Understanding Astrology: part 1

Learning about astrology and how it can help you plan and understand your life, is all about doing a little research and having an open mind.

Discovering the trials and tribulations of astrology can ultimately change your life. As you look into it, it may be an eye opener for you, with ideas and concepts that are deep and meaningful. Understanding it, takes time because there is lots of information to take in and learn. However, once you do learn how it works and what it means, it will change your life for the better.

Often people try to learn and understand astrology because they want to learn more about themselves. Many people believe strongly in the way that astrology works and feel that the stars and planets aligning ultimately predict and plan their future.  But it would be inaccurate, however, to say that astrology is about predicting the future, a more appropriate term would be "forecasting"; a skilled astrologer can never be called upon to predict the future with 100 % accuracy all the time.  Instead, by studying astrology one can gather important information which makes it possible to gaine valueable insights about the future similar to the way a meteorologist collects data about past and present weather patterns, and then makes a "forecast" as to what we might expect in the days ahead. We can then plan our life more effectively as we integrate this new information.  If the forcast for a particular day calls for rain, we know not to pack a picnic basket or towel and head to the beach, and that we may want to drive carefully because when the roads are wet, our tires might slip.  Conversely,  when warm sunny weather is on the horizon, we can call up some friends and have a nice BBQ on the patio or take the dog for a long refreshing walk. In this way, astrology is a powerful tool we can reach an objective awareness of our own personal or even collective patterns of behavior, as well as insight as to how we interact with the planet in the natural world.  With this knowledge we can choose to make changes that result in making our lives run smoother. Therefore, it is best to think of astrology not as the choice "maker", but  as the choice "revealer".  It is a science practically as old as time, and with the current research and a quickly growing acceptance in modern times, it is a science that is getting better and better, every day.

Thea few main concepts to understand in astrology are the Planets, Signs, Houses and the relationships between them. These are called called Aspects.  Each person's unique identity is based on the infinite variations of these four basic elements. On an individual level, the astrological birth chart provides a very particular picture of the unique way each person is composed , somewhat like a blueprint.  Below are some definitions and examples to start you off.



 1. PLANET

 Indicates the  basic traits or personality structures universal to the human experience (also called "archetypes").  For example, the planet VENUS represents the universal desire to love and be loved and to experience beauty. Included with the planets are the earths' moon and Chiron  (asteroid)



 2. SIGN

Indicates the unique way a person expresses their various traits. For example, VENUS in ARIES would indicate that the person's general expression of love is one of fiery interchange, having passion that easily becomes inflamed around attractive potential lovers. They will boldly pursue a love interest. They tend to not like anything too settled and prefer some tension in the relationship, fleeing from a passive partner, or a bond that has lost its luster. The bottom line is that they need a challenge, and constant stimulation.



3.  HOUSE:

Indicates the setting in which each trait can be manifested. (For example, VENUS in the 9thth House means that you are attracted to, or you tend to attract, people of different cultural backgrounds. You are not especially clingy, and you expect a certain amount of freedom in a partnership. You want to feel like you are growing as an individual, and you won't be happy in a relationship that is restrictive or confining.


4.  ASPECT

Indicates the relationship between various traits. For example, a "square" generally pertains to an experience of conflict. With VENUS square NEPTUNE there is a tendency toward self-deception in relationships in general and in romantic involvements. They usually have great difficulty in seeing the difference between the fantasy or illusionary aspect of love, and the reality.