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If you are like most people, you have heard of astrology and the zodiac. You probably know your sign, based on your birthdate, and have read your horoscope on at least a couple of occasions in your life. Did you know, however, that there is much more to astrology than whether you are a Pisces or a Virgo?

The zodiac divides the astrological signs into twelve sections (houses), each representing an aspect of the self and the life of an individual. The twelve houses of the zodiac are further divided into several different categories.

The first categorization is by element: fire, water, air, or earth. These are commonly referred to as the triplicities because there are three signs of each type. The second categorization is known as the quadruplicties (because there are four signs of each type): cardinal, fixed, and mutable. In addition, each sign is either masculine or feminine. Finally, each house, and therefore each sign, has its own planetary ruler.

Everyone has a unique astrological chart known as a natal chart. Your natal chart is determined by your place of birth, time of birth, and date of birth. Most laypeople refer to their sun sign when speaking about astrology; however the sun sign is only one component of your natal chart. Every chart also contains a rising sign and a moon sign which are determined based on the alignment of the planets at your precise time of birth.

Each sign has a hierarchy of other signs with which it is compatible. For instance, the water signs are all compatible with one another. In addition, water signs tend to be compatible with earth signs, but not to the same extent that they are compatible with other water signs.

Did you know that the latitude and longitude of your place of birth can be used to calculate the date that you will get married? Or that the gender and sign of your first born child can be determined? These are among the predictions that an advanced astrologer will make for you based on your unique data.

Astrological charts are much more than just a single birth sign determined by your date of birth. They are much more than a birthstone or a zodiac symbol. If you have never delved much into astrology, it can be an interesting and entertaining endeavor to have a natal chart constructed for you. Why not visit an astrologer and see what she predicts for your future? This can even be a fun thing to do for a party. Invite your friends and hire an astrologer for the evening. What have you got to lose?

Learn more about this author, Kaarina St. John.
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