FAQs: Astrology Basics

  1. What is astrology?
    Astrology is a symbolic language that studies the relationship between celestial movements and events on Earth. It’s not about predicting fate, but about interpreting planetary cycles and patterns to gain insight into human behaviour, life themes, and personal growth. At its core, astrology offers a framework for self-understanding, timing, and deeper connection to the world around us.
  2. Is astrology the same as fortune-telling?
    No—astrology doesn’t predict fixed events. It highlights patterns, cycles, and potentials, helping you make more informed and conscious choices. You still have free will, but only within certain parameters—after all, you don’t choose the time, place, or family you’re born into.
  3. Is astrology scientifically proven?
    Astrology is a symbolic, interpretive system rooted in thousands of years of human observation. While not "proven" by modern scientific standards, many people find its insights meaningful, accurate, and personally resonant.
  4. What’s the difference between astronomy and astrology?
    Astronomy is the scientific study of celestial bodies. Astrology is a symbolic language that interprets those celestial movements in relation to human experience. They share common origins, but serve very different purposes today.
  5. What about the precession of the equinoxes? Doesn't that make astrology inaccurate?
    This refers to the gradual shift in Earth’s axis over time, which has changed the visible positions of the constellations. Western astrology, however, uses the tropical zodiac, which is aligned with the seasons—not with the stars. It’s a symbolic system based on archetypes, not star positions. In contrast, sidereal astrology (used in Vedic traditions) aligns more closely with the fixed stars or current astronomical constellations.
  6. How can planets possibly influence human behaviour?
    Astrology doesn’t claim that planets exert physical forces like gravity or radiation. Rather, it works through meaningful correlations—seeing the cosmos as a mirror. Planetary cycles reflect patterns in human experience, often aligning with key life events and psychological shifts. It’s about symbolic resonance and synchronicity, not direct causation.
  7. If astrology works, why can’t it predict everything exactly?
    Astrology is points to trends, opportunities, and challenges—but not certainties. Life is influenced by countless variables, including your choices. Astrology offers perspective, not predestination.
  8. Why do some astrologers use different systems (like sidereal vs. tropical)?
    Different cultures developed different approaches. Western astrology uses the tropical zodiac, based on seasonal markers. Vedic astrology uses the sidereal zodiac, aligned with the stars. Both systems are valid within their own frameworks—they’re just different lenses through which to view the same sky.
  9. Can astrology be tested scientifically?
    Because astrology deals with subjective experience and symbolic meaning, it doesn't always lend itself to traditional scientific methods. That said, many people experience readings as surprisingly accurate and personally meaningful.
  10. What about the 13th sign, Ophiuchus? Doesn’t that change the zodiac?
    This question comes up often. The so-called "13th sign" refers to the constellation Ophiuchus, which the Sun briefly passes through. However, Western astrology doesn’t use constellations—it uses the tropical zodiac, which divides the sky into 12 equal symbolic segments based on the seasons. The tropical zodiac is symbolic, not literal. So, Ophiuchus doesn’t change anything—it’s simply not part of the astrological system used in Western astrology.