Astrology Symbols Library
The Visual Language of the Stars
Astrological charts use a symbolic shorthand developed over centuries. Learning these glyphs—for planets, signs, aspects, and chart points—is essential for reading any birth chart. Each symbol encapsulates deep meaning in a simple form.
Overview
Astrological symbols are more than abbreviations—they're pictographic representations of cosmic principles. Planet glyphs often combine circle (spirit), crescent (soul), and cross (matter). Understanding symbol origins deepens your grasp of astrological concepts.
8 Astrology Symbols
Planet Symbols
Glyphs for the 10 major planets used in Western astrology.
☉ Sun, ☽ Moon, ☿ Mercury, ♀ Venus, ♂ Mars, ♃ Jupiter, ♄ Saturn, ♅ Uranus, ♆ Neptune, ♇ Pluto. These glyphs appear in every birth chart. Notice how many combine circle (wholeness/spirit), crescent (receptivity/soul), and cross (materiality/matter).
Zodiac Symbols
Glyphs for all 12 zodiac signs from Aries to Pisces.
♈ Aries, ♉ Taurus, ♊ Gemini, ♋ Cancer, ♌ Leo, ♍ Virgo, ♎ Libra, ♏ Scorpio, ♐ Sagittarius, ♑ Capricorn, ♒ Aquarius, ♓ Pisces. Each glyph stylizes the sign's symbol or mythology—Ram's horns for Aries, Bull for Taurus, Twins for Gemini, etc.
Aspect Symbols
Glyphs representing the angles between planets.
☌ Conjunction (0°), ☍ Opposition (180°), △ Trine (120°), □ Square (90°), ⚹ Sextile (60°), ⚻ Quincunx (150°). Aspect lines on charts connect planets at these angles. Hard aspects (square, opposition) are typically red; soft aspects (trine, sextile) are blue or green.
Chart Angles
The four angles marking key chart points.
ASC (Ascendant/Rising), DSC (Descendant), MC (Medium Coeli/Midheaven), IC (Imum Coeli). These are the cusps of the 1st, 7th, 10th, and 4th houses respectively. They mark the chart's cardinal points and are highly sensitive personal points.
Lunar Nodes
Symbols for the Moon's North and South Nodes.
☊ North Node (Dragon's Head), ☋ South Node (Dragon's Tail). The nodes mark where the Moon's orbit crosses the ecliptic. The North Node indicates life direction and growth areas; the South Node shows past-life talents and comfort zones.
Asteroid Symbols
Glyphs for commonly used asteroids.
⚷ Chiron (wounded healer), ⚳ Ceres (nurturing), ⚴ Pallas (wisdom), ⚵ Juno (commitment), ⚶ Vesta (devotion). Modern astrology increasingly uses asteroids for nuanced interpretation. Chiron is especially popular in contemporary practice.
Retrograde Symbol
The symbol indicating a planet is retrograde.
℞ or Rx marks retrograde planets in charts. Retrograde means the planet appears to move backward from Earth's perspective. Mercury retrograde is most famous, but all planets except Sun and Moon go retrograde. Retrograde planets internalize their energy.
Arabic Parts
Symbols for calculated chart points.
⊗ or ⊕ often marks the Part of Fortune, the most common Arabic Part. Arabic Parts are calculated points combining Ascendant, Sun, Moon, and other planets. The Part of Fortune shows where success and well-being flow naturally.
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