The very name “horoscope” originates from the ancient Greek words for “to observe” and “period.” These two words perfectly characterize the essence of a horoscope, as it is based on observations of celestial bodies at a given moment in time, their positions relative to one another, analysis, and ultimately, the conclusion—prediction. However, to truly understand what a horoscope is, one must return to its origins, namely to the ancient science of astrology. It is difficult to state precisely when and where the earliest astrological observations emerged, since reliable information on this matter remains insufficient to this day.
Most researchers in this field lean toward the theory that astrology dates back to the distant Mousterian epoch, approximately 100,000 years ago. Even then, ancient humans were already interested in the movements of the stars and the Sun, making their first observations and logical conclusions about the cyclical nature of these motions. Around this time, the initial skills of counting and geometry began to develop. Observing stars and planets, ancient people attempted to explain various celestial phenomena. In their understanding, celestial bodies were powerful gods whose will and influence determined much of earthly life. These were the first, albeit very primitive and distant from modern astrology, observations.
A horoscope is a geocentric chart of the solar system at a specific moment. An individual horoscope indicates the positions of stars and planets at the moment of a person’s birth, allowing one to determine the character traits directly influenced by these stars and planets. The primary technical method in constructing a horoscope is “orienting the Zodiac,” that is, determining Earth’s position relative to the Zodiac at the moment of birth. The circle of the Zodiac in a horoscope is divided into 12 equal parts, called “houses,” which follow one another in a counterclockwise direction. Each house symbolizes a particular sphere of human life.
To construct an individual horoscope, one must know precise birth data: year, date, exact time, and day of the week. Missing data can be calculated using tables compiled by ancient astronomers. Then, the planets ruling the month, year, day, and hour of birth are determined. Using special tables, the “rising planet”—the very “star” under which the person was born—is calculated.
The horoscope in question is strictly individual, and a professional astrologer, interpreting it based on objective data about the positions of stars and planets, can accurately reveal the person’s character.
In determining character, one must consider the planet “ruling” each zodiac sign, as well as the primary “primal” element (air, water, fire, earth) with which that zodiac sign interacts.
