Contents
Astrology Fundamentals
How to Understand Horoscopes
How to Calculate Your Horoscope
Signs of the Zodiac
The Planets
The Houses
The Aspects
Astrology and Compatibility
Astrology for Everyday Decisions
Astrology and Destiny
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Astrology and Destiny
Some astrological traditions, particularly non-Western ones, consider the relationship between the sky and the Earth to be deterministic, meaning that our destinies unfold beyond our control. Other astrological traditions, particularly Western ones, tend to emphasize the power and importance of individual free will in shaping one’s destiny. Both traditions believe that the sky and the horoscope reveal details of one’s destiny, or life path.
Transits
In astrology, the term transit refers to the current position of a given planet. For example, the term “transiting Venus” refers to Venus’s current position in the sky, as opposed to, say, its position on your birth chart. To predict important life events, astrologers often compare the planets’ transits (current positions in the sky) to their positions in your birth chart.
Cycles of the Planets
Each planet takes a set period of time to move through the zodiac. These fixed periods of time are known as the cycles of the planets. By referring to the cycles, you can know how quickly each planet’s location will shift within your current horoscope. For example, Jupiter takes 12 years to cycle through the entire zodiac and therefore moves only slightly from day to day; the Moon takes only 28 days to cycle and therefore moves significantly each day.
Planet |
Cycle |
Area(s) Affected |
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Sun |
1 year |
vitality, creativity, confidence |
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Moon |
28 days |
emotion, daily routine |
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Mercury |
88 days |
learning, communication |
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Venus |
about 350 days |
relationship, finances |
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Mars |
2 1/2 years |
work, conflict, sexuality |
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Jupiter |
12 years |
education, travel, adventure |
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Saturn |
29–30 years |
career, responsibility, maturity |
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Uranus |
84 years |
change, disruption, rebellion |
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Neptune |
165 years |
spirituality, illusion, disillusion |
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Pluto |
250 years |
transformation |
Retrograde Cycles
All the planets (excluding the Sun and Moon) have periods in their cycle through the zodiac when they appear to move retrograde, or backward in their orbit.
- When a planet is in retrograde, matters and activities associated with that planet, such as work (Mars) or finances (Venus), become chaotic and unpredictable.
- Knowing about these retrograde cycles in advance may help you plan ahead more effectively and avoid problems.
You can find the precise dates when a planet is in retrograde by consulting an ephemeris or an astrological calendar. On the horoscope, retrograde planets have this sign next to their standard symbol, which looks like “Rx.”
The Nodes of the Moon
The nodes of the Moon, or lunar nodes, are the two points at which the Moon’s orbit intersects the ecliptic, the path of the Sun. There is a north node and a south node, and they lie opposite each other on the horoscope.
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North node: Its sign and house placement relate to the way in which you can
achieve your full potential. If it appears in Leo, for example, you’ll achieve success by being expressive and willful.
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South node: Its sign and house describe traits that hold you back from
attaining your full potential. For instance, if it’s in Aries, your impulsiveness may keep you from focusing on one path, limiting your potential success.
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