Introduction to Astrology ｜ A Self-Study Guide

 I. The Historical Background and Development of Astrology

1. The Origins of Astrology

   Astrology can be traced back to around 3000 BC in Mesopotamia, where the Babylonians observed the stars to predict the future, believing that celestial phenomena were closely connected with earthly events. Later, ancient civilizations such as Egypt, India, and China also developed their own unique astrological systems.

2. Astrology in the Hellenistic Period

   In the 4th century BC, with the conquests of Alexander the Great, Greek culture merged with Eastern traditions, and astrology developed further. Greek philosophers such as Aristotle and Hippocrates studied and recorded astrology. At this time, astrology evolved from being merely a tool for divination into a more systematic discipline.

3. The Middle Ages and the Renaissance

   During the Middle Ages, astrology was once considered heresy by the Church, but it was preserved and developed in the Arab world. Arab astrologers not only inherited Greek astrological knowledge but also combined it with their own astronomical achievements, forming a refined astrological system. During the Renaissance, astrology returned to the attention of European scholars, with Nostradamus as a prominent representative of that era.

4. The Rise of Modern Astrology

   In the 20th century, astrology became popular in Western society. The rise of psychology enabled astrology to merge with psychology, giving birth to modern psychological astrology. Modern astrology not only focuses on the influence of celestial phenomena on individual fate but also emphasizes the interpretation of personality traits and psychological states.

II. Classifications of Astrology

Astrology can be classified according to different standards, mainly including the following:

1. By Purpose

• Natal Astrology: Studies the celestial configuration at a person’s birth to interpret their personality, destiny, and life trends.

• Electional Astrology: Used to choose the most favorable time for important events such as marriage or business openings.

• Horary Astrology: Answers specific questions based on the planetary positions at the time of asking.

• Mundane Astrology: Studies the fate of nations, societies, and major world events.

2. By System

• Classical Astrology: Based on the traditions of Greece, Rome, and the Arab world, emphasizing the effects of planetary positions and aspects on individuals.

• Modern Astrology: Integrates psychological theories, focusing on inner needs and psychological traits.

3. By Application

• Psychological Astrology: Combines astrology with psychology to analyze personality and psychological states.

• Medical Astrology: Studies the relationship between celestial bodies and human health.

• Financial Astrology: Uses astrology to predict financial market trends.

4. By Technique

• Traditional Methods: Such as natal charts, horary charts, and electional charts.

• Modern Methods: Such as evolutionary astrology and psychological astrology.

III. Differences Between Classical and Modern Astrology

1. Classical Astrology

   Originating from ancient Greece, Rome, and the Arab world, classical astrology emphasizes planetary positions and aspects in relation to human destiny.
   Characteristics:

• Qualitative Analysis: Focuses on the inherent influence of planets, signs, and houses.

• Strong Predictive Power: Places emphasis on forecasting future events.

• Structured: Built upon strict rules and theoretical frameworks.

Main Techniques:

• Natal Charts: Study celestial positions at birth.

• Electional Charts: Select auspicious times for activities.

• Horary Charts: Answer specific questions.

2. Modern Astrology

   Influenced by psychology, modern astrology emphasizes the individual’s inner world and personal needs.
   Characteristics:

• Quantitative Analysis: Integrates psychological theories to analyze personality and mental states.

• Strong Individualization: Focuses on uniqueness and personal growth.

• Flexibility: More open and adaptable than classical astrology.

Main Techniques:

• Psychological Astrology: Analysis combining psychology and astrology.

• Evolutionary Astrology: Studies soul evolution, past lives, and karmic lessons.

IV. Essential Knowledge in Astrology

1. Zodiac Signs

   The zodiac is the foundation of astrology, with each of the twelve signs having distinct traits and symbolic meanings:

• Fire Signs
  Aries: Brave, confident, energetic, symbolizing beginnings.
  Leo: Confident, generous, with leadership, symbolizing authority and creativity.
  Sagittarius: Optimistic, freedom-seeking, adventurous, symbolizing philosophy and exploration.

• Earth Signs
  Taurus: Practical, steady, indulgent in life, symbolizing stability and materiality.
  Virgo: Detail-oriented, analytical, perfectionist, symbolizing service and health.
  Capricorn: Responsible, diligent, ambitious, symbolizing achievement and authority.

• Air Signs
  Gemini: Intelligent, curious, versatile, symbolizing communication and adaptability.
  Libra: Fair, harmonious, sociable, symbolizing balance and beauty.
  Aquarius: Innovative, independent, humanitarian, symbolizing the future and reform.

• Water Signs
  Cancer: Sensitive, caring, family-oriented, symbolizing emotion and home.
  Scorpio: Deep, mysterious, determined, symbolizing transformation and rebirth.
  Pisces: Intuitive, compassionate, dreamy, symbolizing spirituality and illusion.

2. Planets

   Planets symbolize different energies and meanings:
   Sun: Self, vitality, core essence (rules Leo).
   Moon: Emotions, subconscious, family (rules Cancer).
   Mercury: Communication, thought, learning (rules Gemini, Virgo).
   Venus: Love, beauty, values (rules Taurus, Libra).
   Mars: Action, desire, energy (rules Aries, Scorpio).
   Jupiter: Expansion, luck, philosophy (rules Sagittarius, Pisces).
   Saturn: Limitation, responsibility, structure (rules Capricorn, Aquarius).
   Uranus: Innovation, independence, change (rules Aquarius).
   Neptune: Illusion, inspiration, dreams (rules Pisces).
   Pluto: Transformation, power, depth (rules Scorpio).

3. Houses

   The zodiac is divided into twelve houses, each representing different life areas:
   1st House: Self and appearance.
   2nd House: Finances and possessions.
   3rd House: Communication and learning.
   4th House: Home and roots.
   5th House: Pleasure, love, creativity.
   6th House: Health and daily work.
   7th House: Partnerships and marriage.
   8th House: Transformation, sexuality, shared resources.
   9th House: Philosophy, religion, travel.
   10th House: Career and status.
   11th House: Friendships, groups.
   12th House: Subconscious, secrets, retreat.

4. Aspects

   Aspects are angular relationships between planets, affecting how their energies interact:

• Conjunction (0°): Planets merge energies, either reinforcing or conflicting.

• Opposition (180°): Planets oppose each other, requiring balance.

• Trine (120°): Harmonious energy flow.

• Square (90°): Tension and challenges.

• Sextile (60°): Friendly, cooperative, but requiring initiative.

V. Chart Casting and Chart Interpretation

1. Casting a Chart

   An essential step requiring exact birth time and place:

• Determine birth time and location.

• Identify planetary positions at that time.

• Draw the natal chart.

2. Chart Interpretation

   The core of astrology, requiring integration of signs, planets, houses, and aspects:

• Analyze the Sun, Moon, and Ascendant as the three basics of personality.

• Study planetary placements in houses to see their influence in different life areas.

VI. Recommended Reading List

1. Introductory Books

   [1] Steven Forrest, The Inner Sky
   [2] Sue Tompkins, Contemporary Astrological Studies
   [3] Stephen Arroyo, Astrology, Psychology, and the Four Elements
   [4] Howard Sasportas, The Twelve Houses
   [5] Sue Tompkins, Aspects in Astrology
   [6] Stephen Arroyo, Astrology, Karma, and Transformation
   [7] Qin Ruisheng, Astrology (Volumes I & II)

2. Intermediate Books – Predictive Astrology

   [8] Steven Forrest, The Changing Sky
   [9] Han Lianglu, Astrology of Life Cycles
   [10] Bernadette Brady, Predictive Astrology: The Eagle and the Lark
   [11] Noel Tyl, Solar Arcs: Astrology’s Most Successful Predictive System

3. Evolutionary Astrology

   [12] Steven Forrest, Yesterday’s Sky
   [13] David Railey, The Soul’s Purpose
   [14] Gina Lake, Symbols of the Soul

4. Outer Planets and Saturn

   [15] Stephen Arroyo, Astrology, Karma, and Transformation
   [16] Howard Sasportas, The Gods of Change
   [17] Jeff Green, Pluto: The Evolutionary Journey of the Soul
   [18] Liz Greene, Neptune: The Quest for Redemption
   [19] Liz Greene, The Art of Stealing Fire

5. Classical Astrology

   [20] Benjamin Dykes, Choices and Inceptions: Traditional Electional Astrology
   [21] Claudius Ptolemy, Tetrabiblos
   [23] Vettius Valens, The Anthology
   [24] Dorotheus of Sidon, Carmen Astrologicum

Astrology is a vast discipline that not only involves astronomy and mathematics but also integrates psychology, philosophy, and other fields of knowledge. Through systematic study and practice, you can not only understand your own personality and destiny but also provide valuable insights and guidance for others. Hopefully, this guide opens the door to astrology for you, leading you into this mysterious and fascinating world.