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Astrology sees mankind as being not only influenced by hereditary factors and the environment, but also by the state of our solar system at the moment of birth. The planets are regarded as basic life-forces, the tools we live by as well as the basis of our very substance.

There are two major types of Astrology practiced today in the Western World: Tropical and Sidereal. Tropical Astrology assigns the 12 zodiac signs (each consisting of 30 degrees) based on their position in relation to the Spring Equinox, which marks the Astrological New Year and usually falls on March 21. The Equinox represents 0 degrees Aries. Sidereal Astrology (found mostly in India) assigns positions based on constellations, rather than in relation to the Equinox. It acknowledges the precession* and adjusts the signs of the zodiac accordingly. At present, Sidereal Astrology is 24 degrees behind Tropical Astrology, so a person born under 23 degrees Libra in Tropical Astrology is born at 29 degrees Virgo in Sidereal Astrology.

The modern notion of astrological ages, such as the Age of Aquarius, is based on the precession of the equinoxes. The constellation that rises with the Sun on the vernal equinox stays the same for more than 2,000 years and gives its name to the age. Thus the Age of Aries was ending about 2,000 years ago, and Pisces was beginning. Pisces now yielded to Aquarius. Astrologers do not present a unified front when it comes to explanation how astrology works. In general, their explanations fall into two broad categories: causative- postulating an actual cause-and-effect relationship between the sky and people's life on earth, and synchronistic-postulating that the whole universe is synchronized so that certain celestial occurrences coincide with particular events below, as if earth and stars were different parts in a vast, wind-up watch.

PHOTO: IKUZOASTROLOGY.COM

At last count there were over 80 branches of astrology in usage! That's really so amazing considering the minimal uses at its inception. Most practicing astrologers today use astrology for self awareness, family, and clients. This self-contained system is probably the most complete system. It is interwoven with so many other paths of wisdom as well. Quaballa is rooted in astrology as are Numerology, Tarot, and Feng Shui. Today we can work with Western astrology, Vedic, Hellenistic, Classical, Traditional, Mayan, Aztec, Chinese, Korean astrology, and more. But let's go through all the branches of application.

Humanistic astrology is what we now primarily practice in the West. Some refer to this as astrological 'readings' to assist people who want personal awareness, knowledge of their patterns, karmic issues, strengths, weaknesses, and predictions for their future.
Karmic/esoteric astrology focuses on the more spiritual side of interpretation and insights.Relationship astrology of course deals with the energy between two people in relationship, which can be lovers, or child/parent, boss and employee, family patterns, etc.