What is Astrology ?

The word horoscope is a combination of the Latin word Ora , meaning hour and the Greek word Scopos , meaning - to view .  The word horoscope means to view the hour .  Astrologers often refer to your birth chart as your natal horoscope. Natal is another Latin word that means birth .  So, natal horoscope is just another way of saying to view the hour of birth . Now what exactly is a horoscope?   A horoscope is simply a map of the sky that is divided into twelve sections called houses. Each house of a horoscope deals with a specific area of your life such as your money, your children or your spouse. In the houses can be found the Sun, Moon and Planets. The Sun, Moon and Planets must apply their unique energies to the areas of life associated with the house in which they are located. For example, if Venus, the planet of love, beauty, art and money was located in your sixth house of work, health, pets and clothing,  you would probably have a strong love of pets, beautiful clothing and doing a good job. You would want to work in a pleasant, friendly and attractive environment, be well compensated for your work and would be well liked by your fellow employees. An important romantic relationship could develop with a co-worker. A good profession for you is either in the arts or in some form of cooperative interchange such as counseling. However, if Venus was located in your fourth house of home and family, you would  love your home and family, some members of which could have some money. They may also have more than a bit of artistic talent. You probably have a gift for interior decorating and the older you get the more beautiful your home becomes. You were probably born with a knack for creating a warm atmosphere in your home and can make others feel like they are a part of your family. Another very simple example would be if Mars, the planet of bold and courageous action, was found in your second house of money. That would indicate you are not afraid to take aggressive action concerning your finances. An astrologer could then humorously, but accurately, state that you were a person who was born with the courage to shop.  While this is extremely simplistic astrology, the point is that a planet must apply it's energy's to the affairs associated with the house of your horoscope where it was located.
A horoscope will also show the twelve signs of the zodiac. The twelve signs are individual sections of the sky that form a circle.  In fact the word zodiac means the circle of animals .  As the planets orbit the Sun they will travel through each of the twelve signs. The Sun, Moon and Planets must express themselves according to the nature of the sign they are occupying. They will then apply that energy to the areas of life associated with the house in which they are located.  Once you understand that simple premise, learning to read a horoscope becomes easy and fun as you experiment with the different meanings of the planets, signs and houses.
To learn the essential meaning of the planets, signs and houses of a horoscope simply click the appropriate link above.  If that information motivates you to learn more about astrology click our Astrology Classes link above. There you will learn how to read any horoscope you want in far greater detail than can be found each week in our Astrology At Work link.

The American Heritage Dictionary defines astrology as "The study of the positions and aspects of celestial bodies in the belief that they have an influence on the course of natural earthly occurrences and human affairs."  Ralph Waldo Emerson defined astrology more simply as, "Astronomy brought to Earth and applied to the affairs of man."   The word astrology itself comes to us from two Greek words, Astra which means Star and Logos meaning Logic or Reason. Astrology is most simply and accurately defined as Star Logic. Astrologers do what they do by making and then reading a horoscope.