The origins of astrology arose in ancient times, when people first began to think about the structure of the universe. It was then that the assumption was born that the whole life of a person is closely connected with the cosmic processes that accompanied the moment of his birth. This is how the horoscope and its various variants appeared. Some of them, such as the zodiac circle and the eastern calendar, are still popular today.
What is a horoscope
You can answer the question "what is a horoscope" with the help of different concepts. For example, it is often defined as a set of relative positions of celestial bodies in a certain period. In ancient times, this concept denoted the so-called. the "ascendant" or ruling planet at the time of a person's birth. And now it usually means a description of the horoscope - zodiac signs or specific forecasts.
The term itself is of Greek origin and translates as "watching time". The first evidence of making predictions dates back to the 5th century BC. e. It's believed thatThe beginning of horoscopic astrology was laid in Mesopotamia, and it was further developed in Egypt, Greece and Byzantium.
The most famous version today appeared at the beginning of the 20th century. It was then that a famous British astrologer named Alan Leo came up with an accelerated description method based on the cyclical movement of the Sun, which passes through the same constellations each time during the year. Since that time, a person's zodiac sign has been determined mainly through the position of the luminary at the time of his birth.
How to make a horoscope
All schemes, whether it's a weekly horoscope or a natal chart, are compiled according to a certain method based on geometric constructions and mathematical calculations. For a specific moment in time (this can be any date), the astrologer calculates the position of celestial bodies, he also uses the geographical coordinates of the event.
To understand what a horoscope is, you need to imagine the ecliptic - a circle on which the projection of the planets is plotted. It is divided into 12 sectors, each of which is assigned a specific symbol. An analysis of the position of the celestial those shows that each of them falls into one of the segments of the ecliptic, that is, into a specific sign of the zodiac. The set of data on the coordinates of the luminaries and planets forms the cosmogram of the horoscope.
The basis of the astrological description is the interpretation of the scheme obtained on the symbolic image of the firmament. As a rule, the process of its construction takes quite a long time and requires thorough training of a specialist inhoroscopes.
Natal Chart
The fact that not only the position of the Sun, but also of all the planets of the system plays a decisive role in the fate of a person is best demonstrated by the natal chart. It is something like a personal horoscope relating to the moment of birth. When compiling it, not only the date is taken into account, but also geographical coordinates and the most accurate time of day. It is believed that even because of a difference of a few minutes, people born on the same day can have completely different character traits and fates.
Professional astrologers can not only correctly draw planetary charts, but also decipher the information received, resulting in a complete and detailed description. This is what allows us to understand what a horoscope is in its true meaning. The natal chart helps to reveal the character of a person, his inclinations, "weak points" and predict important life circumstances and turning points in fate.
Other types of horoscope
A local horoscope is calculated in a similar way. However, it no longer refers to the date of birth, but to the coordinates of the present location of the person. It makes sense to draw up a local map, for example, when you change your place of residence in order to assess the possible consequences of this decision. There are other versions of the horoscope:
- horary - used to answer a question;
- mundane - refers to historical events, the fate of entire states and upcoming large-scale events;
- thematic (one of its most popular varieties is the marriage horoscope) - allows you to calculate the possible success or failure in a particular area;
- karmic – aimed at revealing the circumstances of past lives;
- compatibility horoscope - calculated on the basis of two natal charts and characterizes the essence of the relationship;
- by year of birth (one of the versions is the Eastern calendar).
Zodiac circle
The most popular type of horoscope is the so-called. "zodiac circle" Each of its 12 sectors corresponds to a certain symbol, which is under the auspices of one of the 10 celestial bodies. The zodiac circle allows you to determine the sign of a person by the constellation through which the Sun passed on the day of his birth.
An early version of the system was invented around the 7th century BC. e. For the designation of 12 signs, the symbols of the constellations through which the Sun passes during the calendar year were taken. Half of them depict animals, the other half are characters from ancient Greek myths (according to one version, all the names arose on the basis of legends about the exploits of Hercules). The astrological cycle begins with the constellation Aries and ends with Pisces.
It is noteworthy that once in the zodiac circle, one more, the 13th sign was singled out. It is known as Ophiuchus and, according to the calendar, its period - from October 30 to November 16 - is between the sectors of Scorpio and Sagittarius. At present, astrology does not include him in the circle due to the inconsistency of the modernthe arrangement of the signs of the scheme that existed 2.5 thousand years ago.
Zodiac signs
The characteristics of each of the 12 representatives of the zodiac are greatly influenced by several factors. In particular, this is the ruling element and the degree of its severity. In addition, it is believed that people born "on the border" of the zodiac periods will also have features of the neighboring constellation. At the same time, representatives of the "middle" are carriers of the pronounced qualities of their sign.
Representatives of the zodiac circle can be divided into groups according to several criteria. So, in astrology, each of them can be classified as "dominant" or "subordinate", "male" or "female", "northern" or "southern", etc.
Each of the 12 "solar" signs is also under the auspices of one of the 4 natural elements. This allows us to divide them into special groups - trigons. Fire is represented by Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, Earth by Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. Under the influence of Air are Gemini, Libra and Volodya, and the trine of Water symbolizes Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.
Elements
The natural element mainly determines the personal characteristics of its "wards". The "fiery" signs of the horoscope are distinguished by strong-willed character and leadership qualities. Representatives of the element Air are sociable and have a developed imagination. "Earth" signs are endowed with a calm temperament and a penchant for rational thinking. People born under the influence of Water are emotional and intuitive.
It is also consideredthat "fire" and "air" signs are predominantly extroverts. As for Water and Earth, they mostly correspond to introversion.
The first constellations of the zodiac circle have the brightest features of the ruling elements. This applies to Aries, Taurus, Gemini and Cancer. At the same time, in Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces, the features of their patronizing natural forces are manifested with the least force. As for the "middle" signs of the zodiac circle (Leo, Virgo, Libra and Scorpio), they have moderately pronounced characteristics of their element.
Compatibility Horoscope
Clients of professional astrologers most often ask to make not only a natal chart, but also a relationship forecast. The compatibility horoscope is very popular and is calculated by comparing individual characteristics obtained from dates of birth. After a series of calculations, an astrologer can give a detailed picture of the relationship: the similarity of two people, the nature of their interaction and future prospects.
A similar forecast can be made not only for a romantic union, but also for colleagues and friends. It is important to understand that even a not very favorable compatibility horoscope does not sign a “verdict” on a relationship. Rather, it helps to anticipate and anticipate their weaknesses.
Today, the compatibility horoscope for the signs of the zodiac is widely known. It is based mainly on the nature of the mutual influence of different elements. Of course, such a forecast is useful in some way. But for a much more accurate and detailed picturerelationship, the conclusion about the compatibility of two people should be made on the basis of their natal charts.
Astrological predictions for every day
The horoscope for today or any other specific day may contain astrological advice compiled for each sign. A similar forecast is made on the basis of the daily lunar phases and the position of the planets in relation to a separate zodiac sector. In it you can get information about the success of a particular undertaking, possible dangers and general emotional and even physical condition on a certain day.
The horoscope for tomorrow can often be heard on radio programs and found on the Internet. For many people, the idea of astrology is formed precisely on the basis of these "quick tips", to which they are very skeptical. Meanwhile, when planning especially significant events, a one-day horoscope can really be very useful. Especially if it is compiled in detail, taking into account not only the sign of the zodiac, but also the natal chart of a person and the exact coordinates of the upcoming event.
Eastern (Chinese) calendar
Chinese horoscope by year of birth has a very ancient history, much longer than the zodiac circle. It was compiled approximately 4.5 thousand years ago during the reign of the legendary Huang Di. The Eastern horoscope for years is based on astronomical observations of the movement of the Sun, Earth, Moon and two planets: Jupiter and Saturn.
There are several legends connected with the appearance of the Chinese version. She tells of them that once the Buddha called all the animals to the celebrationNew Year. To all who came, he promised to present a gift for a whole year of reign. However, only 12 animals responded to the invitation, which then became symbols of the Chinese horoscope, and in the order in which, according to legend, they appeared on the holiday. Thus, the Rat opens the cycle, and the Pig completes it.
According to the calendar, each sign can "rule" under the auspices of the energy of "yin" or "yang" and a certain natural element: wood, fire, water, metal or earth. 5 elements, multiplied by 12 animals, give a total of 60 years of the Eastern cycle.
Signs of the Eastern calendar
By analogy with the zodiac system, the Chinese horoscope over the years serves to characterize the personal qualities of a person. The animal-symbol of the year is able to endow with its own special features, among which there are both positive and negative ones. All signs are divided into 4 groups: competitors, intellectuals, independents and diplomats, which determines their brightest qualities.
The patron element is of great importance, which gives a person a special shade. Representatives of the same sign, born under different elements, will have rather dissimilar characters. It is noteworthy that the Eastern calendar also has its own version of the compatibility table, containing pairs of "allies" and "antagonists".
In addition, the Chinese horoscope allows you to get the characteristics of a person based on the time of day of his birth. Every 2 out of 24 hours corresponds to one of the signs, and thethis cycle is traditionally from the Rat. All animals have the most suitable birth hours. For example, the same Rat, born at night, has more determination and dexterity than the "daytime" representative of this sign.
There is another very curious variety of the Eastern calendar - age. This yearly horoscope begins with the Rooster, and the last, twelfth period of a person's life, which means the transition to death, passes under the sign of the Tiger.
Other prediction systems
Traditions of different cultures have had a significant impact on what types of horoscopes are. Almost each of the ancient civilizations had its own way of predicting fate at the time of birth. Some of them have survived to our time and are known as horoscopes, although such a designation is not entirely correct. These include, for example, the Druid calendar, as well as numerological, Zoroastrian, Tibetan and a number of other systems.
An individually compiled horoscope is something like a "map of fate". It can provide a lot of valuable information about a person. To get the most detailed picture, you need to rely only on professionally interpreted maps of the location of the planets.
As for the popular descriptions of the signs of the zodiac and daily forecasts, they mostly contain too generalized information and cannot claim to be highly reliable. To get a complete picture of what a horoscope is and how it corresponds to the real state of affairs, is possible only withassistance of an experienced specialist.
