The horoscope, a blueprint of life

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The word “horoscope” is derived from two Greek words: “hora,” meaning hour, and “scopos,” meaning to observe, i.e., an observation of the Heavens for a certain hour as measured by the longitude of the Sun...

In astrology the horoscope - sometimes referred to as the natal chart, birth chart, nativity, or the geniture - is a chart or diagram of the Heavens computed for a precise time and place. This cosmic map is based on astronomical data and shows the position of the Sun, Moon and planets at a specified moment in time as observed from a definite locality on planet Earth. It is The Creator’s plan for human development...

In the computation of a horoscope two things – apart from the date of birth – are essential: the time and place of birth. Neither is of much use without the other. Although the planets will be in the same zodiac signs on a given day for all places on Earth, their house (i.e., mundane) positions will be different according to the time of day and the place on Earth from which they are viewed.

At dawn in New York City, for example, the Sun will be just above the horizon, while in London, England it will be close to the upper meridian. In Calcutta, India, which is about 90 degrees east longitude, the Sun will be setting, and so on around the globe. Hence the importance of knowing when and where a birth occurred. With these two coordinates of time and place, a horoscope can be constructed, and this chart will show the planetary patterns existing at a particular time and place...

Astrology is both an art and a science. It is an art insofar as the interpretation of the astrological factors demand a wide experience of astrological symbolism and its relationship to every area of human experience. The horoscope indicates the potentialities of the individual, which may manifest in a variety of ways, subject to hereditary and environmental factors.

Astrology is a science because the interpretation and delineation of its symbolism is related to astronomical factors and mathematical concepts. The horoscope is based on an astronomical framework: the luminaries, planets, signs and houses; and however bizarre the theory of celestial influences may appear to some, there can be no disputing the scientific basis of the horoscope...

One cannot forecast the future from the study of an astrological chart. No reputable astrologer would attempt to predict precisely events and conditions; what he can do is to determine the periods during a lifetime when agreeable or discordant conditions are likely to prevail.

From his judgment of the horoscope, he can obtain a very clear indication of the basic personality traits, and this enables him to discern how a particular individual will react to a definite set of circumstances...

The interpretation of a horoscope is not something which can be acquired overnight. It is a sustained discipline, requiring not only perseverance, but also a degree of intuition, coupled with the ability to assess the astrological factors in a realistic and empirical manner...

No matter what aspect of astrology you may find interesting, e.g., mundane, psychological, horary or synastry (the comparison of horoscopes for the purposes of marriage or business), the basis rests on a properly calculated horoscope. If the horoscope is incorrectly calculated, then all subsequent work relating to analysis and assessment is wasted effort, because incorrect conclusions will be drawn from it, and this in turn will – and justifiably so – attract criticism, not only of the practitioner, but also of astrology in general...

Those who study astrology for any length of time will discover that it embodies universal truths and that it demonstrates that man and nature are subject to celestial influences and various cosmic patterns.

We live in sympathy with the cosmos. We do not move by ourselves, but we move with it. Astrology, through the interpretation of the horoscope, assists people to the achievement of their maximum by indicating to them the lines along which their will may be most progressively applied, the goals to be sought, and the individual means by which each one may arrive at the outermost boundaries of potential...