AstroBasics
For those of you who are complete beginners and want to know more about the very basics
What is a horoscope?
The horoscope is a pie chart that shows the position of the planets at a given time and place.
Your birth chart shows the position of the planets exactly when you were born - seen from your fødeby. However, it is possible to draw up horoscopes for anything, as long as you know the birth or start time. For example, one can draw up horoscopes for an event, a company, a country, a relationship or a group - or for that matter a pet.
Astronomy vs. Astrology
Traditionally, astronomy and astrology were considered two sides of the same coin. Astronomers were astrologers and astrologers astronomers. During the Enlightenment, however, astronomy and astrology were increasingly regarded as two separate disciplines, and from the 18th century they were completely separate.
Although astronomy and astrology have common roots, there are significant differences. In short, it's a matter of perspective.
How do I read my horoscope?
No prior knowledge or special software is required to draw up a horoscope today. You can easily look up a horoscope online. You just need to know the time and place of birth - or, in the case of a company or an event, the date of incorporation or the time and place where the event took place.
But how should a horoscope be read? Why is the circle divided as it is? and what do the symbols mean? If you are a beginner, you can learn more about how to set up your horoscope and read the symbols in the two instructional videos:
How should I read the symbols?
See also this explainer about what a horoscope contains, which was made in collaboration between AstroLab and Aller Media:
Lightning intro to the horoscope
Now that you're on this page, you probably know that your horoscope is about a lot more than your zodiac sign (the position of the sun when you were born). If you need a short and understandable introduction to what a horoscope contains, you can start by taking a look at this playlist, which is a collection of videos for beginners. After this, you might have the courage to explore further.
AstroLab's YouTube playlist for beginners
“Astrology is a Language.
If you understand this language, The Sky Speaks to You.”
Dane Rudhyar