An astrology chart is (usually) a circular map of the sky with the Earth in the center. The planets revolve around the Sun in a relatively narrow part of the sky overhead called the Zodiac, which is represented by the outer circle of the chart. The 360 degrees of this of this part of the sky are divided into equal 30 degree sections called signs (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, etc.) but are further divided into twelve houses (houses 1 thru 12). The various sizes of each house (how wide they are in degrees) depends on the latitude (position north or south of the equator) where someone is born. While the signs are each 30 degrees wide, the houses are not equal in size because the Zodiac appears "stretched out" across the sky from more extreme latitudes. In the illustration below the houses appear to be equal in size, but if you note the distance in degrees from one house cusp to the next you will see that they are not equally large.

Unlike a typical astrology chart, the Astro-Grid displays all of the astrological data from two charts at one time, as well as providing aspect information between the planets in both charts, and an automatically generated score for those aspects - and house positions.

The Planets (Aspect, Sign and House information can be found below.) Remember, you can click on the planet symbol inside the planet boxes to learn more about the meaning of each planet. (See the sign, aspect and house links along the top of the grid for information on those areas.) At the bottom of each planet box you will see numbers and letters like this: "22Sco37". The first two-digit number is the degree (0 to 29) followed by the sign (Aries, Taurus, etc.) in a three-letter abbreviation, followed by the minutes (0 to 59). The 360 degree circle of the Zodiac is divided into 12 signs of 30 degrees each, and each degree is further divided into 60 minutes. The example above reads "22 degrees Scorpio plus 37 minutes." (Sometimes a small 'R' will appear at the end of these numbers. See "retrograde motion" near the bottom of this page to find out what the R symbol means.) When you click on a planet symbol inside a planet box, the text description that appears will contain plus and minus signs. The plus (+) signs indicate the planet projects energy outward, minus (-) signs indicate the planet has a receptive quality, and plus/minus (+/-) signs indicate both energies are involved. (This is a simplified way of looking at things but can be very helpful.) For example, the Sun (+) projects the energy of the inner personality outward, and the Moon (-) is receptive to energy on an emotional level. The way your Moon relates to another's Sun determines how well you will be able to appreciate the inner being of that person on an emotional level. The energies of two planets can combine in favorable or unfavorable ways depending upon the qualities of the individual planets and the angle (aspect) between them. Two (+) planets produce an active exchange where the interaction will be obvious. Two (-) planets create a condition where the interaction will be more inward. Planets with (+/-) energies will create a stimulating effect on both (-) and (+) planets, and will react responsively to (+) planets. When two (+/-) planets interact it will create both stimulating and receptive effects in both directions. Understanding this outward/inward movement of energy helps a great deal in recognizing the effects the planets have upon each other.

Sun: Inner Self (+) How one perceives oneself Leo (fifth house) The Sun represents one's inner being, the way we think of ourselves as a personality. This is different from the Ascendant (sign rising over the eastern horizon at the time of birth) which represents how we are perceived by others. The Sun is associated with the sign of Leo, which is out-going, gregarious and attention seeking. The astrological sign the Sun was in at the time of birth is referred to as one's Sun Sign, and the qualities of that sign will describe the nature of that person's inner being. The Sun projects energy outward. The most significant aspects of the Sun in compatibility are its relationship to the other's Sun, to the Moon (emotional being), Venus (love and values), Mars (physical energy) and house placement. Moon: Emotional Being (-) Depth and quality of feelings Cancer (forth house) The Moon represents emotional activity and the nurturing principle. Some people are emotionally open and "wear their heart on their sleeve," while others may appear emotionally restrained. The Moon is associated with the sign of Cancer, which is caring and nurturing. The sign the Moon appears in influences the way we perceive and express our emotions. The Moon is receptive. The most significant aspects of the Moon in compatibility are the Sun (inner being), Ascendant (self expression -- how others project themselves) Mars (physical energy), the other's Moon, and house placement. Mercury: Communication (+/-) Intellectual expression Virgo/Gemini (sixth/third house) Mercury represents communication, intellect and verbal expression. Mercury is associated with the signs Virgo and Gemini. Virgo is analytical and concerned with details. Gemini is lighthearted and spontaneous, often moving in two directions at once, always alert to anything new going on. The sign Mercury appears in influences how these thinking and communication qualities are expressed. Mercury both projects and receives energy. The most significant aspects to Mercury in compatibility are the other's Mercury, the Sun (inner being), the Moon (emotional receptivity), Mars (physical energy) and house placement. Venus: Values (-) Female energy, love, aesthetics Taurus/Libra (second/seventh house) Venus represents love, romance, the feminine principle and female sexual energy. It also represents our sense of values and aesthetics, artistic expression, money, and our sense of quality. Venus is associated with the signs Taurus and Libra. Taurus is patient and concerned with value. Libra is socially oriented and concerned with the well being of others. The sign Venus appears in influences how these qualities are expressed. Venus is receptive. The most significant aspects in compatibility are Mars (physical energy), the Sun (inner being), Pluto (sexual expression), Moon (emotional receptivity) Ascendant (self expression) and house placement. Mars: Physical Energy (+) Ambition, sex drive. Aries (sometimes Scorpio) (first[eighth] house) Mars represents physical energy, ambition, aggression and male sexual energy. It's where we get our "get up and go." Mars is associated with the sign of Aries, but many astrologers also associate it with Scorpio. Aries deals with the impulse to move, grow and change, like the sprout of a new plant striving to reach the sunlight. To a lesser degree, Mars is also associate with Scorpio, the "behind the scenes" or psychic undercurrent type of force sometimes described as animal magnetism. The sign Mars is in influences the way we express our physical energy. Mars projects energy. It's most significant aspects in compatibility are Venus (love and female energy), the Sun (inner self), Moon (emotional receptivity), Pluto (sexual expression), Ascendant (self expression) and house placement. Jupiter: Abundance (+) Luck, opportunity Sagitarius (ninth house) Jupiter represents abundance. It is the most "liked" planet because Jupiter usually indicates where luck and opportunities are most likely to be found. In broad terms it can be thought of as indicating "more" of whatever happens to be involved. Jupiter is associated with the sign of Sagitarius, the sign of the philosopher, higher education and travel. The sign Jupiter appears in influences how we express ourselves most easily. Jupiter projects energy. The most significant aspects in terms of compatibility are the Sun (inner self), Moon (emotional being), Mars (physical energy), Venus (love and aesthetics), Ascendant (self expression), Pluto (sexual expression) and house placement. Saturn: Reality (+) Restriction, actualization Capricorn (tenth house) Saturn represents reality. It is the least "liked" planet because it often means having to face reality, but it is also the principle that can make things real, usually after long delays or very hard work. Saturn helps us grow through overcoming resistance, and in terms of "happy compatibility" we would all prefer Saturn didn't exist at all, but without it, little in life would have meaning. Saturn is associated with the sign of Capricorn, which deals with authority, organization and social status. The sign Saturn appears in influences where we experience the most difficulty, and often the greatest rewards, in life. Saturn projects energy. The most significant compatibility aspects to Saturn are the other's Saturn, the Sun (inner self), Moon (emotional receptivity), Mars (physical energy), Venus (values), Ascendant (self expression) and house placement. Uranus: Spontaneity (+) Innovation and the unexpected Aquarius (eleventh house) Uranus represents the principle of surprise and spontaneity, of innovation, and sudden and unexpected change, sometimes explosive, often producing long term results. (Short term spontaneous outbursts usually concern the Sun, Mars, Moon and Mercury.) Uranus is associated with the sign of Aquarius, the non-conformist, inquisitive, socially mobile principle. The sign Uranus appears in influences our sense spontaneity, non-conformity and personal freedom. Uranus projects energy in sudden and unexpected bursts. The most significant compatibility aspects are the Sun (inner self), Venus (romance and values), Moon (emotional receptivity), Mars (physical energy), Pluto (sexual expression) and house placement. (Being a slow moving outer planet these effects are sometimes not immediately noticeable.) Neptune: Spirituality (-) Intuition, dreams Pisces (twelfth house) Neptune represents the spiritual side of life, and all those metaphysical processes which are often hidden from normal awareness. Illusion, delusion, intuition, dream experience, psychic phenomena, etc. are all in the realm of Neptune. It is associated with the sign of Pisces, which deals with the mystical, unconscious and spiritual forces in life. The sign where Neptune appears describes how we relate to these deeper, unconscious processes. Neptune is receptive (most of the time). The most significant compatibility aspects to Neptune are the Sun (inner self), Saturn (physical reality), Moon (emotional being), Mars (physical energy), Venus (values), Mercury (communication) and house placement. (Being a slow moving outer planet Neptune's effects are sometimes not immediately noticeable.) Pluto: Transformation (+/-) Sexual and psychic energy Scorpio (eighth house) Pluto represents the cycle of life and death, birth and regeneration, renewal through destruction and the sexual principle. It is associated with the sign of Scorpio and has deeply penetrating effects that are not always visible on the surface. Psychic ability and "animal magnetism" or charisma are related to Pluto. The sign where Pluto is found will affect how this "undercurrent" of energy is expressed. Pluto both projects and receives energy. The most significant compatibility aspects to Pluto are Mars (physical energy), Venus (values and the feminine principle), Saturn (reality), the Sun (inner self) and house placement. Although Pluto is a slow moving outer planet and it's affects are not readily apparent on the surface, its influence is often a significant part of an individual's private personality. Ascendant, North Node and South Node Ascendant: Outer Self (+) How others perceive us (first house) The ascendant refers to the particular sign which was rising over the eastern horizon at the moment of birth. For this reason the ascendant is also referred to as the "rising sign." The ascendant represents the beginning of the first house, or the first house "cusp." (The word "cusp" refers to where a sign or house begins or ends, a dividing line between things.) The Ascendant is one of the three most important elements in a natal astrology chart (the other two being the Sun and Moon). It represents how we project ourselves outwardly toward others, as opposed to how we see ourselves personally, which is represented by our Sun sign. North Node: Positive "karma" (+/-) Where things naturally go well The north and south nodes are hypothetical points in space. They are the locations where the Moon reaches it furthest point north (north node) or south (south node) each day as the Earth spins on its axis. These positions are displayed inside an astrology chart in the same way that planets are. The north node is astrologically associated with what is most easily described as "good karma," or areas in life where things usually go well for an individual. Skills or abilities are acquired more easily in the area of life represented by the house where the north node is located, and aspects to the north node by other planets are often favorable. South Node: Negative "karma" (+/-) Where things need to be learned The south node is considered to be the opposite of the north node. It implies an area of life where lessons need to be learned and achievements require more effort. In this respect the south node is similar to Saturn, providing challenges which add value to life and help us grow as individuals. Such experiences generally become enjoyable only after the obstacles have been overcome. Although the Nodes and Ascendant are not planets, their positions can be treated like planets in astrological interpretations. The expanded astro-grid displays these items in the same way the planets are displayed, and their relationships to planets and house positions have been scored.

Aspects: Angles Between Planets In astrological compatibility, the angles between where your planets were at the time of your birth, and the locations of the planets of another person at the time of their birth, are used as the primary source of determining compatibility. Aspects between planets are also important when comparing the current positions (transits) of the planets to your natal (birth) chart in order to describe current astrological influences in your life. There are five main aspects (angles):

! = 0� Conjunction: The planets are in close proximity to each other. They have similar influences and in most cases this is a favorable aspect. The exception is when the two planets being compared have conflicting characteristics. For example, Saturn conjunct any planet is usually considered negative.

% = 60� Sextile: This aspect is quite favorable in that it implies a creative influence between the planets being compared.

# = 90� Square: The most difficult aspect. The influences seem to flow at 90 degrees to each other and almost always result in a destructive collision.

$ = 120� Trine: The most favorable aspect. The influences of the two planets flow easily together in a stress free fashion.

< = 180� Opposition: The influences pull in opposite directions. In most cases this is negative, though occasionally the idea that opposites attract can apply, yet such situations are rarely easy to deal with. When applied to analyzing compatibility, the Astro-Grid® is weighted toward scoring highest for happy, enjoyable relationships, so oppositions are rated as negatives.

The individual grid squares will often lack aspect symbols. This is due to the angle between the planets being too far away from one of the angles listed above. When this occurs the angle is considered to be "out of orb." The "orb" is the distance in degrees away from the exact angle that is considered to be within range. The Sun and Moon have an orb of 10 degrees in the grid calculations, while the other planets have an orb of 8 degrees. The grid also scores higher for angles that are even closer to exact alignment.

Sign Descriptions An astrology chart is (usually) a circular map of the sky with the Earth in the center. The planets revolve around the Sun in a relatively narrow part of the sky overhead called the Zodiac, which is represented by the outer circle of the chart. The 360 degrees of this of this part of the sky are divided into equal 30 degree sections called signs. Each sign is associated with a familiar constellation of stars, i.e., Aries, Taurus, Gemini, etc., and we refer to these 30 degree segments of the sky as signs.

a Aries: (the Ram) Aggressive energy. The symbol for Aries looks like the shoot of a new plant pushing upward against all obstacles to find its place in the sunlight. A planet in Aries expresses its energy aggressively, impatiently and often selfishly. Aries is associated with the planet Mars (physical energy) and the First House (self). b Taurus: (the Bull) Patience and value. The symbol for Taurus looks like the bulb of a plant storing energy, or the head of a bull. Taurus appreciates quality over quantity, has great patience, but can be "bullheaded" and stubborn. A planet in Taurus expresses its energy in a steady, determined way. Taurus is associated with the planet Venus (aesthetic values) and the Second House (physical values). c Gemini: (the Twins) Rapidly changing energy. The symbol for Gemini looks like two bars, one above the other, with two lines of energy flowing between them. Gemini represents rapid change in first one direction then another. A planet in Gemini expresses its energy in an energetic, fluid manner, which can sometimes lead to indecision. Gemini is associated with the planet Mercury (communication) and the Third House (communication). d Cancer: (the Crab) The nurturing principle. The symbol for Cancer can be imagined like the shell of a crab, with a hard exterior and very sensitive, vulnerable interior. Cancer represents the caring mother. A planet in Cancer expresses its energy in a quiet, protective, caring way. The negative side involves shutting out everything not contained within the protective, personal world. Cancer is associated with the Moon (emotions) and the Forth House (home). e Leo: (the Lion) Life of the party. The symbol for Leo can be thought of as a lion's mane. Leo is the king of beasts, top of the heap, often with an ego to match the enthusiasm. Leo represents the gregarious showman and the social butterfly, more concerned with making a good impression than with long term value. A planet in Leo expresses its energy with the intent to impress. Leo is associated with the Sun (inner self) and the Fifth House (romance and entertainment). f Virgo: (the Virgin) Analysis and attention to detail. The symbol for Virgo is (usually) an 'M' with its legs crossed. (This font shows an 'R' to the side of the 'M' which is representative of the symbol for a pharmacy or druggist, as Virgo is also associated with attention to internal physical health.) You can think of the 'M' as representing the virgin Marry with her legs crossed to prevent any invasion of her purity, or think of 'M' for "math" and the crossed lines as crossing every 't' (and dotting every 'i'). Virgo represents rational thought, service to others and the desire to "get it right." A planet in Virgo expresses its energy in a precise, calculated, critical way, which can sometimes lead to knit-picking and self-righteousness. Virgo is associated with the planet Mercury (communication) and the Sixth House (work). g Libra: (the Scales) Balance and fairness. The symbol for Libra looks like a set of scales used to measure weight. Libra represents relationship to other, both socially and in one on one relationships, the desire for fairness and the intent to offend no one. A planet in Libra expresses its energy quietly in a personal way, and on the down side, the desire to offend no one can lead to an inability to make decisions. Libra is associated with the planet Venus (aesthetic values) and the Seventh House (partnerships). h Scorpio: (the Scorpion) Hidden power. The symbol for Scorpio looks like an 'M' with its "tail" held up and open, the opposite of Virgo. Scorpio represents sex, death and regeneration, the unspoken, manipulative energy of sex appeal, "animal magnetism" and charisma. A planet in Scorpio expresses its energy as an undercurrent that probes deeply and can be directed toward helping others without expecting recognition, or can result in manipulative self promotion or withdrawal into self indulgence. Scorpio is associated with the planet Pluto (sex) [sometimes also Mars (physical energy)] and the Eighth House (sex and investment). i Sagitarius: (the Archer) Lofty thinking. The symbol for Sagitarius is a horizontal line with an arrow pointing upwards, like a bow and arrow pointing towards the clouds. Sagitarius represents idealism, the pursuit of knowledge, romanticism and the quest for the highest achievement, sometimes to the detriment of awareness of reality. A planet in Sagitarius expresses its energy with enthusiasm and ambition, but doesn't always maintain the energy long enough to produce tangible results, which can lead to defensiveness. Sagitarius is associated with the planet Jupiter (abundance) and the Ninth House (education and travel). j Capricorn: (the Goat) Authority. The symbol for Capricorn can be thought of as a "check mark" combined with a man holding a whip, implying someone in charge with the power of approval or punishment. Capricorn represents social status, law, career and the cold hard facts. A planet in Capricorn expresses its energy in an often powerful, "mater of fact" fashion with little room for leeway, which can sometimes lead to self righteousness or callousness. Capricorn is associated with the planet Saturn (reality) and the Tenth House (career and social status). k Aquarius: (the Water Bearer) Non-conformity. The symbol for Aquarius is two wavy lines one atop the other, and can be thought of as ocean waves, where the water will explore every opening available to it. Aquarius represents the spirit of adventure, innovation, exploration and non-conformity. A planet in Aquarius expresses its energy in unpredictable ways, in short, powerful bursts which can lead to positive breakthroughs or pointless experimentation and lack of direction. Aquarius is associated with the planet Uranus (unexpected change) and the Eleventh House (hopes and dreams). l Pisces: (the Fish) Spirituality. The symbol for Pisces consists of two curved lines with a connecting line between them, which is meant to represent two fish swimming next to each other in circles, or a great deal of activity with nothing apparent being accomplished. Pisces represents the spiritual or metaphysical reality which makes physical reality possible, the unseen forces of psychic phenomena and dreams, and the unconscious portion of our beings. A planet in Pisces expresses its energy as an emotional or intuitive force with very little being perceived on the surface. The energy acts in subtle ways which are not always open to rational argument, which can sometimes lead to a quiet arrogance and lack of communication. Pisces is associated with the planet Neptune (illusion) and the Twelfth House (spiritual reality).

House Descriptions Generalized meanings of the Houses, and which astrological signs/planets they are associated with, are provided below. If the time of birth is unknown there is no information provided in the astro-grid for the Ascendant or house positions.

First House: Self Aries/Mars How we project ourselves to others, our physical body type Second House: Values Taurus/Venus Money, real estate, aesthetics Third House: Communication Gemini/Mercury Mental agility, self expression Forth House: Home Cancer/Moon The home, the nurturing principle Fifth House: Entertainment Leo/Sun Romance, entertainment, indulgence, public places, children Sixth House: Work Virgo/Mercury Employment, service to others, mundane chores Seventh House: Partnerships Libra/Venus Long term relationships, the other, commitment Eighth House: Sex and Investment Scorpio/Pluto-Mars Sex, life and death, investment, inheritance Ninth House: Education and Travel Sagitarius/Jupiter Philosophy, higher education, long trips, idealism Tenth House: Career Capricorn/Saturn Social status, authority, financial success Eleventh House: Hopes and Dreams Aquarius/Uranus Innovation, spontaneity, friendships, goals Twelfth House: Spirituality Pisces/Neptune The unconscious, dreams, psychic phenomena

Retrograde Motion: You will notice an 'R' attached to some of the planet positions, i.e., "22Sco37R." The 'R' indicates the planet was moving in retrograde motion at the time of birth. "Retrograde" means that from the point of view of someone on the Earth, the planet appears to be traveling backwards across the sky. The planets do not actually travel backwards, but it sometimes appears that they do. The best way to illustrate this is by performing a little demonstration. Place a pencil on a table and point it away from an imaginary Sun in the center of the table. Imagine that the walls around you are the stationary stars. The eraser end is the Earth and middle of the pencil is Mars (further out from the Sun). Now move the pencil in a circle around the "Sun" with the eraser end (Earth) moving a tiny bit faster around the Sun than the center (Mars). Watch where the pencil points. When the Earth gets ahead of Mars, someone on the Earth would see Mars appearing to move backwards, yet both are moving forward in their orbits around the Sun. You may have noticed a vaguely similar affect when sitting in your car while parked inside an automated car wash. As the machinery moves toward the rear of the car it sometimes appears that the car is moving forward while actually being stationary. This is not a great example to explain what retrograde motion is, but it demonstrates how sometimes things can appear to be moving in different directions than they really are. A lot of people believe a planet in retrograde motion is a negative thing, particularly retrograde Mercury, which happens quite often. In my opinion it simply means it will take longer for the planetary position, and thus its influence, to move forward. In terms of compatibility retrograde motion is generally not a significant factor.

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