Astrological sign

Western astrology employs the tropical zodiac which divides the ecliptic into twelve signs of equal length starting at the first point of Aries, which is defined as the point at which the ecliptic (the apparent path of the Sun through the heavens) crosses the celestial equator at the spring equinox. It is important to note that these signs are completely independent of the astronomical constellations after which they were originally named and no longer bear any relationship to them.

Related Topics:
Western astrology - Tropical zodiac - First point of Aries - Ecliptic - Sun - Celestial equator - Spring equinox - Constellations

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Because the calendar is defined by the movement of the Earth around the Sun, and its orbit is very nearly circular, the sign in which the Sun falls on any day of the year is fairly predictable, though it will vary a little due to the effect of the extra day in leap years. These dates are given in the article that deals with each sign individually. To determine the sign in which the moon and other planets fall on any given day, it is necessary to consult an ephemeris or use an astrological computer program which will have a built-in ephemeris; these computer programs make it quick and easy to calculate the natal chart (also called horoscope) so that the astrologer can spend more time interpreting the chart rather than actually calculating it.

Related Topics:
Calendar - Earth - Ephemeris - Astrological - Natal chart - Horoscope

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