Narrated by Runa Chatterji
This sky model of the map of the heavens and planetary positions is recorded from a distinct geographical position and this planet-earth-sky pattern is called a chart. Based on this chart, astrologers market significant features such as the following:
The exact astronomical position of the planets in the sky-by listing their location in a constellation, or Sign of the zodiac.
The location on the earth-by using latitude and longitude; these are called houses.
Which sign is on the horizon or that part of the sky east of the birth location at the time of the birth-this point is called the rising sign or ascendant.
An astrologer reviews this birth chart to find information about an individual's concern and events; they can make inferences regarding an individual's disposition and character and may foretell events in that person's life. Life patterns seen in the birth chart are matched by the astrologer against the patterns seen in historical rules and records of parallel astronomical information. For predictive purposes, a planetary almanac is used to track the location of planets from sign to sign and house to house to locate how these transits of planets will affect a person's life. We will cover each one of these subjects in greater depth in later articles.
The Different Schools of Astrology
While the information above is common and basic to astrology, there are also different schools of astrology that interpret this information in various ways. One is the Western principle of Astrology, the other the Indian or Vedic principles of Astrology. There are also the ancient Chinese, Arabian and Tibetan schools that we shall address in future articles.
Western Astrology emphasizes the relationship of the Sun to the earth and the seasons and is referred to as "tropical astrology". The position of the Sun at the time of birth plays a very important role in this principle, and hence the general advice columns or predictions published in newspapers and magazines.
Astrologically, the Sun is believed to affect how an individual manifests his or her personal form of self-expression. Coinciding with the philosophical and religious tenets of Western cultures, the concept of free will plays a very important role in this school of astrology.
As a result, interpretations of Western astrologers focus on expressions of the self and their consequences. It is presumed in this school of thinking that individuals are predisposed by planetary influences to certain patterns of behaviours, thought and emotion. As a result, Western Astrology predicts and analyzes behaviour based on birthdates.
Vedic or Indian Astrology, which is over 6,000 years old, is also an ancient behavioural analysis and forecasting system. However, it is a system that shows how behaviour might change over time. Karma or the law of cause and effect play an important role in this school of prediction. |
