From the standpoint of reincarnation and karma theory, the entire horoscope in principle symbolizes the tasks a person needs to resolve in this lifetime, taking into account the achievements and mistakes of past incarnations.
However, certain focal points can be identified that help highlight the main karmic themes, as well as the age periods when karmic influences will be most strongly felt.
1. The axis of the IV and X houses is traditionally associated with karmic themes. The IV house shows where we have come from, while the X house indicates what we are destined for, where we are heading. It is important not only to examine the signs and degrees on the cusps of these houses, but also the placement of their rulers and symbolic significators.
2. While the rulers of the IV and X houses may be represented by different planets in individual cases, the symbolic significators remain the same for everyone—these are Moon and Saturn. For this reason, these planets are traditionally called the planets of karma. Moon symbolizes the circumstances of our past incarnations, characteristics of our parents, and our lineage. Saturn, in its specific sign and house, will indicate the problems and tasks that were not adequately resolved within the family line, and thus represent areas the individual must work on with particular diligence. The cycles, critical points, phases (see lectures on planets), and age periods associated with these planets must be taken into account.
3. The next most important indicator of karmic tasks in the horoscope will be the Lunar Nodes. Their placement in signs, degrees, and houses reveals the soul’s past and new experiences. From the perspective of age-related dynamics, the tendencies embedded by the Nodes’ natal positions should also be analyzed through the Nodes’ cycles, as discussed previously.
4. The placement of the natal chart’s Ascendant is also significant. From an esoteric viewpoint, it is the key point between the past and the future. There is a belief that the XII house and its cusp indicate the Ascendant of the past life. If the horoscope is shifted so that the cusp of the XII house becomes the cusp of the 1st house, or the Ascendant, the resulting chart may symbolically reveal information about a past life. Correspondingly, the cusp of the II house may provide some insight into our future life.
5. Retrograde planets indicate unfinished business from past lives. Pay attention to transits of these planets, as well as aspects from transiting planets.
6. The placement of Pluto in a house shows the area of life experience that must undergo transformation, while the sign and degree indicate the quality of this experience. Aspects to other planets show how this transformation can be achieved. Consider transits, cycles, and aspects of transiting planets.
7. The placement of Uranus in sign and degree indicates the quality, and in house—the area—where and how we must spiritually liberate ourselves, rise above the materialism of life, open new perspectives, and free ourselves from karmic debts. Aspects to other planets show how we can achieve this. Consider transits, cycles, and aspects of transiting planets.
8. The placement of Neptune in house, sign, and degree shows through what and how we can experience humility, compassion, unity with the world, feel divine love, the eternity of creation, dissolve and merge with the One, possibly reach Heaven or Nirvana. Aspects to other planets indicate how we can achieve this. Consider transits, cycles, and aspects of transiting planets.
9. The placement of Chiron reveals the most difficult and complex area of experience in our life. Resolutions are not easily found, but through this very experience we can emerge from life’s dead ends, attaining wisdom and understanding of life’s wholeness.
9. The placement of Lilith (Black Moon) indicates distortions and mistakes from past lives, as well as those of the family and lineage as a whole. Examine the sign, degree, house, and aspects to other planets. Consider transits, cycles, and aspects of transiting planets.
10. The placement of Selena (White Moon) reveals the positive experience accumulated by the soul and the family lineage in past lives. In this life, the individual will also feel grace in the area of life where Selena is placed. For deeper analysis, study the sign, degree, and aspects to other planets.
11. Take into account conjunctions with fixed stars, if present. Use a minimal orb. Interpret with great caution.
12. The placement of planets, especially outer planets, on the angles of the horoscope, is also a very powerful indicator of karmic tasks assigned to the individual at birth, and of their special purpose.
13. Occupation of Scorpio (by Sun, Moon, or Ascendant), as well as the presence of Pluto in the 1st house, is a very important indicator of a transformative life purpose. The life of such a person is not an easy one. The birth of such a child into a family always signifies the necessity of significant changes within the lineage, transformation of family values, and lifestyle.
© Natalia Perestoronina
