Astrology is essentially a study of the complex series of planetary cycles that play out over time to stimulate the process of human evolution. When we are born we arrive on this planet at a certain point in time and space. At this point we enter into a complex, cosmic dance that then plays out over the course of our lives, much like a computer program. This process is set in play by the planetary cycles.

If we had a way of seeing a whole life laid out in an easily readable fashion we could say, ‘Oh, here’s where she’s going to learn how to take care of herself instead of relying on others’ or ‘Here’s where she first experiences death and loss.’ But this process of unfolding is much too complicated for that.

Yes we can pinpoint certain periods of change, such as the Saturn return, by looking at the cycle of one particular planet in isolation, but this does not take into account the interactions this planet has with the other parts of the chart. The best we can do is to look at a short period of time, now or in the past or future, and from this ascertain a little of what a person may be experiencing at this particular point of the planetary cycles.

Planetary cycles as metaphor

Astrology is the study of the way in which the planetary cycles transform human beings and human culture. At our birth each of the planets begins at a different point in the cycle, which makes me believe it picks up from where it ended in our past lifetime. The cosmic cycle begins with the 1st House, or the first sign Aries, and all the planetary cycles follow the same basic pattern. You can use the metaphor of a human lifespan to understand this better:

When we are born, at first we can only understand that we are alive. Our self is the only thing that exists. We cannot differentiate between ourselves, others, or the outside world. Therefore the 1st House represents the self, and is natively ruled by Aries.

As we grow we become aware that there is something outside ourselves. There is the cradle and the blankets. These are not part of me. Therefore the 2nd House represents our physical environment as well as our sense of security. It is ruled natively by Taurus.

Now as we grow we become aware of other people besides ourselves. The faces that appear over our cradle and smile are not us. Therefore the 3rd House represents our brothers and sisters, our ability to communicate, and is natively ruled by Gemini.

As our life progresses we become aware of political elements to the family: rules, values and power dynamics, as well as love and nurturing, or lack of it. Thus the 4th House represents our roots, family and especially the mother. It is natively ruled by Cancer.

We develop further and discover that we can use our hands and mind and other faculties to create and enjoy life. Thus the 5th House represents fun, romance, creativity and, the ultimate creative act, child-bearing. It is natively ruled by Leo.

In the 6th House we come to realise that we can use our creative gifts and talents to serve others, to contribute and to work towards a goal. Therefore this house represents work and service. Because work that is not fulfilling can literally make us ill, this house also rules health. The 6th House is natively ruled by Virgo.

Once we have matured to the point where we are able to make a meaningful contribution to our community, we begin looking for others with whom we can collaborate and form partnerships. We also seek to find intimacy and to create a bond on which to build a family. The 7th House therefore rules partnership and any relationship based on a meeting of equals. It is natively ruled by Libra.

At this point in our lives we usually encounter either the birth of a child or the death of a loved one. This prompts all kinds of existential questions and pushes us to go deeper into ourselves and our relationships than we ever have before. The 8th House is where we explore the mysteries of birth, death and reincarnation, sex and the complexities of intimacy including shared resources. It is natively ruled by Scorpio.

In the 9th House we begin to come up with philosophies and beliefs to answer these existential questions. To do this we must explore ideas, culture and perspectives beyond our own. We might travel, study or investigate mysticism or religion. If we are wise we evolve through our discoveries and develop a wide ranging and broad view on the world. The 9th House is natively ruled by Sagittarius.

With such a view we are now able to take up the mantle of leadership in the world. As we blossom into adulthood we take up our vocation, a role that brings us status and reputation within our social sphere. Therefore the 10th House is where we come into our fruition as a person and is natively ruled by Capricorn.

Once we reach the 11th House we’ve usually developed a strong social network, an extended community that both supports us and is supported by us. This community is like an ecology and in this stage of our life we realise our interdependence on others. The 11th House is natively ruled by Aquarius.

As we reach the 12th House we are approaching the end of our lives and begin to turn inwards, to explore our inner worlds. This house rules our subconscious, including all the things we deny or hide from ourselves and is natively ruled by Pisces.

If you’ve been observing the planetary cycles for some time you’ll know that each of the planets moves through this same process, albeit at a completely different pace. The Moon takes just 1 month to move through all the signs of the zodiac, whereas Pluto takes almost 250 years. Understanding planetary cycles can help in interpreting the way in which a transit will play out in your life. It adds another layer of meaning to your study of astrology.

How do you experience the planetary cycles?

The basic cycle of change represented by the 12 signs of the Zodiac means that life is in constant flux. Where in this cycle do you find yourself now?

Image Spirograph Spiral by Karin Kuhlman.

If you don’t have one yet, you can get a free birth chart at astro.com. To understand how to read your birth chart, and follow the transits in your own life, download my free ebook The Language of Astrology.