Aspects

The angular relationships between the planets in a horoscope, measured as angles within the ecliptic circle, are termed “aspects”. Usually this includes angles to the ascendant and MC. Only certain angular relationships are regarded as aspects, and these are said to have intrinsic qualities – they are said to be “harmonic”, “dynamic” or “neutral”. These relationships influence how the planets work together. There is also a certain amount of “play”, which means that an aspect is said to “work” or be operative within a few degrees either way of being exact. This margin of “play” is defined by the orbs. (see below) 

Here are some of the major aspects:

Conjunction - 0° 

The conjunction tends to be a harmonious aspect. Its quality depends greatly on the planets involved, as well as on how close the aspect is. For example, a conjunction between the Sun and Mercury is generally regarded as harmonious. If, however, the distance between them is less than a few degrees, Mercury is said to be “burnt” or “in combustion”, with corresponding results. In general, the conjunction shows an immediate connection which usually works in one way or another.

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Opposition - 180°

Although the opposition is generally regarded as “disharmonious” or dynamic, it often has quite a motivating and energizing effect. Here too, the quality of the aspect depends on the planets involved, and on what one makes of it. On the whole, an opposition between two planets creates tension between them, often with positive results. 

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Square - 90°

The square is regarded as a disharmonious aspect, the planets involved seem to be “blocked”. The problems that arise from the square keep on turning up, like a bad penny. The difficulty lies in trying to reconcile two forces that are trying to move in completely different directions. Usually this takes the form of desires and needs which are mutually exclusive. 

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Trine - 120°

The trine is a harmonious aspect, the planets involved work together in a complementary fashion, enriching one another. Trines show where our natural talents lie, whether we actually make use of them or not is up to us. 

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Sextil - 60°

The sextile tends to have a harmonious effect, depending of course on the planets involved. 

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Minor Aspects

Besides the major aspects mentioned above, there are also quite a number of “minor aspects”. Most of these are subdivisions of the major aspects. The minor aspects add depth and detail to the general picture. The orbs permitted for the minor aspects are much smaller than those used for the major aspects. (see table below) 
The most common minor aspects are:

Semisquare - 45°, disharmonious 

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Sesquisquare - 135°, disharmonious 

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Semisextil - 30°, neutral

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Quincunx or Inconjunct - 150°, neutral

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Quintile - 72°, harmonious 

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Biquintil - 144°, harmonious

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Orbs

Orbs for  Astrodienst chart drawing type 2.A 

Orbs for chart drawing type 2.AT, 2.GW or 2.GR. These orbs are used by Liz Greene, and used in our web server as default setting.

Houses

1st House (Ascendant) – The individual personality 

Together with the Sun and Moon the ascendant is one of the most important single factors in a horoscope. The sign at the beginning of the first house tells us a lot about someone's personality, temperament and constitution. It typifies our immediate, instinctive reaction and shows how we present ourselves to the world. The planet ruling the ascendant sign is of particular importance for the interpretation. 

2nd House – Values and Possessions 

The second house and its occupants tell us about the material circumstances, the acquisitive urge and how we deal with possessions and material means. This includes the relationship to our own body. 

3rd House – Communication 

The third house and any planets occupying it tell us of our siblings, the manner in which we communicate on an everyday level and the relationships which determine our daily life. 

4th House – Roots and Origins 

This house describes our origins, the parental home and the circumstances influencing childhood and youth. It describes how we relate to “family”, our attitude towards “hearth and home”. The father image and the relationship to the real father are also to be found here. 

5th House – Pleasure and Creativity 

Sexuality and eroticism are at home here, along with play in general and all types of creative expression. This house also describes how we relate to children, pleasure and simple fun. 

6th House – Work and Routine

The sixth house describes the circumstances surrounding us in our daily lives, including the work environment and daily routine. This includes our behaviour towards subordinates. Bodily hygiene and care also belong here, as well as tendencies to certain acquired illnesses. 

7th House – Relating 

The descendant sign and planets occupying the seventh house tell us about how we select our partners and describes the partnerships and relationships we seek. Often we are involuntarily attracted to people whose horoscopes carry a strong emphasis of the sign in our seventh house. 

8th House – Loss and Common Property 

The eighth house shows how we relate to communal goods and how we deal with material loss. The taxes levied on us each year are a good example for this and show how closely related these areas are. Traditional astrology maintains that this house has an affinity to death and all things metaphysical. Death would then be the ultimate material loss. Amongst other things, the study of metaphysics can be a very differentiated way of dealing with this loss, which inevitably comes to us all. 

9th House – Philosophies and Far Countries 

The ninth house describes our spiritual leaning, life philosophy and our world view. In fact, these are often influenced by journeys to foreign countries. The attitudes cultivated and formed in this house can greatly influence matters of the 10th. (see below)

10th House (MC) – Occupation and Calling 

This house is of particular importance, since it affects not only our choice of profession and our sense of calling - it also has a bearing on our general development, what we become. This continues throughout our lives. According to tradition, as well as more recent experience, this house describes the mother image and the relationship to the real mother.

11th House – Friends and Acquaintances 

The eleventh house describes how we relate to friends, benefactors and teachers - people who wish us well or from whom we can learn. It also shows us in these roles. This house shows how we relate to the society in which we live. 

12th House – Beyond the Personal 

This house represents those spheres of life in which the individual no longer plays a part, where we step back for a greater whole or lose ourselves in one. Traditional astrology sees hospitals, prisons and psychiatric institutions in this house. It is also associated with monasteries and any other retreats. 

The House System

As we mentioned earlier, the astrological houses show us which spheres or aspects of life receive more weight than others in a horoscope. Each astrological house stands for a particular sphere. The house division of a horoscope varies from person to person, since it is calculated according to the exact time of birth and the geographic position of the place of birth. 
The horoscope is divided by two axes into the eastern and western hemispheres as well as into the day and night hemispheres. The four points of intersection of these two axes with the ecliptic determine the house division of the horoscope. This is usually based on a further division of each of the four quadrants by three. There are various mathematical models according to which the houses are calculated. Consequently there is quite a long list of differing house systems (Placidus, Regiomontanus, Equal, Vehlow, etc.). Most of these differ only in the method of calculation used to divide the quadrants. 
The transition from one house to another is not as clear as the change from one sign to another. Planets occupying a position near the end of a house are often interpreted as belonging to the next.

The Horizon

Ascendant and Descendant 

The individual and his complement 

This axis, which divides the horoscope into an 'upper' (day-side) and a 'lower' (night-side) half, represents the local horizon at the time of birth. That point at which the eastern horizon intersects the ecliptic is termed the ascendant. It is the beginning or cusp of the first house. In opposition to it, on the cusp of the seventh house, we find the descendant. We will discuss the interpretation of the houses on the following pages. Planets found near the ascendant at the moment of birth are rising, or have just risen, while planets close to the descendant are setting.

The Meridian – A Vertical Division

Imum Coeli and Medium Coeli

Origins and orientation

The second important axis in house division is the meridian. This divides the horoscope into an eastern (on the left of the chart) and a western (on the right of the chart) half. The uppermost point of intersection of this axis with the ecliptic is called the Medium Coeli (MC) or midheaven, the lower point (situated under the horizon) is termed the Imum Coeli (IC). Planets close to the MC occupy the highest possible place in the heavens at the time of birth, while planets near the IC are so to speak under our feet on the other side of the earth. 

The Signs

Each of the 12 astrological signs belongs to a certain element in one of its states. This gives us twelve quite different basic types. These varying qualities provide the “backdrop” to the planetary positions. As each horoscope has different planets in different signs, there can never be a “pure” Aries or a “pure” Gemini. Each horoscope is a highly individual, very complex and usually also very varied combination of parts. In order to understand the signs, we must take into account the typical expressions of the elements, as well as the characteristics belonging to the planets associated with the signs.

Aries

Cardinal fire; ruled by Mars 
Willpower, impulsive, initiative, courage, energy, activity 
Often rushes headlong into things

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The ram is used to describe the sign of Aries because it is always full of energy and life, always on the move, and always looking for a challenge. A typical Aries person is usually full of vitality and courage. He enjoys challenge, and can often be found excelling at sports and other competitive games. He will try anything if there is a chance to win. Many people who have the Sun in Aries, or perhaps some of the other planets in Aries, are natural leaders. They have plenty of new, creative ideas. They may get impatient when they must follow a routine, or do what they think are boring things. The Aries person does not like being told what to do. He likes to make his own way in life. Aries belongs to a group of Zodiac signs which astrologers call fire signs. By this they mean that people born under these signs remind them of a warm, bright, crackling fire. They have a fiery, impulsive quality. They tend to be outgoing and sometimes have hot tempers, but they forgive easily as well. They are optimistic and rarely remain sad for long. Leo and Sagittarius are also fire signs. If you are an Aries think how good you feel when you are first at something, and when you can invent new ideas or activities which your friends enjoy. Excerpt from "First steps in Astrology" by Liz Greene, 1977

Taurus

Fixed earth; ruled by Venus 
Sensual, pleasure-seeker, steadfast, strives for security 
Sees red when provoked for a long time

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The bull is used to describe the sign of Taurus because he usually is plodding and peaceful in his movements. He is deliberate and relaxed and enjoys his food. A typical Taurus person likes comfort, and is willing to work hard for the things that make him happy. Like a bull he does not easily lose his temper, but when he does get angry it is best to stay out of his way! The most important thing to Taurus is stability. Many Taurus people love beautiful things. They may also love the land, and be happiest in the country. Some Taurus people have fine voices and a talent for music, or they may be good at sculpture or woodwork. Others are practical and can be excellent accountants or bookkeepers. But sometimes Taurus people take a long time to decide what they are best at, because this is a patient sign and Taurus people are in no hurry. Taurus belongs to a group of signs which astrologers call earth signs. By this they mean that Taurus people have a solid, reliable quality which reminds them of the earth itself. Virgo and Capricorn are also earth signs. If you are a Taurus your special gifts are your reliability, and your ability to bring peace and stability into other people's lives. Excerpt from "First steps in Astrology" by Liz Greene, 1977

Gemini

Mutable air; ruled by Mercury 
Mental type, witty, communicative, mobile, takes pleasure in learning. Rarely touches down

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The twins are used to describe the sign of Gemini because typical Gemini people love to share ideas with someone else. The most important thing for a Gemini is communication. Gemini people are almost always curious about lots of different things. A typical Gemini person usually enjoys being with other people, and loves to talk about the latest thing he is doing. People usually like their Gemini friends, because they have something interesting to share with everybody. Many Gemini people are talented at writing, teaching and public speaking. Some are gifted dancers. Many of them work in the fields of radio, television and newspapers because they love to be around when news is being created. It is especially important for Gemini people to travel and meet new people. Gemini belongs to a group of signs which astrologers call air signs. By this they mean that Gemini people have a sparkling, changeable, light quality which makes them think of the light and refreshing breeze of a spring day. Libra and Aquarius are also air signs. If you are a Gemini think about how good you feel when you are right in the middle of exciting things and can tell your friends your own story of what happened. You can brighten up a whole room full of people, and teach them something new at the same time. Excerpt from "First steps in Astrology" by Liz Greene, 1977

Cancer

Cardinal water; ruled by the Moon 
Emotional type, stubborn, seeks safety and closeness 
Very much a family person

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The crab is used to describe this sign because it carries its own house with it. It will also move sideways instead of in a straight line, and although a crab cannot really hurt you with its claws, it can hang on very tightly to something it wants. A typical Cancer person is home-loving and fond of his family. At the same time he is often quite subtle in his behaviour and may approach people and situations indirectly if he cannot get what he wants by going straight forward. And when he loves someone or has something which makes him happy, he will hang on very tightly and not let go. Cancer people want to be needed, and it is important to them to be around people who love them and help them to feel secure. They are also often shy and sensitive, but they can be brave and courageous about protecting their friends and loved ones. Many Cancer people also have wonderful imaginations, and can create fine stories and paintings. Cancer belongs to a group of signs which astrologers call water signs. By this they mean that Cancer people have a deep, mysterious, gentle quality which makes them think of gazing into a cool, deep pool or into the flowing waters of a river. Scorpio and Pisces are also water signs. If you are a Cancer think about how good you feel when you are close to your family and feel safe and secure in a warm, happy home. Excerpt from "First steps in Astrology" by Liz Greene, 1977

Leo

Fixed fire; ruled by the Sun 
Glamour, generosity, organizer, the center of attention 
Likes to take the lion's part

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The lion is called the King of the Beasts, and astrologers think that this animal is a good symbol to represent the kind of personality which seems to belong to most Leos. If you watch a lion you will see that he is always dignified, proud looking, and relaxed. He seems to know that he is king. Sometimes he also enjoys being lazy and lying around in the sun. All this means that if you are a Leo you probably need plenty of time and opportunity in your life to do the things you want, things that give you joy and allow you to express yourself in a pleasurable way. Leos always like to think big, and do not enjoy things which are too detailed, or too dull. They also like to lead, and don't like being ordered around. There is another thing which is important to a Leo, and that is love. Leo people need plenty of love and attention. They can feel hurt if they are ignored, or if someone else takes the credit for something they have done. They love to have an audience, and even a fairly shy, quiet Leo might secretly look to see if anyone is watching when he is doing something. Leo is a fire sign, like Aries and Sagittarius. If you are a Leo, think about how good it feels to create something which is uniquely yours, something artistic or something exciting like a new invention, which everyone admires and which also brings pleasure to other people. Don't be afraid to ask for the attention and love you need, but remember that other people like to be loved and admired in return. Excerpt from "First steps in Astrology" by Liz Greene, 1977

Virgo

Mutable earth; ruled by Mercury 
Precise, differentiates, does what is necessary, utilitarian 
A critical point of view

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The symbol of Virgo the Maiden was chosen by astrologers to represent people born under this sign because there is a cool, clear quality to the way that a typical Virgo person thinks. Virgo people are usually very gentle and quiet, and love small animals and growing things. Many Virgos love to do detailed things and are talented at crafts like dressmaking. They will work hard to create something which is beautiful and useful at the same time. People born under the sign of Virgo are often happy to be alone, providing they know that they are needed and appreciated by others. In fact, the most important thing to Virgo people is service. They are always ready to help others, and are very sympathetic to their friend's problems. Often they are shy and sensitive, but deep down are generous with their love and their talents. Virgo is an earth sign, like Taurus and Capricorn. If you are a Virgo, you will know how good you feel when you have been able to help somebody else in some way. Also you will get great pleasure from making something with your own hands. You will probably find that as you grow up the kind of work you do will become very important to you, for you need to feel you are contributing something worthwhile to life. Don't ever feel that noisier, bossier people are better than you, because your special gentleness and quietness is much needed in this world. Excerpt from "First steps in Astrology" by Liz Greene, 1977

Libra

Cardinal air; ruled by Venus 
A sense of beauty and proportion, tactful, seeks balance and harmony. Sometimes hovers between the scales

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When you use a pair of scales you must get exactly the right amount on each side to make them balance. If there is too much on one side, or too little on the other, the scales will tip. Astrologers think this is a good symbol for Libra people because they seem to need equal amounts of everything in their lives to be happy. Libra people need to keep a balance between work and play, and between their thoughts and their emotions. Sometimes they seem to have trouble making decisions, but this is because they must consider all sides of a question first. They are always striving for perfection and balance, and love beauty and harmony around them. The most important thing for a Libra person is this idea of harmony. Libra people love to have people about them and to feel that they are appreciated. They usually get very interested in the opposite sex early in life, because they need love and companionship. Lots of Libra people are artistic and appreciate beautiful things. Sometimes they are talented at music or singing, and often dress well. But they may also be good at mathematics and science, because there is a clear, logical quality to the way they think. Usually Libra people are well liked because they are charming and easy to get along with. When a Libra person argues or behaves badly, it is usually because he feels that something is unfair. Libra is an air sign, like Gemini and Aquarius. If you are a Libra, think about how good you feel when everything in your life seems to be harmonious and well-balanced, and when you have friends to go places or do things with. Excerpt from "First steps in Astrology" by Liz Greene, 1977

Scorpio

Fixed water; ruled by Pluto 
Corrosive, passionate, piercing, extreme situations 
Frequently quarrels with the spirits he called

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The scorpion is a solitary little animal which likes to hide under stones. He can be dangerous, but he is never aggressive by himself and will only harm someone if he is disturbed. Astrologers think that the scorpion is a good symbol to represent those born under this sign because Scorpio people usually need plenty of time by themselves to think deeply about things they feel. Scorpio people are sometimes very quiet, shy and sensitive and like to keep secrets. They can feel things very intensely. Scorpio people are also often very good at seeing the good and bad points in other people. The most important thing for Scorpio is self-understanding. They are not afraid to try things other people are frightened of, if it will help them to learn more about themselves. At the same time, they do not like to be taken advantage of or injured, and many Scorpio people have a very strong sense of justice. This can make life difficult for Scorpio children if they think they are being unfairly punished. Scorpio children are often much wiser and more understanding than other children, so they should always be given reasons when they are told to do something. Many Scorpio people are good at things which require deep thought and understanding, like psychology. Some of them become fine doctors and surgeons, because they are interested in the mysteries of life and like to heal. Scorpio is a water sign, like Cancer and Pisces. If you are a Scorpio, your special gifts are your insight and sensitivity, and your strength of will, which can achieve anything in life. Excerpt from "First steps in Astrology" by Liz Greene, 1977

Sagittarius

Mutable  fire; ruled by Jupiter 
Free spirit, carefree, love of movement, cheerful 
Wanderlust, often seems to be elsewhere

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The centaur is an imaginary creature who is half horse and half man. In the stories of mythology he is full of adventure and will gallop to the ends of the earth just for the joy of finding something new. In his hands he carries a bow and arrow. He shoots his arrow at some distant goal, gallops off in pursuit, and when he finds his arrow shoots it again, always keeping on the move. Astrologers think the centaur is a good symbol for those born under this sign, because they generally love travelling, seeing new places and meeting new people. They are always ready for a new adventure and always ready to learn something new. Sagittarius people need plenty of freedom, because they want to experience as much of life as they can. They are unhappy when tied down to a routine, and happiest when starting off on something new. Walking is a favourite Sagittarian pastime, and many excel at sports. Sagittarians also have restless, adventurous minds, and like to take up new studies. Many Sagittarians are keenly interested in philosophy and the world of ideas, and they also love to have a good time and are fun to be with. Sagittarius is a fire sign, like Aries and Leo. If you are a Sagittarius, you will probably find that as you grow older you want to travel. You should have a lively and inquiring mind, and will always be asking questions about everything. Above all, you should have great faith in yourself, and your special and unique gift is this ability to wish upon a lucky star and believe your dreams really will come true. Excerpt from "First steps in Astrology" by Liz Greene, 1977

Capricorn

Cardinal earth; ruled by Saturn 
Enduring, has a sense of purpose, proud, ambitious 
Can get stuck in craggy heights

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The mountain goat is always climbing higher and higher toward the summit. He is sure-footed and never falls, and knows where he is going. Other animals cannot catch him because he simply climbs higher and looks out over the world from a safe and secure place on the mountain top. Astrologers think that the mountain goat is a good symbol for those born under the sign of Capricorn because they are the type of people who have a goal towards which they will work hard and long. Capricorn people usually have plenty of self-discipline and are successful in what they do. The most important thing to a Capricorn is achievement. He will tend to take life seriously, and it is important for him to be good at something. He needs to feel that he has a skill, something he can do better than anyone else. Capricorn people are hard workers and many of them make excellent teachers, lawyers and statesmen. They are also quiet and diplomatic and know how to be subtle and tactful in their dealings with others. It may take a long time for you to get to know a Capricorn person, because he is often serious and shy by nature. Capricorn is an earth sign, like Virgo and Taurus. If you are a Capricorn you will probably find that as you grow older it will be more and more important for you to achieve success in something and earn recognition for your abilities. Work is very important to you. Family life is equally important, and you may have a love of history and tradition. Your special and unique gift is your inner determination to succeed at what you want in life, and that means you probably will. Excerpt from "First steps in Astrology" by Liz Greene, 1977

Aquarius

Fixed air; ruled by Uranus 
Communicative, humanitarian, progressive, fraternal 
Universal spirit with occasional astonishing obstinacy

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The man who carries the pitcher of water freely shares his water with all those who are thirsty. Astrologers think this is a good symbol for people born under the sign of Aquarius, because they are generous in sharing their gifts with other people. Aquarians are often humanitarians. This means that they are interested in people and will feel concern for people as a group. They believe that everyone is their friend, whether they are black or white, rich or poor, beautiful or ugly. Aquarius is a friendly sign. Many Aquarians have excellent minds. They are very clever at science and are especially interested in anything which can help people. They are often fascinated by gadgets and inventions, and some Aquarians become great inventors themselves. Others may support political movements concerned with questions of freedom and justice. Aquarius people, are often not very emotional, because they are more interested in exchanging ideas and helping others. Aquarius is an air sign, like Gemini and Libra. If you are an Aquarian, your special and unique gift is your tolerance and understanding of other people. You have the gift of being able to perceive what people really think and feel, no matter how they are dressed, or what walk of life they come from, and people feel you are their friend because you are truly interested in them. With this gift you can help people to make the best out of their own lives. Excerpt from "First steps in Astrology" by Liz Greene, 1977

Pisces

Mutable water; ruled by Neptune 
Sensitive, compassionate, helpful, sociable 
Very adaptable, hard to get a hold on