The basis of astrology is predictability of celestial bodies motion and belief that this cyclical and rigidly ordered universe is inseparably connected with human life and events inside human community. This interconnection, but also intention to separate the universe to parts, to be better understood, is essence of astrology.
The fundamental elements for horoscope interpretation (from Greek horoscopus, time map) are celestial bodies, Zodiac signs and astrologic houses.
Zodiac signs (from Greek Zodiac, animal circle) are constellations on heaven behind alleged Sun motion around the Earth (ecliptic); in reality, constellations looking from Earth are not 30° wide, astrologers show them so because of internal horoscope harmony. Signs on chart are ordered counterclockwise, from Aries to Pisces.
Division of astrologic houses is based on daily rotation of Earth around its axis, which affects change of day and night; houses are of different width, because of different time Sun spends above the horizon, in different seasons.
There are 12 astrologic houses, their meaning is similar to signs, so the first house corresponds to Aries, the second to Taurus, etc. For calculating locations of houses the most important are the axes of the first and the seventh and the fourth and the tenth house.
Zodiac signs and houses in horoscope
Ascendant (ASC) – axis of the first house, degree of Sun rising for some day and time
Descendent (DESC or DES) – axis of the seventh house, degree of Sun setting for some day and time
Medium Caeli (MC) – axis of the tenth house, midpoint of heaven for particular date and time
Immum Caeli (IC) – axis of the tenth house, the opposite point of midpoint of heaven
Locations of planets and other horoscope elements
Planets and other horoscope elements are drawn in chart inside Zodiac signs and houses on degree where they are placed.
Western astrology studies motion of eight planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto), two lights (Sun, Moon), and many other elements (Moon Nodes, asteroids, fix stars, Arabian points, etc).
Today horoscopes are made quickly and simply with computer programs, in past Ephemeris and House Tables were needed, which were made by stellarium, so during long history of astrology, only expert astronomers were astrologers.
Dynamics of natal horoscope
Natal chart is celestial map for certain date, time and place of birth, it is a pattern representing ourselves and our way of making world, simultaneously web of relationships inside of us and relationship to world outside. Planets in horoscope are active energy principles. Zodiac signs are celestial circle divided into twelve signs, which gives specific color to planet’s manifestation. Houses are area of life where planet’s influences are manifesting. Aspects are interrelationships of planetary manifestation.
