astrology basics

+
transit workbook

an interactive guide by:

www.marenaltman.com
@marenaltman
 welcome
meet me, Maren.
I'm Maren, a professional astrologer, published
author, and cosmological thought leader.
www.marenaltman.com

I've been infatuated with astrology since I was

old enough to read, and I've been giving in-
depth consultations since 2017.

My practice combines ancient

Hellenistic techniques with
modern counseling dynamics
in order to provide grounded
spiritual guidance that is
rooted in rationale,
compassion, and practicality.

I'm currently pursuing

graduate degrees in
Philosophy and Creative
Writing, and I look forward to
sharing my passions with you!
 ASTROLOGY
what is it, and how does it work?
Astrology is the study of celestial bodies in connection to
events on Earth. I (and most astrologers) are not of the
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impression that the stars and planets cause events, but

rather, that we can look at the sky much like we would a
clock on the wall. A clock may be signaling to us that it is
three in the afternoon, and it isn't directly causing this.
Similarly, astrology is a tool to understand the dynamics of
humanity, whether it be in an individual, as a collective, or
anything else imaginable. It is a symbolic representation of
consciousness interacting with matter.  It "works" (and by
work, I mean is a reliable tool) because of the cyclic nature of
time and space. The laws of nature are based upon clear
patterns, and the universe is intelligible. By understanding
the different mechanisms at play, we become better attuned
for working with the world instead of against it. If you are
skeptical, I get it! Much of astrology today is related to pop-
culture, which isn't representative of the study as a whole,
and can turn many away. Astrology is a huge umbrella of
techniques, philosophies, and information, so all I invite you
to do is keep an open mind about the scope of what we as
humanity deem "rational".
 transits
what are they? why should I care?
To understand transits, we must first understand what an
astrological chart is. An astrological chart (often known as a 'natal
chart', for human births), is a symbolic map of the planets around
Earth at a specific point in time. Some planets move very slowly,
like Neptune or Pluto, and some move very quickly, like the
Moon. The Rising Sign, also known as the Ascendant, is the sign
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rising over the Eastern horizon at this specific moment in time

(usually we're talking about a birth). The specific rising degree of
this sign sets up the entire astrological chart sequence, and
because rising signs change so frequently as the Earth rotates
(approximately two hours each!), it is vital to have an exact birth
time.

Once we have a natal chart, we can then look at how the current
astrological alignments interact with our standstill snapshot that
is a birth chart. Just like how the natal chart encompasses
specific dynamics within itself, the planets and points in that
natal chart can converse with the transiting planets as they move
throughout our sky.
 transits
what are they? why should I care?
Transits are an incredibly useful technique for predicting,
foreseeing, and thus working with the future. The collective
astrological transits apply to world trends, and how those
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general transits impact our natal chart give us clues into how our
own life will unravel.

There are other predictive techniques in astrology which

extrapolate upon the natal chart itself, using complex concepts
and calculations at times, but the interpretation of transits can
be fairly straightforward once we establish core astrological
knowledge.

If you are not familiar with your own natal chart, you can pull
everything up at astro.com .
 astro-basics
the essential foundation
In astrology, the planets, the signs, the houses (also called the
‘places’), and the aspects between these placements make up the
building blocks for all study.
 planets
celestial bodies in our solar system
The planets are largely the basis from which we develop further
astrological technicalities, so we will focus on them first. Each
planet signifies certain aspects of the conscious human
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experience. Different schools of astrology can sway in further

concepts, but there is a firm foundation of symbolic
understanding for what each celestial body represents. Planets
can represent both aspects of ourselves and outer events
surrounding us.

For each planet, I will use the terms “masculine” and “feminine”
to describe the mode of energy, either assertive or passive, but
these do not refer to male and female or any specific identity.
They are on an energetic spectrum. If these terms bother you,
using yin/yang or any other complementary adjectives can do.

There are two teams of planets: the diurnal sect of planets that
have an affinity for the daytime and the nocturnal sect of planets
that have an affinity for the nighttime.
 planets
inner planets

We will begin with the seven visible planets, which were the
traditional planets used before modern invention allowed for
outer planets to be viewed.

Because these planets are viewable with the naked eye, they are
said to be interpersonal and therefore more applicable on a
concrete, day-to-day level.
 planets
inner planets
Sun is egoic expression, the light of our creativity, and how
our personality is thrust into the world. It is the mode in
which we radiate generosity and who we want to be known
for being. It can represent the father or masculine authority
figures in our lives. It is masculine, and it is of the daytime
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sect. It is the primary luminary for those of you born during

the day.
Moon  is our internal emotional world, what our personal
cycles consist of, how we nurture ourselves, and what we need
in order to feel safe. It is a very receptive mode of our being. It
can represent the mother or maternal figures. It is feminine,
and it is of the nocturnal sect. It is the primary luminary for
those of you born during the night. 
Mercury is our mode of logic, how we process information,
and our intellectual faculties. It can also represent studying or
debating in general. Mercury is a neutral planet, meaning it
can be either masculine or feminine, and diurnal or nocturnal,
depending on its placement in a chart. 
Venus is our value system, what we find pleasurable, and how
we attract and receive love. It can also represent women, art,
or money in our lives. It is feminine, and it is of the nocturnal
sect. For those of you born at night, it is your most positive
planet.
 planets
inner planets
Mars is what we want to be seen for doing, how we assert
ourselves, and our methods of exerting force. It can also
represent siblings, men, and physical blockages in our lives. It
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is masculine, and it is of the nighttime sect. For those of you

born during the day, it is your most challenging planet. 
Jupiter  is abundance in our lives, where we are
knowledgeable, and what we find enjoyable. It expands and
provides opportunity wherever it is in our chart. It can also
represent teachers, spirituality, and belief systems in our
lives. It is masculine, and it is of the daytime sect. For those of
you born during the day, it is your most positive planet. 
Saturn is where we learn lessons, our conservative beliefs, and
how we set structure for ourselves. It can also represent
authority figures (including the father), worldly hierarchy, and
time itself. It is feminine, and it is of the daytime sect. For
those of you born at night, it is your most challenging planet. 
 planets
outer planets
Now we will transition to the three outer planets of Uranus,
Neptune, and Pluto. These planets were not recognized until
relatively recently in the astrological tradition.

Because these planets are generally not viewable with the naked
eye and require technology to be seen, they are said to represent
more abstract, collective, overarching themes in life.
 planets
outer planets

Uranus is spontaneity, change, and innovation. Its placement

indicates where we possess shock value or unconventional
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beliefs. It can also represent liberations and upheavals in the

outer world. 
Neptune is glamour, dreams, and illusion. Its placement
indicates where we find spiritual connection, psychic powers,
or a sense of oneness. It can also represent general confusion
or enchantment in the world. 
Pluto is intensity, rebirth, and crisis. Its placement indicates
where we must face inner alchemy that results in an outer
metamorphosis. It can also represent psychology,
manipulation, and other regenerative processes in the
external world.
 signs
the twelve-fold zodiac
Our sky divided into an idealized twelve-fold system based on
the constellations residing in our ecliptic. These are the
astrological zodiac signs. Most western astrologers use the
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tropical zodiac, defining the astrological time of year based on

the seasons. Most Indian astrologers use the sidereal zodiac,
defining the astrological time of year based on the fixed stars.
However, these combinations can be interchanged as well.

You can think of the planets as actors and signs as the roles each
actor is playing. Signs are lenses that flavor the innate
significations of the planet itself.

To understand each sign, we must first understand two factors

that describe each sign: element and modality.
 signs
element & modality
Elements are the interaction of that sign with the world. We can
think of this in terms of temperaments. 
Fire is dry & hot. It is eager and dynamic.
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Earth is dry & cold. It is grounded and practical.

Air is wet & hot. It is intellectual and flexible.
Water is wet & cold. It is intuitive and imaginative.
Modality is the mode of existence of that sign. It is how the sign
gets things done, and it is the role the sign tends to play with
others. 
Cardinal signs initiate and catalyze.
Fixed signs remain steady and hold space. 
Mutable signs transition and adjust.

In developing a characterization for each sign, we can apply one

statement of element and one statement of modality.

Each sign is also ruled by a certain planet. This ruling planet

informs much of the sign's associations. Each planet is given two
signs to rule over, except the luminaries. The Sun and the Moon
are given one sign each.
 signs
the twelve-fold zodiac
Aries = Cardinal Fire, ruled by Mars

Taurus = Fixed Earth, ruled by Venus

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Gemini = Mutable Air, ruled by Mercury

Cancer = Cardinal Water, ruled by the Moon

Leo = Fixed Fire, ruled by the Sun

Virgo = Mutable Earth, ruled by Mercury

Libra = Cardinal Air, ruled by Venus

Scorpio = Fixed Water, ruled by Mars

Sagittarius = Mutable Fire, ruled by Jupiter

Capricorn = Cardinal Earth, ruled by Saturn

Aquarius = Fixed Air, ruled by Saturn

Pisces = Mutable Water, ruled by Jupiter

 houses
the division of the zodiac

The astrological houses are a 12-fold division of the entire zodiac

into different places. Each house represents a distinct area of life.
Their significations are derived from several schematic and
symbolic concepts.

If planets are actors and signs are roles, then houses are the
scenes of the play that each character is showing up in. In the
chart, how a house and its ruler are placed indicates how this
realm of life will play out for an individual. The ruler of a house is
simply the ruler of whatever sign the house falls in.

I recommend using Whole Sign Houses as your house system,

where each house is associated with one full sign. The chart
begins at the start of the whole rising sign, with the Ascendant
degree falling somewhere in the first house.
 houses
the division of the zodiac
First House: self, physical body, identity

Second House: finances, material possessions 

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Third House: communication, short-term travel, siblings

Fourth House: home, family, property, ancestry

Fifth House: children, romance, creativity, pleasure 

Sixth House: health, illness, coworkers, animals 

Seventh House: one-to-one relationships, partnerships

Eighth House: taxes, shared finances, joint income, death

Ninth House: foreign travel, higher education, philosophy

Tenth House: career, public image, reputation 

Eleventh House: friends, groups, networking

Twelfth House: introspection, meditation, exile, isolation

 aspects
interactions
Aspects can be thought of as interactions between signs, houses,
and most commonly, planets.

With planets specifically, they can be either involved in degree-

based or sign-based conversations. Some schools view this as the
ability of planets to see each other (or not, if they are in aversion
instead of in aspect). Planets in applying degree-based aspects
have the strongest conversations between their significations.
 aspects
degree-based aspects
Conjunction = not *technically* an aspect, but treated like
one. Planets can be co-present, meaning just in the same sign
overall, regardless of degree proximity. Planets can also be
actually conjunct, right on top of one another, nearing 0°.
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Sextile = a harmonious aspect of 60° between planets. This is a

conversation of opportunity and ease between two different
elements connecting in a cohesive manner. It is the least
powerful of the “easy” aspects. 
Square = a 90° aspect of tension between planets. The two
bodies are in constant friction. They’re of the same modality,
so they are in direct combat, and a new perspective must
emerge to quell the energy of the battle. 
Trine = a 120° aspect of supreme harmony. These planets are
in signs of the same element, flowing without too much effort
or consideration. Often these situations happen with such
ease that we can take it for granted! 
Opposition = a 180° aspect of intense combat. If we imagine all
the planets at a dinner table, these two are directly across
from one another, with a great view of their opponent. With
such varied differences in the sign meanings of either planet,
there must be a synthesis or equilibrium to soften the divisive
dynamic.
 the natal chart
starting with the foundation
By using the natal chart and comparing it to upcoming transits,
we can organize upcoming themes and prepare for the future.

The next page is an example of how to fill out the statements

about your own natal chart. Following it are blank pages for you
to fill out yourself.
MY NATAL CHART (EXAMPLE)
NAME: JIM DATE OF BIRTH: 1/1/2011

TIME OF BIRTH: 12:00 PM LOCATION: ALBANY, NY

1. My Ascendant is Taurus
Rising.
Venus is my chart ruler, in
the Third House in Cancer.

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2. My Sun is in Aries in the
Twelfth House.

3. My Moon is in Aquarius in
the Tenth House.

4. My Mercury is in Gemini in
the Second House.

5. My Venus is in Cancer in
the Third House.
 NAME:  DATE OF BIRTH: 

TIME OF BIRTH:  LOCATION: 

1. My Ascendant is ____
Rising.
____ is my chart ruler, in the
____ House in ____.

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2. My Sun is in ____ in the
___ House.
MY NATAL CHART

3. My Moon is in ____ in the

___ House.

4. My Mercury is in ____ in
the ___ House.

5. My Venus is in ____ in the

___ House.
 6. My Mars is in ____ in the
___ House.

7. My Jupiter is in ____ in
the ___ House.

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8. My Saturn is in ____ in the
___ House.
MY NATAL CHART

9. My Uranus is in ____ in
the ___ House.

10. My Neptune is in ____ in

the ___ House.

11. My Pluto is in ____ in the

___ House.
MY NATAL CHART (OPTIONAL)
Optional detailed prep:

EXAMPLE:
My Mars in Leo in the Fourth
House is in a trine aspect
with my Aries Sun.

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My ____ in ____ in the ___
House is in a ____ aspect
with ___________.

My ____ in ____ in the ___

House is in a ____ aspect
with ___________.

My ____ in ____ in the ___

House is in a ____ aspect
with ___________.
 upcoming transits
a look into the future
Now after describing your natal placements, there is space here
to plan for upcoming transits. The transits of the Sun are very
fleeting, so we will not dive into those specifically here, though
we will look to the Moon's monthly lunations. First, we will look
at the short-term upcoming transits of interest of Mercury,
Venus, and Mars. Then, we will be looking at the lengthier
transits of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. You can
do this on a yearly basis or even longer-term.

Finally, there is space to look at the upcoming eclipse cycle for

the year ahead.

View the examples to see how this is written for each area.
 EXAMPLE:
1. Saturn in Capricorn will be
transiting my Ninth House.
Other aspects include:
square to my Aries Sun and

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opposition to my Cancer
Venus.
PLANNING AHEAD

1. Jupiter in ____will be
transiting my ____ House.
Other aspects include:

2. Saturn in ____ will be

transiting my ____ House.
Other aspects include:
 3. Uranus in ____ will be
transiting my ____ House.
Other aspects include:

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4. Neptune in ____ will be
transiting my ____ House.
Other aspects include:
PLANNING AHEAD

5. Pluto in ____ will be

transiting my ____ House.
Other aspects include:
 EXAMPLE:
ECLIPSES FOR YEAR AHEAD Eclipses this year will be in
my 2nd / 8th House axis. This
is highlighting themes of:
personal finances and shared
finances.

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The last time this cycle was
activated was: 2010.

Eclipses this year will be in

my ____ / ____ House Axis.
This is highlighting themes
of:

The last time this cycle was

activated was: 
 N US :
B O
annual profections
your year ahead
Using a simple technique called Annual Profections, we can look
at a specific year and determine the themes and experience of
that particular 12 months.

First, we will quickly explain the technique and how to

determine your yearly time-lord. Then, you will have space to
use the technique on your own natal chart.
 DIRECTIONS:
This technique takes the 12-
house natal chart and counts
around the wheel one house
per year. Let us take the
example below:
ANNUAL PROFECTIONS

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Age 0-1 would be a First
House profection year. Year 1-
2 would be a Second House
profection year. We will use
the age of 4-5 years, a Fifth
House year, for our example.
 DIRECTIONS:
An easy trick to count ahead
larger years is to remember
that the First House will be
activated at ages 0, 12, 24, 36,
and so on. Remember to count
from the First House as 0.
ANNUAL PROFECTIONS

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Now that we are looking at
the profection year of ages 4-
5, activating the Fifth House,
we can expect the year to
have a focus on children,
creativity, and romance (I
know this example is an
infant, but you get the point).

Next, let's look to any planets

in that house. Saturn is in
that house, indicating themes
of limitation or boundaries.
 DIRECTIONS:
Planets in the profected
house can indicate events and
themes of the year ahead as
well.

Finally, let's look at the ruler

ANNUAL PROFECTIONS

of the profected house. The

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Fifth House of Taurus is ruled
by Venus, which is placed in
the 8th house, tying in
themes of shared finances.

1. Count to and determine the

profected house.
2. Look to the significations
for that house.
3. Look to any planets in that
house for events or themes.
4. Look to the ruler of the
sign of the house for
further context.
 ON YOUR OWN CHART::
1. This year I am ____ years
old, so it is a _____ House
profection year for me.
This will last from _____
to _____.
2. Themes associated with
ANNUAL PROFECTIONS

this house include:

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___________________
___________________
_____________.
3. Planets in this house
include:
___________________
__________________,
which signify:
___________________
_________________.
4. The ruler of this sign is
_____ in the ____ House,
bringing themes of:
___________________.
 Here is space to look back and
reflect on how certain
transits, eclipses, or
profections manifested!

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REFLECTIOINS
 Here is space to look back and
reflect on how certain
transits, eclipses, or
profections manifested!

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REFLECTIOINS
 Here is space to look back and
reflect on how certain
transits, eclipses, or
profections manifested!

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REFLECTIOINS
 final thoughts
Astrology is incredibly powerful because it gives us, as players in
the game, a glimpse of how the game is playing out. It provides
us with the slightest bit of an observational external view. This
fleeting psuedo-omniscience is powerful, and it is something that
will likely change your philosophical outlooks across areas of life.

May you find this study a tool for self-empowerment throughout

life. I wish you incredible fun and awe in your astrological
journey.

with love,
maren
 what's next?
If you want to go further in
understanding your own natal chart and
hero's journey, you can check out my
personal consultation offerings here.

feel free to join me on my social

media informed on my courses.

for all inquiries please email:

admin@marenaltman.com