Learning the basics of astrology appears intimidating. There’s so much more to the cosmos than the twelve zodiac signs and planets. You have many other factors to consider, such as houses and elements. Although there’s a lot to learn, you can easily master the basics of astrology. Together, we’ll explore the following astrological topics: zodiac signs, elements, modality, duality, houses, planets, and major aspects. Once you master these basics, you’ll be on your way to interpreting the stars in no time!

🤓  Breaking Down the Basics of Astrology

Before discovering the foundational aspects of astrology, let’s discuss what astrology is. Astrology is the study of the heavenly bodies, and how these energies may reflect your human experience and collective earthly events. Astrology can signify your personality attributes, life events, and more. It can be used to predict possible future outcomes, where to live, business opportunities, your compatibility with someone else, and so much more. You can safely assume astrology is a tool above all else. Astrology can be used to approach anything in your life if you know how to use this tool correctly.

Astrology is not a religion, spiritual practice, or belief system. It’s not something one prays to like a Catholic praying to God. One may honor the stars and planets in their spiritual practice, but this isn’t necessarily astrology. More often than not, zealots and other naysayers condemn astrology without truly understanding what they’re condemning. Some confuse this divination as a belief system, because astrology is closely linked to witchier practices and is often denounced in other religious texts, such as the bible. But astrology is not a belief system since there’s nothing to believe.

Astrology is another way to see the world to make sense of your life. Astrology can be a benchmark, not only for personal history but collective history. Astrology can shed light on patterns, habits, and problems. Astrology is ancient, dating further back than any organized religion. Astrology is worldly, as many cultures use it globally for forecasting and other inquiries. If used correctly, astrology can be unnervingly accurate.

Learning astrology takes time, patience, and dedication. Those who study and practice are known as astrologers. Astrologers are often lifelong students since the cosmic energy evolves as humanity persists.

The best way to build your foundation of astrological knowledge is to begin with the basics. The basics include the following: zodiac signs, elements, modality, duality, houses, planets, and major aspects. Mastering the basics is crucial, because astrology is built upon these core topics. Once you fully integrate this knowledge, you will be on your way to becoming an astrologer.

🌟 The 12 Zodiac Signs

How many times has someone asked you what your zodiac sign is? You may have answered with Aries or Capricorn, not knowing that this is your sun sign, a.k.a. the tip of the iceberg. In astrology, there’s so much more than just your sun sign, as you have opportunities to see all twelve zodiac signs play out in your birth chart, horoscope, and more. So, who are the twelve zodiac signs, and how do they relate to you?

The twelve zodiac signs include the following: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Each zodiac sign is unique despite sharing similarities with other zodiac signs. What makes the zodiac sign unique is all that goes into it, which includes one element, one modality, one duality, one to two ruling planets, one house, one opposing sign, glyph(s), and symbol(s). Although some star signs may share a ruling planet or element, each star sign still has unparalleled traits, behaviors, signatures, and more.

Each zodiac sign has a special symbol to represent it. The glyph is another way to depict the symbol, which might be a mythical creature, humanoid, or something else. Each symbol and glyph relates to the zodiac sign’s mythology.

All zodiac signs are 180 degrees apart from their opposite sign. The opposing sign shares the same modality and duality, but not the same element. This means the opposing sign is similar but different from the zodiac sign. Each zodiac sign gets along swimmingly with other zodiac signs of the same or complementary element. Best compatibility indicates that a zodiac sign will likely gravitate to compatible zodiac signs in love, friendship, business, and more. Each zodiac sign has struggles with other zodiac signs. The challenging compatibility likely suggests the zodiac sign has very little or nothing in common with another star sign.

🔥  The 4 Elements

Elements represent the traits, behaviors, and personalities of each zodiac sign. There are four elements–fire, water, air, and earth. Each element is home to three zodiac signs. Most people have a mix of elements in their birth chart. It’s not uncommon to have a dominant element in a birth chart or to miss one element in a birth chart.

Fire signs include Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Fire signs are typically lively, excitable individuals. They bring a lot of physical energy to the table. Fire signs usually have a strong life force, making them highly motivated and ambitious characters. it's not unlikely that a fire sign is always moving, working on something, or dominating something in their life. Fire signs can be notably competitive, which stems from their desire to accomplish as much as possible. Fire signs bring a warm, enthusiastic attitude. There are times when a fire sign is hot headed, temperamental, and brash. As warm as these people are, fire signs are known for their scorching heat when upset, enraged, or in a negative headspace.

🔥  Fire Sign Keywords: Warm, vivacious, exuberant, lively, hot-headed, competitive, confident, brash, impulsive, forceful, motivated, ambitious, physical, energetic, strong-willed, bold, passionate, courageous, brave, enthusiastic, & fierce

Water signs include Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. Water signs are known to be temperamental individuals. They are often very emotional, which may explain the unexpected moodiness. Water signs are sensitive people, so they easily pick up on underlying currents and vibrations. Their intuition is unmatched. Water signs are often highly sympathetic and empathetic. Water signs must make sure that they’re not absorbing the energy around them. Most water signs are notably creative, because their inspiration and artistry stems from their feelings. Water signs can be highly altruistic, but they can also be prone to manipulative tendencies and passive-aggressiveness. As sweet as water signs can be, they’re also known to be turbulent and introverted when life feels like too much to handle.

💦  Water Sign Keywords: Temperamental, creative, feeling, sensitive, intuitive, sympathetic, empathetic, kind, caring, needy, clingy, sweet, tender, psychic, moody, nostalgic, introverted, manipulative, reticent, receptive, domestic, flowing, passive-aggressive, & compassionate

Air signs include Libra, Aquarius, and Gemini. Air signs are socially intelligent, charming individuals. These are the people you’ll want as your plus one to any event, because air signs know how to work a crowd. Air signs are typically rational and logical, making them great mediators. More often than not, air signs are excellent companions for a conversation, laugh, or outing. However, air signs can be notoriously fickle. It can be challenging to pin down an air sign even if you consider an air sign to be one of your best friends. Keep things light, fun, and curious if you want to keep an air sign’s attention. If not, the air sign will likely only engage in a shallow, superficial relationship. Air signs can be avoidant if things feel too intense, needy, or emotional.

🌬️  Air Sign Keywords: Clever, social, charming, agreeable, fickle, indecisive, superficial, rational, logical, friendly, conversational, witty, ever-changing, breezy, thinkers, curious, restless, scattered, noncommittal, alert, studious, perceptive, shallow, changeable, & freedom-seeking

Earth signs include Capricorn, Taurus, and Virgo. Earth signs are the responsible doers of the zodiac. These people can always be counted on to complete a goal, show up, and follow through with whatever they say they're going to do. Earth signs are typically productive individuals with their own systems of organization and structure. Earth signs often have an eye for business, money, and worthwhile ventures. As a result, earth signs are typically professionals with strong work ethics. Usually, these individuals struggle with inconsistencies, irresponsibility, and lack of good judgment. Earth signs can be hard-pressed, because they have high standards.

🌱  Earth Sign Keywords: Productive, responsible, accountable, practical, hard-pressed, boring, careful, conscientious, tedious, workaholics, structured, organized, critical, perfectionistic, high standards, stable, grounded, reliable, rigid, materialistic, unyielding, patient, & gentle

 

💫  The 3 Modalities

Modality refers to the mode of each zodiac sign, suggesting the zodiac signs have a unique way of expressing energy. Modality includes cardinal (beginning), fixed (middle), and mutable (end or transition). There are four zodiac signs per modality. Similarly to elements, most people have a mix of modalities in their birth chart. If the majority of your natal placements fall in one modality, then this becomes your signature.

Cardinal signs include Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. The cardinal signs are the leaders of astrology since their zodiacal seasons coincide with either an equinox or solstice. Cardinal signs often do well in leadership position at work and in their personal life. These individuals usually take it upon themselves to get the ball rolling. Although cardinal signs start strong, they can struggle with following through.

🏃  Cardinal Sign Keywords: Leaders, courageous, brave, pioneers, open-minded, ambitious, trailblazers, go-getters, motivated, bold, passionate, unafraid, entrepreneurial, authority figures, primary, alphas, restless, active, movers, excitable, & shakers

Fixed signs include Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. The fixed signs hold down the fort, which is why their zodiacal seasons make up the middle of spring, summer, winter, and fall. Fixed signs can be counted on to stabilize any ongoing endeavor or pursuit. However, fixed signs can be slow to start and hard to stop.

✋  Fixed Sign Keywords: Stabilizers, responsible, practical, tangible, procrastinators, stubborn, dogmatic, workers, slow, doers, “middle man,” lazy, unwavering, reliable, ethical, paced, preservationist, rigid, structured, “my way or the highway," enhancers, trustworthy, momentous, & determined

Mutable signs include Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces. The mutable signs represent the opportunity for transition, which explains why their zodiacal seasons come at the end of spring, summer, fall, and winter. Mutable signs thrive when they can ebb and flow, since mutable signs do their best work bouncing from one thing to the next. But this can also lead to forgetfulness and fickleness.

🤔  Mutable Sign Keywords: Adapters, editors, pliable, mercurial, accommodating, compromising, transitional, liminal, flexible, easygoing, fickle, versatile, multifaceted, “jack of many trades,” fluid, absent-minded, erratic, chameleons, low-key, & resourceful

✨  The 2 Dualities

Each zodiac sign is either masculine or feminine, which represents how the zodiac sign expresses its energy. Feminine is inactive and passive; masculine is active and forthright. Although each zodiac sign is either masculine or feminine, this doesn’t mean that the zodiac sign’s duality adheres to sexist views. Astrology’s masculine and feminine energies do not correspond with sex and gender.

Feminine signs include the water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, & Pisces) and earth signs (Capricorn, Taurus, & Virgo). The feminine signs are typically more intuitive, so it's likely that these signs have psychic abilities. Feminine signs assess the situation before acting to ensure that they know what they are going to do and it will result in their desired outcome. As a result, feminine signs often act like flies in the wall. They turn their attention inward to reflect in quiet. Feminine signs can accidentally let opportunities pass them by if they do not take action quickly enough. 

♀️  Feminine Sign Keywords: Passive, inactive, yin, introverted, intuitive, receptive, patient, careful, conscientious, anxious, slow to act, empathetic, inward, reflective, calm, dormant, perceptive, & strategic

Masculine signs include the fire signs (Aries, Leo, & Sagittarius) and air signs (Libra, Aquarius, & Gemini).  The masculine signs are more instinctual, so they don't question when something feels right. Masculine signs are action-oriented individuals. They are often brave and bold courageously taking leaps of faith. Sometimes masculine signs can be risk-takers. As a result, masculine signs often land in hot water due to their brashness and impulsivity. However, masculine signs are not afraid to get up and try again.

♂️  Masculine Sign Keywords: Forthright, active, yang, extroverted, instinctual, aggressive, outward, upfront, honest, brash, idealistic, projective, restless, fast-paced, pioneering, accelerating, & assertive

 

🏠  The 12 Houses

Each astrological chart is divided into twelve segments known as houses. The twelve houses represent different areas of life. Houses refer to how something may play out, like a natal placement or transit. Natal placements in the houses suggest focus and emphasis on an area of life. Transits through the houses represent opportunities coming up, which can be used to determine your horoscope. Full and empty houses are equally common in a chart. Full houses indicate a heavenly body is in a house, whereas an empty house occurs when there’s nothing in the house.

🫵  1st House: Selfhood, identity, appearance, & self-perception

💰  2nd House: Personal assets, financial opportunities, material items, & value systems

☎️  3rd House: Communication, neighborhood, local travel, siblings, & immediate community

🏡  4th House: Home, family, foundation, private life, ancestry, & hidden house

🤩  5th House: Creation, joy, self-expression, hobbies, romance (dating), sex, & children

💼  6th House: Work, health, habits, routine, & mundane activities

😘  7th House: Partnership, commitment, marriage, & contracts

☠️  8th House: Personal suffering, complex finances, taboos, occult, death, intimacy, enmeshment, & hidden house

✈️  9th House: Long-distance travel, belief systems, culture, higher education, publishing, teaching, & philosophy

🏅  10th House: Career, public image, reputation, life’s work, success, & legacy

👭 11th House: Greater community, friendship, humanitarian efforts, aspirations, & dreams

🌫️  12th House: Unconsciousness, hidden enemies, hidden talents, hidden weaknesses, collective suffering, confinement, & hidden house

🪐  The Planets

Planets are the heavenly bodies that represent different aspects of life. In a birth chart, a planet stands for parts of your personality. In transit or in horoscope, a planet represents an aspect of life that may be impacted. Either way, planets play a key role in personality attributes and life events. A planet’s energy can play out as a response, drive, urge, behavior, or life event. 

⨀  Sun Keywords: Personality, ego, vitality, father figure, drive, ambition, & luminary

☾  Moon Keywords: Emotional self, superego, maternal figure, emotional processing, validation, intuition, & luminary

☿  Mercury Keywords: Speaking, thinking, writing, learning, processing, & cosmic messenger

♀  Venus Keywords: Love, money, beauty, art, relationships, value, & minor benefic

♂  Mars Keywords: War, conflict, libido, passion, motivation, sexual desire, & minor malefic

♃  Jupiter Keywords: Expansion, growth, journeying, higher education, belief systems, luck, abundance, & major benefic

♄  Saturn Keywords: Karma, time, restrictions, boundaries, structure, authority, self-mastery, hierarchy, & major malefic

♅  Uranus Keywords: Chaos, rebellion, nonconformity, eccentricity, liberation, & innovation

♆  Neptune Keywords: Spirituality, illusion, confusion, projection, escapism, enchantment, & escapism

♇  Pluto Keywords: Death, rebirth, power, loss, abuse, extremes, destruction, control, obsession, & transformation

 

➿  The Major Aspects

Aspects refer to the interactions the planets and other heavenly bodies make with one another as they pass through the zodiac wheel. Aspects are angles, so each aspect is associated with a degree of difference between the two cosmic energies. There are many aspects of astrology, but the main ones are conjunction, opposition, sextile, square, trine, and opposition. Each one of the major aspects denotes a special relationship or connection among the planets. Some aspects are easier than others, but all have a purpose.

☌  Conjunct or conjunction (0°): Conjunctions can only occur if the two planets are in the same zodiac sign. For example, the sun in Cancer would conjunct Mercury in Cancer. Conjunctions indicate sameness and likeness, creating a surge of energy aligned with the zodiac sign’s traits and behaviors. This isn’t strictly positive or negative; conjunctions depend on what planets are aligning in what zodiac sign.

⚹  Sextile (60°): Sextiles occur when two planets are in complementary zodiac signs. The zodiac signs may not share much in common, but their differences work well together. For example, sextiles happen between fire and air or water and earth. Sextiles are typically positive, suggesting subtle friendliness and harmony.

□  Square (90°): Squares are challenging aspects where the planets have nothing in common but the modality. For example, the sun in Gemini would square Mars in Pisces. Squares often coincide with tension, disagreement, and conflict. Although unconformable, squares can be mediated by other positive aspects, such as trines and sextiles.

△  Trine (120°): Trines occur when planets are in zodiac signs that share the same element. For example, Venus in Libra trines Uranus in Aquarius. Trines are remarkably genial, harmonious, and receptive. Usually, positive things happen with little effort or planning when there’s a trine.

☍  Opposition (180°): Oppositions can only occur if the planets are in opposing zodiac signs. For example, the sun in Taurus opposes the moon in Scorpio. Like conjunctions, oppositions are neither positive nor negative. Oppositions bring out the best or the worst depending on the cosmic energy.

😊  Download Your Complimentary Beginner’s Guide to Astrology

 

💫  Astrology Readings at ASCEND

Want to learn more about your personal astrology? Learn more about your birth chart by booking your astrology reading with ASCEND’s in-house astrologer, Liz Simmons. Together, you and Liz will discover your birth chart, personal forecast, and so much more. What do the stars have in store for you?

⭐️  Book your astrology reading

 

 

✍️  Meet ASCEND’s In-House Astrologer & Writer

Liz Simmons is a writer, astrologer, and tarot reader based in Salem, MA. Liz is the resident astrologer at ASCEND Get Lifted. Aside from providing astrological readings and tarot readings, Liz writes for ASCEND’s blog. Her expert commentary is featured in over twenty publications, including Cosmopolitan, Shape, Women’s Health, & more. Check out her work on Instagram, @the_ _crone & book a reading with her at ASCEND.