When Lies Come to Bite You and How that Happened to Putin

 

In a dystopian world of Highlander, The Animated Series, Cortan rules as a tyrant and humanity lost many of the knowledge and technology we currently have. To make sure people remain backward, Cortan tells them that books are evil and should always be destroyed if found.

However, one time this rule actually came back to bite the system Cortan build. Cortan's hunters refused to enter library to burn books. Not because they saw through the lie but because of it. Hunters believed that books would curse them and refused to touch them. Their field commander, Major Arak was no wiser, he wanted to enforce Cortan's policy on books but was also afraid to be cursed by them. In the end they opted to force slaves to do it for them.

In real life it sometimes happens too. For example, Putin and his dishonest TV personnel for years kept telling people that Euromaidan in Ukraine was a Nazi coup and Ukraine is controlled by Nazis. They did it to shore up Putin's regime and dissuade people from trying to pull off something similar to Euromaidan in Moscow to oust Putin.

Eventually however citizens took an issue with that. Not because they saw through the lies but because they thought that it is strange how there is Nazi regime on Russian borders and Putin does nothing about it. They thought that if Putin protected them from lesser threats such as terrorism, oligarchs and Chechens, then he sure as hell should do something about Nazis. I he will not do anything then Russia possibly needs someone stronger who can do something.

That compelled Putin to act and ever since he is stuck in War in Ukraine without any clear way out. He cannot admit that Nazis in Ukraine were a lie, neither can he defeat the Nazis. He got himself trapped with his lies.

Pluto in Astrology

 

Now we finally get to a final astrological planet most astrologers agree on, Pluto. There are also Lilith, Chiron, Ceres, Vesta, Pallas, Eris, Orcus and many other planets that some astrologers use, but I will not cover them. At least for now.

I already covered astronomical nomenclature situation with Pluto and other Trans Neptunian Objects in a separate article. I will only say here than Pluto is as important in astrology as any other planet.

Astronomically Pluto is a very small planet on the threshold of yet unexplored outer reaches of our Solar system. Pluto has a very large compared to its size satellite Charon that makes its internal rotation somewhat off centered. Instead revolving around its middle axis like other planets, Pluto revolves around the point in space in between itself and Charon. This off-center-ness gives Pluto some of its unique astrological characteristics.

Pluto (or Hades) is God of the underworld and older brother of Jupiter and Neptune. He feels it is unfair that he was given underworld, while his brothers got much more pleasant domains. Pluto is featured in few myths and Greeks and Romans prefer not to mention him if possible. He is known for kidnapping Persephone and causing Demeter to neglect her nature caring duties. Even when other gods forced Pluto to release Persephone to save nature, he gave pomegranate that compels her to spend half of the year in the underworld with him. Ever since half of our year nature dies out in autumn as Demeter gets sad every time Persephone leaves her for Pluto. In spring when, Persephone returns back to her mother, nature reviews again. That seasonality too is part of Pluto astrological character.

Astrologically Pluto is a planet of change, I already outlined how he affects historical eras in another article. On personal level he also brings about change, sometimes welcomed one, sometimes unwelcomed one. Pluto lacks near infinite energy of his younger brother Jupiter, creative ingenuity of Uranus or imagination of Neptune. However, Pluto still has one power: power to take from one and give to someone else. 

Pluto does just that. Robin Hood for some, robber baron for others, Pluto takes and gives as he sees fit. Just as he took Persephone all to himself and subjected the world to endless winter, his favorites get the best at expense of everyone else. Who are Pluto's favorites? No single answer here. As Pluto's transits between signs, his views change, and often former favorites become abandoned in favor of someone else. 

For example, when Pluto entered Capricorn in 2009, suddenly families, elderly and children came into prominence, all Capricornian values. Over the course 2010s elderly and families with kids were only very well off but were also getting all sorts of help and support. They were, and still are, literary most spoiled demographics who had it easy and happy as many others struggled with cost of living, rental shortages and other problems.

However, in 2023 Pluto started to transition into Aquarius and completed its transition by the end of 2024. Already politicians that championed elderly and families are retiring and even dying out. Aquarian Pluto has Aquarian futuristic priorities and no longer has time for families or elderly. Radical change is in the cards. Pluto has to now look after those; he made destitute and homeless in his Capricornian phase. Capricornian appreciating and respect of the past will also be replaced with Aquarian futurism.

Pluto's placement in natal chart determines the causes, for which you and your generation will passionately fight for. For example, during Pluto in Scorpio era (1985 to 1996) was the time when many old long running lies were finally refuted and truth was exposed. Generation born during this time will continue to assert truth, fight against lies. They will have hard time accepting any lie, no matter how white and beneficial for something. Other placements too have their own unique roles.

Pluto's transits do bring changes or at least challenges to your current ways of life. What planet is aspected determines what area of life that will experience change. Depend on whether aspect is favorable (trine or sextile) or hard (square), the change would be either welcomed or disruptive. Sometimes these transits could also bring greater understanding to a certain area of life but not always so.

Pluto concludes planetary series of articles about astrology. I will gradually cover, angles, signs and houses as I go. Understanding planets are important, but it's their placement in sign and house that determines the role they play in your life. You need to put all pieces of information together to get the full picture. I will also write about current major transits.

Pluto is planet of change that makes and defines decades in history. On a personal level, Pluto gives its favor to certain downtrodden demographics until they become rotten spoiled. After spoiling them enough, Pluto moves on to help those he disposed in the past to spoil the previous ones.

Dwarf Planets and Historical Eras in Astrology

Before I continue onto Pluto, I wanted to introduce a final group of planets, so called Dwarf Planets or trans Neptunian Objects. Story that Pluto is no longer a planet did circulate around the world for a while. However, that is somewhat misleading, instead of stopping being planet, Pluto instead added Dwarf to its designation. Not only that but astronomers found many more Pluto like Dwarf Planet in the other fringes of our Solar system. One of them, responsible for Pluto declassification, Eris is larger than Pluto and others are smaller. Sure, these Dwarf Planets are smaller than our moon, but they are bigger and more important than average asteroid, like Chiron.

So far astrologers did not incorporate these new Dwarf Planets into the astrology, but it's only a matter of time before they do. Objects that far away from Sun would spend entire centuries in the same sign. Until any of them cross into a new sign it will be hard to make any observation as to what any of these planets affects, but when they do cross, they will get a lot more attention.

Planets that move so slow and spend so much time in the same sign are more suited to measure centuries and historical eras than individual lifespans. If terrestrial planets define individual traits and characteristics, Gas/Ice Giants define generations, then trans Neptunian objects go further to divide historical eras from one another. Humanity transition from Classical Age into Dark Age, into Middle Age into Renaissance likely can be traced to movements of Eris and other TNOs. One day I might look into these myself and connect our entire history with the movements of these celestial bodies.

Yet among all TNOs, Pluto's role is somewhat unique. Pluto's orbit partly intersects with that of Neptune, so it sometimes closer to Sun that blue giant and at other times further away. That fact reflects on Pluto's role in astrology. Pluto bridges the gap between contemporary life and events that will later be covered in history books.

Many of historical eras can neatly be defined by Pluto's transits. For example, in 1984-85 Pluto moved from Libra into Scorpio. In just 11 years Pluto has spent in Scorpio world has seen dramatic change: Cold War ended, Berlin Wall, Warsaw Pact and USSR collapsed. Change was in the air already in 1985 when Gorbachev became General Secretary of CPSU and it never disappear until Zyuganov lost to Yeltsin in 1996 and even die-hard commies had to admit it was over and there was no longer going back.

The previous Pluto in Libra Era (between 1972 and 1984) was instead defined by efforts to maintain status quo and balance of power. Negotiations were held, treaties were signed, sphere of influence were defined. Non-interference across the lines on the sand became rule of the game. Bipolar world of Cold War seemed as unchanging and permanent as the fact that Sun rises in the east.

During Pluto in Virgo era (between 1957 and 1972) there were attempts to move frontiers, like Vietnan War and many communist insurgencies. World was still in a flux; the superpowers of Cold War still competed with each other instead of drawing lines to denote who controls what.

If we look in the same if we look in the other direction, then Pluto in Sagittarius era (1996 to 2008) was defined by nations and people finding their new way in the new world, changed by Pluto in Scorpio era. Former communist bloc nations either joined EU and NATO or opted for undemocratic autocratic systems instead. World was building on the empty space, created by collapse of communism.

Pluto is agent of change that moves the world forward, brining a welcome change for some and vile destruction for others. To quote Lelouch: "those with power, fear us, those without power seek us". Pluto is much like Lelouch gives power to those who lack it and takes it away from those who currently hold it. 

"No King rules forever." 

"Hands that mark the time cannot be stopped." 

In the same vein, change that Pluto brings cannot be stopped, once time comes, he will come to take power from current rulers and give it to those who are downtrodden by the current system. A welcome change for those who suffer under current system, a horrible disaster and catastrophe for those who want to sit on their throne any longer. I by one look forward for my time to rule

"It's my time to rule at last. I was chosen by heaven, set my name by decree, to the sky shall Carolus rise.

More on Pluto in a separate article.

Neptune in Astrology

 

Neptune represents illusions and delusions that confuse and mislead people. He and his lies can twist reality so much, you will never be able to find truth. That can lead to costly mistakes. If you look at Neptune sober enough, there is nothing really good about him. However, Neptune is actually one of the more liked planets in astrology. Why do you ask? Because people actually like sweet comfortable lies that make them feel better. People prefer cozy lies to harsh cruel reality.

Astronomical Neptune is smaller and darker shade of blue compared to Uranus. Neptune was discovered in the middle of 19th century about the time when Nietzsche declared that "God is dead". Neptune replaced him. The old Christian delusion no longer held sway over men, so Neptune offered them alternative one. Ever since humanity moves from one delusion that defines us to another. Every 14 years, when we got disillusioned in something, Neptune offers another to take its place. That is how humanity moves from one delusion to another.

Mythological Neptune (or Poseidon) was brother of Jupiter and was given domain over the sea. There he rules over the various monsters and just strange things. Sea was vital for Greeks, but at the same time it was also an unpredictable mystery, one day calm and serene, another day stormy and deadly. At the same time sea was a source of food, prosperity and expansion for Ancient Greek civilization. It was needed but could not be trusted.

Astrological Neptune governs all sort of illusionary, fictional and misleading things, from alcohol and drugs to fraud, entertainment, news and even religion. It would be a mistake to think that he is as powerless as ghost. No matter how unreal and fictional Christian god is, actions people did and still do in his name are real. Thus, Neptune holds invisible, but very tangible sway over society. Things Neptune makes people believe, shape their fates and that of the world at large.

Neptune's influence on the world should not be underestimated. If you look at history, you can clearly notice how delusions shaped near entirely of our history. 

First there was Christian god. People lived, fought, travelled globe and even flagellated themselves for him. In more delusional Middle Ages, even a suspected disbelieve in God or insufficient believe in one could lead to death sentence and death on the stake. Even when Christian God died, various ideologies such as communism replaced him. Communism killed millions al in chase of the utopia promised by Lenin. When people could no longer believe in the utopia, Lenin promised, communism and USSR collapsed. However, people soon find something new to believe in, either democracy and liberties of the EU or Dugin's Eurasia. Across the Atlantic in the US there was instead so-called American Dream. No matter how much cynics and critics refute it as illusion, still attracts immigrants to the US, who sometimes sacrifice a lot in hope of one day reached this American Dream.

However, why do people choose to believe in lies. Are they stupid and genuinely mislead with sweet promises or is it something else. The answer is both, some are misled, but others embrace believes because they cannot face reality and hide from it in comfortable lies. I wrote several articles explaining even geopolitical events with this phenomenon. Pro-Putin Russians choose to believe in Nazis in Ukraine. Religious people choose to believe and worship their god, ideologues choose to believe in their ideologies and so on.

It works on personal level too. For example, nowadays too many people believe that gym can make them attractive. They keep exercising every day, hoping one day to be fit enough to attract love of their life. And when they could not find any love, they just exercise more and more. They keep fooling themselves it will work if they try harder because stopping believing means they will have to face the fact they will not find love and everything they have done so far was in wain and waste of time and effort. For many it's easier to fool themselves into working for a false cause instead of accepting the reality that it's pointless.

I can say even more, some people just desperately wish that something they cherish was true. Even knowing full well, it is not, they still try to preach their cause and brainwash as many as possible.

There are many things in life that are beyond individual control, but most refuse to accept it and instead try any insane idea if they think that will get them closer to their objectives. If someone like me will try to tell them the truth, they will try to ban me to keep their illusions preserved. People refuse to face reality with more stubbornness than they do many other things.

However, reality remains what it is no matter what you choose to believe. Closing your eyes and indulging in illusions will not change the world. Religion and other believes are nothing more than virtual reality that obscures, not changes reality. A Matrix your brain permanently plugged. No matter what you see in your virtual reality, the real world stays as it is. If you charge head on into wall, your forehead will hurt even if you believe tell you there is a passage there. 

Neptune spends 14 years in each sign so Neptune's placement in natal chart, defines believes and ideal practiced among one's generation. Aspects other planets make to Neptune show just how invested you are in these believes. There is a lot written about each generation, including by myself. It will make this article too long if I will repeat it here.

Neptune's transits are something to be cautious about. They could be (possibly pleasant) distraction from everyday life but they could also mislead you into some danger and losses. In a typical Neptunian fashion danger will not be apparent until it's too late. Do not eagerly jump into an adventure Neptune, has to offer. Sweet promises could as well be a Syren's Song, that will lead you to your doom. However, if you can make sure there is no catch, then you can take a detour or two.

Neptune governs all sorts of illusions and delusions, both pleasant and deadly. Despite risks people often indulge in these delusions to escape reality.

Uranus in Astrology

 

A while ago I already wrote an article about Uranus. There I outlined the key role; Uranus (Ouranos) plays in astrology. However, there is more to say about this ancient god, that that article has covered. Thus, I will add more here.

Astrologers seem dislike Uranus; they call him a rebel and summaries his role in often repeated phrase: "a square peg in a round hole". That is how Uranus is seen from a perspective of a conservative person, who is wed to status quo and wishes no changes. Astronomical Uranus differs from other planets by spinning along is axis of rotation around Sun, instead of perpendicularly to it like other planets.

Some compare Uranus with Prometheus, but that is rather incorrect as well. Prometheus simply gave humans, what gods had all along. He did not invent anything new. Uranus is creator of new, it's up to others to distribute it.

Uranus's real role however is different. Mythological Uranus was father of all titans and grandfather of all gods. He and Gaya together created all, that future myths were telling stories about.

Astronomical Uranus was discovered in late 18th century and his discovery predated many technological advancements and changes in society. Since the time, Uranus was discovered, human lives and societies have changed in dramatic ways. One might call this planet a harbinger of change.

Uranus is creator and inventor. However, before he invents new, he criticizes old as inadequate and calls for it to be replaced. Mythological Uranus was refusing to let any of Gaya's children be born, because he thought they all are not good enough. This attitude is what eventually led to his downfall.

Astrological Uranus has some of that too. Most people by their nature resist new and stick to tried and tested. One can expect that their new radical ideas will find plenty of opposition from parts of society that stand to lose. Figuring out how to get your ideas through them can be challenging and frustrating. 

Thus, Uranus experience is not always pleasant. You know you are right, but everyone else disagrees. Yet you insist that your way is the right one. Square peg in a round hole effect.

More humble or self-critical people might wonder if it is them, who are wrong. More self-assured will instead see themselves as the only bright one among the lemmings who all walk towards the cliff due to their own inertia and inability to see the truth.

Dark side of Uranus is his selfishness and self-absorption. He thinks and acts like no one other than themselves matter. People who do not listen to anyone likely have strong Uranian placements.

Transiting Uranus indicate what areas of life will experience Uranian mix of change and stubborn determination. Uranus in more forward-looking signs will bring scientific breakthroughs and technological innovations that will move life forward. Uranus in more conservative signs means dogged determination to return to some mythological past, "when things were better". Currently Uranus is in last degrees of conservative Taurus, so you hear a lot about how 50s and 30s were good. Later this year it will enter innovative and quick early adopter Gemini, so well will see breakneck change.

Natal Uranus indicates trends and tastes of your generation, part of it to be precise. Uranus spends only 7 years in a single sign and either transits in the next sign together with Neptune or while Neptune is in the middle of its transit through the sign. This year both Neptune and Uranus are changing signs. Back in 2019 only Uranus changed signs and back in 2012 they both changed signs. 

Different placements of Uranus subdivide each generation into two parts. More forward looking first wave and more conservative second wave. Uranus in Fire or Air sign indicate that you are in the first wave while the Earth or Water placement means second wave. First wave are typically enthusiastic early adopters and supporters of their generation and their views and values. Second wave likely to be more skeptical and either reserved or downright disillusioned with ways of their generation. If first wave enthusiastically pushes forward, then second wave wants to rectify shortcomings and mistakes or looks for alternatives.

Uranus is God of change and creation and that reflects its role in astrology. He knows that everything in the world was created by people just like him and can be undone or changed to make it better. There is nothing eternal. Nothing is true and everything is permitted. He does face opposition due to human inertia and refusal to part with familiar. His role is challenging but essential to move society forward.

Saturn in Astrology

If Jupiter is liked, then Saturn is feared. People dread about him transiting anything in their natal charts. He, together with Pluto, considered to be one of the worst and scariest things in astrology. Some professional astrologers in contrast like to whitewash Saturn and present him as something like teacher of hard truth or a necessary evil. Each of these extreme opinions however is rather exaggerated. 

Astronomically Saturn is much like its larger neighbor, Jupiter, made mostly of gas. Despite being smaller than 'king of gods', Saturn has even more moons than the latter. Saturn also has its famous rings, that fascinate artists and astronomers.

Mythologically Saturn (or Chronos) is a king of titans. Compared to gods, Titans are members of the previous generation, of mystical beings. They are parents of gods, but also members of bygone demographic, whose reign have ended. Far from their former power, they are now either dead or imprisoned in Tartarus and could do nothing but watch as their children now call themselves gods and rule Olympus.

This story does reflect on role of Saturn in the astrology. He is former king, who once was mighty and ruled with prudence and fear but then was overthrown and lost his power. If Jupiter represents power and energy of the youth, then Saturn represents powerlessness and weakness.

Astrological Saturn makes you face uncomfortable "truth". There are things you cannot achieve, no matter what you try. Things you will never become and so on. Sometimes it is mere defeatism, sometimes it is indeed truth.

Saturn also represents old age and aging. As you grow older, you also grow weaker and wearier. The same things that were snap in your youth are now hard if not impossible.

Old age sometimes associated with wisdom. However, while all people age and die, not all grow wise. Thus, Saturn transits and aspects in natal chart will not always grand wisdom but will always be sad and frustrating.

That said sometimes realism and sobriety of Saturn can be of help, especially for people who overindulge in Neptunian delusions. However, one should not overindulge in it. It's like ballast in a ship or air balloon. A little bit of it is needed at the bottom of the hull to keep ship stable, but too much will do nothing but slow ship down and excess of it can even drown the ship.

Emotion and energy wise Saturn transits are always downturn when things do not move forward, and all your efforts are blocked by circumstances or something. Sometimes you might be better off to just weather the lull and continue during more favorable times. Other times however it will be more prudent to rethink what you are doing and change the course. Either way you will often have no choice but to reflect on your life every time Saturn is aspected in any way.

 

Mythological Saturn personally is infamous for devouring his children out of fear that they will grow up and overthrow him. That is both cruel and immoral, but prudent. Similarly, Saturn's wisdom is similarly prudent but cruel. It can be something that can hurt your feelings like realization that you will never be a movie star. It can be something more sinister too. A cunning but cruel way to solve some problem or get ahead in life. Saturn's wisdom is always cynical and practical based on experience and calculation.

However ultimate truth is that despite all his prudence and cunning, Saturn ultimately could not escape the fate, he so painstakingly worked to avert. Saturnian cunning and prudence are no replacement to Joval energy and fortune. Jupiter always triumphs over Saturn.

Back in ancient times Saturn was the last planet known to man. Both astronomy and astrology ended on Saturn being the last one. In that regard Saturn represents old age and inevitable finale of death. Both people and countries that were Joval in their prime times, turn Saturnian as they grew older. Unable to grow and reach further beyond, they rely on perseverance, resilience and cunning to keep what they still have. 

Old people rely on medicine, complex surgeries and nursery care in retirement homes to postpone the inevitable death just a little bit further. Similarly dying countries fall into cruel and cunning dictatorships, who sometimes do crazy senseless things to prolong regime's existences just a little bit more. In doing do both old people and old regimes destroy future generations and futures of their countries. Much like mythological Saturn devours his children.

At the same time a moment when either a person or a country already reached Saturnian wisdom, yet have not yet lost its Joval vigor, optimism goodwill and fortune is one of the most beautiful. This is when men flourishes and nations reshape geopolitics and make histories.

Saturn's placement in natal chart indicates areas you take seriously and where you exercise cautiousness, prudence and cynicism. These can be anything from, philosophy and travel for someone like me with Saturn in Sagittarius to something more mundane, such as work or family for someone with Saturn in Virgo or Cancer. Saturn is in detriment in Cancer, so being strict and cruel does not lead to good families.

On the other hand, Saturn's transits often affect personal boundaries. Certain things one is sensitive about and wishes no interference. Positive transits to Saturn can help reinforcing these boundaries while negative ones instead challenge your boundaries and put your comfort zone in danger. These negative transits are the reason why people rightfully dislike Saturn. No one likes an invader who destroys things you hold dear.

Saturn is God of old age with its wisdom but also with its limitations and awareness of inevitable death it wishes to staff off. He is rather sad and somber, but not that scary.

Jupiter in Astrology

 

We will start outer planets with fan favorite, Jupiter. Astronomically Jupiter is the largest planet in our Solar system, it's made mostly of gas that is distributed in stripey layers. Jupiter also has many moons that orbit it, some of these interest astronomers as targets for potential exploration and even colonization. 

Mythological Jupiter (or Zeus) is king of gods who defeated his father, titan Saturn (Chronos) and went on to rule all gods on Olympus as well as turning into animals to seduce many women and father illegitimate children with.

All these facts do reflect on astrological character of Jupiter. Jupiter often associated with luck or good fortune, that is why it is so loved by many fans of astrology. Some astrologers like to downplay Jupiter, but his popularity does endure.

Most of the good things you hear about Jupiter are true. There are few caveats to them, however.

Jupiter does bring energy, optimism and vigor in your life. In natal chart it represents things you enjoy doing. In transits it represents boost in vigor and energy that fills you with confidence and optimism allow you to push forward with whatever you are planning. Jupiter is a like wind that fills your sails full and pushes your ship forward at full speed.

What Jupiter does not do is making sure you will succeed. You still have to steer the ship to make sure you get where you want and not crash into something. It is very possible to squander all this energy and effort and have nothing to show for it in the end.

Nonetheless most Jupiter transits does make you feel good. Just sometimes they also give you unwarranted optimist and expectations that you should be careful with. Either way however you will fill good and will want to do things and enjoy life. That is why people like Jupiter and look forward for his transits.

Conceptually Jupiter represents vigor, optimism and energy of youth. That can be contrasted with weakness, frailness and old age limitations of Saturn. On the other hand, Saturn sometimes has wisdom and practicality that Jupiter often lacks in general Jupiter and Saturn are two polar opposites and many of its traits are opposite of one another. I even thought about making a single article about them both.

Jupiter and Saturn relationships do not end there. Every 20 years a Grand Conjunction happens; a faster moving Jupiter catches up with Saturn on the sky. The event is said to represent death of the old king and rise of a new one. 

This can be taken metaphorically: old trends and ways die out and new way of life emerges from the rubble. Sign and the element where Grand Conjunction have happened is used to determine where the new trends will take society and the world. 

For example, for the last 200 years Grand Conjunctions always were in earth signs of Taurus, Virgo or Capricorn. However, from 2020 Grand Conjunctions instead happen in Air signs of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius instead. This means era of earth is over and era of air is ahead of us. As Sun and Mars in Libra, with only one planet in earth signs, I do like this turn toward my element.

In general, good aspects between transiting Jupiter and Saturn can combine energy of youth with wisdom of the ages and achieve great things. On the other hand, hard aspects indicate conflict and disagreements between generations. 

Good aspects between these planets in natal chart it will allow you energy vigor work together with your practicality and wisdom towards the goals you and your Sun envision. I can be powerful driving force of success.

Jupiter is a generous king of gods, who sometimes shares his energy, power and vigor with people and allows them to achieve many things, or just feel great.

Terrestrial Planets vs Gas/Ice Giants in Astrology

 

Before I continue my series about planets in Astrology, I would like to draw a distinction between terrestrial planets I already covered and the outer planets I am yet to cover.

In astronomy 4 terrestrial planets are nothing like the outer ones. Our Earth together with Mercury, Venus and Mars are all relatively small, made of solid matter and have few moons if any.

Outer planets are nothing like that. To begin with they are much larger and in size, a lot closer to Sun than to Earth. Jupiter and Saturn are even made of the same substances as Sun, one could even speculate they could have become shining centers of their own solar systems if things turned out differently. Each outer planets have many moons, revolving around them, possibly more than our Sun has planets. Physical properties of these moons are a lot closer to our Earth than to out Moon.

Similarly significant differences between terrestrial and outer planets exist in astrology. Sun spends one month in each sign and in one year can cycle the entire Zodiacal cycle and return to the original position. Terrestrial planets take about as much time in each sign as Sun does. Mercury and Venus are locked to Sun own movement and cannot travel too far ahead or behind Sun. Sometimes they get a little bit ahead of Sun only to then turn retrograde and fall behind again. While Mars's movement is technically independent of that of Sun, it still spends just a little longer than Sun in each sign and therefore within Sun's pace.

Outer planets are on much longer cycles. Closest to Sun Jupiter spends a year in each sign and it will take it more than a decade to cycle the entire Zodiac. Planets further away even longer than that. Their cycles measure much larger spans of time compared to that of Sun.

Pluto can go as far as 32 years in a single sign, Taurus, even if it spends only 11 years in Scorpio. I will cover it and other TNOs separately in its own article.

Neptune spends 14 years in a single, sign. Enough to define entire generation by its placement. For example, Boomers are Neptune in Libra generation and Millennials are Neptune in Capricorn generations. Commonly accepted boundaries of boomers do bleed into Neptune in Scorpio period however when it comes to Millennials and younger generations, such disparity is no longer the case.

Uranus then neatly splits each generation into first and second wave by spending 7 years, half of what Neptune spends in a single sign.

On the short end, Jupiter does define character of an important demographic: school students of the same year. Depend on how students are assigned into different grades, each grade will have people with one or two placements of Jupiter. Most students one year older will instead have Jupiter in a previous sign on the cycle and those one-year younger in the next one instead. Thus, Jupiter placement is what will define class of 2003 and separate it from class of 2004 and other classes.

Saturn that spends 3 years in each sign, can further connect classes together. For example, I who have Saturn in middle degrees of Sagittarius have friends who are both one year older and one-year younger. Even if our Jupiter placements are different, we still can connect over the common Saturn placement.

In natal chart and during transits outer planets function differently from terrestrial planets. If terrestrial planets define your personal traits, abilities and tastes, then outer planets instead define more abstract ideals and aspirations. That might sound like the Sun, but Sun governs your personal individual values, while outer planets instead define trends and believes of the times. They define not you personally, but a decade you were born, its events, believes, character and so on. That is why when outer planets change signs, major changes in society soon follow. These changes shape the generation that is born in these times. Each generation is a reflection of times, they were born into.

Optimism of post WWII era produced happy go lucky boomers who still retain these attitudes long after these times have passed and still think that all you need is love. Similarly, Millennials reflect Spring of Nations and collapse of Iron Curtain, that happen when they were born. By extension Millennials expect old rules, old restrictions and old order to fall as we celebrate dawn of new era of freedom.

One's relationship with era one was born into are defined by placement of outer planets compared to inner ones. Good aspects will mean that you are son of your times and easily relate to everything that happens. Bad aspects in turn would mean you are frustrated with what was happening and wish things were different.

Outer planet transits instead reflect your relationships to the current era and show if you like what is happening or disgusted with it instead.

Now that I laid down the framework that defines astrological relationships between different groups of planets all that is left if to cover what each individual giant planet stands for. Each will be covered in a separate article.

Planetary Dignities and Debilitations

 

In my other articles I often mention that planet this or that in their ruling sign have certain special properties. Here I will explain what that means.

Each planet can be anywhere in your natal chart, but not every placement is equal, some placements are better than others. There are 4 special cases of placements: domicile (rulership), exaltation, detriment and fall. Different planets can reach these states in different signs. I will describe what each of these states means for a planet.

Domicile (Rulership). You often hear from astrologers that say Mars rules Aries or Sun rules Leo. While this is not untrue per se, the wording is tad misleading. It does not mean Sun rules over all Leos or Mars over all Aries. What it means is that this or that planet functions best in this or that signs. Planet feels at home in this sign.

Every planet has one or two signs that are best align with it function and purpose. When planet is in its ruling or home (domicile) sign in a role it was born to do, it can function at its true full potential. A planet in its home sign is master of the house, has home advantage and can function completely unrestrained with its full power. 

In contrast any other placements in sings ruled by other planets will limit any given planet ability and force it to adapt to an environment different from its preferred one.

A person who has any planet in domicile, can be certain this planet and abilities it governs will perform well. This is a talent they can use to get ahead in life. Of course, some discretion is advised as just the fact that planet works in its full power does not mean the abilities it governs are needed in any given moment.

You can use chart above under ruler column to tell what sign in home to which planet.

Detriment is the most unfortunate placement for a planet. For each planet detriment is in the sign, polar opposite of its domicile. In detriment a planter is clearly outside its comfort zone and unable to function properly. Like elephant in a China show, no matter what it does, it causes trouble.

Planet in detriment may have to assume a role, very uncharacteristic to it. Mars in Libra does not jump into action but plots and bides time. Venus in Scorpio dresses to avoid attracting attention.

If a person has any planet in detriment, they would be well advised to exercise caution in relying on abilities government by this planet as they can cause them more problems than give benefit. The planet in detriment does not work as its usual self and its futile to expect it of it. Doing so is surefire way to shoot oneself in a foot, it's called detriment for reason. Even if detriment placement can amount to anything it is likely to be very unlike the planet's normal role in the chart.

There are two other placements of special significance Exaltation and Fall.

Exaltation is a lesser dignity compared to domicile. You can compare it to being guest of honor of sorts. Planet is still limited by the purpose and power of the sign it is in, but in much less restrictive manner as the sign gives it enough room shine and be visible, hence term exaltation (praise).

Fall is when planet is not very visible in its effects. In some cases, it can work behind the scenes and even pull strings from the shadows. Unlike detriment however, planet is fully functional, just that its functions are obscured by something.

Finally, there are all other placements that do not fall in any of the above categories. These placements are niche, they are outside of planet's comfort zone, but still allows it to do its thing, even if in a field that is not its own. 

These placements are all situation but could be of great utility to the native if certain conditions are met.

With this information about special placements of each planet one can know how each of these dignities or debilitations can affect them or people they know.

A little final word. Rulership of signs are arranged by their distance from the Leo and Cancer. Closest to Sun Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo, furthest from Sun Saturn rules Aquarius and Capricorn. The rest are in between. The picture below.

Mars in Astrology

 

Mars (or Ares) is a God of War. While Mars can indeed be responsible for wars and fighting, in modern times he more often represents physical work and sports. 

In general Mars is responsible for any kind of physical activity from carrying heavy goods to clubbing people to death. Good placement of Mars can make one a good soldier, sportsmen or construction worker or even butcher. 

At the time Mars placement can also require a certain level of physical activity. This is a reason why some people like sports as hobby. it gives their Mars energy a convenient outlet. Lack of such outlet can lead towards violence from some people.

Different placements of Mars in individual natal chart indicate how good one is with psychical activity. Mars in Aries can be it all and can even seriously consider a sports career. While Mars in Libra is better off not doing anything physical at all and limit their sport to chess. Other placements are somewhere in between.

Another thing Mars placement in the chart determines is what kind of work person likes to do. Mars is planet of doing and does indicate what one can do for long periods of time. It is wise to choose one's career based on Mars placement. If not work, then Mars can be a good indicator for a hobby one can enjoy in spare time.

Finally, about Mars role in attraction. Like Venus, Mars is thought to determine how attractive you are to the opposite gender. Just like with Venus there is nothing beyond Mars innate qualities I outlined above. However, women do like men based on how athletic or fit they are. Thus, good Mars placement can help man in the attraction department. Here too however Sun and Moon are more definitive indicator of lasting compatibility.

A little extra. Some like to think that in ages past physical strength used to play higher role in societies. They might further think that law restricts martial tendencies in favor of law. To that I want to say that even on a lawless pirate sheep on in Cossack Host, pirates and Cossacks used to elect their leaders by vote. So, Mercury was a surer way to power compared to Mars even back then.

Mars in astrology determines what kind of things you can and/or enjoy doing. It can help you pick your career or your hobbies. 

Venus in Astrology

 

Venus (or Aphrodite) is responsible for one's physical appearance, both how well (or not) their body looks like as well as what kind of clothes they like to wear. Just that. 

You Venus placement determines how good you naturally look but also how well you can dress. Good or bad Venus placement determines if you are effortlessly attractive or look ugly no matter what you do. With Venus in Libra or Taurus you will be able to dress to impress. In Aries or Scorpio however, Venus will do no good.

In addition to how attractive you are, Venus also determines the style of clothes you prefer to wear. Each sign has colors and vibe associated with it, for example pastel colors for Libra and dark colors for Scorpio. It's the Venus placement that decides what colors are your go to in your choice of clothes.

Venus's placement also determines what one considers attractive. Beauty is in the eye of beholder. That does not mean there is no such thing as something everyone will call ugly, but what one considers beautiful does vary from person to person. Dressing to fit individual tastes are often more important that aim for mythical universal beauty.

To take that even further, Venus not only defines what attracts you in other people but in all other things as well, from interior design and furniture to times of year and even animals. In general tastes and aesthetics are mostly defined by Venus, thought Sun, Moon and certain other plants do have certain impact as well.

Finally, Venus determines is how much importance one places in looking good. Some people view appearance as paramount and other think it's not that important. Especially women. Women often think that appearance is everything. They both spend a lot of time of their looks and pay a lot of attention to what their potential suitors wear and look like. Even astrological symbol of Venus is the same as that of a female. Some men judge by appearance too.

Some (perhaps many) people also judge others based on appearance, they will think you are competent if you wear a suit and dismiss an opinion of someone unkept. Sure, such people are not very smart themselves, but they are in many places and could be an obstacle for someone with poor looks.

Another thing that often attributed to Venus is determining one's romantic abilities and compatibility. That is rather exaggerated. Aside from winning over people who judge by appearance, the kind I mentioned in the previous paragraph, Venus gives no further help in anything romantic related. Venus can make you look attractive, but it cannot make sure your relationship will work out. Sun and Moon are more important in that regard. 

Venus works the same way in charts of both men and women, however it is somewhat more important to women, as for them appearance generally plays bigger role than for men. Reason for that are psychological differences between men and women. I will go in more detail in my article about Mars.

Good Venus placement can help you dress to impress and win over those who judge by appearance. That is the Venus role in the natal chart and your life.

Mercury in Astrology

 

Astrologers often underestimate Mercury (Hermes). There are reasons for that. He is not as loved as happy go lucky and energetic Jupiter. Neither is he feared as Saturn or Pluto. Generally, this God of Commerce and Communication has rather bland and uninterested personality, outshined in myth by his dad Jupiter, stepbrother Heracles and many other gods. Even his symbol, Caducei was mistaken for rod of Asclepios and appropriated by American medical organizations. For that Mercury cursed (or blessed) American medicine to be money maker instead of helping people in need.

Astronomical planet Mercury is just as bland as the god it was named after. It is as much of a naked rock as Moon is, just a little bigger. Mercury's closeness to Sun evaporated all that could have been at atmosphere. Its only features are craters left by meteorites that crashed into it.

Despite blandness however, Mercury's importance and power is arguably much greater than those of all outer planets. Closest confidant of Sun, his aptitude, or lack of thereof, is often the reason of success or failure in life. Your Mercury placement is much clearer indicator of success or failure in life compared to Midheaven and such.

All astrologers agree that Mercury is responsible for rational thinking as well as for communication ability. Many just leave it at that and move on to more exciting planets. That is a mistake, however. Rational thinking and communication abilities are what often either enables or prevents one from succeeding in life.

Modern life and society are highly structured and rational. Countless bureaucratic rules take a lot of cerebral power to understand and even more to figure out how to use to one's advantage. Communiation ability is as important. Charismatic speakers sometimes sway the entire nations. Even Russian oligarchs spend a lot of money on their media outlets to be able to speak to and influence society around them. We are long past barbaric times when might made right and Mars could get you far. It's faculties and abilities of Mercury that enables one to get far.

Thus, Mercury's silver tongue and intelligence can either help of impede you on this path. Even the dumbest placement of the Sun can get its dumb ideas implemented if it has support of a well-placed and aspected Mercury. On the other hand, even Smartest Air sign Sun will struggle to get its bright ideas communicated to other people or implemented in real life without well placed Mercury's support. 

Mercury is far not the only brain in the natal chart, but he is the link between you and the others. Sun's role to think big and Mercury's role to figure out path to practical application. Sun is the star genius (or dumass) and Mercury is its loyal assistant.

If you have Mercury in any of the Air signs, consider yourself lucky. Some of the other placements have their niche uses too, but they lack near infinite aptitude of an Air sign Mercury. Air sign empowered Mercury will be able to deliver satisfactory results as miraculously as Genie in Alladin cartoon. Mercury in less fortunate signs, particularly if in detriment will, like Ivan Susanin, lead you to lose your way in some impassible forest.

Just as astronomical Mercury is planet closest to Sun that is always stay close to it, astrological Mercury is Sun's closest confidant and servant. Mercury's role is to use its intelligence and communication abilities to bring in Sun's vison into the world. How good it can or cannot do it depends on its placement. Sure, your Sun can have great ideas and vision, but they will forever remain in your head if you will not be able to get your point across and talk people to your point of view. 

Mercury has intelligence and communication ability, but it has no character or agenda of its own. Mercury will do whatever tasks Sun wishes to delegate to it. Thus, in natal chart Mercury works closest to Sun. Sun decides where the person is going, and Mercury figures out how to get there. That is how they work together to a common outcome.

Astronomical limitations mean that Mercury cannot be more than one sign away from the Sun. Thus, forever Sun placement there could be only three possible placements of Mercury: either in the same sign, one sign behind or one signs ahead.

The most typical scenario is for Mercury to be in the same sign as the Sun. People with this combination tend to say what they think and in general are much closer to the stereotypical image of their sign then those with Mercury in a different sign from Sun. In general, their lives work out more smoothly and straightforward.

Those with Mercury in a different sign from Sun often do not conform with most of their Sun sign stereotypes. On one hand they have greater impartiality and ability to look at things from a distance and see world from points of view, different from their own. On the other hand, this combination may be harder to make work, and such a person will be a late bloomer. Their lives likely to be very unusual. There is however a great potential for unusual and great achievement compared to those with Sun and Mercury in same sign.

Despite not being as flashy as most other planets in Zodiac, Mercury is possibly the most crucial planet that determines your success or failure in the world. He can either help your Sun realize its vision and achieve its objectives or fail and get lost trying to.

Moon in Astrology

 

Sun maybe the center of our Solar System, but Moon is a closest celestial body to Earth. In actuality Sun is many times the size of Moon, but when looked at from Earth they are about the same size in the sky. Their role in astrology do reflect these astronomical parameters.

While Sun concerns itself with high flying issues such as aspirations, ambitions, self-actualization and values, Moon has more mundane everyday role. Moon is all about things such as how tasty is your food, how comfortable your chair, how well did you sleep last night and so on. Everyday stuff that will not make one famous or earn them a Nobel prize, not even friends or family might be aware. Nonetheless this everyday stuff will have an impact on person's day to day life and wellbeing.

If long term large decisions are made in accordance with Sun placement, then mundane Everday issues are often resolved in accordance with Moon placement. One exception to this is marriage or romantic relationship. For a man particularly potential girlfriend or wife's Sun has to be well aligned with his Moon for a relationship to be stable and happy, ideally with her Sun conjunct his Moon. Reverse is much less the case; women often prefer men whose Sun makes good aspect to their Sun rather than Moon. There are other things to consider as well, but this one is the most important aspect of successful relationship.

As for what exactly will make your everyday life fill very sated and comfortable, you have to look for a Moon's placement in the chart. Moon rules Cancer and that placement will mean that things conventionally considered comfortable and relaxing like sumptuous food, soft bed and a vacation in a tropical paradise will work well for you. In contrast Moon in Aries or Capricorn can make you prefer action and adventure or even hardships to conventional comfort.

Effects of Moon in any given sign are often opposite of the effects the Sun placement in the same sign would have. Person with Moon in Aries and Sun in Taurus would be vastly different to someone with Sun in Aries and Moon in Taurus instead. Traditional description of each sign is written for a Sun in any given sign. To find out what happens if Moon is in the same sign instead you should look for Moon placements.

Moon does not generate its own light. Moonlight we see at night is light of the Sun that reflects off the moon and allows us to see her. In the same way one's natal Sun is the light we give to humanity whether it wants it or not. Natal Moon instead indicates what we expect to receive from outside world in return for our light. Thus, if Sun consistently shines on everything almost indiscriminatively, Moon instead seeks the kind of light and can illuminate it and keep it warm and happy. That is how they work relative to one another.

Just like Sun, Moon also indicates what kind of decisions a native will or will not make in life. Moon's authority is second only to that of Sun and can override tendencies from Ascendant or Venus.

Finally, a little bit of what other astrologers say about Moon. Moon governs emotions and sense of security. Having Moon fulfilled can indeed make one feel happy and secure. You can word it this way. Emotions is somewhat misleading, sure one can call desire to go on vacation to Bora Bora an emotional whim, but emotions can be more than just that, Moon governs just some of them.

Moon is often called one of big three and unlike Ascendant it does deserve its title. Understanding Moon is almost as important as Sun to understand psychology of any person. Next, I will cover Mercury, who should complete the big three instead of Ascendant.

Sun in Astrology

 

Typical serious astrologers often underestimate importance of Sun. They often cite how one person with Sun in Leo invented zodiac columns in newspapers that sort all people into 12 groups. Such astrological columns do over stereotype both signs and people. Many natives of this or that sign do not exhibit all or even most of the traits, typically associated with their sign.

However, for every skeptic there are often several believers, who things that astrology gets them, even if a lot of what is written about them hardly applies to them. There is a reason for that. Placement of Sun in your natal chart do not determine or indicate any of the traits associated with your sign. Things like ascendant as well as Mercury, Venus and Mars are primary sources of various traits that people may notice in a person. 

Sun has a different, higher role. It indicates your core motivation to do what you do, driving force behind your life. It also describes your values or a moral compass that guides your decisions, what you personally think right and what is wrong as well as what to do with your life. Such personal and often invisible to other people around you, but nevertheless crucial role that Sun plays in your life and natal chart.

Astronomically Sun is by far the largest celestial body in our solar system, all other planets revolve around Sun. Sun has another role, it emanates light and heat, without it we would live in utter darkness, and everything will freeze to death. Life would be impossible.

This does reflect on Sun's role in a natal chart of any given individual. Sun is a center around which everything else is arranged and without it nothing will work. Some people internalize its role and see it as expression of their personal will or calling in life. Other instead see Sun as God, they serve. The exact personal relationship with Sun depends person to person as well as on Sun's placement in one's chart. However, Sun is always the center to which the rest of the chart serves and answers to.

Some astrologers equate Sun with Roman god Appollo. That is similar how other planets each named after one or another Roman god and bears its characteristics. However, that would only be correct for Sun in Leo and possibly Libra if you see Appollo as male equivalent of Venus. For other placements, Sun's character will be a lot closer to the patron god of the sign they are in and fundamentally to the character of the sign they are placed. 

Sun rules Leo and natives with Sun in Leo are most pure and easy to notice examples of the leadership role that Sun plays in the chart. Sun in Leo clearly leads from the front. In other placements this leadership role could be obscured by other traits, yet behind the scenes or on the sidelines, Sun still directs the individual just as it does for a Sun in Leo person.

That leads towards two primary roles, Sun plays in one's life. One is decision making. Here I mean particularly long-term lasting decisions that shapes one's life like what university to attend, what career to pursue, whom to marry and so on. Even if other traits indicate that one will make good teacher or lawyer this might not work out simply because Sun thinks it's not for me. Smaller decisions too are influenced by Sun but also by moon and other planets. 

Reading about your own Sun placement can give you a lot of insight into what you yourself is capable of. This is the part where people read about their sign and nod in agreement, saying that is really me. Reading about others will give you an idea what kind of things they will agree or not agree on. When someone suddenly makes a U-turn in life, their Sun sign can give you the answers why they did so.

Second is values. Parents and society often teach kids what is right and what is wrong. Early on one might live on, believing in what others told you. However, what do you personally see as right or wrong? Do you agree with your parents, or do you think they are wrong?

Here each placement of Sun indicates a different set of values (of things one sees as right or wrong). Humanity does not agree on these. That is why there are conflicts and wars. Two different sets of principles clash over one or the other issue. To be completely precise there are four rather than 12 distinct sets of values, each indicated by one of natural elements: fire, earth, air and water. Read my separate article about elements and modalities to understand these things.

In relation to Sun, individual placement of Sun, displays one's personal priorities in life. For example, Cancer and Capricorn are very tribal and see themselves and people around them as part of family or community. Aries and Libra are very individualistic and instead see themselves and people around them as atomistic individuals. Taurus prefers ideas that were time tested and rooted in tradition. Aquarius prefer ideas that make sense in theory in their head. Gemini likes new things in general and will try anything new. Pisces like old things instead and preserve "vintage" retro stuff. Leos like to be a center of attention as they think if people are looking at them, they like them. Scorpios prefer to avoid attention, instead thinking that people might hurt them if they notice them.

Sun is fundamental in determining how you get along (or not) with others. Differences in other planets can be worked out, but not the Sun. People would be much more willing to suppress traits from Ascendant or Venus if they get in the way of their relationship, but not the values of their Sun, these they may defend like their lives depend on it. Because of that Sun is fundamental to either building or breaking relationship.

No matter where your Sun is placed, it will trine two other signs, these would be of the same element as your own and are your natural allies. It will further square two more who will share your modality, these will be hardest for you to deal with as your values will clash in the most acute way. Finally, it will sextile to two others from a friendly element, with whom you might get along with as well. This is what you should use to help you decide who you should try to associate with or not.

As for examples of each sign mentality then here are some: Gemini will like new radial ideas, Aquarius makes in his head but will not like retro stuff, Pisces bother themselves with. Capricorn will not like selfishness of Aries or Libra, while they in turn will not like unreasonable undue obligations Capricorn would try to push on them. Capricorn will prefer conservative Taurus or rules minded Virgo. Aries or Libra instead would rather entertain himself with Leo's attention seeking antics or listen to Aquarian wittiness.

In conclusion I would like to re-iterate that in astrology, like in astronomy, Sun is a fulcrum around which the rest of the natal chart revolve. You need to understand it before you can start understanding someone's natal chart of psychology. Other planets do add to this in significant ways, but their role in individual chart is supplementary and supporting of Sun. Sun is the boss and the rest of the chart are his subordinates. Effects of other planets can be altered by the Sun's sheer mass and power. This article will help you understand how Sun functions better.

Elements and Modalities in Astrology

There are 12 different astrological signs that represent 12 distinct types of people. However, there is a neat system that break downs these 12 types into combinations of 4 elements and 3 modalities. Each element represents a set of values a person shares, and each modality instead represents role a person plays in a society. Together these two things make up for a person's type.

Each element has three signs. People with Sun in signs of the same element can mostly agree on values and principles. That allows them to cooperate and get along with each other. Moon and other planets are responsible for other individual traits, I will cover planets in separate articles.

Fire signs of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius can agree on one set of principles. Earth signs of Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn on other set of principles. Air signs could agree on yet another set of principles and so on. This understanding within the group gives people an illusion that their values are universal and everyone agrees on.

There are four sets of values that fight for control over the world and shape its history. You can notice how decades where Earth and Water placements dominate are often conservative, chaotic, backward (nostalgic) and divisive. In contrast decades of Air and Fire domination are often forward looking, optimistic and often come with significant technological advancements in different fields. This is a reason why Fire and Air elements are called masculine and Water and Earth feminine.

Of all values it is said that Fire can get along with Air even if they have little in common. Earth similarly can get along with Water. In contrast Fire and Water have most disagreement and Air and Earth are not too far behind. In Air and Earth combination one can expect plenty of disputes over values where one would say that A is good, and B is bad and the other will disagree and insist that B is good, and A is bad instead. I can tell from my own experience.

There is also a final division that further divides or characterize each sign and that is modality, that can be either cardinal, fixed or mutable. Each element has one cardinal, one fixed and one mutable sign. Together elements and modality create a system than both divides and makes each individual sign.

Cardinal signs are often called leaders. Cardinal signs are self-assertive and self-driven. They are driven by their desires or a vision of reality that they want to implement. This is the type that wants to shape the world around them to their vision. They see issue or problem and think of a method to solve it to their satisfaction. Cardinal signs have "eyes on the prize" and see end results as the most important thing. They are willing to be creative with their methods of achieving results they want and would try variety of things to get where they want to get. Cardinal sings prefer smart and elegant solutions to problems.

Fixed signs are often called stubborn and inflexible. Unlike cardinal signs that prefer smart strategies, fixed signs rely on sheer force and stubbornness. Fixed signs do not think of better methods to achieve results but instead push through in force with their way of life. They can be either agents of change or opponents to change. For fixed signs methods can be as important as results. In general, fixed signs are easier to understand than cardinal ones, they are much more straightforward. They often say what they think. In Contrast cardinal signs often say what they think will get them best outcomes.

Finally mutable signs are flexible and adopt to situations around them. Instead of fighting for change or resisting it, they go with the flow. Some of them can figure out how to take advantage of any given situation. Most however just accept life around them uncritically and follow trends around them. Mutable signs dislike boredom when nothing happens and often value experiences no matter good or bad. They like various when things happening around them or with them. If cardinal signs are leaders, then mutable signs are followers.

Each element has one cardinal, one fixed and one mutable sign. The full team of 3 to work on their elemental agenda. 

4 sets of values and 3 modalities together create 12 distinct combinations that represent 12 distinct types of behavior. You can subdivide each sign's traits into those that comes from an element and those that come from modality. Doing that would allow you to not only understand each sign better, but also better understand where it fits into a bigger picture.

The same principle further applies to the rest of natal chart, where combining these 12 types with 10 planets produce a very large number of possible combinations, enough to cover pretty much every possible type of human out there. Human psychology may be a complex thing when you look at it as a whole. However, one can better understand it by breaking it down into smaller bits it is made of and study these individual bits separately. Astrology is just the tool to do so, tool proven to work by centuries of practice.

Meaning of Each Individual Planet in Astrology

 

Recently I finished reading Dana Gerhardt's series about meaning of different planets in astrology. I agreed with some, disagreed with other things that she claimed in her articles. Eventually I decided to make my own article about planets. Later I might do angles and houses as well.

I have not read just Dana's articles but many others. I also have experience of dealing with people of different astrological signs. Finally, I have great analytical skills, and I decided I should use them to put together a better explanation of gears of astrology.

The articles will appear in this blog as I write them. They are long and I do not have time to write every day.

After I finish planets, I will gradually cover, angles, signs and houses as I go. Understanding planets are important, but it's their placement in sign and house that determines the role they play in your life. You need to put all pieces of information together to get the full picture. I will also write about current major transits.