Today Is International Astrology Day! Let's Celebrate!!

International Astrology Day is celebrated today because it's the Vernal Equinox when the Sun, giver of life-force, representing power and will enters Aries, the fiery first sign of the zodiac. It is said that the Sun is exalted in this sign that represents the birth of Spring, the joy of new life and the expressive energy of youth.

The Sun brings determination, power and creative energy and is also a symbol of leadership and confidence. It is the natural ruler of the Fixed Fire sign Leo but it also expresses itself well in Aries, the Cardinal Fire sign that begins the planetary trek through the zodiac.

Astrologers everywhere today share in the pure joy of our ancient art and the wisdom it can impart when applied to an individual, a relationship, a nation or an important question. There are many branches of astrology, but in the West, you primarily find astrologers practicing Natal astrology, the study of a person's birth chart as mapped out by the celestial configurations at the time of their birth.

Natal astrology can lead to applying the current planetary pictures, known by such names as Progressions, Solar Arcs, Returns and Transits, to an individual's chart to see where they are coming from now, what they are ready for and what opportunities or challenges are presenting themselves to the individual.

Mundane astrology is the branch that deals with nations and current events and is one of the oldest forms of astrology practiced. It deals with countries and leaders and covers everything from finances and politics to military leaders and wars. In ancient times, astrologers worked for the King or leader in power and their skill was highly valued. Charts were cast before going to war to see if it was in the country's best interest. Nowadays, mundane astrologers mostly deal with political issues and elections as well as the ebb and flow of the financial picture.

There is another branch of astrology that deals with getting an answer to a very important question, that is called Horary astrology, from the Latin word "horare" meaning "of the hour". Simply put, it is the practice of casting a chart at the moment a question is asked of the astrologer and then, through skillful focus and application of certain rules, getting the answer to the question based on something that has happened. It is not however, a simple practice and differs greatly from natal astrology in it's specific rules for coming to a conclusion. Also, it may only be practiced with serious questions of a specific nature. The greater the need to know, the more apt the correct answer will be found.

The flip side of Horary astrology is Electional astrology. This is selecting the best time to initiate a project or an endeavor, such as a marriage or the start of a business, etc. and casting a chart for that time. Electional astrology works best when considering the relationship of current aspects to the person's natal chart. The condition of the Moon is very important, from what sign it's in and how fast it is moving to the last aspect made or the next aspect to be made to the Moon.

Well, I hope this bit of information gets your juices flowing for the exciting and insightful ways in which astrologers work hard to make sense of the cosmos for us mere mortals~

Remember,"as above, so below, as within, so without".