Astronomy for Astrologers
Snapshots of Earth at a Birth
Although many students of astrology are only aware of
the zodiac sphere and the zodiac coordinates (longitude
and latitude), there are actually three separate
sphere/coordinate systems that make up a birth chart.
These are the Ecliptic (zodiac) Sphere, the Celestial
Sphere (equatorial), and the Horizon Sphere (azimuth
and altitude). Each is oriented differently in space, so it
is worthwhile to take the time to understand them.
Much of this will be clear through study on your part. I
have found that it is very difficult to explain these
different coordinate systems in words. Illustrations help
a lot, and drawing out your own horizon helps most of
all. I apologize for the awkwardness of this short
presentation. I can imagine a small book devoted solely
to a careful presentation of these three coordinate
systems.