Your birth chart interpretation is based on the positions of the planets at the time of your birth. For the benefit of students of astrology, these positions, along with other technical information, are listed below:

Sun     18 Gem 12               Pluto     5 Vir 40
Moon     1 Tau 27               N. Node   0 Vir 54
Mercury  9 Can 21               Asc.     18 Aqu 37
Venus    2 Tau 58               MC       14 Sag 03
Mars    18 Leo 37               2nd cusp 22 Ari 21
Jupiter  6 Aqu 49               3rd cusp 24 Tau 15
Saturn  29 Cap 07               5th cusp  0 Can 40
Uranus  22 Leo 23               6th cusp 18 Can 54
Neptune  8 Sco 58

Tropical  Placidus   Standard time observed
GMT: 07:15:00   Time Zone: 7 hours West
Lat. and Long. of birth: 53 N 33    113 W 28  

Aspects and orbs:
Conjunction: 10 Degrees
Opposition : 10 Degrees
Square     : 10 Degrees
Trine      : 10 Degrees
Sextile    :  7 Degrees

NOW THAT I'VE CAST IT, WHAT DO I DO WITH IT?

INTRODUCTION
"Now that I've cast it, what do I DO with it?", asks the student who has just finished casting his own horoscope. The next step usually involves the purchase of many books and the attempt to memorize what the authors have to say. Unfortunately, this does not help the student to think, but only results in his feeling ignorant and inadequate. I have told students that their best book is their brain, and that they need not invest in a library of books in order to learn chart interpretation. Their reply has been that they needed something to get them started--a catalyst. This program is designed to be just that. It is not designed to be memorized, but to help you think and to give you confidence in your own ability to interpret a chart. If you first understand the principle, you will then be able to apply it to any situation. With the use of the BASIC SENTENCES you will be able to do that. This approach is easy to grasp---and it works.

THE HOUSES

When interpreting a chart, the three most important things to look at are:

1) planets in houses (and signs on cusps)
2) planets in signs
3) aspects between planets

The best way to understand the meaning of any house is to think of the sign which rules it in the natural zodiac, for that sign will color the house with its own personality. For example, suppose someone has three planets in Capricorn in the 7th house. In spite of the fact that those planets are in Capricorn, there will be a strong Libran tone to the chart because of Libra's natural rulership of the 7th house. Another point is that a planet falling in its "own" house will be much stronger than in another. This holds true no matter what sign it is in. For example, let's suppose that someone has Venus in Aquarius in the 2nd house. Venus is in its "own" house because of Taurus' natural rulership of the 2nd. This means that Venus will be much stronger here than elsewhere.

FIRST HOUSE
The 1st house rules the personality, appearance, physical body and personal mannerisms. The person with 1st house planets is a disguised Aries, for the "me first" quality predominates. He is not intentionally selfish. It's just that, as far as he is concerned, he comes first. Because his personality is strongly developed and his appearance is quite striking, others are attracted to him. While he enjoys the attention, he does not want to feel obligated or restricted. He wants to be free to throw himself into a new project at a moment's notice. If anyone blocks his path, he takes on the challenger by intensifying his efforts and ramming right through the obstacle.

(Note: the 1st house is how you are, but the 7th is the way others see you one-on-one. In other words, you send out your 1st, but others pick up your 7th.)

SECOND HOUSE
The 2nd house describes the basic need in all of us for fulfillment of our personal desires. It also describes the tangible possessions (people or things) which we substitute when our personal desires go unfulfilled. Because of Taurus' rulership over this house, the 2nd house person's needs are often very practical and deal with the basics of life: food, shelter, love and the money to buy what he needs. Many people, however, have fulfilled their basic needs sufficiently enough so that they are working on fulfilling their secondary needs. For this reason, the 2nd house deals with our values, priorities and all security-giving possessions.

THIRD HOUSE
This Gemini-influenced house deals with the conscious mind, ideas, memory and all forms of communication, including the manner in which we actually think and speak. It rules our childhood and the people who played a part in it, especially our siblings. A person with planets in the 3rd house is never at a loss for words and can talk as much as any Gemini. However, like Gemini, this person does not necessarily come up with the idea, but hears it and then communicates it. This gives the 3rd house person the ability to mimic. Traditionally, this house rules short trips, and the person with a strong 3rd has to get in his car at least once a day, if only to drive around the block. He just has to keep moving or he gets bored, nervous and jumpy.

FOURTH HOUSE
Because of its relationship to Cancer, the 4th house triggers our deep emotional need for personal security. While most students know that the 4th house is related to the home, family and real estate, they are not always aware of the importance of this house. The cusp of the 4th is the foundation on which the entire chart is built, and determines the strength of the whole structure. If our security needs are fulfilled, our structure is sound. If we go through life unfulfilled on this deepest of all levels, our structure can suffer because we will be constantly trying to firm up our foundation, to compensate for any lack therein. Who fulfills this security need? That's where the home and family come in, but most importantly the parent described by the 4th house. Often this is the mother because she, traditionally, spends more time at home. However, with the changing times, this does not always apply. More and more, mother is getting out of the home (4th house) in order to pursue a career (10th house). This raises the question: is mother the 4th and father the 10th, or vice-versa? That depends on the chart and will vary from person to person. The importance of the 4th and 10th houses cannot be overstated, for these houses relate to our parents, and their influence in our lives is enormous. Keep in mind, though, that the 4th house rules the second half of life, and it may be that our security needs are fulfilled at that time other than by the 4th house parent.

There is a strong relationship between the 4th and 10th houses because our need for power and authority (10th) is determined by our need for emotional security (4th). If our 4th house needs are unfulfilled, we will compensate for them in our 10th house.

FIFTH HOUSE

Because of its kinship with Leo, the 5th house deals with our creative urges and how we express them. It is the outward expression of the 2nd house of desire, and shows how we have fun---mentally, emotionally and physically. For this reason, and because the 5th deals with all sorts of amusements, hobbies, sexual and social activities, I refer to it as the house of "fun and games". The person with planets in the 5th loves all sorts of amusements, from sports to cocktail parties. He also likes any kind of speculation, from gambling to investing.

You can see the relationship between the creative urge and the creation of children, so the 5th house deals with children. People with a strong 5th house attract children to them like the Pied Piper. Keeping the element of creativity in mind, the 5th house deals with schools, the implication being that through the educational process we develop our creative abilities. (Teachers, take note.)

The 5th house deals with drama and the theater, and the person with 5th house planets is dramatic, even in everyday situations. He has a flair for the elegant, the showy that makes even humdrum events come alive.

SIXTH HOUSE

Traditionally, this house deals with work, health and service, but like Virgo, its natural ruler, the person with planets here does not just want to keep busy. He wants to provide some necessary service. He is only happy when he is useful, busy and needed. Because of this, he does not mind taking care of the small details of a project. He knows how important those details are to the project's success---and he knows that no one else is willing to handle them. Perhaps this is why the 6th house rules small matters and loose ends.

The 6th house illustrates the relationship between our health and work. (Keep in mind that the career is the 10th house. The 6th rules the work or actual service performed.) When things go wrong at work, our health can suffer. Perhaps we are having difficulty with an employee or co-worker. The 6th house has rulership over these people. Our diet plays a major role in determining our health--or lack of it. The 6th rules this area, also.

Traditionally, this house rules small animals. (Large ones are ruled by the 12th.) However, some people regard their pets as children. If they treat them like children, the pets ARE their children, and should be read into the 5th house.

SEVENTH HOUSE

The 7th house deals with the interpersonal relationship in all of its forms. The person with planets in the 7th house lives for and through his partner, and prefers to deal one-to-one in all interactions. Like Libra, the 7th house person is looking for his "other half" in order to complete his life. The 7th house also deals with litigation, the lower courts, contracts, treaties, deals, contests, rivalry, competition, open enemies, the public, war, and harmony or separation. If you have difficulty relating these seemingly diverse areas to the house of partnership, just apply them to one of life's situations: after finding your mate (7th), and signing a marriage contract (7th), the balance between you (7th) often develops into a form of competition (7th) and your spouse (7th) becomes our open enemy (7th). You then return to the courts (7th) where you took out your original marriage license (7th) in order to dissolve your contract (7th) and separate (7th). Remember that business partnerships come under the rulership of this house, as well as those momentary one-on-one situations you encounter in your daily activities. The 7th reflects the lesson of Libra: share or separate.

EIGHTH HOUSE

Because the 8th house rules all the secrets of life, the 8th house person is secretive and hard to get to know. He is a loner and likes it.

Scorpio is a sign of extremes. Because of this, 8th house planets can manifest on their highest or lowest levels. No matter what the present level of manifestation, however, planets in the 8th undergo a constant regeneration, permitting their more positive qualities to shine through. The 8th rules sleep, dreams and the astral plane, where much of this regeneration takes place. For this reason, people with planets in the 8th can need more sleep than others. (They need to spend more time on the astral.)

The 8th house rules desire. This can manifest as either sexual or psychic energy, depending on the individual. The 8th house deals with our (hidden) attitudes toward sex. If these attitudes are not understood, they can cause difficulties. Understanding our desires and the cause of our emotions is a major function of the 8th house. However, many 8th house people prefer to manipulate and control others rather than dealing with themselves.

The 8th house deals with psychic energy. Because of this, if the 8th house person uses his power indiscriminately, or if his motivation is not pure, this house can be a cosmic boomerang. Manipulation, secret dealing and abuses of sexual and psychic laws are lower manifestations of this house. Understanding the cause of the problem and releasing it is the higher manifestation.


On the mundane level, the 8th house deals with debts, loans, joint finances, legacies and inheritances.

NINTH HOUSE

The 9th house deals with truth and honesty. It reflects our higher mind, which is in tune with God's law. Many books speak of the 9th house as religion. I see it more as the attitude toward God. This is because, more and more, religion seems to be a 10th house matter. With the running of the church, the collection of money, the paying of salaries, the advertising for members, etc., religion has become a big business. The person with a strong 9th house has a desire to expand his horizons on all levels. This can be accomplished through higher education (another 9th house matter) or long distance travel---either in or out of the body. (The 8th house rules dreams; the 9th rules the trips we take during sleep.) This house rules publishing, foreign lands and foreigners. (It is interesting to note here that traditional astrology gives the 9th house rulership over in-laws as well!) It also rules foreign trade, justice, the law and the higher courts. Think of Sagittarius and you'll understand the 9th house's need to expand.

TENTH HOUSE

The 10th house rules the career, the reputation, the honors that have been won, the standing in the community, the leader and anyone who might be considered an authority figure (a parent, boss, officer, etc.) Just like Capricorn, the 10th house person wants to be on top, be the authority figure and be respected. Conversely, he finds it difficult to accept direction from anyone in authority he does not respect. The 10th house also rules the government and politics. Successful politicians often have a strong 10th house. However, the 10th house deals with the test in the use of power. An abuse of power can have serious results. If you have planets in the 10th you will be placed in a position of authority in order to learn how to deal with power.

ELEVENTH HOUSE

According to traditional astrology, this house deals with friends, groups, hopes and wishes. You might expect, then, that the 11th house person would have many friends. However, such is not always the case. There are two types of Aquarian: one type likes people, but doesn't need them. Rather than having many friends, he prefers to BE a friend whenever needed. The other type loves group activity of all sorts and is always joining clubs, organizations and gatherings. These two types of Aquarian can be seen in the two types of 11th house people. Both types, however, believe in the group---that whatever is best for the group is ultimately best for them. This is just the reverse of most people's thinking.

The 11th house also deals with legislative bodies and step-children.

TWELFTH HOUSE

The 12th house seems to function on two levels. Those with planets in the 12th are either very spiritual, sacrificing people, or "escape artists" who retreat to the privacy of their own world in order to avoid the responsibility of reality. The 12th house person, like the Piscean, wants to identify with something greater than himself. He wants to find a oneness with God. The spiritual type serves God by serving mankind. The other type is simply a martyr, bemoaning his fate. While all people with 12th house planets need to be alone at least once a day, the "escape artist" carries this to an extreme either daydreaming, sleeping, and/or indulging himself on all levels. The 12th house rules behind-the-scenes activities and places, such as hospitals, institutions, etc. The spiritual type works in these places, while the "escape" type can retreat to them. The 12th house rules our hidden strengths or weaknesses. The spiritual type finds strength through God, while the other type laments his own weakness. The 12th house rules our subconscious mind. Because of this, the spiritual type is able to go within and receive inspiration, which he can channel creatively into music, art, writing, etc. The other type can be confused between reality and imagination, unable to tell one from the other. The 12th house traditionally rules self-doing or -undoing, implying that we are either our own best friend or worst enemy. If we retreat and escape from reality, we bring about our undoing. If we serve selflessly, we receive spiritual and worldly blessings.

Additionally, the 12th house rules large animals and hidden enemies, real or imagined.

SIGNS ON CUSPS

Each sign represents a principle to be learned. The house cusp on which a sign falls indicates the area of life in which you will learn that principle. The BASIC SENTENCE approach makes it easy to apply the meanings of the signs to the different areas of life. Think of the qualities of each of the signs and compose a few BASIC SENTENCES to describe them, then apply these sentences to each house. The sentences I offer are suggestions. Feel free to compose your own.

ARIES ON THE CUSPS

Aries is the principle of beginnings. Wherever Aries falls in your chart is where you want to do your thing NOW. It is that area of life in which you throw yourself into activity. Aries wants to be first, and so the area of life in which Aries falls comes first to you.

BASIC SENTENCES:
__________________COMES FIRST.
YOU ARE IMPATIENT ABOUT______.
YOU THROW YOURSELF INTO______.

Aries on second house cusp

Your own values come first. You are impatient about money matters. You throw yourself into earning money.

TAURUS ON THE CUSPS

Practical Taurus teaches you your values and makes you tenacious of your possessions. Wherever Taurus falls in your chart is where you hang on for security. It also shows you that area of life about which you feel deeply.

BASIC SENTENCES:
YOU HANG ON TO_________FOR SECURITY.
YOU ARE PRACTICAL ABOUT ___________.
YOU FEEL DEEPLY ABOUT _____________.

Taurus on third house cusp

You hang on to your ideas for security. You are practical in your thinking. You feel deeply about your childhood.

GEMINI ON THE CUSPS

Gemini teaches the principle of communication. This many-faceted sign gives you curiosity and the ability to see both sides of the picture.

BASIC SENTENCES:
YOU ARE CURIOUS ABOUT______.
THERE CAN BE A DUALITY IN__.
YOU TALK ABOUT_____________.

Gemini on fourth house cusp

You are curious about the second half of life. There is a duality at the very foundation of your being. You talk about your home and family.

CANCER ON THE CUSPS

Cancer is a nurturing, protecting sign. It represents the need for emotional security.

BASIC SENTENCES;
YOU ARE PROTECTIVE OF______________________.
YOU IDENTIFY PERSONALLY WITH_______________.
____FULFILLS YOUR NEED FOR EMOTIONAL SECURITY.
YOU ARE SENSITIVE AND DEFENSIVE ABOUT_______.

Cancer on fifth house cusp

You are protective of your children. You identify personally with your child. Romance fulfills your need for emotional security. You are sensitive and defensive about anything you create.

Cancer on sixth house cusp

You are protective of your work. You identify personally with working people. Work fulfills your need for emotional security. You are sensitive and defensive about your work.

LEO ON THE CUSPS

Leo is the sign of creativity. It is dramatic, proud, and fun-loving. To Leo, life is a game to be played, a movie in which to star.

BASIC SENTENCES:
YOU ARE PROUD OF__________.
YOU ARE CREATIVE IN_______.
YOU WANT ___TO BE THE CENTER OF ATTENTION.

Leo on seventh house cusp

You are proud of your partner. You are creative with others. You want your partnership to be the center of attention.

VIRGO ON THE CUSPS

Virgo is a humble sign that does not want the limelight, but simply wants to be needed and doing something useful. Virgo teaches the principle of service.

BASIC SENTENCES:
YOU WANT TO SERVE IN __________________________.
YOU HAVE A TENDENCY TO BE INSECURE ABOUT_______.
YOU ARE AN EXCELLENT CRITIC WHEN IT COMES TO___.
YOU HAVE A TALENT FOR ANALYZING________________.

LIBRA ON THE CUSPS

Charming Libra, while looking for balance and harmony, can argue for the opposition in order to present the other side. Libra likes to make things harmonious, but often finds it difficult to live in a situation where harmony has already been established.

BASIC SENTENCES:
YOU SEE__________________FROM BOTH SIDES.

PARTNERSHIP IS IMPORTANT IN_____________.
YOU WANT TO BE TREATED AS AN EQUAL IN___.

Libra on eighth house cusp

You see the metaphysical from both sides. Your attitude toward partnership will undergo a change. You treat other people's values as equal with your own.

SCORPIO ON THE CUSPS

Scorpio deals with the principle of regeneration. Whatever house Scorpio rules is that area of life over which you want total control. However, that is the very area that will have to undergo a change.

BASIC SENTENCES:
____________CAN UNDERGO A CHANGE.
YOU WANT TO HAVE CONTROL OVER___.
YOU CAN MANIPULATE______________.
YOU CAN BE SECRETIVE ABOUT______.

Scorpio on ninth house cusp

Your philosophy can undergo a total change. Your philosophy involves being in control. Manipulation is part of your philosophy. You can be secretive about your philosophy.

SAGITTARIUS ON THE CUSPS

Sagittarius deals with expansion on all levels. Sagittarius wants to be free to live according to his principles. The reason he is free from worry is because he can rationalize anything that comes along.

BASIC SENTENCES:
YOU ARE PHILOSOPHICAL ABOUT________.
YOU WANT TO KEEP EXPANDING_________.
YOU ARE HONEST IN__________________.
YOU DON'T WORRY ABOUT__BECAUSE YOU CAN RATIONALIZE IT.
YOU ARE GENEROUS WITH______________.

Sagittarius on tenth house cusp

You are philosophical about power. You want to keep expanding your career. You are honest in your career. You don't worry about responsibility because you can rationalize it. You are generous in your career.

CAPRICORN ON THE CUSPS

Capricorn is traditional and believes in reward for hard work. Capricorn's goal is to be in a position of power, authority and respect.

BASIC SENTENCES:
YOU WANT TO BE RESPECTED AND POWERFUL IN_____.
YOU ARE CONSERVATIVE AND TRADITIONAL IN YOUR
APPROACH TO__________________________________.
YOU ACCEPT YOUR RESPONSIBILITY IN ___________.

Capricorn on eleventh house cusp

You want to be respected and powerful in groups. You are conservative and traditional in your approach to friendship. You accept the responsibility of friendship.

Capricorn on twelfth house cusp

You have a subconscious need to be respected and powerful. You are subconsciously conservative and traditional. You accept your responsibility in private matters.

AQUARIUS ON THE CUSPS

Aquarius often feels like an alien because, while he likes people, he does not need them. He is a loner, but he's not lonely. He marches to his own drumbeat, uninfluenced by others.

BASIC SENTENCES:
YOU ARE INDIVIDUALISTIC IN _______.

YOUR ________IS AHEAD OF THE TIMES.
EITHER YOUR___COMBINES THE TRADITIONAL WITH
THE ORIGINAL OR IT IS TORN BETWEEN THE TWO.

Aquarius on first house cusp

You are individualistic. You are ahead of the times. Either you are a combination of the traditional and the original, or you are torn between the two.

PISCES ON THE CUSPS

Pisces is even more of an extremist than Scorpio, for he can either function on the highest of spiritual levels, or completely avoid reality by escaping into day-dreaming and/or self-indulgence of all sorts. Pisces is looking for something greater than himself to serve.

BASIC SENTENCES:
YOU CAN EITHER SERVE OR ESCAPE FROM REALITY IN____.
YOU ARE EITHER IDEALISTIC ABOUT OR INSPIRED BY____.
YOU CAN BE UNDECIDED ABOUT________________________.


PLANETS IN HOUSES

Planets are the roving delegates or representatives of the signs. They, like the signs, represent principles to be learned. The sign in which a planet falls tells us HOW we will learn the principle, the house in which it falls tells us the area of life (WHERE) we will learn the principle, and the aspects between planets tell us if we will learn all this with ease or difficulty. After understanding the principles that the signs on the cusps teach, it is important to know what the planets themselves indicate in the houses in which they fall. The easiest way to do this is with the BASIC SENTENCE. Once again, compose a few BASIC SENTENCES to describe each planet, then apply them to the house in which the planet falls. As with other BASIC SENTENCES, some of them may need modification in order to apply. Keep in mind that these sentences are suggestions and should be used as a starting point.

THE SUN

The Sun, called "the Giver of Life", is the center of our solar system. Symbolically, then, it is the center of the chart. It rules your individuality, your ego. It rules the creative urge---and pride in what you have created. The Sun represents the positive, aggressive or masculine principle and, consequently, your father and other male authority figures in your life.

BASIC SENTENCES:
YOU'RE PROUD OF ____________.
THE CENTER OF YOUR LIFE IS__.
YOU'RE CREATIVE IN/WITH_____.
YOU EXPRESS YOUR INDIVIDUALITY IN/THROUGH___.
YOU WANT TO EXPRESS YOUR AUTHORITY IN/WITH__.

Sun in 4th house:

You're proud of your home. The center of your life deals with fulfilling your security need. You're creative in your home. You express your individuality in your home. You want to express your authority in your home.

THE MOON

The Moon is the negative, receptive or feminine principle in each of us and, in its mundane manifestation, represents the females in our lives, especially our mother. Because of this, the Moon governs the protective urge. The Moon rules the personality. It is changeable and rules our emotions and moods. On a large scale, it rules the public. Just as mother fulfills (or doesn't fulfill) our emotional security needs, so the Moon shows us where we seek fulfillment of these needs. Because it deals with what we have brought over from the past, it rules the subconscious. The Moon also relates to our health because it rules function and form, the ebb and flow of life.

BASIC SENTENCES:
THERE ARE CHANGES IN______.
YOU'RE EMOTIONAL ABOUT____.
YOU'RE PROTECTIVE OF______.
YOUR MOTHER'S INFLUENCE IS FELT IN___.
YOUR EMOTIONAL SECURITY NEED IS FULFILLED THROUGH___.

Moon in 2nd house:

There are changes in your values. You're emotional about money. You're protective of your possessions. Your mother's influence is felt in your values. Your emotional security need is fulfilled through having money.

MERCURY

Mercury takes the instinctive, emotional and subconscious reaction of the Moon, brings it to consciousness, and thinks and talks about it. Mercury is the communicator, whether from subconscious to conscious, or person to person. Mercury does not come up with the idea---it puts the idea into words. In its mundane manifestation, Mercury rules communication, correspondence, short-distance travel and siblings.

BASIC SENTENCE: YOU THINK AND TALK ABOUT____.

Mercury in 5th house:

You think and talk about social activities.

VENUS

Venus is the principle of love, beauty, rhythm and harmony. It rules the social urges and all the pleasures and luxuries of life.

BASIC SENTENCES:
____IS BEAUTIFUL TO YOU.
YOU LOVE_______________.

Venus in 2nd house:

(Venus is stronger here due to Taurus's rulership of the natural 2nd house.) Money and possessions are beautiful to you. You love all the pleasures of life.

MARS

Mars is the principle of energy and action. It intensifies the house in which it falls. Mars is the polar opposite of Venus. By contrasting the two, we can better understand them.

Venus is love; Mars is passion (sex). Venus rules the social urges; Mars rules the personal desires. Mars is active; Venus is passive. Venus is love; Mars is hate. Venus rules rhythm and harmony; Mars is impulsive and explosive. Mars is war and anger; Venus is conciliation and peace. Mars rules sports, mechanical abilities and the young men in our lives.

BASIC SENTENCES:
YOU RESENT (OR EVEN HATE)_____.
YOU'RE AGGRESSIVE IN__________.
YOU THROW YOURSELF INTO_______.
___________________COMES FIRST.
YOU'LL FIGHT FOR OR WITH______.

Mars in 6th house:

You resent working. You're aggressive in your work. You throw yourself into your work. Work comes first. You'll fight for or with co-workers.

JUPITER

Jupiter, the Great Benefic, is the planet of reward, giving us abundance (financially or spiritually), happiness, optimism and friendship. Jupiter teaches the principles of God's law and, for this reason, wherever it falls in our chart, we seem to be blessed. Those who do not understand God's law consider these blessings to be merely luck, and so Jupiter has come to be considered the planet of luck. Mundanely, Jupiter rules legal affairs, religion, philosophy, friendship, long trips and the higher mind.

BASIC SENTENCES:
YOU'RE LUCKY IN_______.
YOU HAVE A LOT OF_____.
YOU'RE GENEROUS WITH__.
YOU BELIEVE IN________.

Jupiter in 12th house:

(Jupiter is stronger here due to Pisces' rulership of the natural 12th house.) You have hidden luck. You have a lot of faith. You're very generous. You believe in spiritual fulfillment through service to God.

SATURN

Saturn is the polar opposite of Jupiter. By contrasting the two we can better understand them. Jupiter is expansion; Saturn is contraction. Jupiter is law; Saturn is order. Jupiter is God's law; Saturn is man's (society's) law. Jupiter is freedom; Saturn is discipline, restriction. Jupiter is abundance; Saturn is limitation. Jupiter is wealth; Saturn presents financial restriction. Jupiter is optimism; Saturn is seriousness. Jupiter is impulsive; Saturn is disciplined. Jupiter is outgoing; Saturn is reserved. Jupiter is idealization; Saturn is wisdom through experience. Saturn tests; Jupiter rewards. Saturn is the principle of crystallization and the test in the use of power. Saturn rules time and the lessons time teaches. It rules the earth and real estate, old people and things, and falls. Saturn rules fear. By looking realistically at what we fear we can overcome it.

BASIC SENTENCES:
YOU'RE AFRAID OF___BUT HAVE TO DEAL WITH
THIS FEAR IN ORDER TO OVERCOME IT.
YOU'RE UNHAPPY ABOUT RESTRICTIONS IN________.
YOU'RE SERIOUS ABOUT________________________.
YOU WANT TO ASSERT YOUR AUTHORITY IN________.
YOU'RE TRADITIONAL ABOUT____________________.

Saturn in 12th house:

You're afraid of the unknown, but you have to deal with this fear in order to overcome it. You're unhappy about restrictions placed upon you that others know nothing about. You take your private life seriously. You want to assert your authority behind-the-scenes. There is a hidden element of tradition which subconsciously motivates you.

URANUS

Uranus is the awakener, and shatters the crystallization of Saturn by breaking up old habit patterns. Instead of following the rules of order set down by Saturn, Uranus permits individuality and inventiveness to break through. Saturn does things slowly; Uranus acts suddenly and unexpectedly. Saturn says, "Why?"; Uranus says, "Why not?" Saturn rules the old; Uranus rules the new. Mundanely, Uranus rules electricity, intuition, invention, machinery and astrology.

BASIC SENTENCES:
YOUR_______________IS UNPREDICTABLE.
YOU'RE ORIGINAL AND INVENTIVE IN___.
YOU CAN BE REBELLIOUS AND SELF-WILLED IN___.

Uranus in 7th house:

Your partner is unpredictable. You're original and inventive in partnership. You can be self-willed and rebellious in marriage.

NEPTUNE

Comparing Neptune with Saturn will help define Neptune. The crystallization of Saturn is dissolved by the spirituality of Neptune, just as the restrictions of the earth plane are dissolved through a oneness with God. Trying to describe Neptune is like trying to grab a handful of smoke. Saturn's vibration is heavy; Neptune's is tenuous. Saturn is practical; Neptune is dreamy and idealistic. Saturn deals with reality; Neptune deals with inspiration. Saturn is the earth plane; Neptune is the spirit plane. Saturn builds; Neptune dissolves. Wherever Neptune falls in the chart is where we are looking for Divine Perfection. This can be achieved through service (Neptune). Sometimes, in our search for our dreams (Neptune), we lose sight of reality (Saturn). As a result, we sacrifice (Neptune) some part of reality. Neptune can inspire us to follow our dream or it can cloud our vision and deceive us so that we lose sight of our goal. Neptune goes to extremes. It can manifest in its most beautiful, spiritual form as selfless service and sacrifice, or in its most negative form as self-indulgent escapes of all sorts (make believe, day-dreaming, sleeping, smoking, drinking, sexual indulgences, etc.) Mundanely, Neptune rules liquids, gases and smoke.

BASIC SENTENCES:
YOU'RE IDEALISTIC ABOUT__________.
YOU'RE EITHER CONFUSED OR INSPIRED BY___.
YOU MAY HAVE TO SACRIFICE________.
YOU CAN BE SPIRITUAL ABOUT____OR YOU MAY
JUST BE DECEIVING YOURSELF.
YOU MAY WANT TO ESCAPE INTO______.
YOU FEEL GUILTY ABOUT____________.

Neptune in 8th house:

Your idealism will undergo a change. You're either confused or inspired by your dreams. You may have to sacrifice some sort of inheritance. You can be spiritual about your psychic ability or you may just be deceiving yourself. You may want to escape into your dreams. Your guilt feelings will be transformed.

PLUTO

Pluto is the principle of transmutation, and brings total upheavals. It rules the cycle of death and rebirth. Pluto is the planet of frozen fire and, in its mundane manifestation, rules television, atomic energy, the hydrogen bomb, undercover activities, mass movements, archeology, extremes in anything, and psychic perception. Pluto teaches us control over our own lower nature. If we cannot accomplish this, we will try to manipulate others in order to control them.

BASIC SENTENCES:
THERE ARE TOTAL CHANGES IN_______.
YOU WANT TO BE IN CONTROL OF_____.
YOU ARE INTENSE ABOUT____________.
YOU GO TO EXTREMES IN____________.

Pluto in 7th house:

There are total changes in your partner and your partnerships. You want to be in control of your mate, but since your 7th house is his/her 1st, he/she wants to be in control of him/herself. You go to extremes in partnership.

PLANETS IN THE SIGNS

As we know, planets are principles to be learned. The sign in which a planet falls tells HOW (in what manner) we will learn that principle. In other words, the planet expresses itself through the sign and seems to take on the sign's personality. The best way to link the planet with the sign is to think of the planet in question as being conjunct the ruler of the sign in question, then compose a BASIC SENTENCE linking the two. For example, if Venus were in Aries, our thinking would go like this: Venus is in Aries. Mars rules Aries. Venus rules love, beauty and pleasure. Mars rule energy, action and passion. Venus is conjunct Mars = BASIC SENTENCE: YOUR LOVE NATURE IS VERY PASSIONATE AND ACTIVE.

The following BASIC SENTENCE examples illustrate the planet-in-sign part of the delineation:

Moon in Taurus:

Your moods are logical.

Venus in Taurus:

(Venus is stronger here because it rules Taurus.) Your love nature is very tenacious.

Sun in Gemini:

Your ego expresses itself on two levels.

Mercury in Cancer:

Your ideas are emotional

Mars in Leo:

Your energies are creative.

Uranus in Leo:

Your inventiveness expresses itself creatively.

Pluto in Virgo:

Transformation comes through service.

Neptune in Scorpio:

Your dreams are intense.

Saturn in Capricorn:

(Saturn is stronger here because it rules Capricorn.) Your attitude toward responsibility is traditional.

Jupiter in Aquarius:

Your generosity is unpredictable.

ASPECTS TO PLANETS

Aspects between planets indicate whether the principles the planets represent will function with ease or difficulty. Traditionally, the trine and sextile are benefic aspects, while the square, opposition and quincunx are considered malefic. The conjunction is the strongest aspect of all, being either benefic or malefic depending on the planets involved and the aspects they make to other planets in the chart. (The terms "benefic" and "malefic" can be misleading, since every aspect is an opportunity to grow and learn.)

A simple illustration of the aspects will explain them. Let's pretend that I have a box of cookies which I give you as a gift. You do not have to earn them or give me anything in return. You just sit there and receive them. That's the trine, or luck aspect.

Let's now imagine that I enter the room with the same box of cookies. I am willing to give them to you if you will just get up out of your chair and come over to me. You have an opportunity to receive something pleasant, but must exert a small amount of effort in the process. This is the sextile, or opportunity aspect.

Let's now imagine that you have a cake that I want. I am willing to exchange my cookies for it, but if you won't give me the cake, I won't give you the cookies. We must work in cooperation with each other in order to get what we each want. This is the opposition, or balancing aspect.

Let's now imagine that I enter the room empty-handed, run over to your desk and snatch your cake. You now have a decision to make. You can either run after me and try to retrieve your cake, possibly risking a fight in the process, or you can do nothing and fume ---or you can make the most of the situation and realize that this is a golden opportunity to begin that diet you've been meaning to start all week. In this way you can benefit from what, at first, appeared to be an unpleasant situation. This example represents the challenging square aspect. Your reaction to it will determine whether it "gets" you or whether you grow from it.

If I enter the room and plop myself on top of your desk, blocking your view, you and I form a conjunction. A conjunction is variable, depending on the planets involved. If you are a happy person with a sense of humor, our being conjunct will not bother you at all, but if you are a serious person and do not like the idea that I'm wrinkling the papers on your desk, our being conjunct will annoy you. Conjunctions are affected by the aspects made to them by the other planets. Let's say you are a neutral person, neither serious nor happy. When I drop myself onto your desk, it neither makes you laugh nor upsets you, but a negative reaction from someone else triggers a negative response in you. This illustrates a square acting upon a conjunction. A trine or sextile to a conjunction would be illustrated by someone triggering a positive reaction in you.

The quincunx aspect involves an element of adjustment. If this adjustment is not made, a separation can ensue. For example, if I knew that you were on a diet and, nevertheless, offered you some cookies, you would refuse and I would be left with the cookies. However, if I "adjusted" my offer and, instead of cookies, offered you whatever your diet permitted, you would accept my generosity.

The best way to understand aspects is to understand the principles the planets teach within the framework of the aspect. "Harmonious" aspects help the principles manifest positively, while "inharmonious" aspects can cause them to function with difficulty.

The following lists describe the principles taught by each of the planets. Combine any word from one planetary category with any word from another category, link them up in a BASIC SENTENCE, and you will better understand the interactions between the planets.

SUN

POSITIVE MANIFESTATION: creativity, individuality, strength, dignity, vitality, leadership, power, pride.

NEGATIVE MANIFESTATION: self-will, egocentricity, dictatorialness, overbearing ness, abuse of power, overconfidence, pride, self-centeredness.

MOON

POSITIVE MANIFESTATION: protectiveness, intuition, positive emotions, personality, imagination, sensitivity, subconscious mind, instincts.

NEGATIVE MANIFESTATION: moodiness, changeability, introversion, depression, emotional insecurity, over-protectiveness, negative instincts.

MERCURY

POSITIVE MANIFESTATION: ideas, words, verbal ability, mental ability, conscious mind.

NEGATIVE MANIFESTATION: talkativeness, nervousness, restlessness, criticalness, indecisiveness.

VENUS

POSITIVE MANIFESTATION: beauty, love, art, charm, pleasure, affection, courtesy.

NEGATIVE MANIFESTATION: self-indulgence, laziness, phoniness, ostentation, superficiality.

MARS

POSITIVE MANIFESTATION: energy, action, passion, spontaneity, fearlessness, frankness, impulsiveness.

NEGATIVE MANIFESTATION: personal desires, impatience, negative sexuality, anger, cruelty, selfishness, recklessness.

JUPITER

POSITIVE MANIFESTATION: optimism, friendship, friendliness, abundance, justice, generosity, expansiveness.

NEGATIVE MANIFESTATION: over-optimism, overbearing ness, rationalizing, extravagance, exaggeration, overabundance.

SATURN

POSITIVE MANIFESTATION: responsibility, discipline, maturity, thriftiness, respect, authority, crystallization, strength, tradition.

NEGATIVE MANIFESTATION: restriction, limitation, cruelty, dominance, depression, miserliness, rigidity, fear.

URANUS

POSITIVE MANIFESTATION: inventiveness, nonconformity, individuality, unpredictability, psychic ability.

NEGATIVE MANIFESTATION: rebelliousness, eccentricity, irresponsibility, unpredictability, explosiveness, negative psychism.

NEPTUNE

POSITIVE MANIFESTATION: idealism, spirituality, dreams, inspiration, service, sacrifice.

NEGATIVE MANIFESTATION: daydreaming, martyrdom, escapism, self-indulgence, self-deception, idealism.


PLUTO

POSITIVE MANIFESTATION: metamorphosis, transmutation, self-control, intensity, psychism.

NEGATIVE MANIFESTATION: upheaval, destruction, manipulation, rebellion, intensity, negative psychism, resentment.

Here are some suggested BASIC SENTENCES showing how to apply these words:

Sun in soft aspect to Mars:

Your energies can be used creatively.

un in soft aspect to Uranus:

You are proud of your individuality.

Moon in soft aspect to Uranus:

You are intuitively inventive.

Moon in soft aspect to Pluto:

Your moods are self-controlled.

Moon in hard aspect to Venus:

You are over-protective when you love.

Moon in hard aspect to Jupiter:

You can rationalize to protect yourself.

Moon in hard aspect to Saturn:

You can be moody and depressed.

Moon in hard aspect to Neptune:

You can indulge in emotional escapism.

Mercury in soft aspect to Venus:

Your thinking is artistic.

Mercury in soft aspect to Neptune:

Your thinking is inspired.

Mercury in soft aspect to Pluto:

Your thinking is psychic.

Venus in soft aspect to Pluto:

You love very deeply.

Venus in hard aspect to Jupiter:

You can rationalize laziness.

Venus in hard aspect to Saturn:

You can be fearful of love.

Venus in hard aspect to Neptune:

You can be deceptive when it comes to love.

Mars in hard aspect to Uranus:

Your temper can suddenly explode.

Mars in hard aspect to Neptune:

You can selfishly escape.

Jupiter in hard aspect to Saturn:

Generosity can fight with miserliness, triggering frustration.

Jupiter in hard aspect to Neptune:

You can exaggerate your own spirituality.

Saturn in hard aspect to Neptune:

Depression and fear can trigger the desire to escape.

Neptune in soft aspect to Pluto:

Your inspiration and intuition are positively directed.


ASPECTS TO ANGLES

A confusing issue for many students is how to interpret the angles when planets make aspect to them. The solution is simple: apply the same rules we used in interpreting aspects between planets. Keep in mind that while a planet that is in the 7th house and close to that cusp will operate in the 7th house, it acts as if it were in opposition to the ascendant. The same holds true for a planet in the 4th house and close to the cusp. It acts as if it were in opposition to the midheaven (mc). The ascendant is the most personal point in the chart. It is the YOU of the chart. The mc describes your public image, your career. It's the way the world sees you.

Applying the same words we used when we took aspects to the planets, we compose a BASIC SENTENCE linking the concept of help or hindrance to the mc and ascendant. Here are some examples:

Asc. in soft aspect to Sun:

You have personal strength.

Asc. in hard aspect to Mars:

You can be impatient.

Asc. in hard aspect to Uranus:

You can be rebellious.

Asc. in hard aspect to Neptune:

You can daydream and escape.

MC in soft aspect to Mars:

Your energy can help your career.

MC in soft aspect to Uranus:

Your inventiveness can help your career.

MC in hard aspect to Sun:

Self-centeredness can hinder your career.

MC in hard aspect to Pluto:

Manipulation can hinder your career.

ROVING DELEGATES
LINKING PLANETS WITH SIGNS

An added dimension to chart interpretation is the linking of the planets with the signs they rule. The signs are the principles to be learned. The house cusp on which a sign falls tells us the area of life in which that principle will be learned. Usually, though, that principle will manifest in more than one area of life. That is where the planet comes in, for as the ruler, or roving delegate of that sign, it acts as a messenger, carrying the sign's message to the house in question. For example, if Cancer is on the 11th cusp and the Moon is in the 2nd house, the energy begins in the 11th and manifests in the 2nd. Keeping in mind that the ruler of the 11th is in the 2nd, we compose a BASIC SENTENCE which links the two. Our thinking goes like this: the 11th house sends it energy into the 2nd. The 11th house rules friends, hopes, wishes and groups. The 2nd house rules values, possessions, money and talents. Therefore, we could say that our friends influence our values. (Notice that I did not say that our values influence our friends. This is because the energy is traveling from the 11th to the 2nd, and not from the 2nd to the 11th. Notice, too, that I did not use Aquarius as the ruler of the 11th house because we are not talking about the natural ruler, but about the sign that happens to fall on the 11th cusp. In this case it is Cancer.) Some BASIC SENTENCES that apply to this illustration are: OUR FRIENDS CAN HELP US EARN MONEY. OUR FRIENDS ARE OUR POSSESSIONS. OUR FRIENDS TRIGGER OUR TALENTS. OUR FRIENDS MAKE US ACQUISITIVE.

Keep in mind that it makes no difference what sign falls on the cusp in question. We simply link the sign with its ruler's house position. For example, we could use the very same BASIC SENTENCES we just composed if Gemini were on the 11th cusp and Mercury were in the 2nd house. The ruler of the 11th falls in the 2nd in both cases.

The following suggested BASIC SENTENCES can help you link the planets with their signs. As with all BASIC SENTENCES, some of them may need modification in order to apply.

Ruler of 1st house in 7th:

You identify with partnership. You influence others.

Ruler of 2nd house in 6th:

You put your money back into your work. Your energies and drives are released in your work. Your values are reflected in the work you do.

Ruler of 3rd house in 2nd:

Your mind turns to money-making ideas. You talk about money. You can make money through your ideas. Your siblings influence your values. Your siblings are your possessions.

Ruler of 4th house in 5th:

Your 4th house parent can be like a child to you or may influence your attitude toward children. Your need for emotional security can be fulfilled through your social life, or by having children.

Ruler of 5th house in 2nd:

Your desire for creativity, fun and amusement intensifies your personal drives. Your children influence your values. Your children are your possessions. Anything you create is your possession. You can make money through creative projects, gambling or your dramatic ability. Your values are influenced by your need for pleasure.

Ruler of 6th house in 2nd:

Your work brings in money and influences your values. Your work is your possession.

Ruler of 7th house in 4th:

Your partner is like a parent to you. Partnership fulfills your subconscious need for security. You can be "married" to your home and family.

Ruler of 8th house in 2nd:

Other people's finances can contribute to your own. You can make money through the public. Your psychic ability is your possession.

Ruler of 9th house in 7th:

You influence others with your principles. Your principles involve treating others as equals.

Ruler of 10th house in 12th:

Your career can take place behind-the-scenes. Your career can involve serving others. You may be unaware of the influence of authority figures in your life.

Ruler of 11th house in 12th:

There may be a hidden element involved in your friendships that can manifest behind-the-scenes. Your goals may be hidden--or they may simply involve being alone. Your friends influence you more than you may be aware.

Ruler of 12th house in 12th:

You identify strongly with the cosmos, the past, the spiritual--with God. You have a strong need for solitude. You feel lost unless you can serve. You can work for private institutions or organizations.

A FINAL WORD

Now that you have all this wonderful information, your next step is to synthesize it, to combine all the different parts so that it comes together as a whole. If you get seemingly contradictory messages, keep in mind that you are a multi-faceted individual, and your chart is reflecting this.