What Is Astrology? Types, Benefits and 12 Zodiac Signs

In recent years astrology has gained a lot of popularity. People read their daily horoscopes in the newspaper or on websites, follow their zodiac sign on Facebook, and even get a birth chart drawn up to get an insight into their life, love, career and future.

Different types of astrological practices exist, like Vedic, Western and Chinese Astrology. Every type has its own methods and traditions of working out the meaning of celestial phenomena for human beings.

In this post we shall attempt to explain to our readers what all is required to understand Astrology, as we shall discuss all types of it and how it can benefit an individual.

What Is Astrology?

It is the study of the positions of the Sun, Moon, and planets, and how they relate to human life on Earth.

The study of astrology is used to understand various traits of a person, including their personality, and also to predict compatibility in love, and in marriage for the person. It is also used to predict growth in career for the person, and overall for the person to predict future events.

While many people rely on the daily horoscopes, the zodiac sign of a person and even Astrology predictions for future events, there is however no scientific evidence to support the claims of Astrology to predict human traits and the future events.

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How Does Astrology Work?

This information along with other elements such as a person’s birth chart, zodiac sign, planets position etc. is used by the astrologer to interpret information regarding various aspects of a person’s life.

1. Birth Date, Time and Place

The Birth Date, Time and Place are calculated to form the Birth Chart that comprises three main components of the celestial bodies’ positions at the exact time and place of a person’s birth.

By entering the three basic details – date of birth, exact birth time and birthplace – of a person, the birth chart or the Kundli or Natal chart is created. A Vedic astrology birth chart is called Janma Kundli and a Western astrology birth chart is called a Natal chart.

There is considerable variation in a chart depending on the exact time of birth, as this influences the Position of the Asc (or Ascendant), or Rising Sign, as well as the configuration of the various astrological houses.

2. Planets in Astrology

• Sun: Confidence, identity, and self-expression.
• Moon: Emotions, feelings, and inner life.
• Mercury: Communication, learning, and thinking.
• Venus: Love, attraction, and relationships.
• Mars: Energy, courage, and action.
• Jupiter: Growth, knowledge, and opportunities.
• Saturn: Discipline, responsibility, and challenges.
• Rahu and Ketu – Lunar Nodes of Vedic Astrology.

These are the traditional interpretations of each of the planets. The significance of each of them can vary depending on the astrology system in use.

3. Zodiac Signs and Astrological Houses

There are 12 signs in the zodiac, each sign corresponding to Aries to Pisces, each having their unique characteristics.

For a detailed astrological analysis of a person’s life, the positions of all the planets in the twelve houses are studied. Thus the study of signs and the study of houses is integral to astrology and both are taken into account while interpreting the past and predicting the future of a person.

4. Planetary Transits

Planetary movement through the zodiac signs. It is studied in detail to predict future events and the effect of these events upon the person.

The position of all planets and their current movements in the sky are compared with the positions the same planets had at the native’s time of birth and therefore reflected in the native’s birth chart. This comparison is done for daily, monthly and yearly forecasts for the native.

Interpretations, forecasts, etc. of planets’ motion are also mostly the part of popular belief.

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What Are the Different Types of Astrology?

Astrology can be practised in many parts of the world. Here we shall begin with an overview of some of the main types.

1. Vedic Astrology

Vedic astrology also known as Jyotish or Hindu astrology is practiced throughout the world and particularly in India. Vedic Astrology uses the Sidereal zodiac (Star positions) and major consideration is given to the positions of planets, nakshatras, dashas of various planets and birth charts.

Several consultations and remedies related to Kundli matching for marriage compatibility, and finding guidance and solutions for career and personal problems are offered by Vedic astrologers to their clients.

Vedic astrology is well known and used across the globe. Topics covered by Vedic astrology include Mangal Dosha (The Mars factor), Rahu and Ketu (The two shadow planets), Shani Sade Sati (The Seven and a half year Saturn time period) and lastly Muhurat (Choosing the best time to go for an event).

2. Western Astrology

Western astrology also spans the globe in countries and cultures where it is extremely popular. Primarily used as a tool to study personality, relationships and how to better yourself, Western Astrology is the most recognized form of astrology today and also considered the oldest.

Some of the main components of a Western Astrology birth chart are Sun signs, Moon signs, rising signs and a person’s natal (birth) chart. Online general horoscopes are usually written for Sun signs only.

3. Horary Astrology

Horary astrology – questions in the chart. We prepare a chart for the time of the question and work in accordance with the rules for the given type of question (e.g. a question concerning a relationship, work, etc.).

This branch of astrology can be helpful in understanding questions like will I find a good partner? Can I find a job? Is the proposed deal good for me?

4. Electional Astrology

Electional astrology – this is used to select the best time for an event such as a wedding, to start a new business or to commence a major project. In Indian astrology this study is known as Muhurat.

This topic can also be studied in the context of Indian astrology in the study of Muhurat for various events.

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What Are the Benefits of Astrology?

Of course, people follow different parts of astrology for many different reasons. The man may connect with his family’s tradition while the woman connects with the study of astrology in general and her self-understanding.

Here are a few reasons why people explore astrology.

1. Learn to know yourself better: Astrology is a very good aid for better understanding a person, especially his or her positive and negative character traits.

2. Relationships: Examining Love Astrology and the Zodiac signs that represent you and others including characteristics which may help you understand your partner better. Most importantly, it can also help in Kundli Matching to enable parent’s of both families to understand their child’s compatibility before the wedding!

3. Career Guidance: Career astrology explores the astrological interpretations of work, ambitions, profession etc. However, we need to remember that career decisions depend upon our interest, skills, educational qualifications and opportunities available.

4. The Study of Cultural Practices and Traditions – In Vedic Astrology one can study 36 Nakshatras, Kundli Matching etc. and learn to apply them in practical life.

This does not necessarily mean that the other reasons that people get value from astrology are also not true.

What Are the 12 Zodiac Signs?

Twelve main signs – the zodiac signs – belonging to the zodiac are the most well-known part of astrology. Each sign typically has a number of characteristics that describe the type of personality a person born under that sign is likely to have.

• Aries: Active and independent.
• Taurus: Patient and sensible.
• Gemini: Curious and friendly.
• Cancer: Caring and emotional.
• Leo: Confident and expressive.
• Virgo: Neat and careful.
• Libra: Fair and balanced.
• Scorpio: Strong-willed and passionate.
• Sagittarius: Adventurous and positive.
• Capricorn: Hardworking and goal-focused.
• Aquarius: Independent and creative.
• Pisces: Imaginative and kind.

Keep in mind that these are typical representations associated with each sign. When we create a complete birth chart for a person, we look at their Moon sign, Ascendant (or rising sign) and all of their planetary positions. Therefore, a full reading of someone’s chart is never done solely based on their Sun sign.

What Is the Difference Between Astrology and Astronomy?

Astrology and Astronomy: What is the Difference?

Astronomy is the science of studying planets, stars, galaxies, and even the whole universe. It includes scientific observation, arithmetic, and hard evidence to arrive at conclusions.

While Astronomy is a science, which deals with study of celestial objects and universe, Astrology is an interpretation of celestial objects and their influence on human beings.

For example, astronomy might tell you where a planet is at any given time, and astrology would then try to give you some kind of meaning to that planet’s position.

As opposed to Astronomy, Astrology hasn’t been scientifically established to predict events in one’s life. It’s a field of study whereas Astronomy is a Science.

How Can Beginners Start Learning Astrology?

If you have no knowledge whatsoever about astrology, then there is no need for you to know everything straightaway.

• Zodiac signs: Learn the twelve zodiac signs along with their significance.
• Planets: Know the properties of the Sun, Moon and all other planets.
• Houses: Learn about the 12 houses that are used in this field.
• Make your own birth chart: Using your date of birth, time of birth and birth place, make your Kundli.
• Choose any type of astrology: Start learning with either Vedic or Western astrology before proceeding to others.
• Study and practice: You can study and practice by making use of introductory books on the same subject like reading your horoscope, planetary positions or interpretation of your birth chart.

Have an open mind, but do not believe everything that is predicted to be real. Always make use of facts and experts when it comes to health, finance, education and career.

Check It: Rahu and Ketu in Vedic Astrology: Meaning and Effects

FAQs: Type of Astrology

1. What is astrology?

Ans. Astrology is a type of practice which has been in existence since time immemorial and which makes predictions about the behavior of heavenly bodies in relation to personality and possible future.

2. How does astrology function?

Ans. Astrologists study various aspects like zodiac signs, planetary placements, birth charts, and astrological houses based on their principles of practice.

3. What details are required for a Kundli?

Ans. A Kundli is usually made from the date of birth, birth time, and place of birth of the individual.