Many of us interchange the words “astrology,” “zodiac” and “horoscope.” Read on to understand their differences and impress your friends!
Astrology
The word “astrology” comes from an early Latin word, astrologia, which was borrowed from the Greek astron (“star”) and logia (“study of the stars”). It refers to the movements and relative positioning of the constellations that are considered to have sway on the natural world and human interactions.
Most early astrologers were astronomers, thus lending credibility to the pseudoscience. Astrology is a system of logic whose first recorded history was over 4,000 years ago in ancient Babylonia (what is now Iran today). People living off the land had been examining the night skies for years, but the Babylonians were the first to write down their observations in a systematic fashion. Travelers carried that information to other lands, many of which were beginning to illustrate the movement of the Heavens themselves, and furthered each other’s knowledge.
Interest in astrology has soared this past year. Throughout history, during troubled times, we often seek deeper answers about ourselves and others, to give us a sense of control and understanding. We also appreciate using ancient knowledge to help us navigate decisions. Some people consult their personal natal chart (see below) daily to determine how they will go about their day. These readings are not what you see in your average newspaper; those readings lump everyone born between a certain set of days versus pinpointing your daily natal chart.
The Zodiac
Since the earth has a 360-degree orbit around the sun, early observers divided the night sky into 12 equal parts giving each sign a name based on the shape of the constellation that was most prominent. The 12 zodiac signs are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Saggitarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.
The word zodiac is an English word derived from zōdiacus, a Latinized form from Ancient Greece meaning “cycle or circle of little animals.”
Most devotees feel that the beginning of the year occurs at the Spring Equinox. This is when the sun passes the equator moving from south to north, and the North Pole again leans toward the sun, somewhere around March 20th. Thus, the first sign of the zodiac begins with Aries.
Horoscope
When early astronomers began coordinating earth changes to the stars, they also started applying that knowledge to individuals; a science which became known as Horary astrology. The word “horoscope” comes from the Greek “ōra” (time) while “scopos” means “observer.” It translates to “markers of the hour.”
Your horoscope is based on where the sun and moon, planets, as well as sensitive angles and astrological aspects were at the very moment of your birth. This is also frequently called your natal chart, astro-chart, radix, and chart wheel. It can be used as a way to anticipate and predict upcoming changes. Many find it very useful for determining when to make financial or relationship decisions, etc.
As mentioned above, while there is an overarching influence for all people born under one of the 12 specific zodiac signs (e.g., Pisces reigns from February 19 – March 20), your specific chart will provide you with a much more personal and precise prediction. Thankfully, you can look up your natal chart for free quite easily on the internet. You will be asked your day and minute of birth, as well as the location of your birth. You will receive a colorful chart showing where all the planets were the moment you were born. With that information, you can begin to do a lot of research, as well as join online forums to discuss them with others.
A professional astrologer can help you even more. Be sure to consult the online forums to determine between the gifted astrologers and the people out there that won’t give you any more information than you can find all by yourself!
