Overview
A horoscope is an astrological chart or diagram representing the positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, astrological aspects and angles at the time of a particular event, such as the moment of a person's birth. It is also referred to by various other names, including natal chart, astrological chart, celestial map, sky-map, star-chart, chart wheel, radix or simply chart. The word "horoscope" derives from the Greek ōra and scopos, meaning "time" and "observer".
Proponents of astrology hold that a horoscope can be used as a method of divination concerning events related to the point in time it represents, and it forms the basis of the horoscopic traditions of astrology. However, practices surrounding astrology have been recognised as pseudoscientific since the 18th century. Horoscope columns are commonly featured in print and online newspapers and magazines.
In common usage, the term horoscope often refers to an astrologer's interpretation, usually based on a system of Sun sign astrology, which considers the position of the Sun at the time of birth, or on the calendar significance of an event, as in Chinese astrology. Many predictive newspaper and magazine columns identify an individual's Sun sign or "star sign" based on the tropical zodiac, sometimes also referring to the cusp (the days before or after a sign change, treated as an overlap) or decant (a ten-day division of the month).
In Hindu astrology, birth charts are known as kundali, and are described as being based on the movement of the stars and the Moon. Within this tradition, the kundali is consulted before commencing auspicious events and rituals, and is used in matters such as matchmaking and the timing of ceremonies. The horoscope thus occupies a significant place in customary practice, even as the underlying astrological claims remain outside the framework of empirical science.