ASTROLOGY

The Birth Chart

So what is a birth chart, or a ‘horoscope’ as it is sometimes called? The birth chart is a map of the heavens at the precise moment and place of our birth. It is important to understand that astrologers have simplified their representation of the heavens to only include the sun, the moon and the other planets in our solar system. This does not invalidate astrology, as some have claimed. We can add other asteroids and stars into the picture if we want. However, for the purposes of simplicity, it is best to stick with the planets in our solar system. The subject is complex enough without adding too many extra celestial bodies. The birth chart is based on the principle that whatever is born in a moment of time possesses the qualities of that moment of time. It can be described as our astrological portrait, a symbolic representation of the human psyche, or a map or a blueprint of our potential. It is like our own personal mandala, symbol of our highest potential.

Philosophical Issues

This is where we must take a look at some philosophical issues. It is important that we examine our beliefs in relation to astrology. Your own world view or personal philosophy will condition your perception of astrology, and how you use it. This might be something that you will give more thought to, as time goes on.

There are various approaches to astrology, but for now I will take a brief look at two very opposite types of astrology. One is a very medieval, fate-oriented approach. In this approach, everything is seen as predestined, and the underlying belief is that we have no freedom to choose and direct our own lives. Astrologers who practice this approach, and there are many, see humans as puppets manipulated by cosmic forces outside their control. This is the type of astrologer who is into predicting specific events, telling you what is going to happen when, and advising you the best thing to do with your life.

The other approach is a more modern, choice-centered one, and this is the approach that I use. This type of astrology is sometimes called humanistic astrology. Here, the belief is that there is a creative force within each of us which seeks to be expressed. In this world view, we are seen as co-creators in our own destiny. It is not free will versus destiny, but free will and destiny. The birth chart is viewed as a tool which can help us to better know ourselves, to identify our personality traits, both ‘positive’ and ‘challenging’, and ultimately to choose to transform our conflicts into harmony. Using this approach, we can to some degree at least, choose to be free from that which limits us. In this view, character is destiny, which means that when we change our character, we change our destiny.

Humanistic astrologers believe that the purpose of the birth chart is to use it as a tool for self knowledge so that we can learn to increasingly identify and express our highest potential. We need to work with the problem areas identified by the chart until they are transcended. This means that we do not accept our problems as fate, but we use our awareness of them to overcome them and to learn from them. The idea is that the more aware we are of ourselves and our purpose in life, and the more we are consciously in tune with the energies which govern our planet, the more our destiny is in our own hands. A Humanistic astrology focuses on awakening our realization of our gifts, our purpose and our creative potential.

Some humanistic astrologers also believe in the concept of karma and reincarnation. The philosophy of reincarnation says that we all possess a spiritual essence or soul which continues on after death, and incarnates in different physical bodies in different lives. The purpose is to learn different lessons through experience, and to gradually walk the path towards perfection or wholeness. The philosophy of karma says that we are responsible for our own actions. We sow what we reap,  or for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. You make your bed and you lie in it. All of these sayings are describing this ancient doctrine of karma. It is, however, not at all necessary to believe in karma or reincarnation. The same concept can be explained through biological inheritance or genetic predisposition.

The Astrological Alphabet

The Four Angles of the Cross of Matter

ASCENDANT – ASC – cusp (beginning) of 1st house – The degree of the zodiac rising on the Eastern horizon at the moment of our birth. The point of Self Awareness. “I am”.

THE NADIR – IC – cusp of 4th house – The degree of the zodiac directly below us at the moment of birth. The most private and deepest parts of ourselves. The Inner Self. “My Roots”.

THE DESCENDANT – DESC – cusp of the 7th house – The degree of the zodiac rising on the western horizon at the moment of birth. The point of Awareness of Others. “I Relate to An Other”.

THE MIDHEAVEN – MC – The cusp of the 10th house – The degree of the zodiac directly above us at the moment of birth. The most public and outer part of ourselves. “I Function in the World”.

The Elements  ​– Patterns of Energy – The Four Temperaments

Fire – The path to LOVE (Focused on Identity) – Choleric
Earth – The path to SERVICE (Focused on Materialism) – Melancholic
Air – The path to BROTHERHOOD (Focused on Mental and Social Interactions) – Sanguine
Water – The path to PEACE (Focused on Emotional & Feeling Realm) – Phlegmatic

Signs and Elemental Polarities

Yang – outgoing, active, freedom oriented – Fire and Air signs
Yin – ingoing, reflective, security oriented – Earth and Water Signs

The Modalities – Energy Movement

Cardinal – Initiating Action
Fixed – Manifestation of Purpose
Mutable – Adapting to Change

The Sun-Moon-Ascendant Triad

THE SUN – Depicting the Yearly cycle of the seasons – our essence, core self, conscious purpose and sense of identity, creative potential. The Integrated Personality. The Present.
THE MOON – Depicting the Monthly cycle of the Moon’s Phases – the innermost core of our being, private feelings, subconscious habits. Karma. The Past.
THE ASCENDANT – Depicting the Daily cycle of the Earth’s rotation on its axis – our outer self, how others see us, our persona, the filter through which all the planets are expressed. The Soul’s Purpose. The Future.

Planetary Aspects

* Aspects are the angular relationships between the planets.
* They describe pathways of energy.
* The meaning of a planet in the birth chart is determined by its position in a particular sign and house, and is further modified by its relationships to all the other planets (the aspects).
* The interpretation of a birth chart is the art of synthesizing all of these individual factors into a whole.

The Conjunction – 0 degrees. A powerful concentration or marriage of the planetary energies. The potential for Strength through Unification and Subjectivity.
The Sextile – 60 degrees. An aspect of opportunity and productivity calling for the practical application of one’s understanding and experience. The potential for Realizing One’s Goals through Building New Talents, Skills and Techniques and Making New Connections.
The Square – 90 degrees. An aspect of confrontation, challenge, internal tension, construction, strength and motivation. The potential for Action, Productivity and Achievement through the Mobilization and Focus of Energy.
The Trine – 120 degrees. An aspect of harmony, co-operation, creativity, growth, vision, flow and ease. The potential for Creative Expression.
The Quincunx – 150 degrees. An aspect of contradiction and paradox. The need for adjustment between the real and the ideal. The potential for Transformation, Focus, Maturity and Clarification through Adjustment.
The Opposition – 180 degrees. An aspect of conflict between opposing energies, calling for awareness, cooperation and compromise. The potential for Integration and Objectivity through Balance.