For many years, scientists have rejected the principles of astrology. However, millions of people believe and practice it. All over the world newspapers publish daily astrological forecasts, commonly known as horoscopes. Horoscopes appeared in daily papers after World War I. Today, more than three-quarters of the United States daily papers contain a horoscope column. Horoscopes can be found in books, magazines, and newspaper columns. Horoscopes usually focus on marriage, friendship, health, work, travel, love and death. Horoscopes help to cure an individual's desire to know what lies ahead.

Astrology is the study of how events on earth correspond to the positions and movements of astronomical bodies. These astronomical bodies included are the sun, moon, planets and stars. Depending on the position of these bodies at the exact moment of a person's birth, Astrologers believe these bodies and their movements reflect that person's character. The knowledge of the person's character and their relation to the bodies enables astrologers to predict a person's destiny. This prediction is not limited to one person. A prediction could be for an individual, group or nation.

Astrologers created charts called birth charts or horoscopes. A horoscope is a diagram of the heavenly bodies showing the relative positions of the sun, moon, stars, and planets at a given time. An individual's chart shows the position of the planets in relation to the earth and the stars at his or her birth. A horoscope is illustrated by a circle. This circle is known as the ecliptic. The ecliptic is the plane on which the earth orbits around the sun in a year. It is divided into twelve sections, called the signs of the Zodiac. The Zodiac divides the calendar year into 12 sections, and then each section is represented by a sign. The signs of the zodiac include Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn and Pisces. Astrologers assign every planet (including the sun and moon) with a particular sign of the Zodiac. This relationship depends on where that planet appears on the ecliptic at the time for which the horoscope is cast. Each planet or sign represents basic human drives, and each sign represents a set of human characteristics. Each of the 12 signs of the zodiac is believed to be associated with definite aspects of character, temperament, physiology, and aptitudes. Each sign of the Zodiac has a corresponding stone, metal, and symbol.

When astrologers designate a person as a certain sign--a Leo or Pisces, for example--they are referring to the individual's sun sign. In other words, it is the sign that the sun occupied at the time of the person's birth. To make an individual's horoscope, the astrologer must know the exact time and place of his birth.

When an astrologer casts a horoscope its is based on a special view of the universe. This view involves four elements: the earth, the planets, the stars and the houses. This form of Astrology was created by the Chaldeans. This from was passed down through civilizations and is still in existence today. The following describes the four elements of horoscopes:

The earth is considered the center of the solar system, when forecasting a horoscope. Therefore, all heavenly bodies in relation to the earth can reveal a person's character and future.

Astrologers believe planets influence a person more than any other heavenly body. The sun and moon are considered planets in Astrology.

The Zodiac is a band of stars that encircles the earth. These stars are divided into 12 equal parts called signs. Each sign of the Zodiac has certain characteristics, which are determined by a particular planet and other factors.

The earth is divided into 12 parts, called houses. These houses represent characteristics of an individual's life. Astrologers believe houses determine how planets and the signs influence a person's daily life.

Astrology is an ancient practice that different civilizations seemed to develop independently. In as early as 3000 BC, Astrology was created. The Chaldeans created the original form of Astrology. The Chaldeans lived in Babylonia. Currently, this location is Iraq. The Chinese were practicing astrology by 2000 BC. Other varieties formed in ancient India. Astrology also stemmed to the Mayans of Central America. By 500s BC, Astrology had spread to Greece. The Greeks adopted the symbols from the Babylonians. In Greece, philosophers such as Pythagoras and Plato incorporated it into their study of religion and astronomy. Astrology was widely practiced in Europe through the Middle Ages, despite the rejection of the Christian leaders (including Augustine). One objection of the Christian leaders was that Astrology challenged the fate vs. free will argument. Other great minds disagreed with the truth behind Astrology. Some felt the Astrology was created to set up a system to control and manipulate a culture. These opposing minds stress that there are no scientific facts to prove that Astrologer's methods are valid. Astrology has come in and out of popularity throughout history. Today, Astrology is followed more widely than ever before. Astrology has become much more assessable by 900 phone numbers. These 900 numbers enable caller to talk to live Astrologers, who forecast their personalized forecast.

There is no doubt that Astrology is a controversy. It is a controversy that has be spanning over millions of years. This controversy has greatly influenced its popularity and survival as a whole. What other field offers the opportunity of debate of such monumental thinkers as Aristotle, Ptolemy, St. Augustine and Kepler?