How do you do astrology at the North Pole? Contrary to what you may think, this isn’t a trick question. Astrologers encounter unique problems drawing up birth charts for people born at high latitudes or near both polar circles. As communication technologies continue to connect us, astrologers work with clients born in the southernmost reaches of Argentina and Chile, along with those far north in Canada, Norway, and Siberia. So how do you do a birth chart properly when the ascendant moves backward or the Sun never rises? The answers aren’t as easy as you may think.
Time and Place in Birth ChartsIn Astrology
Astrologers create charts to reflect the movement and positions of planets and points in the sky. When drawing someone’s natal chart, you need the precise date, place, and time of birth. How does this work in a practical sense? Take two people born on August 14 in the same year – Person A at 4 p.m. and Person B at 10 p.m. Their charts look similar in many ways but different in others. For instance, they probably won’t have the same rising sign. Why? Because it changes every two hours thanks to our 24-hour day and 12-sign zodiac.
Now, let’s say that Person A was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and Person B’s birthplace was Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Both individuals may also have planets sitting in the same signs. But because the ascendant determines the first house’s placement, those zodiac signs will be in different spots on the chart wheel. In our example, Person A’s ascendant is in Capricorn but Person B has an Aries rising sign.
Latitude, Longitude, and the Sun
Eratosthenes, the same Greek mathematician who calculated Earth’s circumference, was also the first to propose a mapping schema using both latitude and longitude. Our modern system came from Greenwich’s Royal Observatory, adopted by 22 countries in 1884. We have undeniable proof that Earth is a sphere, widest at its equator and narrowest at the poles. Its 23.5-degree axial tilt also contributes to the Sun’s position in our skies at any given location.
You can observe how the sky’s view changes wherever you go on Earth. But you’ll notice drastic changes at extreme latitudes. And you can’t get more extreme than the Arctic and Antarctic polar circles, located at 66.6 degrees north and south respectively. The Sun’s altitude is much lower in those areas. It also doesn’t rise or set at the poles but remains at a constant altitude for each 24-hour period.
How the Sun’s Position Affects Birth Charts
Sure, the Sun’s behavior can seem strange in polar regions. But what does this have to do with astrology? As Astrodienst explains, astrologers would have problems plotting the ascendant, midheaven, and some horoscope houses. On a natal chart, the horizon line connects the ascendant and descendant. The midheaven, which represents career and public image, normally sits far above this line at the highest point on the chart. But in the Arctic Circle, it can end up below the horizon.
The ascendant also acts weird, ending up in the west instead of the east. This defies the original idea of a “rising sign” because it’s not actually rising in polar regions. The ascendant can also be retrograde, suddenly jump by 180 degrees, and fail to even move through all 360 degrees of the zodiac.
Geography’s Impact on Astrology
Astrology is a changing art, incorporating new information about our universe as it’s uncovered. Ancient Babylonians weren’t thinking about the North Pole when they charted planets’ movements thousands of years ago. But as astrology and astronomy are closely linked, geography affects how we do birth charts and horoscopes. Astrologers repeatedly show that they have the creativity and flexibility to meet each challenge as it comes.
The outer planets of our Solar System hold just as many secrets and messages as our closer neighbors. See what can these giants tell us about our lives.
Astrology is big. A quick look at the internet reveals just how ingrained it is into our modern ethos and thought. While much of it focuses on the sun and closest celestial bodies, it discerns patterns and meanings from Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. Astrologers believe that these distant outer planets may provide some wisdom of their own.
An Introduction to the Outer Planets
The outer planets exhibit a wide range of physical compositions and environments: gas giants, ice giants, and one icy chunk of rock. These celestial objects represent the vital energies of their mythological counterparts. Since they take a long time to orbit our sun, their effects are seen by astrologers as generational and more long term.
Jupiter: A Jovial and Generous King
With its 12-year orbit around our sun, Jupiter has the shortest transits of any outer planet. This massive traveler inhabits each zodiac sign for around a year, but Cafe Astrology explains that it can retrograde for up to four months at a stretch. This regal celestial body governs generosity, optimism, honor, good fortune, ethics, and as the Astro Codex reveals, higher education. Since its effects in a sign can span for up to a year, they’re thought to impact everyone born during that same time period in similar ways.
Saturn: Growth, Discipline, and Legacies
Saturn makes a complete orbit around our sun in 29.5 years, taking around two and a half years to travel through each zodiac sign. Astrostyle discusses this titan’s key energies: time, maturity, structure, karma, discipline, and prestige. If you’ve heard the phrase “Saturn return,” you likely got the impression that it can signify life-changing events. As the Cut’s Claire Comstock-Gay clarifies, Saturn comes back to its original position in our natal charts during our late 20s, our late 50s, and our mid-to-late 80s. These all coincide with major life transitions or turning points during which we may reassess our life goals and make significant new plans.
Uranus: Technology, Enlightenment, and Innovation
Uranus is a weird planet for many reasons. It’s not just the only one named for a Greek deity instead of a Roman god, but it’s also the only one that rotates on its side. Christened after the primordial sky father, it takes 84 years to orbit our sun and seven years to pass through a zodiac sign. Cafe Astrology mentions that Uranus represents invention, innovation, intuitiveness, and individuality. Astrostyle also nicknames Uranus the “mad scientist” for its association with eccentricity.
Neptune: What Lies Beneath the Surface
Discovered in 1846, Neptune got its name from the Roman god of the sea. This planet completes one orbit around the sun in 165 years, which means that it makes a 14-year trip through each zodiac sign. As a result, those energies impact large generational groups. The Astro Codex mentions that Neptune governs spirituality, dreams, illusions, artistic creation, and even addiction.
Pluto: Secrets, Transformation, and Rebirth
Reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006, Pluto represents the Roman ruler of the Underworld. Astrostyle comments that it governs the secrets we keep within ourselves, including sensitive matters such as money, shame, and sexuality, yet it also speaks to how we share or hoard our resources. As a symbol of transformation, it signifies intense and sometimes painful changes that end in positive results. Pluto takes around 30 years to move through each sign and 248 years to orbit the sun.
Since astrology is gaining greater traction in popular culture, it’s no surprise that many people have more than a passing curiosity about their planets and signs. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto all display extreme physical characteristics. Their astrological impacts are just as massive, affecting large cohorts of people as they complete their lengthy orbits.
Many astrologers call Capricorns “the most boring sign.” However, from the strange to the mundane, Capricorns are said to host a number of specific traits.
According to Western Astrology, those born between December 22nd and January 20th fall under the sign of Capricorn, which is unique in many ways, especially considering it is the one that carries over from one year into the next. Capricorn is also associated with a strange chimera: a hybrid of a goat and a fish. With such odd connections, it should come as no surprise that Capricorns are also unique individuals. Many astrologers call Capricorns “the most boring,” but this is far from the case.
From the strange to the mundane, Capricorns are said to host a number of specific traits. Explore some of these fun facts, and learn a bit more about the goat-fish of the world.
Express Yourself
Emotions can be difficult for all signs to deal with. Though those born under Capricorn are said to feel strong and deep emotions, they also are not likely to have an easy time expressing how they truly feel within. This can create strange problems in relationships. While a Capricorn might be totally in love with another person, he or she might never be able to come out and speak the words. The lesson here for Capricorns is to find a healthy way to express these deeper feelings.
The interesting thing about how a Capricorn approaches his or her feelings is that it normally happens by observing and learning about others. For example, it is said that a Capricorn is more likely to reserve judgement on an argument he or she witnessed until knowing both sides of the story. This somewhat impartial approach to conflict can make the Capricorn seem detached, but it really means he or she wants to understand as much as possible before taking a side or getting involved.
Commitment and Perfection
A Capricorn is a committed individual, especially when he or she truly cares about something. If someone born under this sign decides to run a marathon, then you can bet he or she will spend countless hours training. The Capricorn is not entering the race to win, per se, but he or she wants to make sure that the commitment level is as high as possible. Unfortunately, the person is likely to try too hard and burn out fast.
A Capricorn wants to achieve his or her own idea of perfection when approaching a task. While they might not be obsessed with the traditional idea of “winning,” Capricorns still put unrealistic expectations on themselves in regard to being perfect. This can lead to a lot of inner conflict and other issues. Luckily, the Capricorn who recognizes this has a good chance of being able to overcome it.
Picky and Fierce
Finally, the average Capricorn is not likely to call everyone friend. They are said to be very picky about the company they keep. Still, they will protect those they do call friends in a fierce way, making Capricorns some of the most loyal and caring individuals out there. While not always the best listeners, Capricorns most often appreciate people who will lend them an ear from time to time. If you’re looking to comfort a Capricorn in your life, try listening to what they’ll share – it may work wonders.
All signs of the zodiac tend to be unique, but Capricorns seem to host a few more strange quirks and traits than others. Though the symbol of the goat-fish might be an odd one, it does make sense when one considers the peculiar nature of the Capricorn and how he or she moves through life in a way fit for land and sea.
How do you do astrology at the North Pole? Contrary to what you may think, this isn’t a trick question. Astrologers encounter unique problems drawing up birth charts for people born at high latitudes or near both polar circles. As communication technologies continue to connect us, astrologers work with clients born in the southernmost reaches of Argentina and Chile, along with those far north in Canada, Norway, and Siberia. So how do you do a birth chart properly when the ascendant moves backward or the Sun never rises? The answers aren’t as easy as you may think.
Time and Place in Birth ChartsIn Astrology
Astrologers create charts to reflect the movement and positions of planets and points in the sky. When drawing someone’s natal chart, you need the precise date, place, and time of birth. How does this work in a practical sense? Take two people born on August 14 in the same year – Person A at 4 p.m. and Person B at 10 p.m. Their charts look similar in many ways but different in others. For instance, they probably won’t have the same rising sign. Why? Because it changes every two hours thanks to our 24-hour day and 12-sign zodiac.
Now, let’s say that Person A was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and Person B’s birthplace was Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Both individuals may also have planets sitting in the same signs. But because the ascendant determines the first house’s placement, those zodiac signs will be in different spots on the chart wheel. In our example, Person A’s ascendant is in Capricorn but Person B has an Aries rising sign.
Latitude, Longitude, and the Sun
Eratosthenes, the same Greek mathematician who calculated Earth’s circumference, was also the first to propose a mapping schema using both latitude and longitude. Our modern system came from Greenwich’s Royal Observatory, adopted by 22 countries in 1884. We have undeniable proof that Earth is a sphere, widest at its equator and narrowest at the poles. Its 23.5-degree axial tilt also contributes to the Sun’s position in our skies at any given location.
You can observe how the sky’s view changes wherever you go on Earth. But you’ll notice drastic changes at extreme latitudes. And you can’t get more extreme than the Arctic and Antarctic polar circles, located at 66.6 degrees north and south respectively. The Sun’s altitude is much lower in those areas. It also doesn’t rise or set at the poles but remains at a constant altitude for each 24-hour period.
How the Sun’s Position Affects Birth Charts
Sure, the Sun’s behavior can seem strange in polar regions. But what does this have to do with astrology? As Astrodienst explains, astrologers would have problems plotting the ascendant, midheaven, and some horoscope houses. On a natal chart, the horizon line connects the ascendant and descendant. The midheaven, which represents career and public image, normally sits far above this line at the highest point on the chart. But in the Arctic Circle, it can end up below the horizon.
The ascendant also acts weird, ending up in the west instead of the east. This defies the original idea of a “rising sign” because it’s not actually rising in polar regions. The ascendant can also be retrograde, suddenly jump by 180 degrees, and fail to even move through all 360 degrees of the zodiac.
Geography’s Impact on Astrology
Astrology is a changing art, incorporating new information about our universe as it’s uncovered. Ancient Babylonians weren’t thinking about the North Pole when they charted planets’ movements thousands of years ago. But as astrology and astronomy are closely linked, geography affects how we do birth charts and horoscopes. Astrologers repeatedly show that they have the creativity and flexibility to meet each challenge as it comes.
The outer planets of our Solar System hold just as many secrets and messages as our closer neighbors. See what can these giants tell us about our lives.
Astrology is big. A quick look at the internet reveals just how ingrained it is into our modern ethos and thought. While much of it focuses on the sun and closest celestial bodies, it discerns patterns and meanings from Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. Astrologers believe that these distant outer planets may provide some wisdom of their own.
An Introduction to the Outer Planets
The outer planets exhibit a wide range of physical compositions and environments: gas giants, ice giants, and one icy chunk of rock. These celestial objects represent the vital energies of their mythological counterparts. Since they take a long time to orbit our sun, their effects are seen by astrologers as generational and more long term.
Jupiter: A Jovial and Generous King
With its 12-year orbit around our sun, Jupiter has the shortest transits of any outer planet. This massive traveler inhabits each zodiac sign for around a year, but Cafe Astrology explains that it can retrograde for up to four months at a stretch. This regal celestial body governs generosity, optimism, honor, good fortune, ethics, and as the Astro Codex reveals, higher education. Since its effects in a sign can span for up to a year, they’re thought to impact everyone born during that same time period in similar ways.
Saturn: Growth, Discipline, and Legacies
Saturn makes a complete orbit around our sun in 29.5 years, taking around two and a half years to travel through each zodiac sign. Astrostyle discusses this titan’s key energies: time, maturity, structure, karma, discipline, and prestige. If you’ve heard the phrase “Saturn return,” you likely got the impression that it can signify life-changing events. As the Cut’s Claire Comstock-Gay clarifies, Saturn comes back to its original position in our natal charts during our late 20s, our late 50s, and our mid-to-late 80s. These all coincide with major life transitions or turning points during which we may reassess our life goals and make significant new plans.
Uranus: Technology, Enlightenment, and Innovation
Uranus is a weird planet for many reasons. It’s not just the only one named for a Greek deity instead of a Roman god, but it’s also the only one that rotates on its side. Christened after the primordial sky father, it takes 84 years to orbit our sun and seven years to pass through a zodiac sign. Cafe Astrology mentions that Uranus represents invention, innovation, intuitiveness, and individuality. Astrostyle also nicknames Uranus the “mad scientist” for its association with eccentricity.
Neptune: What Lies Beneath the Surface
Discovered in 1846, Neptune got its name from the Roman god of the sea. This planet completes one orbit around the sun in 165 years, which means that it makes a 14-year trip through each zodiac sign. As a result, those energies impact large generational groups. The Astro Codex mentions that Neptune governs spirituality, dreams, illusions, artistic creation, and even addiction.
Pluto: Secrets, Transformation, and Rebirth
Reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006, Pluto represents the Roman ruler of the Underworld. Astrostyle comments that it governs the secrets we keep within ourselves, including sensitive matters such as money, shame, and sexuality, yet it also speaks to how we share or hoard our resources. As a symbol of transformation, it signifies intense and sometimes painful changes that end in positive results. Pluto takes around 30 years to move through each sign and 248 years to orbit the sun.
Since astrology is gaining greater traction in popular culture, it’s no surprise that many people have more than a passing curiosity about their planets and signs. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto all display extreme physical characteristics. Their astrological impacts are just as massive, affecting large cohorts of people as they complete their lengthy orbits.
Many astrologers call Capricorns “the most boring sign.” However, from the strange to the mundane, Capricorns are said to host a number of specific traits.
According to Western Astrology, those born between December 22nd and January 20th fall under the sign of Capricorn, which is unique in many ways, especially considering it is the one that carries over from one year into the next. Capricorn is also associated with a strange chimera: a hybrid of a goat and a fish. With such odd connections, it should come as no surprise that Capricorns are also unique individuals. Many astrologers call Capricorns “the most boring,” but this is far from the case.
From the strange to the mundane, Capricorns are said to host a number of specific traits. Explore some of these fun facts, and learn a bit more about the goat-fish of the world.
Express Yourself
Emotions can be difficult for all signs to deal with. Though those born under Capricorn are said to feel strong and deep emotions, they also are not likely to have an easy time expressing how they truly feel within. This can create strange problems in relationships. While a Capricorn might be totally in love with another person, he or she might never be able to come out and speak the words. The lesson here for Capricorns is to find a healthy way to express these deeper feelings.
The interesting thing about how a Capricorn approaches his or her feelings is that it normally happens by observing and learning about others. For example, it is said that a Capricorn is more likely to reserve judgement on an argument he or she witnessed until knowing both sides of the story. This somewhat impartial approach to conflict can make the Capricorn seem detached, but it really means he or she wants to understand as much as possible before taking a side or getting involved.
Commitment and Perfection
A Capricorn is a committed individual, especially when he or she truly cares about something. If someone born under this sign decides to run a marathon, then you can bet he or she will spend countless hours training. The Capricorn is not entering the race to win, per se, but he or she wants to make sure that the commitment level is as high as possible. Unfortunately, the person is likely to try too hard and burn out fast.
A Capricorn wants to achieve his or her own idea of perfection when approaching a task. While they might not be obsessed with the traditional idea of “winning,” Capricorns still put unrealistic expectations on themselves in regard to being perfect. This can lead to a lot of inner conflict and other issues. Luckily, the Capricorn who recognizes this has a good chance of being able to overcome it.
Picky and Fierce
Finally, the average Capricorn is not likely to call everyone friend. They are said to be very picky about the company they keep. Still, they will protect those they do call friends in a fierce way, making Capricorns some of the most loyal and caring individuals out there. While not always the best listeners, Capricorns most often appreciate people who will lend them an ear from time to time. If you’re looking to comfort a Capricorn in your life, try listening to what they’ll share – it may work wonders.
All signs of the zodiac tend to be unique, but Capricorns seem to host a few more strange quirks and traits than others. Though the symbol of the goat-fish might be an odd one, it does make sense when one considers the peculiar nature of the Capricorn and how he or she moves through life in a way fit for land and sea.
