Astrology is a belief system that suggests a relationship between the positions and movements of celestial bodies—such as planets and stars—and events on Earth, including human life and personality traits. The core concept behind astrology is that there is a symbolic connection between the positions of celestial bodies at the time of a person's birth (or at other significant times) and their personality, behavior, and life events. Here's an overview of how astrology is thought to work:

1. Birth Chart Calculation:

• At the heart of astrology is the birth chart, also known as a natal chart or horoscope. This chart is a map of the sky at the exact moment and location of a person's birth.
• The birth chart includes the positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, and other celestial points in the zodiac signs and astrological houses.

2. Zodiac Signs and Houses:

• The zodiac is divided into 12 signs, each associated with specific qualities and characteristics. The positions of celestial bodies within these signs are thought to influence individual traits.
• Astrological houses represent different areas of life, and the placement of planets within these houses provides insights into specific life domains.

3. Planetary Influences:

• Each planet is associated with particular qualities and influences. For example, Mercury is linked to communication and intellect, Venus to love and beauty, and Mars to energy and action.
• The relationships between planets and their positions in the zodiac are thought to symbolize various aspects of an individual's personality and life experiences.

4. Aspects:

• Aspects are geometric relationships between planets, such as conjunctions, sextiles, squares, trines, and oppositions. These aspects are believed to indicate different types of interactions and influences.
• For instance, a conjunction may suggest a blending of energies, while a square may indicate tension or challenges.

5. Transits:

• Transits occur when current planetary positions in the sky form aspects to the planets in an individual's birth chart. These transits are thought to coincide with specific events or changes in a person's life.
• Astrologers analyze transits to provide insights into potential opportunities or challenges during a given period.

6. Retrogrades:

• Retrograde motion occurs when a planet appears to move backward in the sky from the perspective of Earth. Retrogrades are considered significant astrological events and are associated with periods of reflection, revisiting, and potential disruptions.

7. Symbolic Language:

• Astrology uses a symbolic language to interpret the meaning of celestial positions. For example, the Sun is associated with the ego and core identity, the Moon with emotions and intuition, and Mercury with communication and intellect.
• The symbols, signs, and houses provide a framework for astrologers to communicate insights about an individual's personality and life path.

8. Psychological and Archetypal Interpretations:

• Many modern astrologers incorporate psychological and archetypal interpretations into their readings. This approach views astrology as a tool for understanding the deeper layers of the human psyche and exploring archetypal patterns.

It's important to note that while astrology has a rich history and continues to be practiced by many, it is not considered a science by the scientific community. Critics argue that there is no empirical evidence supporting the validity of astrological principles, and attributing events or personality traits to celestial positions lacks a scientific basis. However, for many individuals, astrology provides a framework for self-reflection, personal growth, and a sense of connection to the cosmos. As with any belief system, the interpretation and application of astrology can vary widely among practitioners.