Astrology: Science, Art or Conjecture?

Astrology is defined in various ways and while many call it a science, others call it an art. Astrology refers to the study of the movement and position of the stars, moon and the planets and how to they influence events and people on earth. While skeptics and believers abound by plenty, astrology is one field that is either revered or hated, with generally not much lying in between. However, most people do not mind reading their daily or weekly horoscopes as a means of entertainment.

In today’s time, we generally think of the signs of the zodiac whenever astrology is mentioned. However, this is not all there is to astrology and it is a field that is as vast and deep as it is tough to interpret and understand. Astrology is an extremely old science and for centuries people have taken its help in order to make better decisions. Unfortunately, it has been commercialized to such extents that people who have no idea whatsoever about astrology have branded themselves astrologers in an effort to make an easy buck. This has resulted not just in astrology becoming a cause for humor; it has also led to real students and experts of astrology being ridiculed.

That elements on the earth are influenced by planetary movements is a fact proven by the monthly movements of the tide in response to the position of the moon. Just think that if the moon can influence the movement of the largest water bodies on earth to such an extent, would it not have an influence on human beings who themselves are composed of more than seventy per cent water?

Since ages, the Farmers Almanac, which is based on astrology, has been used as a guide to determine planting and harvesting times. At the same time, an extremely large number of animals are influenced by astrological cycles, and science has already proven that oysters, turtles and salmon carry out the functions of reproduction based on astrological movements. At the same time, most of us who do not have a keen interest or belief in astrology expect people with a certain sun sign to behave in a certain way only to be proved right most of the time.

Astrology today is a much maligned and much misused science, but to say that it has no substance whatsoever would be completely wrong. Therefore, while it is not very wise to follow astrology blindly and consider it responsible for everything good or bad that happens to you, at the same time, it is also not prudent to discount astrology as a bogus science.

This article was Submitted by Antony, italian consultant in cartomanzia, and fully dedicated to help people with cartomanzia e amore professional guide

What Planet Is Your Relationship On?

If men are from Mars and women are from Venus, what planet is their relationship on?

John Gray's bestselling book used a planetary analogy to understand relationships. It proved very popular as a way of understanding and interpreting the behaviour patterns that men and women display.

Astrology also uses planets to understand and predict character traits and behaviour patterns. It is an extremely effective tool for analysing relationships. Venus and Mars are not the only planets looked at, although they are important. In total there are ten planets to consider and 12 different signs that each planet could be in. This gives a very high number of possible combinations, which can lead to an insightful and detailed analsis.

One of the reasons astrology is such a useful tool is its neutrality. By describing a relationship astrologically, a distance can be achieved. Difficulties then become a shared problem which could be resolved through co-operation. Identifying the problem as 'We have a Mars opposition' is a much more neutral way of saying 'We argue all the time' or even ' Why do you always argue with me?' What's more, astrology can even help to identify the timing of both good and difficult times. Knowing that things will get better can dissolve a lot of tension.

In any relationship there will be combinations of harmonious and challenging aspects, but there will often be a way of relating to each other that seems to work most of the time. It becomes a habitual way of interacting, the line of least resistance. Sometimes one particular planet provides a dominant theme for the relationship. In effect, it is the planet on which the relationship is based.

It could be the moon, signifying that emotional rapport and domestic compatability are the foundation on which it is based. Or it could be Mercury,indicating that both partners are on the same wavelength, can communicate well with each other and enjoy chatting or even writing to each other. Or perhaps it is the Sun, suggesting compatability at a deep level and that fundamental values and ways of approaching life are in harmony.

Only three examples have been given here, but there are lots more. It can get very complex, but the fundamental principles are simple and can be grasped by anybody sufficiently motivated to understand them.

If you want to understand the dynamic of a relationship, you should first try to understand each person as an individual. Astrology is a great way of doing this. It can help identify what matters most to you. If you are fundamentally an emotional person, emotional rapport will be the most important aspect of any relationship you have. A relationship that is great in lots of other ways, but does not meet this need, will ultimately be unfulfilling. Equally, you may tolerate all kinds of other difficulties if you are in a relationship where you feel a deep emotional connection. Discovering which planet you want the relationship to be on, is crucial. A great relationship on Venus may be fine for some people,but you might personally be happier with one based on the moon.

Astrology is a fascinating subject. After all, what could be more interesting than studying yourself, the person you love and the relationship that you have? It's worth investing some time to understand it yourself, rather than relying on other people's predictions and interpretations. It can be easy to place too much faith in an expert interpretation. There are some very experienced astrologers out there, but you are the most qualified person to understand yourself and your relationship. Astrology gives you the tools to do so in a neutral way, and it's also great fun. So, if you do feel inspired to look at it in more depth, be sure to enjoy yourself whatever planet you are on.

www.horoscope-master.com

Is Timing the Secret of Success?

Success is often viewed as a magic potion. Market demand has always been there, but no-one has worked out the recipe or how to bottle it.

On further investigation the ingredients are not that easy to replicate and include: determination, enthusiasm, perseverance, stamina, hard work and a focus bordering on obsession. Yet there is often one other ingredient that successful people in all walks of life mention - being in the right place at the right time. Sometimes this alone is enough; sometimes without this single ingredient none of the other qualities will count.

Given the importance of this ingredient, how can it be bottled and handed out for the benefit of us all? Whilst success can never be guaranteed, there are tools which can significantly increase the possibility of being in the right place at the right time. Astrology is one of them.

Astrology? What, horoscopes? Is this some kind of joke? No, not at all. Ask yourself why millions of people read their horoscopes, even though the advice they contain is highly generalised and not especially useful. Somewhere deep inside we know that having advance knowledge of the future will enable us to be more effective and to have 'the edge'. Forewarned as they say, is forearmed.

So what is it that astrology can predict and how can it enable you to be in the right place at the right time? Firstly it is a great predictor of trends. The growth of computing, the impact of technology on the film and music industries and the expansion of international travel could all be predicted by astrology. If you can spot a trend in advance, you are well placed to take advantage of it.

Knowing your time, date and place of birth allows you to understand and predict cycles that are unique to you. The natal chart will also reveal the areas of life in which you are most likely to achieve success. This can help ensure that energy is focussed into areas where it will produce the most effective results.

We all spend time developing skills and expertise in our line of work. If motivated, we may also try to develop ourselves in other ways. In the age of the self-help book, there is no shortage of advice and it can be hard to know what to do first and what will be most beneficial. Nothing works for everyone, but spending time wisely is essential. It is your most valuable resource.

Reading your horoscope is not really going to help you, but understanding the underlying principles and learning some basic astrology could be more useful than you think. If time is your most valuable asset and timing is the secret of success, don't dismiss astrology out of hand. It has been used by people in positions of power for centuries.

Whenever a famous person, be they a President or a member of the Royal Family, is known to have consulted an astrologer, the popular press turns them into a laughing stock. All kinds of jokes are made in the media, but the people who use astrology don't really mind. The less people who use it, the more of an advantage they have. When you hold the magic potion in your hand, you really don't mind whether other people believe it or not.

About The Author

www.horoscope-master.com

Chinese Zodiac Signs

Each Chinese New Year begins on the day of first new moon. In actuality, most Chinese began using the western, or solar, calendar in the early twentieth century, except on important holidays. Many of the calendars in China show both the solar dates of the western calendar and the lunar dates of the Chinese calendar. Chinese astrology is based on the twelve cycles of the moon.

The Chinese zodiac consists of twelve animals, rather than the solar signs used in the west. In the Chinese calendar each period lasts for a full cycle of the moon, from new to full. There are twelve complete lunar cycles in a Chinese zodiac year, but one animal symbolizes the entire year. According to their calendar, the Chinese complete a cycle every twelve years. So if you were born in the year of the rat, you would celebrate your zodiac birthday every twelve years, and your Chinese zodiac sign would be the rat. In the west your astrological sign appears once each year.

The calendar and its animals were created from an ancient legend. It tells us that the animals were all fighting about who was going to be in the prime (first) position on the Chinese calendar. The gods devised a test in which the animals would compete for their position by swimming across a river. Another version says that the Buddha requested visits by the animals before he left earth. He named the moon cycles after the animals in order of appearance. So the Chinese zodiac symbol is a circle divided into twelve equal sections; think of it as if you were marking off slices of a pie. There is a picture of the animal representing that Chinese zodiac sign in each section. The calendar's use dates clear back to 2600 BC.

The animals used in Chinese astrology are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep (goat), monkey, rooster, dog, and boar (pig). Persons born during their cycle are said to take on their animal traits:

• Rat- Perfectionist, charming, aggressive, secretive, party-loving, quick-witted, stubborn, good at politics and business, can be mean
• Ox- Quiet, quick to anger, excellent memories, hard-working, family loyalty, creative, skilful hands, responsible, self-confident
• Tiger- Leaders, courageous, territorial, possessive, fighters, generous and selfish, magnetic, passionate, works solo, dynamic
• Rabbit- Sweet-natured, conservative, artistic, tasteful, sentimental, emotional, shy, faithful to partners, romantic, avoid fighting
• Dragon- Regal, leader, centre of attention, powerful, lucky, aggressive, dynamic, big ego, snobbish, tyrannical
• Snake- Charming, popular, lies easily, possessive, hates rejection, deep thinker, well-mannered, lazy, romantic, insecure
• Horse- Crowd lover, rebellious, energetic, selfish, self-centered, good with money, cunning, lacks self-confidence
• Sheep or goat- Artistic, creative, lazy, disorganized, charming, well-mannered, dreamy, pessimistic, romantic, worrier, not good in business
• Monkey- Charming, witty, clever, emotional, unscrupulous, love food but not gluttons, deceptive, funny, lucky
• Rooster- Straight-forward, honest, flashy dresser, loyal, honest, dreamer, psychic, busy, loves a bargain, observers
• Dog- Traditional, loyal, sincere, intelligent, private, judgmental, serious, anxious, likes solitude, champions causes
• Pig or boar- Loving, caring, chivalrous, sincere, honourable, easy to take advantage of, belief in goodness, love food, romantic, jealous

As you can see the Chinese calendar with its Chinese zodiac symbols is most interesting indeed. If you look up your Chinese zodiac sign, you will enjoy the time learning more about yourself.

There are twelve Chinese year signs in the Chinese Zodiac. Unlike in our western astrology, in Chinese astrology each sign lasts for a year. Legend has it that as Buddha was about to depart the earth he summoned all the animals to say goodbye. Only twelve turned up so, to show his appreciation of their loyalty, he vowed that from then on each year would bear the name of one of the animals.

Chinese astrology is based on the Lunar Calendar. This means the Chinese New Year does not fall on the same day each year and can vary by as much as 3 weeks. So for babies born in late January/early February it is necessary to consult the charts to determine the correct sign.

Chinese Years:

February 9, 2005 - January 28, 2006: Rooster

January 22, 2004 - February 8, 2005: Monkey

February 1, 2003 - January 21, 2004: Goat

February 12, 2002 - January 31, 2003: Horse

January 24, 2001 - February 11, 2002: Snake

February 5, 2000 - January 23, 2001: Dragon

February 6, 1999 - February 4, 2000: Rabbit

January 28, 1998 - February 5, 1999: Tiger

February 8, 1997 - January 27, 1998: Ox

February 19,1996 - February 7, 1997: Rat

January 31, 1995 - February 18, 1996: Pig

February 10, 1994 - January 30, 1995: Dog

January 23, 1993 - February 9, 1994: Rooster

February 4, 1992 - January 22, 1993: Monkey

February 15, 1991 - February 3,1992: Goat

January 27, 1990 - February 14, 1991: Horse

February 6, 1989 - January 26, 1990: Snake

February 17, 1988 - February 5, 1989: Dragon

January 29, 1987 - February 16, 1988: Rabbit

February 9, 1986 - January 28, 1987: Tiger

February 20, 1985 - February 8, 1986: Ox

February 2, 1984 - February 19, 1985: Rat

February 13, 1983 - February 1, 1984: Pig

February 25, 1982 - February 12, 1983: Dog

February 5, 1981 - January 24, 1982: Rooster

February 16, 1980 - February 4, 1981: Monkey

January 28, 1979 - February 15, 1980: Goat

February 7, 1978 - January 27, 1979: Horse

February 18, 1977 - February 6, 1978: Snake

January 31, 1976 - February 17, 1977: Dragon

February 11, 1975 - January 30, 1976: Rabbit

January 23, 1974 - February 10, 1975: Tiger

February 3, 1973 - January 22, 1974: Ox

February 15, 1972 - February 2, 1973: Rat

January 27, 1971 - February 14, 1972: Pig

February 6, 1970 - January 26, 1971: Dog

February 17, 1969 - February 5, 1970: Rooster

January 30, 1968 - February 16, 1969: Monkey

February 9, 1967 - January 29, 1968: Goat

January 21, 1966 - February 8, 1967: Horse

February 2, 1965 - January 20, 1966: Snake