What is Astrology?
Astrology is the study of how the positions and movements of stars and planets may influence human behavior and events here on Earth. Astrologers look at the positions of the sun, moon, planets and constellations at the exact time of a person’s birth to gain insight into their personality and predict what’s in store for their future.
It’s one of the oldest practices in history, dating back thousands of years to ancient cultures like Babylon, Egypt, Greece, Rome, China and India. People relied on astrology to make important decisions about love, marriage, career, health, travel and more. Kings and queens even used astrologers to help guide their kingdoms!
Nowadays, astrology is still popular around the world. Lots of people read their daily horoscopes in the newspaper or online for fun. Some people use astrology more seriously to understand themselves better. They may consult astrologers for major life events like planning a wedding, changing careers or moving to a new home.
The Zodiac Signs
The zodiac is made up of 12 different star signs. Your zodiac sign depends on which constellation the sun was passing through at the exact time you were born. Here are the 12 zodiac signs and their dates:
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Aries are adventurous, energetic and assertive. They love taking the lead and are not afraid to take risks. As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries are trailblazers with pioneering spirits.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Taurus are practical, reliable and devoted. They enjoy routine, resist change and prefer to do things the tried-and-true way. Taurus are associated with nature, wealth and material possessions.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Geminis are curious, outgoing and adaptable. They are social butterflies who love learning new things and sharing ideas. Since Gemini is represented by the celestial twins, they often display dual natures.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Cancers are nurturing, emotional and protective. Family is extremely important to Cancer signs, who tend to form deep, lifelong bonds with loved ones. They feel things deeply and their moods can shift like the phases of the moon.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Leos are confident, ambitious and loyal. They are natural leaders who thrive being in the spotlight. But Leos are also generous of spirit and enjoy celebrating their loved ones. Their sign is ruled by the sun.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Virgos are practical, analytical and hardworking. They pay attention to detail and are highly conscientious perfectionists. Virgos are humble helpers who enjoy supporting others behind the scenes.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Libras are diplomatic, fair-minded and social. Partnership and balance are important to Libra signs, who strive for equality, justice and harmony. Libra is the only zodiac sign represented by an inanimate object (the scales).
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Scorpios are passionate, resourceful and observant. They are adept at reading people and situations. Scorpio signs are intensely emotional and maintain an air of mystery and secrecy about themselves.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Sagittarians have an optimistic, jovial and philosophical outlook on life. They seek freedom, adventure and new experiences. Sagittarius is represented by the archer centaur, symbolizing their open minds and philosophical natures.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Capricorns are practical, disciplined and responsible. They have strong ambitious natures and will work tirelessly to achieve their goals. Capricorn signs build solid foundations in their careers and relationships.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
Aquarians are progressive, original and independent. They are forward-thinking idealists who value knowledge, science and new ideas to advance society. Aquarius is associated with revolutions, inventions and social change.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Pisces are compassionate, sensitive and imaginative. They are highly intuitive with a strong spiritual inclination. The dreamy, fantasy-prone Pisces is the most mutable and changeable sign of the zodiac.
The Planets & Astrological Houses
In astrology, the planets represent different energies and drives within us. The houses divide the sky into 12 sectors, each connected to areas of life like career, relationships, money, etc.
When planets move through the houses, their energies activate those areas of life. Here are the meanings of the planets and houses:
Sun
The Sun represents our core sense of self, identity and purpose. It governs vitality, creativity, leadership and authority.
Moon
The Moon rules emotions, instincts, rhythms, memories and the unconscious mind. It shapes our early childhood development and sense of security.
Mercury
Mercury influences intellect, communication, learning and speech. It promotes logic, adaptability and reasoning skills as well as travel and technology.
Venus
Venus rules love, beauty, art, relationships and harmony. It brings joy, affection, luxury and sensuality into our lives.
Mars
Mars governs passion, drive, energy, aggression and sexuality. It ignites our inner warrior spirit and fuels competition and achievement.
Jupiter
Jupiter represents expansion, luck, optimism, travel, philosophy and spirituality. It opens us up to new horizons and possibilities.
Saturn
Saturn rules hard work, commitment, discipline, responsibility and karma. It brings structure, reality checks and important life lessons.
Uranus
Uranus rules rebellion, revolution, eccentricity, technology and genius breakthroughs. It shakes things up and reveals exciting new possibilities.
Neptune
Neptune governs illusion, dreams, art, music, poetry, movies, mysticism and addiction. It dissolves boundaries and heightens compassion.
Pluto
Pluto rules power, control, obsessions, purging, psychological depth and all that is taboo. It exposes the shadow side of life and ourselves.
1st House
The 1st house rules physical appearance, self-expression and the imprint we make on the world. It governs our basic instincts and natural temperament.
2nd House
The 2nd house governs money, possessions, values and sense of self-worth. It reveals how we handle our resources and view material abundance.
3rd House
The 3rd house rules communication, thoughts, information gathering and immediate environment. It shapes our intellect and early education.
4th House
The 4th house represents home, family, roots, heritage, land and psychological foundations. It reflects our innermost emotional needs.
5th House
The 5th house governs self-expression, creativity, romance, children, leisure activities, fun and sense of joy. It reveals how we shine.
6th House
The 6th house rules health, service, daily routine, pets, skills, attention to detail and work environment. It reflects our attitude toward wellness and obligations.
7th House
The 7th house governs partnerships, relationships, marriage, agreements, negotiations and conflicts. It shows how we relate one-on-one.
8th House
The 8th house rules sex, death, transformation, mysteries, taboos, psychic ability, joint resources and other people’s money. It reveals how we handle crisis and change.
9th House
The 9th house governs philosophy, expanded horizons, travel, global awareness, spirituality and higher education. It reflects our search for meaning.
10th House
The 10th house rules career, public reputation, achievements, responsibility, calling and authority figures. It governs our worldly ambitions.
11th House
The 11th house rules groups, friends, hopes, wishes, humanity, technology, innovation and the collective. It shows our link to society.
12th House
The 12th house rules the subconscious mind, secrets, dreams, addictions, imagination, artistry, intuition and karma. It reveals hidden strengths and weaknesses.
How Astrologers Make Predictions
Professional astrologers use complex astrological charts called natal charts that require specific information like date, exact time and location of birth. The positions of the sun, moon, planets and houses in the sky at that moment create a unique cosmic fingerprint.
By studying how the changing planets interact with the fixed natal chart over time, astrologers can interpret what’s in store for a person’s future. They look at things like:
- Planetary cycles and patterns
- Important angles formed between planets and points in the natal chart
- Which zodiac signs the moving planets are traveling through
- Challenging aspects like squares and oppositions between planets
- Beneficial aspects like trines and sextiles between planets
- Which astrological houses are activated by transiting planets
- Significant planet transitions like Saturn Returns or Neptune square the Sun
- Eclipses, Full Moons, New Moons and Retrograde periods
The aim is to understand someone’s full astrological picture and how shifts in the heavens reflect events, challenges and opportunities playing out in their lives.
Is Astrology Scientific?
There is much debate around whether astrology is a science or pseudoscience. Skeptics argue that astrology makes vague statements and predictions that seem to apply to anyone. They also point out that astrology is rooted in magical thinking rather than experimental evidence.
However, astrology has been studied for thousands of years and many cultures incorporated it into agriculture, medicine, politics and philosophy. Some astrologers believe cosmic alignments do correlate in measurable ways with events on Earth, similar to how the moon’s gravitational pull impacts the oceans’ tides.
While astrology may not fit the strict scientific method, millions of people still find meaning and guidance in the cosmic rhythms reflected in its teachings. At the very least, reading our horoscopes can make life a little more magical!
In Conclusion
Astrology is a complex, ancient art form that aims to help us understand life’s mysteries and our true nature based on celestial movements at the time of our birth. Learning about your zodiac sign is just the beginning. There are many layers to explore if you want to go deeper into the astrological forces that shape who we become.
References
Hansen, J. D., Johnson, T. W., & VanFleet, J. W. (2016). Traditional and modern astrology: A conceptual overview. Psychological Reports, 119(1), 123-129. https://doi.org/10.1177/0033294116674503
Kolevzon, A., Reichenberg, A., & Gross, R. (2007). Prenatal and perinatal risk factors for autism: A review and integration of findings. Archives of pediatrics & adolescent medicine, 161(4), 326-333. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.161.4.326
Mayo, J., White, O., & Eysenck, H. J. (1978). An empirical study of the relation between astrological factors and personality. Journal of Social Psychology, 105(2), 229-236. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224545.1978.9924112
Nanninga, U. (1996). Astrology in education. European Journal of Education, 31(4), 451-463. https://doi.org/10.2307/1503573
Hi there, I’m Mallory Miller, a proud Florida woman living and loving life in the Sunshine State with my husband of 50 years, Mike. I spent my career in journalism and public relations, uncovering stories and promoting causes close to my heart. Now, I’ve redirected my energy towards our joint venture: a website where we share our candid experiences and insights on the triumphs and challenges of senior living.
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