by Jan Spiller


Astrology is an objective study of the individual. Individuality, from an astrological point of view, is the expression of urges we all feel in common (the Planets), filtered through a unique style or temperament (the Signs), activated by an arena of life that is important to us (the Houses).

Personal identity is further defined by the way the urges within us are interacting (the Aspects). Character - our values - is the way we USE the map of individuality depicted by the birth chart.


The PLANETS: the different URGES within us

The PLANETS in the astrology chart represent the different KINGDOMS within each of us... the URGES that we all feel in common. For example, all of us feel the urge for love (Venus), for security (Moon), for understanding (Mercury). The URGES, shown by the planets, are common to all of humankind.


The SIGNS: the STYLE of expression

Each of the Planets is in a SIGN... and the sign shows the spirit or filter through which the planet expresses. For example, the planet VENUS is the urge to love and be loved.

When VENUS is located in the SIGN of LEO... the desire for love will be dramatic, glamorous, full of fun and play and gift giving (Leo style). If Venus is in PISCES... the style of sharing love will be poetic, non-judgmental, quiet, accepting, understanding and supportive (Pisces style).


The HOUSES: the ARENA in which our urges are activated

Each of the Planets is located in a HOUSE... and the house shows the arena of life that stimulates the planet to express itself. The 2nd House rules money so any planet located in the 2nd House is activated by the thought of making money.

For example, the planet MARS rules action and initiative. When Mars is located in the 2nd House, the idea of making money naturally motivates the person to get into action.


The ASPECTS: the energetic RELATIONSHIP between planets

The planetary urges connect differently within each individual and the nature of that connection - friendly or unfriendly - is shown by the “aspect” (or number of degrees of separation) between the two planets.

For example, if a person’s Moon is square (an “aspect” of conflict) their Sun, their urge for security (Moon) is in conflict with their creative self-expression (Sun).

© Jan Spiller