who are unconscious, or "sub" conscious to our own level. This is why it is said that the Moon is a mystery planet, for it is both our parent and our child: our parent in that out of it we were born, our child in that we can't but respond to others who are now living as we once did.

Mercury - Communication at light speed. Linkage. Thought. Ideas. The light of the mind. Logos, direct voice. Esoteric Interpretation: - Mercury is the light in our eyes, the ever-changing consciousness within us that moves from idea to idea. Thus Mercury has always represented thoughts, ideas and the mental process in general. It governs not only ideas but the communications too. Communications -- by phone, letter, spoken, or however -- are ruled by Mercury. Also thoughts, connections, phone wires and everything that connects and conveys. Conversations, too.

Venus - How we respond, appreciate, cherish or value something. The way we love. Love, but not attraction. Compassion. Esoteric Interpretation: Venus rules our values and sense of appreciation. When we appraise or appreciate something, whether that be another person or a new car, this is Venus -- the sense of love and compassion we may feel. By the same token this planet rules enjoyment too. Whether it be self-appreciation or just plain old decadent self-enjoyment or having a good time, this is Venus. When we go shopping or are on a spending spree, it is Venus that allows us to appreciate and value all the good things of life.

Mars - Energy. What drives or moves us. Our emotions. Urge to unify or become one, therefore yoga, union, or marriage. Esoteric Interpretation: Mars is the planet of emotion and inner motivation or drive. When we search for the meaning of something, life or whatever, it is Mars that urges us on, keeps us searching. Mars also drives us against things, too, that send us into war and combat. The urgency of Mars, the search for meaning, is identical to the need for union, yoga, and marriage. Mars is the planet of union, and marriage is the most common form of yoga. When we have questions of the opposite sex, we are looking at the planet Mars.

Jupiter - The way through or on. Continuing, continuity, succession, success. The pathfinder or lamp through the trials of time. Luck. Esoteric Interpretation: Jupiter is the planet of success as in succession or simple survival and continuing. Jupiter is the guru or way we go through life, our life path or vocation. Jupiter is the method each of us has for dealing with the laws of life, our Saturn or limitations. The Hindu word for Jupiter is Guru and this planet indicates our particular Dharma, the way we can solve the problems that confront us.

Thus Jupiter has to do with our vocation, the way in which we can be successful. Jupiter is the light or path.

Saturn - The giver of laws or rules. The prince of time and the material world. Satan. Laws. Sometimes obstacles, authority 

Esoteric Interpretation: Saturn rules the laws and limitations of this material world we all live in. Saturn indicates where we are bound to learn, the narrowness that makes our way felt -- the walls that make homes possible. Saturn holds us together as much as apart.

Saturn is said to be the great teacher, the planet that keeps us from getting carried away in one direction or another. It will always seek to limit and determine any thought, word or action. Saturn or Satan is called the prince of the material world.

Uranus - Insight, invention, breakthrough. Good uses for Saturn. "To see eternity in a grain of sand." Esoteric Interpretation: Uranus is the planet of discovery, invention and breakthroughs of all kinds. It is the way we discover or come to know and understand ourselves. It has to do with finding new uses for old things, and it rules inventions and sudden insights into our life. Uranus has to do with everything that is unusual, eccentric, and out-of-the-ordinary. It is the reverse of the status-quo and is always unconventional and heretical. Uranus is, in many ways, the opposite or un-doing of Saturn. Novelties. Discovery.

Neptune - Cherish, solve, compassion. "The dewdrop slips into the shining sea". Unity, solution, one. Esoteric Interpretation: Neptune is the planet of universal love and union. "The dewdrop slips into the shining sea." Everything transcendent, otherworldly and unity-oriented comes under this planet. Neptune rules the sea, dissolution, non-separateness, and all communion. In its negative form, can contribute to a lack of clarity and foggy-minded-ness in general. Things slip or dissolve. Neptune rules movies, film, and all things having to do with ideals and image, thus imagination, dreams, mysticism, etc.

Pluto - Transformation. Sensitivity to the impermanence of life. Intimations of mortality.

Esoteric Interpretation - Pluto is the planet of deep inner change and transformation -- inner alchemy. Identification and experiencing that life is our own creation and that, in fact, you are I and I am you is what Pluto is all about. This experience breaks us down and humbles. 

When we touch upon a Pluto experience, we cannot but die to what we have been thinking and doing up to now. It reduces us to our most sensitive because -- in a flash -- we see or remember that it all is us, our life. Extreme sensitivity and rebirth.

North Lunar Node - The Lunar Node (representing the intersection of the solar and lunar orbits) is the living thread that weaves together the energies of the Sun and Moon -- the key to the Lights. The solar and lunar energies and their combination represents perhaps the single most important factor in an astrological chart. The lunar node represents the essence of that solunar relationship.

The north node shows where and how (by house and sign) an individual will achieve the best interworking of the Sun and Moon energies. It is here that we can concentrate our energies to best achieve the maximum effect for the entire chart.

Therefore, the lunar node is often used as a vocational indicator of great potency. Any effort made in this direction will always be well paid. In a sense, the node can be viewed as the Key to unlocking the vital energies of the natal chart.

The North Lunar Node is also called the Dragon's Head and the (opposite) South Lunar Node is known as the Dragon's Tail. Eclipses are some of the most important known astrological events. The position of the nodes determine whether a particular New or Full Moon is also going to an eclipse, again showing the importance of the node.

1. ARIES - The Ram -  (Mar 21 - Apr 19) ♈

Aries is the sign of the pioneer and leader. It is always impulsive, concentrated, and spontaneous. Act first and think about what you have done later. Rushing in where others fear to tread, the Aries energy is attention-getting. It always provokes a response from the surroundings, from others. There is something essential and instigative that starts or causes something else to happen -- 

The Aries Personality

You are bold and impulsive, tending to act first and ask questions later. You come on strong, and others may experience you as somewhat self-centered and possibly arrogant. You appear to be single-minded and daring -- a leader.

2. TAURUS - The Bull - (Apr 20 - May 20) ♉

Taurus manages to respond, possess, and "have" just about everything possible. This is a nurturing and fertile sign in that any seed or impulse is cradled, bringing forth growth and development. Taurus is the way we "have" things, how we possess and acquire things. There is something gentle, regular, steadfast, and determined about Taurus. 

The Taurus Personality

You come across as stable, even gentle, and your response to most situations is even-handed and supportive. Sometimes you may seem very stubborn, for you tend to take your time and react to a situation fully.

3. GEMINI - The Twins - (May 21 - Jun 20) ♊

Gemini is concerned with connections and communication of all kinds -- letters, wires, telephones, voice, thoughts, writing, and mental processes in general. Gemini is the gadfly, the communicator, the gossip of the zodiac. Searching conversations, scientific inquiry, research and so on belong here. 

The Gemini Personality

You are quick, witty, and much given to talk and communicating with others. You come across as intelligent, verbal, and perhaps a little on the nervous side. You tend to be changeable, being all things to all people.

4. CANCER - The Crab - (Jun 21 - Jul 23) ♋

Cancer is the mother of the zodiac, always making a home, protecting and providing for others. A sensitive sign where feelings and real experience count more than cold logic. It doesn't get any more physical and emotional than here. This sign has a sense of substance, a home base or foundation. Cancer energy is always limiting, bringing us down to Earth, grounding our every thought in experience, 

The Cancer Personality 

You come across as emotional and reactive. You sense things rather than think them through. You tend to mother and include everyone within your protective envelope... are more comfortable in this role. 

5. LEO - The Lion - (Jul 24 - Aug 22) ♌

Leo energy is expressive, emotive, and concerned with awareness and a sense of pride and ownership. Here is always a sense of home base or confidence from which the aggressive and outgoing Leo energy operates. Often very artistic, and always theatrical and expressive, this sign is good for creativity and the arts. Warm and big-hearted, this sign belongs to: 

The Leo Personality 

You wear your heart on your sleeve and always manage to come across as confident and sure of yourself (possibly egotistical). You are very Free with your emotions, which nevertheless tend to stay under your control. You are warm-hearted and effusive.

6. VIRGO - The Virgin - (Aug 23 - Sep 22) ♍

Virgo energy is analytical and precise, always separating what is worthwhile and worth supporting from that which is outmoded and of no further use. A mental sign, where thinking and examining are in high focus.

Also, a different kind of mother, here an endless caring and worrying (fussing) about just about everything. Always compassionate and responsive, Virgo energy is service-oriented above all, often thinking and caring more about what others are doing and thinking than for self.

The Virgo Personality

You are careful and precise and come across as a caring and responsible person. Your attention to detail and analytical  skills (and probably mental, verbal) is obvious to all meeting you. Your appearance is always refined and neat.

7. LIBRA - The Scales - (Sep 23 - Oct 22) ♎

Libra energy is always facilitating and responsive, assuming the appropriate reaction or response to any question or statement. What is sometimes seen as two-faced is only Libra's facility at responding to each in kind. This is certainly the social sign, par excellence. 

The Libra Personality

You are all things to all people, always responding in a way to please and flatter -- a social being. You are so diplomatic and polite that one wonders if you have a viewpoint of your own. You have a natural ability to reflect and mirror others.

8. SCORPIO - The Scorpion - (Oct 23 - Nov 21) ♏

Scorpio is the most famous sign. Intense, passionate, and very personal, Scorpio rushes past superficialities and right to the heart of any matter. A loyal friend but a fanatic foe, this sign does well in politics and all areas where someone who dares is rewarded. Often associated with sexual energy, perhaps due to its tendency to strip away veneer, laying bare anything that is there.

The Scorpio Personality

You appear intense and passionate and probably tend to gravitate to positions of power and control. You come across as somewhat secretive, penetrating, and at all times very sensitive. You can get to the heart of things.

9. SAGITTARIUS - The Archer - (Nov 22 - Dec 21) ♐

Sagittarius is nothing if not direct, candid, and to the point. Sometimes harsh, this energy always is concerned with the absolute truth of the subject at hand. Associated with philosophy, religion, and all things that last, Sagittarius energy is:

The Sagittarius Personality

You come across in a frank, candid, and scrupulously honest manner... honest of the point of harshness. You are open minded, tolerant and love to travel in the mind (philosophy, religion) and perhaps across the Earth as well.

10. CAPRICORN - The (Mountain) Goat - (Dec 22 - Jan 19) ♑

Capricorn is the business energy of the zodiac, for it is the very opposite of the emotional Cancer. Given to clear-headedness and practical insight and vision, this sign always takes a distanced perspective, a cool appraisal. Logical and painstaking, Capricorns love hard work and earned results. 

The Capricorn Personality

You present yourself in a very practical and conservative manner. Always objective, you come across as very much a sharp business and career person. Others may interpret your clear-mindedness as emotional coolness.

11. AQUARIUS - The Water Bearer - (Jan 19 - Feb 18) ♒

Aquarius, the sign of humanitarian goals and altruism. Always impartial and nonsectarian, Aquarian energy is communal (even global). The focus is on the goal, and the goal is always one that is for the many and not the few. Thus this sign is connected to far-seeing visions, world views, and group work of all kinds. This sign tends towards:

The Aquarius Personality

Very much a social animal, you communicate yourself best when in a group or when working toward some very worthwhile goal. You come across as impartial, tolerant, and open. Your idealism is apparent to all who come to know you.

12. PISCES - The Fishes - (Feb 18 - Mar 20) ♓

Pisces energy runs deep and toward the psychological -- whatever is beneath the surface. This sign is understanding, patient, and long-suffering. Pisces tend to absorb all the little barbs and digs coming from outside.

They always have their mind on an inner goal, something more important. They are:

The Pisces Personality

Your manner is very gentle and peace loving. Your sensitivity and concern for others comes across and is communicated in everything you say and do. You give others the sense that you are long-suffering and capable of much personal sacrifice

The most popular aspects result from dividing the circle by numbers like 1, 2, 3, 4, resulting in aspects such as the conjunction (0 degrees), opposition (180 degrees), trine (120 degrees), square (90 degrees), and so forth.

When two planets form an aspect with one another, their energies and natures are said to combine and work in harmony or discord. For example, when two planets are exactly on opposite sides of the Sun (or Earth), they are in opposition.

Also worthy of consideration when looking at aspects are the planets involved. Aspects to the Sun and Moon (the lights) are most important, followed by the planetary aspects involving  Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.

If your natal chart has an accurate birth time, then aspects to the chart angles (ascendant and midheaven) are also important. The particular combination can make a difference too.

Aspects between planets such as Saturn and Mars (traditional malefics) are obviously more potentially explosive than the same aspect between Venus and Jupiter (traditional benefics).

Hard Aspects

Hard aspects (squares, oppositions, semi-squares) indicate Challenges. The "hard" aspects: square (90 degrees) and semi-square (45 degrees).  These represent challenge, obstacles, and substance. They provide meat and potatoes in our life. Too many can block or obstruct the life flow, yet too few can cause life to be weak or thin. Life can be challenging, and things are not always easy. The major challenges in a natal chart are where we can expect increased activity and personal involvement -- ready or not.

These critical areas of life can be difficult, and the resulting confusion and possible obscuration often makes it hard for us to see and act with normal clarity. Therefore, when it comes to the hard aspects (squares, oppositions, semi-squares) , you may wish to exercise caution and extra patience.

Soft Aspects

Easy aspects (trine, sextile) -- Talents. The "soft" aspects: trine  (120 degrees) and sextile (60 degrees) The soft aspects bring ease, clarity, and vision to our lives. We can see, grasp, and understand what is happening. Too few of the soft aspects means we don't know what we are doing or what is happening in our lives, while too many soft aspects make for a life that runs cool, is overly mental, and lacking in substance.

Despite whatever problems we may have, there are areas of life where we have clear insight and real talent -- natural ability. When it comes to these matters, our judgment is sharp and we always manage to take charge. We have the knack. It may be as simple as the ability to work hard and accomplish things without something going wrong. An innate sense of the workings of these parts of life makes it easy for us to learn and accomplish things where they are concerned.

Neutral Aspects

Neutral aspects (conjunctions) -- Emphasis - These are areas of life where we show intense focus and activity. For better or worse, these qualities stand out and are obvious to all those who come to know us. They are very clear parts of our character.

Emphatic Aspects

The "emphatic" aspects -  The emphatic aspects are those that emphasize or align two planetary energies with one another.

Conjunction (0 degrees) Two planets at the same point in the zodiac are said to be in conjunction. Their natures are fused or blended into one.

Opposition (180 degrees) Two planets at opposite sides of the zodiac. The energies are in alignment with each other. They can pull together or apart, depending upon the nature of the planets involved.

Orbs

"Exact" aspects and aspect's "orbs". - Aspects between planets gradually form, become exact, and separate. When an aspect is exact, it has its greatest impact. Yet, the effect of most aspects can be felt for some time before and after the moment when it is exact.

The range within which an aspect is in operation is called its "orb of influence,"  or simply its orb. An orb of one or two degrees of arc on either side of the exact aspect is considered a close or tight orb, while an orb of 10 degrees is loose.

Chart Patterns

This option examines the major chart patterns in effect for a given date. The key to the inner self (who you are) is the heliocentric patterns at birth. These are examined, explained, and contrasted with the outer (geo) patterns -- how you appear.

Next, the most "connected" planet(s) are detailed, the key to your inner life and growth. Then, the most connected planet(s) in your outer circumstances are explained. And last, the "hot spot" -- the most aspected planet, irrespective of patterns.

To the right of the key planets appear numbers which indicate the number of contacts for that planet, either as part of overall patterns or, in the case of the "hot spot," as a sum total of aspects in the geocentric chart, connected or not.

The Wheel of Houses

The chart wheel or mandala of 12 houses can be seen as a circle, or cycle, with each house leading to the next house, and so on, in a counterclockwise direction. 

These houses are numbered counterclockwise, starting with the 1st house and the direction east, on the left-hand side of the wheel. Planets in the heavens are placed on the chart wheel in the houses that correspond to where they actually are in the sky.

The Ascendant

The Ascendant or rising sign indicates how we make an entrance or come across, thus our appearance. It is that particular activity that others come to know as us, our trademark, the way we appear or come on. It is what is fresh and new about us. 

The way we express or present ourselves is indicated by the Ascendant, which is said to be the most personal point in the natal chart since it is dependent upon the time we were born. If we do not know the birth time, then we do not know the Ascendant.

The Midheaven

The Midheaven or MC tells us something about our vocational and practical abilities. It is here that we can see to do and manipulate. This point is usually associated with our outer standing in the world, our fame, reputation, and fortune. 

The MC represents fame and honor since it is here that we have our most practical sense and vision. We can see and use; it is our vantage point or perspective. The Midheaven is also the cusp of the 10th house for most astrologers.

1st House

The 1st house shows the result of what we managed to bring across from the world of ideas, plans, and commitments. It's what remains when our new idea and impulse meet our reality. It is what overflows the status quo. It is a direct indication of how much we are able to accept.

The first house has to do with how we appear or the way we come across, thus our appearance and personality. This is the essential stuff that bubbles up in us spontaneously and that is obvious to others as our trademark or activity. It is what makes us each so personally different. This house rules our personal self, and everything about us that draws a reaction from our surroundings or others.

2nd House

The 2nd house is the reaction of our life and environment to whatever was new in the 1st. It has to do with how our life changes because of, or in response to, this new energy. It has to do with how we adapt to, possess, or have something.

The second house is concerned with how we respond or field whatever impulses or unique and personal qualities we manifest via our first house. This is how we hold or "have" things, possess them, if you will, and thus possession, material goods, money and the like. The second house always refers to how we secure ourselves, the kind of response we get from life and those around us to who and what we are.

3rd House

The 3rd house continues the drama set forth in the 1st and 2nd. The 1st is the new start, the 2nd is the new body or what is drawn forth in response to the 1st, and the 3rd is how the situation develops to its fullness. It has to do with the working out and exploring of all the details and ramifications of what is forming.

The third house is concerned with explorations, investigations and inquiry and research of all kinds. It also rules connections, communications, wires, tubes -- anything that we can get thru with our body, mind, voice, letter, what-have-you. It is here that we explore and search for the limits of our life, whatever we are working with at the moment. A very mental house, concerned with finding, furthering, peering, and all manner of questioning. Traditionally rules short journeys, siblings.

4th House

The 4th house marks the extent to which this body develops its limits. It is also one of the angular houses and starts a new series of three. The 4th house has to do with fullness of experience -- the body or meat of it. Development has reached its physical peak and can go no further. Instead, we can feel or move within the experience.

The fourth house is where we send down roots, find our limits and generally secure ourselves. It is the end of any searching that we might have done in the third house. Here we find or end our search, settle down and manage to get in possession of the whole situation. This is our home, and the base from which we can work, feel and experience. This is the root of our experience, the core or thick of it.

5th House  

The 5th house signals the end of the simple feeling of the experience and the beginning of consciousness of what it is that we have experienced. We are pouring forth or leaving the body. Emote, emotions. Offspring, self-consciousness, pride, and the like.

The fifth house has to do with awareness, emotion (to move out), and expression (press out). Here there is always a growing sense of self-confidence and even a pride of ownership, since we begin to recognize and own our experience. We are aware that we have had, or are having, an experience. All forms of expression and offspring are connected to this house -- children, animals creative expression, etc. A sense of direction and ownership takes hold at this point in our experience.

6th House 

The 6th house signals the end of the vitality of the body and marks attempts to prolong, conserve, and take care of the experience or body. The experience or "party" is over. The sixth house has to do with salvaging and preserving what is good and healthy in our experience.

Here we separate the wheat from the chaff. We begin to care for ourselves and our experience and thus health, nutrition.

The idea here is that we are able to analyze our experience and have thoughts as to what is pure and what not. The sixth house is an attempt to save the heart of an experience, one that already by that attempt is beginning to pass or not cohere.

7th House 

The 7th house, another angular house, marks the beginning of a new series of three houses. Here we cross over from the personal houses to the impersonal houses. The personal experience of the first 6 houses is finished. It falls away from us and we see it as a complete stage in our development or whole. We leave the body and start into the mind. A turning away from the attempt for personal salvation toward a concern for others. Marriage.

The seventh house is the house of partnerships, relationships, social life, and all that carries us beyond our personal self into an awareness of other people, community and the like. This includes spiritual awakening and the discovery that we are more than just our personality. Here we begin to respond to our own personal needs (and those of others) for the first time. We can see what is going on and are committed to it; thus marriage and yoga or union is indicated in this house.

8th House 

The 8th house results from our fully grasping the nature of the completed personal experience in the first six houses... what was right about it and what was wrong. Here we strip away and can do without what was wrong. The extra baggage is unloaded.

The eighth house, traditionally the house of death, involves getting rid of excess parts of ourselves that we have seen that we no longer need. Thus this house also covers initiation and any activities where we are transforming toward a more integral position, getting to the heart of things. The no-nonsense quality of the eighth house makes it good for business ventures since here we are stripping away the dross to reveal the truth, or essence, of the subject 

9th House 

The 9th house has to do with what remains when all extra is stripped away. It is what remains or is enduring from the entire episode. The seed essence. It becomes the light for a new idea in the 10th, where the whole cycle repeats itself. The ninth house covers long journeys and religion (the longest journey of all).

Here is what remains of the purification that takes place in the eighth house, the seed or essence of an entire cycle of experience. Religion comes from a Latin word that means to bind back, and thus refers to all things that last or endure, such as the truth. Essential ideas, philosophy, and all that is the very heart of things belong here.

10th House 

The 10th house at the peak of the chart, represents the most ideal or out-of-the-body part of the wheel. It is directly overhead, up-there, and to the south. It is the house of clear, practical vision (clairvoyance). Ideas can take their start here as planets pass through the 10th house. In the natal chart, the 10th house represents where we have our head above water and can see what to do -- clear practical vision. It is therefore associated with career, vocation, and the like.

The tenth house holds a clear idea about something -- what is often called an out-of-the-body vision or experience, a time when we really get an insight in its totality. The 10th house is a house of practical vision and clairvoyance, for here we can see clearly what is. Reputation and career are often connected to this house, since the areas where we can see with greatest clarity are those we most often can put to use, and make a living with. In summary, this house is where we have real vision and can see to do and work. Planets transiting this house may provide moments of insight and clear-seeing as well.

11th House 

The 11th house is a movement away from the 10th and down towards the lower hemisphere of the chart. The 11th house takes the clear idea seen in the 10th and resolves to put it to work, to keep it in mind or make it "matter. We make a commitment to carry the idea into our daily life; that is, carry it across the ascendant (1st house cusp) and into the lower part of the chart, our personal life. The 11th house has to do with plans for action, group goals, cooperation.

The 11th house has to do with putting our visions and dreams to work. We have been on the mountain, and had a vision (10th house). Here we take our vows to never forget what we have seen and to work hard to make these dreams into reality. Thus this house has always been connected with altruistic and humanitarian goals and trying to set them in motion.

It is the house of friends and community, because when we are powered by a real insight or vision, we share with all irrespective of differences.

12th House 

The 12th house is even closer to the ascendant and the sphere of action.

The bright idea that we had in the 10th, and the resolve to do something about it that we made in the 11th, is coming up against the status quo of the ascendant in the 12th -- our day-to-day reality. In the 12th house we are faced with a choice. 

We are about to cross over from the more impersonal realm of ideas and planning into our actual day-to-day circumstances. In the 12th, we begin to face the difference between our idea and our reality. We can either forget the whole thing and let the idea go, or we can care enough about making the idea matter in our life to buckle down and accept the way things are (status quo) and try to overcome them... to bring our new idea through and get it across the ascendant.

The 12th house is about all that we go through in order to make our dreams into reality and manifest them in the world around us. It covers what we are willing to put up with, the sacrifices we will make in order to bring across what is really important 

This is connected to prisons, institutions, betrayal, self-undoing and the like because it is here that we must choose to absorb and take some possible abuse for the sake of the message we are carrying, or blow it all away with a negative reaction.