Since my early 20s, I’ve been fascinated by the mystical and esoteric world. However, I put that interest aside to focus on my studies in Western psychology and social work. As I neared 40, after the end of my 13-year marriage, I felt the need to deeply reassess my life. That’s when I found myself naturally returning to psychological astrology and other mind-body-spirit practices. This felt like slipping into a well-worn jumper—comforting, familiar, and just what I needed to reconnect with myself.
What is Psychological Astrology?
Psychological astrology is not about horoscopes or predictions. Instead, it’s a tool for self-discovery that can improve your self-awareness. By looking at how planetary positions affect your emotions, relationships, and life challenges, you can better understand yourself. A natal chart, which shows the position of the planets at your birth, provides insights into how you manage your energy, the types of experiences you attract, and ways to grow.
Key Elements of a Natal Chart
Sun Sign: Your Core Identity
Your Sun sign represents who you are at your core. It reflects your identity, vitality, and how you express yourself. This sign shows how you face personal challenges and express authenticity in your life.
Moon Sign: Your Inner World
Your Moon sign represents your emotional world and instincts. It helps you understand your emotional needs, how you nurture yourself and others, and how you process past experiences. The Moon sign also reflects how you respond to your environment and inner feelings.
Ascendant (Rising Sign): Your Outer Self
The Ascendant, or Rising sign, reveals how you project yourself to the world and react instinctively. It influences your physical appearance and the energy you embody in everyday life. As you experience life, you become more aware of this energy and how to integrate it.
How I Use Psychological Astrology
For example, my Sun sign is in Capricorn, which represents hard work, ambition, and responsibility. My Moon sign is in Leo, linked to a strong desire for recognition and a sense of identity. Meanwhile, my Rising sign in Cancer speaks to sensitivity, intuition, and emotional adaptability.
Understanding these elements of a natal chart has been incredibly helpful in my work with parents. By analyzing their child’s chart, I can help parents recognize their child’s strengths and emotional needs. This insight allows us to develop strategies that are better suited to the child’s unique personality. Comparing the charts of both parent and child also sheds light on family dynamics, strengthening relationships.
A Tool for Parenting and Family Dynamics
Psychological astrology provides an incredible perspective for understanding family relationships. By exploring your child’s Moon sign, for example, you can better understand how they process emotions. This knowledge is valuable in supporting their emotional growth and creating a nurturing environment.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re curious to explore this further, we’re offering a FREE 2-hour webinar with psychological astrologist Martin Sarmiento. The webinar, “Understanding Your Natal Chart,” will help you understand the basics of your natal chart and how it influences your life. You can register here: https://thefamilysystemshub.com/event/understand-your-natal-chart/.
