Debates around astrology are not rare—some people believe it to be a realistic science based on celestial observations, and some prefer to regard it as a belief system. However, upon a closer examination, you will realize that astrology is an age-old, vast practice that integrates a certain degree of mathematical precision, celestial symbolism, and an implicit perception regarding the aspects of the cosmos.
This blog post will cover:
- What is the reason for astrology being a science.
- The core components of a birth chart
- Definitions of essential terms like houses, Rashis, planets, and Nakshatras
- A quick reference table for houses and their meanings
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To begin with, we shall get to know the basics.
Why Astrology Is a Realistic Science?
Beyond the horoscope of the day, astrology is an entire system that was conceived thousands of years ago, and still applies today. Astronomy, mathematics and Psychology all combined to give us an ability to interpret how the movements of the planets affect human behaviors.
🔭 Scientific Roots: Astrology often sparks debates—some consider it a realistic science rooted in celestial observations, while others consider it a belief system.
🧠 Psychological Insight: But if you delve deeper, you’ll discover that astrology is an ancient and vast discipline that blends mathematical precision, cosmic symbolism, and intuitive understanding.
🗺️ Life Roadmap: A birth chart functions like a GPS, showing paths and challenges in one’s life.
What Is a Birth Chart?
Your birth chart, or horoscope, is what is referred to as a snapshot of the sky at the moment and place of your birth. However, it shows the positions of 9 planets in the 12 houses of the zodiac.
Required Details to Generate a Birth Chart:
- Date of Birth
- Time of Birth
- Place of Birth
There are free apps for astrology these days so it is now quick and easy to generate your birth chart.
In astrology, there are two styles of birth charts: a) North Indian style & b) South Indian style.
Houses, Rashis Planets & Nakshatras
Components of a Birth Chart:
These four will have to be known to understand astrology.
- Houses (Bhavas)
Each of the 12 houses represents a different aspect of life:
House | Meaning | Ruling Sign | Ruling Planet |
1st (Lagna) | Self, personality, appearance | Aries (Mesh) | Mars (Mangal) |
2nd | Wealth, values, speech | Taurus (Vrishabh) | Venus (Shukra) |
3rd | Siblings, communication | Gemini (Mithun) | Mercury (Budh) |
4th | Home, mother, emotions | Cancer (Kataka) | Moon (Chandra) |
5th | Creativity, children, romance | Leo (Simha) | Sun (Surya) |
6th | Health, service, debts | Virgo (Kanya) | Mercury (Budh) |
7th | Marriage, partnerships | Libra (Tula) | Venus (Shukra) |
8th | Transformation, secrets | Scorpio (Vrichik) | Mars (Mangal) |
9th | Spirituality, travel, beliefs | Sagittarius (Dhanu) | Jupiter (Guru) |
10th | Career, reputation | Capricorn (Makar) | Saturn (Shani) |
11th | Gains, friendships | Aquarius (Kumbh) | Saturn (Shani) |
12th | Moksha, expenses, solitude | Pisces (Meen) | Jupiter (Guru) |
- Rashis (Zodiac Signs)
Each house contains one of the 12 zodiac signs:
Number | Zodiac Sign (Rashi) |
1 | Mesh (Aries) |
2 | Vrishabh (Taurus) |
3 | Mithun (Gemini) |
4 | Katak (Cancer) |
5 | Simha (Leo) |
6 | Kanya (Virgo) |
7 | Tula (Libra) |
8 | Vrichik (Scorpio) |
9 | Dhanu (Sagittarius) |
10 | Makar (Capricorn) |
11 | Kumbh (Aquarius) |
12 | Meen (Pisces) |
- Planets (Grahas)
Astrology revolves around the 9 main planets. Each has its domain, strengths, and influence on your life:
Planet | Symbolizes | Owns Rashi | Aspects |
Sun (Surya) | Confidence, ego, father, vitality | Leo (Simha) | 7th |
Moon (Chandra) | Emotions, mind, mother | Cancer (Katak) | 7th |
Mars (Mangal) | Energy, action, courage | Aries, Scorpio | 4th, 7th, 8th |
Mercury (Budh) | Intellect, communication | Gemini, Virgo | 7th |
Jupiter (Guru) | Wisdom, spirituality | Sagittarius, Pisces | 5th, 7th, 9th |
Venus (Shukra) | Love, art, luxury | Taurus, Libra | 7th |
Saturn (Shani) | Karma, discipline | Capricorn, Aquarius | 3rd, 7th, 10th |
Rahu | Materialism, illusions | None | 5th, 7th, 9th |
Ketu | Detachment, past karma | None | 5th, 7th, 9th |
- Nakshatras (Stars)
There are 27 Nakshatras (lunar constellations), each having specific traits. Your birth Nakshatra gives more profound insights into your personality and destiny.
Nakshatra 1–9 | Nakshatra 10–18 | Nakshatra 19–27 |
Ashwini | Magha | Moola |
Bharani | Purva Phalguni | Purva Shada |
Kritika | Uttara Phalguni | Uttara Shada |
Rohini | Hasta | Shravana |
Mrigashira | Chitra | Dhanishta |
Ardra | Swati | Shatabhisha |
Punarvasu | Vishaka | Purva Bhadrapada |
Pushya | Anuradha | Uttara Bhadrapada |
Ashlesha | Jyeshta | Revati |
Every birth chart is unique.
And considering the ways in which the 9 planets, 12 rashi, and 12 house assembly can be fitted together, there are astronomical numbers of unique charts.
📐 Mathematically:
The number of combinations out there comes out to being roughly 12 x 12! X 9!, or billions of possibilities. That’s why no two people, not even twins, are exactly alike.
When you factor in the possible combinations of 9 planets, 12 Rashis, and 12 houses—not to mention 27 Nakshatras—the number of unique charts is astronomical.
FAQs
- Is it a science or superstition of astrology?
The meaning of a structured system in relation to astrology is astronomical calculations and symbolism. Although astrology is not considered a realistic science in the empirical sense, it should not be dismissed as mere superstition.
- While I have all the data available, can I count on astrology for big decisions about my life?
However, astrology should be used with caution, as decisions should involve an element of free will, personal judgment, and experience.
- Are apps valid for making a birth chart?
Yes, the majority of the astrology apps are very accurate in producing charts given the birth date, time, and place. Therefore, if possible, it is best to have an experienced astrologer interpret your charts.
- Could you please explain why some of the houses in the chart appear empty?
Not all the houses will be filled with planets in them. There is still some import placed on these empty houses according to the ruling sign or planetary aspects present.
Final Thoughts
Astrology is a field that connects to ancient times, dating back to wherever it got its start as a branch of knowledge and day-to-day need. Whether you view it as a science or a belief system, astrology offers a unique perspective on understanding yourself and the world around you.
In subsequent posts under the Astrology category, we will examine astrology’s interpretation of how we deal with everyday situations. Stay tuned!
