In astrology, a horoscope is an astrological chart or diagram that represents the positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, astrological concepts, and sensitive angles at the time of a person's birth or another significant event.

More commonly, a horoscope refers to an astrologer's interpretation, generally based on a system of solar (Sun sign) astrology that is based solely on the position of the Sun at the time of birth, and published in newspaper or magazine columns.

No scientific studies have validated the accuracy of horoscopes. The methods used to calculate these interpretations are considered pseudoscientific. Even among serious astrologers, the common horoscope, such as would be published in a newspaper or magazine column, is considered too simplistic to render accurate predictions and, in modern times, only a small percentage of those who read them take them seriously. For categorization, this category is for topics that are solely or principally dedicated to horoscopes, while those websites that cover a wider range of astrological content should be listed in the Astrology category that can be found in our Faith & Spirituality section, as a subset of the Paranormal category. A link to that category can be found below.

Other commonly used names for horoscopes, in the English language, are natal charts, astrological charts, astro-charts, celestial maps, sky-maps, star-charts, cosmograms, vitaspheres, radical charts, radixes, or chart wheels.

Whether encountered as the playful daily column in a newspaper or examined in the more intricate depths of a natal chart, horoscopes have long captured the imaginations.

In their most accessible form, horoscopes commonly appear in newspapers and magazines as short, generalized predictions keys to the Sun sign. These little write-ups are designed to entertain and inspire reflection on one's day, offering advice and insight that many find both comforting and thought-provoking. The language used is intentionally broad, enabling the message to resonate with a wide audience regardless of the specifics of one's life situation. Essentially, these horoscopes distill the vast realm of astrological symbolism into bite-sized guidance and encouragement intended to provide a moment of pause and introspection, even if they aren't finely tuned to the intricacies of an individual's unique astrological profile.

Western astrology has a long tradition of interpreting the celestial map to better understand human nature and the unfolding of life events. Horoscopes, in this context, are more than just daily predictions; they are the interpretation of symbolic language written in the stars. At its core, a horoscope is a chart or diagram that represents the positions of the planets, the Sun, and the Moon at a specific moment in time, such as the time of an individual's birth. This snapshot of the heavens is then used as a guide to interpret potential life themes and psychological tendencies. It is both a philosophical lens and a descriptive tool, tapping into the idea that the cosmos reflects our inner experiences and the energies we encounter in life.

Western astrology primarily revolves around the concept of the Zodiac, a circle of twelve equal segments, each associated with a specific constellation and symbolized by distinctive archetypal energies. Known as astrological signs, these segments form the foundation of astrological identity. The Sun, for example, spends approximately one month in each sign, and it is the position of the Sun at birth that defines one's Sun sign, which appears in those brief daily horoscopes.

Equally crucial are the angles within a horoscope. In an astrological chart, angles, such as the Ascendant (rising sign) and the Midheaven (the highest point the Sun reaches at midday), serve as anchors that influence an individual's outward behavior and public life, respectively. The descending angle (Descendant) and the Imum Coeli complete the quartet of primary chart angles. These points mark the beginning of astrological houses, which represent various domains of personal experience, including relationships, career, and home life.

Constructing a horoscope blends astronomical calculations with symbolic interpretation. First, astrologers determine the precise positions of the Sun, Moon, and planets at a key moment, often at birth, to create a natal chart segmented into twelve houses by critical angles, such as the Ascendant, Descendant, Midheaven, and Imum Coeli. Each house represents a distinct area of life, such as personal identity or relationships. As the planets move through these houses and assume various aspects (geometric angles that indicate their interactions), they add layers of detail to the chart. In essence, the horoscope is a narrative drawn from a celestial snapshot, mapping personality traits, potential, and challenges into an integrated symbolic framework.

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