Astrology is the study of the heavenly bodies, such as stars, moons and planets, and how they influence the course of individual people's lives. Astrology began in the ancient Far East and many different types of astrology are still performed all around the world.
There is no set method of studying and practicing astrology, and because there are so many methods, there is often discrepancy and confusion surrounding the craft. What one psychic may tell you in a reading may not correspondent to what another has told you. This, however, does not necessarily mean that one or both of the astrology readings are wrong. It could mean that the readings refer to different times in your life, or different aspects of your personality.
Most people are familiar with astrology only as far as knowing the names of their Zodiac signs. But Zodiac signs are used in sun-sign astrology, which is one of the simplest forms of astrology. These are the kinds of astrology readings you will find in newspaper Horoscopes. Because they are based only on the basic date of birth, they generally produce very generic results, accounting for some of the reason why so many people disbelieve their accuracy.
Minor Astrology is another simple form of psychic reading. This method is similar in some ways to palm reading. The similarities lie in the fact that Minor Astrology is generally used when an individual wants to know more details about a very specific upcoming event or a relationship with another person. The questions you can ask when receiving this type of reading are limited.
Astrology readings that are based solely on the date of you birth are sometimes also called Natal Astrology, or The Law of Beginnings. Another simple form of astrology is called Mundane Astrology. Mundane Astrology refers to the forecasting of broad predictions about worldwide events or famous people.
A more detailed reading can be made for individuals through other forms of astrology which take other factors into account, such as how the planets were aligned according to the Zodiac sign in question on that particular day. For instance, two people born on the same day will probably have similar simple readings but, if they were also born in different years, they will almost definitely have different detailed readings.
The more detailed forms of astrology fall under the category called Interrogatory Astrology. This includes readings of specific predictions for individual people and can be about anything from a person's health or lifespan to mate compatibility and major life events.
An astrology reading begins with a birth chart. Every person will have a detailed, specific birth chart, or horoscope, based on their exact date of birth. This chart will show different symbols that will then reveal things about that person's present and future.
All forms of astrology readings are done with the aid of astrological symbols. A different symbol represents each Zodiac sign as well as each plant and other heavenly body. Each birth date symbol is represented both by a hieroglyph letter as well as a simply drawn symbol, such as the lion for Leo and the fish for Pisces.
The twelve different Zodiac signs are:
- Aries (March 21-April 19)
- Taurus (April 20-May 20)
- Gemini (May 21-June 21)
- Cancer (June 22-July 22)
- Leo (July 23-August 22)
- Virgo (August 23-September 22)
- Libra (September 23-October 23)
- Scorpio (October 24-November 21)
- Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
- Capricornus (December 22-January 19)
- Aquarius (January 20-February 18)
- Pisces (February 19-March 20.)
- Learn more about the 12 signs of the Zodiac
Each person has a rising sign and a descending sign. The rising sign is the sun sign, or the one that most people are familiar with when asked for their Zodiac sign. For instance, if you were born on April 18, your rising sign would be Aries, but your descending sign, or moon sign, would be Taurus. A good astrology reading will take both into account.
The sun sign is actually the least telling about the two signs. Most people don't realize that their rising sign will probably tell more about the first impressions they give people than about their true self. Your rising sign will reveal some of your personality, but your descending sign, the moon sign, will reveal more about your true emotions and inner self.
A good astrology reading will place just as much emphasis on reading your moon sign as it does on your sun sign. The moon sign will tell the astrologer about a person's subconscious. Traits, emotions and talents that may be hidden to most will come to light here. A moon sign also will reveal some aspects of a person's physical health.
Other symbols depicted in astrology include those of luminaries, or other heavenly bodies. There are specific symbols for each of the following: the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.
Another aspect of the astrology reading deals with the astrological houses. The astrology chart, which shows each of the twelve Zodiac signs, is also divided into twelve different houses. These astrological houses will reveal even more details about a person's life, such as details about their money and investments, travel and education, childhood memories, relationships, family and career.
Planetary Aspects is another important part in an astrology reading. Planetary Aspects refers to the mathematical angles of each planet in relationship to another. The aspects are divided into two sub categories, major and minor. These angles can reveal hidden energies, abilities, opportunities and skills.
Astrology has never been a simple craft. If you're thinking of getting an astrology reading, or you want to perform the craft, you owe it to yourself to learn as much as you can about the art before you begin. No single article, or even one book, can teach everything there is to know about astrology.
There are many different elements to an astrology reading that should be learned and understood before a psychic, medium or astrologer can give an accurate reading. Astrology is a detailed science with a rich history in both predicting and changing the course of human lives.