A brief explanation of planetary astrology

The Sun, Moon and Rising all come together to equal your 'big three' in astrology. Next time you're going to read a magazine horoscope or any astrological horoscope in general, don't just look at your sun sign and watch how the accuracy differs. 

The Sun Sign is what most people of the general public refer to when they ask for your 'star sign'.

What the sun in astrology actually refers to your inner sense of self and the version of you that people learn once they truly get to know you.

It's for this reason that when people read their astrology horoscopes in a magazine or publication that they may not feel connected to it. Many times people feel more connected to other parts of their astrological birth chart.

 

The Moon Sign refers to what zodiac constellation the moon was in at the time of your birth. The moon refers to your emotions and the way you experience your feelings.

If you don't understand someone, finding out what their moon sign is good insight into how they experience feelings and emotions in the world. 

If you feel disconnected to your emotions and heart, finding and connecting to your moon sign (and the house placement of your moon sign) will give you an insight into why you feel things the way you do.

 

The Rising Sign, also known as the 'Ascendant', refers to what zodiac constellation was on the eastern horizon line at the exact time of your birth. 

The rising sign reflects how you appear to the outside world. It is a direct mirror of your outward personality and appearance. 

If you want insight into how you are perceived by others, look at your rising sign. 

 

Other than the Sun, Moon and Rising, there are more planets and astrological points we look at in a birth chart:

Finding Mercury in your birth chart reflects the way in which you think, communicate and intellectualise things. Mercury's placement shows you how you gain new knowledge and skills.

Venus in your birth chart reflects how you experience love; the way you love others and the way you want to be loved. It also reflects beauty, your appearance and creative expression.

Mars in the birch chart reflects the ways in which you experience swiftness and take action. It's best to look at Mars to see where in life you make things move really quickly. Mars also reflects anger, aggression and violence.

Jupiter reflects the ways in which you find abundance, expansion and joy in your life. It's considered both the planet of luck, justice and expansion. Jupiter's placement shows you an area of your life that fulfils your heart and soul to the max. 

Saturn reflects your karmic journey, life structures, and challenges you may face. Saturn's influence shows you where in life you'll be disciplined and can also show you the way in which you'll provide discipline to other people. Your Saturn placement is a strong one to study because it can show you the ways in which you'll experience massive growth through hardship.

Uranus reflects the ways in which you shock other people - unconventional attitudes or choices are generally Uranus' doing. Uranus is also associated with high intelligence and technology.

Neptune in the birth chart reflects that ways in which you visualise, dream, and connect with your spirituality. It can also be associated with illusions, delusions, drugs and addiction. 

Pluto in the birth chart is an indicator of how you will transform as an individual. It can also reflect how you transform/impact other people. Pluto's birth chart placement will give you an insight into your relationship with death and it will reflect how you experience your sexuality. 

There are additional planetary bodies to look at other than the ones above. These include Chiron (an asteroid which represents your wounds, trauma, and healing), your North Node (life mission) and South Node (past life), Midheaven (public image/reputation) and more. The planets and points listed above are a great starting point to refer back to when studying your own birth chart.