Astrology is a field of study that many people discredit as reliable, it is looked at as more of an unproven theory. However, it is so much more than that. Many fail to realize that astrology can be as serious as an awakening profession, or as innocent as picking up crocheting.

I began teaching myself astrology a little over a year ago. I researched my time of birth, and I was able to pull up an entire horoscope natal birth chart. I was confused and lost, at first, but the more time I took to research, the more interesting it got. I was amazed at how much information I could unveil. Everything from your appearance, to your love life, and even your career can be researched by astrology.

What many fail to realize is that astrology is a way to study yourself. Similar to psychology, it tells you why people might take the actions that they do.You might not use it in everyday practice, but if anything it is a handy tool to pull out at a party. It is ever changing, and constantly above our heads everyday. So looking for a new hobby? Here are five ways to start your journey in studying astrology.

1. Don’t judge yourself, or others, based on your birthday.

I always felt a little disconnected from my sun sign (your zodiac sign based on your birthday). I never saw myself as a Capricorn, I was always a little bit more mysterious and emotional than the stereotype. Capricorns are known to be stubborn, and cold, but hard working and organized. They also have an air of perfection, and a view to have it all together. This is why I myself, discredited astrology from the beginning.

Throughout my childhood I was deep rooted, emotional, dark, and just different. Capricorns always seemed to be put together, and perfect. I never really fit in anywhere, but that was fine because I never wanted to anyway. I was kind of an enigma.

2. Find your ascendant.

Your ascendant, or rising sign, is the sign that was rising up in the horizon when you were being born; which is why it is essential to have your accurate birth time. The unique placement of the planets helps to develop your personality at that moment. The interactions between them means even more, astrology is like an onion, there’s so many layers of knowledge to learn.

Your ascendant is your true personality, you actually have two signs! So you can be a Capricorn with a Scorpio ascendant, like myself, and have no Capricorn qualities at all. It all depends on your chart. So it is obviously more than just your birthday, it is everything put together that makes you who you are.

3. Watch YouTube videos.

I am a proud owner of a YouTube degree, I learned a majority of my information on astrology from YouTube videos. By watching people do readings, and listening to what kind of moon it is this week, helped me learn astrology really fast.

4. Pay attention to the moon.

We have all heard the theories about a full moon affecting our personalities. This is from the idea that the moon has a gravitational pull. In astrology, the moon represents our emotions. It can range from how we deal with conflict, to how we behave in relationships. The moon sign is just as imperative as the ascendant. When the moon is full, research what sign it is in. Take the time to find out what it means to be in this sign and how it will affect the upcoming week.

5. Accept that you will be in love, and overwhelmed once you start learning.

Astrology, like anything else, takes time to learn and it can be overwhelming. Once you start researching yourself and your traits associated with your chart, you will want to keep looking and finding out more. It is so interesting to talk to other people about it, and even judge people silently based on their sign.

Happy stargazing.