Free Horoscopes > General

1. Why are not all your free reports offered in all online languages?
   
   We give our online reports to our users for free, which means that we do not get any revenue from them. Therefore, it is impossible for us to have all of them translated by professional translators. However, if enthusiastic and skilled volunteers are prepared to do the translations, we are happy to accept such an offer. Some of the short reports have actually been translated by volunteers.
   
   
2. Is it possible to choose different house systems for all chart drawings and interpretations?
   
   For chart drawings: yes. Select your house system in the respective pull down menu in the Extended Chart Selection.
   For interpretations: no. The interpretations are based on the techniques and house systems the author uses. They cannot be changed.
   
   
3. In what way is Robert Hand involved with Astrodienst? Can I contact him for questions concerning your services?
   
   Robert Hand is the author* of astrological reports and online features we offer at Astrodienst. He is not involved directly in the services offered at www.astro.com.
   
   Therefore we would like to ask you to refrain from contacting Robert Hand for any questions or comments concerning products or services at Astrodienst.
   
   * Most of the astrological texts by Robert Hand were written in the 1970s for the company Astral Research. Astrodienst acquired the company in 1998, and with it the world-wide exclusive copyrights for the texts. The same applies to John Townley and Robert Pelletier.
   
   

Free Horoscopes > Publication

1. Can I publish my Daily Horoscope or other free horoscopes in my public web log (blog)?
   
   You can publish unmodified chart drawings which you have created with your data. Astrodienst grants you permission for that, without the need to ask.

   You cannot publish the text of your personal horoscope, or the artistic images which come with the Daily Horoscopes. Both text and artwork are protected by copyright and require permission by Astrodienst in writing for each case of republication.

   You can quote two or three sentences out of the complete horoscope text, but not more. You can do this occasionally, not every day in a regular fashion.
   
   

Free Horoscopes > Personal Daily Horoscope

1. What's the difference between the Free Daily Horoscope and the Extended Daily Horoscope?
   
   Please check the AstroShop -> Online services > Extended Daily Horoscope section of the FAQ for the answer.
   
   
2. I have moved - is the Personal Daily Horoscope still valid?
   
   Yes, it is. The only thing that will change is the exact hour of the transits of the faster-moving planets, including the Moon. If you live in a time zone very different from the one you were born in, you can enter your place of residence by clicking on the link Change reference place at the bottom of the Daily Horoscope page. Here, two procedures are possible:
   
   • You have already chosen a reference place and want to change it:
     You will see the town you have chosen and next to it a link named other town. Click on that link and enter your new place of residence. Then click on "continue", and the place will be shown in the drop-down menus. Click on "continue" again in order to save the place and to get back to the horoscope page.
   • Your reference place is the same as your birth place:
     Uncheck the box "use birth place" and click on "continue". Choose a country and enter the name of your new place of residence. Then click on "continue", and the place will be shown in the drop-down menus. Click on "continue" again in order to save the place and to get back to the horoscope page.
   The Free Daily Horoscope then gives you the exact hour of transits according to the time zone of your place of residence.
   
   
3. How can a planet be in more than one house during a certain period of a time?
   
   Every so often, planets become retrograde or 'backwards-moving', when seen from the Earth. When this happens, they move back into the astrological house they have just come from before finally moving on. For example, Mercury could pass from the third house on to the fourth, then back again into the third. After a while, Mercury will change direction again, moving through the last part of the third house in direct motion, before carrying on through the fourth.
   In the Daily Horoscope Calendar, Mercury will be regarded as being in the third house until he finally leaves it, even if he has already been in the fourth house for a while during the same period.
   To get a detailed overview of Mercury's movement, please select the 'Graphical Ephemeris for one year' in the 'extended chart selection -> Astrodienst Special', or visit the 'printable ephemeris section' accessible from our homepage via the menu in the left column.
   
   
4. Could you offer the Void of Course Moon times, both mundane and personal?
   
   The mundane void of course Moon is listed in the Daily Horoscope under "Mundane Events".
   The personal void of course Moon can easily be deduced from the information given in the Daily Horoscope. We list both, all personal Moon transits and the Moon's ingress into a new sign. Find the last Moon transit in the list. This marks the beginning of your personal void of course Moon. As with the mundane VOC Moon, it ends when the Moon changes signs.
   
   
5. How can I print the Planetary Hours?
   
   If you click on the blue link "Planetary Hours", you will come to a page with all the details. You can print out this page using the print function of your browser.
   
   
6. How can two people born at different times have exactly the same daily horoscope?
   
   The daily horoscope is based on the transits of the moving planets in the sky over the planets or other points in a person's birth chart. A transit happens when a moving planet crosses the location of a natal planet, or forms a particular angle (aspect) to it. (see also: FAQ - What are transits?)
   Two people can have one or more natal planets at the same or a very close position. For example, two people, one born on March 7, 1960 and the other born on February 14, 1962 will have their natal Mars at nearly the same position at 9 degrees Aquarius.
   Now, when a moving planet P happens to cross over 9 degrees Aquarius, both will have the transit 'P conjunct Mars'. Depending on what other transits happen for both people at the same time, it is quite possible that both persons will have this identical transit selected on the day of the crossing in their daily horoscope, effectively getting the same daily horoscope for that day.
   Also, all other transits involving natal Mars will happen on the same day for these two, even when they have otherwise very different charts, just because they share the 'same' Mars.

Daily Horoscope > Transits

1. What are transits?
   
   A birth chart shows the state of the heavens at the time and place of birth. However, the planets move on, entering into new relationships with the planetary positions in the birth chart all the time. The passages of the planets over birth positions are called transits.
   Interpreting transits is one of the ancient astrological forecasting methods that can tell you which of your life's themes are likely to become particularly important at a given time.
   For example, transits of fast-moving planets often tell of opportunities, health, moods and states of mind that pass fairly quickly. The slower transits describe cycles of development that take much longer, learning phases, crises, as well as periods of stability and happiness.
   
   
2. What do you mean by "Transit selected for today"?
   
   On most days, more than one planet is passing over, or transiting, the planetary positions in your birth chart. Astrodienst chooses the most important transit on a particular day for you to read about.
   Some long-term influences can last for months. They can be the most important things happening to you on an astrological level, but in order to avoid repeating the same interpretation every day for months on end, we give you the description of the other influences as well. If you move further down the Daily Horoscope page, you will find links to "Other transits occurring today" and "Important long-term influences".
   
   
3. Why is the list of selected transits not complete for each day?
   
   The short-term influences are complete for every day. If a transit has not made it into the "long-term" list, it will only appear on the day the transit is exact.
   This list is a selection of three long-term themes, but of course there may be more. The computer picks the most relevant ones, and at the same time creates some variation.
   The Daily Horoscope pages are single page extract from a one-year calendar. In the printed version, you can 'scroll' back and forth and read all the aspects, even if they are not exact on the day.
   If you order the "Personal Horoscope Calendar" or "Transits of the Year", you can see all the information for a whole year in one complete overview. Or, for a similar purpose, you can subscribe to the "Extended Daily Horoscope".
   Alternatively, use the printable "Transit Calendar" in the Extended Chart Selection -> Astrodienst Special. It contains all important transits over a four year period. If you use it with a book like Robert Hand's "Planets in Transit", you can get all the information you want.
   
   
4. Why are "transits selected for today" so often transits by the Moon?
   
   The Moon is the fastest moving planetary body used for the transits. Therefore it makes most aspects to your natal planets. Other planets such as Mercury, Venus, Mars, etc move more slowly and therefore, it takes longer for them to get to a position where they aspect a natal planet.
   The order of speed, from fast to slow, is: Moon, Mercury, Venus, Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Chiron, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto.
   The slower the planet, the longer the influence.
   
   
5. How do you determine which transit is selected for each day?
   
   We are tipping the scales in the Personal Daily Horoscope, to weigh and select what is most likely relevant. But we cannot simply look for 'the most relevant' transit each day. This would result in the appearance of the same transit reading for a long time, which most people would find boring and silly. Therefore, for each daily horoscope requested on our website, we always compute transits for the whole year for this chart, find the optimal distribution for 365 day-slots and then display the particular day-slot of the requested day.
   
   Lunar transits, i.e. transits by the moving Moon, have the lowest priority in the selection. The Moon makes its circle through your birth chart in 27 days and repeats all transits with this frequency - while squares, sextiles and trines happen twice within each circle. This makes Moon transits the most frequent and the least interesting events, and they are only used in the Daily Horoscope if nothing better can be found for a given day. How often we have to fall back on a Moon transit for a given chart depends on the overall distribution of the other planets in the chart. They may be "nicely" distributed in such a way, that their transits fill most of the 365 day-slots we have in a given year for the Daily Horoscope. Then you will find few Moon transits. If the other planets are distributed in a way that they often compete for space in the same day slots, while there remain many day-slots to which none of the more important planetary transits can be attributed, then the program has to fall back on Moon transits more often. On average, about 60 out of 365 day slots are filled with Moon transits.
   
   If for a given day there are several transits competing for the top place in the day slot, the weight evaluation is rather complex. The natal planet is evaluated according to its role in the chart, the nature of the aspect is considered, and slower transiting planets have much more weight than faster ones. But another factor is taken into account: slower transits have a longer duration, and it does not really matter whether you find their reading a few days earlier or later in the Daily Horoscope - they have a long term effect anyway. Therefore, their reading is often shifted to a day when there is nothing else of relevance on that day. Faster transits with a short period of relevance cannot be shifted to another day, so they either get assigned to the current day slot or to none at all. This mechanism often lets a faster transit win for a particular day-slot, because the reading of the slower transit is presented on another day within its period of relevance.
   
   
6. Why does my printed Horoscope Calendar show different transits than the online Daily Horoscope?
   
   Please find your answer here.
   

Daily Horoscope > Dates

1. Can I go back and forth in time further than "yesterday" and "tomorrow"?
   
   The Personal Daily Horoscope gives you the option to subscribe to the "Extended Daily Horoscope" which allows you to scroll back and forth in time, so that you can read the "nearly-active" long-term influences at your leisure.
   
   
2. Why is my Daily Horoscope a day late / early?
   
   Try changing the reference place, following the link Change reference place at the bottom of the Daily Horoscope page. The horoscope is always shown with the correct time and date of the reference place you have given.
   For example, if you have changed your reference place to somewhere on the other side of the world (maybe for a relocation chart), you'll get your daily horoscope for the time zone of this new reference place.

   In addition, and actually more important: Transits have what we call an orb: the issue begins already when the two planets involved get near each other and it continues after they have met. The date and time given is the time of the precise encounter between the two planets, but very often the effect is felt way ahead.

3. Why do I get my "Happy Birthday" horoscope a day before or after my birthday?
   
   Astrologically, your birthday is on the day on which the Sun in the sky is exactly at the same zodiac degree as the Sun in your birth chart. This does not have to happen on the same date every year. Sometimes it happens a day earlier or later. This is your "astrological birthday".
   
   
4. Why are the transits not listed in chronological order?
   
   The list is in order of relevance. Because transit timings are interleaved in a complex way, it is not really possible to order them chronologically.
   
   

Daily Horoscope > Duration

1. Why do the transits only show up in the list when they have been active for some time before?
   
   The transits in the Daily Horoscope are only shown when they are exact - or near exact. The activity period may begin much earlier, if, for example, the transiting planet went into orb but did not quite reach exactness, then went retrograde and left the orb. This can be months before the transit actually becomes exact. But in the Daily Horoscope it is still counted as activity period.
   
   1-degree orbs are used.
   
   If you order the "Personal Horoscope Calendar" or "Transits of the Year", you can see all the information for a whole year in one complete overview. Or, for a similar purpose, subscribe to the "Extended Daily Horoscope".
   Alternatively, use the printable "Transit Calendar" in the Extended Chart Selection -> Astrodienst special. It contains all important transits over a three year period. If you use it with a book like Robert Hand's "Planets in Transit", you can get all the information you want.
   
   
2. Why do my Mercury / Venus transits last for several weeks, or even months when they usually only last for a few days?
   
   If Mercury or Venus become retrograde during a certain period of time, they come back over the transits they have made before (when in direct motion). The total time shown in the Daily Horoscope is from the point when a transit is in orb for the first time, until it has been repeated (twice) due to the retrograde loop and goes out of orb.
   
   

Daily Horoscope > Language and Interpretation

1. The different language versions are not identical. Why is this the case and which is the original?
   
   The basis for the daily horoscope is Robert Hand's book 'Planets in Transit', which exists also in German, Dutch and Italian book editions.
   Astrodienst holds the world-wide exclusive rights to use Robert Hand's text for computer horoscopes. In the early 1990s, we created the Personal Horoscope Calendar, a printed calendar with one column of transit readings for each day. To fit into the available space of the text column, the original text was shortened by astrological editors in each language. Different languages have different space requirements, German for example runs about 15% longer than English for the same text - this means more sentences need to be cut in the German version than in the English. Different editors also made different decisions how to shorten the text. The text from this printed edition is now used online for the Daily Horoscope.
   
   The various language editions have come into existence in complicated ways. This explains the differences in wording. There are many ways to illuminate a particular transit - it is not that one way of describing it is fundamentally more valid than another. This is not how astrology works. Therefore all the different versions are valid in their own way.
   
   Chiron was not yet discovered when Robert Hand wrote 'Planets in Transit'. The Chiron readings for the daily horoscope have been added by Astrodienst staff writers.
   
   
2. The tone of the interpretations is sometimes quite negative. Can't you write more cheerful things?
   
   We do not sugarcoat everything. In most cases only part of the text describes the challenging aspects. If you read all paragraphs, you will often find that it is not at all that negative, even when it indeed starts off that way.
   There might be a few texts which do not have a brighter tone at all. These are either aspects which are challenging by nature, or - if not - they will be revised by and by.
   
   
3. The interpretation of the transit should take signs and houses into account.
   
   There is a limit to what a human author can possibly produce. Robert Hand wrote already more than 600 pages, just to cover the aspects of the planetary pairs in transit. To extend that material by taking into account the natal house position and/or the transiting planet's house position, could have easily multiplied the text amount by a factor of 5 - 10, i.e. gone to 3000 - 6000 pages. No astrological author can possibly cover that amount of material without running dry and stale, and no publisher could afford to translate such a volume of text into another language - or find buyers for a boring 6000 page 'cookbook'.
   These are some of the limitations of our trade. I think the synthesis must often happen in the heads of the readers - learn something about houses, and combine that knowledge with the transit readings you find here.
   
   Please run a natal chart separately, if you are not already aware in which houses the transits happen. There is plenty to choose from in our 'Extended Chart Selection'.
   
   
4. The Daily Horoscope often refers to work and career. But I am a pensioner and these references don't apply to me. Can't you offer different versions for different age groups?
   
   Such a request is rather difficult, because people can be professionally active or interested in their work to a high age. We don't know which type our customers belong to.
   
   Nevertheless, we have edited the references to career issues, so that from the age of 60 an adjusted text appears. Hopefully, this will satisfy those who have stopped working at that age.
   
   

Daily Horoscope > E-mail

1. Is it possible to get the Daily Horoscope by e-mail?
   
   No, we don't send it by E-mail. But there is an easy way to get quick access to it: put a bookmark to your daily horoscope at your desktop, and it will always be there for you at exactly one mouseclick.
   
   
2. How can I e-mail my Daily Horoscope to a friend?
   
   The easiest way is to use the "send page" feature at the top left of the Daily Horoscope. It is marked with a little letter icon.
   
   This is the safest way, as the recipient will only be able to read this page but not to access your profile.
   
   

Daily Horoscope > Images

1. Tell me more about the drawings in the Daily Horoscope!
   
   The German artist Gerda Madl Kren did the pen-and-ink drawings and collages, all in 14 x 7 cm format for the Personal Daily Horoscope. We added a slight colour tone for the web application, the originals were all in black ink and scanned in dithering mode.
   The artist created a huge collection of images. Our (then) staff member Klaus Köhler associated the drawings with the actual transits. It is not a totally fixed association, but there is a certain random element imbedded in the programming which image is selected from the list of image candidates for each text. A balance is made so that there are few image repetitions in the course of the year. A different person with the same transit might get a different picture.
   These images have been designed especially for Astrodienst and are not published otherwise.
   
   
2. I find some of the drawings (sexually) offensive! What can I do?
   
   We can only recommend you to de-activate the images.
   Please go to My Astro and click on the link View/Edit preferences. Here you can activate the checkbox beside "Suppress images in Daily Horoscope".

Daily Horoscope > Legend

1. What does "weak, transient influence" mean?
   
   The influence is only slight and temporary. It usually lasts a few hours or a day at the most.
   
   
2. What is the meaning of the "ingress" and "lunar phase" information?
   
   The Daily Horoscope page also lists some astronomical events like the Sun's ingress into a new sign or the lunar phases. These events are not personal, and have no personal meaning for you.
   
   
3. What do the asterisks ( *, ** or *** ) mean?
   
   Particularly important transits are indicated by one, two or three asterisks next to the title of the transit selected for the day. One asterisk (*) means that the transit is more important than most, two (**) indicate an important transit, three (***) show that the transit is a major astrological event.
   
   
4. What do the letters in brackets behind the information on eclipses mean?
   
   t  -  "total" eclipse of the Moon / Sun
   p -  "partial" eclipse of the Moon / Sun
   u -  "penumbra" (Lunar) eclipse, i.e. the Moon enters the half-shadow cone of the Earth but not the core shadow. The "u" was chosen because of the Latin word "umbra" which means "shadow". It is hard to notice such an eclipse.
   a -  "annular" (Solar) eclipse (ring-formed): the Moon is too far away for its disk to completely cover the Solar disk. At the peak time of the eclipse, a ring of the Sun's disk is still visible.
   
   Most astrologers who work with eclipses do not take their visible quality into account, neither do they consider whether someone is in the path of visibility of a Solar eclipse or far away. All they are concerned with is whether an eclipse has taken place or not.
   
   
5. What does "Moon at natal angle" mean?
   
   It means that on that particular today, the angle between transiting Sun and transiting Moon is exactly the same as the angle formed by your natal Sun and natal Moon. For example, if your natal Sun and Moon form a 92° waxing square, the symbol for "Moon at natal angle" will turn up in the Daily Horoscope on the day the transiting Sun and Moon form a 92° waxing square.
   This information is used in CosmoBiology, a theory that claims that this is the most fertile phase in a woman's monthly cycle. Some women use this theory for birth control. (see also FAQ -> Free Horoscopes -> Charts -> Astrodienst special)
   
   

Short Reports > Personal Portrait

1. Why do some of the interpretations in my Portrait contradict each other?
   
   The free horoscopes do not contain a synthesis of your chart, but interpret each individual factor in your horoscope. Naturally there are some contradictions - nobody is free of them. There is a bit of truth in all the different sides of your personality. You will have to create the synthesis yourself.
   Please, read the introduction to your Personal Portrait for more information.
   If you would like an in-depth analysis (and synthesis) of your personality, please order Liz Greene's "Psychological Horoscope Analysis" which is a high quality AstroIntelligence report.
   
   
2. Why are some planets interpreted in the "wrong" house?
   
   Astrology uses a variety of methods. And especially with houses, there is a multitude of different styles of calculation and interpretation. Some astrologers choose to interpret a planet which is very near the end of one house in the next house. Robert Pelletier is one of them.
   
   
3. The tone of the interpretations is sometimes quite negative. Can't you write more cheerful things?
   
   We are aware that the interpretations by Pelletier are sometimes rather 'straight forward'. But there is also a certain value in his blunt, no-nonsense interpretations.
   We do have an ongoing project of editing his text to take off the edges.
   
   

Short Reports > Forecast

1. Why are some important transits missing in my forecast?
   
   This is an abbreviated version of the "AstroText Forecast" which comprises about 20-30 pages. In the short edition, only a few, but nevertheless important transits over your natal chart are considered. It is likely, however, that some important transits of this six month period have been omitted in this abbreviated report. Each time a new month begins and the period of this short report changes, the selection of the themes which are discussed here will change as well.
   If you are interested in the full pattern of relevant themes, please order the full version of this report. Although your best choice of report is either Liz Greene's "Yearly Horoscope Analysis" or Robert Hand's "Transits of the Year". These reports will select the really relevant themes of a 12-month period for you, and deal with them in depth and style.
   
   
2. There are some months in my Forecast without any transits. Why is that?
   
   In the short report Forecast, only a few, but nevertheless important transits over your natal chart are considered. It is likely, however, that some important transits of this six month period have been omitted in this abbreviated report. Each time a new month begins and the period of this short report changes, the selection of the themes which are discussed here will change as well.
   If you are interested in the full pattern of relevant themes, please order the full version of this report. Although your best choice of report is either Liz Greene's "Yearly Horoscope Analysis" or Robert Hand's "Transits of the Year". These reports select the really relevant themes of a 12-month period.
   
   
3. I don't seem to have had my free forecast updated for some time. Do the free forecasts finish after a certain time?
   
   No, the free forecasts don't finish, they are always available and updated when there are changes in the current transits. Every month our system checks whether there are new important transits during the next six-month period. Since some transits last for quite a long time, they remain on display for quite some time as well - although we do try to bring in some variety.
   
   Besides, our free horoscopes, including the Forecast, are incomplete by design. They do not give a full coverage of all the important transits but only a small selection. If you want the complete picture, we advise you to buy one of our comprehensive forecast reports in the AstroShop. You can choose from the "Yearly Horoscope Analysis" and the "Long-Term Perspectives" by Liz Greene, or Robert Hand's "Transits of the Year", "Horoscope Calendar" or "Astrotext Forecast".
   
   
4. Which orbs do you use for transits in your forecast reports?
   
   Robert Hand and Liz Greene use different orbs for their forecast reports.
   
   The Horoscope Calendar / (Extended) Daily Horoscope, Transits of the Year, and Astrotext Forecast by Robert Hand use an orb of 1° for all transits to all natal planets.
   
   Liz Greene uses a more complex system which considers different factors, such as pre-orb / post-orb, aspect type, and the planets involved. It would be too complex to list all the orbs individually. The least we can say is that her orbs are generally wider, and therefore the activity period is usually longer than it would be with a 1° orb.
   
   

Short Reports > Partner

1. Why are there contradictory interpretations of my relationship?
   
   The free horoscopes do not contain a synthesis, but interpret each individual factor in your relationship horoscope. Naturally there are some contradictions - no relationship is free of them. Humans are multi-layered and contradictory, and so are relationships. This doesn't mean they are right or wrong, good or bad, they are just complex.
   If you would like an in-depth analysis (and synthesis) of your relationship, please order Liz Greene's "Relationship Horoscope" or the "Horoscope for Two" by Mona Riegger, both of them are high quality AstroIntelligence reports.
   
   
2. In the data sheet of the Short Report Partner, the last set of data states an Ascendant which is completely different to either of the two natal horoscopes. Is that a calculation error?
   
   No, it isn't. The final set of data refers to the composite chart of the two natal charts. It is an abstract chart which reflects the relationship between two people as a third entity. For each planet the midpoint of both natal charts is calculated, these are then shown as a chart drawing. Composite charts are computed constellations, they do not represent a real astronomical situation.
   The composite Ascendant can be calculated in two different ways:
   a) Either one can use the latitude of a place of reference, or
   b) one can use the midpoint of both Ascendants.
   For more information on the Composite Chart, please read Liz Greene's article on the subject.
   
   
3. Why don't you offer a partner matching service based on astrological compatibility?
   
   Because we don't think it makes sense to match people just by comparing their charts. What brings and keeps people together in relationships is a very complex matter. We are all very different, and have very different needs from relationships, and different capacities to bring into relationships. We also carry our past experiences, from the family background and from our previous relationships as baggage into each new one.
   These complexities cannot be known or taken into account in an astrological partner reading. Astrology can be very helpful in understanding an existing relationship between two particular individuals. But this requires an individual analysis of each relationship case, based on the complete birth data of the two partners.
   If a relationship is not actually lived, but only considered as a 'potential', and if the detailed birth data (including birth time) of the partners are not known, the possibilities of serious astrological analysis are very much reduced.
   
   

Free Horoscopes > AstroClick

1. I can't see the pop-ups in the interactive AstroClick feature. What can I do?
   
   You must fix your browser settings, so that popup windows originating from www.astro.com are not suppressed.
   
   
2. How can I print the contents of the AstroClick popup windows?
   
   Please use the small printer icon at the top right of each popup window. If you click on it, you will get a printer dialogue.
   If you use the Internet Explorer as a browser, you can also click anywhere in the window with the right (!) mouse button. This will give you a list of command options among which is a print command.
   
   
3. Can I use AstroClick with Web-TV?
   
   No, it doesn't work with Web-TV. You need a regular browser on a regular PC to use AstroClick.
   
   
4. The welcome text of AstroClick is layered over the chart drawing. How can I get through to the chart?
   
   It is meant to be like this because some browsers prevent pop-up windows from opening automatically. The text layer on the chart ensures that you are able to see the welcome text and instructions. To get to the chart, you just need to click into the chart and the welcome text disappears.
   
   Now, click on any feature in the chart, and a pop-up window with the interpretations should pop up. If it doesn't, please click on the help link below the chart drawing which will explain how to continue.
   
   

AstroClick > Portrait

1. Why do you address me as if I was a teenager even though I'm an adult?
   
   AstroClick Portrait consists of two levels: one is based on Robert Hand's texts for young people and it shows your character traits from this point of view. These texts are also interesting for adults.
   Most of these texts include a link to an alternative interpretation by Robert Pelletier which is aimed specifically at adults. There are more dimensions to your personality than you might think …
   
   
2. Why do some of the interpretations in my Portrait contradict each other?
   
   This question has been answered in the section on Short Reports. Please, click here.
   
   
3. Why are some planets interpreted in the "wrong" house?
   
   This question has been answered in the section on Short Reports. Please, click here.
   
   

AstroClick > Travel

1. Are the travel lines temporary or do they last a life time?
   
   AstroClick Travel is based on your natal chart, it does not contain a time element. Astromaps show lines which at the time of birth were heavily influenced by a planet. Should you come into contact with any of these power zones, parts of your personality will be more intensively activated. A stay at such localities is not necessarily required to activate these power zones. The strongest influence is directly on one of these lines. However, the orb of influence extends to a distance of at least 250 km (150 miles) from the line.
   When using Astromaps, always work in conjunction with the basic birth chart and when considering a particular planetary line, make a note of the position and aspect of the corresponding natal planet. The energy centres of an Astromap do not alter the basic birth chart but rather enhance and stimulate it. There is a direct correlation to the individual aspects in a birth chart and these energy centres. Your true potential can therefore be more fully realised.
   Nevertheless, we do not recommend to base important decisions which influence your future life - like moving to or away from a certain place, solely on the AstroClick Travel reading.
   
   
2. I want to move - can AstroClick Travel tell me where to go?
   
   Astromaps show lines which at the time of birth were heavily influenced by a planet. Should you come into contact with any of these power zones, parts of your personality will be more intensively activated. The energy centres of an Astromap do not alter the basic birth chart but rather enhance and stimulate it. There is a direct correlation to the individual aspects in a birth chart and these energy centres. Your true potential can therefore be more fully realised.
   Nevertheless, we do not recommend to base important decisions which influence your future life - like moving to or away from a certain place, solely on the AstroClick Travel reading. Trust your own feelings!
   
   
3. Is there a written report which synthesises the results of AstroClick Travel?
   
   No, unfortunately we do not offer a travel or relocation report. Not at the moment, anyway. Maybe one day …
   But you can order a printout of your Astromap and purchase the book "Astrolandkarten" by Harald Mayen. Unfortunately, it is only available in German. Alternatively, try to find one of the books by Jim Lewis (who developed AstroCartoGraphy) or get Erin Sullivan's book "Where in the World? Astro*Carto*Graphy and Relocation Charts"
   
   
   

Travel > Other Maps

1. My country / city is not on the map - are there no influences?
   
   Because of the wide orb of 150 miles (240 km) east/west of each line, it is not possible to use the maps for answering questions on a smaller scale. It would be pointless to provide more detailed maps. If a birth time is uncertain by 15 minutes, the spatial resolution of the lines is reduced to about 400 km (250 miles) east/west. The location of the lines is so sensitive to birth time that within 5 minutes a line shifts by around 60 miles (caused by the rotation of the Earth).
   
   
2. Can I see transits on my Astromap?
   
   Not in the AstroClick Travel section. But you can choose the "Dynamic Astromap World" in the Extended Chart Selection -> section Astrodienst special. It shows your natal Astromap including transits and progressions. There are no explanations though.
   
   
3. Can I do an Astromap for a couple?
   
   No, you can only get Astromaps for one set of birth data, not for a "virtual" chart which is generated from two sets of data (like a composite chart, for example). But you can do both your own and your partners individual Astromap and see whether you find a place which both suits you. Don't forget to consult your own feelings about a place, though.
   
   
4. Is it possible to gauge the relocation chart with the lines in the Astromaps?
   
   To gauge relocation charts with Astrocartography maps is tricky, because the maps consider planetary latitude, while the charts don't. This is why the lines for planets with considerable latitude run off from where you might expect them.
   

AstroClick > Partner

1. Why are there contradictory interpretations of my relationship?
   
   The free horoscopes do not contain a synthesis, but interpret each individual factor in your relationship horoscope. Naturally there are some contradictions - no relationship is free of them. Humans are multi-layered and contradictory, and so are relationships. This doesn't mean they are right or wrong, good or bad, they are just complex.
   If you would like an in-depth analysis (and synthesis) of your relationship, please order Liz Greene's "Relationship Horoscope" or the "Horoscope for Two" by Mona Riegger, both of them are high quality AstroIntelligence reports.
   
   
2. Why does the Ascendant of the composite chart change by 180° if I change the birth time of one of the partners?
   
   The Ascendant in a composite chart can be computed in different ways, depending on the technique the astrologer uses.
   One cannot look at the Ascendant in an isolated way without considering the position of the MC. We calculate the MC first and go from there. Sometimes a raw calculation of the Ascendant results in an impossible sequence of houses. A change in the birth time of one of the partners may have the same result. This is why the ASC / DESC axis is swapped (by 180°) in such cases.
   With midpoints, there is always an axis with a near and a far midpoint for each pair of factors. Both midpoints are nearly equivalent in meaning and can be reversed if needed.
   
   
3. The chart shown in AstroClick Partner looks completely different to either of the natal charts of the partners. What kind of chart is it?
   
   It is a composite chart, calculated from the two natal charts. It is an abstract chart which reflects the relationship between two people as a third entity. For each planet the midpoint of both natal charts is calculated, these are then shown as a chart drawing. Composite charts are computed constellations, they do not represent a real astronomical situation.
   The composite Ascendant can be calculated in two different ways:
   a) Either one can use the latitude of a place of reference, or
   b) one can use the midpoint of both Ascendants.
   For more information on the Composite Chart, please read Liz Greene's article on the subject.
   
   
4. Why don't you offer a partner matching service based on astrological compatibility?
   
   Because we don't think it makes sense to match people just by comparing their charts. What brings and keeps people together in relationships is a very complex matter. We are all very different, and have very different needs from relationships, and different capacities to bring into relationships. We also carry our past experiences, from the family background and from our previous relationships as baggage into each new one.
   These complexities cannot be known or taken into account in an astrological partner reading. Astrology can be very helpful in understanding an existing relationship between two particular individuals. But this requires an individual analysis of each relationship case, based on the complete birth data of the two partners.
   If a relationship is not actually lived, but only considered as a 'potential', and if the detailed birth data (including birth time) of the partners are not known, the possibilities of serious astrological analysis are very much reduced.
   
   

Charts > General

1. What is a chart or horoscope drawing?
   
   A horoscope drawing (chart) is a map of the heavens and shows where the Sun, Moon and planets were at a particular time and place. Originally, the term meant "View of the Hour", and showed the distribution of the heavenly bodies around the Earth at a given moment, seen from some point on the Earth. The signs of the Zodiac are projected onto the heavens, in the shape of a sort of 'Zodiacal Belt' around the Earth. Since the Earth continually rotates, there is always an astrological sign rising in the East. This is called the rising sign, or Ascendant.
   The horizontal line dividing the chart into an upper and a lower half represents the horizon - some planets will be above the horizon, some below. Here we can also see what sign and planets are ascending (AC) or descending (DC). The vertical or near-vertical line shows the highest point (MC) in the sphere and the lowest (IC). The segments between these lines are called houses. These show a mathematical division of the space around us into segments. The drawing also shows the relationships between the Sun, Moon and planets; special angles between them are called aspects and are shown by coloured lines.
   This "view of the heavens" is the basis for any astrological chart interpretation. It has become common practice to call the actual interpretation of a chart a "horoscope".
   
   
2. Do you give permission to publish your charts on other websites?
   
   You have permission to store personal charts or VIP charts of public interest as GIF images on your local computer, and to publish such images on other websites or news groups.
   This must be for private and/or educational purposes, i.e. you must not offer an astrological public service based on such charts.
   
   
3. How can I see in my chart if my Mercury and Venus are morning or evening stars?
   
   Mercury or Venus is a morning star if this planet follows the Sun in the zodiac, i.e. is behind the Sun. It is an evening star if it precedes the Sun.
   For example:
   If the Sun is at 1° Aries and Mercury at 20° Pisces, Mercury is a morning star.
   If the Sun is at 1° Aries and Mercury at 12° Aries, Mercury is an evening star.
   The same rule applies to Venus.
   
   

Charts > Calculation

1. Why does my ascendant on astro.com differ from my ascendant calculated by other astrologers?
   
   Sometimes errors are made - the calculation could be wrong, perhaps the wrong place or time zone were used. Please check your data! With a given set of data, there can be no ambiguity. The result you get at Astrodienst is correct. Our calculations for astronomical facts are the most reliable in the whole "industry". For further reference, please see the "Full Documentation" of the Swiss Ephemeris.
   
   
2. Is the Ascendant in the Southern Hemisphere different from the one in the Northern Hemisphere?
   
   No. The point of the ecliptic rising in the east at any given moment and given location is a fact of nature. There is no room for opinion, it can only be computed right or wrong. We do it right.
   Check the placement of the Sun in the chart, it must be sensibly placed relative to the horizon for the given time of day. For a day birth, the Sun must be above the horizon.
   
   
3. Which orbs do you use when calculating planetary aspects?
   
   Our standard chart type uses the orbs listed at the bottom of the aspects page in our Introduction to Astrology.
   Many of our chart types were designed especially for individual astrologers, and the aspects are calculated with orbs according to the preferences of these astrologers. Usually the chart types are named after these astrologers, as you can see in the Natal Chart Drawings in our online shop. This page also lists the orbs used for the calculation of aspects for Liz Greene's reports. Like most astrologers, she has her own style of work and, naturally, we respect this.
   
   
4. Why is my Part of Fortune at astro.com different from other calculations?
   
   We use different formulae for Pars Fortunae for a day birth than for a night birth. You can change this rule with an option in the extended chart selection.
   The day formula is: ASC + Moon - Sun
   The night formula: ASC + Sun - Moon
   Astrologers differ in their views about which formula to use for Pars Fortunae.
   If you're interested in in-depth information, please read the article "The Lot or Part of Fortune" by Robert Hand in our "Understanding Astrology" section.
   
   
5. What phase was the Moon in when I was born?
   
   The phase of the Moon is represented by the angle between the Sun and the Moon in your birth chart, starting at the Sun, counter-clockwise. Zero degrees will be a new moon, 90 degrees a growing half moon, 180 degrees a full moon, etc. You can consult your chart drawing to measure the difference.
   If you find this too difficult, please use the 'Lunar Phases Fertility Calendar' (under the group 'Astrodienst Special'). It gives the Phase of the Moon already computed, as a value between 0° and 359°.
   
   
6. What time is the progressed chart calculated for?
   
   The progressed charts are calculated for midnight Universal Time.
   
   

Charts > Interpretations

1. Are there interpretations for the charts you offer here?
   
   Partly. Our website offers several ways of finding out more:
   • Please, check our AstroShop for the reports Astrodienst provides. What you cannot find there, does not exist. It is our policy not to have any 'secret services'.
     
     • For natal charts, there are, for example, the Psychological Horoscope Analysis, Career and Vocation or the Child's Horoscope, depending on what you are looking for.
     • For synastry, composite or relationship charts, you may be interested in the Relationship Horoscope or the Horoscope for Two.
     • And for the forecast type charts, showing transits and / or progressions, we can offer the Yearly Horoscope Analysis, the Long-term Perspectives, Transits of the Year or the Horoscope Calendar.
   • Other - simpler - interpretations can be found in the Free Horoscopes section in "Reports / Horoscope Readings" or - in a more entertaining form - with the AstroClick Horoscopes.
   • You can, of course, consult a professional astrologer for a personal horoscope reading.
   • Or you may want to start studying astrology yourself. There is a wide range of books available for beginners. If you want to find out more about the terms and the symbols, you can read the short Introduction to Astrology in our Understanding Astrology section.
   
   
   

Charts > Design

1. Why does my chart at www.astro.com look different to the chart I got somewhere else?
   
   A birth chart can look different for a number of reasons - usually, it does so because a different astrological technique was used. The basic information remains the same while a different system can make the drawing look different.
   Hindu systems, for example, are based on sidereal astrology, which causes shifts in the planets and ascendant. The interpretation can be different as well.
   Sometimes errors are made - the calculation could be wrong, perhaps the wrong place or time zone were used. Please check your data! With a given set of data, there can be no ambiguity. The result you get at Astrodienst is correct. Our calculations for astronomical facts are the most reliable in the whole "industry". For further reference, please see the "Full Documentation" of the Swiss Ephemeris.
   
   
2. Do the aspect colours have a particular meaning or are they arbitrary?
   
   The colours of the aspects show which kind of aspect group they belong to.
   Red aspects belong to the group of "analytical" or "disharmonious" aspects (the main ones are Square and Opposition), blue ones are considered "synthetic" or "harmonious" (Sextile and Trine), and green is used for the minor aspects of Quinkunx and Semisextile.
   For more information on the aspects used in our charts, please read the respective chapter in our Introduction to Astrology.
   
   
3. Do you offer blank chart forms so that I can draw up the chart by hand?
   
   No, we don't offer blank charts.
   
   
4. Why is the South Node not displayed in the charts?
   
   It is unnecessary because the South Node is always 180° opposite the North Node (which is given). Adding the South Node would clutter the chart drawing unnecessarily.
   
   

Charts > Settings

1. How can I record a preferred chart setup without having to choose again each time?
   
   The simplest way is to do it via bookmarks:
   1. Display a chart in your preferred style and settings.
   2. Then use the link 'back to chart selection' at the top right of the chart.
   3. NOW create a bookmark.
   Using this bookmark will bring you back to extended chart selection, with all your choices pre-set.
   This allows you to save as many different setup styles as you like. You simply name your bookmarks accordingly.
   
   
2. How can I reduce the orbs when calculating aspects?
   
   Use the option "reduced/increased orbs (0-150%)" at the bottom of the right column on the "Extended Chart Selection" page. The percentage you enter results in a reduction / increase TO x%, not BY x%. For example, if you want to reduce the aspects from 10° to 8°, you have to enter 80%.
   
   
3. Is it possible to adjust the orbs according to my personal system?
   
   A user interface to allow full freedom in choice of orbs on this website would be far to complex. If you need that, you are better off with astrology software for your PC, like Kepler or Solar Fire.
   
   
4. How can I show aspects to all planets, AC and MC?
   
   Tick the option "aspect lines to all" in the left column of the Extended Chart Selection.
   
   
5. The charts I want to print are too large for the paper. What can I do?
   
   Please click here for an answer.
   
   

Charts > Extra Chart Factors

1. Can I have Lilith shown in a chart?
   
   Yes, you can. Please, choose the chart type "Natal Chart Wheel", and the style "Astrodienst w. Asteroids". The resulting chart shows Chiron, Lilith (the Dark Moon), and the major asteroids (Ceres, Eros, Juno, Nessus, Pallas, Pholus and Vesta).
   There are additional data on Lilith in the "additional data sheet". For interpretational information on Lilith, you may want to read the article on the Dark Moon in our "Understanding Astrology" section.
   
   
2. How can I enter more than one asteroid?
   
   To select the asteroids you wish to include in your chart, find the numbers on the asteroid name/number list with over 10000 named asteroids at the bottom of the Extended Chart Selection page.
   You then enter the asteroid numbers in the asteroid field, separating the numbers with commas, e.g. "34, 6, 49".
   
   
3. Do you give information on declinations in the chart?
   
   The declinations are given in the "additional data tables" (Please, click on the link Click to get the additional tables above the chart).
   You can also find them visualised in the 3-dimensional chart drawing in the group Astrodienst special -> 3-dimensional chart.
   
   
4. Is it possible to get a chart with true BML (Black Moon Lilith)?
   
   Yes, you can show true Lilith by entering "h13" in the asteroid field at the bottom of the Extended Horoscope Selection page.
   
   The so-called "true Lilith" appears in the chart drawing with the abbreviation "osc.", and in the aspect table below as "osc. Apogee".
   
   
5. How can I show hypothetical planets in a chart?
   
   At the bottom of the "Extended Horoscope Selection" page, you can find a link called List of "hypothetical" planets which opens a window with this list. Now, choose the numbers of the factors you would like to show in the chart and enter them in the asteroid and hypothetical planet field at the bottom of the Extended Horoscope page. In order to add more than one factor, please separate the numbers by commas.
   You can now click to view the chart, and the selected factors will be shown. (Please note, that only up to ten extra factors can be shown in the chart.)
   
   
6. How can I show the Pars Substanciae (Point of Substance) in the chart?
   
   You can show the Pars Substanciae by first showing the chart you would like to see. When the chart is shown, please enter the following at the end of the URL at the top of your browser:
   
   &add=17
   
   Press ENTER.
   
   The chart will be re-calculated, showing the Pars Substanciae.
   
   You can also calculate the part yourself by using the following formula:
   1. First, calculate the distance between Sun and Ascendant (d), in order to find out whether you are dealing with a day or night birth. Should this result in a negative value, please add 360°.
   2. Night birth (d < 180°):
      Pars Substanciae = Ascendant + Saturn - Mars
   3. Day birth (d > 180°):
      Pars Substanciae = Ascendant + Mars - Saturn
   For a value over 360°, please subtract 360°.
   
   There is an interesting article by Robert Hand which deals with the so-called sensitive (or Arabian) points:
   The Lot or Part of Fortune.
   The Pars Substanciae appears as the "Lot of Accusation". This is all the information we have got on this point at the moment.
   
   
7. Why is the South Node not displayed in the charts?
   
   It is unnecessary because the South Node is always 180° opposite the North Node (which is given). Adding the South Node would clutter the chart drawing unnecessarily.
   
   

Charts > Other methods

1. Which house system is the best to use?
   
   House systems are a matter of the personal taste of the Astrologer. We cannot give advice on this choice. There is no right or wrong. It's more a matter of experience with different systems.
   
   
2. Can I generate a horoscope using the sidereal zodiac?
   
   Yes, you can. Please, choose the zodiac in the respective drop-down menu in the Extended Chart Selection. We have three types of sidereal zodiac: Fagan/Bradley and Hindu/Lahiri (both geocentric), and heliocentric.
   
   
3. Could you add a new chart technique to the extended chart selection?
   
   No, we do not tend to add new, specialised techniques. Astrodienst's free online service is targeted at a wide audience of lay persons interested in astrology, and at the basic needs of serious astrology students. The purpose of Astrodienst's web services is not to fulfill the needs of technically oriented specialists who are interested in very rare astrological methods.
   The selection of various chart types available at Astrodienst reflect those astrological techniques which have been in use in German-speaking countries during and after 1980, and they reflect Dr. Treindl's own interest in astrological studies. He programmed the types of charts which the customers of Astrodienst's chart services requested and paid for in the 1980ies (before good astrological PC software existed), and in addition those techniques which either interested him personally, or some of his close astrological friends.
   We are aware that there exist many other techniques which we do not offer. Among these are 'precession corrected' (should be called precession falsified) calculations, and converse progressions, which are not in use in central Europe. Astrodienst is not expanding its spread of technical charts at this time - we are concentrating on other services right now.
   Please do not be disappointed when the general answer to such requests is simple 'no'. Sometimes there are some hidden treasures in our rich treasure chest, which can be of use. Just take a stroll around.
   There are also excellent software programs on the market which fulfill most of the technical needs an experienced astrologer may have, for example Kepler by Cosmic Patterns, and Solar Fire. We highly recommend that experienced astrologers acquire such software for their own PC. Macintosh users might want to consult the page of Kairon software for free astrological software.
   
   
4. Do you offer converse progression charts?
   
   For 'converse' secondary progressions, use negative age with offset from your birth date. In extended chart selection, select 'progressed chart' and, if you are, for example, born in 1950 and want converse progressions for 2002, the age is 52. Using negative age, you ought to enter the year 1898 as 'start date'
   Primary directions are easily found here:
   Free Horoscopes -> extended chart selection -> group Astrodienst special -> chart type: 3-dimensional chart with primary directions for 30 years -> additional data tables
   This includes converse primary directions by default. Below the chart drawing, there is a link for 'special options' for various primary keys and other features.
   
   
5. Do you offer precession correction in transits or solar return charts?
   
   No we don't. Because we do not consider the method logical and consistent in itself.
   Tropical astrology uses a frame of reference which moves with the rhythm of the Sun-Moon-Earth system. The technique of "precession correction" breaks this system trying to introduce a notion of "natal birth marks in absolute space". This is false on several levels:
   The reference frame it introduces is not absolute, it translates and rotates with the (fast) movement of the solar system within the galaxis. A transiting planet does never return to the point in absolute space where it once was.
   The concept of "return charts" and of transits altogether is - on a deeper level - a symbolic concept rather than a physical concept. It should therefore be applied in a consistent symbolic system and not in an inconsistent potpourri of systems.
   
   If you want to get around precession, we recommend to do "sidereal" astrology with one of its unprecessed reference frames. We don't think it makes sense to mix incompatibl