HOROSCOPE INTERPRETATION

These short "lessons" are designed to help you learn to interpret your own horoscope. As you know, there is a lot more to astrology than the Sun sign. These lessons are very basic and are intended to stimulate further interest. The sooner you begin to see astrology working in your own life and in your own chart the more exciting it becomes.

Lesson One

What Is A Horoscope?

Here is an example of a basic horoscope - ok, it's mine (Figure A). The birth chart represents a picture of the sky at the exact moment of birth. The first house cusp or the Ascendant represents the exact degree of the Zodiac on the eastern horizon at the time of birth. The rest of the chart is calculated from this important point. The Ascendant moves about 1 degree every 4 minutes. This is why the exact time and place of birth are very important when drawing up a horoscope. The horoscope is like a 24 hour clock - see Figure B. The 6 o'clock AM point is the Ascendant or 1st house cusp. The noon point is the 10th house cusp, 6 PM is the 7th house cusp and midnight represented by the 4th house cusp. The Sun is the hour hand. By looking at my chart you can tell I was born between 10 AM and 11 AM because of location of the Sun. I was actually born at 10:01 AM. It's not exact, but it's a little "trick" that can give you an idea and an estimated guess of the location of the Sun in someone's chart. Of course, to find the exact planetary positions and the signs on the cusps of the 12 houses you need to perform some involved calculations or get an astrology program. Since there are free astrology programs available on the internet now, there's no need to do all those mathematical calculations by hand. Computers made astrology a lot easier and more fun! It's no wonder that both astrology and computers are ruled by the same sign - Aquarius. If you are interested in having a copy of your own chart to follow along, email me your birth info and I will email you a free copy of your horoscope.

What Is The Ascendant?

If you'll notice 19b41 on the cusp of the 1st house in Figure A. This is the Ascendant and means that at 10:01 AM on June 3, 1949 in Des Moines Iowa 19 degrees 41 minutes of the sign Leo was coming up on the eastern horizon. You would say that I have Leo (b) rising. The slices of the horoscope "pie" are called houses. Each of the 12 houses carry with it the same basic energies as one of the signs of the zodiac. The house cusp degrees are calculated by the astrology program. The first sign, Aries, is the natural ruler of the 1st house. Aries has to do with the ego and "self" related issues. The 1st house has to do with our appearance, our physical bodies and everything that is personal - self related. The second sign, Taurus, rules the 2nd house and both have to do with personal resources, values and finances. So on through Pisces, the 12th sign ruling the 12th house. We all have all the signs somewhere in our charts and therefore affecting some part of our lives. This means that no matter how much we like or dislike Virgos (or any other sign), we all have Virgo somewhere within our own personality. Looking at my chart below you can see that I have Virgo (11c20) on the 2nd house cusp. This means my values, ability to make money and basic attitudes toward my own resources are tied in with Virgo energies.

Lesson Two

As I go through these little lessons, I have to take it for granted that you already know the basic 12 Signs of the Zodiac - even if you don't. When I began to study astrology, I was told by some wise "guru" (it could have been anybody) that if during my studies there was something I didn't understand, just pretend I do and keep going. Eventually it would come together and make sense. That worked for me, and I have never forgotten it. So for now, pretend you know the meanings of the Signs. You can always buy a beginner's book or get one from the used bookstore or the library that explains the basic meanings of the Signs. Or, just continue to pretend and the logical order of the Signs and Houses will eventually make sense.

The Houses of the Horoscope

The 12 Houses of the horoscope count from the Ascendant and 1st House counter-clockwise around the wheel to the 12th House. Each House relates to a Sign of the Zodiac. The 1st Sign, Aries, rules the 1st House, the 2nd Sign, Taurus, rules the 2nd House and so on through the 12 Houses.

The term "rules" in astrology means that each Sign represents one of the 12 basic archetypal symbols that encompass everything in the human experience. Everything in our life is "ruled" by one or more of the Zodiacal Signs - to be more correct everything is ruled by one or more of the planets which in turn rule the Signs. For instance, Mars rules Aries and the 1st house. This means that Mars, Aries and the 1st House are all part of the same archetypal energy. They have to do with the ego, the self and everything that is pushy, aggressive and masculine in nature.

The Theater of Life

One analogy of the horoscope is the theatrical stage. The planets represent the actors. The Signs represent the wardrobe and props. The Houses represent the stage sets. Your 1st house is like the introduction to you, the main character. The 2nd house represents the main character's personal assets, possessions and values - the scene could be a big store, maybe a Super Wal-Mart. The 3rd House represents your interaction with the neighborhood - the library, post office or school. The 4th House is your base of reality, your domestic environment and your house. The 5th House is the children of the mind and body - the set could be a playground, an art show or maybe a concert. The 6th House is service related - the work environment or the doctors office. The 7th is your supporting character - partner or opponent. The 8th House represents your interaction with other characters and their stuff - a sex scene or the bank. The 9th House is your interaction with the whole world and nature - it's an outdoor scene in a foreign country, no doubt. The 10th is your business or an environment of professionals or authority figures. The 11th House represents your friends - a clubhouse or card party could be the scene. The 12th house is your secret enemies and scary places as well as the safety of your fantasy world. The Houses have layers and layers of deeper meanings but this is a good way to start.

The Sun Through the Houses

The Sun represents our inner Spirit. It's the part of us that is part of God. It's where we shine with that love that is beyond the physical. It gives us vitality and personal pride. When combined with the Sun's Sign it makes up our inner personality. Remember that your Sun's Sign was the wardrobe in the previous analogy.  It describes how you look, "act" and shine on the "stage" of the House it occupies.

If you are using figure B to calculate your Sun's House position, remember to adjust for standard time. In other words, if you were born during daylight savings or war time subtract an hour. This is another reason why it would be good to get an accurate horoscope before you begin your studies. Send me your basic information (I'll take care of figuring DST and everything else), and I will email you a free copy of your horoscope.

Sun in 1st House - Referring to figure B, if you were born between 4 AM and 6 AM local standard time, you were probably born with the Sun in the 1st House. The 1st House represents the way we appear to others, our physical bodies and our outer personality. The Sun in the 1st would mean you are probably outgoing, assertive and very physical. This position gives strength, vitality and is generally good for the health. This is known to be a fortunate position for the Sun and gives the ability to attract the attention of others. There is an underlying desire for personal recognition. The Sun in the first can give warmth or fire to your personality. Not only does the first House have to do with the way we look, but it even inspires the name by which we are eventually known. I've had clients with Leo rising who were given the name Leo or Leon at birth. Some born with Sun in the first are given names or nicknames that relate to the Sun or their Sun Sign. I know a "Sunny", a "Sunshine" and a "June" (born in June) all with their Sun in the 1st House.

Sun in 2nd House - If you were born between 2 AM and 4 AM local standard time, you were probably born with the Sun in the 2nd House. This is the Taurus ruled House and means finances or personal values are important to you. You like nice things and your possessions or self worth is a strong part of your personality. There is a strong desire for material success and personal respect. You have the ability to gain through your superiors. You have a good sense of value and most likely have great taste in things and food. Your desire to possess may spill over to people as well as things. You are a collector and know the value of things and people. Sharing may be an important lesson in this life. This is a "fixed" House and adds stubbornness, persistence and stability to your personality.

Sun in 3rd House - If you were born between midnight and 2 AM local standard time, you were probably born with the Sun in the 3rd House. This is the Gemini House of the Zodiac. People close to you on some level, like neighbors, siblings, relatives or roommates are important and can help bring about personal soul growth. You shine in your ability to communicate, teach and learn. Before you speak, you like to have the facts straight. You are mentally sharp and an expert in the exchange of information. All forms of what's considered "short distance" transportation like skates, skateboards, bicycles, motorcycles and even cars are an important part of your life and may actually influence your personality in some way. It is essential that you feel good about the vehicle you drive, because it affects your self confidence.

Sun in 4th House If you were born between 10 PM and midnight local standard time, you were probably born with the Sun in the 4th House. This is Cancer's House. This means you shine and have more vitality in your own domestic environment and when dealing with family issues. Your parental upbringing plays a big part in your life. Mother figures and you as a parent are highlighted. Personal security and/or insecurity help shape your personality. You are probably very protective of your family and home base. You are the caregiver and the protector and would probably be a good nurse if Virgo or the 6th House is also accented. You probably have an natural interest in the past, genealogy or history.

Sun in 5th House If you were born between 8 PM and 10 PM local standard time, you were probably born with the Sun in the 5th House. This brings out the child within you. You are creative and dramatic. You feel your best when on center stage or in a fun, entertainment or sports type atmosphere. You would probably be good with children because you can identify with them, although at times they may seem more like competition. You love games, gambling, recreation or sporting events. You have the ability to express yourself through your art or creativity.  You tend to be honest to a fault. Tact and diplomacy are not your strong points. Growth comes through self expression and creativity like your art or children.

Sun in 6th House  If you were born between 6 PM and 8 PM local standard time, you were probably born with the Sun in the 6th House. Service is the keyword here. You put your heart into your work. You have much pride in the services you perform. The people that serve you are important. You probably have close ties with co-workers. You are here to serve and be served. Being served doesn't sound too bad unless you're flat on your back in a hospital bed. The other side of the 6th House is health and health related activities. You could be a healthcare worker or have an interest in the healing arts. Pets have a lot to do with service and health and may play a big part in your life.

Sun in 7th House  If you were born between 4 PM and 6 PM local standard time, you were probably born with the Sun in the 7th House. Partners and opponents, enemies or allies - this is the stuff of the 7th house. You are at your best when you are with other people. It is said that you are more affected by Karma than most, because of past connections to people in your present life. Your relationships tend to guide your life. The people in your social life are where your power lies. Your job in this life is to help others shine. You can be an instrument of balance, harmony, diplomacy and tact. Fame and notoriety comes to you through partners. You receive the greatest soul growth through your closest relationships.

Sun in 8th House  If you were born between 2 PM and 4 PM local standard time, you were probably born with the Sun in the 8th House. Interpersonal relationships are your domain. Wheeling and dealing with others. You are a natural salesman. You shine when helping others discover their true potential and personal worth. You are the counselor or the therapist. Working with other people's resources is where your heart is. Sharing or joining forces with others is your power. You can tune into other people's feelings on a deep emotional or psychic level. You can gain financially through partners and inheritance. There is a strong interest in secrets, mysteries, death and rebirth and  subjects involving the afterlife like karma and reincarnation.

Sun in 9th House  If you were born between noon and 2 PM local standard time, you were probably born with the Sun in the 9th House. You need to be out in the world. You are the explorer, the traveler or the pioneer. The grass is always greener somewhere else. You need to be close to nature and a have feeling of freedom. Religion, philosophy and politics are familiar territory for you. You are interested in foreign ideas and the ideals of other cultures. This is the position of the higher mind. The higher laws of man and God are represented by the 9th House. The second partner is important and will probably be tied in with foreign places or travel. You may get involved with the publishing world.

Sun in 10th House  If you were born between 10 AM and noon local standard time, you were probably born with the Sun in the 10th House. Your honor and prestige are important to you. There is a basic desire to achieve. Your fame or your notoriety is accented, so you should strive for excellence in whatever you do. You feel best when you are in charge or the center of attention. At times you may find yourself thrust into the limelight whether you want it or not. You are put into positions of responsibility and authority. You naturally attract the attention and friendship of people in high places. Your professional attitude brings with it public success, recognition and loyal followers.

Sun in 11th House  If you were born between 8 AM and 10 AM local standard time, you were probably born with the Sun in the 11th House. Groups, organizations and friends have a strong influence in your life. You feel best when in this type of environment. You are social and enjoy the company others. You are a team player. It would be good for you to be involved in humanitarian type endeavors. You have the ability to lead groups of people. Your hopes and wishes are often accomplished with the help of your friends. The kind of friends you attract influence your own future. Your highest soul growth comes from your ability to take on social responsibilities and work within groups and organizations.

Sun in 12th House  If you were born between 6 AM and 8 AM local standard time, you were probably born with the Sun in the 12th House. Your strength comes from the inner self. You imagination is your power. You are sensitive and compassionate where others are concerned, but you may not feel comfortable when in social situations, especially in your youth. You need to get off by yourself at times to recharge your batteries. Meditation and isolation are good for you and have lessons to teach. As you grow older, there will be a time when you come out of your shell and are able to express yourself in the real world. Music, poetry, film and fantasy are strengths that you can develop to help deal with others. You would be good at working in a hospital type atmosphere or with the afflicted.

If you are real serious about learning astrology, you might want to go online for a free horoscope program. Click here for a nice variety. If you are just interested in having a copy of your own chart to follow along, email me your birth info and I will email you a free copy of your horoscope.

Sample Charts

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