Most people only know about astrology from the horoscope columns they read in newspapers and magazines. But, those forecasts are for entertainment purposes only and should never be taken seriously. If they seem even remotely accurate, rest assured it is only by coincidence, because those columns have almost no bearing on the legitimate practice of astrology.
Here are a few other myths about astrology that should also be dispelled:
1. Astrology is not a religion, nor is it affiliated or associated with any religion or with any specific belief system. You can believe in and participate in any religion you choose and still practice astrology.
2. This is a little controversial. Astrology is about symbolism and has nothing to do with any purported physical energy emanating from a planet, moon, or star. Personally I work closely with the cycles of the Moon, and can feel the moon’s magnetic energy most months. If I note down all the new and full moon times I have more awareness, and I can prepare for sometimes feeling ‘out of sorts’. Buuut, even if I don’t consciously note down these times, I can still feel yuk. So is it simply the cycles of nature or physical energy coming from a planet?
Astrology, in its broadest sense, is the search for meaning in the sky. Early evidence for humans making conscious attempts to measure, record, and predict seasonal changes by reference to astronomical cycles, appears as markings on bones and cave walls, which show that lunar cycles were being noted as early as 25,000 years ago. This was a first step towards recording the Moon’s influence upon tides and rivers, and towards organising a communal calendar. Farmers addressed agricultural needs with increasing knowledge of the constellations that appear in the different seasons—and used the rising of particular star groups to herald annual floods or seasonal activities. By the 3rd millennium BCE, civilizations had sophisticated awareness of celestial cycles and may have oriented temples in alignment with heliacal risings of the stars.
3. Astrology cannot be used to predict an event, only the possibility of an event occurring, or a good time for a particular type of event to take place. I personally believe that the universe as we know it, reflects the mind of man and shows it to us as a mirror. It is collective consciousness which affects nature and the planets.
4. Astrology is only a guide, a map of the potential in your life. However, no two people born at the exact same time and place will have the exact same life. The very nature of astrology speaks to your exercise of “free will” and the many choices and options you have for how you live your life.
If you do love Astrology readings here is some information on different ‘House Systems’ offered by Astrologers. This section below is a bit more in-depth.
Natal charts are divided into twelve sections called “houses,” which indicate the different areas of interest and activity in your life. How those houses are divided up depends on the house system used by you or your astrologer. There are at least eight major house systems in use throughout the world, but the three most commonly used in the United States are Placidus, Koch (pronounced “coke”), and Equal. These three systems result in the same Ascendant (Rising Sign) but have different Midheavens and house cusps.
The Placidian system is named after its 17th century inventor, Placidus de Titus. It is used by at least 80% of astrologers in the U.S. because it is the most widely known system and its house tables are readily available in most areas.
The Koch system is the second most commonly used house system in the U.S. It originated in Germany and is named after its first publisher, Dr. Walter Koch. Both Placidus and Koch systems result in the same Ascendant which is always the cusp of the first house.
The Midheaven is always the cusp of the tenth house, but each system results in a different sign (or the same sign at a different degree) on the Midheaven. Placidus and Koch are “unequal” house systems which can result in interceptions. An interception occurs when two opposite signs are each on the cusp of two houses, while another two opposite signs are not on any house cusps at all and are instead inside of houses with neighbouring signs on their cusps. But in any given chart, the signs intercepted by Koch are not necessarily the same ones that would be intercepted using Placidus.
The Equal house system is just what its name implies. All the houses have the same degree on each cusp, and there are no interceptions. Equal house systems are especially useful for people born in the northernmost and southernmost latitudes, and this system is the most popular one in use outside of the United States.
No given house system is better than another, only different. Astrologers select the systems which they feel work best for them and for their clients. They also select systems which best suit the kinds of astrology they practice, giving them the desired interpretive results. For example, those who practice astropsychology are often inclined to use Placidus, and those who practice Uranian astrology are more likely to select Koch.
If you are unsure which system is best for you, try both, or try one of the other house systems, and see which produces the most reliable results. That’s the best house system for you.
