What is the difference between astrology and the zodiac?
If you want to learn more about The Difference Between Astrology and the Zodiac, this article is for you. Though some people confuse and interchange the two, they are different but related concepts regarding the sky.
Defining Astrology
Astrology is a divination practice focused on searching for and understanding meaning in the sky. It gathers and predicts information about human personalities, affairs, events, and outcomes based on the positions of celestial objects. The planets and the configuration of the stars (constellations) are considered to indicate changes in the sublunar world.
Forms of astrology range in tradition, branches, and symbolism depending on the country and its culture. The concept of stars manifesting divine will can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia in the form of celestial omens. However, the original purpose of astrology was to inform a person of the course of their life based on the planets and constellations at the moment of their birth. This science was called genethlialogy. It developed the fundamental techniques of astrology, the main subdivisions: general, catarchic, and interrogatory.
The general subdivision studies the relationship of significant celestial moments such as vernal equinoxes and eclipses. The catarchic determines if an action is promoted astrologically during a specific moment. The interrogatory answers a person’s questions based on the heavens during that moment of questioning.
PRO TIP: Learn more about spiritual readings and the importance of getting them regularly. And reach out to Midtown Manhattan Psychic if you would like a chakra reading or psychic reading of any kind!
Defining The Zodiac
The zodiac is a “belt” or band shaped area around the sky that stretches 8° on both sides of the ecliptic. The ecliptic is the circle on the celestial sphere representing the apparent annual path of the Sun. On Earth, the zodiac is the plane through which the Sun, Moon, and other planets move across the sky.
The Zodiac is divided into twelve signs that each occupy 30° of its belt and roughly a month in time. The signs are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Saggitarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. The zodiac is used in astrology and was used in astronomy.
Previously, in astronomy, these signs were derived from the constellations that marked the path of the Sun during the year. However, the constellations no longer align with their corresponding signs because the calendar and the signs are tied to solstices and equinoxes rather than a full orbit around the Sun. So, each year, the sun’s relative location on any day to the stars drifts by a minuscule amount.
The Zodiac in Astrology
In Western astrology, the zodiac is used as a part of a horoscope. The horoscope is an astrological chart representing the location of the Sun, Moon, and the other planets on a certain day, location, and time. Each planet represents a drive or impulse in the human psyche. Each zodiac sign represents a personality type, one of four elements (fire, air, earth, and water), and one of three qualities (cardinal, fixed, and mutable).
Based on the alignment of celestial bodies on a person’s birthday, time, and location, Western astrology creates a corresponding, in-depth horoscope. The chart notes which cosmic bodies influence the person, their personality, and character.
Pro Tip: Looking for spiritual clarity in the bustling city? Explore Midtown Manhattan psychic offerings for a unique journey into self-discovery and guidance.
Astrological Interpretations
Astrologers and psychics who study Western astrology use horoscopes and natal birth charts to calculate how these celestial bodies affect a person’s life and future. By understanding the influence of the planets and stars on earthly and human events, astrologers believe they predict and potentially affect destinies. Their insight ranges from work, love, and family.
The Difference Between Astrology and the Zodiac
At its core, astrology is a form of divination, while the zodiac is a belt around the planet containing constellations used in that form of divination. Western astrology uses the zodiac, its constellations, and the other planets’ location to derive understanding a human’s drives, wants, fears, and possible challenges. Thus, the difference between astrology and the zodiac is confirmed by their definitions and uses in history and modern practices.