Signs and symbols
Astrology symbols are shorthand marks for signs, planets, chart points, and relationships inside a birth chart.
Quick answer
Astrology uses glyphs so a chart can show signs, planets, points, and relationships without writing every word out. Beginners do not need to memorize every mark at once. Start with zodiac signs and planets, then learn chart notes later.
Why beginners hear about them
A chart wheel can look confusing because it compresses a lot of vocabulary into symbols. Once the marks have names, the chart starts to look less like a puzzle and more like a reference map.
How they fit
A glyph may show a zodiac sign, a planet, the Ascendant, a retrograde mark, or an aspect. The symbol is the label, not the whole interpretation.
Zodiac glyphs
These are the marks most people see first in sign lists, birth charts, and astrology apps.
The Aries glyph is shorthand for the Aries sign.
Learn the sign meaning
The Taurus glyph is shorthand for the Taurus sign.
Learn the sign meaning
The Gemini glyph is shorthand for the Gemini sign.
Learn the sign meaning
The Cancer glyph is shorthand for the Cancer sign.
Learn the sign meaning
The Leo glyph is shorthand for the Leo sign.
Learn the sign meaning
The Virgo glyph is shorthand for the Virgo sign.
Learn the sign meaning
The Libra glyph is shorthand for the Libra sign.
Learn the sign meaning
The Scorpio glyph is shorthand for the Scorpio sign.
Learn the sign meaning
The Sagittarius glyph is shorthand for the Sagittarius sign.
Learn the sign meaning
The Capricorn glyph is shorthand for the Capricorn sign.
Learn the sign meaning
The Aquarius glyph is shorthand for the Aquarius sign.
Learn the sign meaning
The Pisces glyph is shorthand for the Pisces sign.
Learn the sign meaning
Planet symbols
Astrology includes the Sun and Moon in planet language even though astronomy classifies them differently.
This glyph marks Sun in astrology charts and symbol lists.
Learn Sun in astrology
This glyph marks Moon in astrology charts and symbol lists.
Learn Moon in astrology
This glyph marks Mercury in astrology charts and symbol lists.
Learn Mercury in astrology
This glyph marks Venus in astrology charts and symbol lists.
Learn Venus in astrology
This glyph marks Mars in astrology charts and symbol lists.
Learn Mars in astrology
This glyph marks Jupiter in astrology charts and symbol lists.
Learn Jupiter in astrology
This glyph marks Saturn in astrology charts and symbol lists.
Learn Saturn in astrology
This glyph marks Uranus in astrology charts and symbol lists.
Learn Uranus in astrology
This glyph marks Neptune in astrology charts and symbol lists.
Learn Neptune in astrology
This glyph marks Pluto in astrology charts and symbol lists.
Learn Pluto in astrology
Chart marks
These marks are easier after the basic signs and planets feel familiar.
A chart point connected to the Rising sign and house layout.
A later chart-reading label
A chart point many Western astrology references use for public direction and vocation topics.
A later chart-reading label
A visual line or angle relationship between chart pieces.
Learn this chart mark
A chart note for apparent backward motion from Earth's point of view.
Learn this chart mark
Common confusion
Seeing a glyph tells you what chart piece is present. The interpretation comes later, after you know the planet or point, sign, house, and context.
Learn next
Learn the meanings, then return to how the pieces fit together.
