Astrological chart showing the positions of the sun, moon, and planets in relation to the signs of the zodiac at a specific time. It is used to analyze the character of individuals born at that time, providing information about the current state of their life and predicting their future. Basic to a horoscope is the belief that each heavenly body has its own character, which is modified according to its relation to other celestial bodies at a given moment. To cast a horoscope, the heavens are divided into 12 zones called houses; these influence such aspects of human life as health, wealth, marriage, friendships, or death. Seealso astrology.

Learn more about horoscope with a free trial on Britannica.com.