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.