We are beginning a series on Predictive Astrology.
In this series, we will shed light on various foundational topics, including “What is Astrology?”, “Birth Chart”, “Houses/Bhavas”, “Predictive Techniques”, and much more.

 What is Astrology & How It Works

Astrology is a pure and ancient science. An astrological chart is based on astronomical data—it is a precise map of the celestial system, showing the positions of various planets as they appeared in the sky at a particular moment and location on Earth.

To simplify, an astrologer prepares a chart representing the exact positions of the planets as they would have been seen from the place and time of an individual’s birth. In essence, astrology is a system of analysis that interprets the influence of different planets—such as Mercury, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn—alongside luminaries like the Moon and Sun, as well as the shadowy nodes, Rahu and Ketu.

Astrology is rooted in the principle of cause and effect—the belief that the positions and combinations of planets and constellations influence every aspect of life. Since birth is the first major event in a person's journey, it becomes the natural starting point in astrological interpretation.

Fundamentally, each individual comes into existence at a specific moment—defined by the date, time, and place of birth. This is when the person first interacts with the vibrations, and energies of the celestial bodies. The chart cast at this moment, reflecting the planetary and luminary placements active at that time, is known as the Birth Chart. It serves as a unique cosmic blueprint for that individual.

Importance of the Place of Birth

As we all know, sunrise times vary from one location to another. Just as sunlight's warmth and the length of the day change depending on latitude and longitude—from the equator to the poles—the influence of planets also varies accordingly. Therefore, the place of birth helps fix the exact coordinates on Earth, allowing for accurate calculation of the planetary positions specific to that location.

The Birth Chart

The birth chart can be visualized as a celestial snapshot—an exact reflection of the planetary positions at the moment of an individual’s birth. The visible sky is mapped as either a square or a circular diagram and divided into twelve sections, each known as a house or bhava.

Astrology aligns itself with the 24-hour cycle of a day, using the sunrise as a reference point to signify the beginning of a new day. Since the Sun is the most prominent observable luminary around which our lives revolve, the zodiac is divided into 12 segments—each representing approximately two hours of the Sun’s movement. Together, these 12 houses encapsulate the full 24-hour journey of the Sun in relation to the Earth.

This concept can also help verify the accuracy of birth time. For instance, if it is night in India and day in the United States, the Sun’s position should reflect that. If a person claims to be born around noon, but the chart places the Sun on the opposite side of the globe, it indicates the chart has been cast incorrectly.

Thus, in astrology, the place, date, and time of birth are of utmost importance. Accurate data is essential to create a reliable birth chart.

The Significance of Accurate Birth Data

It is important to understand that many individuals may not have precise birth details—especially the exact time—which can result in birth charts ranging from slightly inaccurate to highly erroneous. As with any scientific discipline, accurate input is crucial to yield accurate results. If the chart is incorrect, the predictions derived from it will naturally be flawed.

Unfortunately,If predictions are made using an incorrect chart, they are likely to be wrong—leading to misconceptions about astrology itself. The real issue, however, often lies not in astrology, but in the inaccuracy of the data provided.

Therefore, the exact date, time, and place of birth are essential to pinpoint the precise moment and location from which the planetary and stellar positions are observed. Only with this can a true and meaningful chart be cast.

The Importance of the Moon

The Moon has a profound and enduring influence on Earth and all forms of life. As we know, it governs the tides in oceans and water bodies. Similarly, since the human body is composed of nearly 70% water, it too is deeply affected by the Moon.

The menstrual cycle in women aligns with the lunar month, and even the average human pregnancy spans approximately 273 days—roughly nine lunar months. It is a well-established fact that the Moon significantly influences the human mind, especially during full moon and new moon phases.

Beyond humans, many birds and marine creatures instinctively follow the Moon’s phases for migration and movement. This universal synchrony further affirms the Moon’s subtle yet powerful role in shaping natural rhythms and human experiences alike.