Hummingbirds and Lavender

Holistic, Sustainable, Intentional

Astrology 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Your Birth Chart

Understanding the Sun, Moon, Rising Sign & the Cosmic Blueprint of You

Let’s be honest—astrology can feel like a whole other language. If you’ve ever looked at your birth chart and thought, What is this wheel of symbols and how does it explain my whole personality?—you’re not alone. But don’t worry. Astrology isn’t here to confuse you. It’s here to empower you.

At its heart, astrology is a tool for self-awareness. It helps you connect the dots between who you are, how you feel, and the cosmic energies that shaped you the moment you were born. In this beginner’s guide, we’re breaking it down—gently and simply—so you can start exploring your birth chart with curiosity and confidence.

✨ What Is a Birth Chart

Your birth chart (also known as a natal chart) is a snapshot of the sky the exact moment you were born. It’s like your personal celestial blueprint. It maps out where the planets were—what signs they were in, what houses they touched, and how they were interacting.

To cast your birth chart, you’ll need:

  • Your date of birth
  • Your exact time of birth (as close as possible!)
  • Your place of birth

This info helps determine your rising sign, the placement of your planets, and the houses they occupy. Think of it as the astrology equivalent of your energetic DNA.

☀️ Sun, 🌙 Moon, and ⬆️ Rising: The “Big Three”

Let’s start with the Big Three—these are the main personality points most people talk about when they say, “I’m a Virgo sun, Capricorn moon, and Leo rising.”

Sun Sign — Your Core Self

This is the zodiac sign the sun was in when you were born. It represents your essence, ego, and general personality. Your sun sign is the part of you that shines consistently—it’s your identity and life force.

Example: A Leo sun is bold, creative, and thrives when expressing themselves. A Pisces sun might be intuitive, dreamy, and sensitive.

Moon Sign — Your Inner World

The moon rules your emotions, instincts, and subconscious. It’s how you process feelings, your comfort zone, and your emotional needs—especially when no one’s watching.

Example: A Cancer moon may crave emotional safety and nurturing. An Aquarius moon might need intellectual space and freedom to feel secure.

Rising Sign (Ascendant) — How You Show Up in the World

Your rising sign is the zodiac sign that was rising on the eastern horizon when you were born. It’s your outward persona—how others perceive you and how you approach new experiences.

Example: A Virgo rising may come off organized, thoughtful, and precise. A Sagittarius rising might be adventurous and free-spirited.

Your Big Three work together to form the foundation of your personality, and understanding them can bring so much clarity about your emotional needs, social energy, and self-expression.

🪐 The Planets & What They Rule

Each planet in astrology rules over a different area of life. Where they are in your chart (by sign and house) reveals how you move through relationships, communication, ambition, and more.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Mercury – Communication, thinking, learning style
  • Venus – Love, beauty, money, values
  • Mars – Drive, action, desire, anger
  • Jupiter – Growth, abundance, luck, beliefs
  • Saturn – Structure, discipline, challenges, karma
  • Uranus – Innovation, rebellion, sudden change
  • Neptune – Dreams, illusions, spirituality, creativity
  • Pluto – Transformation, power, intensity, shadow work

Then we have the Sun and Moon, which also act like planets in astrology, ruling our identity and emotions, respectively.

Each of these planets sits in a sign and a house in your chart, giving them specific flavor and focus.

🌌 North Node & South Node: Your Soul’s Path

This is where astrology gets deeply spiritual—and so beautiful.

  • The North Node shows the direction your soul is meant to grow in this lifetime. It’s unfamiliar but powerful. It often feels like a stretch—but a necessary one.
  • The South Node represents your past life gifts, natural talents, and comfort zones. While these traits come easily to you, staying here too long can keep you stuck.

Example: If your South Node is in Capricorn and your North Node is in Cancer, your soul is learning to move from rigid structure and control (Capricorn) into emotional vulnerability and nurturing (Cancer).

The nodes don’t represent planets—they’re points along the moon’s orbit—but they hold deep karmic insight. They tell the story of your soul’s journey.

🏠 What Are the “Houses”?

Imagine your birth chart as a cosmic pie cut into 12 slices. These are the houses, and each one represents a different area of life:

  1. Self, body, identity
  2. Finances, values
  3. Communication, siblings
  4. Home, family, roots
  5. Creativity, romance, kids
  6. Health, work, daily habits
  7. Partnerships, relationships
  8. Transformation, sex, shared resources
  9. Beliefs, travel, higher learning
  10. Career, reputation
  11. Community, friendships
  12. Spirituality, subconscious, hidden self

Where a planet lands in your chart determines what part of your life it influences. For example, Mars in your 7th house? You may approach relationships with intensity, or attract passionate (maybe argumentative) partners.

✨ Final Thoughts: Astrology is a Map, Not a Rulebook

Astrology doesn’t define you—it reveals you. It’s not about fate or fixed traits, but about potential, awareness, and empowered choice.

Once you begin to understand your chart, you’ll start to see how everything is connected: your relationships, habits, dreams, and even your challenges. It’s like finding the user manual you never knew you had.

So go ahead—pull your chart (try astro.com or Co-Star), get curious about your Moon sign, peek at your North Node, and start seeing yourself through the lens of the stars.

Want more cosmic clarity?
Subscribe to the Hummingbirds & Lavender newsletter for monthly astrology musings, seasonal moon rituals, and beginner-friendly guidance to help you align with the rhythms of the universe. 🌙✨

Lunar Cycles and Gardening: Growing Herbs According to the Moon Phases

A gentle guide to planting by the phases of the moon

Before there were weather apps or farmer’s almanacs, people looked to the sky. For centuries, gardeners, farmers, and herbalists have followed the rhythms of the moon to guide planting, harvesting, and tending the land. It’s a practice rooted in observation, patience, and trust in nature’s timing—something many of us are craving more of in our fast-paced lives.

Today, we’re slowing down with the moon and exploring how to garden with its phases, blending ancient wisdom with modern practicality.

🌙 A Brief History of Lunar Living

Lunar gardening isn’t a new-age trend—it’s ancient. Civilizations like the Babylonians, Egyptians, and Indigenous cultures all lived in sync with the moon’s cycles. Farmers noticed that seeds germinated faster, harvests were more abundant, and plants were hardier when timed with certain phases of the moon.

Why? One theory is that just as the moon affects ocean tides, it also influences the moisture in our soil. During specific moon phases, sap flow and water movement in plants increase or decrease, making certain times better for planting, pruning, or harvesting.

In essence, the moon became the original gardening calendar.

🌕 The Four Lunar Phases & How They Affect Your Garden

To begin gardening with the moon, get familiar with its four main phases:

  1. New Moon (Dark Moon)
    A time of rest, intention, and renewal. Energy is lowest.
    🌱 Best for: Planning, composting, weeding, and setting intentions for your garden.
  2. Waxing Moon (New → Full)
    As the moon grows, so does energy. Sap rises, and moisture increases.
    🌿 Best for: Planting leafy crops (like lettuce, herbs, spinach), grafting, fertilizing.
  3. Full Moon
    Energy peaks here. Roots absorb nutrients deeply.
    🌾 Best for: Planting root crops (carrots, potatoes), watering deeply, harvesting.
  4. Waning Moon (Full → New)
    A time of releasing and turning inward—perfect for maintenance and pruning.
    ✂️ Best for: Trimming, cutting back, pest control, harvesting medicinal herbs.

🌱 Tips for Gardening with the Moon in a Modern Life

Even if you don’t have a full homestead or garden calendar on your wall, you can still incorporate lunar gardening into your lifestyle in small, meaningful ways:

1. Start with awareness.
Begin by observing the moon. You don’t need to change everything at once—just notice what phase it’s in when you garden and how your plants respond.

2. Use a moon phase app or calendar.
There are many simple tools to help you track the moon’s cycle. Sync your gardening days to it when possible, even if it’s just for planting or harvesting.

3. Make it a ritual.
Turn gardening into a moon ritual. Plant seeds during the waxing moon while speaking intentions. Harvest herbs under a full moon for potent energy. Journal or reflect under moonlight in your garden.

4. Work with what you have.
Even if you’re growing in containers or tending a windowsill herb garden, lunar timing can still enhance your connection and results.

5. Pair with moon signs (optional but powerful).
For a deeper dive, consider the moon’s astrological sign—earth and water signs are ideal for planting; fire and air signs for pruning or harvesting.

🌼 Gardening as a Lunar Love Letter

The moon teaches us to slow down and work in harmony, not haste. Gardening by her glow isn’t just about bigger tomatoes or better blooms—it’s about rooting deeper into the natural world, listening, and trusting the process.

When you align with the lunar cycle, you’re not just tending plants. You’re tending yourself—your rhythms, your rituals, your sacred connection to the earth and sky.

So next time you put your hands in the soil, glance up. Let the moon be your quiet gardening companion. She’s been guiding growers like you for generations.

Welcoming the New Moon: 4 Rituals for Fresh Starts & Manifestations

Embracing New Beginnings

There’s something deeply magical about the night of a New Moon. The sky, dark and quiet, offers a sense of stillness—a cosmic pause, a moment to reset. In astrology, the New Moon represents beginnings, fresh starts, and the subtle, unseen energy of potential. It’s a time to plant seeds, set intentions, and align yourself with the natural rhythm of growth and renewal.

For those of us embracing a slower, more intentional way of living, the lunar cycle can be a gentle guide—helping us move in harmony with the universe rather than rushing against it. By tuning into the New Moon’s energy, we allow ourselves space to reflect, dream, and create a life that feels aligned and meaningful.

The Astrology of the New Moon

Each month, the New Moon occurs in a different zodiac sign, setting the energetic tone for the weeks ahead. While the Full Moon brings illumination and release, the New Moon is subtle and inward—a time for deep reflection and quiet manifestation.

Astrologically, the New Moon represents a cosmic blank slate, an opportunity to start fresh. Depending on which zodiac sign it falls in, its themes may shift:

  • A New Moon in Aries might inspire bold new beginnings.
  • A Taurus New Moon encourages stability and grounding.
  • A Gemini New Moon sparks curiosity and fresh ideas.

No matter the sign, every New Moon invites us to pause, listen, and set intentions for what we want to grow in our lives.

How to Harness New Moon Energy

Slowing down to align with the lunar cycle is a beautiful way to reconnect with yourself. Here are a few ways to work with this gentle, introspective energy:
🌙 Create a quiet space for reflection—dim the lights, light a candle, and put your phone away.
🌙 Journal about what you’re calling into your life. What do you want to cultivate in the coming weeks?
🌙 Meditate or spend time in stillness, allowing clarity to rise naturally.

This isn’t about forcing change—it’s about opening yourself to possibility.

4 New Moon Rituals to Try

If you’re looking to bring a little lunar magic into your life, here are four simple yet powerful rituals to honor the New Moon:

1. New Moon Intention-Setting Ritual

This is one of the most powerful ways to work with New Moon energy.

✨ Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed.
✨ Light a candle or burn some incense to create a sense of sacredness.
✨ In a journal or on a piece of paper, write down your intentions—things you wish to call in, cultivate, or manifest.
✨ Visualize your intentions coming to life. Imagine how they will feel once they’ve bloomed.

Tuck your written intentions somewhere safe, or revisit them during the Full Moon to check in on your progress.

2. Moon Water Charging & Cleansing

Water is deeply connected to lunar energy, making this ritual both soothing and intentional.

✨ Fill a glass jar or bottle with water.
✨ Set it outside or on a windowsill where it can absorb the energy of the New Moon.
✨ In the morning, use the moon-charged water however you like—drink it, add it to tea, water your plants, or cleanse your crystals.

It’s a simple yet potent way to invite lunar energy into your daily routine.

3. Candle & Elemental Release Ceremony

New Moons are not just about calling in new beginnings—they’re also a chance to clear space for what’s to come.

✨ Write down anything you’re ready to release—old fears, doubts, or habits that no longer serve you.
✨ Light a candle and, with gratitude, read what you’ve written.
✨ Safely burn the paper (or rip it up and release it into water or soil).
✨ As you do this, visualize yourself making space for new opportunities and growth.

This ritual is perfect for creating a sense of emotional clarity and renewal.

4. Moonlit Meditation

If you love the idea of simply soaking in the quiet energy of the New Moon, this ritual is for you.

✨ Sit outside under the night sky, or by a window if it’s too cold.
✨ Close your eyes, take slow deep breaths, and allow yourself to settle.
✨ Focus on gratitude and the feeling of possibility that the New Moon brings.
✨ If it feels right, visualize a soft, glowing light filling your body—like moonlight gently restoring and refreshing you.

This practice is a beautiful way to end the day, embracing the slow, cyclical nature of life.

Honor Yourself and Your Energy

The New Moon reminds us that it’s okay to start again. It whispers that we don’t need to have all the answers right now, only the willingness to step forward with intention.

Whether you choose to set goals, create moon water, or simply sit in stillness, honoring the New Moon is a way to reconnect with yourself and the rhythms of the universe. There’s no rush—only the quiet unfolding of a life well-lived, one lunar cycle at a time.

Do you have a favorite New Moon ritual? I’d love to hear about it in the comments! 🌙

Astrology and Holistic Wellness: Exploring the Cosmic Connection to Health

Hey friends!

In this weeks post I wanted to talk about up a topic that has been so helpful to understanding myself better on my own journey of self, astrology.

Join me as we explore the intriguing connection between astrology and holistic wellness, discovering how aligning with the rhythms of the cosmos can foster balance, vitality, and inner harmony in our everyday lives.

Exploring the Cosmic Connection to Health

Now, this is going to be a very dense post, but I’m hoping to give you breadcrumbs to start your own self discovery journey. Because everyone is so unique, your own adventure will be just as such…unique.

In this dualistic world we live in, I often find there are three main groups when it comes to the topic of astrology. The group where they think its complete hog-wash, the group that knows their birth chart backward and forwards, and the group where they might check their horoscope every now and then, just for funsies. If you are a part of the first group, this might not be the post for you, but you are completely welcome to stick around and explore something new. But for those of you who are interested in learning how astrology can connect us back to ourselves, then let’s get started!

As I’m not a professional lawyer or licensed healthcare provider, I cannot give you legal or medical advise. Consult your own doctors and lawyers please…Thanks.

What is Astrology

Well simply put, it’s the study of the celestial bodies and how they can influence the behaviors and affairs of humans, animals, and even the earth. Think of it as a snapshot of the universe at the time of your birth. A blueprint for you psyche.

Astrology is based off of several fundamental principles: zodiac signs, planets, houses, and aspects. What are these you ask? Well let’s dive a little deeper.

The zodiac is divided into 12 equal parts, each associated with a specific constellation. These are the familiar signs like Aries, Taurus, Gemini, etc. Zodiac signs reflect basic personality traits and tendencies. The position of the Sun at the time of birth determines an individual’s Sun sign, which is often considered the most significant in astrology. If you are interested in building you own birth chart, there are tons of websites out there that can help you out such as Astro.com.

The chart will show you the positions of the heavens at the time of your birth. To get the most accurate reading it’s best to have your exact birth time and location. If you’re not sure what it is, there are ways to obtain your birth certificate.

Planets: In astrology, planets represent different facets of human experience and personality. Each planet rules over specific areas of life and carries its own symbolic meaning. For example, Mercury is associated with communication and intellect, while Venus governs love, beauty, and pleasure.

Houses: The birth chart is divided into 12 sections called houses, each representing different areas of life, such as relationships, career, and home. The planets in a person’s chart fall into these houses, indicating where specific energies and influences are focused in their life.

Aspects: Aspects are the angular relationships between planets in the birth chart. These angles, such as conjunctions, squares, trines, and oppositions, reveal how planets interact with each other and influence personality traits and life events. For instance, a conjunction occurs when two planets are close together in the chart, intensifying their combined energies, while a square indicates tension or challenges between planets.

How can we use astrology to support our holistic wellness?

While astrology can offer valuable insights into potential health predispositions and strengths, it’s essential to approach these interpretations with caution and consult qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice and treatment. Astrology should be used as a complementary tool alongside conventional healthcare practices, not as a substitute for professional medical care.

The deciphering of a natal chart is a journey to better understanding ones underlying life themes, strengths, and struggles. It provides a framework for self-awareness, personal growth, and navigating life’s complexities with greater clarity and purpose.

The relationship between the basic astrological elements forms the basis for one to explore their personal interpretation. For example, someone with their Moon (emotions) in the 7th house (relationships) may prioritize emotional connections in their partnerships, while someone with Mars (action) in a challenging aspect to Saturn (restriction) might experience frustrations or delays in pursuing their ambitions.

Astrological signatures in the natal chart refer to specific configurations or placements of celestial bodies that hold particular significance and can indicate predispositions or strengths in various aspects of life, including health and wellness.

When it comes to health issues, certain astrological placements or patterns may be associated with potential predispositions or vulnerabilities. For example:

  1. The Sixth House and its Ruler: The sixth house in the natal chart is traditionally associated with health, well-being, and daily routines. The sign on the cusp of the sixth house and any planets located within it can provide insights into a person’s health tendencies. Afflictions to the ruler of the sixth house or planets placed there may suggest areas of vulnerability or potential health challenges.
  2. The Moon: In astrology, the Moon governs the body’s rhythms, emotions, and overall well-being. Its placement and aspects in the natal chart can indicate emotional tendencies that may impact physical health. For instance, stressful aspects to the Moon may suggest susceptibility to stress-related health issues or fluctuations in mood that affect overall wellness.
  3. Chiron: Known as the “Wounded Healer” in astrology, Chiron represents our deepest wounds and the potential for healing and transformation. Its placement in the natal chart can highlight areas of vulnerability or past traumas that may affect health and wellness. Working with Chiron’s energy can lead to profound healing and growth in these areas.
  4. Planetary Aspects: Certain aspects between planets in the natal chart may also indicate potential health issues or strengths. For example, challenging aspects involving Mars, the ruler of energy and vitality, may suggest tendencies towards inflammation, accidents, or heightened stress responses. Harmonious aspects involving Venus, associated with pleasure and balance, may indicate a natural affinity for practices that promote well-being, such as self-care, art therapy, or enjoying nature.

On the flip side, astrological signatures can also point to strengths and assets in specific areas of wellness:

  1. Strong Sixth House: A well-aspected sixth house and its ruler may indicate robust health, disciplined lifestyle habits, and a proactive approach to wellness. Individuals with strong sixth house placements may excel in fields related to health and healing, such as medicine, nutrition, or holistic therapies.
  2. Beneficial Aspects to Health-Related Planets: Harmonious aspects involving planets associated with health and vitality, such as the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter, can suggest resilience, vitality, and a positive outlook on life. These individuals may have a natural inclination towards holistic practices that promote well-being, such as yoga, meditation, or herbal medicine.
  3. Placements in Earth Signs: Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) are often associated with physicality, practicality, and groundedness. Individuals with prominent placements in earth signs may have a strong connection to their bodies and a practical approach to health and wellness. They may thrive through activities that involve physical movement, nourishing food, and connecting with nature.

Astrological Elements and Health

In astrology, the elements (fire, earth, air, water) and modalities (cardinal, fixed, mutable) play a significant role in understanding personality traits, behaviors, and tendencies.

Elements

Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius):

  • Health and Vitality: Fire signs are associated with energy, passion, and vitality. Individuals with prominent fire placements may have robust physical energy and enthusiasm for life. They may thrive on activities that involve movement, such as exercise, sports, or outdoor adventures.
  • Wellness Approach: Fire signs may benefit from dynamic and high-energy wellness practices, such as cardio workouts, dance, or martial arts. They may also find inspiration in motivational activities that ignite their passion and drive for personal growth.

Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn):

  • Health and Stability: Earth signs are grounded, practical, and focused on the physical realm. Individuals with strong earth placements may have a sturdy constitution and a natural inclination towards maintaining physical health and stability.
  • Wellness Approach: Earth signs may thrive on routines, consistency, and tangible results in their wellness practices. They may gravitate towards activities that promote stability and nourishment, such as gardening, cooking nutritious meals, or grounding exercises like yoga or hiking.

Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius):

  • Health and Mental Agility: Air signs are associated with intellect, communication, and adaptability. Individuals with prominent air placements may have active minds and excel in mental pursuits. However, they may also be prone to anxiety or restlessness.
  • Wellness Approach: Air signs may benefit from wellness practices that stimulate their intellect and promote mental clarity and relaxation. Activities such as mindfulness meditation, journaling, or engaging in stimulating conversations can help them maintain mental balance and well-being.

Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces):

  • Health and Emotional Sensitivity: Water signs are deeply attuned to emotions, intuition, and the subconscious mind. Individuals with strong water placements may have heightened emotional sensitivity and intuition, which can impact their overall well-being.
  • Wellness Approach: Water signs may find solace and healing in practices that nurture emotional well-being and foster connection with their inner selves. Therapeutic activities like art therapy, journaling, or spending time near water sources can support their emotional health and promote inner healing.

Astrological modalities

Cardinal Signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn):

  • Cardinal signs initiate change and action. Individuals with cardinal placements may be proactive in taking charge of their health and wellness, seeking new approaches or starting fresh habits.

Fixed Signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius):

  • Fixed signs are associated with stability and persistence. Individuals with fixed placements may be steadfast in their wellness routines and resistant to change, which can be beneficial for maintaining long-term health habits.

Mutable Signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces):

  • Mutable signs are adaptable and flexible. Individuals with mutable placements may be open to trying different wellness practices and adjusting their routines based on their evolving needs and circumstances.

Holistic Wellness Practices and Astrology

Herbalism and plant medicine have a long history of being aligned with astrological principles, including planetary rulerships and elemental correspondences. By understanding these connections, individuals can harness the healing properties of plants to promote holistic health and well-being.

Each planet in astrology rules over specific herbs and plants, which are believed to resonate with the planet’s energy and qualities.

  • Sun: Herbs associated with the Sun, such as St. John’s Wort and calendula, are often used to promote vitality, courage, and radiant health.
  • Moon: Lunar herbs like chamomile and jasmine are renowned for their calming and nurturing properties, supporting emotional balance and restful sleep.
  • Mercury: Plants ruled by Mercury, such as lavender and peppermint, are prized for their ability to enhance mental clarity, communication, and adaptability.
  • Venus: Herbs aligned with Venus, like rose and hibiscus, are cherished for their beauty, love-enhancing qualities, and ability to soothe the heart and senses.
  • Mars: Martian herbs such as ginger and cayenne are known for their invigorating and stimulating effects, promoting vitality, and fortitude.
  • Jupiter: Plants associated with Jupiter, such as sage and cinnamon, are revered for their expansive and protective qualities, supporting growth, abundance, and wisdom.
  • Saturn: Saturnian herbs like comfrey and burdock root are valued for their grounding and fortifying properties, promoting discipline, resilience, and endurance.

Elemental Correspondences:

Herbs are also categorized according to elemental correspondences, aligning with the four elements of fire, earth, air, and water. Each element has specific qualities and associations that influence its therapeutic effects:

  • Fire: Fire herbs like cayenne and ginger are warming, energizing, and stimulating. They promote circulation, digestion, and vitality.
  • Earth: Earth herbs such as burdock and dandelion root are grounding, nourishing, and supportive of overall health and vitality. They aid in detoxification, digestion, and strengthening the body’s systems.
  • Air: Air herbs like peppermint and lavender are aromatic, uplifting, and soothing to the mind and spirit. They promote mental clarity, relaxation, and emotional balance.
  • Water: Water herbs such as chamomile and marshmallow root are hydrating, calming, and nurturing. They support emotional healing, relaxation, and fluidity in the body.

Phew…that was a lot guys, but if you are still here with me then thank you from the bottom of my heart. I appreciate your time and presence with me today. And I hope this post will give you the building blocks you need to begin your adventure into your self discovery, and for those willing to do the work your soul discovery.

In this cosmic dance, astrology serves as more than just a guide to the heavens—it becomes a roadmap for nurturing mind, body, and spirit.

For those willing to put in the work, you can learn to heal yourself by connecting your mind back to your heart. Can you imagine if we use our hearts to influence our decisions instead of our minds? I think the world would be a much kinder and loving place.

Until next time yall!