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Written by Sean Michael Smith
Introduction
Astrology came forth from ancient humanityʹs observation that cosmological events in the heavens
correlated with Earthly cycles. At first the animalsʹ movement was charted. The avian creatures’ movement south
or north depending upon the seasons, the roaming of the wild herds in their patterns, the weatherʹs currents of
cold or fire from the sky, were all marked and remembered. As humanity became agricultural, the cycles of the
moon and the equinoxes became infinitely important. The correspondence between seasons, the seeming
movements of the constellations, animal husbandry, and crop growth developed into a system of astrology. A
shamanic and priestly caste, mainly women at first, that understood the movement of the earth and celestial
heavens, was given the credit for this system. Cross culturally, this ʺcasteʺ was also given authority over the social
institutions of marriage, birth, and death.
This development around an astrological religion can be seen in all ancient cultures, such as Assyrian,
Mesopotamian, Northern African, Indian, Egyptian, Chinese, Celtic, Sabian, and Native American societies.
Astronomy and astrology were considered one and the same, the entire cosmos imbued with forces and dignities.
The visible planets were considered powerful influences, cosmic intelligences and later, simply gods. Certain
constellations such as those named Sirius, Orion and the Pleiades were thought of as the homes of the creator
gods who originally created humanity. During the Roman and Greek conquest of the known world, most of
astrology became male oriented, making Gemini the male Twins rather than the male‐female Lovers they
represent in Egyptian and Assyrian culture. By the 16th and 17th centuries, empirical scientific reasoning
separated astronomy and astrology, which removed the ignorance of superstition from scientific inquiry.
However, this caused modern humans to lose the wonder and awe of the cosmic interconnection that earlier
civilizations had. By the 20th century, and with realizations of modern physics, astronomy and astrology have
reunited into a modern culmination of an astrology which incorporates the discoveries of modern telescopes and
modern findings about our cosmology. This new age of astrologyʹs marriage to modern astronomy has seen the
reemergence of astrology as powerful metaphysics, with intimations of the priestess cult of astrology that
originally surrounded the practice of astrology.
Psychologists, sociologists and historians discuss the importance of timing around social movements and
mass cultural changes, yet they wonʹt admit that celestial patterns can affect human consciousness. In fact they
say that the timing of planetary influences doesnʹt affect human consciousness. ʺIt is obvious to science however
that the moon directs the tides or effects the female menstrual cycle, perhaps someday science will accurately
measure the influence of the other planets and find the astrology was correct the entire time,ʺ writes Warren
Kenton in Astrology: Celestial Mirror (1979). The millions of followers of astrology, from the astrologist who makes
a living forecasting the starsʹ influence to the worried businessman who checks the horoscope before a big
commerce deal, seem to think the cosmos has an influence over their lives.
Astrology: History, Symbols, And Signs (1989) by Solange de Maily Nesle, The Astrologerʹs Handbook by
Sakoan and Acker (Harper and Row, 1977), Moonʹs Astrological Guide for the New Millenium (Starlight Press, 1991)
and Agnes Nutterichʹs Astrology for the Goddess (Magic Press 1993) contain extensive guidance of astrological
manner. To complete the comparative astrology in these sections God Herself, by Geraldine Thorsten (Doubleday,
1980), Sefer Yetzirah, translated by Ari Kaplan (Weiser, 1997), Taoist Astrology by Chein Wu‐Wei (Dragon Works,
1996), and the Dictionary of Angels by Gustav Davidson (Free Press, 1967) were consulted.
History of Astrology
Ancient humanity developed deep respect for the terrible powers of earth and sky. The earth provided
the sustenance humanity needed while the sky would send storms, lightning, rain and fire. The sky gave patterns
and prognostication of time. To the ancients, these qualities assured humans that the gods and important powers
lived there. Practical need and religious devotion assured the observation of the changes of nature. The esoteric
sciences emerged from this careful observation; it was a part of life to know the movements of the heavens
because family and tribal survival depended on it.
Early humanity forever searched for order in the chaotic world, an order the gentleness of the night sky
Astrology Basics ©2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 1
provided. In the heavens, the cycle of the Milky Wayʹs starry inhabitants recurred. The Babylonians and
Egyptians charted the many cyclic recurrences, charting the planets and certain comets. We today have these
same configurations. Western Modern astrology comes from the Sabian‐Roman system via the Medieval
Renaissance, and the Sabians received the system from Egypt and India. Our planetary names and constellation
names are Greco‐Roman, yet many of these were simply transposed over the older Ethiopian, Babylonian and
Egyptian celestial figures. Ayele Bekerie, Ph.D. writes in Ethiopi: An African Writing System (1997), ʺCephus and
Cassiopeia, Andromeda, and Perseus, Pegasus and Cetus all come from Ethiopic legends...Orion and Auriga,
beautiful constellations, are none other than Nimrod and Ramses II. Sirius is none other than Osiris.ʺ In Hebrew
culture the names of the archangels are the Babylonian planetary names. There was an Eastern movement of
influence also, converging into the popular Chinese system of astrology, still using 12 Zodiacal symbols although
they represent alternative animals and are differently interpreted.
The symbols of western astrology we use today are Egyptian in origin, including those for the modern
planets which have been added by using known sigils for the comparative gods’ names. The simple circle and
cross in a circle such as in Assyrian or Native American culture were of the first celestial sigils ever used. The
Egyptian hieroglyph for the Sun, Ra for example, is likely one of the oldest glyphs for an aspect of cosmology
known to mankind. As a side note, it is interesting how this glyph is an image of the Earthʹs orbit around the sun
and the way a hydrogen atom, primary elemental building block of the universe, looks when a model is created.
By the time ancient mankind had charted the entire seasonal round and formulated it into what we call the zodiac
today, the entire symbolism of astrology had been established. It is a process that is ongoing in astrology and
astronomy today, but how did this rigorous charting of the heavens happen and how did it begin?
The Ancient Ones took note of the 364‐365 day yearly cycle with its punctuating solstices and equinoxes.
The solstice for the longest day of the year in summer was of crucial importance to hunting and farming while the
solstice for winterʹs shortest day was a sign to be prepared for the rest of winter and the coming time of planting
in the spring. The equinoxes, when day and night were equal, meant harvest and sowing, magical times when
fruiting plants and herbs develop the fullness of their weight. Early on, humanity realized that the laws of
natureʹs ever changing condition were astrological laws. Fables of far flung gods of the sky, ruling the world in
hierarchies of angels that could bring down storms upon the people, emerged culture to culture. The legends
grew into initiatory schools of esoteric science as human observation became increasingly accurate with time. As
the gods were born, agriculture became a predominant way of life. This deification of the sky is at the very roots
and inception of astrology, and it is written in the ancient Ethiopian Book Of Enoch (1993, reprint 1932) translated
by Ernest Rictor, ʺEvery celestial House held an Archangel and retinues of angels. As I, Enoch, approached they
explained the year is 365 days long, then proceeded to show me the seemingly random movement through the
zodiac of the moon, saying in all the celestial bodies, forces, powers and angels resided...ʺ
With a more sedentary existence, freed from nomadic, hunter‐gathering or excessive warring with tribal
competitors, calendars were kept and the organization of society, along with time, was an increasing cultural
imperative. Names became assigned to days and months, moon cycles made up the year, and the difference
between the solar and lunar rounds were kept in careful records. Social festivals and religious holidays were
timed to coincide with the recurrent cosmological events, deities were given the credit and the universe was
thanked for its beneficence. Astronomers were the priests, and some were considered prophets. As keepers of
timeʹs records, with their corresponding mythologies their observations and warnings could directly influence the
survival of entire societies. Due to long experience, they could predict the weather and natural phenomena that
would be of utmost importance to the farmer.
The developments derived by these priestly astronomers of the world took thousands of years to become
the modern astrology we have today. The cosmological elements of the resulting celestial system of astrology are:
the Signs of the Zodiac, the Houses, and the Aspects. All of these elements apply to the oldest forms of astrology.
The modern astrologer has had to account for the changes of the universe over time and can utilize the most
modern equipment to assure the positions and aspects are completely accurate, but for the most part these crucial
elements of astrology can be traced from pre‐Egyptian culture until today. From these elements, horoscopes and
star maps were created to chart celestial influences.
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The Planets, Houses, & Aspects
The ancient system of seven planets, those visible to the naked human eye, included what we call today
the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. Our modern word “planet” comes from the Greek
word meaning “wanderer.” The Egyptians called the planets kabiri, also “wanderer” in hieroglyphics. The planets
received their names because they acted in seemingly random fashion, compared to the slow motion movement
of the fixed stars. This is why planets were often associated with gods who had free will and moved about on
their own, directing events through their influence depending upon which House they were visiting amongst
their brother and sister deities. The planets carried the same attributes culture to culture, yet were known under
different names. The Sun and Moon were attributed respectively with the qualities of governing over the awake
consciousness in day, and the sensual, emotional nature of the subconscious by night. In most ancient cultures,
the Sun and Moon were regarded as emblems of the primordial divine father‐mother couple that birthed
humanity. The lunar and solar eclipse have always been considered emblems of incredible power in astrology,
representative of the supreme union between male and female. Venus influences love, luxury, and matters of the
heart. Mercury is a messenger spirit, and greatly affects the other planets in geometric relation to the other
planets. Alone, Mercury most represents matters of communication and wisdom. Mars affects strength, creativity,
heroic or extreme forms of healing, and outer battles on all levels. Jupiter oversees authority, structure, and the
dignity of the other planets. Saturn oversees the structure of time, order and inner discipline. These planets made
up the ancient universe of astrology.
The Signs of the Zodiac emerged from the apparent motion of the sun and moon through the repeating
cyclic round of fixed stars seemingly traveling around Earth. The Sabians had a geocentric view of the universe,
and medieval astrology continued in this tradition. Modern astrology like‐wise has kept this view for the
meaning tones of the celestial bodies, yet incorporates modern astronomical knowledge overall. The heliocentric
view that modern science proposes was revived from the Egyptian view that the sun was the center of the
universe. Aristotle reported that Pythagoras (600 B.C.) taught a heliocentric model of the universe, which was
expounded on all over the ancient world by scholars such as Aristarchos of Samos (320‐250 B.C.) and many
others. Pythagoras was said to have been taught by Egyptian priests in the shadow of the Great Pyramid.
Although the Egyptians purported a heliocentric mystical and mythological view, they kept the sense of
geocentric views in their astrological divinations, a condition that has remained in astrology even today.
The Zodiac is configured by the celestial equator and ecliptic path, which are astrological orbits around
earth. The celestial equator is simply an extension out into space of the earthly equator. The ecliptic is the 16ʹ wide
apparent path of the fixed stars around earth, called in Greek, “zodiac” for circle of animals. The sun seems to
pass through the band during the course of the yearly cycle and, in order to easily chart the ecliptic path the stars
were grouped into constellations. These 12 constellations are traditionally said to have characteristics that they
impart to situations and people under their influence during the course of the year. The 12 constellations are
Aries the Ram, Taurus the Bull, Gemini the Twins, Cancer the Crab, Leo the Lion, Virgo the Virgin, Libra the
Scales, Scorpio the Scorpion, Sagittarius the Centaur Archer, Capricorn the Goat, Aquarius the Water Bearer, and
Pisces the Fish.
Ancient Zodiacal Symbols and Meanings
Zodiacal Symbol Name Archaic Meaning Tone
E Aries initial surge of energy at springʹs equinox
F Taurus stabilizes and builds on the energy
G Gemini mental planning for the year
H Cancer feminine, meditative, fructifying quality
I Leo masculine creative heat
J Virgo analytical awareness and discrimination
K Libra balances all qualities, adds relationship
L Scorpio death and rebirth of the year
M Sagittarius reflective philosophical introspection
N Capricorn marks the return and reemergence of solar energy
O Aquarius social consciousness and higher ideals
P Pisces psychic and reflective inwardness, womb of creation
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Here is an example of what a Natal Chart looks like. You can find places on the internet through a search where
you can get your natal chart as shown below, or you can buy inexpensive software that does your chart as well.
The Houses: The Houses are another important component to comprehending any form of astrology. The
Houses are calculated based on the Earthʹs daily, or diurnal, rotation. Each zodiac sign is empowered for about two
hours every day as measured from the equator. There are many ways to determine the Houses, but all systems
cross‐culturally agree on charting the sign rising on the horizon at the time of birth as the rising sign or Ascendant.
The Houses correspond to the constellations; in modern astrology the first house corresponds to Aries, the second to
Taurus, and so on.... The signs and Houses are aspects of one another, symbolic of the same energy in different
areas, giving interrelated meaning tones according to their celestial interplay. The 12 Houses affect the fundamental
areas of life and have been separated into the following meanings, overseeing these areas of life.
The first House, the Ascendant, rules over the manner and appearance one presents to the world. The
second House rules finances, career and resources. The third House rules communication, immediate
surroundings and short journeys. The fourth House rules the mother, children, family, and home. The fifth House
oversees pleasure, creativity, self‐expression, childbearing, and entertainments. The sixth House rules health,
service, duty, and works. The seventh House rules alliances, partnerships, and important relationships. The
eighth House rules legacies, death and rebirth. The ninth House oversees education, self‐enrichment, philosophy,
and the higher works of the mind. The tenth House rules career, long range goals, and the father. The eleventh
House oversees friendships, humanitarian pursuits, group activities, and organizations. The twelfth House rules
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the subconscious, the occult and hidden influences one keeps from all others. When discussing natal charts and
life horoscopes, these details will be fleshed out much more, showing how one gets a personal meaning from the
vast cosmological principles just set forth.
Aspects: The Aspects (seen on the bottom left of the Natal Chart diagram) are another crucial element of
an astrological chart. Aspects are the relationships between the planets according to what angle they are to one
another during a given period of time. The horoscope is a circular map, so contains 360 degrees. When two or
more planets are in signs that have an angular mathematical relationship, they are said to influence each otherʹs
sphere of activity and Earthʹs life manifestations according to that angularity. Most of the major aspects are
Conjunctions (0 degree angles), which cause planetary energies to combine in a blended effect. Sextiles (60 degree
angles) cooperate with, help, or ease more powerful qualities. Squares (90 degree angles) challenge, aggravate, or
test. Triunes (120 degree angles) harmonize and energize. Oppositions (180 degree angles) balance, oppose, and
confront.
Elements: Other important astrological divisions have to do with Elemental Nature, Quality, and
Dignity. The 12 Signs are divided into four Elemental Natures: fire, water, air, and earth. These elementary
energies are akin to their physical literal counterparts only in the most general way. Fire is active and energetic.
Water is sensual, reflective, and changing. Air is nimble, moving, and agitated. Earth is stable and practical. The
three fire signs are Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. The three water signs are Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. The three air
signs are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. The three earth signs are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.
The Three Qualities: Within this, the signs are further classified into three Qualities. These Qualities are
called Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable. The Cardinal Signs represent original creative energy within the elemental
group. The Fixed Signs represent a sustaining or passive energy. The Mutable Signs act as a changeable,
connecting or catalytic force. One sign from each element group is assigned to one of the triplicities. The Cardinal
Signs are Aries, Libra, Cancer, and Capricorn. The Fixed Signs are Leo, Aquarius, Scorpio, and Taurus. The
Mutable Signs are Sagittarius, Pisces, Gemini, and Virgo.
When planets travel the cosmic skyway through the Zodiac and its 12 Signs, their influence can be either
strengthened or weakened according to their relationship to the energies of the Sign. This relation is called
Dignity. Dignity has four categories: Rulership, Exaltation, Fall, and Detriment. Rulership refers to planets and
signs that most nearly correspond to one another. Exaltation is enhancement of planetary qualities by the Sign. A
Planet in the sign opposite its Rulership cannot express itself and is in its Fall. A planet in the sign opposite its
Exaltation is frustrated in its activities and is in its Detriment.
Astrological Models That Have Contributed To Modern Astrology
As said earlier, most of Astrologyʹs symbolism is very ancient, elaborated upon over the long years in
several cosmological models of the universe. To demonstrate the influences and background to modern
astrological symbols and meanings, some of the ancient cultural and past historical models should be reviewed.
Let us investigate the Egyptian, Chaldean (Babylonian), and Hebrew Celestial Sphere, Sabian Astrology and
Medieval Astrology, all of which are the main influences on modern astrology.
Pole Star
ursa minor
Draco
60'
northern celestial hemisphere
cepheus
southern cross
octans
Astrology Basics ©2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 5
The Ethiopians and Egyptians, one and the same kingdom in the Ancient World, mapped the heavens in
the form of a Celestial Sphere as early as 4000 B.C. The earth becomes a transparent point of observation in which
the North and South circumpolar celestial hemispheres are the top and bottom of a great sphere. This model was
subsequently and simultaneously used by the Babylonians and Hebrews in their astrology. The ecliptic of the
zodiac is the outer circumference of the sphere, and the animals of the zodiac bore the names of gods and cultural
heroes that have been reconfigured again and again to correspond with the parent cultures, repeatedly
transposed over the same star pattern constellations, for the most part. The Ethiopian esoteric astrological signs
bear the Coptic names of the Egyptian gods to this day. The Hebrews permuted alternate names of YHVH for
each zodiacal sign in this vein. Each planet was said to be a hekaloth, or heavenly hall, for the angels and powers
of the universe. These cultures all assigned angels and deities to the constellations of the higher and lower
heavens, living within them as abodes and as personifications of forces observed by the astrologer on earth. Every
decan and quinary within the 360 degree orb was a home to an angel in service to the hidden chiefs, ancients who
resided in the highest heavens around Pole Star North. The entire symbolism of the Egyptians for the Celestial
Sphere still exists today, represented by the modern Tarot, a wonderful companion to astrology. The Hebrews,
Egyptians and Persians shared a cosmology of angelic deification for every aspect of the celestial sky.
Astrological And Angelic Forces Of The Heavens
Sign Month Day Angel of the Decan Archangel Angel
H June 21 Mathravash 0ʹ‐10 Muriel Pakiel
H July 11 Rahadetz 10ʹ‐20ʹ
H 21 Alinkir 20ʹ‐30ʹ
I 1 Losanahar 0ʹ ‐ 10ʹ Verkiel Sharatiel
I August 11 Zachi 10ʹ ‐ 20ʹ
I 22 Sahiber 20ʹ‐30ʹ
J 1 Ananaurah 0ʹ‐10 Hamaliel Shelathiel
J September 11 Rayadyah 10ʹ ‐ 20ʹ
J 22 Mishpar 20ʹ ‐30ʹ
K 2 Tarasni 0ʹ‐10ʹ Zuriel Chedeqiel
K October 12 Sahamatz 10ʹ‐20ʹ
K 22 Shachdar 20ʹ‐30ʹ
L 1 Kamotz 0ʹ‐10ʹ Barkiel Saitzel
L November 11 Nundohar 10ʹ ‐20ʹ
L 22 Uthrodiel 20ʹ‐30ʹ
M 2 Misrath 0ʹ‐10ʹ Advakiel Santiel
M December 12 Vehrin 10ʹ ‐20ʹ
M 21 Aboha 20ʹ ‐ 30ʹ
N 30 Misnin 0ʹ‐10ʹ Hanael Sameqiel
N January 9 Yasyasyah 10ʹ ‐20ʹ
N 19 Yesgedibarodiel 20ʹ‐30ʹ
O 29 Saspam 0ʹ‐10ʹ Kambrial Tzakmiqiel
O February 8 Abdaron 10‐20ʹ
O 18 Gerodiel 20ʹ‐30ʹ
P 28 Bihelami 0‐10ʹ Amnitziel Vakabiel
P March 10 Avron 10‐20ʹ
P 20 Satrip 20‐30ʹ
E 30 Zazer 0‐10ʹ Malkidiel Sharhiel
E April 10 Behahemi 10‐20ʹ
E 20 Satander 20‐30ʹ
F 30 Kedamidi 0‐10ʹ Asmodel Araziel
F 10 Minacharai 10‐20ʹ
F May 20 Yakasaganotz 20‐30ʹ
G 31 Sagarash 0‐10ʹ Ambriel Sarayel
G June 10 Shehadani 10‐20ʹ
G 20 Bethon 20‐30ʹ
The Celestial Sphere was configured around a central axis, using the North Pole Star as its central top, a
point that Draco circled around at that time. The ecliptic wasnʹt counted from Aries as it is today, but from Cor
Leonis, the heart of the conquering lion. Leo was counted first seasonally as well. In this model the celestial
equator also resides on a circumferential edge of the Celestial Sphere. The Celestial Sphere lent the design to the
first forms of the astrolabe for measuring latitude and longitude on ships. The divinations and astrological
Astrology Basics ©2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 6
readings done with this model relied upon Houses, Aspects, and Dignities in relation to the wondering planets.
Several mystical languages, which are tracings of the celestial paths of the planets and certain constellations in the
Celestial Sphere, were created. These languages had myths built around them that they were the alphabets of
gods and angels, when in actuality they depict constellations and interplanetary movements within the Celestial
Sphere. From above and below, the constellations of the Celestial Sphere would be configured as such:
Astrological Constellations and Planets across Ancient Cultures
Astrological Symbol Roman‐Sabian Assyrio‐Babylonian Greco‐Sabian Hebrew Ethiopian
E Aries Anu Aries YHVH Zadik
F Taurus Bel Taurus YHHV Apis
G Gemini Nuah Gemini YVHH Rechti and Merty
H Cancer Belit Cancer HVHY Khepra
I Leo Sin Leo HVYH Oris
J Virgo Samas Virgo HHVY Maryam Isis
K Libra Bin Libra VHYH Maati
L Scorpius Adar Scorpio VHHY Typhon or Apepi
M Sagittarius Marduk Sagittarius VYHH Nepthys
N Capricornus Nergal Capricorn HYHV Arenna
O Aquarius Istar Aquarius HYVH Hapy
P Pisces Nebo Pisces HHVY Asa
d Luna Lilith Dianna Levanah Arar, Caraqa
Sol El Apollo Shemesh Rama, Samay
Mercury Gabriel Hermes Kokab Iyor
Venus Raphael Aphrodite Nogah Jerusalem, Celestial
Mars Michael Ares Madim Samay Wadad
Jupiter Uriel Zeus Tzedeq Manbara Mangist
Saturn Izrafel Chronos Shabathai Tsirha Aryam
Uranus Samael (Uranus) ‐ ‐
Neptune Uzziel (Neptune) ‐ ‐
Pluto Azrael (Pluto) ‐ ‐
Modern Astrology
During the reign of the Roman empire and during the conquests of Alexander the Great, Sabian‐Roman
astrology took on many qualities of Ethiopian‐Egyptian, Chinese, and Aryuvedic systems. Most of the
matriarchal elements were removed from astrology by this time. The African constellation names were converted
to Greek and Roman ones, a calendar cycle was dated, set, and codified in relation to the heavens and seasons.
The month names for modern astrology come from this period, and so do conceptions such as leap years and the
beginning of the year in January rather than in the Spring or Summer months. Counting the Ecliptic at the point
of Aries was also introduced in Christian Rome in the later period of the empire. This was codified during the
Medieval Renaissance and Aries has been seen ever since as the Ecliptic origin in modern astrology.
Medieval astrology had codified most of modern astrology except for the lack of our modern planets. It
took until the modern era for science to discover the remaining planets, although there is some archeological
evidence that the Egyptians and Sumerians knew of our complete solar system, somehow. The Sabians and
Medievals saw the universe emerging from God as a great divine machine called the Primum Mobile, the first
moving of the mover. Then emerged the creatures of fire, then the zodiac and starry firmament, then the planets
and stars. Through science we have discovered today that the stars and planets did indeed arise out of fiery
stellar creatures, not named Cherubim as in medieval times, but called “the big bang,” which is not thought of so
much as an explosion of a huge celestial body anymore by scientists, but rather a huge, hot, fiery bursting into
being by some unknown phenomena that scientists are still debating as to what it truly is. Although lacking the
last three planets, the medieval astrological cosmology looked like ours today.
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With modern astrology we have a comprehensive system comprised of all these past elements. The
Moonʹs passing through the signs is influential on a daily level. The sun, all the planets’ residences in the different
Houses, their Aspect, Dignity, Element, and combined influences, are taken into account when making a monthly
horoscope or Natal Chart. In modern astrology, Orb and Delineation are important. Orb is a sphere of influence
that trails in the wake of a passing planet. The Orb is an aura of influence before and after an astrological meaning
event. For example, when Mars passes through Leo, its Orb of influence, empowered fire, remains for 20 degrees
after Mars has entered the next sign. Delineation considers the meaning of the aspect, the natures and combined
meanings of the planets, and the strength of the planets by virtue of their signs. The zodiacal constellations are
said to have positive and negative polarities, depending upon their qualities. Only Gemini is said to contain
qualities of both positive and negative polarities.
Letʹs go over the modern interpretations of the zodiacal signs and planets, the importance of the Moonʹs
Aspects in relation to the other celestial bodies, which affect Earth life, and then we can investigate how a Natal
Chart and Personal Horoscope are created.
The Zodiac
The modern Signs of the Zodiac have a fullness of meaning brought forth from thousands of years of
hermetic synthesis and observation.
E Aries, the first sign of the Post Latin Modern Zodiac, is the emergence of the seed sprout from the
earth, the moment of all beginnings. Aries is the out‐rushing force, sound and fury, primitive self‐expression, the
joy of being. Its forcefulness is like the ram which lowers its head and charges blindly. The Aries energetic
influence gives an adventurous, pioneering spirit, courage and a blunt, direct manner. The forcefulness of Aries is
so strong that restrictions are difficult to endure and usually arenʹt. Aries people are forever on to the next project,
only sometimes completing the old ones. An Aries person stuck in routines and a sedentary life is likely to
explode. The self centered attitude of Aries can go to the extremes of selfishness, crudeness, foolhardiness, and
egotism if not tempered by sensitivity to others and strong guidance by ideals.
F Taurus combines the concentrated nature of a fixed sign with earthʹs practicality. Taurus people, ruled
by Venus, love beauty and are often quite charming. Theyʹre affectionate, but their neediness for security
sometimes makes them possessive. Taurus people are rooted in their opinions and can be stubborn, not liking to
be contradicted. They can change, but donʹt expect it to happen more than once, if ever. Theyʹre very patient and
often very reliable, if laziness and inertia doesnʹt get the better of them. Taurus people have incredible endurance
and often are excellent business people. They crave art, luxury, sensuality, and good food.
G Gemini is the mutable air sign. Some say Gemini has neither positive nor negative polarity. This is the
sign of Twins, Castor and Pollux, who are two sides of one personality. One brother is mortal, one is a god. In
Gemini the restless intelligence of air combines with the adaptability of a mutable sign. Ruled by Mercury,
Gemini emphasizes communication. Geminis are versatile, logical, often witty, inquisitive and spontaneous. They
tend to be nervous, restless, superficial, and inconsistent. The metal of Gemini is Mercury which has no shape of
its own. Try to hold onto it, it flows through your fingers, just like the elusive Gemini.
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H Cancer is the unstable, emotional nature of water expressed in the cardinal mode. It is restless and
ever changing. However, the self‐repressive nature tends to keep this energy below the surface, with Cancers
pursuing very definite goals in secretive and unconscious ways. Much like their Crab symbol, Cancer people can
appear hard and insensitive on the outside, yet they are soft and vulnerable on the inside, at times overly
sensitive and easily hurt. Like the crab, Cancers are evasive, always side stepping, preferring not to confront
anything too directly. They will hide away and will resist prying eyes into their secret or inner lives. Cancer is
ruled by the Moon, giving it a flowing, emotional nature and an abundantly fertile imagination. Cancers are
sensitive, cautious, kind, sympathetic, protective, shrewd, and resourceful. Their moody emotionalism can get
out of hand at times.
I Leo combines the burning enthusiasm of fire with the powerful expression of its fixed nature. Leo is
ruled by the strongest celestial influence, the Sun. Leo always needs to be the center of attention. Theyʹre creative,
graceful, proud, dignified, determined, and dramatic. They are very generous, enthusiastic, expansive, and often
good organizers of people. Their negativities include conceit, being snobbish, intolerant, patronizing, dogmatic,
and pompous. Leos need to feel the divine nobility of their existence. They can allow their warm‐heartedness to
shine through and they can be tremendous sources of love and encouragement for others.
J Virgo is a practical earth sign, introverted like Taurus by its negative polarity, but enjoying the
freedom and adaptability of its mutable nature. Virgo is addicted to practical, material objects, but is not as
possessive as Taurus. Virgo, like Gemini, is ruled by Mercury but here the communicative nature of Mercury is
used on a practical level. Virgos are discriminating, critical, analytical, meticulous, modest and orderly. They can
be worriers, overly fastidious, finicky, too critical and too conventional. Virgoʹs intellect lacks breadth, but is great
with details and facts. They analyze everything, which is valuable in dealing with our bureaucratic modern
society. Virgo desperately needs to work, to feel useful, and be of service to others.
K Libra is active and aggressive, but usually more inwardly and not as obviously. This mode of
communication combines with the flowing expression and intelligent nature of the air signs. Libraʹs energy is
searching for balance. While Libra is considered to have positive energetic polarity, it is ruled by a negative
energy planet, Venus. Libras idolize harmony. Fearful of discord, they can become indecisive. They easily see the
value of all viewpoints, often because they canʹt hold a definite opinion. In the search for true balance, Libras
strive to show all sides. They can be frivolous, gullible, and flirtatious, but also diplomatic, idealistic, romantic,
easygoing, and will usually have a refined appearance.
L Scorpio, a fixed sign, is true to its convictions and ideals. Scorpios are very set in their ways, ruled by
energetic Mars and by Pluto, the planet of most intense desires and obsessions. The negative polarity gives Scorpio a
responsive nature, with much of its Martian forcefulness hidden in the depths below. It is also a water sign, giving it
an unstable, emotional nature with overwhelming feelings and sense of purpose in its endeavors. The dualism of
Scorpioʹs fixity and simultaneous instability often leaves Scorpio at odds with itself. Scorpios are very imaginative,
subtle, and determined, but can also be resentful, stubborn, secretive, suspicious, and jealous. Theyʹre self contained,
but may also be self‐centered, and have a lot of saved up energy ready to bust forth at any time. Whatever Scorpios
want to achieve, they will. Scorpio has a great deal of personal magnetism and healing power.
M Sagittarius is the centaur aiming for the heights. Aspiration and introspection are the keys to
Sagittarius. They aim high and cover a lot of ground, even more than Gemini, their complement. They have the
adaptability of a mutable sign, with self‐expressiveness of positive polarity and the energetic enthusiasm of fire.
Ruled by expansive Jupiter, they are travelers and philosophers. Sagittarius people are freedom loving and need
space. Theyʹre friendly, sincere, optimistic, outgoing, versatile, dependable, open minded, excitable, jovial, but
can also be irresponsible, tactless, capricious, arrogant, and dogmatic. They are usually beautiful, encouraging
and conscious people.
N Capricorn is earthy, outgoing and its cardinality is applied on the practical level of everyday
necessities. The signʹs negative polarity gives Capricorn the ability to withdraw from the turbulence of the
mainstream and bide their time until it is correct for their ambitions to manifest. Capricorns are reliable, practical,
ambitious, prudent, efficient, persistent, and patient. They usually have a dry sense of ironic humor. Ruled by
Saturn with its contracting, concentrated energy, they can also be cold, pessimistic, and overly conventional.
Saturnʹs rulership makes Capricorns consider time as very important. Capricorns are often slow to develop,
requiring more time than others. At middle age they feel as if on a plateau while their peers age and get old much
faster than them.
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O Aquariusʹ outgoing, self‐expressive positive polarity combines with the communicative nature of air.
Intellectual Aquarians are teachers and disseminators of knowledge. With a fixed nature, theyʹre unlikely to move
from their preconceived ideas, but usually have a progressive outlook. Theyʹre original, inventive, friendly,
independent, idealistic, and revolutionary, sometimes even straining to be unconventional. Theyʹre very loving, but
this is more easily expressed in a detached concern for groups rather than individuals. Aquarians, ruled by Uranus,
the erratic revolutionary, must have their freedom, and close personal relationships are often too restrictive.
P Pisces is unstable, flowing water combining with the mutable ability to easily drift through change,
making it the most fluid sign of the zodiac. The introverted nature of the negative polarity predominates. Pisces is
the most sensitive of signs, with very strong and deep emotions. Pisceans are much too impressionable, too
susceptible to outside influences and often need to escape. Ruled by the nebulous planet Neptune, they can be
hard to understand. It helps to remember that unworldly Pisceans operate on an intuitive level, often needing to
retreat to maintain their equilibrium. They usually canʹt be understood through logical means, analysis or
pressure. They can give vast amounts of compassion, are self‐sacrificing, often kind, sympathetic, receptive,
intuitive and humble. However they can also be indecisive, vague, secretive, careless, and not good at dealing
with the physical world.
The Planets
Planets are the focal points of universal energy. Theyʹre indicators of specific, unique kinds of activity,
but colored by the nature of the sign the planet is in. The sign most like the nature of a particular planet is said to
be ruled by that planet. Positive energetic planets are the Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, and Pluto. They activate,
project, stimulate, and vitalize. Negative energy planets are the Moon, Venus, Saturn, and Neptune. (The Sun and
Moon are not planets but are being referenced here as such for the ease of explanation in this introductory
course.) These are receptive, reactive, responsive and protective. Mercury is a neutral planet which modifies,
interprets or communicates the energies of the other planets in aspect to it. The meanings of the traditional
planets are elucidated and enhanced in modern astrology. Modern science has also added three planets of
influence to astrology. These planetsʹ extended meanings are as follows:
Sun represents the supreme will, the power urge, and vitalizing life‐giving force. It is the symbol of
masculinity, paternity, authority, creative ability, ambition, pride, leadership, self‐expression, determination and
confidence. The Sun creates, achieves, elevates, dominates, sustains, fortifies, promotes and illuminates. It is the
ruling planet of the House of Leo, a sign of creativity and leadership. It is also exalted in willful Aries, indicating
that the Sunʹs individuality can be expressed in a powerful and pure form through Aries.
d Moon rules all things of a watery nature. It rules the tides and rhythms of the body as well as the
oceans. The Moon represents the personality, the subjective subconscious mind and our instinctual behavior. It is
associated with instincts, habits, memory, imagination, receptivity, and impressionability, the desire for newness,
femininity, maternity, fertility, disposition, emotions, feelings, moods, sensitivity, intuition, sensation and
sympathy. The Moon is strongest in the nurturing sign Cancer and weakest in the unreceptive, unemotional sign
of Capricorn. The Moon is also powerful in Taurus and emotionally problematic in Scorpio.
Mercury represents the mind, the link between spirit and matter, between soul and personality. Mercury
symbolizes the power of communication and interpretation: intelligence, reasoning capacities and the ability to
perceive relationships and gather facts. Mercurial qualities include being adaptable, attentive, perceptive, clever,
versatile, inconsistent, hypercritical, argumentative, sarcastic, cynical, excitable, impressionable and nervous or
prone to worry. Mercury narrates, talks, memorizes, debates, writes, argues, analyzes, studies, travels, sells,
reflects and expresses with the hands as well as the tongue. Mercury is of neither positive nor negative polarity,
neither masculine nor feminine. Mercury rules all communications and is associated with speaking and writing,
educational capacity and manual skills. Mercury is especially active in the versatile, talkative sign of Gemini and
its nature is stronger in analytical Virgo. Pure Mercurial expression becomes difficult in Sagittarius and in Pisces,
which relate and communicate more through hopes and beliefs than through facts.
Venus is associated with the power of love, the power of attraction and cohesion and the power of quiet,
gentle persuasion. It stimulates the desire to be sociable. Its influences include balancing, harmonizing, and
peacemaking. It is symbolic of affection, sentiment, sympathy,
romance, friendship, beauty, pleasure, music, manners, art, attractiveness, values, appreciation and a sense of
aesthetics. If afflicted (adversely aspected to other planets), the affectionate warm and sympathetic Venus can
become flirtatious, self‐indulgent, lazy, irresponsible and vain. Venus rules placid Taurus as well as Libra, the
Astrology Basics ©2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 10
sign of harmony. A strong Venus influence has a mellowing effect. The Venus nature is more than gentle—it is
graceful and tactful. Venus is not easily expressed in the intense signs of Scorpio or Aries. Virgo, because of its
excessive criticism and fussiness, can also inhibit the expression of Venus, whereas the loving nature of Pisces
reinforces the Venusian influence.
Mars is the complement of Venus. Mars is positive outgoing energy, purely masculine in nature. As the
ancient god of war, Mars represents struggles within and with others. It is closely related to our physical energy,
and it rules over animal essence. Martian expressions include desire, courage, initiative, executive ability,
assertiveness, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, adventurousness, self‐will, resistance, rashness, and aggressive
sexual love. Mars rules forceful Aries and determined Scorpio. The aggressive nature of Mars is also easily
expressed in the ambitious sign of Capricorn. The driving force of Mars is restrained when it falls in the
partnership sign, Libra or easygoing Taurus. The receptive nature of Cancer is also not compatible with the
assertiveness of Mars.
Jupiter is larger than all the other planets combined. It is symbolic of expansion, the higher mind,
wisdom, enthusiasm, optimism, spontaneity, benevolence, generosity, the desire to gain through experience, and
the urge to improve the state of things. Jupiter represents increase, opportunity, rewards, abundance, tolerance,
charity, philanthropy, ethics, faith, confidence, idealism, aspiration, justice, loyalty, self‐indulgence, joviality,
extravagance and conceit. Jupiter protects, assists, magnifies, inflates, gives, speculates, inspires, encourages,
counsels, and philosophizes. It carries the ability to grow in physical, mental and moral directions. Jupiter is most
at home in Sagittarius where the desire for a variety of experiences can bring wisdom. Expansive Jupiter is
limited by the trivial mental nature of Gemini. Virgo can impede Jupiter with its preoccupation for detail. Free‐
flowing, imaginative Pisces reinforces Jupiter.
Saturn symbolizes the first law of manifestation—limitation. Saturn strengthens the personality through
endurance and persistence. It focuses and concentrates energy. Saturn’s contractive nature gives us the
opportunity for introspection, meditation and concentration, and to work out karma in the process of evolution.
The key to dealing with Saturn is discipline. Saturn requires caution, restraint, seriousness, and stability. It is also
related to time and time‐keeping, organization, consolidation, self‐preservation, crystallization of matters,
ambition, responsibility, conventionality, pessimism, and perseverance. Saturn inhibits, delays, restricts, perfects
and deepens. It causes fear, worry, and anxiety. Saturn is most compatible with Capricorn, the sign of material
organization and practical ambition. Saturn is ill‐expressed in Cancer where it becomes hypersensitive. Saturn
exalts in the balancing act of Libra and finds the impulsive nature of Aries at odds with its cautious approach.
Uranus has a nature similar to Mercury in its nervous and mental impact, but it is more powerful,
violent, fanatical, and harder to handle for the physical body. Uranus represents the freedom urge. It is the planet
of extremes and sudden change. It’s a force which destroys the old to allow room for the new. Uranus destroys
the constricting influence and crystallizations of Saturn. It displaces and overthrows the established attitudes
which have outlived their usefulness. The old must be destroyed before the new can come, but we are often
fearful of new, unknown ways and reluctant to let go. Uranus makes us let go, it shakes the world loose. The
nature of Uranus has an exciting uprooting and awakening effect. It brings disruption, anarchy, rebellion,
revolution, freedom, individualism, altruism, originality, invention, experimentation, instability, erratic action
and detachment. It is also deeply related to intuitive knowledge.
Neptune is often considered a higher vibration of Venus. It symbolizes receptivity, passivity,
impressionability and nebulousness. Neptune brings either spiritual strength or escapist tendencies, seeking the
path of least resistance. Neptune can offer spiritual guidance and protection, or entice us to avoid all
responsibility. Other Neptunian traits include being idealistic, imaginative, intuitive, subtle, artistically creative,
evasive, deceitful, hypersensitive, careless, sentimental, scattered, indecisive, impractical, and compassionate.
Neptune is the god of oceans. It rules the watery sign Pisces and is inhibited in the earthy, orderly sign of Virgo,
the opposite of Pisces. Neptune expresses its nature well through inspirational Sagittarius. It is inhibited by the
mundane levels of Gemini.
Pluto can be considered the higher octave of Mars. Pluto represents those elements which have not yet
been integrated into the collective consciousness. Pluto represents the urge to transform and to regenerate
bringing rebirth. It is a symbol of decay, contamination, infection, destruction, desire, obsessions, disintegration
and elimination, but also a symbol of deep healing, cleansing, and spiritual catharsis.
Astrology Basics ©2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 11
Relations Between Planets & Houses
To see how all these astrological elements interweave in their myriads of aspects over the course of the year,
purchase a good astrological ephemeris for the coming year, such as Zolars Ephemeris For 2005 And 2006 (or
whatever the current year is) or any reputable astrological guide. Every moment of every day will be charted for all
planets and constellations, as well as Chiron and the planetoids. In modern astrology, when sacred geometrics are
created in the heavens, most ephemera mark these special and sacred happenings. A giant Star of David in mutual
aspect, or a Qabbalistic cross created from the aspects of many planets, are powerful cosmic talismans. The degree of
orb is marked in all astrological guides. One can derive the meanings from the explanation of Aspects and Dignities
above.
Moon
Below is an example of how the astrological elements work with each other. These are described in book
guides as to their meanings. The moon section is just one of the planets, and it is a good example of what you will
find in astrological guides. The charts for all the planets are extensive, but here we will only delve into the aspects
of the Moon for the sake of giving just an example of what these extensive guides contain.
The Moon’s aspects are the same yearly and are easily chartable. The Moon’s aspects are the most
affecting of people over all the other signs; just as the Moon is physically closest, its influence is the closest to our
hearts. When the Moon is aspected with other planets it is very influential over us, and when it passes through
the Zodiac over the month those signs are empowered within us in conjunctionis.
The Lunar cycle goes from New Moon to Full Moon. The first two quarters of the Moon are waxing,
increasing in light. This period of waxing is the time for new beginnings, new projects and the implementation of
ideas for growth. The waxing Moon is also a time of spontaneous and instinctual action. The waning Moon, from
one full Moon to the New Moon is a time for conscious growth as the Moon dissipates its collected solar energy.
The time of the waxing moon in many traditions is more concerned with mundane concerns, whereas the waning
moon deals with subconscious impulses toward enlightenment emerging as conscious values. The waxing moon
brings manifested growth. The waning Moon brings conscious processes of creative release. The New Moon
begins a new cycle. It is the seed of the beginning lunar cycle. The chart of the New Moon is the key to influences
in the coming lunar month.
The Quarter Moons
The first Quarter Moon is the beginning of the second phase. With the seed of the new moon, growth in
consciousness might be impeded by obstacles from the past. Ideally these will be overcome by the first quarter, a
point of focus which illustrates the necessity for change. This must happen if the energy released with the coming
full moon is to be utilized. If rejection of the shackles of the past is incomplete and if growing lethargic, then the
illumination and growth offered during the cycle cannot be fully integrated. It may even sour. Whatever patterns
are set at the First Quarter Moon will continue to develop throughout the lunar cycle. The Half Moon is a
continuation of what was happening at the first Quarter Moon, and so on until Full Moon is reached. The Full
Moon illuminates the seed and potential that was started on the New Moon. The Full Moon to Last Quarter
ideally brings positive clarification to the influences of the entire lunar cycle. If a good attitude of growth has
developed, the Full Moon can now usher in a new sense of fulfillment and determined resolve. However, if a
negative attitude has dominated the period of increasing light, then the Full Moon might bring serious mental
and physical conflicts. The Fourth Quarter is from the Last Quarter to the next New Moon. It can bring a crisis in
consciousness. This cycleʹs experiences have culminated and one must now prepare for rebirth as the process
repeats itself with the next New Moon.
Moon: Conjuncts, Squares, Opposition, Sextiles, & Triunes (Trines)
Mercury/Moon
The Moonʹs Aspects are profoundly influential to the human species. When the Moon is conjunct with
Mercury intellect and feelings are working in accord. Mentality is active, alert and sensitive. Nervous systems are
highly attuned and very responsive. People are talkative and intellectually attuned to intuitions and emotions.
When the Moon is sextile or triune Mercury, communication and conversation are easy with this positive
connection of mind and emotions. Practical mental abilities and good common sense are mentally highlighted. It
is a good time to conduct business that utilizes communications media or engages in writing of any sort. Moon
square or opposite Mercury means minds are acute, but restless and excitable. Nervous systems function poorly.
Astrology Basics ©2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 12
The unconscious mind will interfere with reasoning. Preoccupation with the past can interfere with oneʹs
objectivity and open‐mindedness. Concern with trivialities and emotional whims might block meaningful mental
pursuits. Incessant talking can drain everyoneʹs energy. This is a very poor time for public communication.
Venus/Moon
When Moon is conjunct Venus, there is a balanced outlook on life and a love of beauty. The emotional
response to beauty and harmony heightens artistic abilities. Sensitivity and affections are strong as subconscious
sensuality seeks satisfaction. This is a good time for romance or any kind of party or social gathering. When
Moon is sextile or triune Venus, there is a similar effect as during conjunction, but more pronounced.
Personalities mellow. Dispositions are pleasant. There is an increased interest in the arts. When Moon is square
or opposite Venus, there is an inability to express emotions and affections. There might be unhappiness and
disappointments in emotional relationships. People become moody and overly sensitive. There are material and
domestic difficulties. This is not recommended as a time for organizing social events.
Mars/Moon
When Moon is conjunct Mars moodiness, aggressiveness, and impulsive actions are expressed. Feelings
are strong and outbursts of anger are likely. People seem opinionated and are also likely to feel courageous.
Moon sextile or triune Mars brings good emotional and physical health, a lot of energy and emotional force.
There are opportunities for material enterprises or for home improvements. Moon square or opposite Mars is a
time of delicate health and strong, volatile emotions. It is easy to be quarrelsome, get upset and lose tempers.
People are irritable, impulsive, and self‐indulgent.
Jupiter/Moon
When Moon is conjunct Jupiter people are sympathetic and generous. There is concern with social
welfare. This conjunction brings good fortune, health and optimism along with urging toward change. When
Moon is sextile or triune Jupiter pleasant temperaments and kind dispositions emerge. Domestic peace and
happiness become important; it is a good time for business. When Moon is square or opposite Jupiter financial
judgment is not good. Tendencies are toward extravagance, foolish generosity and laziness. Spiritual doubts may
arise and overeating is likely.
Saturn/Moon
When Moon is conjunct Saturn the opportunity for hard work and pay arrives. Orderliness and duty
become important. People are inclined to be critical and stingy, timid and cautious. Possible feelings of
inadequacy and depression. When Moon is sextile or triune Saturn benefits come through a willing acceptance
of duty. There can be gains by keeping things practical and orderly. Physical comforts seem of little importance.
When Moon is square or opposite Saturn, there is lack of emotional flexibility. Depression looms. Judgmental
attitudes may block abilities to respond to others in an appropriate way. Life is hard luck lately.
Uranus/Moon
When Moon is conjunct Uranus be ready for sudden changes of mood and impulsive actions. High
emotional tensions and freedom seeking urges arise. Moon sextile or triune Uranus means ambition and
intuition are strong. Feelings of independence and self‐reliance surface. There is much energy in the air. This
aspect gives rise to an inventive, original, spontaneous imagination. Psychic abilities can become highly tuned.
Changeable moods help break through inhibiting patterns, bringing opportunities to evolve. New friends are
often found. Moon square or opposite Uranus lends disruptions, obsessions with the unusual and
unconventional. Seeming independence is so important that communicative contact with others is difficult.
People become restless, irritable, and stubborn. Some become accident prone.
Neptune/Moon
When Moon is conjunct Neptune a time of warm kindness, sympathy and understanding is ushered in.
Emotions and psychic inclinations are strong and feelings are vulnerable. It is easy to drift into a dream world as
Neptune makes people very impressionable. Check out the sign this aspect is in and how it relates to your
personal natal chart. When Moon is sextile or triune Neptune sensitivity opens the unconscious. Imagination is
strong and inspirational. When Moon is square or opposite Neptune self‐deceptions are easy. Difficult emotional
relationships and strong escapist tendencies emerge.
Pluto/Moon
When Moon is conjunct Pluto moods and impulses lead to new emotional foundations. With Moon
sextile or triune Pluto strong outbursts may be disruptive, but for the better. Moon square or opposite Pluto
Astrology Basics ©2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 13
means emotions are stifled. People are uneasy. Jealousy is likely. Secrets are revealed.
Sun/Moon
When Moon is conjunct Sun (New Moon) harmony, vitality and determination increase as well as
inclinations toward instinctual activities. Moon sextile or triune Sun imparts alignment of feelings and thinking.
Inner conflicts float away. Ambition ebbs as the feeling of contentment rides high. Harmony is everywhere. When
Moon is square Sun (First or Last Quarter) tensions and conflicts erupt between desires and emotions as people
struggle for fulfillment. Moon opposite Sun (Full Moon) means emotions, self‐confidence and energy can go to
extreme highs or lows as people crest on the waves of the preceding New Moon and the perspectives that have or
havenʹt developed through the first two lunar phases.
Moon Passing Through Houses
When the Moon passes through the Houses of the Zodiac there is an alteration of the energetic influences
upon the Earth.
Aries/Moon
When the Moon passes through Aries, ruled by Mars, people are highly enthusiastic. It is a period of
ambition and energetic activity. It is a good time for beginning projects and instigating change. Be aware that you
are acting impulsively at this time. Watch for temperamental flare‐ups and selfishness. With all this forceful
energy, it is important to be mindful of the rights of others. Aries, which rules the head, is known for its
headstrong behavior. While the Moon is in Aries be careful of injuries to the head.
Taurus/Moon
When Moon passes through Taurus, the angry ram transforms into a placid Bull. People will now be
more careful, leaning toward stubbornness in their views. There is a feeling that it is necessary to protect the
status quo or protect what one already has. The need for financial and material security is strong. While the Moon
is in Taurus take time to continue or finish projects already started. Venus rules Taurus so this would be a good
time to enjoy and appreciate the earthly beauty which surrounds us. Taurus rules the Throat.
Gemini/Moon
When Moon is in the dualistic sign of Gemini, we may never make up our minds. With the Gemini ease
of seeing both sides of everything we feel more adaptable, changeable and talkative. Gemini being ruled by
Mercury makes this a time for communication. It is a good time to write, take care of puzzling tasks, make
speeches, or just let ideas soar through the clouds. Intellectual pursuits and mind games may become more
prominent than practical concerns. People begin to feel restless and there is an inclination to rationalize emotions.
A spontaneous tongue may hastily express things which are only true for the moment. Gemini rules the lungs,
arms, hands, and nervous system.
Cancer/Moon
Since Cancer is ruled by the Moon, lunar influences are strongest and most easily expressed when
focused through Cancer. The Moon greatly influences the personality, the subconscious and the emotions, molds
the instinctual behavior. When the Moon is in Cancer, it is a time of intense emotions and great sensitivity with
people responding to life through emotions rather than reason. During this very vulnerable period be cautious to
avoid receiving or inflicting emotional wounds. Generally, people will be passive, easy‐going, sentimental, loving
and nurturing. This motherly expression of caring is often expressed with food and it is easy to overeat. Cancer
rules the breasts and stomach. Cancer is a nurturing sign and the most fertile sign of the Zodiac.
Leo/Moon
When Moon passes through Leo, people need romance, affection and recognition. The desire to be
admired and appreciated can be so strong that it may result in especially dramatic behavior. Leo is ruled by the
Sun making this a time of ambition, independence and leadership. People may refuse to recognize limitations.
The Moon in Leo is a time of enjoyment and warmth, time to show kindness and generosity to others. Leo rules
the heart and the upper spine.
Virgo/Moon
When Moon is in Virgo, like Gemini ruled by Mercury, it is a good time for intellectual pursuits, especially
those requiring critical detail rather than creativity. This is a good time for any matter requiring painstaking
attention. People may become shy and retiring and will tend to be discriminating, fastidious, and overly critical.
These influences lead to concern about food and health for Virgo rules the intestines and the powers of assimilation.
Astrology Basics ©2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 14
Many people feel the urge to clean up their homes at this time which is a good way to channel Virgo energy.
Libra/Moon
When the Moon is in Libra people have a strong sensitivity to and attraction for others. This comes from
the Libran search for harmony and balance, for Libra accentuates teamwork. It is a good time to form
partnerships of all natures. Libra is ruled by Venus which manifests as a friendly and tolerant nature and a desire
to beautify. It is an excellent time for artistic works of beauty or a social gathering, when the consciousness of self,
as expressed in the first six signs of the zodiac, becomes united with the awareness of the needs and desires of
others. Libra rules the kidneys and lower back.
Scorpio/Moon
When the Moon is in Scorpio, it brings out strong passions and desires. People often get aggressive,
critical, impatient and moody. There is a marked increase of intensity and a heightened sensitivity to personal
offenses and insults. Remember that Scorpio has a suspicious and secretive nature. Avoid social complications
and jealousy. Be careful while interacting with the opposite sex; however, it could be a good time for an intense
merging with another on a deep emotional level. Scorpio rules the generative system, organs of reproduction and
the lower spine. The Moon in Scorpio is a very bad time for surgical operations.
Sagittarius/Moon
When the Moon is in Sagittarius there is an idealistic feeling, or a sense of discontinuity, restlessness,
desire for adventures and sports, a love of change and motion, and the itch to travel. People will be warm and
friendly since Sagittarius is ruled by expansive Jupiter, but may also have a strong need for independence and
feel unable to endure restrictions. People will likely feel spontaneous, intuitive and prophetic, animated with a
tendency toward superficial enthusiasm. Here the Moon stimulates our aspirations for self‐improvement and
brings a philosophical influence. It is a good time for intellectual affairs, promoting ideas through publishing,
lecturing, or dealing with institutions of learning. Sagittarius rules the thighs and hips.
Capricorn/Moon
With the Moon in Capricorn the vibrations of Saturn are emphasized. This brings contraction following
Jupiterʹs expansive influence in Sagittarius. Itʹs a time of material ambition and work. Spiritual and intellectual interests
fall away. In the search for status and financial security, people might become insensitive, even unsympathetically
cruel, but from selfish necessity rather than animosity. The Saturn influence of Capricorn causes pessimism or negative
outlooks to creep in. While the Moon is in Capricorn, energy is generally sluggish. It is time to diligently apply
ourselves to tasks while living solely in the present. Capricorn rules the knees, teeth, bones and skin.
Aquarius/Moon
Moon in Aquarius is ruled by Uranus. While the Moon is in Aquarius, public affairs become more
important as there is an increased interest in the welfare of others in a social sense. People are very friendly but in an
impersonal manner. Uranus brings the desire for freedom and a love for the innovative and unconventional. People
are now operating from intellectual rather than emotional motivations and will be searching for the freedom to
express personal thoughts and uniqueness, and may be demanding the freedom to come and go without
restrictions. Aquarius rules the ankles, the circulation, the electrical forces in the body and the nervous system.
Pisces/Moon
Moon in Pisces is ruled by Neptune which brings an inclination toward psychic impressions. Imagination
is strong and there is a heightened sensitivity to music and other intangible forces. There are tendencies to be
emotional, spiritual, and self‐sacrificing, plus a developing impressionability which can give a feeling of being too
vulnerable, drifting into withdrawal for emotional protection. People may feel passive, sentimental, gentle, kind,
and cheerful, but too easily discouraged. Some people experience stirrings of vague memories or insights into the
spiritual meaning of current situations. Pisces rules the feet.
Natal Charts & Astrological Charts
The epitome of astrology is the horoscope, a “star‐map.” The main horoscope in a personʹs life is their
natal horoscope, the picture of the cosmos at the time of their birth from the point of view of the event. From this
horoscope all the predictions in a personʹs life during the changes of time will be made. The person receives an
ascendant, which is the rising sign on the horizon at the time of birth. They are also given a moon sign, the sign
the moon resides in at the time of birth and the Sun sign, which is the Astrological month of the birth. The Houses
and Signs are calculated from the Ascendant. Their harmony within the Houses, after being set from the personal
Astrology Basics ©2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 15
birth ascendant, will give meaning and texture to the personʹs life pattern. The Houses favorable to the person are
compared to the celestial arrangement of the Houses. Finding the natal Ascendant is easily done if the exact time
of birth is known; it is the rising Sign nearest that time. To demonstrate, an example of the natal chart for the
Astrology client follows: (this chart is another version of the same kind of chart you saw on page 4 of this course, just a
different layout and look, but same information. Charts can vary in their look and layout.)
Moon v/c entering Aquarius
Aquarius
Moon 14-38'
Capricorn
Uranus
Sun 12-9'
Neptune Pisces
Sagittarius Natal Chart for L. -
Mercury
Born: December 4, 2002
Pluto
Birth time: 3:23 am Moon out of Sagittarius
Moon void of course Sagittarius to Aquarius
Scorpio Mars Aries Sun in Sagittarius
Venus Ascendant: Gemini
Saturn
Virgo
Gemini
Jupiter
Ascendant
Leo Cancer
Jupiter SR 4:20 am
L. was born on December 4, 2002 on a day filled with a lot of celestial activity. The Moon is very busy, in
triune with a retrograde Jupiter and conjunct with Mercury and Pluto. Gemini is in the Ascendant. L. is going to
be a very intelligent communicator with intense passions for interests in life. A career in education, philosophy or
the arts is shown again and again. Jupiter goes retrograde near the birth time, however in triune it is still
strengthened, indicating wisdom, learning, and communication. Be careful for the first weeks of the childʹs life
when Jupiter retrograde can negatively affect individuals, perhaps in the extended families. This is also symbolic
of future struggle to attain wanted goals and conscious attitude in L.ʹs life, and the parentʹs upbringing.
Moon Sign is sextile Uranus, corresponding with Mercury and Pluto conjunct; L. has a lot of depth,
possible conflict between fiery and watery nature as indicated by Gemini in the Ascendant. L. should be kept
from harm’s way and even seeing violence for some time. Intense desirous nature, with trickster qualities of
Mercury, are possible. However, beyond this is a portent of wisdom, learning, employment in intellectual careers
such as Psychology, Philosophy, Sociology, Poetics or the arts, as indicated by Cancer. L.ʹs personal second
House, ruled by earthy Taurus and the personal ninth House, Aquarius, with Neptune and Uranus residing, also
demonstrate an emotional connection with learning and professions in teaching or science. Jupiter, lord of
expansion and gnosis, resides in L.ʹs third House, Leo. The future is in wisdom oriented communications,
utilizing the mutable fiery nature L. was born with.
L. is going to have a deep inquisitive personality. L. is going to be an expansive, life oriented person with
an old soul and deep sensitivity to the universe. Success and failures will largely come from within while aging.
Mom and Dad have to steer L. toward proper influences and away from negativity and she will blossom on her
own. Her emotional nature will be rebellious at times. Freedom is a must for Sagittarians, especially with the
double Sagittarius moon sign conjunct with both Pluto, a little bit dark, and Mercury. In conjunct, triune, and
sextile the planets seem to be positively empowered for L.
Pluto is particularly well dignified, yet Mars and Venus both in Scorpio is another warning for L. to keep
the possible temerity of the inner nature toward light intellectual careers for paid employment and deep
intellectual and psychological pursuit for ʺgreat work.ʺ The complete analysis of L’s natal chart is many pages
long, containing all the best color combinations, most likely favorite things, extensive charting of L. Houses
Astrology Basics ©2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 16
compared to the Celestial Pattern of the Houses, all of which kept pointing to the general reading just given. Since
L.ʹs birth she has proved to be a moody, super smart two year old who communicates far beyond her years. She
already is asking to study music and wants to attend preschool early.
Daily Horoscopes
Daily Horoscopes are simply the cosmic events that are happening in oneʹs personal sign for that day of
the year. A personal daily Horoscope will compare oneʹs natal charts to the astrological information for that day,
week, and month to give advice. Horoscopes similar to the natal chart can be cast for any plans, preparations, or
question directed toward the cosmos. The Horoscope is a celestial picture of the position of the heavenly bodies at
any given moment, and by correspondence is a picture of the outer energetic influences governing inner psychic
processes. This is sometimes called a Transition Chart, if specifically designed using the natal chart as a reference
point. Transition charts tell of shorter and more transitory events in life.
Progression Charts
A Progression Chart has to do with where all the stars are at now in your life and how they are affecting
your natal chart. The natal chart is used as a reference point, and the larger more profound events in life are here
explored. Progression charts can help with major decisions in life.
Chinese Astrology
Twelve‐Constellation Chinese astrology is used by millions worldwide, even today, and should be
mentioned as well. Chinese astrology developed simultaneously with Chaldean and Roman astrology and are
alike in that they use a personʹs birth date to chart the destiny of the individual. The Chinese zodiac is literally a
circle of animals, and isnʹt very mythological or cosmic at all. Chinese astrology looks to philosophy, the calendar,
the cosmos and the rhythms of nature for its interpretations and ideals. Its predictions and interpretations of
events are heavily mixed with a spiritual Buddhist‐Taoist flavor.
Manifestation of the Zodiac and Universe in Taoist Astrology
Wu -Chi
Tai-Chi
fire water
earth
wood metal
Astrology Basics ©2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 18
http://stevenlee.net
The Chinese Calendar Signs
Below is a longer chart for the years and elements. What is your sign? What is your element?
http://www.annabelburton.com
Astrology Basics ©2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 19
1919 Goat Earth 1 Feb 1919 19 Feb 1920
1920 Monkey Metal 20 Feb 1920 7 Feb 1921
1921 Rooster Metal 8 Feb 1921 27 Jan 1922
1922 Dog Water 28 Jan 1922 15 Feb 1923
1923 Pig Water 16 Feb 1923 4 Feb 1924
1924 Rat Wood 5 Feb 1924 23 Jan 1925
1925 Ox Wood 24 Jan 1925 12 Feb 1926
1926 Tiger Fire 13 Feb 1926 1 Feb 1927
1927 Rabbit Fire 2 Feb 1927 22 Jan 1928
1928 Dragon Earth 23 Jan 1928 9 Feb 1929
1929 Snake Earth 10 Feb 1929 29 Jan 1930
1930 Horse Metal 30 Jan 1930 16 Feb 1931
1931 Goat Metal 17 Feb 1931 5 Feb 1932
1932 Monkey Water 6 Feb 1932 25 Jan 1933
1933 Rooster Water 26 Jan 1933 13 Feb 1934
1934 Dog Wood 14 Feb 1934 3 Feb 1935
1935 Pig Wood 4 Feb 1935 23 Jan 1936
1936 Rat Fire 24 Jan 1936 10 Feb 1937
1937 Ox Fire 11 Feb 1937 30 Jan 1938
1938 Tiger Earth 31 Jan 1938 18 Feb 1939
1939 Rabbit Earth 19 Feb 1939 7 Feb 1940
1940 Dragon Metal 8 Feb 1940 26 Jan 1941
1941 Snake Metal 27 Jan 1941 14 Feb 1942
1942 Horse Water 15 Feb 1942 4 Feb 1943
1943 Goat Water 5 Feb 1943 24 Jan 1944
1944 Monkey Wood 25 Jan 1944 12 Feb 1945
1945 Rooster Wood 13 Feb 1945 1 Feb 1946
1946 Dog Fire 2 Feb 1946 21 Jan 1947
1947 Pig Fire 22 Jan 1947 9 Feb 1948
1948 Rat Earth 10 Feb 1948 28 Jan 1949
1949 Ox Earth 29 Jan 1949 16 Feb 1950
1950 Tiger Metal 17 Feb 1950 5 Feb 1951
1951 Rabbit Metal 6 Feb 1951 26 Jan 1952
1952 Dragon Water 27 Jan 1952 13 Feb 1953
1953 Snake Water 14 Feb 1953 2 Feb 1954
1954 Horse Wood 3 Feb 1954 23 Jan 1955
1955 Goat Wood 24 Jan 1955 11 Feb 1956
1956 Monkey Fire 12 Feb 1956 30 Jan 1957
1957 Rooster Fire 31 Jan 1957 17 Feb 1958
1958 Dog Earth 18 Feb 1958 7 Feb 1959
1959 Pig Earth 8 Feb 1959 27 Jan 1960
1960 Rat Metal 28 January 1960 14 February 1961
1961 Ox Metal 15 Feb 1961 4 Feb 1962
1962 Tiger Water 5 Feb 1962 24 Jan 1963
Astrology Basics ©2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 20
1963 Rabbit Water 25 Jan 1963 12 Feb 1964
1964 Dragon Wood 13 Feb 1964 1 Feb 1965
1965 Snake Wood 2 Feb 1965 20 Jan 1966
1966 Horse Fire 21 Jan 1966 8 Feb 1967
1967 Goat Fire 9 Feb 1967 29 Jan 1968
1968 Monkey Earth 30 Jan 1968 16 Feb 1969
1969 Rooster Earth 17 Feb 1969 5 Feb 1970
1970 Dog Metal 6 Feb 1970 26 Jan 1971
1971 Pig Metal 27 Jan 1971 14 Feb 1972
1972 Rat Water 15 Feb 1972 2 Feb 1973
1973 Ox Water 3 Feb 1973 22 Jan 1974
1974 Tiger Wood 23 Jan 1974 10 Feb 1975
1975 Rabbit Wood 11 Feb 1975 30 Jan 1976
1976 Dragon Fire 31 Jan 1976 17 Feb 1977
1977 Snake Fire 18 Feb 1977 6 Feb 1978
1978 Horse Earth 7 Feb 1978 27 Jan 1979
1979 Goat Earth 28 Jan 1979 15 Feb 1980
1980 Monkey Metal 16 Feb 1980 4 Feb 1981
1981 Rooster Metal 5 Feb 1981 24 Jan 1982
1982 Dog Water 25 Jan 1982 12 Feb 1983
1983 Pig Water 13 Feb 1983 1 Feb 1984
1984 Rat Wood 2 Feb 1984 19 Feb 1985
1985 Ox Wood 20 Feb 1985 8 Feb 1986
1986 Tiger Fire 9 Feb 1986 28 Jan 1987
1987 Rabbit Fire 29 Jan 1987 16 Feb 1988
1988 Dragon Earth 17 Feb 1988 5 Feb 1989
1989 Snake Earth 6 Feb 1989 26 Jan 1990
1990 Horse Metal 27 Jan 1990 14 Feb 1991
1991 Goat Metal 15 Feb 1991 3 Feb 1992
1992 Monkey Water 4 Feb 1992 22 Jan 1993
1993 Rooster Water 23 Jan 1993 9 Feb 1994
1994 Dog Wood 10 Feb 1994 30 Jan 1995
1995 Pig Wood 31 Jan 1995 18 Feb 1996
1996 Rat Fire 19 Feb 1996 6 Feb 1997
1997 Ox Fire 7 Feb 1997 27 Jan 1998
1998 Tiger Earth 28 Jan 1998 15 Feb 1999
1999 Rabbit Earth 16 Feb 1999 4 Feb 2000
2000 Dragon Metal 5 Feb 2000 24 Jan 2001
2001 Snake Metal 25 Jan 2001 12 Feb 2002
2002 Horse Water 25 Jan 2002 12 Feb 2003
2003 Goat Water 13 Feb 2003 1 Feb 2004
2004 Monkey Wood 2 Feb 2004 19 Feb 2005
2005 Rooster Wood 20 Feb 2005 8 Feb 2006
2006 Dog Fire 9 Feb 2006 28 Jan 2007
Astrology Basics ©2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 21
2007 Pig Fire 29 Jan 2007 16 Feb 2008
2008 Rat Earth 17 Feb 2008 5 Feb 2009
2009 Ox Earth 6 Feb 2009 26 Jan 2010
2010 Tiger Metal 27 Jan 2010 14 Feb 2011
2011 Rabbit Metal 15 Feb 2011 3 Feb 2012
2012 Dragon Water 4 Feb 2012 22 Jan 2013
2013 Snake Water 23 Jan 2013 9 Feb 2014
Rat
If you are born on a Rat year your good qualities include being idealistic, attractive, dynamic, charming,
skillful in your occupation, prosperous and open‐minded. People under the sign of the Rat are usually attractive,
loving, talented, communicative and community oriented. Because of these qualities you are a good business
person and politician. Rat’s negative qualities can include being defensive, addictive, overbearing in their views,
argumentative, picky and exploitative. Rat people can be extremely obsessive and possessive in their worst
moments. Traditions and lasting cultural symbols will have special powers and meanings for the Rat. As the Rat
person, you will be happy showing your outward identity in as many ways as you can. Symbols of yourself and
your interests will prove extremely powerful for you. Be as comfortable as possible in your identity, there you
will be secure and happy, feeling your own worth.
Legend has it that Buddha called together the twelve symbolic animals for a teaching of the Dharma. The
Rat showed up first, and as a reward for this Buddha gave him the starting position of the Chinese Zodiac.
Buddhaʹs attribution of the Rat plays out in the Rat quality of being oriented toward winning and leadership
positions. The Ratʹs ambition makes these people intense communicators, engaging friends and strangers alike,
with their own idiosyncrasies and whims, aphorisms and anecdotes. Rat people play intensely, work intensely,
love intensely and compete vigorously with everyone they meet. Rat people do best when they have an ample
audience in which they are the center of attention.
Sometimes the Rat personality can become overbearing, especially when another vies to control the
communication dynamic. A conversation with two alpha male Rat people in the room is to be avoided! Spectators
will be simultaneously annoyed and bored. Rat people are talkers, loving to speak about daily things wrought
with aphorisms of the small incidents of the past. The opinions of the rat are expressed openly and overtly to
anyone who will listen, as they can be slightly conflictual, yet intensely social and family oriented people.
Rat people will be directed toward huge amounts of activity and won’t back down, even at the advice of
others. They often will cause health risks to themselves after years of constant social and business activity. It is
rare to catch Rats sitting quietly; itʹs as if they do their daily planning and thinking while asleep, and are ready to
go the second they wake up. These people are constantly on the move from morning to evening. They will be
busybodies prone to drama, and often are overachievers. Rat people can become depressed if their incessant flow
of accomplishments is blocked by anyone or anything. Do not suggest that a Rat person relax and stop their
endeavors. If this person does stop activity, he or she will sulk and complain, driving everyone to distraction.
The Rat will never let anyone escape from past errors or guilt. The Rat will have people and reasons
responsible for blockages and their failures already neatly categorized in their heads along with the
corresponding judgments and grudges attributed to every wrong incident. In families Rats are very caring,
cherishing their families and lovers. They will be generous to their own, even to extremes. Rats esteem and
protect those they love; they take the necessary time to do so as well. They are good at giving undivided attention
or creating moments just to please those close to them. Even though people will be annoyed with the Rat person,
they are the best ones to have around on holidays.
The social nature of the seemingly self‐centered Rat can tend toward a fixation on the mundane as normal
or correct. Even though Rat‐speak can be tedious, they need an audience to feel accepted. When Rat people get
older they will talk to themselves, to invisible audiences, if the need isnʹt fulfilled in life. The Rat person will go
on and on about mundane things, lineage, family stories, and little events that make everyone else eventually
make for the door. The Rat person will not allow that though, manipulating the communication dynamic in order
to keep their captive audience. They can often use flattery in order to gain subtle or not so subtle dominance in a
conversation, and in fact will use this tactic in many situations. They often have trouble accepting a receptive or
Astrology Basics ©2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 22
non‐dominant position. In group company the seductive and equally aggressive Rat will take over the
communication dynamic in clever ways. When the Rat is forced to be out of the position of total control, at work
for example, they will be falsely polite and begrudgingly accept their position. The Rat is actually the boss in most
cases, however; as mentioned earlier, the Rat nature makes for perfect business sense. The almost tribal
instinctual regard for Ratʹs friends is coupled with an unmatched greed and need for dominance.
Rats are tight fisted and stingy to outsiders, yet to their families and those they consider friends they will
be very generous. Gifts can flow from a Rat who has achieved business success with one as a partner or is a
wealthy uncle. People are surprised at holiday time by the usually stingy Rat. You come home and your Rat
person mom has bought you a car unexpectedly. Rat person Dad calmly announces he will pay for your entire
school over dinner as if it is the smallest gesture. The Rat person is a good leader, especially in matters of wealth
or commerce, not just because of their greed and tenacity, but because they view helping people as personal
investments in a communal future in which everyone will be helped. Often Rat people can say gems of worldly
wisdom one would never expect from a person who is usually so mundane and even boring. The worldliness and
industriousness of the Rat is a powerful ally in todayʹs world. Rat people should always remember to give back a
little of what they get and never let personal greed or ambition make one too despotic. Their most powerful
qualities can be used for good or ill.
Water Buffalo (Ox)
If you are born on a Water Buffalo year, your best qualities will be patience, a contemplative nature,
confidence, and you should be industrious, eloquent, steady, steadfast and strong willed. The Water Buffaloʹs
negative qualities would be prejudice, tyranny, petty criticism, eccentricity, and on occasion violent qualities will
emerge. Blind faith, overweening pride, and bigotry are also dangers in the Water Buffalo personality.
The Chinese Water Buffalo is tough and strong without peer. They tend to classify everything they do
into completely dualistic categories of good and bad. They might suffer family and social problems because of
their over generalization of supposed good vs. evil. Water Buffalo people arenʹt the psychologists of the zodiac.
They need simple guidelines to operate within so their world makes sense. They crave equilibrium and security,
and socially that is the Water Buffaloʹs main function. They add an earthy stability to any organization they are
involved with. The Water Buffalo person usually won’t go past fundamentals; they donʹt regard nuance or shades
of meaning as important.
Often, the Water Buffalo person will be neurotically meticulous, constantly calculating the possible
results and coincidences long before they have ever approached a situation. The Water Buffalo will painstakingly
pick over every detail on every level of their lives. They will watch every move everyone around them makes.
Their judgments are overly simplistic, and in worst cases can be totally stereotypical and form bound. The Water
Buffalo person is just there, like a mountain, or something unmoving, unflinching and unafraid within the set
boundaries they have deemed morally and practically correct.
They are proficient in all their endeavors, competent in their work when it befits them, thorough and
annoyingly accurate. Water Buffalo people can seem very intelligent or very stupid, depending on if they are
fitted for the task they are given. In the right placement, the Water Buffalo will quickly become the best worker or
associate in the group. Their intelligence and stability will be directed toward workday affairs.
Any tasks involving security or information gathering should be given to the Water Buffalo. Terminus,
limitations, parameters, these are the Water Buffaloʹs forte. The only thing that Water Buffalo people are
frightened of is removing any of the boundaries they are comfortable with. They will use the sheer solidity of
their presence to attain their ends as well. The Water Buffalo will never work without contract or allow
themselves to be tricked by another seeking advantage. The Water Buffalo will work like a slave for those heʹs
loyal to, but only if he is treated like a king.
The Water Buffalo doesnʹt mind carrying the heaviest burdens for a friend or someone he trusts, nor of
repeating the same tired tasks again and again. However, it would be ignorant to attempt to trick a Water Buffalo,
because on their bad side they might destroy another person for perceived wrong doing. Water Buffalo people
will be slow to trust another, but when they do they will be loyal and empowering to the communal situation.
They will be protective and nurturing of any communal project. Those surrounding them will be guarded and
have a tangible feeling of safety. As friends and allies they will feel obligated to perform flawlessly, but it is good
advice to never humiliate or deceive a Water Buffalo person, as they will use their weight to crush enemies.
The Water Buffalo is good in his own eyes, even if he isnʹt in actuality. Concepts of righteousness and
Astrology Basics ©2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 23
work‐ethics will be important to them. They will consider themselves the basis on which to model trust in
friendships and relationships, for the most part this is true; the Water Buffalo person will be very trustworthy and
loyal. It is rare that a Water Buffalo person will plan out adultery or wrongful activities. They are usually
“innocent” in the broadest sense of that word.
The two Water Buffalo people Iʹve met have been a CPA and Shipping Clerk. If you are in partnership
with a Water Buffalo, let him do his work and get out of the way. Do your part and you can be assured he will do
his with proficiency and timeliness. The Water Buffalo is completely pattern and schedule oriented. They are
always on time and are good with repetitive work that takes cleanliness and organization. In family matters the
Water buffalo is organized and efficient. They teach their children well, but tend to create overly critical home
lives for them. The family schedule will be centered around meal times and traditional family values in accord
with Water Buffaloʹs personality. Appearance and schedule will be important to the Water Buffalo as a parent,
just as keeping your word and doing your duty will be crucial. The Water Buffalo is the person who gets things
done in a stable slowly building fashion that always pays off in the end.
Tiger
If you are born on a Tiger year some of your best qualities will be a loving nature, allure, warm‐hearted,
altruistic, very hard working, pleasant, dynamic and engaging. The negative qualities of the Tiger are moodiness,
recklessness, and Tiger could become ill tempered to the level of being caustic and explosive in situations. The
Tiger person is usually disobedient, has issues with authority, will be reckless and can be down right predatory.
A Chinese saying goes ʺbeware of catching the Tiger by the tail, for you will be the one who is truly caught.ʺ
The Tiger person possesses a charisma and aura that are not to be found with the other signs. There will
be a sense of instant trust and accessibility with a Tiger, a magnetic sense of attraction toward the Tigerʹs
seemingly exciting and carefree lifestyle. The Tiger will be the doer of grandiose creative projects, the leader or
motivating force behind many works. If youʹre ever bored or feeling down, go see the Tiger, his whole vibe will
empower and give cheer to whoever is around. Even going out for the night will become an adventure not to be
missed. The Tiger will seem contradictory and whole, truly comprehending all sides of the situation and
everyoneʹs separate viewpoint.
The flow of life is important to the Tiger. They usually wonʹt save money or plan for the future too
extensively, but rely instead upon reality to provide by some vague future means that the Tiger can sense from a
hundred miles away by some mysterious prognostication only they are aware of. The complex Tiger will be
genuinely gentle yet wrathful, wise yet rash, compassionate yet fearsome, courageous yet sensitive, and aware of
subtleties most wouldnʹt notice. Tigers are the essence of unpredictability, infamous for being hot, then cold, to
friends and family, being totally loving yet vengeful when provoked. They will see and know things in a person
with a glance that no one could ever guess.
Afraid of nothing, the Tiger charges around the world at a pace and with a rigor unmatched by any of the
other archetypal animals of the zodiac. No one can stop the Tiger and no one can really persuade or dissuade him
from anything once his mind is set. Tigers are strong to an extreme keeping an almost immortal pace that most
others wonʹt be able to keep up with. Tigers possess their strength out of a feeling of well being, a supreme sense
of the inner well‐spring of life from where all dynamic energy flows. There are soldiers as well as sages who have
been Tigers.
Tiger people will be very erratic and moody, which can make those around them insecure. The Tiger
usually doesnʹt regard social function or etiquette as important.
The Tiger likes being elusive and will seriously balk at any attempt to pin him down or categorize him in
any way; try to regulate him with law or limitation, and you may have just lost your Tiger friend forever. Tigers
are stoutly independent, resisting even the most minor criticism. In bad moods, Tigers will freak out at the
slightest advice. When Tiger people are put up against authoritarian limitation or censorship, they can be harsh,
even seemingly cruel. A defensive Tiger can destroy even the toughest opponentsʹ sense of self. Tigers cornered
in situations they are uncomfortable with can be crushingly belligerent. Tigers are more fierce and vengeful than
the dragon, and more strategically clever than Monkey, Horse, or Water Buffalo. The stoic solitary quality of
overcoming, and experiencing, being in its primacy is the realm of the Tiger, ready to pounce and tense with
energy, able to devour or destroy beneath a calm exterior, always watching, able to protect or deceive with total
unity of being. The Tiger will destroy an enemy, waiting in their jungle hideaway until the moment to pounce.
The Tiger equalizes all power struggles because ultimately he will win; even those who dominate him or trap him
Astrology Basics ©2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 24
ultimately will pay the price.
Most Tigers are noble, upright beings whose freewheeling lifestyle may get them into trouble, yet the
Tiger person will detest evil and avarice. The Tiger is the natural sage whereas the Dragon is the celestial sage.
The yogi and spiritual practitioner is often a Tiger. Some texts claim the historical Buddha, a warrior‐prince, was
born on a Tiger year, although this is debated by the various traditions.
There is a Chinese aphorism that having a Tiger person under the same roof protects one from all ghosts,
demons, thieves, and the negative qualities of the elements. Wang Bi, the compiler of one version of the I‐Ching,
tells two interesting aphorisms concerning the Tiger in this context. One is a wonderful story of how Tiger scared
away fire from destroying the forest and nearby villages. The other speaks of having a Tiger by the tail as an ally
only because the Tiger is cooperating with you, while to attempt to capture a Tiger by the tail as an enemy means
certain death. To have a Tiger as a loyal ally is utterly valuable, more than most people ever realize. The Tiger
truly does frighten all wicked spirits and people away. His presence assures safety to those he loves and
cherishes. It is not a defensive protection such as with Water Buffalo, but a kind of protection where defense isnʹt
necessary because the Tiger personʹs presence creates a field in which negativities donʹt want to enter.
Tigers are very extreme. A person will love or hate the Tiger, but almost never in between. Tigers can be
very invasive and overwrought about their living space, and those around them, so they are often difficult to deal
with. The possibly worst personality traits of the Tiger is ignorant risk taking in the face of danger that can turn a
simple wrong turn into an extended legal court case, or a small investment into an outrageous debt. The most
ideal form of this risk taking is the Tigerʹs ability to be self‐sacrificing for those he loves, expressed as courage and
protection.
Rabbit
If you were born on a Rabbit year your good qualities are sensitivity, tact, and discretion. Rabbit people
are often artists, poets, and scholarly types. The Rabbit person will be physically fit and intelligent, yet humble.
The bad qualities of a Rabbit person are snobbishness, and are unnecessarily pedantic when communicating.
They can also be blind, self‐righteous and condescending on bad days.
Rabbits are all about carefulness and discretion, almost always living quietly without too many
associations, scrutinizing the world and others’ emotions. The Rabbit is endlessly unsure of himself, even in the
wake of great success. The opinion of others in positions of social supremacy is extremely important to the Rabbit
person. Very habitual and home bound, the Rabbit will be intellectually adventurous, rather than literally take
any kind of risks.
The Rabbit is in his element most with a few personal friends or in an accepted community. Comfortable
at home, safe in the warm fur lined Rabbit hole, cleanliness and total order are important to the Rabbit person.
The Rabbitʹs orderly nature makes them conservative in life and politics, even to a level of fascism if thatʹs what it
takes to keep “order”. The Rabbit is a bit weak hearted when it comes to enforcing his views. Psychologically, a
lot of Rabbit people are conflicted, believing in opposite things simultaneously, more out of resignation than from
confusion. The Rabbit will be dogmatic and avoid any conflict, especially when uncomfortable truths are spoken.
There can be a denial aspect in the Rabbitʹs personality that resists accepting the violence of life, or disorder. This
mentality agrees with labeling people in different categories and positions in a social machine. The Rabbit
actually feels more comfortable in that situation, whereas for a Tiger, for example, it would be a living hell.
Messiness and disorder are enemies to the Rabbit. Any condition of entropy scares Rabbits, so they will
be meddlesome socially, always thinking they know how to set things right. Subtlety is also a no‐no for the Rabbit
person; everything should be stated and downright contractual if the Rabbit has his way. This orderliness gives
the Rabbit definite neurotic patterns in which “uncomfortable” or conflict causing thoughts and expressions are
not communicated. The Rabbit person is a terrible messenger because they will actually leave out information
that one may need to know, yet they feel is too controversial or conflictual in the situation the unsaid details refer
to. Rabbits dodge all conflict as much as possible, completely self‐absorbed in their own sufferings and
tribulations. This makes them of no use when real help or support is needed because they are too cowardly to put
themselves out there and take a risk. The Rabbit will always tell everyone else to do the errands, take the risk, to
go for it, but then will retreat into their own security without doing anything themselves. They will throw out big
ideas, yet when it comes time to act, they wonʹt. All the Rabbitʹs grandiose plans never occur; plans are just a
momentary pastime without sincerity to the Rabbit.
The Rabbit person will often be quite intellectual or pedantic, cultivating their minds and gathering
Astrology Basics ©2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 25
knowledge, willing to go at length in any subjects that they are interested in. A lot of the time there are non‐
intellectual aspects to the Rabbitʹs personality that he is deep down aware of, adding a defensiveness and
shiftiness to the Rabbit. Donʹt ever contradict or disagree with Rabbits, especially in one of those subjects they
pride themselves on knowing, or youʹll wind up in a four hour conversation about something you could care less
about. The intellectual quality of the Rabbit is boring and often overwhelming, so most people usually decline to
debate or argue with a Rabbit person.
The Rabbit also seems to revel in sorrow and neurosis. Constant conversational reminders of the woe,
dread, and injustice in life will come from the Rabbit person. They will constantly talk about peopleʹs bad
qualities and all the terrors of the evening news, whether you want them to or not. A Rabbit person can also be a
bit of a backstabber; their non‐confrontational nature will often lead them to being two faced, very critical of
someone behind their back then will go out to dinner with them the same night after crucifying them socially just
an hour before. The cowardly yet arrogant quality of the Rabbit may be the worst the Rabbit has to offer. Coupled
with the dogmatism of their nature, this often gives their traditions and views a stale unreal quality. There is a
strange hypocrisy to the Rabbit person in their simultaneously opinionated, yet cowardly nature. They are good
people, but can actually be more dangerous in their pedantic folly then a Tiger is in his wrath.
There is the appearance of order and stability, but it is easily overridden by fear. There is a Chinese
aphorism which says, ʺThe cowardly Rabbit in his folly is more dangerous to the sage than the Tiger in all his
righteous rage.ʺ What this means is that folly and cowardice play into the hands of evil even more than anger.
Those who truly hate use folly and cowardice, in order to control people and falsely rule the world. The saying
addresses the superior dignity of those who would keep their word and have the self‐confidence to even go
against the social norm when it is perceived as wrong, than the coward who always does what he should, yet
harbors a negativity and malice toward all of humanity in his heart. This negativity has a way of emerging at all
the wrong times.
From the strategic standpoint of the Tiger the Rabbit is of no use, except to keep records at some
extension office unrelated to any main workings of any project. To the Dragon the Rabbit is there to write down
the songs, poems and teachings the Dragons bring from on high. For a Rabbit person, the biggest challenge is to
overcome a skittish nature, which can ruin friendships and families. Their insistence upon social etiquette can
make them pleasant to be around for social occasions or things like shopping, however only Rabbits should move
together in any deeper associations. Rabbits, because of being mainly non‐conflictual, can get along with all the
other signs, although most of the other signs intuitively disregard deep lasting relationships with the Rabbit at
the same time.
Dragon
If you are born in a Dragon year you will possess the positive qualities of charm, charisma, magnanimity,
intelligence, discrimination, spirituality, awareness, health, vibrancy of body and spirit, and love. Your dark
qualities are defensiveness, egocentrism, pushiness, demandingness, sentimentality, ruthlessness, foolishness,
and youʹre sometimes overly willful and arrogant. The Dragon is the charisma in the room; people will notice the
Dragon person without them having to do anything. The Dragon person will always, very naturally, be the leader
in any given situation.
Dragons talk big, live big, and actually succeed. Dragons never are “just talk” or idle boasters. They
succeed and do exactly what they say they were going to do. Dragon people are hugely successful in their fields,
which can be varied. Whatever they put their minds toward they attain. Others will perceive the Dragon as
arrogant and aggressive, fearless and without doubt. They also will see the Dragon as wise and brave, possessing
keen intelligence and discernment. Usually the Dragon is in a profession that requires intelligence and wisdom on
many levels. The Dragonʹs unending lust for life and endless ambition is admirable. Even enemies of the Dragon
person will respect the Dragon qualities. The Dragon person is usually in the leadership position at work and is
apt to philosophical and military speculation.
Socially, the Dragon is often the professor or inventor, spiritualist or philosopher. They are also the kings
and wealthy ones of the earth, imposing their will with a totalitarian yet paradoxically gentle approach. Beings
will automatically follow the word of the Dragon person without even knowing why. Perhaps the Dragonʹs
magnetism toward wealth, prestige and social rank attracts others to him, or perhaps it is the cosmic sense of
timing with which the Dragon moves. Over Dragon, no one truly rules or can order around. No matter what the
situation, the Dragon already somehow knows everyone elseʹs weaknesses, likes, and dislikes. They are great
Astrology Basics ©2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 26
leaders because they share the bounties of success with their workers and inferiors. Even when a Dragon person
is in an inferior social position they will end up running the show, including subtly telling their bosses what to do
and helping fellow employees with an unsaid influence over their superiors. It is always rewarding to do good
work for a Dragon; one is aptly rewarded and given full compensation for their efforts.
Dragons can be extremely vain however, mistaking superficialities for real qualities. Wealth and social
position can often influence an otherwise wise Dragon toward a mistaken path. An overly ambitious Dragon can
be ruthless to the extreme, overriding all counsel with an overwhelming drive toward their goal. This can
increase the Dragonʹs negative qualities. Normally, the Dragon is usually the life‐saver in bad circumstances, the
one who will help out in the shortest notice. The seeming arrogance of the Dragon is a cover for true compassion
and altruism that they express through their leadership. They are also the first to bail a friend out of trouble or
give a loan to a friend in need.
Dragon person, make sure you remember to tone down your arrogance when dealing with others . If you
are in a relationship with a Dragon give the Dragon a little room when they annoy you; they will be the last to
recognize their conceit and pushiness. A trait Dragons have is a denial of negative actions; they will have every
justification and reason for everything they say and do, never able to make a mistake in their own eyes. The worst
quality of a Dragon person is this denial. They sometimes wonʹt even know whatʹs going on, yet they act as if
they rule the world. The other signs usually find this the most annoying quality of the Dragon.. As a Dragon
personʹs friend donʹt try to point out any of their problems; they will think you are only being mean without
regard to how they come off originally. The Dragon has a very idealistic view that makes them forget or ignore
their own negative traits. The Dragon personʹs utopian leanings will sometimes replace reality when they are
faced with problems they donʹt want to admit.
The Dragon is a person who has integrated spiritual enlightenment with their regular personality. In the
I‐Ching, Book of Changes, Heavenʹs primal lines are depicted as Dragons riding the heavens, assuring the sage
that a pack of Dragons is the most powerful force on Earth in all matters of Earth, Heaven, and amongst man. The
Dragon is the emperor, the Tiger the general and the Rabbit the minister. A group of Dragons without a leader
will create vast projects of a grand nature. A group of Dragon people working together can achieve anything.
This is the primal arrangement of Heaven, the Dragon person being the key to channeling the primordial Tao.
Snake
If you are born on a Snake year you are friendly, compassionate, passionate, intuitive, sexual, sensual,
amusing, beautiful, discreet, and able to work with others. The negative qualities of the Snake are self‐
righteousness and pessimism. The Snake can also be very judgmental, clinging, haughty, and sexually obsessed.
The main quality of the Snake personality is seduction. Snake people will have people love them due to
their sexual presence and overwhelming beauty. The Snake, as an archetype, is always the tempter and the
emblem of lifeʹs cyclic nature. There is no malicious quality, for the Snake person usually canʹt stop themselves
from tempting and seducing. They live for the attention of the social group and the sexual attention from
whomever they have deemed as lovely as themselves. They are extremely self‐absorbed, yet in this create a
presence of beauty that most others enjoy. The Snake person will usually love themselves, taking care of their
bodies diligently out of this enormous self‐love. They will dress perfectly and appropriately for every occasion.
The downfalls of the Snake are sexual obsession and lying. In China, the Snake person is thought to be a
liar and it is unfortunate to be born on a Snake year. Snake people can even be pathological liars, weaving mythic
spells through the minds of their listeners, appearing to be whatever the people in the conversation want them to
be. The Snake can be ingeniously deceptive, creating multiple layers of falsehood that when their lying is
discovered, the truth still isnʹt revealed. The Snake woman in particular is an adulteress. This lying quality is the
worst in Snakes because it usually becomes pathological if the Snake person faces failure or rejection. The Snake
will deceive so much they themselves believe their own untruths, which is psychologically dangerous. They can
become sex and drug addicts in the worst case scenario; completely given over to the vanity of debauchery and
boasting, usually over things that are fabrications.
Obviously this oversexed, not completely genuine personality doesnʹt fare that well in society, unless the
Snake is a very wealthy person to begin with. With money, the Snake will gladly spend a fortune on expensive
jewelry, then be unable to pay the hundred dollar phone bill. They will be generous with family and friends, yet
careful not to give to many others. Most of their focus will go toward self accessorizing and personal beauty.
Overall, they are greedy enough about money to keep it, even though they will lavishly spend on vanities and
Astrology Basics ©2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 27
creature comforts.
Comfort, repetitive daily routines and traditions are also a must for the Snake person. They will sacrifice
most everything else in their lives in order to keep their sense of security, even their notorious passion. In chaotic
and disruptive circumstances the Snake will go crazy. As Snakes grow older, they will regard this comfort as
more and more important to themselves. After the Snake’s seductiveness and beauty fade with age, this sense of
security and usually accomplishment in life become the aged Snakeʹs main focus, rather than seduction and
acceptance due to the glamour of oneʹs being.
Horse
If you are born on a Horse year your most positive qualities are that you are productive, amusing, warm‐
hearted, talented, agreeable, generous, sociable, self‐reliant, logical, and persuasive. The Horse personʹs negative
qualities are his defiant nature, condescension, being overly opportunistic and having the problem of being too
obtuse. The overriding personality trait of the Horse person is self concern. They are utterly self‐reliant and
autonomous in their own lives.
The Chinese say that a piebald Horse is the most powerful force in the universe when they set their
strong independent mind to a task, even more influential than the Dragon. In Chinese Astrology, Horse people
are said to move out at a young age and usually go into the work or political world quite young. In China, the
Horse quality of independence is so wrapped up with the sign, Horse babies are seen as misfortunate because
they cause so many disruptions to family life and sanctity later in life. The Horse childʹs need for early
independence is usually viewed as a curse in China because of their cultureʹs insistence on family unity and the
parental authoritarian order of the society.
The Horse is usually successful due to his headstrong personality, yet will always have feelings of not
fitting in. During the Horseʹs life, he will usually disregard family and friends for his own solitary freedom, often
closing himself off from convention and the support of his community. The competitive nature of the Horse
makes them successful in society, if not in the family.
They have the strange quality of seeming totally dignified, then blurting out the completely wrong thing
at the wrong time. They can be rude and even obnoxious with their social folly. A Horse person must always
remember this trait and remedy it in social situations because for the Horse person it is the primary source of any
trouble they may have. The Horse will often have trouble knowing how to behave in social situations, yet will be
brilliant public speakers and amazing at persuading anyone to do anything.
They are incredibly strong with a mind toward progressing in their endeavors. There is a powerful inner
drive for the Horse to succeed. He will deeply believe and support the causes he is working for. It is difficult to
find a superficial Horse. Although they will always think they are right, they actually are good listeners and
people to get practical advice from. Their advice usually tends toward “tough love.” They basically tell one to
toughen up and be strong in the situation.
The Horse person only likes those who are self‐reliant, tough and assured in themselves. Those are the
qualities the Horse person respects. They will choose solid, stable careers rather than anything risky. Through
stable effort and ambition they ascend to successful heights in their chosen professions; as workers and craftsmen
they are unstoppable. The Horse will be a hands‐on learner who ascends through the ranks proficiently and
steadily in any endeavor.
Goat (Sheep)
These are creative, elegant and charming people who need a lot of time alone to daydream and be in their
own minds. People born in a Goat year make great artisans and craftspeople. They enjoy learning about the
esoteric and the unknown. This mind needs full range of freedom and may not be very well organized. They are
not very materialistic, finding plenty of riches in their own imagination. Goats often feel insecure and have a
great need to feel loved and admired. Goats may have a hard time with romance because they are sensitive and
constantly worry but they have a sweet and caring nature. During conflict, goats often pull away. They refuse to
take an unpopular stand in adverse situations. Goats can be great communicators expressing their needs. They
will certainly return any favors and enjoy giving lavish gifts. Appearances are important to the goat and they can
spend hours in front of the mirror. The most compatible match for a goat is the pig or rabbit.
Monkey
The monkey is the original party animal. They are fun, cheerful, charming and energetic. They are clever
and creative. They crave activity and stimulation and know how to have a good time. Monkeys swing from one
Astrology Basics ©2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 28
group of friends to another, attracting quite a crew along the way. They are considered celebrities in their circle.
Their charm and luck will bring them success. Monkeys also make good listeners, deal with challenging
situations easily and are good problem solvers. People born under this sign pursue their own pleasure first. They
can hide their opinions behind their friendliness but never their emotions. They are carefree and sometimes this
leads to accidents and hurt feelings. They make fun and exciting lovers and may stray romantically. Monkeys
really don’t care what others may think of their carefree attitudes. They like to try everything once. They may
have limited self‐control regarding food, alcohol and other temptations. This sign does have the capacity to show
remorse after seeing that their actions may have caused some harm. The Monkey’s challenge is to think of others
ahead of themselves. The most compatible match for the Monkey is the Rat or the Dragon.
Rooster
People born under this sign are quick & practical thinkers. They are resourceful and prefer not to
undertake unproven risky behaviors. Roosters are extremely observant and seem to have eyes in the back of their
heads. It is not easy to fool the Rooster, they have a cautious and skeptical mind. They are multi‐talented and
great at anything that requires close attention to detail and analysis. People of this sign make great lawyers,
doctors, psychiatrists, detectives and accountants. They are very straightforward and do not hide behind a façade.
They tell the truth and keep their word. Roosters are perfectionists and expect to be in control, especially over
their appearance. They enjoy being out on the town with adoring friends. They like to be noticed and flattered.
Roosters also expect to be in control of their environment including keeping a neat home and expecting the
people around them to maintain the same high level of standards. The Rooster needs the right partner who
understands the Rooster’s conservative nature. The Rooster can be the most loyal and supportive partner who
bends over backwards to please its loved ones. This may make some signs feel hen‐pecked. Roosters need to learn
the value of their heart and soul. A good philosophy for them to learn is, “live and let live.” The most compatible
match for a Rooster is the Ox or the Snake.
Dog
Dogs are loyal, sincere, faithful and honest. They stick to their code of ethics of right and wrong. This sign
has trouble trusting others. The Dog is a wonderful friend and an excellent listener and will never let you down.
The Dog’s philosophy is, “live right, look out for the little people and fight injustice whenever possible.”
Sometimes the Dog can be narrow‐minded or stubborn and even judgmental and defensive. When important
issues are on the table the Dog may have difficulties staying calm and centered. Often the Dog needs to be alone
in order to recuperate from any temperamental mood swings or emotional distress. The Dog has a lot of irrational
fears and anxieties that turn into hurt feelings. The Dog is a sensitive sign that needs to warm up to others over
time and slowly learn to build trust as a foundation. Dogs have a tough time finding a partner. They can stress
out their partner with their anxiousness. Dogs can also be generous, honest and straightforward in a relationship.
This sign may be an excellent business person. The Dog needs to stay physically active, constructing something
new or cleaning, making something better. Dogs need to work on controlling their irrational worries and to relax
their high standards. The most compatible match for a Dog is the Tiger or the Horse.
Pig
The Pig may be the most generous and honorable sign if the zodiac. They are sincere, caring and tolerant.
They have perfect manners and good taste. They want to do everything right and can be too nice and the most
loving people you know. They believe all people are basically good. Just don’t impose your opinion on a Pig.
Some may see them as snobs because of their perfectionist behaviors. They have a truly luxurious nature of fine
delights and riches. Pigs believe in the best of human qualities and don’t consider themselves superior. They
deeply care about friends and family and work hard, finding pleasure to help keep everyone happy. Pigs make
great companions. They may allow themselves to be taken advantage of but will respond by striking back when
crossed. They are very smart and studious, with a strong thirst for knowledge. They love to spend time relaxing
and enjoying the good life. Pigs make great life partners but can be possessive and jealous. They choose to spend
time with those who will appreciate them the most. They need to learn that there’s more to life than being
needed. They will truly bloom when they open their world to a more diverse group of people. The most
compatible match for a Pig is the Rabbit or the Goat.
Astrology Basics ©2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 29
Conclusion
The ancient world viewed the human being as an integrated whole, as a functioning microcosm, little
world, of the greater macrocosmic universe. The study of the heavens led to the conclusion that man and woman
reflect the heavens by analogy. Astrology gave rise to astronomy and psychology. Humans studied the data of
the heavens, yet considered this applicable to the individual mind of the human being. The ancients believed that
our internal organs corresponded to the planets and signs of the zodiac, a tenet which remains in modern
astrology even today. Healers can thus diagnose illnesses on an astrological basis and prescribe herbs associated
with the corrective planetary activity to heal their patients. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine said that a
doctor who didnʹt use astrology to aid in diagnosis and choice of remedy was more fool than physician.
Understood correctly, astrology grants a depth of awareness concerning self and others, the society and universe
we live in, and celestial influences that can lead to all sorts of beneficial activities for the enrichment of life.
Bibliography, Recommended Reading
Astrology: History, Symbols, And Signs (1989) by Solange de Maily Nesle
The Astrologerʹs Handbook by Sakoan and Acker (Harper and Row, 1977)
Moonʹs Astrological Guide for the New Millenium (Starlight Press, 1991)
Agnes Nutterichʹs Astrology for the Goddess (Magic Press 1993)
God Herself, by Geraldine Thorsten (Doubleday, 1980)
Sefer Yetzirah, translated by Ari Kaplan (Weiser, 1997)
Taoist Astrology by Chein Wu‐Wei (Dragon Works, 1996)
The Dictionary of Angels by Gustav Davidson (Free Press, 1967)
Astrology Basics ©2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 30
Astrology Exam Questions
Name Phone #
Address
(Please supply name, phone #, and address as identifying factors for giving credit properly)
1. Astrology came about from ancient humanity’s observation that cosmological events in the heavens correlated
with earthly cycles. T F
2. Where was the origin of the symbols of western astrology?
A. Iraq B. Egypt C. Greece D. Rome
3. In most ancient cultures, the Sun and Moon were regarded as emblems of the primordial divine father‐mother
couple that birthed humanity. T F
4. How many houses are there in astrology?
A. 15 B. 46 C. 12 D. 18
5. Aspects are the relationship between the planets according to what angle they are to one another during a
given period of time. T F
6. The twelve signs are divided into five Elemental Natures: fire, water, air, earth, and ether. T F
7. The three qualities in astrology are:
A. blue, green, and red B. inner, outer, and upper C. cardinal, fixed and mutable
8. Scorpio is a fixed sign. T F
9. Libras can be romantic and easygoing, but also indecisive and frivolous. T F
10. Planets are the focal points of what kind of energy?
A. electro‐magnetic B. kinetic C. universal D. nuclear
11. The positive energetic planets are the sun, the moon, Saturn, and Pluto. T F
12. The negative energetic planets are the moon, Venus, Saturn, and Neptune. T F
13. The Moon’s aspects are the most affecting of people over all the other celestial bodies. T F
14. Venus is NOT associated with the power of love, the power of attraction and cohesion, and the power of quiet,
gentle persuasion. T F
15. One quality of the waning moon is the beginning of new projects whereas one quality of the waxing moon is
conscious growth. T F
16. The Ascendant in a natal chart is the rising sign on the horizon at the time of birth T F
17. The Chinese year is flexible and begins at varied dates each year. T F
18. If you are a rooster, you are a slow and non‐practical thinker. T F
Astrology Basics ©2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 31