What are horoscopes?

Astrology uses a chart that shows the arrangement of the planets at a particular time, such as the birth of a person or the beginning of a project. This involves consistent mathematical and astronomical calculations, regardless of who performs the analysis, as long as the same initial data is provided.

The astrological interpretation of this chart is subjective and varies depending on the experience and training of the astrologer. To create a horoscope, information about the date, time and place of birth is required.

The horoscope is based on a geocentric perspective and shows the position of the planets and the divisions of the zodiacal band into 12 parts, known as "astrological houses", beginning with the "Ascendant".

The horoscope includes the astrological planets, which cover all the celestial bodies of the Solar System, including the Moon and the Sun, which are called stars in astrology. The Sun and the Moon are considered luminaries.

The horoscope is usually represented as a circle divided into 12 parts, which include the zodiacal division and the astrological houses. These houses vary depending on the geographical location in which the horoscope is calculated, which can lead to different interpretations for people born in different places but at the same time.

The "house" and "sign" divisions are independent, and the beginning of the houses can coincide with any position in the "sign" division.

The astrological planets are distributed in the circle according to their position in the sky at the time of the horoscope calculation. Sometimes they are close together, while other times they are more spread out.

In addition to the planets, the horoscope also represents "aspects", which are angular relationships between planets or sensitive points, such as the ascendant. For example, a separation of 120 degrees between Saturn and the Sun is called a "Trine", while a separation of 180 degrees is called an "Opposition".

With all these variables, there are numerous combinations that influence the astrological interpretation of a horoscope.

Before the horoscope had the character that Greco-Latin culture gave it, it has been discovered that in Babylon, under the Persian reign, as Van der Waerden states, horoscopic astronomy was born, However, there are data related to astronomical and, at that stage, astrological accounts, since ancient times:

• Between 25,000 and 10,000 years BC. C. notches have been found in mammoths that represent the phases of the Moon.
• In 6000 BC. C. observations of the sky by the Sumerians begin.
• 3000 BC. C.: Corresponds to the astrological predictions of Sargon the Elder.
• 1800 BC. C.: The Chinese emperor Shun makes a sacrifice to the seven rulers (seven planets).
• 1800 BC. C.: Construction of the Stonehenge megaliths, near what is now Salisbury, England.
• 14th century BC. C.: The Sumerian gods are: Sin (of the Moon), Shamash (of the Sun) and Ishtar (of Venus).

The horoscope and the birth chart, in astrology, are methods of prediction that have not been scientifically proven based on the arbitrary position of the stars at the time of birth. The term derives from the Greek "ὥρα" (hora, "hour"), and "σκοπέω" (skopeo, "examine")

There are twelve signs of the zodiac in Western astrology, and each of them corresponds to a specific period of the year. The twelve signs of the zodiac are:

1. Aries (March 21 - April 19)
2. Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
3. Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
4. Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
5. Leo (July 23 - August 22)
6. Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
7. Libra (September 23 - October 22)
8. Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
9. Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
10. Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
11. Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
12. Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

Each sign has its own associated characteristics and traits, and astrology is based on the belief that the position of the planets at the time of a person's birth can influence their personality and destiny.

Many cultures used similar forms of prediction based on their own calendars in direct relation to the stars. For example:

• Chinese Astrology: In Chinese astrology, instead of zodiac signs, animals from the Chinese horoscope are used. There are 12 Chinese animal signs, which repeat in a 12-year cycle: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
• Vedic Astrology: In Vedic astrology, practiced in India, 27 constellations or "nakshatras" are used along with the twelve sun signs to perform astrological analysis.
• Mayan Astrology: Mayan astrology uses a system of 20 sun signs called "seals" or "glyphs" that represent different energies and personalities.
• Arabic Astrology: In Arabic astrology, twelve signs called "houses" or "domes" are used which are based on the position of the planets in relation to the fixed stars.

Each of these astrological systems has its own characteristics and distinct approaches. However, Western astrology, based on the twelve signs of the zodiac, is one of the most popular and well-known in many parts of the world.