18 Astrology and Numerology Tips

18 easy to learn tried and true astrology and numerology tips.

Banner Photo by Greg Rakozy

Astrology is not for everyone. Then again, neither is chiropractic medicine. Neither are “belief systems”. But hey, I’m not here to sell or debunk the study of stars, I’m just sharing some basic tips I’ve gathered.

For thousands of years, people have been observing the movement and relationships between the stars, sun, and moon to better understand their influence on human events. This scientific approach has evolved over time and shown astrology to be a reliable system of indication.

“The stars impel, they do not compel.” 

Claudius Ptolemy, 2nd-century Alexandrian mathematician, astronomer, astrologer, geographer, and music theorist

*Things you will need: Your birth chart and the internet to search the links provided on this page. Grab your free natal chart at astro.com. A birth chart, or natal chart, is a map of the exact latitude and longitude of the planets, sun, and moon on a specific date.

18 Astrology and Numerology Tips

*There are several different versions of astrological chart interpretation used around the world. For the most part, this article is based on my very basic understanding of western astrology. The addition of Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto(1930) have been applied and assimilated.

1. Know your Sun sign. And study the Houses. And Aspects.

Your Sun sign describes your general, outer personality. The you the world sees. Get to know the 12 Sun signs of the Zodiac by looking up the birth dates of people you know. What element are you, fire, earth, air, or water?

Aries (fire) – Taurus (earth) – Gemini (air) – Cancer (water)

Leo (fire) – Virgo Earth) – Libra (air) – Scorpio (water)

Sagittarius (fire) – Capricorn (earth) – Aquarius (air) – Pisces (water)

Each of “the four elements” has its own nature. Two fires sign’s might consume everything around them..a fire and a water sign make steam..you get the idea.

There Are 12 Zodiac Houses..

..and 12 Zodiac Signs.

Each of the 12 Houses of the zodiac represent different areas of life experience. As planets pass through each house, the house is effected by the planet’s influence.

Planets move at different speeds as they travel through the solar system. The moon passes through the next House every 2-3 days. Uranus takes years. Every planet constantly forms aspects in relation to all the others. Infinite combinations of planetary aspects are formed, measured astronomically in 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 180° increments. These degrees have been assigned interpretations such as “in opposition”(180°) or “trine”(30°)

2. Know your Sun sign’s decan and ruler.

Each of the zodiac’s 12 30° sun sign’s is split into 3 10° sections called decans. In other words, if you were Cancerian born in the first 3rd(10°) of your sun sign dates, you would be considered a 1st decan Cancerian. Each decan of a sun sign has its own “ruler”; a ruling planet whose traits and attributes influence the subject. see: Astro.com’s differing systems on assigning decan rulers. Exploring your decan adds a new layer to interpretation.

3. Mind the Cusp.

The House cusp is the degree separating any two House’s. A Sign cusp is a 6-day window when one Sign changes into the next. see: Astrology.com’s Cusp Chart to see if your birthday falls on the cusp. People “born on the cusp” usually carry a bit of both signs in their nature.

4. Know your Sun sign’s Ruler.

Each of the zodiac’s 12 sun sign’s are assigned a ruling planet. That ruling planet’s observed influence over millennia has earned its place in the zodiac. If your sun sign = Cancer, your ruling planet = the Moon.

5. Know your Moon sign’s Ruler.

Each of the zodiac’s 12 moon sign’s are assigned a ruling planet.

6. Know your chart Ruler.

Just as each zodiac Sign has its own planetary ruler–a planet whose observed characteristics heavily impact, or “rule”, the Sign, every natal chart has a chart ruler. A chart ruler is the planet that rules your rising sign. Example:

This natal chart shows Gemini as the ascendant. Mars happens to be the ruling planet of Gemini. therefore Mars is this natal chart ruler.

7. Know your Rising sign.

The importance of the rising sign is often overlooked by general astrology enthusiasts. But it’s important because it greatly colors the personality. The above chart indicates a Taurus, with Moon in Gemini, and Gemini rising.

8. Venus and Mars. Love and War.

Study interpretations for Venus/Mars signs, houses, and aspects(and using Compatibility charts) to dig in deep to your love zone. Watch where these planets are transiting and the aspects they form. Venus transiting the 4th House? Love in the home, peace and good vibes are sure to be had..

9. Know your moon sign.

While the sun sign gives a general description of the outer, active personality, the moon sign reveals the inner personality. How you tend to react emotionally. Discover a multitude of interpersonal dynamics by comparing your moon sign compatibility with the sun and moon signs of others.

What’s your moon sign? What’s your moon sign’s element? (fire, earth, air, or water) Once you know what sign the moon was in when you were born, you’ll have a broader understanding of your compatibility, or lack of, with the people in your life. So…

Get to know your moon sign. It’s just as telling as your sun sign.

10. Moon Transit’s: what Sun Sign the moon passing through..

What sign is the moon currently in?
Just as your natal moon sign shows your emotional tendencies, so does the transited sign of the moon indicate universal tendencies of human behavior. And this is where it gets interesting. Keep in mind that these universal cosmic influences are broad in nature and serve as a backdrop to the canvas of daily life. Never the less, here’s how it works:


Over millennia, astrologers have observed and assigned specific influence, effect, duty, and function to all 8 planets, 12 signs and 12 houses of our solar system. This includes the moon. When the moon transits a new zodiac sign, roughly every 2 1/2 days, it’s influence on human behavior changes according to the sign of the zodiac it is passing through.

Example: If the moon is transiting the constellation of Cancer then overall, in a very broad sense, the general public will be considerably more inclined to subconsciously take on the keywords observed and associated with the sign of Cancer ie; intuitiveness, emotional sensitivity, stubbornness, nurturing, etc. But if the moon is transiting the sign of Scorpio, keywords like secretive, jealous, passionate, resourceful, etc. would be apt to apply.

Understanding moon transits can help explain why people on a Saturday afternoon tend to stay at home cooking (is the moon transiting cancer, the nurturing crab?) or decide to go out for a night on the town (is the moon transiting leo, the festive lion?).

Stay in tune by harmonizing your actions with moon transits. Moon transits are great indicators for choosing general activities and tuning in to the universal vibe.

11. Know when the Moon is Void Of Course.

The moon generally takes about 2 1/2 days to transit each sign. It is considered “void of course” starting from the time it forms it’s last possible 30°, 45°, 60°, or 90° aspect to any other planet to the time when it enters the 1st degree of the next sign. A lunar void of course period can last anywhere from moments to many hours and sometimes even days.


What happens during a void of course moon? Typically, things don’t go much as planned. Historically, the void of course moon period is defined as a time to rest, to ponder, and if to act, react or possibly redo, rebuild or repair. This is not the optimum time to formally launch new ideas or to build new bridges as
the void of course moon will be at odds and most likely hinder, halt or even unhinge your good intention to the point of causing you to start all over again.


The moon void of course period is that fuzzy time when charging full steam ahead will only waste your time and steam. Better to lay things down for a while and see what a breather can do for all involved.

**Bear in mind that all planets go through Void of Course periods. Some for months. Same rules apply.

Knowing when the moon is void of course will allow you to follow the natural flow of energy around you and be rejuvenated so as to take full advantage of the coming energies and element of the next sign transited.

12. Know when of Lunar and Solar Eclipses.

To know precisely when annual lunar and solar eclipses will occur is to know when pivotal moments of the year will occur. Both Lunar and Solar eclipses are celestial events that coincide with important events and usually denote endings or cyclic changes that relate specifically to the nature or characteristics of the zodiac house where the eclipse occurs.

While lunar eclipses effect the inner circle of all matters of the family, home and emotional front, Solar eclipses effect your outer circle of matters and circumstances related to work and society.


In general, new moons are usually associated with beginnings while full moons are times marked by endings or seen as times that clearly mark the beginning of an end of some sort.

Bookmark this year’s Solar and Lunar eclipse dates.

13. Know what Phase the Moon is in.

All manner of human activity is influenced by the phases of the Moon.

Is the moon full, new, waxing, or waning? Know what phase the moon is in to better understand and working with universal energies. Just as the ocean tides endlessly ebb and flow from low to high so does the force of the moon as it moves through it’s 8 phases.

lunar phase

There are 8 phases of the moon:

see also: 18+ Moon Facts, Lore – Moon Mythology – Lunar Deities – Moon Phases + 5 Famous Moon Poems & Quotes

• New Moon – Also called the “Dark Moon” because during this period the moon reflects no light.
• Crescent Moon – depending on what hemisphere you live on, this period reflects just a sliver of light from the Sun on one side of it’s surface.
• First Quarter – As the Sun and Moon form a 90-degree angle, about a half of the moon becomes visible. The term “First Quarter” refers to the first quarter of the 8-phase cycle of the moon.
• Waxing Gibbous – During this period the moon reflects more light but is not quite yet full.
• Full Moon – As the term implies, the full surface of the moon becomes illuminated by the Sun.
• Waning Gibbous – More than half full but on the wane.
• Last Quarter – About half of the moon’s surface is reflecting sunlight on it’s opposite side as compared to the First Quarter.
• Crescent – Just about a sliver of the moon’s surface is reflecting sunlight on it’s opposite side as compared to the First Crescent Moon.

Do not swear by the moon, for she changes constantly, then your love would also change. 

— William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

New Moons

New Moon phases are a great time to plant seeds, start new relationships, and begin business endeavors or projects. Meeting someone new on a new moon day can be the mark of a lasting friendship or love relationship. And, just as the moon’s void-of-course denotes and calls for a time to rest and regroup, the New Moon calls our attention to be aware and open to all things new.

Embarking on a new project or physical journey, planting in the garden, starting a new job, and forming enduring relationships all stand to benefit from the solid thrust of positive energy that appears with each new moon.

New moons are not to be wasted! And, during this 2-week new moon phase, all activities, mental and physical, that were launched or set in motion on or close to the exact time of the new moon will be strengthened and moved forward by the waxing energy of the moon moving towards the climax, or fruition of the full moon.

Aligning and directing your energies to work with moon phases will create awareness, balance and acceptance.

Full Moons

It is usually during a full moon’s energy that we “find out” something about somebody.

Full Moon phases herald a proper time for endings and closure. Full moon’s also signal an appropriate time to shine a light on or display works and deeds that were previously veiled during the new moon phase.

As the bright and vibrant reflection of the Sun’s solar energy upon the Moon bounces cosmic energy upon the Earth, things become intensified, matters come to a head, and awareness is heightened bringing clarity of vision during the full moon. For some, however, this period of time may bring delusion and confusion rather than “reality” and clarification as our perceptions seems to change briefly during a full moon. Usually, this mini-phase of mayhem, or bliss, can be felt roughly 3 days before and after the exact time of the full moon.

In A Nutshell

The key to understanding the new and full moon phases is a two-fold process. One, to know the basic keywords assigned to each zodiac sign and to understand the potential of new and full moons. Two, to know what zodiac House of your natal chart all of this action is taking place in during either the new or full moon.

The zodiac house transited during a new or full moon reveals what area of life, and activity, will be effected by events occurring during the new or full moon.

14. Know your Power Days.

Leaving briefly the cosmic arena of astrology we now look to the power of Numerology to help you locate your personal “power days”. Power Days are days when cosmic energy comes together for you. As you are always in alignment to the date or vibration of your birth you are also in alignment with the recognized and agreed upon date or vibration of the world’s vibrational energy.
The ancients studied numbers meticulously and over time recognized that all numbers are equal to measurements of vibration. They developed an accurate system whereby letters are assigned numbers.
In the case of our current western alphabet of 26 letters, each letter is assigned a vibration or number 1 thru 9 such as:

A=1, B=2, C=3, D=4, E=5, F=6, G=7, H=8, I=9
J=1, K=2, L=3, M=4, N=5, O=6, P=7, Q=8, R=9
S=1, T=2, U=3, V=4, W=5, X=6, Y=7, Z=8
Example: Whitedog=5+8+9+2+5+4+6+7=46=1 vibration

*The system of Numerology includes definition and interpretation for the birth date but also for the combined numbers of birth day, month and year. All words, numbers and names also contain numerical vibrations that can be easily broken down into a 1-9 vibration number. There is much information that explores the complete system in great depth. For the sake of this article we are only focusing on the birth day in order to discern your power days.
To know your Power Days for any month: simply use “occult addition” by adding the digits of your birth day.
Example: if your birthday is the 18th you will add 1+8 which equals 9. Your power days will be the 9th, 18th and 27th of every month, year in and year out.
Example: if your birthday is the 10th you will add 1+0 which equals 1. Your power days will be the 1st, 10th and 28th of every month, year in and year out.
Your power days are days to recognize as your optimum times for being “in-tune” with the outside as well as the inside forces of the universe.
These are days to let your guard down and move forward without interference or friction that can normally be felt on your non-power days. By simply becoming aware of your power days you will notice that on these days, more than on any other days of the month, you will feel a strong sense of harmony and ease with people and your place in the world.
Learn to recognize and celebrate others’ Power Days by simply knowing their date of birth. Are they an 8 or a 9? Why not plan your next meeting on their power day?

15. Know your Personal Year.

Michael McClain’s excellent numerology article here explains in easy to understand language that each of us travels through 9 year cycles based upon our date of birth. As each new year carry’s it’s own set of trials, gifts and glories, all based upon it’s corresponding numerological vibration, ie; a One year denotes a year of beginnings, an Eight year will bring success, etc., it shouldn’t be too hard to get a handle on what you can expect from the universe for the coming year ahead by studying the keywords and hallmarks connected with each of the nine years in the cycle.
To calculate your Personal Year:
Add the numbers of your birth day and month:
Example July 18th=7+1+8=16 or 7. (16=1+6=7)
Now add that number to the year:
Example: 2025=2+0+2+5=9
7+9=16 which equals 1+6 which = 7 in Numerology.

Michael McClain’s article has useful interpretations for each of the nine years that lays out in descriptive terms what one can expect and plan ahead for in the coming years by using Numerology and learning about the Personal Year.

16. Know your Animal Year.

Chinese lore tells of Lord Buddha, who asked all of the animals to see him off just before he left this world. When only twelve of the animals showed up, he decided to reward each animal with their “own year”.
The Chinese believe that one is born with “the animal that hides in your heart” and that animal has a strong influence on ones life.

By knowing what “year of the animal” you were born under you can identify and associate similarities between yourself and your animal. For instance, if you were born in the year of the Tiger you may tend to be relatively agile on your feet while having the benefit of quick reflexes. If born in the year of the Dog, the keyword, loyalty, would apply.

Find your Chinese Zodiac Animal Year here

17. Know your Saturn Transit.

Dramatic life-testing events often occur within the entry and exit dates of Saturn transiting the Signs.

Saturn is historically known as the Planet of Challenge or the Great Taskmaster and takes a whopping 2 1/2 years to transit signs. It is imperative to understand that it’s purpose is to bring forward challenges in your life that will make you stronger.

Like all planets, Saturn is always transiting both a Sign and a House of the zodiac. But which ones? Use this link to read general interpretations for what you can expect from Saturn as it transits the Houses of the zodiac.

Preparing before each transit to work with Saturn’s influence will help you unlock and better understand the unwavering strength and mighty mission of Saturn: To Teach.

18. Know when Mercury is Retrograde.

Fate leads him who follows it, and drags him who resist.

–Plutarch, Greek historian, biographer, and essayist (45 CE – 120 CE)

Mercury Retrograde periods occur three times a year for a period of three weeks each and have clearly shown to influence events related to all things Mercury–specifically, Communication. Agreed upon meeting times and important dates seem to mischievously get delayed or go awry while all manner of communications are subject to upset. Think of it as a very long void of course period where it’s best to lay low and chill out. If you can’t, just roll with the redo’s and revision’s–you’ll get through it in a few weeks.

Forewarned is forearmed.

The term “Mercury Retrograde” is still relatively unknown by the public at large yet it is quite easy to understand.

Mercury is the smallest and innermost planet to the Sun. It takes about 88 days to orbit the sun. Known to ancient Greeks as Hermes and to the ancient Romans as Mercury, the “winged messenger” was the messenger of the gods. Modern astronomy shows that Mercury appears from Earth to be moving backwards during 3 week periods called retrogrades. This visual illusion happens 3 times a year.

Storm and Shadow Periods

The main 3-week retrograde period is called the Storm period. There are also specific dates before and after the Storm period which are called Mercury’s Shadow. These Shadow days are less intense in terms of typical mercury retrograde activity in most people’s lives but should be noted and watched none-the-less. The Shadow period dates usually last about 2 weeks each and begin as Mercury travels through the first degree that it later will reverse to revisit in space. The last Shadow period dates end when Mercury finally travels forward and past the furthest degree that it had previously turned around on.

Be Prepared for Mercury Retrograde

Be prepared for glitches regarding:

• communication
• transportation
• mechanically related

This includes possible glitches, delays, and meltdowns via:

• phones
• computers
• technical electrical systems
• travel schedules: trains planes, etc.
• appliances
• and general misunderstanding resulting from all manner of personal or other forms of communication.

Be advised that big purchases and the signing of documents may require a revisit, a rework, a refinement and/or a complete redo. Phone calls and texts disappearing or getting glitched or garbled is all par for the course when merc goes retro. It is essential to be aware of when these pesky windows of time may effect you.

Revisit, Revise, React, and Repair

Whereas a Lunar void of course period is a good time to rest and reflect a Mercury Retrograde period is a good time to revisit, revise, react and repair.

This could equate to meditating and revisiting, reflecting and revising, or repairing something with a revised approach. With forethought, meditation, and reflection, your chances of reacting positively to any trials a Mercury Retrograde brings will be high.

how a Mercury Retrograde period will effect you:

If your Sun sign is transited by Mercury during a retrograde period you can expect a flurry of hijinx that will expose you to the brunt of delays and confusion much more so than other sun signs.

Take note that many people will not even seem aware of any outstanding cosmic sparks while those born under sun signs that are being traversed by Mercury’s mayhem usually come under fire and welcome the end of this often trying, exasperating cycle. 

Don’t these annoyances occur throughout the entire calendar year?

Yes, of course, but in glaring magnification during retrograde periods. The old adage “Forewarned Is Forearmed” applies to mercury retrograde and is a celestial certainty that effects us all. Never fear tho, as with a little calendar clarity and a grain of salt, these pockets of time can be used to remedy troubling issues and avoid certain events.

Bookmark Your Mercury Retrograde Dates