Astrology

Astrology is the study of the influence that the cosmic objects - stars and planets - have on human lives.

It is the position of the sun, stars, moon and planets at the time of someone's birth, that is said to shape their personality and set the tone for their future: romance, money, etc.

There is no single unifed theory or practice of astrology; most cultures, dating back over 3000 years, all have their own 'take' on astrology. The ancient Chaldeans and babylonians practiced it, but the Greeks (from the time of Alexander the great) were the ones who provided most of the fundamental elements of modern astrology.

There are the eastern and western forms of astrology; eastern zodiacs - chinese, vedic and tibetan; western comprise of the sun-sign zodiac.

(Even within western astrology, there is a considerable diversity of methods and philosophies. Some divide astrology by the end result that is intended:

Mundane Astrology - This is used to examine world events and make predictions about national affairs, wars and economies.

Interrogatory Astrology - This branch can be further subdivided, but generally refers to astrology that seeks to make specific predictions or analyses about the subject's objectives or events within the subject's life.

Natal Astrology - This is what most people think of when they think of astrology. Natal Astrology seeks to make predictions and analyses based on the date of a person's birth. It's based on the idea that everything that happens to something is expressed at the very beginning of that thing, sometimes known as the Law of Beginnings (source: how stuff works) )

There are twelve zodiac signs; they are divided into four categories: fire, water, air and earth.

The zodiac signs, aka sun signs, signify which sector the sun was in at the time of birth and the personality traits - ie. likes and dislikes - associated with the zodiac under which a person was born. The signs give a general overview of the personality traits, physical traits and the compatible/incompatible chart.

Have you ever known two or more people born under the same sign and its uncanny how much alike they are? Have you ever just met a person and try to see if you can guess what sign they are?

Fire Signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Water Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Air Signs: Libra, Aquarius, Gemini
Earth Signs: Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo