What does horoscopy mean?
Horoscopy is the practice of interpreting the positions of the stars and planets as signs of future or present events. It belongs to astrology and, in its broadest sense, to forms of divination that seek meaning or prediction from celestial movements. In older writing, the word could refer both to the interpretive practice and to an individual astrological chart or forecast. Modern usage is uncommon, because people usually say horoscope when they mean either a personalized chart or the prediction associated with it. The term can also carry an implication of speculation or doubtful reliability, especially when applied to serious decisions. Its historical interest lies in its connection with the long development of astrological thought in Greek, Arabic, medieval European, and later Western traditions. Although horoscopy is now largely associated with popular astrology, the word preserves a more general and formal name for the practice of reading the heavens.
nounThe practice of predicting events from the positions of the stars and planets, especially as part of astrology. The term can also refer to a horoscope or its interpretation.
- The practice or art of predicting events from the positions of celestial bodies, especially in astrology.
- A horoscope or astrological prediction.
"The magazine combined horoscopy with detailed celebrity interviews."
"The scholar's study of horoscopy drew on medieval astrological texts."
"Her daily horoscope offered an amusing, if unfounded, guide to the week ahead."
Used chiefly in formal or historical writing.
"The text compares horoscopies from several medieval manuscripts."
Before personal horoscopes became everyday entertainment, horoscopy was the broader name for the art of reading the heavens.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does horoscopy come from?
Horoscopy comes through Latin from Greek horoskopia, a compound of hōra, meaning “hour” or “time,” and skopos, meaning “watcher” or “observer.” The Greek term referred to the observation of the heavens and developed into the practice of astrological interpretation. Its English relatives include horoscope, horoscopic, and horoscopist. The word originally described the broader astrological art before horoscope became the usual term for an individual chart or prediction.
Related word forms
How horoscopy is actually used
Horoscopy is now relatively formal and literary. In everyday use, horoscope is more common for both the astrological chart and its interpretation.
Easily confused with horoscopy
Horoscopy is the practice of interpreting astrological signs, whereas a horoscope is the chart or prediction produced from them.