Vocational Astrology - The Key to Revealing Your Ideal Career Direction by Diane Wing, M.A. Author and Founder of Wing Academy of Unfoldment Article 1: Key points on the natal chart Astrology has many factions and focuses. The planetary energies and their placements can be interpreted to reveal health issues, ideal relationships, and to predict how these energies can impact your life. Astrology is a complex system of metaphysics that requires a lifetime of study to truly master. With each new piece of knowledge learned, more layers are discovered ripe for analysis. Its complexity allows for myriad opportunities for interpretation. That is the art and the science of it, all based on the perspective and level of understanding of the astrologer. In this series of articles, the focus will be on vocational astrology, the indicators that reveal your ideal career, purpose, and work in this lifetime. I write from the perspective of Occult Astrology. My underlying philosophy is that as we come closer to self-mastery, we have the ability to overcome the challenges we came with into this life as revealed by the natal chart. Hence, whatever we uncover in this process is not written in stone; you have the ability to create your destiny. First we begin with a natal chart. This is the map of the energies that came with you the day you were born. The basic information needed for an accurate chart is your date of birth, your exact time of birth, and your place of birth. The time is important, since this gives you the ascendant or rising sign. Many people do not have a record or knowledge of their exact birth time, and so there is a process called chart rectification that uses major events in the person’s life to determine the time of birth. If you do not know your time of birth, then use 12 pm (noon). While there are many advanced ways to enhance chart interpretation, we will begin with the three basic elements to all astrology charts: the planet in a zodiac sign and which house they fall into. The planet indicates the energies being used, the zodiac sign shows how that energy is used, and the house points to what aspect of life on which it is being focused. To simplify the information, daily or weekly horoscopes focus on the Sun sign. These are basically useless if you are seeking guidance. Most people know their Sun sign, but this is only part of the picture. The Sun indicates your inner purpose and what drives you. Unless you know which house it sits in, you don’t know on what aspect of your life it will make the greatest impact. Your first task is to run your natal chart (there are many free chart sites) and see which house your sun is in. Then interpret its position according to this basic house outline: 1st House: Self, Physical Body, Early Environment 2nd House: Money, Earning Ability, Values 3rd House: Communication, Siblings 4th House: Home, Source of Stability 5th House: Entertainment, Social Life, Pleasures, Children 6th House: Work, Health, Service 7th House: Partnerships, Public Relations, Other People 8th House: Death, Rebirth, Regeneration, Sex 9th House: Philosophy, Religion, Higher Education, Law 10th House: Career, Reputation, Status 11th House: Hopes, Wishes, Friends, Desires 12th House: Limitations, Self-undoing, Secret Enemies, Challenges There have been volumes written about the houses and what they represent, so some books you have may expand upon or contradict the meanings above. The key is to stay open to the interpretation that makes the most sense to you and the one that feels right. Since we are focusing on vocation, it is important to start with your purpose. See if you can put together a statement that shows how your inner purpose is reflected by your Sun Sign (Capricorn, Pisces, etc.) and where it sits on the chart. Next month's article: The Rising Sign or Ascendant Diane Wing, M.A. wants to live in a world where people feel inspired, create their ideal future, and experience a sense of wonder at everyday magick. As an author and perspective changer, she’s published four books – The True Nature of Energy: Transforming Anxiety into Tranquility, The True Nature of Tarot: Your Path to Personal Empowerment, Thorne Manor and Other Bizarre Tales, and Coven: The Scrolls of the Four Winds, all available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and iBooks. She is the founder of Wing Academy of Unfoldment, host of Wing Academy Radio, and has written a screenplay based on her novella, Thorne Manor. When it comes to getting unstuck and feeling great about life, her 9-word philosophy is: Let go. Be grateful. Stay open. See the magick. Find out more at DianeWing.com. OMPLACE HOME