The first thing we are going to do in order to know the meaning of the term horoscope is to discover its etymological origin. In this case, we have to emphasize that it derives from Greek. Specifically, it is the result of the sum of two lexical components of said language:
-The noun “ora”, which can be translated as “hour”.
-The verb “skopein”, which is synonymous with “observe” or “look”.
It is a concept that refers to a prediction made according to the position of the stars at a certain time .
The horoscope, therefore, is a predictive method . The notion is also used to name the text where these forecasts are expressed and the graph that astrologers use to make a horoscope according to the representation of the Zodiac .
To understand what a horoscope is, it is first important to be clear about what the idea of the Zodiac alludes to. This is the name given to the area whose center is crossed by the ecliptic and which encompasses the twelve signs that the Sun travels through throughout a year (the signs of the Zodiac ).
An ideal sphere that is concentric to the terrestrial sphere is called a celestial sphere : the stars apparently move in it. The ecliptic is the circle formed by the intersection of the plane of the planet's orbit with the celestial sphere.
Returning to the notion of a horoscope, it is a prediction that an astrologer makes by observing the graphic representation of the Zodiac , where the positions of the stars are shown at a given moment (usually the birth of an individual). According to those who believe in astrology , people born under the same zodiac sign share certain characteristics and their destiny is influenced by identical astral forces.
Thus, for example, taking into account the above, it is established that people who are Virgos stand out for being perfectionists, helpful, demanding, very modest, observant and very patient. On the contrary, it is indicated that people who are Pisces stand out for being quite changeable, kind, very absent-minded, affectionate and even have a certain degree of shyness.
An astrologer, in short, by knowing the place, day and time of someone's birth, can prepare a horoscope by interpreting the Zodiac (the positions of the planets, stars and the Moon ).
It is important to keep in mind that the horoscope lacks scientific support . The coincidences between forecasts and reality are coincidental but, through a psychological phenomenon, they are more remembered and valued than the numerous errors of the method.
There are different cultural works that take the term in question as an essential element of their title. This would be the case, for example, of the historical novel “The Horoscope”, which was published in 1858 and was written by the French author Alexandre Dumas.
The story begins in a famous 16th century Gallic inn where several characters rest and where they will encounter an old woman who predicts the future for each of them. And what he tells them is not at all favorable because while he warns some that they are going to die soon, as would be the case of the Duke of Guise or the Marshal of Saint-André, he lets others know that they are leaving. to become murderers.