How to Read an Astrology Calendar

Read the symbol key to learn what the calendar's symbols stands for. For example, on the Calendarlabs.com astrology calendar, a heart means a strong love day, while a red cross denotes a tricky day for health. By learning what the calendar's symbols mean, you can zero in on useful days for certain tasks.

Scan the calendar to see which symbols dominate. If a particular month is full of green money signs, it may be a good time to refinance the mortgage or apply for a grant. Months are always governed by themes, and a concentration of signs in one area will indicate what that theme is.

Note any sign changes for the slow-moving planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. When these planets move into a different sign, changes and shakeups can take place. A Jupiter sign change affects luck, while a Saturnian transition moves lessons and labor from one area to another. Uranus and Pluto may bring sudden changes (some unwanted), while Neptune makes things dreamy and unstable. To see how these transitions affect your individual sign, visit a reference site such as Cafe Astrology (see Resource) for details.

Take note of retrograde periods, which can throw life off-kilter for several weeks or months at a time. Retrogrades are represented by the planet's symbol plus an "Rx" sign. Mercury retrograde is known for messing up communications, travel and transportation. Mars retrograde brings periods of stymied action, misguided anger and sexual issues. Lastly, Venus retrograde brings back lost loves, introduces romantic and creative indecision, and can snarl up money matters.

See when the new moon, full moon and void of course moon fall. The new moon is considered an ideal time to start something new, while the full moon can create confusion or lend a hand to existing projects. The void of course moon (often marked with the letters "VOC") is not considered a good time to start most things.