Horoscope

From ArticleWorld

The term Horoscope stems from the Greek word horoskopos, meaning “a look at the hours”. A Horoscope is a fundamental requirement for astrology. It is chart or a diagram of the position of the planets and stars at a particular point of time. It is usually drafted for a significant event like the birth of an individual. It is also known as a birth chart, astro-chart, natal chart, celestial map and sky chart among others. In daily usage, horoscope may also imply the astrologer’s interpretation of the star chart.

Horoscope drafting dates back as far as 409 B.C. and was initiated by the Romans. It then spread to Western Europe where it was labeled a science in itself.

Horoscope columns are today an integral column in every popular newspaper and magazine. Professional astrologists regard these as useless because horoscopes are ideally tailor-made to a person’s birth date and time. Generalizations of any kind are futile.

Casting Technique

The astrologer uses an ephemeris and a table of houses, the geocentric positions of the sun, moon and other heavenly bodies at a precise time is calculated. It is then formatted into a star chart.

The chart primarily comprises of 12 houses, mostly following the Equal House System. First, the sun or the earth is placed in the center (depending on the ephemeris being heliocentric or geocentric). The zodiac signs are then filled in. Planets are then placed at their longitudes as observed at that particular point of time. Some complex calculations are made and sensitive angles demarcated. Some astrologers even fill in the position of minor celestial bodies, asteroids etc. The Part of Fortune (of Greek Lots) is most popular among astrologers. Aspects or angles between planet pairs are then carefully analyzed. This completes the horoscope.

A complete horoscope is then interpreted by astrologers based on a pre-conceived set of rules. The reading is specific to a particular individual only. If the time of birth given is even slightly off, the readings may not be relevant. Accuracy of time and drafting of the chart are vital as predictions are totally dependant on these.