What You Have to Be Thankful for This Holiday Season, Based on Your Birth Chart

Get lucky and discover the astrological placements in your birth chart that could bring unexpected blessings

Astrology is like a mirror, reflecting our strengths, opportunities for growth and everything in between, but leave it to the taskmaster Saturn or a tricky Mercury retrograde transit to make you side-eye your birth chart and wonder, “Why, universe, why?”

Let’s face it: astrology has no filter when highlighting challenges — similar to when you read your horoscope and suddenly realize you’re in the thick of an intimidating transit — but it can also be a map of unexpected blessings.

Granted, these “cosmic perks,” if you will, don’t always jump out at you from the get-go, but that doesn’t make them any less fortuitous or formidable.

Also, what is considered “auspicious” can be subjective. For instance, some people might gravitate toward the Venusian charms of beauty and grace, while others would trade it in a heartbeat for the brazen confidence and magnetism of a charismatic Mars placement.

Either way, it’s all about perspective and how you choose to embrace the energies in your chart.

Remember, astrology isn’t just a bag of tricks and predictions handed to you on a cosmic silver platter. It’s an ancient practice used for centuries to understand one’s unique strengths, not to mention navigate the twists and turns of life.

Ultimately, the real magic lies in your willingness to acknowledge the mystical contents of your birth chart so you can claim what’s yours!

Whether it’s an over-the-top Jupiter placement amplifying your luck or a Neptune aspect blessing you with artistic abilities, cosmic treasures are waiting to be unlocked, but only if you’re ready to embrace them fully.

While there’s no such thing as perfect, there are specific placements that are worth taking a moment to recognize and perhaps even celebrate, so don’t sleep on your gifts and never underestimate your magic!

If you were born with any of the below placements we’re about to highlight, consider this a reason to thank your lucky stars.

Related: Here's the Best Makeup Look for You, Based on Your Rising Sign

How to read your birth chart

If you're interested in seeing if you have any of the below astrological placements in your birth chart, you can generate a free copy online on Astro.com — you'll need an exact time, date and location of birth for an accurate assessment.

The Sun

It represents your core identity, vitality and the essence of who you are. Dignities in the sun highlight natural confidence, leadership and the ability to shine in your authentic power.

The below placements magnify the sun's regality and radiance.

Sun in Leo (Home Sign)

When the sun is in Leo, it’s at home, radiating confidence, creativity and leadership. People with this placement often have a natural charisma and an innate ability to inspire others. It’s warm, bold and unapologetically authentic energy.

Sun in the 10th House

This placement aligns with the sun’s desire to shine and achieve public recognition. If you have your sun in the 10th house, you’re naturally wired for success and might find yourself stepping into leadership roles with ease.

Sun conjunct Ascendant or in the First House

Individuals born with this aspect have an undeniable presence. The sun’s energy shines brightly, giving them a natural confidence and an ability to make a strong first impression. The sun sign can also influence how this "regal" confidence comes across. For instance, a Leo sun adds flair and charisma, while a Virgo sun brings humility and poise.

The Moon

It governs your emotions, intuition and inner world. Favorable moon placements offer emotional stability, a strong sense of security and deep connections to others.

Moon in Taurus (Exaltation)

The moon thrives in Taurus, offering the native emotional stability, comfort and a deep connection to sensory pleasures. Think of this placement as the ultimate cozy blanket — it helps ground emotions and build nurturing, long-lasting relationships. It’s calm, steady and deeply rooted.

Moon in Cancer (Home Sign)

The moon is at home in Cancer, bringing heightened intuition, emotional depth and nurturing energy. This placement amplifies the ability to care for others while creating a sense of safety and comfort. People with this moon sign tend to have a deep connection to their roots and often bring a sense of nurture and security to the environment.

Mercury

It rules communication, intellect and thought processes. Strong Mercury placements enhance mental clarity, adaptability and the ability to express ideas effectively. Individuals with Mercury prominently placed are often extremely clever and naturally intellectual.

Mercury in Gemini (Home Sign)

Mercury in Gemini is a chatterbox in the best way. Quick-thinking, sharp and endlessly curious, this placement enhances communication and adaptability. It’s like having a built-in encyclopedia of information.

Mercury in Virgo (Home Sign and Exaltation)

When Mercury is in Virgo, precision, analysis and problem-solving skills are the native's bread and butter. People with this placement excel at breaking down complicated ideas and finding the most effective and efficient solutions.

Venus

The planet of love, beauty and harmony, Venusian dignities amplify charm, artistic talent and the ability to form loving, balanced relationships. Individuals with Venus prominently placed are naturally relatable and attractive to others.

Venus in Taurus (Home Sign)

Venus in Taurus is all about sensuality and stability. This placement loves beauty, luxury and creating a life filled with comfort and abundance. It’s loyal, grounded, and deeply appreciative of life’s pleasures. Individuals born with this Venus placement have a natural affinity to art and beauty, and financial abundance easily flows to them.

Venus in Libra (Home Sign)

In Libra, Venus is the ultimate charmer. It thrives on connection, harmony and all things aesthetically pleasing, making relationships and socializing a breeze for people with this placement. It’s all about creating beauty, not just in art and aesthetics but in life itself.

Venus in Pisces (Exaltation)

Venus in Pisces is the hopeless romantic of the zodiac. This placement amplifies compassion, creativity and unconditional love. It’s deeply empathetic, seeing beauty in the world that others might miss. Individuals with this placement are prone to wearing their rose-colored glasses but are often the main character in another person's fantasy.

Venus Conjunct Ascendant or in the First House

Venus brings charm, beauty and magnetism to the Ascendant, making people with this aspect effortlessly likable and attractive. They often project grace and elegance, which draws others in. The sign Venus is in determines how this energy manifests: Venus in Libra will be charming and diplomatic, while Venus in Taurus emanates sensuality with its physical beauty.

Mars

It symbolizes drive, action and passion. Favorable Mars placements give determination, courage and the ability to pursue goals with focus and resilience.

Mars in Aries (Home Sign)

Mars is in its sign of rulership in Aries, where it thrives on assertion and taking bold action forward. People with this placement are natural go-getters with a fearless approach to challenges. It’s raw, courageous energy that drives them to pursue their desires without hesitation.

Mars in Scorpio (Home Sign)

Mars is Scorpio's traditional ruler, but its energy here is intense, strategic and deeply transformative. This formidable placement combines Mars’ unrelenting drive with Scorpio’s emotional depth and passion. Individuals with this placement will achieve their goals with resilience and calculated effort.

Mars in Capricorn (Exaltation)

Mars in Capricorn is all about disciplined ambition. This placement combines Mars’ drive with Capricorn’s focus and perseverance. It’s practical, determined and able to see long-term goals through to the end. Individuals with this placement are naturally driven and successful in their pursuits.

Jupiter

It is the planet of luck, expansion and wisdom. Positive Jupiter placements often open doors to abundance, optimism and growth in personal and spiritual realms.

Jupiter in Cancer (Exaltation)

Jupiter in Cancer bestows the planet of expansion a nurturing, intuitive and family-oriented persona. This placement brings generosity, emotional abundance and a strong connection to their loved ones and community of friends.

Jupiter in Sagittarius (Home Sign)

Jupiter in Sagittarius is the quintessential optimist, inspiring others through its love of adventure, spontaneity and wisdom. It’s a “go big or go home” energy, and opportunities seem to flow naturally when in Sagittarius. Individuals with this placement are often wise, high-vibing and well-traveled,

Jupiter in Pisces (Home Sign)

In its traditional sign of rulership, Jupiter enhances spirituality, intuition and compassion. It’s a placement that sees the world through rose-colored glasses, bringing hope and creative inspiration. Individuals with this placement often feel divinely guided in their spiritual pursuits.

Jupiter in the 2nd House

Jupiter, in the house of abundance and resources, brings opportunities for material wealth and a strong sense of self-worth. It’s like having a lucky charm for finances. Although wealth is more of an inside job, individuals born with this placement can feel like they're supplied for today and all of their tomorrows.

Jupiter in the 9th House

In its astrological house of rulership, Jupiter amplifies love for higher learning, travel and spiritual exploration. This placement is all about broadening horizons and finding purpose through knowledge and experience. Individuals with this placement are often successful in their spontaneity and desire for wisdom.

Jupiter Conjunct Ascendant

The ultimate “lucky charm” aspect, people with Jupiter conjunct their Ascendant radiate positivity and warmth, making them naturally magnetic in social situations. They often have an uplifting effect on their communities, attracting opportunities and goodwill wherever they go.

The sign Jupiter is in colors the vibe — for instance, Jupiter in Sagittarius adds adventurous energy, while Jupiter in Cancer emphasizes themes of family and emotional depth.

Uranus

It is the planet of innovation, individuality and unexpected breakthroughs. Uranian dignities bring a fearless approach to transformation and the ability to revolutionize outdated patterns.

Uranus in Scorpio (Exaltation)

Uranus in Scorpio blends intensity with innovation, creating a fearless approach to change and transformation. This placement is powerful for revolutionizing outdated systems and diving deep into life’s mysteries with a fresh, bold perspective.

Uranus in Aquarius (Home Sign)

Uranus thrives in Aquarius — the sign of the visionary. Individuals born with this enlightened placement have a knack for experimentation and embracing the unconventional. This placement is perfect for leading change, progressive thinking and championing humanitarian causes.