What is astrology?

Astrology has been known to the people of the ancient world for over 5,000 years and has been used to study how the celestial bodies affect events and therefore the lives of people on Earth. Thus, it is believed that before 2,000 B.C. astrology originated in ancient Babylon and ancient Mesopotamia.

From then on, the system of learning about the sun, moon, stars, and thus the planets, and their effects on the earth, reached Greece around 2,400 years ago, four hundred years before the birth of Christ. Then the science spread to Egypt, the Middle East, and India through the conquests of Alexander the Great.

In short, astrology is about understanding the patterns of the universe and interpreting how they influence our lives. Learn all about this field of knowledge below.

Definition of Astrology

Astrology is the study of the connection between phenomena of celestial activity and earthly events. Those who practice astrology are called astrologers. These earthly events may include insights into professional career, relationship and well being in your weekly or monthly horoscope.

The horoscope is usually written by professional astrologers who go out of their way to explain how the current movements of the planets are affecting you based on where the planets were when you were born. Learn more about below.

The origin of astrology

Astrology is an ancient art where humans associate events with the positions of celestial bodies. They have tracked objects in the sky for thousands of years. The most likely object to be tracked first was the sun. Indeed, knowing the sun's movement helped our ancestors to plant their crops at the correct times, which is essential for survival.

In addition, they also realized that specific patterns of stars in the sky appeared at different times of the year. The sky was divided into certain patterns or objects called constellations, which were used to navigate the land and seas.

Therefore, astrological investigations have been cultivated since ancient times before Christ, that is, since the Chaldean civilization of Mesopotamia, around 2500 B.C. From these premises originated the desire to know in advance the circumstances and occasions in which the stars would be favorable or unfavorable to man.

Meaning of Astrology

The significance of astrology spans a wide expanse of different cultures and human history. Astrology reflects the understanding and experience of ancient spiritual teachers regarding the facts of life. The latest discovery in astrology can correlate the patterns of the solar system with the patterns of our lives that impact us from birth.

In this sense, astrology means the study of the stars and their influence on growth patterns and patterns of potential in the evolution of each individual. According to, this pseudo-science the life cycles and various stages of life are illuminated through the astrological use of progressions and transits.

Meaning of the word "astrology"

The etymology of the word astrology was discovered within the Greek 'astrology' and is the combination of two Greek phrases - Astron, meaning star; and logos, meaning study. Therefore, astrology means study of the stars.

According to a different school of thought, astrology was already prevalent in India, and this type of astrology - known as Vedic astrology - dates back 6,000 years.

Thus, there are several traditions of astrology, some similar and some based on different principles. Of the numerous different traditions, some are Chinese Astrology; Indian (Vedic) Astrology; Babylonian Astrology; Kabbalistic Astrology; Tibetan Astrology; Mayan Astrology; Celtic Astrology; and finally, modern Western Astrology.

Function of Astrology

Astrology believes that our lives are influenced, our personalities are formed and the course our lives may take depends on how the celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon, stars and planets, are placed after we are born.

We are quite used to the type of astrological readings that we have first contact with. This is sun sign astrology and is astrology in its simplest type. Only your birth date is needed and you get very limited results through this method.

Professionals also use the movement of the planets to explain or even predict current events, social trends and financial markets. And they can also take an in-depth look at your personality or your compatibility with others based on your personal astrology - also known as your birth chart. Charts are also used to investigate the characteristics and outcomes ofevents, like a wedding or election.

Astrology and Astronomy

To understand the difference between Astrology and Astronomy, one must understand their meanings. Thus, astronomy is broadly defined as "the branch of science that deals with celestial objects, space, and the physical universe as a whole." Thus, astronomy is, in effect, the scientific study of everything on a larger astrological scale.

Astrology, on the other hand, is broadly defined as "the study of the relative movements and positions of the celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world."

Astrology can be considered the predecessor of true astronomy, but with more emphasis on the influence of celestial bodies on human affairs and the prediction of future events. Widely practiced by many ancient cultures, both have incalculable importance for human development.

Aspects of Astrology

In astrology, your zodiac sign reflects the position of the sun when you were born. With its strong influence on your personality, character and emotions, your sign is a powerful tool for understanding yourself and your relationships.

There are 12 different horoscope signs, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, characteristics, desires and way of seeing the world. Your personal astrological sign is based on the position of the sun on the day of your birth, see other aspects below.

What are signs

The zodiac is divided into 12 signs, which in short are imaginary markings that divide the Earth in relation to celestial space into twelve equal parts. Each of the symbols of the zodiac signs covers approximately the equivalent of the time of one month.

But unlike our calendar months, the time for the zodiac signs is calculated differently. This is because Western astrologers calculate the first sign based on the northern hemisphere's vernal (spring) equinox, which happens around March 21 each year.

Thereafter, the dates of the zodiac signs were set based on the dates of the sun's passage through the respective constellations during Ancient Greek times.

What is horoscope

The word horoscope has been used, and used correctly, for many centuries, if not thousands of years. A horoscope is a schematic picture, or map, of the sky at a specific time, viewed from a specific location on Earth.

Some examples include: birth horoscopes, which are calculated for the time of people's birth and for their birthplaces; horoscopes of important events; or horoscopes of the equinoxes (vernal or autumnal) calculated for specific locations.

There are 12 different horoscope signs, each with its own strengths, weaknesses, characteristics, desires and way of seeing the world. Therefore, the horoscope as synonymous with the birth chart, is drawn from the personal astrological sign which is based on the position of the sun on the day you were born.

What is zodiac

The history of the zodiac dates back to Babylonian times. For thousands of years, astrology was an arm of astronomy. But as the scientific method became the dominant standard for testing statements and establishing facts, the two fields separated and astrology was seen as a pseudoscience.

The zodiac is an imaginary strip of sky that extends about 8 degrees in each direction on the elliptical, or, the sun's path across the Earth's sky over the course of a year. Each sign occupies about 30 degrees of latitude in the sky and correlates with a constellation.

The word "zodiac" originated from the Ancient Greek phrase, "zōidiakòs kýklos," which meant "cycle (or circle) of small animals. According to astrologers, the "cycle" of zodiac symbols is made up of three main components: the signs, the four elements, and the three modes. Together, your sign, element, and mode are believed to play a vital role in yourpersonality.

What is an astrological chart

The birth chart, also known as a natal chart, is a map of where all the major planets and astral bodies were located at the time you were born. Most people are aware of their sun sign, however, there are several aspects of astrology that govern our lives.

All the astral bodies were moving through different zodiac signs and houses at the time of your birth, and their positions will have different effects on your personality and life. In this sense, the birth chart is drawn to understand these placements in order to understand our strengths, weaknesses and purpose in life.

What is hell and astral paradise

Since the beginning of the 20th century, there is no astrological record of this expression, nor is there anything to indicate that the 30 days before your birthday is a bad period in itself. However, what can happen is that this period can turn into a negative astrological cycle, so much so that people have become accustomed to being resentful during these days.

In contrast, how people and how the signs relate to each other define what is called the astral paradise. The astral paradise is the combination of two signs that get along very well, feel they complete each other and make a good partnership. Besides the most suitable sign, the astral paradise also represents a period of great luck, happiness and evolution in your life (unlike the astral hell), so it is avery important moment for each one.

What is ascending

The Ascendant means the sign of the zodiac which appears on the horizon at the time of your birth. According to Vedic astrology, it is the exact point where your sign rises.

In addition, the same zodiac sign is not necessarily your ascendant sign. Thus your ascendant sign indicates how you deal with everyday problems and react to your surroundings. It shows your expression when you meet new people or encounter new situations.

However, expressions and reactions vary according to the difference in position of the ruling planets, conjunction and zodiac sign in the ascendant. For example, a person with an Aries Ascendant with a ruling planet, Venus, in Virgo will have a different reaction to things than an Aries Ascendant with Venus in Libra.

How the stars behave in astrology

According to historians, the ancient Babylonians created the zodiac by dividing the sky into 12 sections, each named after the largest constellation it contained. The zodiac calendar tracked time and provided predictions: the Babylonians observed that the movement of the planets, called transits, corresponded to both auspicious events and misfortunes on Earth.

Later, the Romans adopted the zodiac in the early first century, expanding the roles of the stars and planets through mythology. It was at this intersection of meticulous observation and epic folklore that astrology was born. And so, the symbolism and influence of the planets on the personality and traits of each sign was defined. See more below!

The sun in astrology

When someone asks you what your sign is, she is asking about the position of the sun at the time of your birth. In other words, the sun symbolizes our fundamental essence.

This vibrant celestial body represents our ego, sense of identity, basic personality and general preferences. The sun rules the zodiac sign of Leo, the vivacious and dynamic fire sign that exudes bravery and ferocity.

Thus the sun sign brings insight into your intrinsic gifts as well as your blind spots. Joys, desires, faults and fears are what make a sun sign special and unique. When combined with other planets in your chart, it creates a distinct profile which serves as your astrological fingerprint.

The moon in astrology

The gravitational pull of the moon regulates the weather and ocean tides. In astrology, the moon represents our emotional inner world. While the sun exposes our outer experience, the moon symbolizes everything beneath the surface. In other words, this satellite represents the spiritual retreat of our innermost self.

In the zodiac, the moon rules the sign of Cancer, the sensitive and protective water sign which is characterized by traits of attachment, sensitivity, comfort and security. The moon is the fastest moving celestial body in the sky and takes approximately two and a half days to transit through a zodiac sign.

The planets in astrology

Each celestial body in our solar system serves a purpose in astrology. In this sense, each of the zodiac signs is also associated with a planet, or a "ruler." This planet exerts a stronger influence on a particular sign than any other planet. It affects how your zodiac sign interacts with others, approaches life, and forms relationships.

The temperament of a sign is often defined by its planetary ruler, bringing about a passive, aggressive, conservative, receptive or extroverted personality type. The traditional planets - Mars, Venus, Mercury, Saturn and Jupiter - all serve more than one sign, while the Sun and Moon are assigned only to Leo and Cancer, respectively.

The stars and constellations in astrology

The zodiac is made up of twelve constellations and signs, dividing the sky into twelve sections. These parts of the cosmos are governed by the constellation to which they are attached, forming each member of the zodiac. These twelve sections are further defined by the elements to which they are affiliated and the planets by which they are governed.

For example, the sun travels through each sign throughout the year, marking significant changes that occur every thirty days. However, we also see changes as other planets and the moon rise in our galaxy, bringing to our lives a variety of challenges, blessings, and emotional movements.

The sign under which any planet is placed will give us insight into how that celestial body is acting at the moment, providing a map to decipher the energy present at that moment.

The twelve signs of astrology

In Astrology, each zodiac sign covers a period of time that lasts about a month. Therefore, each zodiac sign meaning is different depending on the date range and has interesting information about the person who belongs to that sign.

Furthermore, the astrological signs are considered one of the best ways to understand people, their characteristics, ideologies, attitudes and approach to life.

The 12 zodiac signs in order are: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. Each zodiac sign has a symbol that dates back to the Greek manuscripts of the Middle Ages. See below the main characteristics of each sign, date, element, ruling planet and other attributes.

Aries Sign

In astrology, Aries is the sign of those born from March 21 to April 19. Of element Fire, Cardinal quality and ruling planet Mars, Aries is the first sign of the zodiac. Aries is a creative, adaptable and insightful sign.

Aries can also be obstinate and spontaneous. In addition, they are very ambitious, often making them enterprising in whatever they decide to tackle. Moreover, Aries is part of the group of Fire signs and therefore they can get angry quickly, but it is only their fiery and passionate personality that shines through.

Finally, Aries have an excellent sense of humor and get along well with almost all other signs. Aries can be impatient, but they are devoted friends, lovers, and family supporters - they are loyal to the end and will fight for their causes.

Taurus Sign

Taurus is the sign of those born from April 20 to May 20, of Earth element, Fixed quality and ruling planet Venus.

Taurus' grounded, pleasure-oriented nature brings out the sensual and indulgent sides of the Earth element, manifesting as an immediate connection and deep appreciation of the pleasures of the world.

Taurus is all about strength, endurance and will. Stubborn by nature, the Taurus will stand firm to the end. On the other hand, Taurus is also a loving, supportive and appreciative sign.

According to astrology, Taureans are very patient, practical and helpful; they are excellent in business matters and are also wonderful instructors. They are infinitely generous, serene and pleasant.

Gemini Sign

Gemini is the sign of those born from May 21 to June 20, its element is Air, its quality is Mutable and its ruling planet is Mercury. Gemini people are great communicators. They love to interact with people and can be very adaptable.

In this sense, Gemini works with the intellectual and creative mind. Gemini people are usually great teachers and are always in a learning phase. In fact, they can be excellent writers as they use wise words to convey their life experiences.

Natives of this astrological sign are generous, affectionate and imaginative. Their charisma and achievements are contagious. Gemini are very supportive and especially good at promotions, sales and difficult negotiations.

Sign of Cancer

Cancer is the sign of those born from June 21 to July 22, has as its element Water, Cardinal quality and ruling star the Moon. Cancer has a high connection with the emotional and nurturing aspects of water, due to the fact that it is also closely associated with the moon.

Cancer is the supreme empath and protector. Natives of this sign of Astrology love domestic life and family atmosphere. As the moon is their ruler, so sometimes they can be quite temperamental and even, fickle.

On the positive side, Cancerians are loyal and supportive friends. In love, they dive headfirst and give their all to make their partner feel loved, secure and happy.

Leo Sign

Leo is the sign of those born from July 23rd to August 22nd, its element is Fire, its quality is Fixed and its ruling star is the Sun. Naturally confident, Leonines have no problem making friends and excelling in their careers. Their life goals are closely linked to expansion, power and exuberance.

Leo's are born leaders and they will let you know this as they tend to be high-minded and expressive in their opinions. Finally, those born under this sign of Astrology are courageous, intuitive and also headstrong. Behind their dynamic personality lies a generous, loving and sensitive nature that they do not easily share with others.

Virgo Sign

Virgoans are born between August 23rd and September 22nd and are deeply rooted in the material world. Their element is Earth, Mutable quality and ruling planet is Mercury. The sixth sign of the zodiac is a demanding perfectionist. Virgoans have sharp minds and a resourcefulness that envelops the entire environment exuding their intelligence and charm.

Virgoans are curious and very skilled at extracting information from people. This characteristic also makes them naturally intuitive. However, the Virgo native needs balance in their lives, otherwise they can become moody, impatient and selfish.

Sign of Libra

Libra is the sign of those born from September 23 to October 22, its element is Air, its quality is Cardinal and the ruling planet is Venus. Its main characteristics are balance, harmony and love. Libra embodies diplomatic relationships and balances social values and justice.

The native of this sign usually works with philanthropic, social and humanitarian projects. Interconnection and human interactions are the driving force of the Librian. They have keen intuitions, but often do not give themselves enough credit for their insights.

Scorpio Sign

Scorpios are born between October 23 and November 21 and are quite mysterious. The eighth sign of the zodiac is from the Water element group, has a Fixed quality and its ruler is Pluto. Scorpio is a profound sign that represents transformation and knowledge. It reminds us of basic human elements like sex, birth, survival and death.

Scorpios can also represent attachment and possessiveness as well as courage and connection. They tend to be obsessive and compulsive and can seem intimidating, but they can also be deeply sincere and loyal to people in their family and friendship circle.

Sign of Sagittarius

Sagittarius is the sign of those born from November 22 to December 21; its element is Fire, its quality is Mutable and its ruling planet is Jupiter. Here we have the philosopher among the signs of the zodiac. Like Scorpio, they have a great capacity for concentration and can be very intense.

However, they must channel their energy so as not to wear themselves out by going in too many directions at once. They are not very patient and expect quick results. However, when faced with failure, they bounce back in extreme ways, often against incredible odds.

They make loyal friends and lovers, but do not handle commitment well, as they refuse to be tied down while pursuing their philosophical views.

Sign of Capricorn

Capricorn is the sign of those born from December 22 to January 19; its element is Earth, it has a Mutable quality and its ruling planet is Saturn. Capricorn symbolizes authority, responsibility and love of work. Natives of this sign are so practical and realistic that they often appear to be older than they are or intellectually mature.

They are good organizers and achieve their goals by systematic and intentional means. However, they do not deal well with opposition or criticism and hate negative comments about their character. They are patient and persevering and can accomplish any task as long as they follow their plan step by step.

Sign of Aquarius

Aquarius is the sign of those born between January 20 - February 18; it is part of the Air group, has a Fixed quality and its ruling planet is Saturn. According to Astrology, Aquarius is a powerful and rebellious sign, with little concern for notions like "restrictions" and "expectations".

It manifests itself like a true hurricane destroying social expectations, traditions, limitations, inequities, with a rebellious force that shakes life in search of true freedom. Aquarians are highly original and are very inventive. They take up humanitarian causes and live a life with a free heart and spirit.

Sign of Pisces

Pisces is the twelfth sign of the zodiac, of those born from February 19 to March 20. Its element is Water, its quality is Mutable and it has Neptune as its ruling planet. The Pisces zodiac is about acquiring a vast amount of knowledge.

Pisceans are honest, selfless and trustworthy and can be overly cautious and sometimes naive. This sign represents a connection beyond the physical realm, and is usually emotional and compassionate. Pisces is one of the most sensitive signs and tends to be the most psychic, empathic and intuitive.

Types of astrology

Some astrological traditions and systems vary greatly. On one hand, you have Vedic Astrology, on the other hand, you have Chinese Astrology. Apart from these, there are many traditions of Astrology that focus on different aspects.

Find out below what the different types of Astrology are and what methods they use to predict events in a person's life, whether they are related to love, career or luck.

Aztec or Mayan Astrology

Aztec astrology, as its name suggests, comes from an ancient South American tribe: the Aztecs, who were especially fond of astronomy and astrology. Their study of the celestial bodies gave birth to this very precise but also colorful form of astrology, which is based on their own beliefs of the time.

In this way their system defines periods of 13 days, instead of weeks, to which 20 signs are associated. Each day is therefore designated by the association of a sign or glyph and a figure between 1 and 13, which in turn is associated with a deity.

Certain days can be considered beneficial or harmful according to the number they are associated with. This calendar serves to predict one's future and destiny according to the day one was born.

Esoteric Astrology

Although it is a form of astrology that is still emerging, Esoteric Astrology has its roots in the ancient Trans-Himalayan Wisdom and is considered by many to be the emerging paradigm in the field of astrology.

Esoteric astrology deals with soul progress and spiritual evolution, unlike classical astrology which focuses on personality development, identity and individuality.

It is a system that leads to a much deeper understanding of the hidden meaning in the zodiacal wheel and reveals the higher potential offered in each astrological sign. Most importantly here, the hidden purpose of the soul can be uncovered through the esoteric approach.

Medieval Astrology

During the Middle Ages, the relationship between medicine and astrology was very close. Medieval astrologers attributed disease epidemics to dangerous combinations of planets and studied the movements of the celestial bodies as a guide for treating individual patients.

In this sense, the practice of astrological medicine required knowledge of the astrological correspondences between the seven planets, the seven metals, and the parts of the body.

Other forms of astrology postulated that the motion and position of celestial bodies merely provided information about possibilities that could be altered by divine intervention or resisted by human will.

Kabbalistic Astrology

The word 'Kabbalah' means 'tradition' and is a Jewish wisdom that explains the essence of the human being and its capabilities.

The tree of life is a symbol of Kabbalah. The fruits of the tree of life are called Sephiroth. Each Sephira represents a cosmic power and the Sephiroth are connected with the paths.

Kabbalistic astrology is based on the premise that nothing in nature happens by coincidence, not even your birth. Furthermore, the time of your birth is a conscious decision made by your soul.

It is based on the times and positions of the stars and planet that lead to an individual's success and goal achievement. Therefore, each individual must utilize their own gift or gifts to overcome the obstacles in their path.

Traditional Astrology

Traditional astrology is generally defined as the type of astrology practiced in the West before the 20th century.

In short, the main overarching difference between modern and traditional astrology is that modern astrology has a psychological focus and traditional astrology has a focus on fate/circumstance. Modern astrology focuses on the internal world, traditional astrology focuses more on the external world.

In other words, traditional astrology is often characterized as being more oriented towards studying a person's destiny and the external events in their life, while modern astrology is often characterized as focused primarily on character traits and psychology.

Contemporary Astrology

Modern or contemporary astrology is more psychological and character-oriented. This approach subscribes to a kind of indeterminate and open-ended free will. In other words, your natal chart may show certain tendencies, but all of them can be altered or negated or "transcended" with hard work, and usually with positive thinking.

Vedic Astrology

Vedic Astrology is the term used much later in the 1980's. Traditionally, Vedic Astrology has always been known as Hindu Astrology.

The main difference is that in western astrology, significant importance is attached to the sun. But in Vedic Astrology, the moon is given a significant proportion of importance and attention to predict events in your life.

Remedies are also pronounced and suggested by an astrologer to avoid any ill effects of planets if found in Kundali i.e. in a person's birth chart.

Chinese Astrology

Chinese astrology is very different from other traditions of astrology. The Chinese zodiac is a repetitive 12-year cycle in which each year is represented and symbolized by an animal. In addition, the 12-year cycle is also considered a complete solar cycle.

In Chinese astrology, the animals in order are: mouse, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, sheep, rooster, dog, and pig.

Is Astrology some kind of science?

The basic premise of astrology is that celestial bodies such as the sun, moon, planets and constellations have an influence or are correlated with earthly events. For many people around the world, astrology is a way to learn more about their characteristics and predict outcomes of situations.

In practice, astrology uses a set of rules about the relative positions and motions of the celestial bodies to generate predictions and explanations for events and human personality traits.

However, the scientific community at large does not believe that astrology is anything more than pseudoscience, that is, astrology has been rejected by the scientific community as having no explanatory power to describe the universe.