Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to Astrology 101, covering the 12 houses, 12 signs, the seasons, and how energy flows through cardinal, fixed, and mutable signs. We’ll also go over key points on the natal chart like the Ascendant (AC), Descendant (DC), Imum Coeli (IC), and Midheaven (MC).
Day and Night Births
- Daytime births tend to be extroverted and outward-focused. People born during the day may naturally lean towards social interactions and expressing themselves openly.
- Nighttime births are often more introverted and reflective. These individuals may feel more comfortable with introspection, sensitivity, and privacy.
Key Points of the Natal Chart
- Ascendant (AC): This is your relationship with yourself and your approach to life. It’s the starting point of your 1st house, which focuses on identity and self-perception.
- Descendant (DC): Positioned on the opposite side of the Ascendant, the DC represents your relationships with others and how you approach partnerships.
- Imum Coeli (IC): Found at the bottom of the chart, the IC represents your home, roots, and private life, reflecting the foundation of who you are.
- Midheaven (MC): Located at the top of the chart, the MC symbolizes your career, reputation, and public life, showcasing the path you strive for in the world.
The Astrological New Year and the Seasons
The cycle of the zodiac starts with Aries, initiating the Astrological New Year and marking the “sowing” phase of the year. Each season has a distinct energy, led by a cardinal sign that starts the season, a fixed sign that stabilizes it, and a mutable sign that helps transition to the next.
Spring: Begins with Aries (Cardinal), Taurus (Fixed), and Gemini (Mutable).
- Theme: Sowing seeds of identity, growth, and learning.
Summer: Begins with Cancer (Cardinal), Leo (Fixed), and Virgo (Mutable).
- Theme: Nurturing roots, creativity, and service.
Fall: Begins with Libra (Cardinal), Scorpio (Fixed), and Sagittarius (Mutable).
- Theme: Bridging relationships, shared resources, and wisdom.
Winter: Begins with Capricorn (Cardinal), Aquarius (Fixed), and Pisces (Mutable).
- Theme: Reaping rewards, achievements, social roles, and releasing.
The Four Seasons as Life Phases (Q1 – Q4)
Q1: Self-Awareness (AC – DC Axis)
- Youth and Identity – These houses focus on developing a sense of self.
- 1st House (Aries): Focus on self-identity.
- 2nd House (Taurus): Resources and values that shape identity.
- 3rd House (Gemini): Learning, communication, and early skills.
Q2: Self-Expression (IC – MC Axis)
- Early Adulthood and Personal Expression – Here, we engage with family, creativity, and roles.
- 4th House (Cancer): Family, roots, and upbringing.
- 5th House (Leo): Creativity, romance, and children.
- 6th House (Virgo): Work, service, and health.
Q3: Cooperation and Expansion (DC – AC Axis)
- Adulthood and Interpersonal Development – Partnerships, intimacy, and worldview expansion.
- 7th House (Libra): Partnerships, marriage, and balance.
- 8th House (Scorpio): Shared resources, deep relationships, transformation.
- 9th House (Sagittarius): Higher learning, beliefs, and travel.
Q4: Achievement and Reflection (MC – IC Axis)
- Later Life and Self-Reflection – Focusing on career, community, and spiritual fulfillment.
- 10th House (Capricorn): Career, reputation, and long-term goals.
- 11th House (Aquarius): Social groups, contributions, and aspirations.
- 12th House (Pisces): Inner life, spirituality, and letting go.
Understanding these cycles and placements can reveal a lot about the flow of energy in different areas of life. As you move through the seasons, each house and sign offers guidance on navigating relationships, career, personal growth, and purpose.
Downloadable Resource
To help you explore your chart, here’s a downloadable Astrology 101 Reference Wheel. It’s a visual tool for tracking each house, its related sign, and its life themes. Download it below to keep handy as you continue learning and reflecting on your astrological journey!
