The basics of astrology are rooted in ancient times. Solon, a 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. It is possible that astrology is the oldest form of divination in the world, which probably originated in Mesopotamia, but almost every ancient civilization from Babylon to Egypt and from China to Greece studied it.
Early scholars noted that most groups of stars known as constellations traveled together across the sky. However, five of the larger and 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 also noted the movements of the sun and moon, which significantly affect the understanding of the basics of astrology.
Further development of science
Astrologers gradually realized that people who were born at a certain time of the year when the Sun, Moon and planets were in the same part of the sky had a lot in common. Despite the fact that 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 at the place where a person was born. If you could lie on your back and look at the sky at the moment you were born, you would see all the planets in the same positions as in your natal chart.
Creating a chart - the basis of natal astrology
Compiling it used to be a lengthy process, but now it can be done in seconds. If you use Google, you will find many sites that will prepare a diagram for you. However, the interpretation and understanding of the astrological chart is a complex process, which takes years to master. Therefore, one book with a title like "Fundamentals of Vedic Astrology for Beginners" is clearly not enough.
Four forces
The twelve signs of the zodiac are divided into four groups, each of which contains three signs. Four groups are named after the four elements that were proposed by the ancient Greek philosopher Empedocles.
It was believed that they are the building blocks of the universe: fire, earth, air and water. In basic terms of astrology, elements express the binding nature of various signs:
- Fire (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius) is positive, assertive, energetic, enthusiastic, impulsive, inspiring, courageous, strong, passionate and proactive.
- Earth (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn) is careful, 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) is compassionate, forgiving, understanding, emotional, creative, intuitive and spiritual.
Sunny symbolism
The sun is the energy and power of the entire solar system. Without this, 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 points to your personality - what you really look like inside.
Even if people do not understand anything in the basics of astrology, most of them know what their sign of the Sun is. They usually notice some character traits that are attributed to a particular sign. There are only twelve signs of the Sun, and this means that all of humanity is divided into twelve groups. These laws are also relevant for the foundations of Tibetan astrology, and for any other regional subspecies of this esoteric discipline.
Twelve Zodiac Signs
In astrology, the sky is divided into twelve sections, each of which represents one of the signs of the zodiac. It looks like a round cake, sliced into twelve equal slices. At that moment when you were born, the Sun was in one of these twelve sections, and this determines which zodiac sign you belong to. The sun spends thirty days in each section, which means that it takes a whole year to visit each section and go around the zodiac. Dates change for a day or two from year to year. Therefore, if you were born at the beginning or at the end of one of the twelve periods, you will need to check in which year you were born to find out the zodiac sign.
Each section gives its special energy to the 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 performing their calculations. Of course, they know that this is actually not so, but since they have a strong influence on our lives, they are conveniently regarded as planets. Ten planets are known: the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. According to the basics of astrology, each of them refers to different sides of our personality.
The sun
The sun passes through each zodiac sign 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, this creates pride, anger, vanity and selfishness. The sun refers to the conscious mind.
Moon
The moon symbolizes fertility and is associated with sensitivity, imagination, emotions, subconsciousness and intuition. This also applies to parenting, household, family life. The people ruled by the moon are essentially emotional, sensitive, and volatile. In advanced and basic astrology, the moon refers to the subconscious.
Mercury
Mercury controls the nervous system and intelligence. This applies to self-expression and interaction with other individuals. The key word for Mercury is communication, which is why 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, controls the deeper and more subtle human emotions, such as appreciation, love and devotion. Venus shows what you like and how you maintain close relationships.
Mars
Mars, the god of war, symbolizes courage, strength, courage, perseverance and physical attraction. The planet gives courage, frankness, endurance and initiative. Mars reveals your energy and sexuality. People under the influence of the planet do things better than plan them. When Mars is well located on the map, it gives strength to character, leadership qualities and a strong desire to succeed. It also provides courage and the opportunity to bring ideas to the end.
Jupiter
Ancient astrologers considered Jupiter second after the Sun. It symbolizes wisdom, moderation and generosity. Jupiter shows how we enjoy. Good luck has always been associated with this planet. Jupiter also goes in parallel with wisdom, knowledge, higher education, philosophy, ethics, understanding and intelligence. Since Jupiter always looks to the future, it is also associated with ambition and career when interpreting astrology.
Saturn
Saturn is a planet of limitation and restraint. This reveals our sense of discipline, responsibility, concentration and strength of character, gives perseverance, caution, self-control and concentration. When Saturn is used and directed, it can become a positive energy that helps people achieve their goals.
Uranus
Uranus is a planet of transformation and rebirth. He is a pioneer of new ideas and concepts and reveals the highest potential of people. It defines originality, individuality and creativity, and also provides a humanitarian perspective and interest in metaphysical studies.
Neptune
Neptune controls our inner feelings, psychic abilities, sensitivity and imagination. Its positive features are receptivity, intuition, spiritual development, mental perception and compassion. The planet reveals spirituality.
Pluto
Pluto, the 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 world conditions.
Planet arrangement
Like the Sun, planets visit all signs in turn, and the combination of a planet and a sign can be interpreted as a means of understanding astrology. Here are some examples:
- If Mercury were in Cancer, you could say that emotions will influence thinking.
- If Mars was in Capricorn, you could say: "A person has many ambitions, combined with a strong desire to succeed."
- If Saturn were in Gemini, you could say that security is achieved through communication.
These are the basics of astrology for beginners.
Horoscope Analysis
How to carry out the analysis? First you should find out your zodiac sign. Depending on the date of your birth, you should look at the position of the Sun and other planets. In the basics of medical astrology, which determines the predisposition to diseases, as in classical astrology, great importance is attached to the house in which each planet is located at the moment, as well as where it will be in the future.