GUIDE TO ASTROLOGY
WHAT IS ASTROLOGY?
Oxford Languages defines astrology as the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world.
“In ancient times it was inseparable from astronomy. It originated in Mesopotamia (c. 3rd millennium BC) and spread to India, but it developed its Western form in Greek civilization during the Hellenistic period.” “According to Greek tradition, the heavens are divided according to the 12 constellations of the zodiac, and the bright stars that rise at intervals cast a spiritual influence over human affairs. Astrology was also important in ancient China, and in imperial times it became standard practice to have a horoscope cast for each newborn child and at all decisive junctures of life.Though the Copernican system shattered the geocentric worldview that astrology requires, interest in astrology has continued into modern times and astrological signs are still widely believed to influence personality.” (SOURCE: Britannica)
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
SUN SIGN: Planet of Self, Ego, basic personality and vitality, 1 month
MOON SIGN: Planet of Emotions, Your inner world and soul, Every 2 to 3 days
RISING/ASCENDENT SIGN: represents the way others see you, your general impression on people and your spontaneous reactions. It reflects the zodiacal sign that was ascending on the eastern horizon the moment you were born.
MERCURY: Planet of Communication, Your mind and style of communication, 3 to 4 weeks
VENUS: Planet of Love and Money, Your aesthetics and love language, About 4 to 5 weeks
MARS: Planet of Passion, Your determination, About 6 to 7 weeks
JUPITER: Planet of Luck, Where you find your luck, About 12 to 13 months
SATURN: Planet of Karma, Where you must take responsibility and learn life lessons, About 2 to 3 years
URANUS: Planet of Rebellion, How you express eccentricity, About 7 years
NEPTUNE: Planet of Illusion, Your imagination and mystical side, About 10 to 12 years
PLUTO: Planet of Power, How you transform and are reborn, About 12 to 15 years
(SOURCE: A GUIDE TO THE PLANETS, BIRTH CHARTS 101)
SIGNS & SYMBOLS OF THE ZODIAC
HOW TO GET STARTED
Looking at astrology can seem really overwhelming if you’re new to it. A good place to start is to figure out what your astrological chart looks like!
All you have to know is your date and time of birth, along with your birthplace. Your birth chart represents where the planets were in the sky at the time and place you were born.
2 READ YOUR DAILY HOROSCOPE and/or LISTEN TO THE DAILY HOROSCOPE PODCAST
3 DO A DEEPER READING ON YOUR SIGN
TAKE WHAT YOU IDENTIFY WITH AND EXPLORE; DON'T FORCE WHAT DOESN'T RESONATE PERSONALLY WITH YOU
4 EXPLORE YOUR ASTROLOGICAL CHART -- DEVELOP AN UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR HOUSES AND PLANET PLACEMENTS
BOOKS IN THE CSW COLLECTION TO EXPLORE
The CSW Library has a number of books on astrology and astrological signs in the library. In our system of organization on the shelves, books on this topic are found at 133.5 (Astrology, Application of Astrology)
POSTCOLONIAL ASTROLOGY: READING THE PLANETS THROUGH CAPITAL, POWER, AND LABOR
133.5 KA
BY ALICE SPARKLY CAT
Postcolonial Astrology creates a new wave of astrology revival, refusing to apologize for connecting its power to the spirituality and politics we need now. Intersectional, inclusive, and geared towards queer and POC communities, it uses our historical and collective constructs of the planets, sun, and moon to re-chart our subconscious history, redefine the body in the world, and assert our politics of the personal, in astrology and all things.
ASTROLOGY: UNDERSTANDING THE BIRTH CHART
133.5 BU
BY KEVIN BURK
Understanding the Birth Chart, Kevin Burk takes you step-by-step from the core basics to the finer complexities of chart interpretation. It goes into a real grasp of the subject that entails more than just learning the techniques-it also involves grasping the underlying principles that make those techniques valid. In short, this is a well-designed course that provides a solid foundation for anyone who is interested in practicing astrology quickly and with confidence.
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO ASTROLOGY: YOUR PERSONAL GUIDE TO LEARNING, UNDERSTANDING, AND USING ASTROLOGY
133.5 JO
BY CAITLIN JOHNSON
Whether you’re a charming Libran, a practical Taurean or a larger-than-life Leo, insights into your life, love, career and more will be revealed. Travel on a journey through the zodiac – from Aries to Pisces – exploring all twelve signs in detail. Although a pretty large read, it is extremely informational and gives detailed insight into the basics of sun signs and astrology overall.