6 Things You Should Know About Astrology
- Dec 19, 2025
- 3 min read
By Debra Silverman
author of I Don’t Believe in Astrology: A Therapist’s Guide to the Life-Changing Wisdom of the Stars
Astrology often piques curiosity, though many dismiss it as "woo-woo" or overly abstract. However, astrology is much more than surface-level forecasts or personality sketches; it is a life-changing psychological tool for self-acceptance. Carl Jung quoted to say, “ Psychology will be a dinosaur science until it includes Astrology.”
Here are six profound insights about astrology that go beyond shallow sun-sign descriptions and delve into the transformative wisdom of the stars:
It’s Psychological Medicine, Not a Belief System
When viewed through a therapeutic lens, astrology can be described as "medicine." Carl Jung, the father of modern psychology, asserted that astrology "represents the summation of all the psychological knowledge of antiquity." Astrology describes the architecture of the human psyche. Understanding the distinctions of our characters provides healing. No more comparing yourself with others, but rather full acceptance.
You Don’t Need to Believe in It for It to Work
Many skeptics believe that astrology requires faith. You don’t need faith to trust gravity. You don’t have to see love to know it’s real. I argue that belief is unnecessary for Astrology to be useful. Astrology functions regardless of your belief or understanding. In fact, Silverman states, "You don’t have to believe in astrology—astrology believes in you."
The Astrological Keys to Your Psyche Are the Sun, Rising Sign, and the Moon (Silverman added Saturn as a very important indicator)
While most people are familiar only with their Sun sign (which represents the ego and outward personality), a deeper psychological understanding requires examining four other key elements:
The Sun (Ego): This represents how you present yourself in the world and express your personal preferences.
The Moon (Emotions): This is our inner world, revealed in our emotional world.
The Rising Sign (Soul): In esoteric astrology, your Rising Sign signifies your soul and your highest purpose. It is often referred to as the Ascendant, indicating who we are Rising into.
Saturn (Life Lessons): This planet indicates the challenging, often painful lessons that recur throughout a lifetime. These lessons appear in a timely manner that is described by Astrology.
The Moon: The Emotional Indicator of your Inner World
The human condition demands that we feel. Each person’s emotional style is distinct, based on their chart.
The position of the Moon is the Astrologer’s clue on how to understand your inner world. This is a primary indicator.
Your Rising Sign: The Direct Path to Your Soul’s Mission
In esoteric astrology, the Rising Sign (or Ascendant), described by the moment of your birth, describes the assignment of your soul. The soul concerns itself with your inner world; it is the spiritual impulse that fulfills your purpose. There is a high road and a low road to everyone’s rising sign. The goal is to live a soul-filled life by understanding your assignment. By embracing the positive attributes of your Rising Sign (for example, Virgo Rising embodies devotion, while Leo Rising embraces radiance), you can fulfill your life’s purpose.
Saturn: The Taskmaster That Ensures You Learn the Hard Way
Saturn is considered the stern authority figure of the zodiac, governing rules, discipline, and accountability. The placement of Saturn at your birth reveals the lessons you will face throughout your life. These lessons are often challenging, and you may resist them until they manifest as crises or hardships. Saturn demands consistency and effort, offering rewards only after you have "paid your dues" and adhered to its rules.
The North Node: Your Spiritual Shortcut to Enlightenment
Although not a planet, the North Node is a key coordinate in your chart that represents your spiritual "true north" and your path toward future growth. It serves as a shortcut to enlightenment, allowing you to pursue a path that may differ from the other influences in your chart. In contrast, the South Node reflects past lives, familiar patterns, and where you instinctively seek comfort. By focusing on the North Node, you strive for the growth essential for your spiritual evolution.
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