Many people read the same handful of items in the newspaper or online every day. One of the most popular items is the horoscope. These individuals understand that this is an astrological chart that represents positions of planets, the Sun, the Moon, and other aspects connected to a specific occurrence, such as the date of their birth. Though they take it somewhat seriously, many of them do not know the detailed history of the horoscope.
The word comes from the Greek language and loosely means “time observer” or “marker of the hour.” This method of divination began when people looked to the stars to find answers, as a substitute for more formal education to which they lacked access. Of course, people still look to the stars, the Sun, and the Moon for guidance and answers. The charts, relationships to the stars, and other methods of speculation have become more standardized, which gives readers a more uniform resource to guide their spiritual journey.
Zodiac Signs
In very basic terms, the zodiac is a coordinate system centered on the path of the sun across the celestial sphere during the year. The zodiac signs are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.
Each has a specific sign associated with it. Aries is represented by a ram, Taurus by a bull, Gemini by twins, Cancer by a crab, Leo by a lion, Virgo by a virgin, Libra by scales, Scorpio by a scorpion, Sagittarius by a centaur, Capricorn by a goat, Aquarius by a water bearer, and Pisces by a fish. These associations to animals or people came from the shape of a group of stars, a shape that resembles the related person or animal.
Planets and Powers
Astrology is still the science of the stars, much as it was centuries ago. In the past, sky observers identified the lunar cycles and constellations, then provided them with the names that have remained through the years. People also associated certain planets with specific powers or abilities, but the questions they sought were usually much broader and applied to the world in general.
Today, it is more common to use horoscope readings to find answers to personal questions or to help guide an individual in the future. People look at a horoscope that is based on the location of stars, the Sun, Moon, and planets at the time of their birth, using it as a tool to predict what they should do or what direction they should take in a career move, for example.
During a reading, the astrologer or psychic reader checks, among other things, the position of the celestial bodies at the time of your birth. In combination with elements such as houses and angles, the reader can produce a profile of the individual’s life, personality, and other information. There is still some difference in the practices and theories of astrology and horoscopes. In centuries past, people had their own form or method.
In some places on Earth, cultures still follow ancient methods and practices, especially in China and Tibet. Some of these practices have survived into the 21st century and have combined with new forms or information to produce the modern astrology we know today.