Introduction to Western Astrology

The system of astrology popular in western countries is referred to as the Western astrology.

The system of astrology popular in western countries is referred to as the Western astrology.

The Western astrology is mainly based on an exact time of birth which is believed to have the influence of various cosmic bodies. The Sun sign astrology depends mainly on the location of the Sun.

Many western astrologers use the Sun sign astrology of tropical zodiac beginning with the sign of Aries at the Northern hemisphere Vernal Equinox which is always on or around March 21 of each year.

Some Western astrologers also use the Sidereal zodiac based on the actual star positions.

Based on the tropical zodiac where the heavenly bodies are not in the actual constellation, many conclusions are drawn by the astrologers. The interpretation of horoscope is ruled by the following factors.

The aspects which are the angles formed by planetary bodies relative to each other.

The major planetary positions which are relative to the astrological signs of one of the zodiac systems.

The major planetary positions based on one of the systems of houses.

The planetary positions which are relative to the horizon line such as the ascendant or the descendant axes, the zenith or the midheaven axes and the nadir or the imum coeli axes.

The position of deduced astronomical entities like the Lunar nodes.
 
In addition to the above, some astrologers also use the position of various mathematical points such as the Arabic parts.

Sun-Sign Astrology

The Sun sign astrology is commonly referred to as the star sign astrology where the predictions are not clear but general and vague. Thus it has less value.