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A birth chart is interpreted using four fundamental components. The planets, along with the sun and moon each represent a particular kind of energy, manifested in the person as instinctive drives. The 12 sun signs modify the way a planetary energy expresses itself. The 13 Houses indicate the main areas of the individual's life where all this activity will find an outlet. The Aspects represent the geometric angels the planets make to one another. To complete the horoscope the astrologer will consider the aspects or relative angles between pairs of planets. Certain aspects carry greater importance. Those generally recognized by the astrological community are conjunction (0º), opposition (180º), square (90º), trine (120º) and sextile (60º). Other aspects of less importance are recognized by some. Understandably these aspects are more significant when they are exact, but they are considered to function within an orb of influence. The size of that orb will vary according to the importance of the particular aspect. Thus conjunctions are believed to operate over a larger orb than sextiles.
Four Elements
The elements of the zodiac fall into four basic psychological types: Fire, Earth, Air and Water. Fire signs are restless, energetic, optimistic, and assertive. Earth signs are practical, sensual, persevering and reserved. Air signs are objective, sociable, independent and mentally active. Water signs are emotional, sensitive and intuitive. Fire and Air signs are positive while Earth and Water signs are negative. These elements along with other variables in the birth chart are counted to find out the balance between introversion and extroversion in personality types.
Three Qualities
The three qualities, Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable, define how we act and react in various situations with respect to the elements. Cardinal signs are enterprising, self-motivated and like to initiate and involve themselves in projects. Fixed signs consolidate what the cardinal signs begin. They are determined, dependable, loyal and often resistant to change. Mutable signs are adaptable, flexible, unpredictable and stimulated by new ideas.
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