The Astrological Family System
Astrology is a wonderful tool for better understanding family dynamics. The planets and houses paint a vivid picture of the personality traits, characteristics, and mannerisms of the lovely (or not so lovely) people we call family! Through our natal chart, we can also see our relationship with family by closely studying how each planet interacts with one another as well as with each house. Our connection with our children (future children) can also be seen through the likes of our natal charts, leaving us with even more opportunity to become our best selves possible.
Dysfunctional families are one of my favorite topics of study. Often times, those born into such families feel hopeless, desperate for answers, and future-less, altogether. What better than astrology to provide such people with purpose, confidence, and faith in their limitless potential.
Harmonious families, which do happen to exist, can also be seen. I find those with strong moon/4th house signatures often find pleasure in tracing their family history back to the furthest root possible. Understanding the dynamics which occurred before us can further ignite our sens of purpose while filling us with a dignified pride and willingness to carry on our family's legacy.
The nuclear family can be identified through the sign, house, and aspects of the sun, the moon, mercury, and saturn (the traditional symbol of the father figure). The ascendant, third house, IC, 4th house, and 10th house can give us insight on the nature of our biological families. Though not much research has been done on those who have been adopted, it is believed that foster parents as well as grandparents can be identified through the 11th house.
Take, for example, Beyonce. Her mercury (the planet ruling siblings) and her saturn (traditional ruler representing the father figure) are in Libra in the 12th house. This is ironic being that libra is ruled by venus (art) and both Solange and Mathew have been highly involved in Beyonce's music career. We can't forget about the 12th houses tendency to reveal to us hidden enemies. With Saturn in the 12th house, we see a father who may be self-serving. This was evident being that Beyonce admitted to having her career controlled by her father and struggling to create an identity separate from him and his ideals. Beyonce even went as far as separating from his management and going solo in attempt to find true artistic freedom (Libra in 12th). Luckily enough, Beyonce also has her Jupiter in 12th, making for a smooth transition. Having access to interviews, public statements, and a few instances of family drama make it easier to verify the message the natal chart reveals about her family dynamics. This goes to show that background information can help us to fully understand the full story rather than trying to put together a sum of parts.
Another similar example would be Marilyn Monroe. Though Marilyn is well known for her sex appeal and artistic capabilities, her traumatic family history is less known to the public. Marilyn's saturn (also signifying hardship and restriction) is in her 4th house of family. This is significant being that Marilyn was abandoned by her mother at a young age and put into a children's group home. Marilyn's mother was known to struggle with her mental health and would often have various and intense psychotic breaks. Marilyn's moon is in Aquarius (coldness from the mother) and in an opposition with Neptune (mental illness). Again, without background information, it would be difficult to put the pieces together. But as astrologers, it is not our duty to play psychic. We must use the information readily available to us to instill hope, confidence, and purpose within our clients, helping to bring them closer to their destiny (North Node).
Understanding the role our family has played in our destiny can help us to forgive faulty actions, heal from childhood wounds, and walk with confidence towards creating our own families. Never under estimate the power of digging deep into you roots.
