by Kelly Surtees

Astrology is an art about learning symbols and putting them together to derive meaning. Think about when you are driving. You recognize signs for roundabouts, no left or right turns, slippery when wet etc. You are using symbols to understand a concept, instruction or direction. Astrology is a lot like driving. Look at the symbols, learn what they mean, then follow the directions. In this series I will share with you an overview of the meanings of the Planets, Zodiac Signs and Houses. This mind_body_spirit begins with the Planets...

Planets

Each planet represents a different function of the psyche. They represent different desires inside you. Venus is the part of you that wants to connect with others and form relationships. Uranus is the part of you that wants to rebel and stand out from the crowd. Planets are like bolts of energy. Once you understand the essence of each planet, look to see what sign the planet falls in for you. The sign a planet falls in shows how you set about meeting that planet's basic urge or desire. Venus (relationships) in Gemini (witty, conversational) shows someone who uses their mind (Mercury) to flirt (Gemini) and build relationships (Venus).

	Sun -What you're noticed for, basic personality, your essence, creative expression
	Moon -Feelings, Emotions, Intuition, what your heart longs for, what you need to feel safe and secure
	Mercury - Communication, how you think, talk, network and connect with others
	Venus - Relationships, beauty, art, attraction
	Mars - Energy, drive, action, assertiveness, confidence, passion
	Jupiter Optimism, thirst for new experiences, travel and study, expansion
	Saturn - Reality, practicality, restriction, maturity, time, boundaries
	Uranus - Rebellious, eccentric, different, ahead of the times
	Neptune - Spiritual, sensitive, intuitive, artistic, creative, flexible
	Pluto - Intense, extreme, controlling, physic, powerful
	Chiron - Vulnerable, gifts of healing, a weakness that becomes a strength
	North Node - Karma or fate, your soul's intention for this life time

Zodiac Signs

The 12 signs are divided into groups of Elements - Fire, Earth, Air and Water. Signs that share an element share similar qualities and traits.

The Zodiac signs show the characteristics a planet takes on. Mars is the principle of energy and getting things done. Whichever sign Mars falls in for you shows the style you adopt to get things done or create energy in your life. For instance, someone with Mars (action, energy and confidence) in Aries (self focused, impulsive and enthusiastic), does what they want when they want. Mars in Aries is confident independence.

	Aries -Fire - Self focused, impulsive, enthusiastic
	Taurus - Earth - Sensual, stable, solid
	Gemini - Air - Witty, flirty, conversational, social butterfly
	Cancer - Water - Sensitive, self protective, family orientated
	Leo - Fire - Creative, expressive, leader, loves attention
	Virgo - Earth - Precise, detail orientated, systematic
	Libra - Air - Compromising, appreciates beauty & harmony
	Scorpio - Water - Deep, brooding, strong
	Sagittarius - Fire - Craves new experiences, intelligent, free spirit
	Capricorn - Earth - Hardworking, ambitious, responsible
	Aquarius - Air - Quirky, unusual, unconventional, odd one out
	Pisces - Water - Intuitive,dreamy, whimsical, caring

The Houses

In Astrology, 'Houses' are segments of the chart. Each House represents a different area of life. The House a planet falls in shows where in life you express and meet that planet's energy. If you look at an Astrological Chart you'll see a horizontal line directly through the middle - the Ascendant line. The Ascendant is the left point on this horizontal line. The First House starts at the Ascendant. The Houses then move anti-clockwise around.

Here are the House numbers along with their meanings...

1. Your image, appearance, physical shape, first impression you give others.
2. Money and Values; how you earn and spend it; what you value.
3. Communication, siblings and short trips. Early education and learning.
4. Family, home , ancestry, one of your parents.
5. Children - yours or others. Creativity, love affairs and gambling. How playful are you?
6. Daily routine. Health and illness. Pets.
7. Relationships. All one on one partnerships.
8. Joint finances, death, debt and taxes. Sharing resources.
9. Higher learning, overseas travel, religion. What you believe.
10. Professional image and reputation. How the world at large sees you.
11. Friendships, groups and hobbies.
12. Endings, spirituality, isolation.