The basics of astrology are rooted in ancient times. Solon, the Greek historian, wrote that astronomical information was recorded nine thousand years before his birth. If this is correct, people have been interested in this science for at least eleven thousand years. Astrology may be the oldest form of divination in the world, probably originating in Mesopotamia, but almost every ancient civilization from Babylon to Egypt and from China to Greece has studied it.
Early scientists noted that most groups of stars known as constellations moved together across the sky. However, five of the larger, brighter stars traveled independently. They were called "wanderers". Today we know them as planets. Astrologers considered them gods and called them Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Uranus was discovered in 1781, followed by Neptune in 1846 and Pluto in 1930. Scientists have also noted the movements of the Sun and Moon, which significantly affect the understanding of the basicsastrology.
Further development of science
Astrologers gradually realized that people who were born at certain times of the year, when the Sun, Moon and planets were in the same part of the sky, had a lot in common. Even though each person is unique, these people have many similar interests and feelings. This allowed astrologers to make predictions for individuals. Later they were called horoscopes, which described the images of heaven at the date, time of birth and in the place where a person was born. If you could lie on your back and look up at the sky the moment you were born, you would see all the planets in the same positions as in your natal chart.
Creating a chart is the basis of natal astrology
Compiling it used to be a lengthy process, but nowadays it can be done in seconds. If you use Google, you will find many sites that will prepare the chart for you. However, interpreting and understanding an astrological chart is a complex process that takes years to master. Therefore, one book with a title like "Fundamentals of Vedic Astrology for Beginners" will clearly not be enough.
Four elements
The twelve signs of the zodiac are divided into four groups, each of which contains three signs. The four groups are named after the four elements that were proposed by the ancient Greek philosopher Empedocles.
They were thought to be the building blocks of the universe: fire,earth, air and water. In basic terms of astrology, the elements express the obligatory nature of the various signs:
- Fire (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius) is positive, assertive, energetic, enthusiastic, impulsive, inspiring, courageous, strong, passionate and enterprising.
- Earth (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn) is cautious, responsible, reliable, ambitious, practical, focused, disciplined, firm and persistent.
- Air (Gemini, Libra and Aquarius) is carefree, joyful, curious, restless, independent, sociable, impractical, interesting, intelligent and trusting.
- Water (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces) - compassionate, forgiving, understanding, emotional, creative, intuitive and spiritual.
Sun symbolism
The sun is the energy and strength of the entire solar system. Without it, life as we know it could not exist. In your horoscope, the Sun represents independence, will, strength, energy, leadership, motivation, creativity, and even popularity. This symbolism is also characteristic of the foundations of Vedic astrology. The sun indicates your personality - what you really look like on the inside.
Even if people don't understand the basics of astrology, most of them know what their Sun sign is. They usually notice some character traits that are attributed to a certain sign. There are only twelve signs of the Sun, which means that all of humanity is divided into twelve groups. These laws are also relevant for the basics of Tibetan astrology, andfor any other regional subspecies of this esoteric discipline.
Twelve signs of the Zodiac
In astrology, the sky is divided into twelve sections, each of which represents one of the signs of the zodiac. It is like a round cake cut into twelve equal slices. At the moment you were born, the Sun was in one of these twelve areas, and this determines which zodiac sign you belong to. The sun spends thirty days in each section, meaning that it takes a full year to visit each section and circumnavigate the zodiac. The dates change by a day or two from year to year. Therefore, if you were born at the beginning or end of one of the twelve periods, you will need to check what year you were born in to find out your zodiac sign.
Each section gives its own special energy to people who are born in it. Thousands of years ago, astrologers used the names of animals, people, and objects to describe this energy. That's why we have: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.
Planets
Astrologers refer to the Sun and Moon as planets when doing their calculations. Of course, they know that this is not really the case, but since they have a strong influence on our lives, it is convenient to consider them precisely as planets. Ten planets are known: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. According to the basics of astrology, each of them refers to a different side of our personality.
Sun
The sun passes through each sign of the zodiac for approximately one month each year. It shows what we want in general. The sun is the source of life, radiating energy, inspiration, self-awareness, enthusiasm and wisdom. However, the warm rays of the Sun can be used for both good and evil. When adversely affected, it creates pride, anger, vanity and selfishness. The sun is related to the conscious mind.
Moon
The moon symbolizes fertility and is associated with sensitivity, imagination, emotions, the subconscious and intuition. This also applies to education, household, family life. People ruled by the Moon are essentially emotional, sensitive and changeable. In advanced and basic astrology, the Moon refers to the subconscious.
Mercury
Mercury governs the nervous system and intellect. It concerns self-expression and interaction with other individuals. The key word for Mercury is communication, so it is associated with quick thinking, adaptability, eloquence, quick perception and intelligence.
Venus
Venus is the goddess of love and sexuality. It represents nobility, sociability, beauty and art, and controls the deeper and subtler human emotions such as appreciation, love and devotion. Venus shows what you like and how you maintain close relationships.
Mars
Mars, god of war, symbolizes courage, strength, bravery, perseverance and physical attraction. Planetgives courage, frankness, endurance and initiative. Mars reveals your energy and sexuality. People under the influence of the planet are better at doing things than planning them. When Mars is well placed in the chart, it gives strength of character, leadership and a strong desire to succeed. It also provides courage and the ability to see ideas through to the end.
Jupiter
Ancient astrologers considered Jupiter the second after the Sun. It symbolizes wisdom, moderation and generosity. Jupiter shows how we enjoy. Luck has always been associated with this planet. Jupiter also parallels wisdom, knowledge, higher education, philosophy, ethics, understanding and intelligence. Because Jupiter is always looking to the future, it is also associated with ambition and career when interpreting astrology.
Saturn
Saturn is the planet of limitation and restraint. It reveals our sense of discipline, responsibility, focus and strength of character, gives perseverance, caution, self-control and concentration. When used and channeled, Saturn can become a positive energy that helps people achieve their goals.
Uranus
Uranus is the planet of transformation and rebirth. He is a pioneer of new ideas and concepts and unlocks the highest potential of people. It defines originality, individuality and creativity, and provides a humanitarian perspective and an interest in metaphysical pursuits.
Neptune
Neptune governs our inner senses, psychicabilities, sensitivity and imagination. Its positive features are receptivity, intuition, spiritual development, psychic perception and compassion. The planet reveals spirituality.
Pluto
Pluto, ruler of the underworld, represents the subconscious in basic astrology. It shows your ability to change, regenerate, grow, heal. It affects generations of people and can change the conditions of the world.
Location of planets
Like the Sun, the planets visit all signs in turn, and the combination of planet and sign can be interpreted as a means of understanding astrology. Here are some examples:
- If Mercury were in Cancer, you could say that thinking will be influenced by emotions.
- If Mars were in Capricorn, you could say: "A person has a lot of ambition, combined with a strong desire to succeed."
- If Saturn were in Gemini, you could say that security comes from communication.
These are the basics of astrology for beginners.
Analysis of the horoscope
How to analyze? First you need to find out your zodiac sign. Depending on your date of birth, you should look at the position of the Sun and other planets. In the basics of medical astrology, which determines the predisposition to disease, as in classical astrology, great importance is attached to which house each planet is in at the moment, as well as where it will be in the future.