Signs and Symbols
Astrological signs and symbols were created for practical reasons. Consider them astrological shorthand. Once you learn about them, working with astrology and understanding astrological charts will be much easier. This understanding is important, as these charts are essential in your journey. The next three tables show the various symbols you'll become familiar with in this book.
TABLE1-1 Signs and Symbols
There are twelve signs and each has a symbol:
TABLE1-2 Planets and Symbols
Besides the Sun and the Moon, we'll be using eight planets, two nodes, and the Part of Fortune in birth charts:
TABLE1-3 Aspects and Symbols
Due to the placement of planets in the houses, geometric angles are created between the planets and also between the planets and the angles of the houses. These angles are called aspects. Each aspect has a particular symbol and meaning. In this book, the following aspects are used:
Aspect |
Symbol |
Meaning |
Conjunction |
A separation of0degrees between two or more planets |
|
Sextile |
A separation of60degrees between two or more planets |
|
Square |
A separation of90degrees between two or more planets |
|
Trine |
A separation of120degrees between two or more planets |
|
Opposition |
A separation of180degrees between two or more planets |
Other symbols used in a birth chart are:
Ascendant or Rising Sign (AS): The sign and degree of the zodiac rising at the time of birth
Descendant (DS): Opposite the Ascendant, cusp of the seventh house.
Midheaven or Medium Coeli (MC): The highest point of the zodiac at the time of birth
Imum Coeli or Nadir (IC): The zodiac point opposite the midheaven
Other symbols you'll see in the charts, but which won't be discussed in this book because they are much more complicated are:
Equatorial Ascendant (Eq): The ascendant of the chart if you were born at the equator. Symbolizes who you think you are.
Vertex (Vtx): A point of fate or destiny.
