The 7 Types of Astrology

Whether you’re reading on natal chart compatibility or following the ancient practices of Hindu astrology (called “Vedic astrology”), there are many ways to interpret astrology charts. We put together a list of the most popular types of astrology and explained their methodology, so you have all the tools you need to interpret and understand birth charts. Not only that, but you’ll connect with the cosmos better if you have a study you’re passionate about.

Love Astrology

A synastry chart is used in relationship astrology to see how planets connect from chart-to-chart with a significant other, crush, friend, colleague, or family member. Another method of relationship astrology is to create a composite chart—in which both charts are put together to create one chart from the two. When reading a composite chart, it’s important to note that you’re only looking at the ascendant and the planets—no other houses. This is because you’re seeing how the two of you connect, not how you both connect with others.

The main misconception when doing relationship astrology is to find out what’s happening with your love life, you don’t have to look beyond your own chart. When it comes to interpersonal relationships, astrology is all about projection. This means it’s the energy we give off to others and what we are pulling into our lives.

Vedic Astrology

Vedic astrology, or Hindu astrology, is a form of Indian astrology that can be dated back thousands of years. Modern Vedic astrology is used in India to project the success of marriages, businesses, and everyday themes of life. Similar to western astrology, this form of divination has twelve signs. However, unlike western astrology (which follows the seasons, the Jyotiṣa system is calibrated based on constellations.

Natal Astrology

Using one’s birth chart (which requires the time, date, and location of birth) as a map to the cosmos, it’s possible to seek out all the answers pertaining to one’s direction and goals.

Not only that, but natal astrology can give a deeper explanation of all of the hopes and fears that are felt deep within. A natal birth chart will give access to one’s hopes, dreams, and fears—with an understanding of how they manifested from past lives. Using our birth data, the astrologer can erect a chart with the natal details as well as progressions (the evolved birth chart) to look at timing and events that are happening in the querent’s life and find the perfect timing to start tasks or implement goals.

Medical Astrology

This is perhaps the most complex type of astrology out there (in my opinion, anyway). When one falls ill, it’s important to cast a chart for the time they enter their “sick bed” or find out that they need rest to feel better. If you cannot cast a chart, then it’s important to note the time and date so that an astrologer can look at it and create a chart to understand the prognosis and determine how, when, and why the patient would get better.

Medical astrology used planets, signs, and house placements to get information about illnesses. But it can also dictate sensitivities or body parts that are prone to illness.

Horary Astrology

Sometimes, we need to get more specific than casting a regular astrology chart to find all the necessary answers. Horary astrology is an ancient form of astrology in which the querent asks a question and, with the help of the astrologer, a projected chart is cast and answers are given.

A few rules: The answers dictate the outcome for three months at a time. Also, you cannot ask the same question within the span of three months, as you’ll get wonky answers. The chart is cast based on the location of the astrologer and the time is defined by when the question is asked. “Yes or no” questions are not encouraged, as the astrologer will help you see the right path. Additionally, in horary, the moon plays an important role in answering the question because it’s the natural receiver and giver of information.

Electional Astrology

Have you ever wanted to find the most precise and best time to start an activity, go on a date, or apply for a job? If so, then ejections astrology is for you.

Electoral, or electional, astrology uses the moon to gage insights as well, but it really focuses on what the ascendent is doing during the time one wishes to start the activity or venture. The moon must be in the first house to get a positive outcome—and not void, of course (unless you want nothing to come of the matter). This chart is based on the moment the ascendant yields a positive vibe in accordance to the moon.

Uranian Astrology

This form of astrology uses midpoints (the middle degrees between two planets) to find planetary triggers that are necessary for one to take action in all matters of their lives.

To find one’s midpoints, you would have to erect a midpoint tree using a midpoint calculator—or do the math yourself. Then, one would look at the points in the midpoint tree and see if they are being activated by any transits. This method is especially useful when it comes to relationship astrology because it can give specific details about how we connect with others or energetically feel around them.

If your “Hell Point”—the midpoint between Saturn and Pluto—aligns with someone’s sun, then the partnership will have an obsessive vibe. If your Venus and Jupiter midpoint aligns with their sun, then you will both feel as though the world’s your oyster when you’re together.