Derivative Images
Astrology was conceived by the Babylonians in the Fifth Century BC. It was the Babylonians who invented the 360 ° wheel and who also devised a “fixed” or “sidereal” zodiac of twelve 30 degree signs. They constructed a star catalogue which enabled them to reduce several centuries of observations into step by step tables of motion for the Sun, Moon and planets. With this information they were able to postulate significant positions of the celestial bodies in signs of the zodiac. They observed celestial circumstances of the eclipses of the Sun and Moon.
The Egyptians actually had no astrology but rather a devised ring of 36 asterisms (stars) that later became known as decans. These were mainly used to tell time at night, and since they had individual names, they were considered to be either “lucky” or “unlucky.” At some point it occurred to them that an “asterism” on the eastern horizon at the time a child was born gave an indication of whether its life would be lucky or unlucky.
In the second century B.B. in Alexandria, Egypt, the population was a mix of Egyptians, Jews and Greeks. It was here that the combined astrological ideas of the Babylonians that were known to the Jews, the Egyptian assessment of luck from the rising asterism and the Greek philosophical and religious concepts became the amalgam known as horoscopic astrology. Hence forth they wrote treatises defining the rules of the new art and they prepared a set of astronomical tables referred to a fixed zodiac.
These treatises were issued under the names of Nechepso, Petosiris, Hermes, Abram and Aseculapius. None of these works have come down to us intact but only in partial citations by later astrologers. However, from the outset, Greek was the principal language of astrology which is why the Greeks are credited with personalizing astrology. The word HOROSCOPE comes from the Greek meaning “hour pointer”.
When you get on the NET and visit your fav astro-site and acquire a free horoscope wheel and delineation you’re only getting part of the picture. On line scopes leave quite a bit out because they only focus on computer generated astro-script of planets in signs and houses with aspects. In order to fully understand the Self, the whole map and everything in it must be considered.
Many people study natal astrology not necessarily because they want to become astrologers but because they are seeking a more unique perspective about themselves, their friends and loved ones. Individuals who are studying other esoteric modalities that require interpretation often find that a basic understanding of astrology helps bring more depth to their other studies. Western astrology encompasses a wide range of techniques but, the three main branches of astrology are MUNDANE, INTERROGATORY and NATAL. Mundane is the astrology of world events. Interrogatory astrology is concerned with events and their connection to the past, present and future i.e.: Horary – “Will this happen?”; Electional – “When is the best time to make this happen?”; Event – “What happened?” Natal is the study of individuality.
A Nativity, Natus or Natal Chart has been likened to a snapshot of the Heavens at the moment an individual is born. It is a map of potential. From the “Nativity” an astrologer can glean information regarding an individual’s talents, abilities, habits, hopes, and fears. A natal chart can show us how to grow and evolve and offers an explanation of the myriad ways we experience and use the energies in our charts to do so according to our own free will. There is no limitation in a Nativity-the only way anyone is limited is by the choices they make according to that free will. An individual natal chart cannot be duplicated within less than twenty-five thousand years.
Astrology works because we are all part of the Universe and the same force that moves the planets also moves us. We all follow the same cycles and patterns.
Astrology is based on three foundations:
The Law of Correspondences
This law states: As above, so below. As within, so without. As the Universe, so the Soul.
The Law of Alchemy
This law states that all the energies are inside of us. If we deny them or suppress them, they will manifest outside of us. This law is about any lessons we don’t approach on a conscious level and how they will manifest externally as forces that are difficult to ignore. This law forces us to take personal responsibility for our actions and spiritual dignity. Since Western astrology is based on the premise of free will, with this law, we can choose where to experience life lessons but that we cannot escape those challenges.
The Law of Beginnings
This law states that the beginning point of life contains the potential that will be fulfilled during the life cycle and beyond.