Whether you are curious about astrology as a lens for viewing the world or just looking into it for fun, this beginner’s guide is the perfect place to get started. Incorporating astrology into your life may feel daunting—there is a lot to learn! However, this article does not delve too deeply into the 12 signs and understanding planets, houses, and aspects. Instead, focusing on “the big three” and finding some engaging astro content is the best way to discover relatable content you enjoy while also laying a solid foundation of knowledge.
First, you’ll need to know your birthdate, birth time, and location. Websites like Just Astrology Things make it easy to plug in this information and calculate your birth chart. Quick side note: a birth chart is essentially a snapshot of the sky at exactly the moment you were born—think of it as your own cosmic map!
The big three
First, we’re going to unpack sun signs, moon signs, and rising signs. There is some debate about the interpretation of these signs in the realm of astrology. That being said, this guide is going to use the interpretation I have grown up learning, as well as what seems to be the most common when learning the basics. Let’s keep it simple!
The sun sign is one’s truest self; it may be seen as your soul, so to speak. It is deeply connected to your core identity and your life purpose. It is also representative of our conscious mind.
The moon sign represents one’s emotional self, one’s needs, and one’s subconscious. It is the gate to your emotional world. The moon sign can represent how one shows vulnerability and expresses feelings, and it can determine how you react, as well as what you need to feel emotionally secure.
The rising sign, otherwise known as “ascendant,” is the sign that was “ascending” on the eastern horizon at the time someone was born. Oftentimes, the rising sign is said to describe how you represent yourself to people, shaping your outer personality. This means rising signs can shape personal style, mannerisms, appearance, and so forth! Additionally, the rising sign sets up the structure of your entire chart. Many astrologers will recommend listening to the horoscope for your rising sign, as opposed to your sun sign. This placement is a big deal!
Meet CHANI
Chani Nicholas is an astrologer, activist, and incredibly cool human being! She works to make astrology accessible and interpretable, no matter your knowledge base. Her company, CHANI, is both an astrology app and a website that offers various subscription opportunities depending on your interests. However, the free version is great for anyone getting started! Chani’s content can also be found on TikTok for shorter clips and on YouTube for weekly updates and astro overviews for any upcoming, noteworthy cosmic events!
Saturn has entered Aries as of February 13th, 2026, which in the astrology realm is a BIG deal! In fact, this whole week is huge, especially as we experience a solar eclipse in Aquarius on February 17th and Neptune back in Aries as of January 26th. If that is gibberish to you, don’t worry! The CHANI app and YouTube channel do a phenomenal job of breaking down big concepts into approachable, bite-sized pieces. Here is a quick YouTube video to better explain the ins and outs of reading a birth chart.
I could not recommend Chani’s content more, especially via YouTube and her fantastic app! If you are interested in digestible daily blurbs, mini breakdowns of your chart, and guided meditations, definitely check it out! The CHANI app is a fun space and a great tool I utilize daily!
Michelle Knight-Waite & Saturn in Aries
Michelle is a longtime astrologer and psychic medium. Her YouTube channel is wonderful for those looking for a dose of positivity. Her monthly check-ins are typically under 10 minutes, during which she offers a thoughtful breakdown of the astrology of the month, specific to you. Watching the videos for your big three is often the best way to get a grasp of the full picture.
Check out her slightly longer yearly forecast playlist for 2026, and find your sun, moon, and rising signs. If watching all three feels like too much, focus on your sun or your rising sign!
Michelle’s fiery, charismatic energy is immersive and uplifting! Her YouTube Shorts cover important astrological events in under two minutes for an easy daily dose. We are knee-deep in some once-in-a-lifetime astrology right now. So, here is her February 16th update!
Dr. Michael Lennox, aka Red Robe Astrology
Last, but certainly not least, Dr. Michael Lennox is a fantastic astrologer and dream expert whose energy is equally exciting and engaging. Dr. Lennox, also known as Red Robe Astrology, is a funky dude who’s always clad in his bold red robe. His background in astrology is extensive, and his knowledge base is wildly impressive! That being said, his YouTube Shorts are one of the best daily watches, even if they do not all make sense just yet. He explains how moods might shift, when to avoid conflict, when it’s worth looking for love and romance, and when you might experience technical difficulties—in your personal life and literally!
He’s funny, quirky, and so enjoyable to watch. His YouTube videos are much longer and more complex in terms of terminology, and you can subscribe to even more Astro content. However, as a beginner, his shorts and free content are plenty to get going. A daily dose of Red Robe Astrology is something I look forward to every day, and I hope you enjoy it just as much!
Interested in astro hot takes?
Read about Western societies’ take on astrology! What about astrology is so deeply tied to toxic masculinity? If you’ve enjoyed this introduction to astrology content creators, check out this article: Do Straight Men Hate Astrology? The author, Naomi ODwyer, questions why men in Western cultures tend to have dramatic and negative reactions to astrology. This article does a fantastic job of addressing concerns of generalizations, societal assumptions, and internalized misogyny, with a sense of playfulness!
Hopefully, one or more of these Astro guides resonates, sparks a new interest, or fuels an exciting one! Finding reliable and accessible content makes delving into the world of astrology significantly less intimidating. A better understanding of the workings of your birth chart can unlock countless opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and abundance across various realms of your life. Happy learning to all of you cosmic beings!
