a crash course in interpreting your chart

Or introduction to The Astrological Stage

Have you ever thought to yourself: Damn I really wish that someone would make aa crash course on astrology but for burnt out theatre kids? No? Too bad, cause here it is. Honestly, this came to me while I was working on my Introduction to Astrology Course, and after I saw it there was no going back.

Before we get into the specifics here, you need to get in the right mindset.

Your astrological chart is a snapshot of the sky when you were born. It shows you all of the energy and effort that the Universe put into you. This chart is also the production notes of the play that is your life. In a stage play there are many moving parts that all work together to make the show a success. The following are just a few of them:

House → Scene

Think of the house as the backdrop or stage setting. It’s the environment where the actor performs—the context that shapes every action. A 7th House scene? Partnerships and duets. A 10th House scene? Career spotlight, public stage, and reputation.

Ex: A scene that takes place in the 4th house is a scene that takes place in the safety of someone’s living room, or kitchen. A place that is ruled by emotions (cancer) and the satiation of those feelings.

Planet → Actor

Each planet is a character with its own personality, strengths, and flaws. Venus is the charming lover, Mars the bold warrior, Saturn the disciplined mentor. They bring the story to life.

Ex: In the scene that takes place in the living room, Mercury makes its home. Mercury is an actor that always memorizes his lines, and enunciates every word.

Sign → Costume

The sign is the wardrobe—the role the actor plays. Scorpio’s velvet and shadows, Leo’s glittering regalia, Libra’s balanced elegance. It colors their presence and how the audience perceives them.

Ex: In the scene in the living room, Mercury is dressed the modest, yet immaculate Virgo. Mercury loves playing the role of Virgo because Virgo is a character who is organized. They are neat and tidy in their outfits, and everything is always in its place. Mercury in Virgo likes to rearrange the living room as they talk.

Degree → Line

Each degree is a line of dialogue: precise, unique, and full of meaning. It’s what the actor actually says on stage, revealing the themes and tone of their role.

Ex: In the scene in the living room, Mercury dressed as the modest, yet immaculate Virgo is meticulously rearranging the room. They are on the 17th degree, where they are talking about their emotional depth and how well liked they are for it.

Degree Theory → Delivery

How is the line spoken? Degree theory gives the actor their cadence, rhythm, and nuance. Fiery? Playful? Wistful? The delivery shapes the impact.

Ex: In the scene in the living room, Mercury dressed as the modest, yet immaculate Virgo is meticulously rearranging the room. They are monologuing ( like a Leo—the ruler of the 17th degree) over their emotional depth, and how well liked they are. They are not surprised that this draws a lot of attention towards them, that is what they want.

Decan → Perspective

The decan is the lens through which the actor sees the scene. Are they viewing the world with Piscean empathy, Aries boldness, or Capricorn pragmatism? Perspective colors every choice.

Ex: In the scene in the living room, Mercury dressed as the modest, yet immaculate Virgo is meticulously rearranging the room. They are monologuing over their emotional depth, and how well liked they are. They are not surprised this draws a lot of attention towards them, that it’s what they want. Their perspective (Capricorn is the Decan of Virgo in the 17th degree) is that it only makes sense that they are well known. Their reputation precedes them: of course, everyone knows them. After all, they are a tireless worker, admired for their discipline and precision.Their legacy is expected because they put in the work.

Chaldean Ruler → Stage Directions

The Chaldean ruler is the director behind the scenes, telling the actor how to move, pause, or emphasize. It’s the unseen hand guiding the performance.

Ex: The Chaldean Ruler of Virgo at the 17th degree is Saturn. Under Saturn’s direction Mercury becomes specific and rigid. So, In the scene in the living room, where Mercury dressed as the modest, yet immaculate Virgo is meticulously rearranging the room, every object’s place is labeled. Mercury is monologuing over their emotional depth—which they struggle to express with grace—and how well liked they are. Their reputation precedes them: of course, everyone knows them. After all, they are a tireless worker, admired for their discipline and precision.. Often taking on more that they can handle, it is their responsibility after all. They enjoy their schedule, and are a highly skilled communicator. They know they will leave behind a firm legacy under Saturn’s direction.

Sabian Symbol → Subtext / Why

Every actor has a motive, and the Sabian symbol reveals the hidden “why.” Why does the actor deliver the line this way? Why are they in this scene? This is the emotional or symbolic undercurrent.

Ex: The Sabian Symbol of Virgo at 17 degrees is a volcano in eruption. In the scene in the living room, Mercury is dressed as the modest, yet immaculate Virgo. They are meticulously rearranging the room, placing everything exactly where it belongs. They are clinical and logical in their approach, as they monologue about their emotional depth— which they struggle to express with grace— and how well liked they are because of it. Their reputation precedes them: of course, everyone knows them. After all, they are a tireless worker, admired for their discipline and precision.Yet beneath this order lies a fault line, a restless pressure threatening eruption. Mercury has a talent for taking on more than they can bear, leaving them teetering at the edge of emotional or societal explosion. They constantly feel on the precipice of a break through, They will either leave behind a worthwhile legacy, or die trying.

Aspects / Shapes → Supporting Cast

Finally, no performance exists in isolation. The aspects between planets form the ensemble—the supporting cast. Together, they create tension, harmony, and choreography on the cosmic stage.

Ex: 4th house Mercury in Virgo Squaring Mars in Saggittarius in the 7th house. In the scene in the living room, Mercury is dressed as the modest, yet immaculate Virgo. They are meticulously rearranging the room, placing everything exactly where it belongs. They are clinical and logical in their approach, as they monologue about their emotional depth— which they struggle to express with grace— and how well liked they are because of it. Their reputation precedes them: of course, everyone knows them. After all, they are a tireless worker, admired for their discipline and precision.Yet beneath this order lies a fault line, a restless pressure threatening eruption. Mercury has a talent for taking on more than they can bear, leaving them teetering at the edge of emotional or societal explosion. They constantly feel on the precipice of a break through, They will either leave behind a worthwhile legacy, or die trying, Mars dressed as a Sagittarius challenges Mercury, guaranteeing that their determination and eruption finds conflict with others, particularly those they feel safe with. This scene becomes a cocky duel: Mercury’s sharp critiques and logical rearrangements versus Mars’ blunt, savage honesty. Each line is delivered like a read, a cutting assertion of superiority. What results is a volatile, brilliant performance—part perfectionism, part eruption, part duel of wits and wills.

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There are many ways to apply this practice, above is just an example of a one. Slowly, as you script of the scenes you will see the whole play of you unfold.

Hopefully you found this helpful.

With Love

hues

The Neighborhood Fortuneteller