Glossary - exWitch Australia (formerly 'Born Again Pagan')

HOROSCOPE

An impoitant element in Astrology which interprets the character and destiny of a person (and occasionally a larger group) according to the position of the planets, usually at the time of the person's birth.

A horoscope is cast on the basis of information given by the person, and it is then interpreted according to systematic principles. The horoscope takes into account two main considerations: the circle of the twelve signs of the Zodiac (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarins, Pisces) as they are crossed by the Sun, Moon and planets at different periods; and a circle of twelve 'Houses' around which the circle of the Zodiac turns.

Casting a horoscope is a complicated procedure that depends upon getting data and times right. Relevant factors are the position of Sun, Moon, planets and signs of the Zodiac; the Aspects of Sun, Moon and planets in relation to each other; and the position of Sun, Moon, planets and signs of the Zodiac against the circle of twelve Houses.

Certain planets are thought to be allied with certain activities and human propensities (for example, Venus with love); the twelve Houses are thought to be connected with certain areas of life, for example, the second house with money; and the aspects are thought to be associated with helpful or unhelpful situations and possibilities. Horoscopes remain important in the East and are growing in popular significance in the West despite scientific scepticism.

OTHER RESOURCES:
(Opens in a New Window)
see also:
ASTROLOGY: Do the Heavens Declare the Destiny of Man? at Probe Ministries

PLEASE NOTE:
One of the major problems with 'defining' Paganism and/or its beliefs and practices is that it is an 'organic' movement, in that it is undergoing constant change and re-evaluation from within, and as such any 'one-size-fits-all' approach to understanding Paganism will be found wanting.

Due to the very 'organic' nature of Paganism, and the many differing Paths and Traditions within it, in many cases no one definition may be universally accepted by all Pagans. Therefore, where such cases of possible conflicting and/or contradictory meanings of certain terms occur I have endevoured to give not only the generally accepted meaning, but also any major 'variations' in belief and/or practice.

Christians who believe this difference in meaning of certain key terms, beliefs and practices to be unique to Paganism need to remember that such conflicts also arise within the Body of Christ - the Church. Take for instance the differing practices amongst Christians concerning Baptism and the different attitudes towards women in the clergy.

- Jean-Luc

A God-honouring, Biblically-based, and theologically-sound Christian Search Engine - Results in a highly accurate and well-organized format.

OUR FRIENDS...