Astrology ZSO – Zodiac Semantic Ontology

Below you’ll find a comprehensive semantic ontology of Western tropical astrology, structured as interconnected data tables mapping astrological concepts to their meanings, manifestations, and relationships. 

Each table follows a consistent schema with defined attributes: signs contain polarity/modality/element/drive classifications, planets map to psychological functions and expression zones, houses correlate to life domains and psychological themes, and aspects define geometric relationships with tension levels. 

The ontology includes traditional concepts (signs, planets, houses, aspects) alongside modern applications (timing windows, somatic manifestations, attachment styles, ancestral patterns) creating a complete reference system for astrological interpretation.

The information architecture enables systematic cross-referencing between tables using formulas like:

Planet+Sign = HOW

Planet+House = WHERE

Planet+Aspect+Planet = DIALOGUE 

All interpretations follow evidence-based correlations between astrological placements and observed patterns in human psychology and behavior. Table relationships are bidirectional: planets express through signs and houses, while houses are colored by their ruling signs and occupying planets. 

This semantic structure supports both human understanding and machine parsing, with consistent terminology, clear hierarchies, and explicit relationships between all astrological components. Each table can function independently or integrate with others for layered interpretation.

My hope is that this page becomes your go-to guide for understanding astrology in a way that actually makes sense. It breaks down all the signs, planets, houses, aspects, and more into simple, meaningful categories.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by astrology speak, this was created to make astrology feel clear, useful, and even fun. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been deep-diving charts, this resource helps you speak the language of astrology and lets you use it with clarity. Let’s dive in.

Table 1: The 12 Zodiac Signs

Each zodiac sign comes with a distinct energetic signature. These are the traits that color how planets behave when they move through each sign.

Sign Tone Polarity Modality Element Core Drive Shadow Expression
Aries Bold Masculine Cardinal Fire Act, assert, initiate Impulsive, aggressive
Taurus Grounded Feminine Fixed Earth Build, stabilize, enjoy Stubborn, possessive
Gemini Curious Masculine Mutable Air Communicate, explore Scattered, gossipy
Cancer Nurturing Feminine Cardinal Water Protect, feel, comfort Moody, clingy
Leo Expressive Masculine Fixed Fire Shine, lead, perform Arrogant, dramatic
Virgo Precise Feminine Mutable Earth Improve, organize, serve Overcritical, anxious
Libra Harmonious Masculine Cardinal Air Connect, balance, mediate Indecisive, avoidant
Scorpio Intense Feminine Fixed Water Transform, merge, empower Controlling, secretive
Sagittarius Expansive Masculine Mutable Fire Explore, teach, seek truth Preachy, reckless
Capricorn Disciplined Feminine Cardinal Earth Achieve, master, structure Rigid, cold
Aquarius Original Masculine Fixed Air Innovate, liberate, disrupt Detached, rebellious
Pisces Dreamy Feminine Mutable Water Imagine, feel, transcend Escapist, unclear

Table 2: The Planets

Planets represent core functions of the psyche. They answer the question: What is happening in this part of your life?  

Planet Core Drive Expression Zone Shadow Pattern Polarity Associated Needs
Sun Identity, vitality Purpose, ego Egoism, burnout Masculine Recognition, creation
Moon Emotion, instinct Safety, home Reactivity, withdrawal Feminine Comfort, nurturing
Mercury Thinking, communication Speech, learning Nervousness, deceit Neutral Understanding, clarity
Venus Love, attraction Pleasure, connection Over-accommodation Feminine Harmony, intimacy
Mars Action, drive Energy, assertiveness Aggression, force Masculine Momentum, impact
Jupiter Expansion, belief Growth, faith Excess, arrogance Masculine Opportunity, meaning
Saturn Discipline, mastery Structure, boundaries Fear, rigidity Feminine Security, respect
Uranus Change, freedom Innovation, shock Chaos, instability Masculine Autonomy, disruption
Neptune Dreams, dissolution Imagination, transcendence Confusion, delusion Feminine Inspiration, escape
Pluto Power, transformation Death, rebirth Obsession, destruction Neutral Truth, regeneration

Table 3: The Houses

Houses show where things happen in your life. They describe the areas of focus or environment for planetary energies.

House Life Domain Psychological Theme Ruling Sign Shadow Pattern
1st Identity, self-image Autonomy, projection Aries Self-absorption
2nd Money, values Security, self-worth Taurus Materialism, hoarding
3rd Communication, siblings Learning, curiosity Gemini Gossip, mental overload
4th Home, roots Safety, emotional base Cancer Regression, isolation
5th Creativity, romance Joy, expression Leo Drama, ego inflation
6th Work, health Discipline, service Virgo Burnout, martyrdom
7th Relationships Partnership, projection Libra Dependency, codependency
8th Intimacy, shared assets Transformation, death Scorpio Control, fear of loss
9th Belief, travel Philosophy, expansion Sagittarius Dogma, overreach
10th Career, status Legacy, authority Capricorn Workaholism, pressure
11th Community, goals Ideals, contribution Aquarius Alienation, extremism
12th Spirituality, isolation Surrender, healing Pisces Escapism, denial

Table 4: The Aspects

Aspects show how planetary energies interact. Some flow easily, others create tension.

Aspect Orb Range Type Meaning Tension Level
Conjunction 0°-10° Fused Intensifies both planets High
Sextile ~60° Harmonious Opportunities, ease of expression Low
Square ~90° Challenging Conflict, action, growth through tension High
Trine ~120° Flowing Natural talent, stability, grace Low
Opposition ~180° Polarizing Contrast, relational tension, awareness Medium-High
Quincunx ~150° Awkward Misfit energy, disconnection Medium

Table 5: The Lunar Nodes

Nodes tell a story of soul growth, challenge, and karmic path. They aren’t planets, they’re points.

Node Karmic Theme Shadow Pattern Expression Style Soulwork Direction
North Node Growth, future Fear of discomfort Trial-and-error courage Move toward this
South Node Past, comfort zone Stagnation, regression Auto-pilot behaviors Soften attachment here

Table 6: The Asteroids

These add nuance to your story, especially for emotional, feminine, or mythic themes.

Asteroid Theme Mythic Origin Placement Meaning Shadow Expression
Chiron The wounded healer Centaur mentor Where healing is needed and given Reopened wounds
Ceres Nurture, cycles Earth goddess Nourishment, letting go Over-caretaking
Juno Commitment, equality Jupiter’s wife What you need in partnership Jealousy, power struggle
Vesta Sacred focus Temple virgin Devotion, spiritual work Isolation, self-denial
Pallas Strategy, wisdom Warrior-daughter Mental clarity, intuitive skill Overanalyzing, coldness

Table 7: Elements, Modalities, and Dignities

These modifiers explain how energy expresses.

Type Category Description
Fire Element Inspires action, passion, enthusiasm
Earth Element Grounds, builds, stabilizes
Air Element Connects, thinks, communicates
Water Element Feels, flows, intuits
Cardinal Modality Initiates, begins, leads
Fixed Modality Stabilizes, maintains, perseveres
Mutable Modality Adapts, changes, integrates
Domicile Dignity Planet in its home sign (strong expression)
Detriment Dignity Planet in opposite of its home (challenges)
Exaltation Dignity Planet in sign of peak expression
Fall Dignity Planet in sign of weakness

How to Read These Tables Together

The magic of astrology lies not in isolated meanings but in synthesis. Here’s how to combine the information from multiple tables for deeper insights.

Formula Example Interpretation
Planet + Sign Mars in Cancer How you take action (Mars) is protective and indirect (Cancer)
Planet + House Venus in 10th What you value (Venus) shows up in career/public life (10th)
Sign + House Scorpio on 7th cusp Your approach to relationships (7th) is intense and transformative (Scorpio)
Planet + Sign + House Moon in Aquarius in 4th Emotional needs (Moon) for independence (Aquarius) in home/family (4th)
Planet + Aspect + Planet Mars square Saturn Action (Mars) meets resistance (Saturn) creating productive tension

Aspect Patterns

When multiple aspects connect to form geometric patterns, they create complex energetic signatures that define major life themes.

Pattern Formation Energy Dynamic Life Theme
T-Square 3 planets: 2 squares, 1 opposition Dynamic tension seeking outlet Achievement through challenge
Grand Trine 3 planets in trine (120°) Natural flow and ease Innate talents requiring activation
Grand Cross 4 planets: 2 oppositions, 4 squares Constant rebalancing Mastery through integration
Yod 2 sextiles pointing to 1 planet Fated redirection Unique purpose requiring adjustment
Mystic Rectangle 2 oppositions, 2 trines, 2 sextiles Balanced complexity Practical mysticism

Rulerships & Dignities Expanded

Understanding which planets rule which signs helps decode the underlying motivations in any chart.

Planet Rules Exalted In Detriment In Fall In
Sun Leo Aries Aquarius Libra
Moon Cancer Taurus Capricorn Scorpio
Mercury Gemini, Virgo Virgo Sagittarius, Pisces Pisces
Venus Taurus, Libra Pisces Scorpio, Aries Virgo
Mars Aries, Scorpio Capricorn Libra, Taurus Cancer
Jupiter Sagittarius, Pisces Cancer Gemini, Virgo Capricorn
Saturn Capricorn, Aquarius Libra Cancer, Leo Aries

Timing & Transits Reference

Understanding how long planets stay in each sign helps predict when themes will be active in your life.

Planet Time in Each Sign Full Cycle Key Returns
Sun 1 month 1 year Annual (birthday)
Moon 2.5 days 28 days Monthly
Mercury 3-4 weeks 88 days 3-4 times yearly
Venus 4-5 weeks 225 days Every 8 months
Mars 6-7 weeks 2 years Every 2 years
Jupiter 1 year 12 years Ages 12, 24, 36, 48…
Saturn 2.5 years 29 years Ages 29-30, 58-60
Uranus 7 years 84 years Age 84 (opposition at 42)
Neptune 14 years 165 years Square at 41, opposition at 82
Pluto 12-31 years 248 years Square at 36-60

Quick Reference Formulas

Use these simple formulas to understand any chart configuration quickly.

Formula Meaning Example Reading
Planet + Sign = HOW How that planetary energy expresses “Venus in Scorpio loves intensely”
Planet + House = WHERE Where that energy shows up in life “Mars in 10th fights in career”
Planet + Aspect + Planet = DIALOGUE How two energies interact “Sun square Moon = inner conflict”
Sign on House Cusp = APPROACH Your approach to that life area “Gemini on 7th = curious in relationships”
Ruler of House = MOTIVATION What drives that life area “7th ruler in 10th = career shapes relationships”

Common Interpretation Mistakes

Avoid these common pitfalls to develop more nuanced astrological understanding.

Mistake Why It’s Wrong Better Approach
Sun sign = entire personality Chart is holistic system Consider Moon, Rising, aspects
Bad aspects = bad life Challenges create growth Squares/oppositions = achievement potential
Retrograde = broken Different doesn’t mean wrong Retrograde = unique perspective
12th house = suffering Every house has gifts 12th = spiritual gifts, imagination
Saturn = all bad Saturn gives lasting rewards Saturn = mastery through effort

Somatic Manifestations

The body often reflects astrological patterns through specific physical symptoms and sensitivities.

Aspect/Placement Physical Symptom Timing Trigger Relief Method
Mars-Saturn Jaw/shoulder tension During deadlines Physical exercise, massage
Moon-Pluto Sudden nausea When vulnerable Breathwork, grounding
Neptune in 6th Mysterious allergies Neptune transits Energy clearing, pure foods
Uranus transits Electrical sensitivity To personal planets Grounding mats, nature
Saturn in 5th Frozen shoulders Creative blocks Gentle movement, play
Mercury-Neptune Auditory sensitivity In crowds Quiet spaces, meditation
Pluto in 6th Digestive issues During transformation Shadow work, therapy
Chiron-ASC Skin sensitivity When criticized Self-compassion practices

Timing Activation Windows

Understanding when aspects are most likely to manifest helps with prediction and preparation.

Configuration Activation Period Peak Window Integration Time
Mars-Saturn projects 3-week honeymoon Week 4-6 resistance 3 months total
Venus-Uranus 48-hour windows Exact aspect 2 weeks
Eclipse effects 6 weeks before Eclipse date 6 months after
Saturn Return Age 27-30 Exact return 2-3 years
Jupiter Return Every 12 years Within 1° orb 1 year
Vertex returns Every 12.5 years Exact return 6 months
Mercury Rx Shadow period Station days Post-shadow

Attachment Style Indicators

Astrological patterns often correlate with psychological attachment styles formed in early life.

Attachment Style Common Indicators Behavioral Pattern Healing Approach
Secure Harmonious Moon aspects Comfortable with intimacy Model for others
Anxious Moon-Saturn, Moon-Pluto Seeks constant reassurance Inner child work
Avoidant Moon-Uranus, Venus-Saturn Values independence Gradual vulnerability
Disorganized Moon-Pluto-Uranus Push-pull dynamics Trauma therapy, EMDR

Ancestral Trauma Signatures

Certain placements indicate inherited family patterns and intergenerational themes.

Placement Ancestral Pattern Common Manifestation Healing Path
Pluto in 4th Family secrets/trauma Power struggles at home Family constellation work
Saturn in 4th Generational poverty Emotional restriction Reparenting practices
South Node-IC Ancestral karma Stuck in family patterns Conscious pattern breaking
Saturn-Pluto Survival trauma Hypervigilance Somatic experiencing
Chiron in 4th Family wound Becoming family healer Ancestral healing rituals
Moon-Saturn Maternal depression Emotional self-reliance Grief work

Predictive Technique Accuracy

Different timing techniques have varying levels of reliability for prediction.

Technique Reliability Score Best Used For Time Frame
Profections 0.9 Annual themes 1 year
Solar Returns 0.8 Year overview Birthday to birthday
Dashas/ZR 0.75 Life chapters Multi-year periods
Transits 0.7 Event timing Days to years
Progressions 0.7 Inner development Months to years
Fixed Stars 0.6 Fated events When activated

Remedial Protocols

Specific interventions can help balance challenging planetary energies.

Planet/Aspect Challenge Remedy Timing
Mars afflictions Excess heat/anger Saunas, martial arts Tuesday, Mars hour
Saturn challenges Restriction/fear Structure, elder teachers Saturday rituals
Neptune fog Confusion/illusion Ocean, boundaries Neptune transits
Pluto intensity Obsession/control Shadow work, EMDR Pluto transits
Venus wounds Self-worth issues Beauty practices, art Friday, Venus hour
Mercury stress Mental overload Journaling, walks Mercury retrograde
Moon volatility Emotional swings Lunar tracking, nurturing New/Full Moons

Cross-System Integration

Combining different astrological systems provides deeper, more accurate insights.

System Combination What It Reveals Example Application
Vedic + Western Karmic timing Dasha + transits Major life events
Hellenistic + Modern Traditional wisdom Sect + outer planets Nuanced interpretation
Chinese + Western Elemental balance BaZi + natal chart Personality layers
Fixed Stars + Planets Fated themes Regulus + Sun Leadership destiny
Profections + Dashas Dual confirmation Both highlight same planet High confidence prediction

Use these tables any time you want to understand your chart, someone else’s chart, or teach astrology in a more grounded, modern, and beautifully human way. Save it and share it. It’s designed to grow with you.

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Clara Wynn | Editorial Lead & Knowledge Architect

Clara is an astrological content specialist whose insights are derived from comprehensive pattern analysis across thousands of chart examples and deep study of both classical and modern astrological traditions. Her work transforms complex astrological data into practical wisdom.

“Every answer begins with clarity.”

Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. Astrology can be a powerful tool for reflection and insight, but it is not a diagnostic or therapeutic method. If you are experiencing emotional distress, trauma, or mental health challenges, please seek support from a licensed mental health professional or crisis resource in your area.