Astrology is the study of the zodiac. People who study astrology believe that the positions of the stars and planets have an influence on life, people and their personalities. Some also believe that you can use the zodiac to predict things about the future.

The zodiac is an area of space around the Earth. It’s the shape of the path that the sun takes in the sky as the Earth moves around it over the course of a year.

In the zodiac, there are twelve groups of stars called constellations and as the Earth travels around the sun, the sun appears to pass in front of each constellation for about one month of the year. Because of this, each constellation is associated with the specific dates that the sun spends covering them.

The basic symbolism for each of the main planets, luminaries, and points in the sky:

Sun: Confidence, self-image, self-esteem, sense of self, and identity.

Moon: The emotional compass of the zodiac, shaping a sense of safety, security, values, and intuition.

Mercury: The messenger planet, which oversees information-gathering, research, and communication.

Venus: The planet of love and beauty influences passions, relationships, pleasure, art, and money.

Mars: The go-getter planet involves how you take action, your energy, sexual expression, and courage.

Jupiter: The planet of luck and abundance.

Saturn: The planet of rules, limitations, boundaries, and discipline.

Uranus: The planet of change, rebellion, breakthroughs, and sudden events.

Pluto: The planet of transformation, death, rebirth, and power.

North & South Nodes: These mathematical points on a chart are always opposite one another. The north node acts as an astrological north star, or the karmic path you’re meant to move toward in this life, while the south node is what you’re already well-versed in, perhaps as a result of early or past life experience.

Rising sign/Ascendant: The sign that was ascending on the eastern horizon at the time of your birth is considered your rising or ascendant. It speaks to the image you project out into the world, and it offers insight into your skills, talents, and strategies you might adopt to make your way in life.