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Many people know their sun sign and read their horoscope.
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Additionally, wed like to help you squash some of the misconceptions that are floating around out there.
Here are some of the most common misunderstandings many folks have about astrology.
Myth #1: You have a singular zodiac sign, and that alone defines your chart.
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But what yourereallysaying is that you were born when thesunwas in the sign of Taurus.
For instance, you also have an “ascendant” or “rising sign.”
This is the sign that wasrisingor on the horizon the moment you were born.
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Your rising sign colors both your outlook on the world and how youre seen by others.
Its often the first impression that you give people upon meeting them.
The placement of the moon in your chart is also a big part of your emotional makeup.
Then there’s every other planet out there as well as some asteroids.
Thisbirth chart 101 articleby fellow astrologerAliza Kellycan help you out.
Myth #2: Astrology is random.
Astronomers also like to say that there is a 13th sign that astrologers dont know about.
Astrology is based on precise math.
The 360-degree circular chart is based on our 365 day year.
This was the ancients guide for placing the four cardinal signs in the zodiac.
These four 90 degree sections are further divided by three, which gives us a total of 12 signs.
Astrology uses a circle divided equally into 12 sections, each being 30 degrees.
(ThisgraphicfromHoulding’s articleexplains it particularly well.)
Andthatswhy there isnt an Ophiuchus.
Myth #3: Astrology is a monolith.
Astrology has specialists, just like woodworking, medicine, architecture, and journalism.
Even the most successful and brilliant professional in any field has their forte.
The best brain surgeon in the world is probably not a very good podiatrist.
Like medicine, astrology has numerous branches and offshoots, and its a lifelong study.
No one can ever know all of it; there is always more to learn.
Here are just a few of the specialties out there.
Traditional/Classical Astrology Traditional astrology is an umbrella term for all the interpretation techniques from before the mid-19th Century revival.
These can include Greco-Roman, Arabian, Medieval, and Renaissance European systems of astrology.
These older techniques can be more deterministic.
Vedic astrology Vedic astrology is a system from ancient India.
Myth #4: Figuring out your horoscope is the main point of astrology.
Many people think astrology is only used to create horoscopes.
Here are justa fewof the myriad uses for astrology.
or Will I get called in for that interview?
It can also even be used to find lost objects like your phone charger.
Mundane Astrology The word mundane in mundane astrology comes from the Latinmunduswhich means world.
Electional Astrology If you want to choose the right time for something, you useelectional astrology.
Use it to plan important events such as surgery, weddings, or a business launch.
Good news: Many people think of astrology as fixed and unchanging, but its actually very fluid.
Suffice it to say that each person will have a few different charts active at all times.
The sun progresses through as many as four signs in a persons lifetime.
A person born with aplanet retrogradecan have that planet turn direct by progression and vice versa.
So there you have it.
These are some of the most common misconceptions I have come across.
There are still a few more and even the most astrology-savvy people can feel a little lost.
Its a massive subject with a ton of information, and a lot more nuanced than most people realize.
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