Astrology has moved beyond a simple conversation starter; it’s now a popular interest, with many people consulting astrology apps as part of their daily routine. But what exactly is astrology, and how can understanding our birth charts help us connect with the cosmos? This guide will break down the basics of astrology, providing you with the tools to start your own cosmic exploration.
What is Astrology?
We inhabit a planet within a vast universe, surrounded by other planets, stars, and celestial bodies. It’s natural to seek understanding and meaning within this grand cosmic framework.
Historically, astrology and astronomy were closely linked until the 18th century. The rhythms of the sun, moon, and stars served as a celestial guide for life on Earth. While artificial light may have obscured our connection to these original light sources, we can still use astrology to deepen our understanding of ourselves and the universe.
Alt: Illustration of planets and stars with astrological symbols representing the cosmos.
Astrology encompasses various schools and systems of thought. A common thread is the belief that the sky mirrors life on Earth. The movements and positions of planets and stars can provide insights into ourselves and our place within the cosmos.
Astrology acts as a language, offering perspective, clarity, imagination, and fresh insights into our feelings and beliefs. It can be both enlightening and exciting to place our experiences within a planetary context. Astrology provides a unique perspective, potentially re-enchanting our daily lives.
Many people find astrology inspiring as a tool for connecting with themselves and the cosmos. In our fast-paced world, many are seeking ways to feel connected to forces greater than themselves.
What Astrology Isn’t
As astrology’s popularity grows, so do misconceptions. Let’s clarify what astrology is not: It’s not a belief system, a religion, or a cult. Nor is it something to fear.
Alt: Bold text stating that Astrology is not a belief system, emphasizing its nature as a tool for understanding.
Astrology is simply a lens through which we can view the world and our place within the universe. You don’t need to “believe” that planets directly influence our lives to benefit from its wisdom. It’s about synchronicity, mirroring, and seeking a clearer picture and a sense of cosmic dialogue through these celestial entities. For example, Pluto moving through your house of relationships isn’t necessarily causing drama, but reflecting patterns that are present.
Getting Started with Birth Charts (Natal Charts)
A birth chart, also known as a natal chart or astrological chart, is a snapshot of the sky at the moment you were born, using your birth time, date, and location as the center point. It appears as a wheel divided into twelve sections, showing the planets’ positions within astrological houses and signs based on your birthplace.
Alt: Detailed image of a birth chart, displaying planets and astrological houses, representing the celestial alignment at birth.
The birth chart also reveals the “aspects,” or conversations, between the planets. Aspects can be thought of as lines of sight that influence how planets interact energetically. Think of the difference between standing across the room from someone versus standing right next to them while making eye contact. Planets interact in a similar way.
The astrologer Dane Rudhyar described the birth chart as “the earth’s aura.” Your natal chart represents the Earth’s aura at your birth, revealing inherent energies, strengths, and weaknesses, and providing insights into love, career, family life, and life purpose.
Your birth chart is dynamic, constantly influenced by transiting planets. When the sun enters a new sign, it highlights a new part of your birth chart, bringing attention to new themes and topics. Similarly, Mercury retrograde affects specific areas of your chart. Transits impact us both collectively and individually, as each of us possesses a unique “aura.”
You can create a natal chart for any event to understand its inherent energies. Charts can be cast for births, deaths, marriages, business launches, and other significant life moments. Create your own birth chart (or anyone else’s) at websites like astro.com or Cafe Astrology by entering the birth location, date, and time. Many apps like CHANI also offer this functionality. You’ll instantly generate a map of the sky at that specific moment.
Finding Reliable Astrology Resources
The vast amount of astrological information available can be overwhelming. The TimePassages app is a great resource for storing your birth chart information and understanding how current transits affect your chart. It’s an excellent way to become familiar with these energies. Astro.com is another valuable resource for exploring astrology and tracking current planetary positions.
Alt: A screenshot of the TimePassages app displaying astrological information, including planetary positions and chart interpretations.
Tracking the moon’s phases and location is a valuable way to learn about astrology and your chart. The moon changes signs every two to three days, and by tracking it (using the apps or websites mentioned above), you can gain insight into which planets and topics are being highlighted in your chart.
A great way to connect with your chart and transits is to get a professional astrology reading from someone who resonates with you. Astrologers have different styles of interpreting astrological concepts, and it can be insightful to experience astrology through conversation and real-time interpretation.
Ultimately, the best approach is to find resources, people, apps, and books that align with your personal learning style and interests. 🌟
