Most of what we will be discussing is the Western Horoscopic astrology. Other cultures have just as elaborate and detailed systems that I just haven’t delved into. Honestly, once the humans got the hang of it and left the angels alone, we sort of just let them get on with it. The idea was to kick start a sort of calendar system so they could have a heads up on flooding and farming. We had no idea it would blow up to this proportion.
Putting that aside, let’s get started.
The most critical thing you need in order to sort out your life and the lives of everyone you meet is one or multiple horoscopes. That is, a visual representation (e.g. chart) of the precise positions of the various planetary bodies and constellations at any point in time and is used to divine events and consequences relating to that time. Kinda like the casting of bones but using the stars and the concept of time.
Creating one of these charts is a labor of love. The would-be astrologer needs to have specific details such as the location, the exact time (and what time zone), event latitude, as well as an encyclopedic knowledge of how the planets, stars, and even the sun and moon move and at what location in the sky they were at the specified date and time. You could use a computer to calculate all of this, but why mess with a state-of-the-art technical wonder when there are perfectly serviceable charts and tables to help you do the same thing? We are getting too reliant on technology nowadays. The Chaldeans would be rolling in their graves at some of the shortcuts we have created! Respect the tradition and work harder not smarter!
Each of these celestial bodies are plotted on the chart which is of a circular design (meant to represent a view of the sky from horizon to horizon) divided into twelve sections. When all of the tables have been exhausted and all of the necessary cosmic bodies have been accounted for, it’s time to interpret the angles, aspects, and ascendants related to where everything has been placed on the chart. A completed chart will look similar to one of those spirograph designs if the spirograph implement was broken and a particularly untalented child got ahold of it.
Now how one interprets these star charts depends on which branch of Horoscopic astrology you are using. There are four: Natal, Mundane, Electional, and Horary.
In the Horary branch, a person will ask a question and the astrologer will create a horoscope for the exact time and place where the question was asked. It’s a lot of work for what could be just a yes or no answer.
Electional horoscopes ascertain when the best time to start something like creating a business or commencing a specific project will be.
Mundane astrology is where all of this started. It charts the correlation between what happens here on earth (like floods, volcanic eruptions, and other such world events) and links them to what’s happening in the sky.
Finally, Natal astrology is probably the most wide-spread branch in today’s modern world. This is the mapping of the horoscope based on a person’s date, time, and location of birth. The result of which gives a deep insight into the personality and internal motivations of any given person.
WHEW. Yes, it’s all seriously complicated. Next week we will learn about the zodiac, which is at the core of astrology and horoscopes.
Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
You are over complicating your current relationship. Knock it off. Enjoy it for what it is.
Leo (Jun 23 – Aug 22)
Piecing together the remains of families is lonely work. Might want to take up a hobby that will help Frankenstein things together.
Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
There’s too much going on inside your head for you to be concerned with the real world. Just be cautious of vehicular accidents.
Virgo (Aug 23 – Sep 22)
You have outgrown your current social status. Seize this opportunity to cast off all of the lies you have cloaked yourself with and start fresh.
Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19)
Life in the spotlight is pretty nice, yeah? Remember to have some private, you time as well or run the risk of giving too much of yourself to your adoring fans.
Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)
Sparks are going to fly as you meet that next special someone. Validation is on it’s way, hang tight.
Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20)
It’s time to take a break from the usual every-day stuff. Get out there and experience the actual joy of living!
Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
Your friends are trying to get ahold of you. Respond to their texts already!
Gemini (May 21 – Jun 20)
Put on your best personality and get dolled up today because you are bound to meet the one.
Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
Being politically correct is going to be the downfall of your art career. Back it up, buttercup.
Cancer (Jun 21 – Jul 22)
Your loved ones are plotting against you. Just remember to act surprised when the time comes.
Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
Compliments are flooding in. Are they sincere? Are they bullshit? Best to agonize over it until things become clearer.
* I wish it went without saying that Azra is a work of fiction. Please do not take it seriously.