horoscope

For a number of reasons, this chart is exceptional. Firstly, it is the chart of Pope Julius II (born June 1445), but it is also notable for the fact that it is squared off instead of being displayed as overlapping circles. It was first published as part of a Tractatus Astrologicus in 1546 – 33 years after the pope's death. The astrologer, in the text beneath, lists the pope's many outstanding achievements and cites them as inspiration for his work.

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.