Whole sign houses. This is the oldest form of house division and the system that is used in traditional astrology and Jyotish.

This system of house division designates your rising sign, or ascendant, as your first house, the next sign in the zodiac is your second house, and so on. All houses are entire zodiac signs, occupying 30 degree segments of the chart.

I use the Tropical zodiac, but I do use some Jyotish (Vedic) techniques, and nakshatras which are the twenty seven constellations around the ecliptic. 

There are two main zodiacs that are used in astrology – the Tropical and the Sidereal. Both of these consist of twelve 30 degree signs, the difference lies in the signs’ relationship to solar movement and seasons. 

The Tropical zodiac defines the bounds of the zodiac by the solstices and equinoxes, therefore the seasons always start with the cardinal signs of the zodiac. The northward equinox, which occurs in March, defines the start of the zodiac – the beginning of the sign Aries. 

Cardinal means ‘pivotal’, these are the points where the sun changes direction, and appears to move fastest. This is consistent with the signification of the four cardinal signs as initiators. 

The Sidereal zodiac, used primarily in India, uses the constellations and fixed stars to anchor the signs in space. The signs are therefore no longer relative to solar movement due to the phenomenon known as precession of the equinoxes. 

The northward equinox moves very slightly year by year due to variabilities in the Earth’s rotation. The tilt of Earth’s axis means that the poles of the Earth rotate as time passes, meaning that our equinoxes and solstices  shift relative to the ecliptic also. Currently the northward equinox takes place in the constellation of Pisces, and the Sidereal zodiac is 24 degrees behind the Tropical. This is where the concept of astrological ages comes from – we are currently in the age of Pisces. 

There is evidence that ancient astrologers were aware of precession, and vedic texts from prior to the 5th century BCE, such as Śrīmad Bhāgavatam and Sūrya Siddhānta, define the zodiac as tropical: 

“Bhacakra-nābhau viṣuvad dvitiyam samasūtragam ayana dvitayan caiva catasraḥ prathitāstutāḥ”

“The two solstices and two equinoxes are the thread upon which the core of the zodiac exists.”

– Sūrya Siddhānta

I owe this detailed understanding of the anatomy of the zodiac to the astrologer Vic Di Cara.

My consultations are all conducted virtually. All sessions include a PDF copy of your natal chart, and timelines of any timing techniques included.

Astrology is not fortune telling. The most productive sessions happen when astrologer and client engage in a meaningful discussion about the archetypes and symbols expressed in the natal chart and how they have played out in the clients life to date. 

Come to a session with an open mind, any questions that you have about your chart, and any key dates that you wish to investigate.

Both of my parents practice astrology so I have understood the signs of the zodiac and the symbolism of the planets for as long as I can remember. When I was young they ran a biodynamic farm, and witnessing the power of planting to the lunar calendar was enough to develop a deep appreciation of the effects of planetary bodies on life on earth. 

As a teenager and young adult I broadened my understanding of astrology, studying Hellenistic astrology, ancient Indian astrology (including a brief dalliance with the Sidereal zodiac), as well as extensively investigating any and every timing technique I could find. 

Astrology is a vast and expansive discipline and one would be foolish to claim to know everything about it – I expect I will continue my learning until the day I die.

I want quality astrology to be accessible to everyone, for this reason I do offer sliding scale services for those in need. If you would like to explore this or exchange services, please get in touch via email 🙂