Why Learn Astrology?

I. Introduction

 

In the last several years, the popularity of astrology has skyrocketed online, with dozens if not hundreds of new websites, podcasts and social media accounts dedicated to helping you read your astrological birth chart, study planetary transits and learn the ancient art of interpreting the stars.

Astrology has been around for thousands of years, and has gone through many ups and downs in its popularity. The purpose of this article is to explore why so many people through the ages have found astrology so compelling, supportive and meaningful. We hope by the time you reach the end, you'll be inspired to learn more about this powerful practice!

Before we get into why learning astrology can be so valuable, let's define what astrology is in the first place. Astrology is the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies and their influence on human affairs and world events. It's one of the oldest sciences known to humanity and has been practiced in various cultures for thousands of years. Astrology is often associated with horoscopes, sun signs, and star charts, but it is a complex and nuanced field that offers a wealth of benefits to those who take the time to learn it.

Some of those benefits, which we'll go into more detail about below, are:

  • Greater self-knowledge
  • Improved timing
  • Feeling of connection with the living universe
  • Building community

In this concise guide, we'll explore these benefits alongside the different types of astrology, basic chart reading skills, and the topics astrology can help with. We'll also discuss how to get started with learning astrology and the level of commitment required to become proficient in this fascinating and ever-expanding field.

 

A woman sitting in a blue chair studying several astrological charts. There is a deck of tarot cards on the table in front of her.

 

II. Types of Astrology and their Uses

 

There are many different types of astrology, and each of them serves a unique purpose. The vast majority of the astrology content you'll find online is focused on reading natal astrology charts for individuals or couples, but there is a lot more to astrology than that! Here are a few of the most common types of astrology and how astrologers use them.

 

A. Natal Astrology

From your daily horoscope to sitting down with a professional for an astrology birth chart reading, most of the astrology you've probably interacted with falls under the umbrella of “natal astrology.”

Natal astrology is the study of a person's birth chart, also known as the natal chart or nativity. It involves analyzing the positions of the planets, the Sun, the Moon, and other celestial bodies at the exact moment of a person's birth. The birth chart is a map of the heavens at the time of birth, and it provides insights into a person's personality, strengths, weaknesses, and life purpose.

Learning to interpret your own birth chart can give you insight into your own needs, motivations, challenges and resources, and even help you make decisions about your career, relationships, daily schedule, even your health!

Astrology chart readings can help you understand your personality traits and how your sun sign, moon sign, or other planetary placements inform who you are. Learning this art form is a lifelong practice that can include developing skills in psychology, counseling or other healing modalities, but in exchange for the time and effort it takes to study astrology, you'll gain an incredibly valuable tool for self-understanding and aligning yourself with the guidance of the stars.

 

An image of a dark blue-green starry sky partially covered by fluffy clouds.

 

B. Electional Astrology

Electional astrology is the practice of selecting the most favorable time to start a new venture, such as a business or relationship. Electional astrology can also be used to choose the best time for a medical procedure, a job interview, a move or an important ceremony like a wedding.

Rather than focusing on an individual's natal chart, electional astrologers look at the positions of the planets right now and in the future in order to determine the best possible time for a given endeavor.

The real-time movements of the planets through the zodiac signs and astrological houses create certain conditions that are favorable or unfavorable for certain developments. For example, a day when Venus is well-supported in the sky might be ideal for a wedding, but less effective for something that might be considered more Martial, like running a marathon.

 

A table with a few magical implements on it, including two printouts of astrological charts, which a person is studying and taking notes on with a colored pencil.

 

C. Horary Astrology

Horary astrology is the art of answering specific questions by casting a chart for the moment the question is asked. This type of astrology is useful for answering questions related to relationships, career, health, and other areas of life.

Almost any question can be answered with horary astrology, as long as it is asked sincerely. The astrologer will cast the chart for the moment that they understand the question, and consult the relevant planets in that chart to provide a concrete answer.

Horary astrology was one of the most popular forms of astrological practice historically, and it's easy to see why. To a trained astrologer, horary techniques open up a realm of seemingly endless knowledge! It's not where many beginners start learning astrology, but it's a fascinating branch of the art with lots of practical applications for those interested.

A stack of astrological charts scattered haphazardly on a table alongside a bouquet of white flowers.

 

D. Compatibility Charts

Love and relationships are very popular topics for astrology, and there are multiple ways that astrologers can answer questions about a particular relationship. Two of the most popular methods are synastry and composite chart interpretation.

Synastry charts reveal the strengths and challenges of a relationship by comparing the charts of two or more people, while composite charts provide insights into the purpose of the relationship and its potential for growth and transformation through the creation of a unique third chart, similar to a mathematical average.

 

Two hands wearing wedding rings reaching toward each other to touch palms, while the Sun shines from in between them.

 

III. Reading Astrological Charts

A. What is a Birth Chart?

A birth chart is a snapshot of the sky at the moment of a person's birth. It is a map of the heavens that shows the position of the planets, the Sun, the Moon, and other celestial bodies. The birth chart is divided into twelve houses, each of which represents a different area of life, such as career, relationships, and home.

Learning to read birth charts offers a wealth of information and insight about an individual, including personality traits, psychological needs, opportunities and challenges. It can help you understand the internal forces that drive you, why you might feel conflicted, and how you can get beyond patterns that don't serve you or places where you become “stuck.”

But reading birth chart's isn't only about psychology. It can also be a way to tune into the ideal timing of your life, which seasons correspond to different zodiac signs and therefore where you should ideally focus your energy during those times.

 

A close-up image of an astrological chart, showing a conjunction between the Sun, Venus and Pluto in the 8th house. It also shows a conjunction between Mercury and Saturn in the 7th.

 

B. What are Transits and Why Track Them?

Transits are the real-time movements of the planets in the sky and their impact on a person's birth chart. Tracking transits is useful for understanding the current energy and how it is affecting you. By tracking transits, it is possible to make the most of the current energy and make informed decisions about the future.

Astrologers can look at transits in general, to see how the planets in the sky are impacting each other and what that might mean for the whole collective, or they can track transits relative to a particular birth chart.

IV. Topics Astrology Can Help With

Astrology can provide insights and guidance in many areas of life. Here are some of the topics astrology can help with:

A. Life Path & Personal Growth

Astrology can provide insights into a person's life purpose and help them navigate the challenges and opportunities along the way. By understanding their birth chart, a person can identify their strengths and weaknesses and make informed decisions about how to live a fulfilling life. Many people also use astrology as a spiritual practice, to help them attune to the divine timing of the universe.

 

A hand, palm facing up, reaching toward a bush while the shadow of a compound leaf is cast upon the palm, wrist and forearm.

 

B. Love & Relationships

Relationship astrology can provide insights into the dynamics between two people and help them navigate challenges in their relationship. By understanding their synastry and composite charts, a couple can gain a deeper understanding of each other and build a stronger, more harmonious relationship. You can also use your natal chart to gain deeper insight into your personal needs, desires and potential challenges in relationships, and to discover your ideal partnership.

 

Two pigeons snuggling up to each other in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

 

C. Business & Career Advice

Astrology can provide insights into a person's career path and help them make informed decisions about their professional life. By understanding their birth chart, a person can identify their strengths and weaknesses and choose a career that aligns with their natural talents and abilities. Electional astrology can also be used to choose the best time to start a new business or launch a new project.

Many astrologers specialize in career or financial advice, so if this is the kind of insight you are looking for, be sure to search for a career specialist or financial astrologer!

 

An assortment of objects on a white table including two laptops, two paper notebooks, a lit candle, two coffee cups, a half-eaten muffin and a bouquet of flowers.

 

D. Where to Move or Travel

Astrocartography is a branch of astrology that can be used to determine the most favorable places to live or travel based on a person's birth chart. By understanding the planetary influences in different parts of the world, a person can choose a location that supports their growth and development.

If you're interested in learning more about astrocartography, we recommend taking this course with astrologer Gemini Brett!

 

Two people sitting at a table studying a map. One of them is holding a coffee cup and the other is holding a notebook and pointing to one spot on the map with their pen. Scattered over the table is a camera, a laptop, and other writing utensils.

 

V. How to Get Started

A. Creating your own chart

To get started with astrology, the first step is to create your own birth chart. There are many free online resources available that will generate a birth chart based on your birth date, time, and location. Once you have your birth chart, you can begin to explore the different planets, houses, and aspects that make up your unique astrological profile.

 

A laptop showing an astrological chart sitting on a table. A person's hands are gesturing toward the screen and holding a piece of paper with another astrological chart printed on it.

 

B. Interpreting Current Transits

Once you have a basic understanding of your birth chart, you can begin to track the current transits and their impact on your chart. There are many resources available online that will provide daily or monthly updates on the current astrological energy and how it is affecting different signs and houses.

C. Resources for learning more

There are many resources available for those who want to learn more about astrology. Books, online courses, and workshops are all excellent options for deepening your understanding of this fascinating field. It is also helpful to connect with other astrologers and participate in online forums and discussion groups.

The Astrology Hub Academy is a great place to start if you'd like to learn more. We offer courses for all levels on a variety of astrological topics. Take a look through our library today!

 

A table with a tablet, a calculator and a notebook where someone is taking notes with a pen. A vase of tulips is in the background.

 

VI. Conclusion

 

Astrology is a powerful tool for gaining insight and guidance in many areas of life. By understanding the different types of astrology, how to read astrological charts, and the topics astrology can help with, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. Whether you are seeking guidance in your personal or professional life, astrology can provide valuable insights and help you make informed decisions about the future. So why not give it a try and see what the stars have to say?

Additional resources for furthering your Astrology education:

  • “The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need” by Joanna Martine Woolfolk
  • “The Inner Sky: How to Make Wiser Choices for a More Fulfilling Life” by Steven Forrest
  • Astrology podcasts such as “The Astrology Podcast” and “Astrology for Beginners”
  • Online astrology courses and workshops offered by organizations such as the AstroTwins and the Astrological Association of Great Britain.
  • Astrology conferences and events, such as the United Astrology Conference and NORWAC (Northwest Astrological Conference)
  • Astrology software programs, such as Solar Fire and Astrolabe
  • Online astrology communities and discussion groups, such as Astrology Hub and Astrology University

By continuing to learn and explore the world of astrology, you can deepen your understanding of this ancient art and science and gain valuable insights into yourself and the world around you. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced astrologer, there is always more to learn and discover.

In conclusion, learning astrology can provide a wealth of benefits, from gaining insight into your personal strengths and weaknesses to navigating challenges in your relationships and career. By understanding the different types of astrology, how to read astrological charts, and the topics astrology can help with, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. So why not give it a try and see what the stars have to say? With the right resources and commitment, anyone can learn astrology and unlock its transformative power.

If you're ready to get started, check out the courses in the Astrology Hub Academy! We have classes for all levels on a wide variety of topics. It's a treasure trove of astrological knowledge. Dive in today!