Astrological Keys

Many times in magic it is necessary to align the working in accordance to astrological principles. Here you will find a listing of some of the most commonly utilized correspondences. This information is based on that published in "The Witches Almanac" which can be purchased in the "New Age" section of most booksellers including Barns & Noble, Borders Books, B Dalton, and online at Amazon.com or Barns & Nobles' online store at http://www.bn.com

Signs of the Zodiac	Celestial Bodies
Channels of Expression	Types of Energy
Aeries: pioneer, leadership, competitive Taurus: earthy, stability, practicality Gemini: duality, liveliness, versatility Cancer: protective, traditional, steadfast Leo: dramatic, flamboyant, warm Virgo: conscientious, analytical, logic Libra: refined, fairness, sociable Scorpio: intensity, secretive, ambition Sagittarius: friendly, expansive, optimistic Capricorn: cautious, materialistic, acquisitions Aquarius: inquisitive, unpredictable; spontaneous Pisces: responsive, dependant, fanciful	Sun: birth sign, ego, identity Moon: emotions, memories, personality Mercury: communication, intellect, skills Venus: love, pleasures, the fine arts Mars: energy, challenges, sports/competitions Jupiter: expansion, religion, happiness, wealth Saturn: responsibility, maturity, realities Uranus: originality, science, progress Neptune: dreams, illusions, inspiration Pluto: rebirth, renewal, resources
Elements & Qualities	Aspects
Fire: Aries, Leo Sagittarius Water: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces Air: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius Earth: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn Cardinal signs mark the beginning of each new season-- Active. Cardinal signs are: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. Fixed signs represent the season at its height-- Steadfast. Fixed signs are: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius Mutable signs herald a change of season-- Variable. Mutable signs are: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces	Conjunction: two planets within the same sign or less than 10° apart, favorable or unfavorable according to the nature of the planets. Sextile: a pleasant, harmonious aspect occurring when two planets are two signs from one another or 60° apart. Square: a major effect resulting when planets are 3 signs from one another or 90° apart Trine: planets are 4 signs or 120° apart forming a positive and favorable influence Quincunx: a mildly negative aspect produced when planets are 5 signs or 150° apart Opposition: occurs when planets are 6 signs or 180° apart generating positive or negative forces depending on the planets involved.

Retrograde

The apparent "backward motion" of a planet-- an optical illusion caused by varying speeds of planetary movement in the solar system. Retrograde cycles bring the need to reconsider one's course of action, to revise one's plans and to rest. When in retrograde, planetary influences can manifest in unexpected ways. They may be softened or blurred. Retrograde periods and influences are not necessarily bad just... different.

The Houses ~ 12 Areas of Life

1st house: appearance, image, identity

2nd house: money, possessions, tools

3rd house: communications, siblings

4th house: family, domesticity, security

5th house: romance, creativity, children

6th house: daily routine, service, health

7th house: marriage, partnerships, union

8th house: passion, death, rebirth, soul

9th house: travel, philosophy, education

10th house: fame, achievement, mastery

11th house: goals, friends, high hopes

12th house: sacrifice, solitude, privacy