Frequently Asked Questions about Astrology
50 most common questions about astrology, natal charts, compatibility, transits, Tarot, and lunar calendar. Answers from a practicing astrologer.
Basics of Astrology
What is astrology and how does it work?
Astrology is a system of knowledge that studies the influence of celestial bodies on earthly events and human character. It is based on observations of the positions of planets, the Sun, and the Moon relative to the zodiac signs at the moment of a person's birth. Astrology works through the analysis of a natal chart — a unique "sky map" for each person.
What is the difference between astrology and astronomy?
Astronomy is the natural science that studies the physical properties of celestial bodies. Astrology is a symbolic system of interpretation that analyzes how the positions of planets correlate with events and human character. Astronomy describes the "what," astrology interprets the "how it affects.
What is a natal chart and why is it needed?
Natal chart (birth horoscope) — this is a diagram of the planetary positions at the moment of your birth. It reveals your personality, talents, challenges, career inclinations, and relationship patterns. To create it, an exact date, time, and place of birth are required. Order a natal chart analysis.
There are 12 zodiac signs, and they are: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.
There are 12 zodiac signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces. Each sign covers approximately 30 degrees of the ecliptic and has unique characteristics. Read more about each sign in our zodiac sign guide.
What are the elements in astrology?
Four elements — Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) and Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). The element of a sign defines the basic temperament: fire signs are active and enterprising, earth signs are practical, air signs are communicative, water signs are emotional.
What do quality crosses (cardinal, fixed, mutable) mean?
The quality crosses describe the mode of action of the sign. Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) are initiators. Fixed (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) are stabilizers. Mutable (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) are adaptors. Together they form a complete cycle of action.
Is there a 13th zodiac sign (Ophiuchus)?
Ophiuchus (Ophiuchus) is an astronomical constellation through which the ecliptic passes, but it is not used in astrology. Tropical astrology is based on seasons (equinoxes/solstices), not constellations, so the 12 signs remain unchanged.
Planets and aspects
Which planets does astrology study?
Astrology works with 10 main celestial bodies: the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto. Additionally, the Moon's Nodes (Rahu/Ketu), Chiron, and some asteroids are taken into account. Each planet corresponds to a certain sphere of life.
What is a planet's retrograde motion and is it dangerous?
Retrogradation is an optical illusion of a planet's apparent backward motion from Earth's perspective. It's not dangerous, but rather a time for reflection and reassessment. Retrograde Mercury, for example, is well-suited for wrapping up old matters rather than signing new contracts. View current transits.
What are aspects between planets?
Aspects are the angular distances between planets in a natal chart. Major aspects: conjunction (0°) — fusion of energies, sextile (60°) — harmony, square (90°) — tension, trine (120°) — flow, opposition (180°) — confrontation. Aspects determine how planets interact with each other.
What are Lunar Nodes and how do they influence fate?
Lunar nodes are the points where the Moon's orbit intersects with the ecliptic. The North Node (Rahu) indicates the direction of the soul's development in this life, while the South Node (Ketu) represents past experience and habits. The nodes reveal a person's karmic path.
What are houses in the natal chart?
12 houses are natal chart sectors, each corresponding to a specific life area: 1st — personality, 2nd — finances, 3rd — communications, 4th — family, 5th — creativity, 6th — health, 7th — partnership, 8th — transformations, 9th — philosophy, 10th — career, 11th — friends, 12th — subconsciousness.
Ascendant and personal points
What is Ascendant and why is it important?
Ascendant (rising sign) — this is the zodiac sign that was rising on the horizon at the moment of your birth. It defines your appearance, the first impression you make, and your overall approach to life. The ascendant often describes you more accurately than your sun sign. Calculate your Ascendant.
What is the difference between the Sun sign and the Moon sign?
Your Sun sign (your “main” sign) defines your conscious identity, will, and ego. Your Moon sign governs your emotions, subconscious, reactions, and security needs. Together they paint a fuller picture: the Sun is who you are, the Moon is what you feel.
Calculate your Moon sign.
How to find out your Ascendant without an exact birth time?
Without an exact time, the Ascendant cannot be determined — it changes approximately every 2 hours. If the time is unknown, an astrologer can perform rectification — determining the birth time based on key life events. Order rectification.
What is Midheaven (MC) and how does it influence a career?
MC (Medium Coeli) — the highest point in the natal chart, the cusp of the 10th house. It shows your career ambitions, public image, and professional calling. The sign on MC indicates the style of achieving success, and the planets nearby — the areas where you can gain recognition.
Compatibility and relationships
Can compatibility be determined by zodiac signs?
Zodiac signs give a general idea of compatibility (for example, fire signs get along well with air signs). But for an accurate analysis, synastry is needed — a comparison of two natal charts. It shows the real chemistry, conflicts, and relationship potential. Calculate synastry online.
What is synastry and how is it different from a composite?
Synastry — comparing two natal charts: how one person's planets influence another. Composite — a single relationship chart derived from averaging the positions of both partners' planets. Synastry shows the dynamics between people, composite — the nature of the relationship itself.
Which signs are most compatible with each other?
Traditionally, the most compatible signs are of the same element (Aries+Leo, Taurus+Virgo, etc.) and compatible elements (Fire+Air, Earth+Water). But this is a simplification — in reality, it's important to look at the entire chart: Venus, Mars, Moon, aspects. More details in our compatibility guide.
Can astrology predict divorce?
Astrology does not predict specific events, but can indicate periods of tension in relationships (transits of Saturn or Pluto to Venus/7th house). Such periods are challenges that a couple can overcome. Astrology shows tendencies, not a verdict.
What is a Davison map for a couple?
The Davison chart is a chart constructed based on the midpoint in time and place of birth of two people. Unlike the composite, this is a real moment in time. It shows the 'soul' of the relationship, their higher purpose and karmic potential. Calculate the Davison chart.
Forecasts and transits
What are planetary transits and how do they affect life?
Transits are the current positions of planets relative to your natal chart. When a transit planet activates a natal point, you feel its influence: Jupiter brings opportunities, Saturn brings challenges and structure, Uranus brings changes. View current transits.
What is solar and why order it?
Solar (Sun return) is a chart built for the moment when the Sun returns to the exact position of your birth (annually, around your birthday). The Solar shows trends and major themes of the upcoming year. Order a Solar.
Can astrology predict the future?
Astrology doesn't predict specific events — it describes energetic trends and cycles. Transits show WHEN certain themes will become relevant, but your choice determines the outcome. Astrology is a map of possibilities, not a fixed scenario.
What are progressions in astrology?
Progressions are a forecasting technique where one day after birth = one year of life. A progressed chart shows a person's inner development. The progressed Sun changes sign every ~30 years, marking deep identity changes. Calculate progressions.
When is the best time for important decisions according to astrology?
Avoid periods of Mercury retrograde for contracts, Venus retrograde for marriage. The lunar day is also important: the waxing Moon favors new beginnings, the waning Moon favors completion. The most accurate approach is to look at personal transits to natal planets. Lunar Calendar.
Tarot and numerology
How are Tarot and astrology connected?
Each Tarot Major Arcana card corresponds to a zodiac sign or planet: The Emperor — Aries, The Wheel of Fortune — Jupiter, The Moon — Pisces, etc. The suits of the Minor Arcana are associated with the elements: Wands — Fire, Cups — Water, Swords — Air, Pentacles — Earth. Tarot cards guide.
How many cards are in a Tarot deck?
A standard Tarot deck contains 78 cards: 22 Major Arcana (from The Fool to The World) and 56 Minor Arcana (4 suits of 14 cards each). The Major Arcana describe major life themes, while the Minor Arcana represent everyday situations and emotions.
What is numerology and how does it work?
Numerology studies the symbolic meaning of numbers. The main numbers are calculated from the date of birth (Destiny Number) and the full name (Name Number). Each number from 1 to 9 has a unique vibration. Master numbers 11, 22, 33 have special meaning. Calculate the Destiny Matrix.
What is the Matrix of Destiny and how does it differ from a natal chart?
Destiny Matrix is a numerological system calculated based on the date of birth through the 22 Tarot arcanas. The natal chart uses the positions of the planets. Both systems complement each other: the Matrix shows karmic tasks, the natal chart shows character and potential.
Moon calendar
How do the phases of the Moon affect daily life?
New Moon — a time for intentions and new beginnings. Waxing Moon — active actions and growth. Full Moon — culmination and results. Waning Moon — completion, cleansing, rest. The sign the Moon is in adds nuances. Lunar calendar.
What is a Void-of-Course Moon (Void of Course) and why is it important?
A void-of-course Moon is the period between the Moon’s last aspect to a planet and its entry into the next sign. During this time, decisions and new undertakings may not come to fruition. Duration ranges from minutes to a day. Best used for routine and rest. Void-of-Course Moon Calculator.
What are planetary hours and why should you know them?
Planetary hours are an ancient system where each hour of the day is governed by a specific planet. Jupiter’s hours are for business, Venus’s for love, Mars’s for active pursuits, and Saturn’s for serious matters. Planetary Hours Calculator.
Practical questions
Why consult an astrologer when there are free calculators?
Calculators provide raw data — planetary positions and aspects. An astrologer interprets the entire chart holistically, considering the context of your life, and gives practical recommendations. It's like the difference between blood tests and a doctor's consultation. Order a consultation.
What do you need to know to build a natal chart?
Three required details: exact date of birth, time of birth (preferably accurate to the minute), and place of birth. The time can be found in the birth certificate or clarified with the mother. Without the time, the chart will be incomplete (missing the Ascendant and houses).
How often should I consult with an astrologer?
Optimal — once a year (a teaspoon on your birthday). Additionally — before important decisions (moving, marriage, job change) or during difficult periods. Regular monthly consultations are useful for in-depth work with the natal chart.
Does astrology work for children?
Yes. A child's natal chart reveals the child's temperament, talents, needs, and learning style. It helps parents better understand their child and support their development. Order a child's natal chart.
What is the difference between tropical and sidereal astrology?
Tropical astrology (Western) is tied to the seasons — 0° Aries = spring equinox. Sidereal (Vedic) is tied to the actual constellations. Due to precession, they differ by ~24°. Both systems work, they just use different reference points.
Can one learn astrology on their own?
Yes, basic knowledge can be obtained independently through books and online resources. But for professional practice, systematic training under the guidance of an experienced astrologer is required. Our course ASTRO HUB is a comprehensive program for beginners.
Eclipses and special events
How do eclipses affect us?
Eclipses are powerful "windows" of change that open for 2 weeks. A solar eclipse (new Moon at the nodes) brings new beginnings and opportunities. A lunar eclipse (full Moon at the nodes) brings closure and culminations. The effect can manifest for 6 months.
How many eclipses occur in a year?
Usually 4-6 eclipses per year: 2-3 solar and 2-3 lunar. They occur in pairs at ~2-week intervals when the Sun approaches the Moon's nodes. Each pair of eclipses activates a certain axis of zodiac signs.
What to do and what to avoid during an eclipse?
During an eclipse, it is not recommended to start important tasks, sign contracts, or make drastic changes to your appearance. Instead, observe, meditate, and let go of the old. The eclipse itself will "show" what needs to change in your life.
How to find out if an eclipse affects my map?
If the eclipse occurs within 3-5° of your natal planet or angle (Ascendant, MC), it will be noticeable. The strongest influence is on the Sun, Moon, and Ascendant. An astrologer can precisely determine which themes will be activated in your life.
Chinese astrology and other systems
What is the difference between Chinese astrology and Western astrology?
Chinese astrology is based on a 12-year cycle of animal signs and 5 elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water). Western astrology is based on the Moon's movement relative to the Sun through the zodiac signs. Chinese astrology focuses more on the year of birth, while Western astrology focuses on the month and time. Chinese Horoscope.
What is a zodiac sign stone and does it work?
Each sign corresponds to certain minerals that resonate with its energy. For example, garnet — Aries, sapphire — Libra, amethyst — Pisces. Stones are used as talismans to enhance the positive qualities of the sign. Zodiac Stones Guide.
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