Serious astrologers need to know birth times and locations to write personalized horoscopes. However, for general horoscopes like those seen in the paper, the Solar House System is a careful approximation. Houses are typically known as your “sign,” such as Libra, Taurus, Aries, etc. If you are unsure about each sign, or need a refresher, click here to view the overviews below. For the next several steps, you can watch an original Aries horoscope for April 18th, 2015, as it is written.

For a Capricorn, you might begin with something like “Your career is about to. . . " then use the rest of the planets to determine trends. [2] X Research source Aries, April 18: Optimism and boundless energy fill your interactions today.

For example, while a Pisces is generally selfless and creative, they are also closely tied to the occasional impulsiveness and burst of inspiration found in Aries. Serious astrologists note that you have a little bit of every “sign” in you, based on the alignment of planets and stars at your birth. Some are just more prominent than others. Again, this is why many writers need your exact birthday and birthplace to properly determine your houses. [4] X Research source Aries, April 18th: Optimism and boundless energy fill your interactions today. You’re feeling flirty and conversational, but ultimately you’re just having fun, not looking for anything serious.

On January 5th, 2015, the Moon entered Libra. The moon, which governs the Cancers, is generally associated with identity, emotion, and one’s roots, potentially leading to a “rediscovery of a long-lost friend or lover” for Libras. Certain events will make greater impacts depending on their relevance to the signs. For example, the moon entering or leaving Cancer’s path will make a much bigger impact than entering Libra’s. Mar’s movement will affect Aries and Scorpio. [5] X Research source Aries, April 18th: Optimism and boundless energy fill your interactions today. You’re feeling flirty and conversational, but ultimately you’re just having fun, not looking for anything serious. The advent of the new moon in Aries means you’ve got a chance to plant new seeds for the future.

Aries, April 18th: Optimism and boundless energy fill your interactions today. You’re feeling flirty and conversational, but ultimately you’re just having fun, not looking for anything serious. The advent of the new moon in Aries means you’ve got a chance to plant new seeds for the future. Keep your mind, heart, and ears open for possible opportunities. "

Daily horoscopes are supposed to be conversational. The reader comes to the horoscope looking for direction or guidance, picking out of the horoscope the things that matter in their lives. They usually forget or leave the rest. In order to get a “true” reading, you need a personalized horoscope. Because this is impossible to write for a large audience, you must entertain and capture the imaginations of a broader group of people. Enjoy yourself while writing, and make sure your readers enjoy reading. There is no need for a dry, conversational tone.

“The advent of a New Moon means opportunity is coming to. . . " “The retrograde (disappearance) of Jupiter in your sign signals a bout of bad luck. . . " “The slow entrance of Uranus could indicate a long-overdue change in your life. "

“The entrance of Mercury into Libra may indicate some new spice in your love life and close relationships. " “You’ll receive some good news concerning your finances. " “The movement of Jupiter may mean an end to your streak of bad luck this week. "

Since you’re working in generalities, without exact birthdays or times, it is almost impossible to predict enormous and earth-shattering changes. Pepper your column with “maybes” “possibles” and “could” so that readers don’t feel promised anything. [10] X Research source

How do they speak broadly (to a lot of people), but still stay relatively specific? What movements and planets come up in multiple signs each day? Which signs have commonalities. How do the horoscopes change from daily to monthly to yearly.

The following descriptions are good starting points, but you’ll need to consult 3-4 other sources of house information to get a deeper understanding of the houses. [11] X Research source While these houses form the basis of horoscopes, they are not the only determining factor. The movement of planets like Venus and Mars, lunar cycles, and birthplace all have an effect. True astrologers must keep researching and studying celestial bodies other than the sun to be successful. [12] X Research source

House of the Self, Appearance & Ego Drive. Ruled by Mars. Aries are born between March 21 and April 20.

House of Personal Values and Finances. Ruled by Venus. Taurus are born between Apr 21 and May 21.

House of Communication & Local Culture. Ruled by Mercury. Geminis are born between May 22 and June 21.

House of Identity & Roots. Ruled by the Moon Cancers are born between June 22 and July 22.

House of Children, Creativity & Gambling. Ruled by the Sun. Leos are born between July 23 and August 21.

House of Work & Ritual. Ruled by Mercury. Virgos are born between August 22 and September 23.

House of Partnerships. Ruled by Venus. Libras are born between September 24 and October 23.

House of Sex, Death & Other People’s Money. Ruled by Mars & Pluto. Scorpios are born between October 24 and November 22.

House of Adventure, Travel & Learning. Ruled by Jupiter. Sagittarius are born between November 23 and December 22.

House of Career & Public Persona. Ruled by Saturn. Capricorns are born between December 23 and January 20.

House of Gatherings & Crowds. Ruled by Saturn & Uranus. Aquarius are born between January 21 and February 19.

House of Mystery and Intuition. Ruled by Jupiter & Neptune. Pisces are born between February 20 and March 20. [13] X Research source [14] X Research source