What are Degrees in Astrology?
Astrology, often seen as the language of the stars, uses many components to build a detailed profile of a person's character and destiny. One of these components is the degree of a planet or point in a natal chart. But what exactly are degrees in astrology?
Degrees are a way of dividing each of the 12 zodiac signs into 30 segments. Since a circle has 360 degrees, each zodiac sign comprises 30 degrees (12 signs x 30 degrees = 360 degrees). Each degree offers a unique flavor or nuance to the planet or house it aligns with.
The Role of Degrees in the Natal Chart
In a natal chart, every planet is located in a specific sign and at a specific degree within that sign. For example, if you're told that your Sun is in Aries at 15 degrees, this means that at the time of your birth, the Sun had moved 15 degrees into the sign of Aries. This position is significant because the degree can influence how the qualities of Aries are expressed in your personality and life.
The degree of a planet adds depth to its meaning in your chart. Astrologers often look at the exact degree to determine how early or late in a sign the planet is, which can affect how strong or mature the planetary energy is. For instance, a planet at 0 degrees of any sign is considered raw and potent, embodying the purest form of that sign's energy. In contrast, a planet at 29 degrees, often called the "anaretic degree," might indicate that themes related to that planet's energy are coming to completion or need urgent attention.
Degrees and Aspects
Degrees also play a crucial role in aspects, which are specific angles planets make with each other in the natal chart. These aspects, such as squares (90 degrees), trines (120 degrees), or oppositions (180 degrees), determine how the energies of the different planets interplay and influence an individual's life.
Practical Insight: Finding Your Sun's Degree
Curious about your own chart? Here's a simple way to start exploring:
- Get your natal chart: You can find your natal chart for free on many astrology websites by entering your birth details.
- Identify the Sun's position: Look for the symbol of the Sun (a circle with a dot in the center) and note the sign and degree next to it.
- Reflect on the significance: Research the traits of the sign at that degree. Consider how this degree's flavor might be influencing your life and personality.
Understanding the degree of your Sun can provide insightful reflections on your identity and how you express your will and ego. It's a great starting point for anyone new to astrology or looking to deepen their understanding of their astrological profile.
Stay tuned for the next entry in this series, where we'll delve into critical degrees and anaretic points, uncovering their profound impact in astrology.
Frequently Asked Questions About Astrology
What are degrees in astrology?
Degrees in astrology refer to the division of each of the 12 zodiac signs into 30 segments within a 360-degree circle. Each degree within a zodiac sign brings a unique flavor or influence to the planet or house it aligns with in a natal chart.
How do degrees influence the expression of planets in a natal chart?
The specific degree of a planet in a zodiac sign can significantly influence how the traits of that sign are manifested. For example, a planet at 0 degrees of any sign shows a raw and potent expression of that sign's characteristics, while a planet at 29 degrees, known as the "anaretic degree," may indicate that the themes related to that planet are completing or need urgent attention.
What is the significance of the degree of the Sun in my natal chart?
The degree of the Sun in your natal chart can shed light on how you express your identity, will, and ego. It adds depth to your Sun sign, showing how the qualities of that sign are expressed uniquely through you, influenced by how early or late the Sun is in that particular sign.
How do degrees affect the aspects between planets?
Degrees are crucial for calculating aspects, which are specific angles that planets form with each other, such as squares (90 degrees), trines (120 degrees), and oppositions (180 degrees). These aspects help determine how the energies of the planets interact and influence an individual's life.
How can I find out the degree of my Sun and its impact on my life?
To find the degree of your Sun, you can generate your natal chart on an astrology website using your birth details. Look for the Sun symbol in your chart and note the sign and degree listed. Researching the traits of that sign at your specific degree can provide insights into how it influences your personality and life experiences.
