Astrology can seem overwhelming at first, with its intricate symbols, arcane language, and nuanced interpretations. But at its core, astrology is a system of symbolic "math" that anyone can learn to use. By understanding the meanings of planets, zodiac signs, and houses, you can combine them to interpret the language of the cosmos in a way that's both practical and deeply personal.
This post will walk you through the basic “equation” to decode astrological symbolism and show how you can build on these basics for richer interpretations.
The Core Equation
The astrological equation looks like this:
Planet = “What” + Sign = “How” + House = “Where”
The Planet tells you what energy or function is being expressed.
The Sign describes how that energy or function manifests.
The House shows where in life that energy is expressed.
Once you understand this equation, you can apply it to interpret any placement in a birth chart.
Simple Meanings for the Building Blocks
Here’s a cheat sheet for planets, zodiac signs, and houses.
Planets: The “What”
Sun: Identity, core self.
Moon: Emotions, instincts.
Mercury: Communication, thought.
Venus: Love, values.
Mars: Action, drive.
Jupiter: Growth, expansion.
Saturn: Structure, discipline.
Uranus: Innovation, change.
Neptune: Dreams, intuition.
Pluto: Transformation, power.
Signs: The “How”
Each sign gives a unique flavor to the planetary energy.
Aries: Bold, impulsive.
Taurus: Steady, sensual.
Gemini: Curious, adaptable.
Cancer: Nurturing, emotional.
Leo: Creative, confident.
Virgo: Practical, analytical.
Libra: Harmonious, social.
Scorpio: Intense, transformative.
Sagittarius: Adventurous, philosophical.
Capricorn: Disciplined, ambitious.
Aquarius: Innovative, independent.
Pisces: Dreamy, compassionate.
Houses: The “Where”
The houses tell us the life area where planetary energies come alive.
1st House: Self, identity.
2nd House: Finances, values.
3rd House: Communication, learning.
4th House: Home, family.
5th House: Creativity, joy.
6th House: Work, health.
7th House: Relationships, partnerships.
8th House: Shared resources, transformation.
9th House: Exploration, philosophy.
10th House: Career, reputation.
11th House: Community, goals.
12th House: Intuition, endings.
An Example in Action
Let’s take Mars in Virgo in the 6th House and break it down using our equation.
Mars is the what: action, drive, energy.
Virgo is the how: practical, detail-oriented.
6th House is the where: work, daily routines, and health.
Put it together: This person approaches action (Mars) in a practical and detail-oriented way (Virgo), especially in their work or health routines (6th House).
Now, imagine layering on nuance: Is Mars well-aspected, or does it face challenges? Is Virgo’s ruler (Mercury) strong in the chart? These layers allow for richer storytelling.
Building Nuance from the Basics
Once you’ve mastered these building blocks, you can:
Add more symbols. What aspects (angles) connect planets? What’s the condition of the planet’s ruler?
Blend meanings. For example, “Scorpio” doesn’t just mean intense—it might mean deeply focused or emotionally transformative, depending on the context.
Adjust for transits. How do current planetary movements activate natal placements?
Astrology is like a language: first, you learn the alphabet, then the words, and finally the poetry. With practice, you’ll begin to see how these symbolic equations can illuminate your life and the lives of others.
Your Turn
Try this equation with your own chart:
Look up where your Sun, Moon, and rising signs are placed.
Break each placement down using the Planet = What + Sign = How + House = Where formula.
Reflect on how the basic meanings resonate with your lived experience.
Astrology’s beauty lies in its infinite layers. These simple equations are just the beginning, giving you a framework to explore the deeper symbolism of the stars.
Let me know in the comments how you use these formulas—or if you have any questions about decoding your chart!