Someone who reads star signs is called an astrologer.
Astrologers interpret the positions of celestial bodies—such as the sun, moon, and planets—at the time of a person's birth, or at a specific moment, to understand their personality traits, life events, and potential future. This practice is based on the belief that these cosmic alignments exert influence on human affairs and the natural world.
The Role of an Astrologer
An astrologer's primary role involves casting and interpreting various astrological charts. These interpretations often delve into a person's character, relationships, career paths, and significant life transitions.
Common services offered by astrologers include:
- Natal Chart Readings: Analyzing a birth chart, which maps the sky at the exact moment and location of a person's birth, to provide insights into their inherent strengths, challenges, and life purpose.
- Horoscope Readings: Providing daily, weekly, or monthly predictions based on the current planetary positions relative to an individual's sun sign or entire natal chart.
- Synastry/Relationship Readings: Comparing the charts of two or more individuals to assess compatibility and dynamic within relationships.
- Electional Astrology: Determining the most auspicious time to begin an important event, such as a wedding or business venture, based on planetary alignments.
- Predictive Astrology: Using various techniques to forecast potential future trends and events.
Astrologers often utilize specific tools and software to calculate precise planetary positions, allowing them to create detailed charts for their interpretations.
Astrology vs. Astronomy: A Key Distinction
It's important to differentiate between astrology and astronomy, although they both deal with celestial bodies. While astrologers believe that the position of stars and planets can determine an individual's personality and future, astronomers focus on the scientific study of these same celestial objects and phenomena. Astronomers analyze the physical properties, movements, and origins of stars, planets, galaxies, and other cosmic entities using scientific methods and observations. They have found no evidence supporting the theories that underpin astrological predictions.
| Feature | Astrology | Astronomy |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Interpreting celestial positions for human influence and events. | Scientific study of celestial objects, space, and the universe. |
| Method | Belief-based interpretation of symbolic meanings. | Empirical observation, measurement, and scientific theory. |
| Goal | Provide insights into personality, fate, and human experience. | Understand the physical universe and its laws. |
| Evidence | Lacks scientific validation. | Based on testable hypotheses and verifiable data. |
Understanding Star Signs
Star signs, also known as sun signs or zodiac signs, are perhaps the most popular aspect of astrology. There are twelve star signs, each corresponding to a specific period of the year and associated with particular personality traits and characteristics. These signs are determined by the position of the sun in one of the twelve segments of the zodiac at the time of birth.
The Twelve Zodiac Signs:
- Aries (March 21 – April 19)
- Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
- Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
- Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
- Leo (July 23 – August 22)
- Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
- Libra (September 23 – October 22)
- Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
- Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
- Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
- Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
- Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
For many, consulting an astrologer or reading horoscopes can be a source of self-reflection, entertainment, and guidance, offering a unique perspective on life's journey.
