• Basics

Basics of Astrology

Astrology is More Than Just 12 Zodiacs

For the novice, astrology may just be the daily horoscope in the local newspaper and the 12 zodiacs, but it is actually much more than that.  Astrology is an intricate study of how celestial bodies affect the lives of human beings on earth.  The planets, signs, and houses are just individual aspects of the overall practice of astrology.

First and foremost, there are ten major planets classically recognized in astrological practices.  These planets include the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.   There are several factions of astrology that focus on lesser planets as well, which are usually the greater asteroids in the sky (Ceres, Chiron, Juno, Pallas, and Vesta).  Each of the ten classic planets has a basic function.  For example, Jupiter influences a person’s ability to grasp general principles while Venus influences the ability to express affection.

The signs of the zodiac affect how the different planets function.  The study of astrology focuses on the path of the planets through the sky and into the different houses.  There are twelve signs of the zodiac which include Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, and Capricorn.  The signs can also be categorized according to similarities that they share, such as elements (Fire, Earth, Air, and Water) or qualities (Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable).

Houses are another major aspect of astrology in that they explain where a planet is working in a person’s life.  The houses of the zodiac are simply numbered one through twelve without any special names.  Depending on where a person’s planets are located, different areas of his or her life may be more prevalent.  For example, the tenth house is the sign of career, public image, and long-term goals. 

To study astrology is to study not only the twelve signs of the zodiac but the planets, houses, and aspects of each planet to those around it.  All factors within astrology directly influence and relate to each other.