What is astrology?
The word astrology comes from the Greek astron (star) and logos (discourse), meaning “a conversation about the stars.” Astrology is a symbolic language that explores the connection between planetary patterns and the rhythms of human life. Rather than predicting fixed outcomes, it interprets planetary cycles and patterns to gain insight into human behaviour, life themes, and personal growth. At its heart, astrology offers a framework for self-awareness, meaningful timing, and a deeper understanding of our place in the world.

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 were born into.

What are the origins of astrology?
Astrology is one of the world’s oldest systems of knowledge, with roots stretching back over 4,000 years. It began in ancient Mesopotamia, where early astrologer-priests observed celestial patterns to interpret events on Earth. The Babylonians were among the first to develop a structured form of astrology, which later influenced Greek, Roman, and Islamic traditions.

By the Hellenistic period (around the 2nd century BC), astrology had evolved into a more sophisticated system, blending philosophy, astronomy, and mathematics. This is when the concept of the natal chart—mapping the sky at the moment of your birth—first emerged. From there, astrology spread through Europe, the Middle East, and India, each culture developing its own distinct style and techniques.

Today, most Western astrologers use the tropical zodiac (based on the seasons), while Vedic astrologers use the sidereal zodiac (aligned with the constellations). Despite differences, the core idea remains the same: the sky mirrors life on Earth—a timeless symbolic language that continues to resonate with human experience across the world today.

Is astrology scientifically proven?
Astrology is a symbolic, interpretive system rooted in thousands of years of human observation—more an art than a science in the conventional sense. While it draws on precise astronomical data (such as NASA’s Ephemeris to track planetary positions), its effects are observed rather than fully explained.

The framework is consistent, but interpretation varies with the astrologer’s skill, intuition, and experience. Like other human sciences, astrology explores patterns, meaning, and nuance—making it difficult to quantify using traditional scientific methods. While not "proven" by modern standards, many find its insights accurate, meaningful, and personally resonant.

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.

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.

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.

If astrology works, why can’t it predict everything exactly?
Astrology points to trends, opportunities, and challenges—but not certainties. Life is influenced by countless variables, including your choices. Astrology offers perspective, not predestination.

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.

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.

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.