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Understanding the Basics of Astrology

30% of Americans believe in astrology; how the stars and planets affect our lives.

You can use astrology to better understand yourself and the people around you, as well as seeking comfort and guidance.

The basics of astrology include the planets, sun signs, moon signs, and rising signs. By combining these, you can better understand them as a whole.

The Position of Planets

The position of the planets in the solar system when a person was born can determine how they express themselves. Each planet controls a certain element of personality.

Mercury represents cognitive and communication skills. It corresponds to reason, intellect, and speech.

Venus is the expression of love, affection, and relating to other people. It defines what a person finds attractive and desirable.

Mars determines action, aggression, and desire. It symbolizes a person’s will, energy, drive, and instincts.

Jupiter represents a person’s capacity for expansion and optimism. It also symbolizes aspiration, adventure, and social engagement.

Saturn is a person’s desire for security, achievement, and sustained effort. This can also be interpreted as structure and restriction when needed.

Uranus impacts lives through rebellion, eccentricity, and upheaval. Uranus is what makes a person excited about discoveries, innovation, change, and progress.

Neptune represents dreams and imagination. It creates a willingness for conscious expansion, and developing intuition.

Pluto symbolizes transformation and power. It encourages a person to let go and detoxify impurities such as hatred, greed, or jealousy.

Sun Signs 

Sun signs are popularly known as zodiac signs and are one of the most well-known aspects of astrology. The sun is a symbol of someone’s identity. Sun signs use the position of the sun and planets when a person was born to better understand their personality.

Aries

  • Dates: March 20 to April 18
  • Ruler: Mars
  • Traits: energy and initiative

Taurus

  • Dates: April 19 to May 20
  • Ruler: Venus
  • Traits: reliable and persistent

Gemini

  • Dates: May 21 to June 20
  • Ruler: Mercury
  • Traits: versatile and curious

Cancer

  • Dates: June 21 to July 22
  • Ruler: Moon
  • Traits: intuition and sympathy

Leo

  • Dates: July 23 to August 22
  • Ruler: Sun
  • Traits: confident and expressive

Virgo

  • Dates: August 23 to September 22
  • Ruler: Mercury
  • Traits: analysis and perfection

Libra

  • Dates: September 23 to October 22
  • Ruler: Venus
  • Traits: balance and harmony

Scorpio

  • Dates: October 23 to November 21
  • Ruler: Pluto
  • Traits: passionate and intense

Sagittarius

  • Dates: November 22 to December 21
  • Ruler: Jupiter
  • Traits: adventurous and independent

Capricorn

  • Dates: December 22 to January 19
  • Ruler: Saturn
  • Traits: ambitious and organized

Aquarius

  • Dates: January 20 to February 18
  • Ruler: Uranus
  • Traits: originality and vision

Pisces

  • Dates: February 19 to March 19
  • Ruler: Neptune
  • Traits: sensitivity and faith

Moon Signs 

Moon signs refer to the position of the moon when a person was born. This reflects a person’s deepest emotions, needs, and desires.

To determine someone’s moon sign, you need to know when and where they were born. Including the time that a person was born will give you a more accurate moon sign.

Rising Signs 

A person’s rising sign is also known as their Ascendant. It represents their social personality and the first impression they give.

This is the zodiac sign that was on the Eastern horizon when the person was born. To determine your rising sign, it’s important to be as accurate as possible about the time that you were born.

The Basics of Astrology 

Astrology can help people to make sense of themselves and the world around them. It can be hugely comforting, reassuring, and supportive.

As the astrologer, Kevin Burk said, “By observing the cyclical movements of the planets, we can gain a greater understanding of the cycles and patterns in our own lives.”

By getting to know the basics of astrology – sun signs, moon signs, and rising signs – you can begin to understand astrology and what it can do for you.