astrology

Astrology is a belief system that posits that the positions and movements of celestial bodies—primarily the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars—at the time of a person’s birth or during specific times influence traits, events, and life paths. It is not a science and is distinct from astronomy, the study of celestial objects and phenomena.

Western astrology centers on the birth chart, a map of the sky at the moment and place of birth. The chart is divided into twelve houses, each associated with an area of life; the zodiac is divided into twelve signs; planets and luminaries occupy signs and houses; and angular relationships, or aspects, describe how these bodies relate to one another. Core concepts include elements (fire, earth, air, water) and modalities (cardinal, fixed, mutable).

Astrological practice also includes various branches. Natal or birth astrology interprets a person’s potentials; predictive techniques such as transits and progressions forecast timing of events. Horary astrology answers a question from a chart drawn for that moment. Electional astrology seeks an auspicious time for an action. Mundane astrology concerns world events. In Indian or Jyotisha astrology, a sidereal zodiac and different timing systems are used.

Historically astrology influenced medicine, philosophy, and astronomy in several cultures. Today it remains popular in popular culture, with daily horoscopes and personalized readings, though most mainstream scientific organizations consider it unproven.

Scientific evaluation: astrology has not demonstrated reliable predictive power under controlled conditions, and its methods are not compatible with established scientific theories. Critics cite vagueness, the use of retrospective fitting, and cognitive biases. Proponents argue that astrology offers symbolic insight and subjective value for individuals.