How to actually use astrology | A practical guide
25 Aug 2024 - Snakewithlegs
This is a basic guide to using astrology practically.
You’ll learn the basic language of astrology and how to understand and apply it in a way that actually improves your relationships, your art if you’re a creative, you’re work, and your ability to transform yourself.
The video version of this article is linked here on my YouTube channel.
If you’re watching this i’m going to assume you have a slightly above average knowledge of astrology and are here to put it into practice. That being said I am going to go over the fundamental structure just so we are all on the same page then we’ll get into more practical stuff.
One last thing to understand is that people are full of contradictions and idiosyncrasies. No one theory or methodology can truly express what it is to be a living person. I think that that is amazing and I let that knowledge push me to keep learning and developing my perception of myself and others.
What is Astrology?
Astrology is the philosophical language of nature and natural cycles. By understanding things through the language of astrology we can see things we normally can’t. The main principle of astrology is correspondence, meaning that each symbol has many other things that it can represent.
Main Symbols of Astrology
The Big Three
The main symbols of astrology are what I call the big 3, the Sun, Moon, AC. Most people when they are talking about their “sign” are actually referring to their Sun sign. This is the sign that the sun was in when you were born.
The sun is what’s most visible, this is related to the ego and your desires. The Moon is what’s hidden and everything else related to the moon. Emotions, needs, fears, instincts. The AC is put simply is the persona you show to the world.
The 12 Signs
Next are the Elements/Signs.
The Signs are actually made of the four basic elements. Fire Earth Air Water. What most people don’t now is that each element has three different modes of expression. These different modes or aspects are what gives the Signs their specific characteristic and part of what makes each sign a unique archetype.
Think of the aspects as different energy levels in a race.
Cardinal, the ignition or start is the most primal aspect of the element. Aries, Libra, Capricorn and Cancer are all cardinal, and are like the first stretch of the race. They have so much raw energy that they jump into whatever they are doing without a second thought. They are really the momentum builders of the zodiac.
Fixed aspect is like the middle of the race and is more like a marathon then a sprint. This is the part of the element that doesn’t change and moves in a straight line without even thinking of changing course. Take Fixed Earth for example: They are earth and they are not about to change that for anyone. Momentum is hard to build but once it’s going Fixed Earth will not stop. The Fixed zodiac are Taurus, Scorpio, Aquarius, and Leo.
Mutable, this is the part of the element that is least like itself. This is like the last half of the race when all the energy is spent and you are ready to watch a movie, read a book or go for a swim. This is because the mutable part of an element is always on the brink of changing into something else. Take the mutable aspect of water, Pisces for example: This is the part of water that is almost bored with itself and therefor is always ready to try something new. The mutable signs are Pisces, Sagittarius, Virgo, and Gemini.
Start speaking Astrology
Now with the basics out of the way we can start speaking with the language of the Gods. Like I said before, this is a language of change, philosophy and of nature. Anything that is changing, natural, or metaphysical we can use astrology to dissect and understand. Let me give you a few examples:
- Existence is a matrix of fractal-ling patterns, astrology can help us recognize these recurring patterns.
- Humans are microcosmic beings that reflect the macrocosm, so by understanding the universe you can understand the Self.
- Each human is an organ within the body of humanity and has a specific teleological role to play in humanities evolution as a species.
Practical Use 1: Self Transformation
Yes, using astrology to understand yourself is valid, however thinking of the signs as static images and not active processes will only stifle your ability to grow and mature. Basically it’s the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset.
This process of growth is done by transmuting negative aspects of the self into dignified ones by balancing the elements within us. To balance an element we are having issues with we incorporate the aspects of it’s opposite.
Fixing a negative aspect
Example 1
For instance, hypothetically, let’s say I have a hard with being on time. This can be caused by so many things, even some that are out of my control but don’t let the details hold back the process. What we want is the big picture of the energy concerning the issue. Feel into it and use astrology to put “being late” into words. In this example I’m going to say the problem is mutable earth, Virgo. This sign tends to be detail oriented and my have a hard time seeing the big picture as well as being heavy and slow, because it’s earth, making switching tasks hard to do.
We would want to balance this with an opposing energy, lets say Cardinal Air, Libra. Libra is all about the balance of opposites, communication, and travel. The mobile and considerate energy of Libra is perfect for the more wishy-washy slow moving Mutable Earth Virgo.
Example 2
This some problem might be caused by not having enough energy, as apposed to more awareness. In this case we would want to bring in the Mutable Fire of Sagittarius. Sagittarius, like Libra has an airy quality and this makes them great planners while also having the energy to point in multiple directions.
Notes:
The work of transmuting one element from another is personal to you, but identifying the problem is half the solution. So don’t move to fast when coming up with solutions and don’t get caught up in the exact words. This is energy we’re talking about! You’ll see why this is important soon.
Transmutation Tools
Change is natural and always happening, even if you don’t see it. These things take time, however there are things you can do to quicken the natural process of change.
Meditation Step-By-Step
The first is to meditate on the element you want to be more like and really try to feel that elemental energy fully inhabiting your body, while also letting go of the element you don’t want. You pull this energy into you with your breath.
Sit comfortably and relax. Close your eyes and focus on the element or sign you want to change. You will probably feel emotions, see colors and feel sensations related to the problem and element. This is good. Next imagine the opposite force or element floating around and in front of you. This energy might have a certain color or texture to it. Begin deeply breathing this energy in with your breath but don’t strain you muscles or lungs. Focus on the now changing sensations and emotions going on in your body. Do this three more times or until you no longer get the sensation of heating and cooling, as if you have reached a new energetic equilibrium.
Journaling about the problem can also help you recognize attitudes in yourself that are holding you back. Each Sign has an attitude or energy that it brings to the table and these energies express themselves through us so becoming aware of these attitudes is a big step forwards.
Practical Use 2: Understanding the wants of others
Another really neat use of astrology is understanding the people around you more clearly. If you have autism then understanding the emotions of those around you can be even more difficult and having a system to use makes relationships that much easier.
People have 1. The Moon: Emotional reactions, they are either drawn or repelled by things, 2. The Sun: Goals or desires that drive them to do what they do, and 3. Humans want to express themselves to others in a way that is comfortable.
If you can understand people from each of these perspectives you will have a much easier time communicating and building close functional relationships, even with people you wouldn’t normally get along with.
The Sun
Let’s take for example Cardinal Earth, Capricorn. The ego of Cardinal Earth wants to feel appreciated for their hard work and strength. Knowing this, if you have a Capricorn co-worker you’ll know that showing your appreciation for their efforts is a way to build re-pore and camaraderie. And because you are noticing their skill or strength they will be more likely to help you in the future because they can see you appreciate and understand them.
This is because people want to be appreciated for who they are, and what they have to give the world. There is no point in using a fork as a spoon and people are exactly the same way.
The Moon
The Moon is your emotional reactions, and understanding how someone reacts to their likes or dislikes is a big step in understanding that person.
Let’s look at Fixed Water, Scorpio. The Fixed aspect of water is the ocean. Water itself is very malleable and flowing, but the ocean has reached it’s level and isn’t really going anywhere. That being said there are two sides to the ocean, the surface and the depths. If we apply this to emotional reactions we could say that Scorpio can hide what they are really feeling. You might see one reaction but internally something else entirely might be going on.
Scorpio Moon might listen to music to escape the hectic surface of their emotions and move closer to their emotional center. The Fixed aspect of can also have a hard time warming up to new people or places and need time to adjust. They might have a hard time forgiving someone due to feeling very deeply.
Knowing this will help you understand Scorpio moons aren’t just jerks with chips on their shoulders, but that they have deep emotional experiences and take time to adjust to new circumstances. And my need time before opening up about what they really think.
In some instances a Scorpio Moons will use their temper to deal with difficult situations because they feel that that is most effective in getting how they feel across.
The AC or Ascendant
The Ascendant is like the persona. It’s how you come across the first time people meet you before they get to know your Moon and Sun.
I think the biggest benefit in understanding the AC at least when dealing with other people is that you will be able to understand their broader relationship to society.
Let’s look at Fixed Air, Aquarius. Just like Scorpio it is a bit of a contradiction, the Fixed aspect of Air which is always moving also has a strong element of stability. When looking at Aquariuses relationship to society we can see the push and pull between the individual and the individuals responsibility to the group.
Aquarius AC respects the individuality of everyone but also recognizes the part that each individual plays in relationship to the whole. Even if personally they might not care about being a part of any group or movement, when you first meet them you will get the sense that they view the world from this dichotomy.
Practical Use 3: The Purpose of Things
Everything has an elemental, and therefor Zodiacal attribution. Knowing this we can understand that any event, project, or group, or item has a dominate function.
The Mona Lisa is a dominate Fixed Earth, Taurus energy as apposed to Pepsi the soda drink company which has a very Aquarius energy.
Knowing what energy you want an event or piece of art to express is going to help you focus it’s meaning and help fulfill it’s purpose.
What’s next?
In this guide we only covered the basics, however what has been shown here is more then enough to get you started not only learning astrology but also using it in your day-to-day life.
I didn’t cover some of the more magickal aspects of astrology like ceremonial magic or witchcraft because they are not directly related and you can use astrology without ever getting into any of that.
That being said there is so much more to be learned through the study of the stars and their movements and I will be covering those things later on in other videos and articles so please keep asking questions and never stop learning.
Have an amazing life wherever you are, keep doing your best. By for now.