It certainly has an intriguing name. Most of us have our dreams; that pot-of-gold that we seek.  And to the astrological community, that is exactly what the Part of Fortune indicates: the 'pot-of-gold' that is waiting at the end of our own personal rainbows. The key is to understand that the pot-of-gold referred to here manifests as what best serves the purpose and evolution of our soul, not our ego.

The Part of Fortune is a sensitive point in the chart derived from the positions of the Sun, Moon, and Ascendant. The Part of Fortune is one of many such 'parts' or points but the most widely used of the group. Astrologers refer to such 'parts' as Arabic Parts. These parts were developed during the Middle Ages in Arabia. All of the Arabic Parts express the relationships of both distance and direction between other sensitive points in the chart and each is derived from three points in a horoscope.

The Part of Fortune is considered to be a most beneficial point in the chart. If you have a copy of your natal chart, the Part of Fortune looks like a circle with an "x" in it. The house in which it is positioned in the horoscope is said to represent the area in which our endeavors are most likely to be auspicious. These are usually endeavors that we are naturally drawn to without really understanding why. The sign that the Part of Fortune is in indicates the best approach to those endeavors as indicated by the house location. The sign where our natal Part of Fortune is placed represents traits that, if developed, bring us benefits and/or happiness. The key to accessing the Part of Fortune, is best said in one word: cultivation. We must cultivate the traits and learn about the affairs of the house that the Part of Fortune falls in to access its benefits.

The fortune indicated by this part is not necessarily materialistic or even tangible, though it can be. It depends on the sign and house location of the Part of Fortune. The benefit can be on the physical, intellectual, emotional, and/or spiritual plane of experience. In all cases it is through the cultivation and expression of this point that one will experience harmony and a sense of well-being.

As I mentioned above, all of the Arabic parts are derived from three other sensitive points in the horoscope. In the case of the Part of Fortune, these three points are the Sun, Moon, and Ascendant. The Sun, Moon, and Ascendant are the foundation of the human personality. The sign rising at our birth, (the sign on our Ascendant), describes both our physiology and personality. The Ascendant is the self as it is expressed to the outer world. The sign that our natal Sun is in at the moment of our birth describes our core self. Just as the Sun is in the center of the solar system, so does our Sun sign describe the center of the human personality and our vital life force. Our Sun sign represents our personal sense of a unique self with a distinct identity. The sign that the Moon is in at our birth describes our emotional nature. In addition, the moon represents our habitual response patterns and conditioned or instinctual reactions to the circumstances of our lives. It is because the Part of Fortune is derived from these three very significant points that it represents that place in the horoscope where one's fortune will be realized if we cultivate its gifts and refuse to compromise our authentic self. Ultimately, the Part of Fortune represents our inner sense of abundance because it encompasses the major triad that represents the self (the Sun, Moon and Ascendant). Because the Part of Fortune is dependent upon how an individual integrates and uses the Sun, Moon and Ascendant, the fortune received will depend upon how well we balance the personal expression of these three factors.

The Part of Fortune is not only in a particular sign and house in the horoscope, it can also form angular relationships with (or aspect) other planets and points in the chart. These linkages provide information about how to cultivate the Part of Fortune. In addition, you are likely to have a strong reaction to someone who's own natal planets make contact with the Part of Fortune in your chart. Additionally, the Part of Fortune is sensitive to transits and progressions.  However, I'll save these discussions for another time. For now, let's just take a look at what the Part of Fortune in particular signs and houses indicates.

IMPORTANT: Please keep in mind that the Part of Fortune is just one factor comprising the whole of any birth chart. While the descriptions given below are insightful, to achieve a full understanding of the Part of Fortune dynamics (or any other factor of the chart) its symbolism must be combined with all of the other factors in the birth chart.

Read the description of the Part of Fortune in the signs and then combine this with the descriptions that follow for its house placement.

The Part of Fortune in the Signs

In Aries

Cultivate courage, inspiration and patience. You have an abundance of energy and need outlets of activity--focus your energy and you self-determine your life! Your joy is found in courageously taking up challenges and leaping over obstacles. Your gifts are a keen focus and the ability to see your direction clearly. Trust your intuition.

In Taurus

Seek that which abides but is not necessarily tangible. Like peace. Delve into the usefulness of all things and construct a solid foundation, for your joy is based on the ability to build and sustain. Your gift is patience and the ability to experience peace no matter what is going on "out there."

In Gemini

Your joy is found in indulging your curiosity. Have fun with life, let it WOW you on a regular basis. Cultivate versatility, flexibility and freedom of movement. Cultivate your unique sense of humor. Live fully in the moment, unrestrained by the judgments of your mind.

In Cancer

Cultivate gentleness and nurturance. Experience the joy of nurturing others and being nurtured.  Remember your innocence and the innocence of others.Your greatest joy is derived from experiencing the process of giving birth--be this a birth of a child, a business, a creative exercise, an idea/vision, or anything that did not exist before you invested your energy into its becoming.

In Leo

Cultivate enthusiasm, generosity, and optimism. Focus on self-mastery for you will find joy inbeing a source of inspiration for others. You understand that everyone must find their own path and therefore you lead by example and walk your talk. You give for the sheer joy of giving, without any expectation for a return. There can be great achievements that result from the focused direction of your abundant creative energy.

In Virgo

Cultivate discrimination, logical analysis, and tolerance. You're most happy when your environment is orderly. Your greatest joy is derived from knowing that your life is functioning efficiently. You know better than to allow little things to pile up and become extra baggage you carry from the past into the future.

In Libra

Cultivate diplomacy, balance, and grace. You understand how to create win-win situations. Your joy is found in knowing that you belong. Your gift is the ability to maintain equilibrium in a dualistic world and to feel at one with all.

In Scorpio

Cultivate efficiency, ambition, and organization. Your joy is found by stripping away the outer layers of experiences and getting to the core. A life lived without pretense is the ultimate benefit.  Your gifts are a keen perception, penetrating insight, and a fearlessness of the unknown.

In Sagittarius

Cultivate openness, honesty, directness, and an understanding of natural law.You are not afraid to take risks and try your luck because you know whatever comes, it will be an adventure and you'll learn something from the experience. It is quite possible that your greatest fortune is found in places far from your home.

In Capricorn

Cultivate responsibility, patience, perseverance and practicality. Your greatest joy will be derived from observing your progress through life and seeing it take a form and structure that will outlive you. Your gift is that you understand what it means to be the master of your own destiny. You will allow nothing to prevent you from manifesting what you know to be possible.

In Aquarius

Cultivate objectivity, originality, and humanitarianism. Your gift is your unconventionality and ability to understand that difference is neutral. For you, one thing doesn't have to be better or worse than another. You are not bound by convention. Rejoice in your own uniqueness and that of others.

In Pisces

Cultivate compassion, faith, and your imagination and experience the joy of rowing gently, gently, gently down the stream of life. You know all is one for you are able to transcend the finite. You are naturally attuned to spirit and know the bless of being one with all.

1st House

Your joy will come from trusting in your own unique approach to life and acting independently.  Cultivate self-sufficiency and self-determination. You are the master of your destiny! Your ultimate fortune is in expressing the wholeness of your one self.

2nd House

Your joy will come from manifesting what you truly value. But first you will have to discover what that is. You will know it because you will cultivate that which is precious and abides. You can be blessed materially if your endeavors reflect your sincere values.

3rd House

Your joy is in communication and information processing. You are gifted with the ability to think clearly and to make communication a work of art. You may be a gifted teacher or writer.  Cultivate non-judgment and good listening skills.

4th House

Your greatest joy will come from nurturing beginnings. You understand the need to nourish the seeds and allow time for gestation. Cultivate a strong inner foundation from which you can give birth to all your creative endeavors. Your fortune might involve your family or birth or in finding your soul tribe.

5th House

Your joy is in your personal creations--all that is created is an outgrowth of your awareness of self. Your gift is the ability to manifest your dreams. You've heard the saying, be careful what you wish for? It applies to you. Cultivate all forms of your unique creative self-expression.  Your fortune will come from putting your energy into that which makes your heart dance.

6th House

Your joy is derived from the efficient use of your time and energy. You're happiest when everything is in order: the bills are paid on time, the garbage is taken out, and the dishes are clean. Cultivate discrimination and a service-orientation. You may experience fortune in finding meaningful work or experiencing good physical health throughout your life.

7th House

Your greatest joy comes from creating genuine harmony in relationship. You have an innate sense of win-win diplomacy. Cultivate balance within your self and gift this world with that inner harmony. Others will either highlight your path to fortune or bring your fortune to you.

8th House

Your greatest joy comes from transformation and rebirth. You experience joy each time you release that which is no longer necessary. Cultivate intimacy and sharing. You understand what it means to be the Phoenix--that death is just one experience within the cycle leading to rebirth.

9th House

Your joy is derived from the discovery of your personal truth. You are a perpetual student of life on a quest to experience all there is to experience. Cultivate tolerance and an openness to all ways of viewing the world. You recognize that each of us is simultaneously both teacher and student. Your fortune may be derived in your travels or in embracing that which was once foreign to you.

10th House

Your joy is derived from your indomitable integrity of being and your tenacious refusal to be sidestepped from your goals. You see reality for what it is and live your life as if reality were as you know it ought to be. Cultivate sensitivity, playfulness, and acceptance. Your fortune will be derived from the respect you earn for walking your talk without compromise.

11th House

Your joy is derived from realizing your dreams and cultivating abiding friendships. You honor that people come together to celebrate their personal and mutual becoming. Cultivate openness to the unconventional and unique. Your fortune is in the realization that freedom is not an illusion: it is our birthright. Astrology might provide fortunate guidance for you.

12th House

Your joy is derived from a loving relationship with your inner self and experiencing unity with All. You need periods of solitude and a sanctuary that you can call your own. You might have a strong affinity with music. Cultivate compassion and forgiveness. Your great fortune is in the realization that wherever you are, you are always home and perfectly safe.