The Journal
Astrology, Explained
Plain-language guides to planets, houses, aspects, and everything else that shows up in a birth chart.
August 20, 2026
The 2nd House in Astrology: Meaning, Money, and Self-Worth
What the 2nd house really rules, why it's about more than money, and what it means when your planets fall there.
August 19, 2026
What Is a Stellium in Astrology and What Does It Mean for You?
Three or more planets in one sign or house is called a stellium. Here's what it means and how to check your own chart for one.
August 18, 2026
The Most Difficult Placements in Astrology (and Why They're Not a Life Sentence)
A guide to the most challenging natal chart placements, from Saturn conjunct the Sun to a 12th house stellium, and what they actually mean for the people who have them.
August 17, 2026
The 1st House in Astrology: Meaning, Identity, and First Impressions
What the 1st house really rules, how it relates to your rising sign, and what it means when your planets fall there.
August 15, 2026
The 10 Planets in Astrology and What Each One Rules
A plain-language guide to all 10 planets in astrology, from fast-moving Mercury to generational Pluto, and what each one governs.
August 13, 2026
Sun, Moon, and Rising: What Your Big Three Actually Mean
Your sun sign isn't the whole story. Here's what the Big Three actually describe, and why they don't always agree.
August 11, 2026
The 12th House in Astrology: Meaning, Secrets, and Self-Undoing
What the 12th house really rules, why it's called the house of secrets, and what it means when your planets fall there.
August 10, 2026
Retrograde Planets: What They Actually Mean
Mercury retrograde gets all the attention, but every planet does it. Here's what a retrograde actually is, and what it means for each planet when one shows up in your own birth chart.
August 10, 2026
What Is Your Rising Sign and Why It Matters More Than You Think
Your sun sign is only one piece of the puzzle. Here's what your rising sign actually is, how it differs from your sun and moon, and what each of the 12 signs looks like as an ascendant.
August 5, 2026
Understanding the Twelve Houses
Planets describe what's happening in your chart — houses describe where. Here's a plain-language tour of all twelve, and why they matter as much as your signs do.