Western Astrology Fundamentals

This article covers the basics of Astrology and how they are interrelated. Astrology is defined as the art or practice of determining the supposed influences of the planets and their motions on human affairs and human disposition.

Introduction:

This article covers the basics of Astrology and how they are inter-related. Astrology is defined as 'the art or practice of determining the supposed influences of the planets and their motions on human affairs and human disposition'. From this practice a horoscope can be produced - a diagram (or chart) of the relative positions of planets and signs of the Zodiac at a specific time, usually the time of birth. A forecast can then be produced.

The Zodiac:

Western Astrology originated way back, around 500 BC, with a concept called the Zodiac being developed. This comprised of an imaginary sphere surrounding the earth, which followed the path of the Sun through the constellations during the year. The Zodiac was split into twelve sections, each named after the specific constellation noted in that area.

Elements:

Many ancient philosophies used a set of classical elements to explain the way nature behaved. Each sign was connected to one of the classical elements (fire, earth, air, or water) and was also related to a region of focus; social, personal or universal.

* Water signs are related to growth processes, identification and emotion. In tandem with the other elements, water feels that fire will make it boil, air will evaporate it, but earth will shape and channel it.
* Fire signs are related to action, passion, and energy. In tandem with the other elements, fire feels that earth will smother it, water will drown it, but air will fan and enliven it.
* Air signs are related to thought, perspective and communication. In tandem with the other elements, air feels that water will obscure it, earth will suffocate it, but fire will inspire and uplift it.
* Earth signs are related to sensation, stability, and practicality. In tandem with the other elements, earth feels that air will dry it, fire will dry it, but water will refresh and nourish it.

Modalities:

Each sign is connected to one of three modalities; cardinal (sometimes referred to as movable), fixed, and mutable.

There are four quadrants following the order of the zodiacal signs, with three signs in each. Each quadrant describes a season, beginning with a cardinal sign, continuing to a fixed sign, and ending with a mutable sign.

Modalities and Related Zodiac Signs:

* Mutable signs are related to adaptability, resourcefulness and holism. They are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces.
* Fixed signs are related to determination, focus and individuality. They are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius.
* Cardinal signs are related to creativity and initiation. They are Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn.

Summary of Zodiac Sign Characteristics:

* Aries (cardinal, fire, personal): defensive, energetic, head down, assertive, impulsive.
* Taurus (fixed, earth, personal): patient, indulgent, resourceful, thorough, devoted.
* Gemini (mutable, air, personal): quick, logical, inquisitive.
* Cancer (cardinal, water, personal): clinging, protective, sensitive.
* Leo (fixed, fire, social): theatrical, generous, proud.
* Virgo (mutable, earth, social): critically, practical, efficient.
* Libra (cardinal, air, social): lazy, co-operative, fair.
* Scorpio (fixed, water, social): anxious, passionate, sensitive.
* Sagittarius (mutable, fire, universal): careless, free, straightforward.
* Capricorn (cardinal, earth, universal): suspicious, prudent, cautious.
* Aquarius (fixed, air, universal): detached, democratic, unconventional.
* Pisces (mutable, water, universal): distracted, imaginative, sensitive.

Houses of the Zodiac

Zodiacal - Astrological Houses

Houses:

We assume that the Earth is a fixed point, and that all other cosmic bodies revolve around it once a day. The main circle of the chart is divided into 12 equal segments. One segment or House equals two hours out of the total 24 hours.

Houses relate to everyday activities; the first to personality, the second to possessions, and so on. A planet or planets placed in a particular House affects the area of life represented by that House in a manner typical of the planet. The House must be considered according to the sign in which the cusp, or starting point, of the particular House falls.

The area of life represented by the 12 Houses are as follows:

1 Personality, health, disposition. It represents how one appears to the
Elements.

The 12 signs are separated in 4 elements, Fire, Earth, Air and Water. By examining the different planets in these signs together with the planets in the qualities of signs, astrologers can draw a profile analysis of a subject.

FIRE: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius - People of fire signs are explosive, volatile, and energetic. They are leaders, inventors and adventurers. Their weaknesses are the tendency of doing their work to their extremes and burn themselves out. The Fire attributes are best to be counterbalance by Earth signs.

EARTH: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn - People of Earth signs are practical, cautious and reliable. If they are lacking (few Earth signs) they lack outsiders.

2 Possessions, wealth, worldly resources. The sign on cusp may indicate sources of income.

3 Family ties, education, short journey. The mind is associated with this House.
4 Home, domestic life parenthood.

5 Creativity, children, speculation, love affairs. This also relates to looseness of behavior or indulgence.

6 Work, subordinate. It is the attitude towards services to the outside world.

7 Partnership (love and Business) The sign on cusp gives good indication of marriage partner.

8 Inheritance, life and death, sex, crime. It is an attitude towards life. It represents big business.

9 Philosophical views, higher forms of education. This House has a bearing on moral ideals and conscience, imagination and creativity.

AIR: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius - Air signs are responsible for the intellectual activity, thought and philosophy. People who possess many planets in the Air signs are good planners. Without Air signs, subjects may have difficulty in communication, and be weak in artistic inclination. The excess of planets in Air signs are best to be counterbalanced by planets in the Water signs.

WATER: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces - These are emotional signs. The planets in Water sign moderate the practicality of Earth, the ideas of Air, the careless energy of Fire.

In astrological interpretation, the element analysis is most traditional. For example, many planets in the Fire sign of a chart are indicative of the subject being very lively and enthusiastic. Though this interpretation is simplistic and direct, astrologers must also consider the effect of the Qualities and Aspects of the subject's birth chart to draw a complete personality profile.

Qualities:

10 Career, ambition, all matters outside the home. A social responsibility that affects one's appearance.

11 Friends, acquaintances, intellectual pleasures. It is the objectives in life.

12 A need for seclusion, hospital visiting, self sacrifice. The presence of many planets here indicates subject's susceptibility to drugs.

The 12 signs are separated into 3 qualities; they are Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable. By studying the combination of different planets in the 3 different qualities of signs plus the Elements of Signs, astrologers can also draw a complete personality profile of a subject.

CARDINAL: Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. It is enterprising and outgoing.

FIXED: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. It is resistant to change.

MUTABLE: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. It is adaptable and changeable.

Each sign of the same quality expresses its quality differently. For example, Aries and Cancer are both Cardinal, but Aries is of Fire and Cancer of Water. Therefore, both Aries and Cancer show signs of enterprising, but Aries will show an initial enthusiasm towards enterprising in the beginning whereas the Cancer will steadily show the quality through emotions. The interpretation of elements and qualities must also be combined with the overall context of Aspect interpretation.

Ophiuchus

Source: Google Books

Astrological Reflections

Astrology is the study of planetary positions to determine the course of things ahead in life as well as events and details concerning past life experiences as well as karmic events. The earliest recording or sign of astrology was found in the 3rd millennium BCE. Astrology has over the course of time influenced culture, the occult and metaphysical sciences, early astronomy, scientific thought, history, anthropology, navigation, and other disciplines.

Astrology uses two methodologies of predicting or foretelling the future – one is astrological transits and the other is astrological progressions. It is important to understand how both interact in the way a horoscope is read and how predications made. Astrological transits look into the movement of planets and the impact of such movements in the universe and within one’s personal horoscope. Astrological progressions use a set of methods to determine how a horoscope has moved forward in time. Now-a-days, astrologers no longer predict actual events according to some pundits. Instead, what they do is bring out various general astrological events in order to extrapolate better results and give importance and more credence to arbitrary and unrelated events.

There are three main astrological traditions. These are Vedic astrology, Western astrology and Chinese astrology. Vedic and western astrology make use of an astrological chart or horoscope and make their prediction using the position of the Sun, Moon, and planets. However, the point of difference between Vedic and Western astrology is in the linking of zodiac signs to their original constellations, which while is a feature not present in western astrology, but is considered of paramount importance in Vedic astrology. The chief characteristic of Vedic astrology is in its use of nakshatras or the 27 lunar mansion and planetary periods known as dashas in future predictions (i.e., portions of the Zodiac that are 13 degrees and 20 minutes in length). And do not discount the major influence of the Mayans on astrology.

Chinese astrology uses a means that is very different from Vedic and western astrology. Instead of diving zodiac signs according to the sky, they are divided according to the celestial equator. Every zodiac sign here stands for a year and the sign is combined with a system that uses the five elements of Chinese cosmology to give a 60 (12 x 5) year cycle. Chinese astrology is a method not just used or practiced in China; it is used in many Asian countries as well as in the United States of America.

Now, the question remains: Can the future be predicted by astrology? Yes, from some to a great extent as with any form of divination or consultation with the Divine Oracles. Astrology, though considered by many scientific thinkers as some sort of superstition, is actually a science because there is considerable study that goes into making each prediction as well as the development of astrological charts. Reliable astrologers have been able to bring out future influences to accuracy, but accuracy also depends upon providing correct information, doing knowledgeable calculations, and performing salient research.

Of the many forms of astrological methods in practice, Nadi Jyosiam (i.e., predictions or forecasts involving the use of palm leaves) astrology is considered to be highly accurate as it is based on readings of past life events taken from palm leaves available in Videesvaran (Vaideeswaran) Temple in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Hindu astrology dates back to approximately 7,000 years ago. Further, "Naadi forecast is that branch of Hindu astrology through which predictions are made of individuals from palm-leaf manuscripts. Hand written on palm-leaves, these contain records of the past, present and future of numerous individuals, born anywhere in the world. Naadi is a collective name given to these manuscripts. It is believed that the contents of these palm leaves are dictated by ancient sages such as Agastya, Bhrugu, Shukra, Vasistha and others. There are several volumes of such palm-leaf manuscripts available in various parts of India and these volumes are categorized with respect to the sages i.e. Agastya Naadi, Bhrugu Naadi." [Excerpted from Naadi Josiyam – Predictions from mysterious palm-leaf manuscrips]

Ascending Sign Secrets

This book, Ascending Sign Secrets, will teach you for the first time specific information on Horoscope and Zodiac signs!

You're here because you want to learn all there is to know about the Ascending Sign. YOU'RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE!

New or seasoned – with this single resource you’ll have answers right at your fingertips – anytime you need them.

This most important detail of the Horoscope is seldom given the attention it really deserves. Hundreds of books have been written on the Sun Signs but, so far as I know, not a single volume on the Ascending Sign. For those who are not acquainted with this astrological term we should explain that the Ascending Sign is that part of the Zodiac on the Eastern Horizon at time of birth. If we know your time, date and place of birth we can erect a horoscope which will show us the sign (and even the exact degree of that sign) on your ascendant.

The Ascending Sign

The Ascendant Sign

This material will teach you for the first time specific information about the Ascendant Horoscope and Zodiac signs!

If you are seeking to learn all there is to know about the Ascending Sign (Rising Sign), Then YOU ARE IN THE RIGHT PLACE!

Whether you are new to Astrology or a seasoned reader/adviser, you will have the answers right at your fingertips anytime you need them with this single source book.

The Ascendant, one of the most important zodiacal signs of the Horoscope is seldom given the proper attention it really deserves. It is one of the most important parts of the Natal Chart and it is one of the most important components of the Astrological Chart. Hundreds of books have been written about the Zodiac and the Sun Signs but not many have focused specifically upon the Ascendant Sign.

For those of you who have not become acquainted with this astrological term, the Ascending Sign is that part of the Zodiac on the Eastern Horizon at time (hour and minute) of your birth and of your very first breath. If an Astrologer knows the time, date, and place of your birth, he or she can calculate and construct an Ascendant Sign Horoscope which will show the sign and the exact degree of that sign on your ascendant.

How can the Rising (Ascendant) Sign help you understand people and their personalities?

===> Find out here.

Practical Astrology

123 Astrology

Offers Birth (natal) Astrology/horoscope Charts And Astrology For Lovers Compatibility/relationship Reports

Here's just a few of the things you'll learn as you read this report:

•Your overall personality and characteristics (as revealed by your Sun Sign)
•The way in which you express yourself, and how you appear to others (as revealed by your Ascendant)
•How you think and feel, and all about your personal energy and drive (as revealed by the planets Mercury, Venus, and Mars)
•Your personal energy and drive, your expansion and optimism, your restrictions and limitations and what to do about them (as revealed by Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn)
•Your inventiveness and originality, your imagination, and how you interact within groups (as revealed by Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto)
•The twelve "Houses" of your horoscope (the first six of which deal with your personal side of life, and the last six houses deal with your public side)
•How the day of the week you were born can provide additional insight into your strengths and abilities
•Your Personal StarGuide - a step-by-step guide to creating your own daily horoscope, including easy-to-follow worksheets and tables of planetary positions
•How to create an Astrological Trend Birth Chart that allows you a glimpse into the future (for example, if you are going through a rough patch, you may want to get an idea about when things will start to turn around)
•Using Astrological Compatibility to give you a greater understanding of your relationship with other specific people in your life
I normally sell the printed version of this report for $19.95 at the end of my astrology lectures, however for a limited time I'm offering you the same report in downloadable format, absolutely free.

Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
on
July 7th, 2009 C.E.

Where the Moon passes through Earth's penumbral shadow (i.e., a partial shadow that occurs during a lunar eclipse between regions of complete shadow and complete illumination).

http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEplot/LEplot2001/LE2009Jul07N.pdf

History of Astrology

Astrology: History of Astrology
Impacts of Astrology

Author: Chandrradevi

Astrology is a type of divination based upon the idea that information about the future or about a person’s personality can be discovered through the examination of heavenly bodies such as stars, planets, the moon, comets etc.

Astrology means the study that assumes and attempts to interpret the influence of heavenly bodies on human affairs. American Heritage Dictionary defines Astrology as the study of the positions and aspects of celestial bodies in the belief that they have an influence on the course of natural earthly occurrences and human affairs. The practice of astrology was prevalent in the ancient times too.

Some of the well-known civilizations of the world used this field extensively. For example, the ancient Chinese civilization, the Egyptian civilization, the ancient Indian civilization, etc all practiced astrology at some point or the other. Arabs too practiced Astrology before the advent of Islam.

The ancient Babylonians were probably the first to use Astrology. After that this science moved to countries like China and India. Greek astronomer Ptolemy was the first ever person to write a book on Astrology. He codified the sun sign astrology that we know today. Ptolemy tried to predict the positions of celestial bodies relative to each other and the earth through knowledge of their orbital motions.

During his time, astrology was a part of astronomy. Later, astronomy became an exact science and Astrology remained a part of Theology. Planetary observation is the basis of Astrology.

History of Astrology is an important part of civilization and goes back to the early days of the human race. Apart from being centers of learning in medicine, Baghdad and Damascus were also known as centers of astrology and astronomy. Arabs were pioneers in astronomy before the advent of Islam. The Babylonians were the first to name the days of the week after the Sun, Moon, and planets.

They were also the first to set out the twelve houses of the horoscope. Egypt was one of the most important places in the development of astrology. It is thought that some of the astrological signs of the zodiac originated in Egypt.

Astrology was practiced even in the Vedic times in India. Astrology is one of the six disciplines of vedanga. The Hindus believe that human fortune or misfortune in life is due to karma, and karma is believed to be influenced by the movements of the planets. Among the Hindus, Brahmins are considered to be the best authorities on astrology. In Modern India too, astrology is extensively used to determine the future and improve life. Astrology is studied and practiced by many in India.

It is regarded as vital in Indian culture. It is used to make decisions about marriage, starting of new business, and moving into a new house etc. Ancient Hindu Scriptures too gives a lot of importance to the various aspects of planetary motions and its effects on humans. Chinese astrology stresses on the five elements, metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Even the zodiac signs used by them are also different from other forms of astrology. China was isolated from the western for a long time.

That is why Chinese astrology was unknown to the western world. As Chinese astrology developed independently, a lot of difference can be seen between the western concepts of astrology and the Chinese version.

But the Chinese and Indian astrologers were in touch every now and then. Therefore, these two schools have a few things in common. In spite of the geographical isolation, there are a few surprising similarities between the western and the Chinese thoughts on astrology.

It can only be termed as a coincidence. Even though the science of astrology was started and developed in the east, the west was never without its share of astrology. Recently, the trend of reading the daily horoscopes have caught up the western world. Suddenly, the western world has woken up to the possibility of knowing and improving their future with the use of astrology.

More and more westerners have started to believe in the possibility of getting affected by the powerful planets and stars. Western scholars have included the subject of astrology in their research. Astrology was never scrutinized and researched ever before the way it has been done over the last few years. The astrologers in India claim that it is a scientific method to predict the future.

They still club this field of study within the parameters of Hinduism. They say they can prove that astrological predictions are indeed scientific. Hindus almost unanimously believe in astrological predictions. In fact, religious Hindus cannot imagine life without Astrology.

More and more Indians have started to build their houses according to the principles of Vastu Shashtra. This ancient Indian tradition is also governed by astrological implications. Hindus believe that the overall prosperity and benefits of the occupants is dependant on the Vastu principles while building the house.

Feng shui is one of the ancient Chinese practice of placement and arrangement of space to achieve harmony with the environment. It is also an off shoot of Chinese Astrology. This again is said to be scientific in nature.

About the Author:

Chandrradevi is an award winning Astrologer par excellence. Her famous horoscopes website famous astrologers offers accurate Astrological predictions at reasonable prices.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/astrology-articles/astrology-history-of-astrology-impacts-of-astrology-800259.html

Astrological Musing

Astra non mentiuntur,
sed astrologi bene mentiuntur de astris.

Planetary Positions Calulator

Planetary Positions

"This page gives the geocentric (earth-centered) positions of the Sun, Moon and the planets. A list of astrological conjunctions is attached. The right ascension is correct to within a couple of minutes. Some of the declinations have reversed signs; this is a known bug (however these are not used in conventional astrology). The position of Pluto will be off by a bit more than the other planets, but accurate to within a degree or two. The algorithm does not take into account interplanetary gravitational interactions; it uses the current orbital characteristics of each planet and interpolates from a known set of values. Hence, the further back or forward in time you set the date to, the less accurate the positions will be; they will be more accurate the closer they are to 1 January 1980. This algorithm does not take into account the precession of the equinox..."

Full Information -
http://www.sacred-texts.com/time/cal/astro.htm

Zodiacal Gems

The Book of Talismans, Amulets and Zodiacal Gems [1922] by William Thomas and Kate Pavitt

REAL AND ARTIFICIAL GEMS AND HOW TO TEST AND SELECT THEM

The following notes are written in the hope that they may put readers upon their guard against some common deceptions and prevent disappointment which with a little knowledge can be avoided.

The qualities which make gems valuable are beauty of colour, brilliancy or fire, and hardness, in which they excel all other substances known.

A large variety of coloured stones come from Ceylon, and many tourists and travellers buy stones there in the hope of securing bargains, a hope that in the majority of cases does not materialise. Dealers in gems are amongst the shrewdest of mankind, and from continually handling and examining stones become wonderfully keen in judging them from their appearance and feel, and are very seldom mistaken in distinguishing the real from the imitation, and no novice will get the better of them in a deal, so that intending purchasers who have no practical experience of gems are advised to buy from established firms with a reputation to lose, or on the advice of an expert, rather than rely upon their own judgment.

Before the full beauty of a stone can be appreciated it has to be cut and polished, either with facets, or in the form known as cabochon. Practically all transparent stones are cut with facets, the best and most popular form being the "brilliant" cut (as shown in Illustration No. 1 of the Frontispiece) which has been. found so effective with diamonds that the term "brilliant" has become the recognised name for a diamond cut in this manner.

With oblong stones "trap" cutting is followed, Emeralds being the principal stones cut in this fashion (as shown in No. 4 of Frontispiece). "Rose" cutting is the form generally adopted with very small diamonds nowadays, although it is a much older form than the brilliant, and large antique stones are to be found cut in this fashion, culminating in a point formed by six triangular facets in place of the table of the brilliant. Semi-transparent and opaque stones, such as Moonstones, Opals, Agates, Turquoises, and Cornelians are usually cut en cabochon (as shown in the stones illustrated in Nos. 3, 6, and 7 of the Frontispiece), and Amethysts, Rubies, Emeralds, and Sapphires are also frequently cut in this fashion.

For years past scientists have been experimenting in the manufacture of precious stones, and with so much success that reconstructed stones have been put on the market and are now fairly universally used. These stones are made up from fragments of small genuine stones which are fused together by a continuous and very powerful flame directed on the mass whilst it is kept in motion, resulting in a solid lump that can be cut and polished in the same way as the natural mineral. This has been very successfully done with Rubies, some having been produced which passed every test save that of the microscope, which revealed numerous minute bubbles of a rounded shape invisible to the naked eye, and in greater quantities than would be found in the natural stones wherein the bubbles are more rectangular in shape. These Rubies, and also reconstructed Sapphires and Emeralds, are on sale everywhere at the present time, so that intending buyers of precious stones should ask their jewellers to guarantee that they are buying natural and not reconstructed stones.

All transparent gems may be roughly divided into two classes, singly and doubly refracting, a ray of light passing through being refracted or thrown back according to the nature of the stone. If, therefore, a lighted candle is placed in a darkened corner of a room and is looked at through a stone focussed between the eye and the candle, if the stone is a doubly refracting one two images of the flame will appear, and if it is singly refracting, one only will be seen. Stones that are doubly refractive are Ruby, Beryl, Topaz, Sapphire, Emerald, Tourmaline, Peridot, Chrysolite, Aquamarine, Amethyst, Jargoon, Zircon, and Crystal. Singly refracting stones are Diamonds, Spinels, and Garnets; glass also is singly refracting.

One of the simplest and most effective methods of testing the genuineness of a gem is to try if it is affected by filing with a small jeweller's file; care must be taken, however, in its use, as the facets of even some of the hardest stones are easily chipped. If the file scratches the stone it may be taken to be glass, or composition.

Combination stones, known as "Doublets," are frequently sold as genuine stones; in these the top part is made of the real stone and the lower part of crystal, glass, or composition, so that for their detection the bottom part as well as the top must be tried with the file. "Triplets" are another form of deception. In this case the tops and bottoms of the stones are genuine and the centre part is imitation: To detect this the gem should be held in a small pair of forceps, or corn tongs, in a cup of clear water, when the different parts of the stone will be plainly seen.

White Sapphires, Jargoons, and Aquamarines are sometimes mistaken for diamonds; but the White Sapphire will frequently have a suggestion of cloudiness, and the Jargoon or Zircon, though very hard, is brittle and chips easily, soon showing signs of wear. White Aquamarines usually have a slight bluish or greenish tint. White Topazes and Rock Crystal are not so brilliant and full of life as the other white stones, and all these are doubly refracting, whilst the Diamond is single.

Imitation Sapphires are as a rule harsher in colour than the real stone, which is soft and rich in the quality of its colour.

Pearls are imitated with great skill, and are difficult to detect. They are usually lighter than the real Pearls, and if drilled the holes are seldom as small, and show marks of chipping and breaking round the edges. Pearls lose their lustre and deteriorate with age and the effect of gas and acids, and should be carefully wiped with a clean cloth after being worn, and in order to retain their brilliancy should be kept in dry magnesia.

Amber is imitated with glass and various compositions, glass being colder and harder to the touch and heavier than real Amber; whilst celluloid, which is frequently used, if rubbed briskly on a piece of cloth, will give off a noticeable odour of camphor which is largely used in its composition.

Opals and Turquoises, being porous, are affected by potash which is commonly used in the manufacture of soap, and also by oily or greasy substances; they should also be kept from contact with scent, as the spirit used in its. manufacture will very soon spoil the colour of Turquoises.

In conclusion, to ascertain if a transparent stone has any flaws it should be breathed upon until its lustre is temporarily dimmed, when any flaws or imperfections that exist can readily be seen.

Source:
http://www.sacred-texts.com/sym/bot/bot28.htm