Astrology Basics: What, How, Where, and How They Relate

Building Blocks of a Birth Chart
  • Planets = What — the core drives and functions (identity, emotions, mind, love, action, growth, discipline, change, dreams, power).
  • Signs = How — the style, tone, and archetype that color those drives (e.g., direct like Aries, grounded like Taurus, curious like Gemini).
  • Houses = Where — the life arenas where those drives play out (self, money, communication, home, creativity, work, partnership, etc.).
  • Aspects = How They Relate — the angles between planets, showing whether energies cooperate, challenge, or transform one another.
What Are the Planets?

Planètes describe the core drives and “What” is acting in the chart. They are the active characters in the story, expressing themselves through the signs (How), operating within the houses (Where), and interacting through aspects (How They Relate). A common reading sequence is: Planet → Sign → House → Aspect.

Personal Planets (Self & Daily Life)

Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars

Social Planets (Growth & Responsibility)

Jupiter, Saturn

Outer Planets (Generational & Transformative)

Uranus, Neptune, Pluto

  • Soleil — Identity, vitality, will, direction; “Who I am and what I aim to become.”
  • Lune — Emotions, instincts, needs, comfort; “How I feel safe and nurtured.”
  • Mercure — Thinking, learning, communication, movement; “How I process and express.”
  • Vénus — Love, values, beauty, relationships, pleasure; “What I love and attract.”
  • Mars — Action, desire, courage, drive; “How I assert and take initiative.”
  • Jupiter — Growth, luck, wisdom, expansion; “Where I find opportunities and meaning.”
  • Saturne — Discipline, limits, structure, responsibility; “Where I must mature and commit.”
  • Uranus — Innovation, freedom, sudden change; “Where I break free and reinvent.”
  • Neptune — Imagination, dreams, spirituality, compassion; “Where boundaries blur and inspiration flows.”
  • Pluton — Power, depth, shadow, transformation; “Where I must face change and rebirth.”
What Are the Signs?

The twelve signes du zodiaque describe the archetypal styles through which planetary energy is expressed. They shape temperament, motivations, and behavior. Each sign carries both positive traits to cultivate and challenging traits to refine, giving us a vocabulary for the many ways human nature is expressed.

What Are the Houses?

The twelve maisons represent different arenas of life where planetary energy plays out. While planets show what is acting and signs show comment, houses reveal où this influence is felt—whether in self-identity, relationships, career, or spirituality. Understanding houses grounds astrology in lived experience.

What Are Aspects?

Aspects are the angular relationships between planets. They describe how planetary drives interact—whether they cooperate harmoniously, challenge each other, or demand transformation. In practice, aspects reveal the chemistry between different parts of the psyche.

Planètes
Click to learn about the 10 Planets
  • ☉ Soleil
  • ☽ Lune
  • ☿ Mercure
  • ♀ Vénus
  • ♂ Mars
  • ♃ Jupiter
  • ♄ Saturn
  • ♅ Uranus
  • ♆ Neptune
  • ♇ Pluton
Planets in Zodiac Signs
Click to learn about the 12 Zodiac Signs
☉ Soleil
☽ Lune
☿ Mercure
♀ Vénus
♂ Mars
4 Angles in Zodiac Signs
Click to learn about the 4 Angles
  • ☉ Soleil
  • ☽ Lune
  • ☿ Mercure
  • ♀ Vénus
  • ♂ Mars
  • ♃ Jupiter
  • ♄ Saturn
  • ♅ Uranus
  • ♆ Neptune
  • ♇ Pluton
Ascendant(ASC/Rising)
Descendant(DSC)
Imum Coeli(IC)
Midheaven(MC)
Planètes en 12 maisons
Click to learn about the 12 Houses
☉ Soleil
☽ Moon​
☿ Mercury​
♀ Venus​
♂ Mars​
♃ Jupiter​
♄ Saturn​
♅ Uranus​
♆ Neptune​
♇ Pluton
More About Nodes
Click to learn about the Lunar Nodes
☋ Sud - ☊ Nœud Nord dans 12 signes du zodiaque
☋ South - ☊ North Node in 12 Houses
Panier
PlanèteSignification
SoleilCore self, vitality, purpose
LuneEmotions, instincts, security needs
MercureThinking, communication, learning
VénusLove, attraction, values & aesthetics
MarsDrive, action, desire, courage
JupiterGrowth, luck, faith, wisdom
SaturneDiscipline, limits, duty, mastery
UranusChange, freedom, innovation
NeptuneImagination, spirituality, ideals
PlutonPower, transformation, rebirth

What Are the Four Angles (ASC / DSC / MC / IC)

The Four Angles are the most important reference points in the natal chart. They form the "axis system" of life, defining self-presentation, relationships, family roots, and social role.

Overview of the Four Angles
  • Ascendant (ASC): The zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at birth. It represents outward personality, first impressions, and the way one initiates new experiences.
  • Descendant (DSC): The point opposite the Ascendant. It represents partnerships, one-on-one relationships, projection, and complementary qualities.
  • Midheaven (MC): The highest point of the chart (10th house cusp). It represents career, public image, life direction, and one’s aspirations.
  • Imum Coeli (IC): The opposite of the Midheaven (4th house cusp). It represents home, family, roots, inner emotional life, and private foundations.
Functions and Symbolism

The Four Angles divide the chart into two axes: ASC–DSC describes “self vs. others,” while MC–IC describes “public vs. private.” The signs and planets linked to these points shape how we begin, connect, ground, and achieve in life.

Quick Reference Table
AngleKeywordsLife Domain
ASCOutward style, initiationFirst impressions, appearance, approach to new beginnings
DSCRelationships, projectionPartnerships, attraction patterns, collaboration
MCCareer, reputationProfessional path, public role, ambitions
ICRoots, private lifeFamily, home, ancestry, emotional security

What Are the Lunar Nodes (North Node & South Node)

The Lunar Nodes are two mathematical points where the Moon’s orbit crosses the ecliptic. In astrology, they symbolize karmic patterns, spiritual lessons, and the path of growth.

Astronomical and Astrological Meaning
  • North Node (☊): Points toward the future. It represents qualities to develop, life lessons to embrace, and growth through new experiences.
  • South Node (☋): Represents the past. It symbolizes natural talents and familiar patterns, but also habits that can hold one back if over-relied upon.

The Nodes are not physical bodies but symbolic points. Their sign and house placement, along with planetary aspects and transits, highlight key life themes and turning points.

Interpretation Framework
  1. Sign: Describes style and qualities. The North Node sign = growth energy; the South Node sign = instinctive tendencies.
  2. Maison: Shows the life area where lessons unfold (e.g., relationships, career, family).
  3. Aspects: Planetary connections describe challenges and support in working with the Nodes.
Practical Insights
  • Embrace the North Node: Practice new traits gradually, expanding outside the comfort zone.
  • Integrate the South Node: Use existing talents without becoming stuck in old habits.
  • Watch Timing: Nodal returns (approx. every 18.6 years) and eclipses often mark life-defining turning points.
SignPositive TraitsChallenging Traits
Aries ♈Courageous, energetic, pioneering, confidentImpulsive, impatient, aggressive, self-centered
Taurus ♉Reliable, patient, loyal, groundedStubborn, possessive, resistant to change
Gemini ♊Adaptable, witty, curious, communicativeInconsistent, restless, superficial, indecisive
Cancer ♋Nurturing, empathetic, protective, intuitiveMoody, clingy, overprotective, insecure
Leo ♌Generous, charismatic, creative, warm-heartedArrogant, domineering, dramatic, attention-seeking
Virgo ♍Practical, analytical, detail-oriented, helpfulCritical, perfectionist, anxious, overthinking
Libra ♎Diplomatic, fair-minded, charming, cooperativeIndecisive, people-pleasing, superficial
Scorpio ♏Passionate, determined, transformative, intuitiveJealous, secretive, controlling, obsessive
Sagittarius ♐Optimistic, adventurous, philosophical, open-mindedIrresponsible, blunt, restless, overconfident
Capricorn ♑Ambitious, disciplined, responsible, determinedPessimistic, rigid, workaholic, controlling
Aquarius ♒Innovative, humanitarian, independent, visionaryDetached, rebellious, eccentric, unpredictable
Pisces ♓Compassionate, imaginative, empathetic, spiritualEscapist, overly idealistic, vague, passive
MaisonSignification
1st HouseSelf, identity, appearance, how others see you
2nd HouseMoney, possessions, values, self-worth
3rd HouseCommunication, siblings, learning, local environment
4th HouseHome, family, roots, emotional foundation
5th HouseCreativity, romance, children, joy of life
6th HouseWork, health, service, daily routines
7e MaisonPartnerships, marriage, contracts, one-to-one relations
8e MaisonShared resources, transformation, intimacy, rebirth
9th HousePhilosophy, higher learning, travel, spirituality
10th HouseCareer, reputation, public image, life goals
11th HouseFriendships, networks, aspirations, collective causes
12th HouseSubconscious, solitude, spirituality, hidden matters