horoscope

In Western astrology, a chart of the position of the Sun, Moon, and planets relative to the zodiac at the moment of birth, used to assess a person's character and forecast future influences.

In casting a horoscope, the astrologer draws a circular diagram divided into 12 sections, or houses, with the 12 signs of the zodiac around the perimeter and the Sun, Moon, and planets as they were at the subject's time and place of birth. These heavenly bodies are supposed to represent different character traits and influences, and by observing their positions and interrelations the astrologer may gain insight into the subject's personality and foretell the main outlines of his or her career.

A Chinese horoscope is based on finding the Heavenly Stem and the Earthly Branch for the hour, day, month, and year of birth. There are ten Heavenly Stems and twelve Earthly Branches, which repeat in a continuous cycle.