r/astrology

One thing I’ve been thinking about lately is that many people dismiss astrology because they see it as “predicting the future.”
But what if it was approached differently?
Could it be useful as a framework for self-reflection, personality, emotions, or noticing patterns in our lives, regardless of whether someone believes in its predictive claims?
I’m curious how people in this community think about that distinction.

Sometimes good charts get really complex or karmic when you add these aspects. Do they matter? Or can planetary readings alone present a complete picture?

When reading about it in mundane astrology, it seems we’re all bracing for impact. But I just read a horoscope by an astrologer I respect and she was pretty optimistic about it - on a personal level. Maybe it‘ll be good for specific risings or aspects, I‘m not sure. How are you seeing possibilities for this conjunction in our personal lives?

I’m trying to read birth chart

June was a bit of a reprieve from the chaotic energy of the prior months, with the conflict in the Middle East and the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war. Don't get me wrong, events did occur, some shocking, some tragic and a few pleasant surprises. It may have felt like you were on a freeway, driving at a decent speed without any slowdowns due to traffic. Well my speedracers, buckle up and put your helmets on. There will be lots of changes in July.

It is not so much that things speed up (they do!) but there is a feeling like you are playing San Francisco Rush 2049 this month. If you are not familiar with this arcade game, let me fill you in. Released in 1999, it was a multi-player driving game where your car would race through the streets of San Francisco. But it wasn't a straight course or one where you would follow the rules. Instead, to win, you would have to know where to crash your car and the secret roads to take, which would require driving on roof tops. It was a wild game that didn't make much sense. This month may feel similar, as the planets change sign or go into retrograde.

To help you track the key shifts this month, you can check out the following dates and put them into your calendar.

Key Ingress Dates, Full and New Moon and Direction Changes:

• Neptune retrogrades at 4°25' in Aries on July 7, 2026 at 5:54 am CDT
• Venus enters Virgo on July 9, 2026 at 12:22 pm CDT
• New Moon in Cancer at 21°59' on July 14, 2026 at 4:43 am CDT
• Sun enters Leo on July 22, 2026 at 2:13 pm CDT
• Mercury stations direct in Cancer on July 23, 2026 at 5:57 pm CDT
• Saturn retrogrades at 14°44' in Aries on July 26, 2026 at 2:56 pm CDT
• True North Node enters Aquarius on July 26, 2026 at 7:47 pm CDT (the Mean North Node, used by some astrologers, won't enter Aquarius until August 18th)
• Full Moon in Aquarius at 6°30' on July 29, 2026 at 9:35 am CDT

Besides the above dates, there are some important transits this month. The first is the Mars and Uranus conjunction in Gemini happening on July 3rd and 4th. The other is the Jupiter and Pluto opposition, which started building energy on June 30th. The opposition of Jupiter and Pluto are in aspect to Uranus and Neptune, making a basket configuration. I wrote about this back in January and how it would impact the United States. This basket formation perfects from the 19th through the 22nd.

In addition, in August we are going to have eclipses on the 12th and the 27th. The lunar eclipse on the 27th will coincide with a Mercury Cazimi. 2026 is a year of activity. And like the game Rush 2049, not everything will make sense right away. There could be events that initially you think of as minor, but they become more impactful as time progresses.

I am breaking up how the energy plays out by weeks (though the first and the last week have less than 7 days due to how the calendar month lands.)

July 1st through the 4th

We start the month off with two major transits, that build tension and release.

The first one is Jupiter, which is now in the sign of Leo and applying an opposition to Pluto in Aquarius. We will see this energy on the world stage. Pluto, the planet of deep change and power is in the sign of Aquarius, which is ruled by Saturn. Though the sign of Aquarius is associated with humanitarian ideals, Pluto in this sign takes work to make transformative change. It is slow and laborious, and needs patience.

Jupiter in Leo is bold, active and a bit dramatic. By nature, Jupiter is optimistic and expansive, it grows whatever it is in aspect. Leo, the sign associated with paternalistic and king-like energy, ruled by the Sun, is expanding the powers that be.

When these two planets are in opposition, there are great forces of literal opposition. Some may do ruthless acts in order to get their way, but those tactics tend to backfire. There is a temptation to manipulate others or to have naked aggression. Thus this is one of the two reasons why I think conflict could escalate this week.

However, at its core is big transformative change. The key here on a personal level is to work towards your goals by transforming what is required of you without engaging in power struggles or games.

The other transit this week is the Mars and Uranus conjunction in the sign of Gemini which perfects on July 3rd through the 4th. When Mars applies its energy to Uranus, rash behavior takes precedence. This is the other reason why I think conflicts could escalate this week.

Though this conjunction happens every 2 years, there tends to be a surprising or shocking incident associated with it. The last time this conjunction occurred, it was in the sign of Taurus, and it coincided with the assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. The sign changes the archetype through which the conjunction expresses itself, but the aspect itself carries a pattern worth noting. Before you worry if something is going to happen to you, please be aware that this conjunction was applying to his Midheaven which is conjunct to the fixed star Algol.

Due to the fixed stars in the charts of Israel and Iran, and the Lebanese chart, I expect escalation to happen this week. However, with Uranus, anything is possible. Though the tensions can expand, there is a possibility, though slim, for transformative peace negotiations. But unfortunately, it does look like the opposite will happen.

In regards to your life, Mars and Uranus can bring about sudden change. It can stir impulsiveness. My big warning here, which I made last month, is to be aware of your surroundings. If you are partaking in celebrations, slow down and take your time to prevent accidents.

With the Jupiter-Pluto opposition, which takes place all month, and the Uranus-Mars conjunction, which is at its strongest this week, you could have disruptions that lead to a breakthrough. For instance, you could have changes in a project outside of your control, but you wind up having an epiphany which changed the direction of the project, thus bringing success.

To manage this week, be open minded, roll with the changes, don't take shortcuts or be ruthless, resist impulsivity but allow information to formulate in your mind, take deep breaths and work towards something beneficial.

And the good news for personal individual charts is that Mercury is in retrograde in the sign of Cancer. Your desire for safety and protection is being reexamined, along with matters of family and home. Some of you may decide to have a small function with those you love. When it comes to work, you could have a desire to nurture your team with communication that leans towards being a cohesive unit. Just be careful not to be passive-aggressive to gain agreements.

July 5th through the 11th

On Sunday the 5th, we have the Sun in Cancer and Saturn in Aries square to each other. If there are escalated tensions or conflicts during the week, some leaders will struggle with doing the right thing, and could feel backed into a corner. There could be a demand that they take responsibility or talk about the situation and what the next steps are. The struggle for them is living up to their responsibilities with what they would prefer to do.

And on a personal level, you could find yourself with the same dilemma. You may have to choose work or responsibilities over your own personal expression. For instance, you could desire to call into work, but due to projects or staffing, you need to show up and take initiative instead of spending time at home or with family.

Neptune retrogrades on July 7th in the sign of Aries and will stay in retrograde until December 12th, 2026. The draw to be with loved ones and reflecting on memories is strong due to Mercury in retrograde trine the Moon in Pisces. Neptune in retrograde can expose what was covered up, secrets that are hidden or motives that were false in nature. Since Neptune tends to add fog to a situation, clarity on world events could happen, but keep in mind, even in retrograde, Neptune still has an illusionary nature.

On a personal level, over the next six months, viewpoints that were tribal in nature may become more individualistic. For instance, let's say you've cancelled particular stores or celebrities because you felt it was expected of you. You may change how you see the situation. This doesn't mean you automatically embrace what was cancelled, but instead, you may find yourself questioning whether your position was truly your own or shaped by outside pressure.

On July 9th, Venus enters the sign of Virgo. Venus is in its fall when in the sign of Virgo. When Venus is in Virgo, it can be discriminating and analytical as opposed to finding balance and harmony. For instance, if you are out on a date, you may notice details that don't matter in the grand scheme of things, such as their shirt isn't perfectly pressed or a stray hair hanging on their face.

Venus will also be conjunct to the South Node. There can be hyper anxiety and worry over being precise. A martyr mentality can also intrude current events, where finger pointing and criticism is the only outlet due to the unpleasant situation.

The Nodes are chart points and don't have the energy of a planet, however they can show what is uncomfortable or depleting. When it comes to world leaders, we want to see where the Venus-South Node conjunction is at in their chart. For Trump, it is in the 10th house, which could drain his energy to be diplomatic. Finger-pointing and blame can occur between countries. In response, there is a chance of the Israeli government blaming Trump for not having enough resources.

Also, the US administration will seem tired, drained and weary. A sense of malaise will creep in, communication will be scattered and some things could be said that evoke longing for the past.

July 12th through the 18th

On the 12th, we have a Mercury cazimi and inferior conjunction with the Sun. So what does this mean? Technically, when a planet is within one degree of the Sun, it is in a cazimi, which means its energy is supercharged.

An inferior conjunction only happens with the inner planets of Mercury or Venus. During the inferior conjunction, Mercury is in retrograde and lines up directly between the Sun and Earth. For Mercury, this can be a potent time of reflection and a breakthrough of thought. This is especially true when reflecting on the past, and with Mercury in Cancer, themes of roots, family, home, emotions, instincts and those who held a maternal role are emphasized.

Those with the Sun, Mercury, the Moon or chart angles around 20 degrees of Cancer may experience a melding of thought and feelings, thus gaining insight to how some of the people that they love could think differently than they do, because emotions led their decisions.

If you have ever been in a sales position, you know that people tend to buy on emotion rather than fact, especially on items that are not necessary. You are trained to talk about how the buyer would feel if they owned the item you are selling, such as having peace of mind for insurance plans they may not need or a sense of belonging, since what you are offering is on trend.

This Mercury cazimi will spotlight not only how you've been sold ideas and philosophies, but also how your parents, siblings, relatives and those that you care about have been influenced by the same tactics. I recommend not being smug about it, because almost everyone owns something or believes something that they are attached to because it was presented emotionally.

And with the New Moon in Cancer on the 14th, we can start fresh with a new perspective about what divides us. Mercury is in a separating conjunction to the New Moon, symbolizing the past moving away as a new foundation is laid. Now I get it, it may feel impossible to rebuild bridges with some family members, especially if you never saw eye to eye. Sometimes though, forgiveness is a way to nurture yourself, especially if you are holding onto guilt, isolation or avoidance.

Starting on the 16th, Mars in Gemini separates from its conjunction with Uranus and applies a sextile to Saturn in Aries. When Saturn is in the sign of Aries, it is in its fall. Saturn, the planet of discipline and limits, is uncomfortable with Aries' quick actions. Mars is the dispositor of Saturn, giving Mars a boost of seriousness.

We go from being on edge and excitable, to settling down and getting things done. Meticulous projects are easier to handle, though they may not move through the stages as quickly as you would like. It's a great time to focus on the details, but know that meetings and projects can feel like a concentrated struggle, oscillating between bursts of energy and communication to wanting to be left alone to concentrate.

July 19th through the 25th

The Mars and Saturn sextile perfects on the 19th. Venus in its fall is applying a square to Mars. The energy of these two transits can cause nit-picky behavior.

But there is a positive side if you are open to it. When Venus and Mars are square to each other, physicality in a relationship has importance. Since it is a Sunday, you could opt for staying in bed, and doing the things you enjoy with a partner.

Also on the 19th, the Barbault basket formation begins to perfect. I went into detail on how this energy could play out in regards to the United States back in January. You may want to revisit that piece.

In regards to most people, unless you have fire or air placements around 4 degrees, the energy may feel like any of the prior days this month. Keep in mind, three of the planets have been making aspects of each other for a while.

Jupiter is what lights up the basket configuration. Jupiter in Leo is in opposition to Pluto in Aquarius, trine to Neptune in Aries and sextile to Uranus in Gemini. During the evening of the 19th, you may want to meditate or engage in a spiritual practice. Knowing that we are going through a time of change, you could imagine what it is that you want to see in the future.

Neptune and Pluto have been in sextile with each other since 1946, though there have been times where the orb of influence is slightly out of range. Neptune is idealism, hopes and dreams and Pluto is power, change and transformation. The irony is that everyone has different ideals and want different situations and structures to change. This sextile has these two planets supporting each other. Over the decades, it feels like we take steps forward and backwards.

In 2037, Neptune will begin to break away from this sextile and by 2038, we no longer will have these two planets working together. We can think of this basket formation as the final push for great change before the world gets into a groove for a while.

On July 22nd, the Sun enters its domicile sign of Leo. Happy birthday to all of the Leos out there.

The Sun will apply a conjunction with Jupiter, which perfects on the 29th. There is a positive spirit whenever the Sun and Jupiter are conjunct. Optimism abounds, and there is a sense of gratitude. However, the Sun will be square to Chiron in Taurus.

We may see a loss of a leader around this time, or some healing to masculine energy. There could be an archetype that gets center stage, someone who promises to heal the current circumstances.

The Sun becomes part of the basket formation, so something around this time could happen where we see a lighted path forward.

On the next day, Mercury stations direct, at 16 degrees and 18 minutes. Saturn applies a square to Mercury and Venus applies a sextile. We may see a shift in communication towards relationship building, talking about what we have in common. With Saturn, there's a serious, disciplined tone to what is communicated.

July 26th through the 31st

Saturn goes retrograde on July 26th in the sign of Aries. Saturn and Neptune have been co-present since February 13th. As Saturn retrogrades, the two planets will reform a conjunction on September 1st. The good news is that the orb is wide, but they will be conjunct, creating that heavy energy and the possibility of the spread of illnesses, which does align with the start of the school year.

In regards to personal astrology, Saturn in retrograde allows us to reexamine our responsibilities. For instance, if you had an extension on your taxes, Saturn retrograde is a good time to get them done. It is also a time period to go back to long term projects that you've put to the side, such as developing course work, cleaning out a garage or picking back up that novel you started writing.

The True North Node enters Aquarius on July 26th, which gives us direction to what may feel uncomfortable, such as developing friendships or championing unconventional ideas or humanitarian causes. With the South Node in Leo, it could feel more comfortable to have leadership that tells you what to do than one that challenges you to be part of the solution.

We end the month with a Full Moon in Aquarius on the 29th. This illumination will be part of the basket formation with the Sun conjunct to Jupiter and the Moon conjunct to Pluto. It is as if a torch is being lit, guiding us to the eventual finish line of change.

Expect endings and beginnings when it comes to authority and individualism, rulers and the common people. In mundane astrology, the Moon is the populace and it is conjunct to Pluto. Whether this is symbolic of people needing to change or that power is on their side, is hard to say. Most likely it is both. Hopefully, due to the basket formation, people will say enough is enough, and instead of waiting for a specific person to come save the day, they will realize it takes all of us to make great change that benefits all.

The real test will happen in August, when we have two powerful eclipses. We usually lose a leader during eclipse season, either they step down, retire, pass the baton, pass away or are eliminated through an attack. Unfortunately, we saw the latter in the last eclipse season. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed on February 28, 2026.

Historically, there are both personal casualties and political upheaval before change happens. With the basket configuration, the takeaway is that there will be change and what occurs could be much different than anyone imagined. This doesn't mean the future is dystopian or utopian. I personally don't think it will be either. Instead, with advances in technology and a humanitarian-led effort, we are entering a portal, where we can create a future based on a shift in power, one that moves the energy from leaders to the collective.

In twelve years, will we be ruled by technocrats or will there be a new society, something futuristic and focused on individualism and acceptance of all?

How are they interpreted? What is their role?

Can you provide example configurations and their potential sense?

Hello! Perhaps this may differ from one astrologer to the next, but when determining whether someone has a day or night chart, what would you weigh more heavily: the actual sunset time or the position of the Sun relative to the ASC/DSC axis in their chart?

For example, let’s say someone’s birth time is a couple minutes before sunset (the sun is above the horizon line at the time of their birth), but their chart shows their Sun as being slightly below the ASC/DSC axis — would you consider the chart to be a diurnal or nocturnal chart? And why?

i'm curious how mercury rx affects those with a natal mercury rx? do they typically have an easier time during retrogrades? are things like communication generally harder for natal mercury rx folks?

I’m trying to understand Saturn in Aries from a symbolic and experiential standpoint. Since Aries is about initiation, desire, and direct action, and Saturn is about delay, limits, and responsibility, how does this placement tend to manifest in real-life situations?

This past year has been one of taking astrology seriously for me. So I have been studying quite a bit. I am currently only on natal astrology. So please bear with me.

I know Regulus is the "big star" people look for, but I now see that there are more, around 60 if I remember correctly.

My question is: Which are the *most* important ones, do they all hold the importance and weight of Regulus for example?

Would someone with their ascendant exactly on Denebola have a life of shame and disgrace as opposed to one with their ascendant exact with Regulus? Zubenelgenubi is also bad, would your life be marked by horrible things if your ascendant is exact? Surely they cant be that bad?

I read horrible things about some of the stars- Denebola and Zubenelgenubi being some of them, so I would appreciate any resources from a reputable source on the stars and using them in Natal astrology. I guess I am also asking in your professional opinion, which stars should one really look at in a natal chart? Aside from Regulus, Spica or Agol.

During the Gemini new moon, the energy was exploratory and I referenced it to being a teenager, taking risks and exploring other points of view. There was encouragement to get out there, and to have conversations that opened up  possibilities. 

The Capricorn Full Moon has a different vibe. Occurring on June 29, 2026 at  6:56 PM CDT, with the Moon, at 8 degrees and 14 minutes, it illuminates two distinct things: the falsehoods we believe and our opportunity to take responsibility and get things done.

I’ve mentioned many times in the past that Neptune in Pisces did a number on us. Even though the energy was about being part of the collective, we joined tribes blindly. We told ourselves numerous falsehoods, believing in perspectives that may not have been our own. We saw other groups as being lost or as the enemy and our group as the wise and in the know. 

But now that Neptune has been in Aries for a few months, our naivety is exposed. We’ve purposely cut out family members and dumped life-long friends. We come to this moment divided, but we are starting to see things a little more clearly. With structures being insecure, we may realize that pointing fingers to our neighbors is what got us to where we are. In our microcosms, we’ve forgotten the ability to see from multiple perspectives, and that the leaders we followed may have been aligned with “the other side” all along. The division was purposeful and benefitted those with clout or power.

Instead of each other being the culprit, it may have had something to do with the structures we upheld. The Saturn-ruled Capricorn Moon is making a square to both Neptune and Saturn in Aries, which allows us to examine the shift these two planets have been through. Up until earlier this year, Neptune and Saturn were in Pisces. Our distorted views and challenged relationships from that time are now front and center. With the Sun square to Neptune, we may feel discouraged by our once loved ideals. We could feel somewhat restricted during the Full Moon, as if we are blocked and our confidence is shattered.

But, we are not inadequate and we can stand up and take charge. And over the next few months, due to the retrogrades, we have an opportunity to gain clarity. First, with the current Mercury Retrograde in Cancer, giving us time to reflect on the discord within families. Then, Neptune goes into retrograde on July 7th, exposing the misconceptions of our current circumstances. A few weeks later, Saturn retrogrades on July 26th, where we take a hard look at what got us here and what role we each played. Spoiler alert, we are all responsible, and this includes myself. 

Capricorn is a serious sign, and with the Moon here, we may be holding our emotions close to the vest. However, as with all Full Moon, the Sun in opposition in the sign of Cancer adds the welcomed tension, where we can take care of others and ourselves. The Full Moon is a reminder to roll up your sleeves and focus on what matters: your goals, your family’s well-being and your commitments and responsibilities.

However, there are other transits happening. With Mercury in the sign of Cancer and in retrograde just hours before the Full Moon,  we are being introspective about the past, especially our role in the world. There is a chance to have tolerance for other people’s viewpoints with Mercury’s conjunction to Jupiter. There is a balance that can be explored between home and family and how world events impact us and our path forward.  

With Venus in Leo making a separating trine to Saturn in Aries, collectively, we may side on compromise and stability over winning any conflict. Cost and spending tends to outweigh desire or aggression. 

Mars entered the sign of Gemini the day before the Full Moon and is applying a conjunction to Uranus. This conjunction perfects on the evening of the 3rd or morning of the 4th, depending on your time zone. This is energy that wants to break free, especially when it comes to communication and thought. For instance, you could realize that people were cancelled in the past that may have had some good ideas. This is energy that is rash and surprising, so you could even be the person who says or does something that evokes a critical response from those around you. 

I do need to mention that from a Mundane perspective, there could be some conflict over the next several days, such as surprise attacks or escalation in warfare. There could be accidents, like a large pileup of cars or some sort of disturbance during a public event, such as the World Cup or a 4th of July celebration. I am not saying don’t attend anything, since we are here to live and experience life. Just be aware and pay attention, and if the mood shifts to something disruptive, take it as a sign to leave the situation. 

Mars was applying a conjunction to Uranus with the assassination attempt on July 13th, 2024 on Trump. There were some other factors here, such as the conjunction of these two planets to Trump’s MC and the presence of the fixed star Algol. There isn’t a major fixed star with this conjunction, which helps the situation. Mars conjuncts to Uranus approximately every 2 years, so please don’t stress about this transit. I am just being prudent to alert you that the energy is heightened.

On a personal level, a Mars and Uranus conjunction can give us energy, confidence and optimism to fuel our success. Keep your eyes open for opportunities since this aspect is good for business ventures. Also, with Mars trine Pluto, the energy can help you with long range goals. 

Mars is also sextile to Neptune, giving us a layer of sensitivity and the ability to perceive what others need. If you are feeling frazzled with the energy of the Full Moon, meditation could probably do you well with this supportive transit. 

Jupiter is at 29 degrees in Cancer, its exalted state. Though we tend to think of Jupiter as lucky when in sextile to Mars, luck is based on perception. For some, change is welcomed while others may cling to fear instead of taking a risk. What I mean by this, whatever occurs with the Mars and Uranus conjunction is amplified. Could we have a surprising peace deal in the Middle East? Maybe. But we could also have some backlash, especially if one party or country perceives the action as being boxed in and without a choice. Jupiter adds to the wildcard energy of Mars and Uranus, so even though I gave a warning, keep in mind, the name of the game is the unexpected. 

Jupiter at its core is belief. As with the Full Moon, home, family and security themes are expanded. Jupiter is applying a trine to Neptune which is emphasizing humanitarian ideals and spiritual beliefs.  With Jupiter applying an opposition to Pluto, there is a drive for achievement and possibility of being fanatic. Thus, adding to the uncertainty of the times. 

The day after the Full Moon, Jupiter will ingress into the sign of Leo, and over the next 20 days, a basket formation involving Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto will perfect. This is known as the Barbault Basket, a formation that has been attributed to Andre Barbault and sometimes conflated with his discussion of cycles. The one thing I can say is that the Capricorn Full Moon is an important precursor to July. 

With the Full Moon at the end of the month, and its aspects to Neptune and Saturn, it is as if we are posed with the question, “Do you want the change you desire?” and if so, “Are you willing to go through the cycles bravely and put in the work to get what you want?” In my astrological opinion, that is the takeaway of what this Full Moon illuminates: reflection and responsibility. It is not going to be a sudden change, even if sudden actions occur over the next few months. But instead, a process of determination based on our ideals.

Hi everyone!

I'm not necessarily asking about your personal experiences (although I'd love to hear them too!), but more about the general astrological indicators.

In your opinion, which transits and/or Solar Return placements or aspects tend to indicate meeting someone significant or starting an important relationship? Are there any combinations that, in your experience, consistently point to a particularly lucky year, especially when it comes to love?

I'm curious about the astrological patterns you've noticed over the years. Thanks in advance!

How does the Saturn return work for people with a night chart, considering Saturn is the greater malefic? Are people with a day chart more favored and likely to have a less difficult Saturn return than we are? I’m having trouble understanding it.

Hi All, I am new here. However, near beginning 2026 I recall a post on my feed from this sub discussing (I think, along the lines of) this year's forecast.

Please forgive my memory, what I recall is that something BIG was predicted to occur around the 4th of July. And not something positive. More catastrophic - maybe not so dramatic but it was definitely something, well, bad.

Does anyone have more info? I know this is pretty vague, just hoping someone may have insight. This year has been intense around the world. Nightmares, from man made to natural. I am scared of something worse.

Thanks in advance. Sending positive vibes and hugs out into the universe.

Im talking pregnancy, moving, change of job marriage etc

I understand that it's not able to be proven at the moment, but science is always changing and new discoveries are being made daily. Astrology goes hand-in-hand with a many theories of physics or cosmology, but if it's always written off as a pseudoscience then nobody ever even has the opportunity to study it.

What are some some birth chart placements or aspects that are said to indicate when, if, and possibly how many kids a person may have, or, what are some transits that are commonly said to “predict” or make it a likely time in someone’s life to conceive/have a child?

Is this something you noticed “came true” or happened for you very accurately, or for someone you know/readings you’ve done?

I really apologize if I sound dumb here. I’m a beginner within traditional hellenistic astrology and very confused…

Mars within modern day science is cold and dry. Venus is the hottest planet… but reading Demetra George‘s book "Ancient astrology in theory and practice vol 1" — she states that Mars is hot and dry. I’m confused on how I’m supposed to interpret Mars traditionally in terms of temperature?

I don’t really see any traditional astrologers go over this unless I’m looking in the wrong places.

One of the differences I’ve noticed between these two techniques (apart from Abu Ma’shar’s emphasis on the solar return chart) is that in Hellenistic profections, the ruler of the year is always the domicile ruler of the profected sign (although the planets IN the sign are also considered), while in Medieval Islamicate astrology it *could* be a planet IN the profected house (and in fact, it sounds like this was the preferred option).

I’m not quite understanding how this is decided though with Medieval profections. Of course if the profected house is empty, then you would default to the domicile ruler. But what if you have a stellium in the profected house? Is it simply the most dignified planet? What if the domicile lord is more dignified than any planets in the house?

I personally like the simplicity of just going with the domicile ruler of the sign, but I am intrigued by the Medieval technique. I’m just wondering if anyone has tried out both and if they’ve noticed a difference in accuracy between defaulting to the domicile ruler versus favoring the planet(s) actually in the sign?

How do you determine the rising sign for any country?