There are 3 main branches into which Astrology may be divided - Natal Astrology, Electional Astrology, Horary Astrology. Often, each branch will have various sub-branches that each use a unique set of techniques.


NATAL ASTROLOGY:

Natal astrology, also known by the name of Genethliacal Astrology, is based on the assumption that an individual's personality, his life path and many other dimensions of his life can be determined by constructing a natal chart for the exact date, time and location of the person's birth. The chart on which it is drawn is called the natal chart or more precisely the birth chart or nativity chart. In Natal Astrology, an accurate birth time is required in addition to the date of birth, as the angles calculated on the chart should be accurate. The native's personality is determined by the construction of the birth chart which shows the positions of the sun, moon, planets, ascendant, midheaven and the corresponding angles between them. Additionally, in natal astrology, the interpretation of the native's personality begins when the chart has been constructed, which in turn involves three different processes – noting the crucial highlights of the chart, the distribution of the zodiac signs and corresponding houses in the chart (which is known as Chart weighting ) and finally, the significance of all these movements to the native's overall personality. However, while drawing the chart, the native should closely look at the first planets that occupy the chart, as they are the rising planets. Chart weighting lists the zodiac signs into three main categories - by masculine or feminine signs, by element (fire, air, earth and water) and by quality (cardinal, fixed and mutable). Natal Astrology is held in high esteem by astrologers and users around the world.


ELECTIONAL ASTROLOGY:

Electional Astrology, also known as Event Astrology, is that branch in Astrological Science in which the astrologer decided the most appropriate time for an event to happen based on the astrological auspiciousness of that time period. Historically, this type of astrology was eventually used in planning for battles and wars. In today's time it is most commonly used by its proponents in planning numerous auspicious events such as Marriages and Trips. One who seeks the answer is called the querent. In Event Astrology, the astrologer is provided the event the querent intends to plan. The astrologer then finds out a date and time auspicious for the same event to take place. The astrologer comes to the answer considering the position of the stars, planets and other celestial bodies in the universe. There are four kinds of Electional Astrology - Radical Elections, Mundane Elections, Ephemeral Elections, and Magical Elections. The chart also gives a brief idea about the possible developments that may stem from that event. For Example, let's say a chart is drawn for the date of marriage of the querent. Then the chart will cast for the date of one's marriage and it would give an indication of what the couple can expect during their married life. The chart can also determine the influences surrounding a national event.


HORARY ASTROLOGY:

Horary Astrology is that branch in which the astrologer attempts his/her skills to construct a horoscope for the exact date and time at which the question was perceived by the astrologer. The answer to the horary question can be a straight off 'yes' or 'no', but is generally a more complex and insightful one as the questioner might have some different motive to know the answer and to check what all possible chances and options are available to be used. The location of the questioner/querent should be taken while drawing the horoscope. In many British Astrological schools, it has been regularly debated that the astrologer's place has to be taken in consideration. As these days, the astrologer and the querent can be in two different places of the world because this activity can also be conducted over the telephone or internet between two people sitting in two different parts of the world. The system of the horoscope is of vital importance as the positions and aspects of the planets and moon are of prime importance. The querent who asks the question, is denoted by the ruler of the sign in which the first house cusp falls on in the horoscope. Other important things elements used are the lunar nodes and The Arabic parts.