Some Astrological questions answered

What is Astrology?

Astrology is the study of the cycles of movement of the Sun, Moon, and Planets. From Egypt and Babylonia through ancient Greece, to modern day, astrology has been used to gain a better understanding of how mankind in general and people as individuals fit into the Universal Cosmos.
What is the difference between an Astrological Sign and a Horoscope?

An Astrological sign is determined by the Sun's position at the time of birth. A Horoscope is a map of the heavens, showing the exact position of the Sun, Moon, and Planets, calculated using the exact date, hour and location of birth. Horoscope can provide insight into an individual's personality traits.
How do the Horoscopes that I read in the Newspaper or Magazines fit into all this? Strictly speaking, newspaper and magazine Astrology columns practice "Sun Sign Astrology." Each individual has a completely unique birth chart, and each individual will respond to that chart, in his or her own way because we all have free will and ultimately can determine and choose what we make of our lives.
What is a Rising Sign and why is it important? The Rising Sign or Ascendant is the sign that is on the eastern horizon at the exact time of birth. It is also the sign that rules the first house of a person's chart. The birth time of the individual, and each house represents a basic field of activity. The meanings of the houses are modified when a planet occupies them. The rotation of the Earth causes the signs and the planets to pass through all twelve houses each day, one approximately every two hours.
What does it mean when Astrologers say that a planet "rules" a sign?

Rulerships or dignities are a rather thorny subject among Astrologers. What is meant by saying a planet "rules" a sign is that when positioned in that sign, a planet expresses its energy more naturally, with greater strength and expression.