The zodiac is an imaginary belt in the celestial sphere, which extends about 8° on either side of the ecliptic, or apparent path of the Sun among the stars. The width of the zodiac was determined originally to include the orbits of the Sun and Moon and of the five planets, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, as these were the only planets known to the people of ancient times.
The zodiac is divided into 12 sections of 30° each and within these lies the signs of the zodiac. Starting with the vernal equinox and then proceeding eastward along the ecliptic, each of the divisions is named for the constellation situated within its limits as observed in the 2nd century BC.
The names of the zodiacal signs are Aries, the Ram; Taurus, the Bull; Gemini, the Twins; Cancer, the Crab; Leo, the Lion; Virgo, the Virgin; Libra, the Balance; Scorpio, the Scorpion; Sagittarius, the Archer; Capricorn, the Goat; Aquarius, the Water Bearer; and Pisces, the Fishes.
Because of the precession of the equinoxes about the ecliptic, a 26,000-year cycle, the first point of Aries retrogrades about 1° in 70 years, so that the sign Aries today lies in the constellation Pisces. In about 24,000 years, when the retrogression will have completed the entire circuit of 360°, the zodiacal signs and constellations will again coincide.
The horoscope is an important element in astrology that interprets the character and destiny of a person or group according to the position of the planets, usually at the time of the person's birth.
A horoscope is cast based on information given by the person, which is then interpreted according to systematic principles. The horoscope takes into account two main considerations: the circle of the 12 signs of the zodiac (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces) as they are crossed by the sun, moon and planets at different periods, and a circle of 12 'houses', around which the circle of the zodiac turns.
Casting a horoscope is a rather complicated procedure that relies upon accurate data and timing. Further relevant factors are: the position of sun, moon, planets and signs of the zodiac; the aspects of sun, moon and planets in relation to each other; and the position of sun, moon, planets and signs of the zodiac in relation to the circle of 12 houses. Certain planets are allied with certain activities and human propensities, for example Venus with love; the 12 houses with certain areas of life; and the aspects are believed to be associated with helpful or unhelpful situations and possibilities. Horoscopes remain important in the East and are growing in popular significance in the West despite scientific skepticism.
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