ASTROLOGY SYMBOLS GUIDE

Astrology Symbols Guide – discover the deeper meaning of astrological symbols in your birth chart.

This astrology symbols guide is a list of common astrological symbols and astrology glyphs to help you quickly figure out what those strange looking symbols are on your birth chart! If you found this guide helpful please support us by sharing and add astrology-symbols.com to your favorites for future reference.

Glyphs are a kind of shorthand. There isn’t much room on a birth chart to write everything in full, so astrologers use symbols known as glyphs to represent the zodiac signs, planets, and other astrological factors on your chart. This makes life easier for the astrologer, but makes your birth chart look very mysterious until you learn what all the symbols mean!

This guide will help you to quickly learn the glyphs on your birth chart so that it will begin to make sense. For more in-depth exploration of the glyphs used for the 12 Zodiac signs read “ZODIAC Symbols: decoding the ancient symbolism of the Zodiac”

Zodiac Signs and Their Glyphs

Zodiac Sign:Glyph: Keywords & notes:
Ariesastrology symbols Cardinal Fire. Bold, courageous, enthusiastic….  read more…
Taurusastrological symbols Fixed Earth. Practical, persistent, sensual… read more…
Geminizodiac signs Mutable Air. Intelligent, light-hearted, communicative… read more…
Cancerastrology symbols  Cardinal Water. Caring, sensitive, empathic.. read more…
Leoastrological symbols Fixed Fire. Warm, creative, playful… read more …
Virgozodiac signs   Mutable Earth. Discerning, analytical, helpful… read more …
Libraastrology symbols Cardinal Air. Gracious, charming, diplomatic… read more …
Scorpioastrological symbols Fixed Water. Intense, passionate, resourceful… read more…
Sagittariuszodiac signs Mutable Fire. Optimistic, gregarious, honest… read more…
Capricornastrology symbols Cardinal Earth. Organized, serious, ambitious… read more…
Aquariusastrological symbols Fixed Air. Independent, detached, humanitarian… read more…
Pisceszodiac signs Mutable Water. Sensitive, imaginative, compassionate… read more…

The Zodiac and The Zoo

Do you know what the words Zodiac and Zoo have in common? The word Zodiac comes from the ancient Greek zodiakos which literally meant “circle of little animals”, it has it’s roots in the word zoion which meant “animal” and was also the root of the modern word “zoo”.

Astrological Glyphs for the Planets

Planets: Astrology Symbols: Keywords & notes:
The Sun Vitality, prana, life-force energy, and radiance Read full post
MoonInstinct, emotions, receptivity, and nurturing… Read full post
Vulcan astrological symbols  astrological symbols Vulcan symbol used in Time Passages softwareA hidden planet used in esoteric astrology. The natal placement is said to be within 8º 20′ of the Sun.
Mercuryastrological symbols Mental processes, intelligence, speech, and communication Read full post
Venusastrological symbolsLove, attraction, beauty, and sensuality…
Earthastrological earth glyph The path, dharma, contribution, and service… read more
Marsastrological symbolsPersonal drive, action, will, and courage…
Jupiterastrological symbolsExpansion, benevolence, generosity, and wisdom…
Saturnastrological symbols Authority, authenticity, structure, and responsibility…
Uranusastrological symbols  astrology symbols uranusRebellion, innovation, intuition, and awakening…
Neptuneastrological symbolsSpirituality, compassion, illusion, and transcendence…
Plutoastrological symbols  astrology symbols pluto(2)Transformation, power, catharsis, regeneration, and emptiness…

Carl Jung on Astrology

Did you know that the eminent forefather of modern psychology, Carl Gustav Jung, had a lifelong interest in astrology? Jung believed that astrology could provide symbolic insight into the workings of the human psyche.  He viewed astrology as a symbolic language of archetypes, the formative principles and patterns in the depths of the unconscious mind. 

“[Astrology is] the sum of all the psychological knowledge of antiquity.” – Carl Gustav Jung

Astrology Glyphs that represent Angles and Points

Angles & Points:Astrology Symbols: Keywords & notes:
Ascendant (Rising Sign)astrological symbols  The zodiac sign that was rising on the horizon at the time of your birth Read more...
Midheavenastrological symbols Read more...
Lunar North Node (Caput draconis or Dragon’s Headastrological symbolsPotential future path that may bring deeper insight and awareness. Read more...
Lunar South Node (Cauda draconis or Dragon’s Tail)astrological symbolsIndicator of past patterns that bring a sense of ease but lack the potential for growth. Read more...
Vertexastrological symbols The vertex of a horoscope is the westernmost point on the Ecliptic where it intersects the Prime Vertical.
Retrograde Motionastrological symbolsWhen planets appear to move backwards in their orbit. Read more ...
Lilith (Lunar Apogee)astrological symbols astrology symbolsOtherwise known as the Black Moon (Lilith). Read more on the Mean and True Black Moon (Lilith).   This is not to be confused with the asteroid Lilith or the Dark Moon Lilith (below). read more
Dark Moon (Lilith)astrological symbolsSometimes known as “Waldemath’s Moon“, “Sepharial’s Moon” or the “Ghost Moon“. read more.   Not to be confused with the asteroid Lilith or the Black Moon Lilith (above) read more
Arabic Part (Lot) of Fortuneastrological symbolsThe Arabian Parts are not used in all branches of astrology, but are mainly used in Horary Astrology.  The Part of Fortune is thought to be a good luck factor in a chart.

What’s the difference between astrology symbols and astrology glyphs?

A symbol is anything we use to represent something else. So if we say x=10 then the number 10 is being symbolized by the letter x. Glyphs are pictorial images that are used to symbolize something.

Glyphs are a type of symbol, but you can have a symbol that is not a glyph. Take the zodiac sign of Taurus, for instance. The symbol for Taurus is a Bull, and the glyph for Taurus is a circle with what appears to be ‘horns’ coming out of the top: astrological symbols

When Is A Symbol Not A Glyph?

You could just as easily  symbolize Taurus with a picture of a bull. That would be a symbol, but not a glyph. Using this example we can see how all astrology glyphs are symbols, although all astrological symbols are not glyphs!

Astrology Sigils

Sometimes astrological glyphs are referred to as astrology sigils but this is not accurate because a true sigil is used as a magical talisman whereas in current everyday use, astrology glyphs are not used for this purpose.

Aspects

Aspects Etymology: The Latin word aspicere means ‘to regard’, ‘to behold’, ‘view’, ‘look at’, ‘witness’ or ‘see’ each other. – AstroWiki

Aspects in astrology describe the geometric relationship between planets, points and angles. The orb of any aspect is the range of degree allowed for the aspect to still be considered valid. For example, a conjunction may still be valid within an orb (a range) of 0º to 12º

Glyphs used to represent Aspects

Major Aspects

Aspects:Astrology Symbols: Keywords & notes:
 Conjunction astrological symbols0º angle – commonly with an orb of 8º – variable .
 Oppositionastrological symbols180º angle – orb of 8º – Tense .
 Squareastrological symbols90º angle – orb of 8º – Challenging .
 Trineastrological symbols120º –  orb of 8º – Harmonious

Minor Aspects

 Sextile astrological symbols60º – orb of 4º This is a harmonious major aspect where the energies involved flow and work well together.
 Semi-Sextile astrological symbols30º – orb of 2º Uneasy minor aspect. Some integration of the energies is required.
 Quincunx/ Inconjunctionastrological symbols150º – orb of 2º Uneasy minor aspect. Energies may be ‘blind’ to one another and find it difficult to engage.
 Semi-Square astrological symbols45º – orb of 2º Tense minor aspect.  Effort may be required to resolve tension.
 Sesqui-Square / Sesquiquadrate astrological symbols135º – orb of 2º Tense minor aspect.  Effort may be required to resolve tension.
Quintileastrological symbols72º – orb of 2º Harmonious minor aspect.
Bi-Quintileastrological symbols144º – orb of 2º Harmonious minor aspect.
Quindecileastrological symbols 24º or 165º – orb of 2º This minor aspect is sometimes associated with obsession and/or compulsion. read more
Septileastrological symbolsThis minor aspect is associated with “Inspiration”.  read more
Novileastrological symbols 40º – with 1-2º orb This aspect is associated with the  “gestation of ideas” read more

Declinations

Declinations are  “planets the same distance from the celestial equator” read more

Parallelastrological symbols definition
Contra-Parallelastrological symbols definition

 Asteroids, Dwarf Planets, Plutonians, Centaurs …and everything else!

“The Centaurs are about the journey of releasing a consciousness that is caught and trapped in what is too compulsive, earthly and literal, and yet is also seeking embodiment.” – Melanie Reinhart, in “Chiron, Pholus and Nessus: To The Edge And Beyond”

Centaurs

Centaurs:Astrology Symbols: Keywords & notes:
Chironastrological symbols Chiron is associated with healing, teaching, suffering, and questing. Read more...
Pholus astrological symbols astrological symbols astrology symbolsPholus is associated with divination, sacred knowledge, and addiction. Read more...
Nessusastrological symbols astrological symbolsNessus is associated with lust, betrayal, abuse of power, facing consequences, and atonement. Read more...

Asteroids

The fine-line astrology glyphs for the asteroids below were researched and beautifully drawn by Denis Moskowitz

 Asteroids: Astrology Symbols: Keywords & notes:
 Ceres astrological symbols 
 Pallas astrology symbols 
 Juno astrological symbols  
 Vesta astrology symbols astrological symbols astrology symbols astrological symbols 
 Astraea astrology symbols 
 Hebeastrological symbols  
 Iris astrology symbols 
 Flora astrological symbols 
 Metis astrology symbols 
Hygeiaastrological symbols 
Parthenope astrology symbols 
Victoria astrological symbols 
Irene astrology symbols 
Eunomia astrological symbols 
Psyche astrology symbols 
Erisastrology symbols  
Lilithastrological symbolsThis is Asteroid Lilith, which is not to be confused with Black Moon Lilith and Dark Moon Lilith read more

Download a FREE eBook “Your Essential Guide to Soul Astrology” by Ruth Hadikin

Used in Esoteric Astrology. Natal position always 180º opposite the Sun. The symbol for Earth is the equal-armed cross within a circle. This is an ancient and sacred symbol in many cultures throughout humankind.

The cross symbolizes the union of the physical plane and the spiritual plane and is a universal symbol of protection.

The horizontal arms of the cross represent our physical, time-based, worldly existence; while the vertical arms of the cross represent the spiritual aspect of our nature: extending above and below into all non-physical realms of existence.

The cross arises within the universal symbol for infinity: the circle. Together it symbolizes the true nature of earth-bound existence: a union of the physical and spiritual, arising from the infinite umanifest ground of being.

Your ascendant (AC) is the zodiac sign that was rising on the horizon at the time of your birth. It is commonly called the ‘rising sign‘ for this reason.

It is indicated on your birth chart as either AC or ASc.

The AC is one of the four major angles of a birth chart formed by the ascendant/descendant axis and the Midheaven (MC) / Imum Coeli (IC) axis.

In Soul Astrology the AC is also referred to as your Soul Sign.

MC stands for Medium Coeli otherwise known as the midheaven.  It is the highest point of intersection between the meridian and the ecliptic.

The Lunar North Node is the point where the Moon’s path around the Earth crosses the ecliptic from the southern to the northern hemisphere.

The North Node is one pole of the Lunar Nodal Axis – the other pole being the Lunar South Node.

Different astrological systems ascribe different meanings to the Nodal Axis.

Vedic Astrology

The Nodal Axis has been used in Vedic Astrology for thousands of years where it is referred to as Rahu (North Node) and Ketu (South Node), the Dragon’s head and tail. Rahu is associated with Saturn and Ketu with Mars. Rahu can mean focus, materialism, applied effort, ambition, obsession and struggle. Ketu can mean moksha, liberation, occult, astrology, isolation and spirituality (read more). So we can see in Vedic astrology that the North Node is considered material and the South Node is spiritual.

Western Astrology

In contrast, western astrologers have begun to use the Nodal Axis only relatively recently. Within Western astrology some schools teach the Nodal Axis as an indicator of the Soul’s Path, whereas in Soul Astrology it is the Ascendant (AC) that is the main astrological significator of the Soul’s path and purpose (Read more about these two different astrological viewpoints in “The Foundations of Soul Astrology 12: The Moon’s Nodes” by Ruth Hadikin).

In Soul Astrology the Lunar Nodes can be regarded as “trailmarkers” pointing to a path. The South Node shows where we have recurring patterns that can potentially limit our experience to the mundane (worldly affairs) and keep our attention stuck at the personality level.

The South Node is associated with the past, while the North Node is associated with the future. So depending upon whether we are talking about the South Node (SN) or the North Node (NN) we could be talking about either a well-worn path (SN) or a possible new direction (NN).

From a Soul Astrology perspective, the Lunar Nodes symbolise our choice between growth (NN) and stagnation (SN) – evolution or entropy.

The Lunar South Node is the point where the Moon’s path around the Earth crosses the ecliptic from the northern to the southern hemisphere.

The South Node is one pole of the Lunar Nodal Axis – the other pole being the Lunar North Node.

Different astrological systems ascribe different meanings to the Nodal Axis.

Vedic Astrology

The Nodal Axis has been used in Vedic Astrology for thousands of years where it is referred to as Rahu (North Node) and Ketu (South Node), the Dragon’s head and tail. Rahu is associated with Saturn and Ketu with Mars. Rahu can mean focus, materialism, applied effort, ambition, obsession and struggle. Ketu can mean moksha, liberation, occult, astrology, isolation and spirituality (read more). So we can see in Vedic astrology that the North Node is considered material and the South Node is spiritual.

Western Astrology

In contrast, western astrologers have begun to use the Nodal Axis only relatively recently. Within Western astrology some schools teach the Nodal Axis as an indicator of the Soul’s Path, whereas in Soul Astrology it is the Ascendant (AC) that is the main significator of the Soul’s path and purpose (Read more about these two different astrological viewpoints in “The Foundations of Soul Astrology 12: The Moon’s Nodes” by Ruth Hadikin).

In Soul Astrology the Lunar Nodes can be regarded as “trailmarkers” pointing to a path. The South Node shows where we have recurring patterns that can potentially limit our experience to the mundane (worldly affairs) and keep our attention stuck at the personality level.

The South Node is associated with the past, while the North Node is associated with the future. So depending upon whether we are talking about the South Node (SN) or the North Node (NN) we could be talking about either a well-worn path (SN) or a possible new direction (NN).

From a Soul Astrology perspective, the Lunar Nodes symbolise our choice between growth (NN) and stagnation (SN) – evolution or entropy.

From our perspective on earth there are times when planets appear to move backwards in their orbit.

Planets don’t really move backwards but due to this apparent backward motion they can have a prolonged and or more reflective effect in certain areas of the natal chart.

Read more and see an excellent diagram of retrograde motion at AstroWiki

The orbs given for the conjunction through to sesquiquadrate are those used by the Faculty of Astrological Studies. Orbs may differ from those above, as there are sometimes situations where an astrologer would extend or reduce the allowed degree of orb.

A conjunction is a variable aspect which means that it may be challenging or harmonious depending on the energies involved.

In a conjunction the energies of the planets or points involved are said to blend and merge somewhat.

An opposition is a tense major aspect. The energy is said to swing between the two objects or points involved like a pendulum.

A square is considered a challenging major aspect where the energies involved create a tension that becomes a catalyst for change and possible growth.

A Trine is considered a harmonious major aspect where the energies involved have an easy and fluid relationship.

There are two definitions of the quindecile aspect.

1. A minor and unimportant aspect formed by the division of the 360⁰ horoscope into 15 segments of 24⁰ each.

2. A division of the zodiac into 24 sections of 15 degrees each yields an aspect of 165⁰ termed the quindecile by Thomas Ring, Noel Tyl, and Rikki Reeves. (“Quindecile” is the Latin word for 15.)

Nicknamed “the fatal in the natal”, the quindecile is an aspect of obsession and compulsion, to the point where the individual may become separated from reality in the areas of life indicated by the placements of the planets involved.

from http://wiki.astro.com/astrowiki/en/Quindecile

A minor aspect formed by dividing the 360 degree horoscope by seven, whereby two planets are separated by an angle of 51 degrees and 26 minutes.

The septile series includes the bi-septile at approximately 103 degrees of separation, and the tri-septile of about 154 degrees. The septile is generally considered to be a minor aspect and receives little attention in practice. It can be calculated with an orb of 1 to 2 degrees.

The number seven has long been associated with spirituality; an association born out by astrological investigation into the septile series. It is prominent in the horoscopes of members of the clergy, for example. A key word for the septile is “inspiration,” be it religious or artistic.

The septile indicates a potential to experience the energies of the planets concerned on a deeper spiritual level. For example, a septile between Venus and Jupiter may lead an individual to explore and expand his musical creativity.

The energy of the septile is very subtle, and perhaps most people do not experience it in their ordinary lives, except during moments of wonder.

from https://wiki.astro.com/astrowiki/en/Septile

An aspect with an angle of 40 degrees.

The novile is generally considered to be a minor aspect and is hardly ever used. It has an orb of 1 to 2 degrees.

According to Dane Rudhyar, the novile is a symbol for “the process of pregnancy which enables an idea or form to become organically viable“.

A novile aspect can signal the end of a particular phase or process and the beginning of a new one. However, a great deal of sensitivity is needed to be aware of this subtle energy.

The fact that different terms are used exemplifies that it plays a minor role in general horoscope interpretation.

from https://wiki.astro.com/astrowiki/en/Nonagon

“When both planets are on the same side of this plane they are called parallel.” read more at CafeAstrology.com

“When the planets are the same distance but on opposite sides of the celestial equator they are referred to as being contra-parallel.” read more at CafeAstrology.com

The glyph for Chiron appears to be like a key. It is thought that the letter ‘K’ is an acknowledgement of Chiron’s discoverer, Charles Kowal, although it is also said to represent a cross (X) pierced by a staff…

“The glyph of a semi-circle set on a cross, set on a circle, was designed by Joyce Green as a provisional symbol for Chiron which was adopted by the Riverside Astrologers in Memphis. The second glyph, the “K” set upon a circle, was an inspiration shared amongst Al H.Morrison, Joelle K.D.Mahoney and Marlene Bassoff. Hence, the suggestion was originally presented by a committee without any identification of the artist.

In the Summer of 1978, Aug. 18-19, the General Convention of Congress of Astrological Organisations, San Diego, held an official vote upon which of the glyphs were to be taken into common use. The main reason to the defeat of the first symbol was its resemblance to the glyph used in France for Pluto. The chosen glyph bears the shape of a key. The letter “K” in the upper half of the symbol gives credit to its discoverer, Charles Kowal.”

– from https://www.astronor.com/chiron.htm

“Note the half-hidden perfect X cross pierced by the vertical staff. The sections of the staff are in subtle proportional sequences with the arms of the cross, and with each other. The width and length of the horizontal loop [variant of orb] are in Golden Section relation, and in sequential proportions with the other elements of the glyph.”

– from http://www.zanestein.com/chiron_glyph.htm

Melanie Reinhart gives the key phrase for Pholus as “The Lid Comes Off” (in Chiron, Pholus and Nessus: To The Edge and Beyond) Themes: divination, sacred knowledge, addiction.

Melanie Reinhart gives the key phrase for Nessus as “The Buck Stops Here” (in Chiron, Pholus and Nessus: To The Edge and Beyond)

Themes: lust, betrayal, abuse of power, facing consequences, atonement.