African Astrology

Traditional African astrology is one of the oldest forms of the zodiac, and differs from western astrology in that it is based on ancestral symbols of African culture; The Baobab Tree, The Wealth of Amber and Silver, The Family, Small Services to the Neighbourhood, The Market, The Ancestor, The Judge, The Kola Nut, The Traveller, The Distance, The Child of the World and The Harvest in the Granary.

Just as it is believed that man started his life in Africa, so it is believed that African astrology is one of the oldest forms of astrology known to man based on ancient African traditions of studying the stars and planets around us.

African astrology differs somewhat from western astrology as is is based more on the strengths and weaknesses you have urging you to understand your life in a different light and thereby providing a path to improving it.

African Astrology Sign	Dates and Meaning
	The Baobab Tree (4th Jan ~ 3rd Feb) Those born under the Baobab Tree sign have an honest, liberal and thoughtful character reflected in the image of this revered tree, known as the 'tree of life' not least because it can store hundreds of litres of water which can be tapped during dry periods. Growing to sixty feet, the Baobab tree towers over the African savannahs and likewise you are industrious and not too easily influenced however prefer not to assume positions of responsibility being held back by self-doubt.
	The Wealth of Amber and Silver (4th Feb ~ 5th March) Those born under this sign have a quick wit and an active mind however also have a nervous disposition and often become jealous of those who they see as having a better life than themselves. You can be impulsive however maintain an inner strength that prevents you from temptation that you sense will not be beneficial. You respect and admire originality and innovation and often need to remain in touch with your innerself lest life becomes empty and meaningless.
	The Family (6th March ~ 4th April) Those born under this sign have a 'family' centred outlook on life with little inclination to be self-centred or selfish and often find themselves in the role of advice giver and guide to others as well as peacemaker and arbiter. You shun schemes and Machiavellian plans preferring shared understanding and a community spirit and effort towards problem resolution. Those born under this sign achieve much in life with many accomplishing a single major feat during their lifetime.
	Small Services to the Neighbourhood (5th April ~ 4th May) Those born under this African astrology sign tend to have a warm and outgoing disposition and make friends easily and are good communicators. They believe in community and can be relied upon by others at times of crisis to come through, however tend to procrastinate until such action is inevitable and when taking that action look to others for leadership and resolve. Nevertheless those born under this sign are well regarded.
	The Market (5th May ~ 4th June) Those born under this African astrology sign reflect the hustle and bustle of the marketplace with its boisterous warmth but also elements of danger and raw brutality. They can be over dramatic and enter into relationships and friendships that ultimately prove to be unfulfilling and empty. Normally optimistic, you can be prone to periods of self doubt and fret about the exact nature of your relationships and how others perceive you. Nevertheless you tend to be altruistic and caring.
	The Ancestor (5th June ~ 4th July) Those born under this African astrology sign are attracted by power and are often perceived by others to be uncaring and unaware of the needs of those around them. They lead and guide others naturally however their often remote and aloof nature tends to isolate them from others. When in a more light hearted frame of mind they tend to achieve more and help engage others in gaining that success. The Ancestor is one of the most revered signs in African astrology.

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Ancestral African Astrology

When the term "astrology" is mentioned, minds often conjure images of zodiac signs like Aries or Libra, and planetary alignments charted by ancient Greeks or Babylonians. However, across the vast and culturally rich continent of Africa, a distinct and equally profound system of understanding human nature and destiny has flourished for millennia. Traditional African Astrology, unlike its Western or Vedic counterparts, is deeply rooted in the rhythms of nature, the wisdom of ancestral spirits, and the powerful symbolism of animal totems and natural phenomena. It offers a unique lens through which to explore individual characteristics, life paths, and community roles, emphasising interconnectedness rather than individual fate in isolation.

African Horoscope Astrology Traditional African Astrology is not a monolithic system but rather a diverse collection of spiritual tenets and divinatory practices passed down through generations, primarily via oral tradition. While specific interpretations and symbols may vary from one ethnic group to another – be it the Yoruba of West Africa, the Zulu of Southern Africa, or the ancient Egyptians of North Africa – a common thread weaves them together: a profound respect for the Earth, an understanding of cyclical time, and a belief in the guidance of ancestors and spirit guides.

Unlike systems heavily reliant on precise planetary positions at the moment of birth, African astrology often places greater emphasis on the period of birth, connecting individuals to specific totems, elements, and archetypes prevalent during that time. It's less about predicting fixed outcomes and more about understanding an individual's innate strengths, weaknesses, and their inherent connection to the natural world and their community.

At its heart, Traditional African Astrology delves into the essence of a person's spirit and their purpose within the collective. It perceives humans as microcosms of the universe, intricately linked to the macrocosm of the cosmos, the animal kingdom, and the ancestral realm. The "houses" or "signs" in this system are not abstract constellations but tangible aspects of the African landscape and its inhabitants: trees, animals, natural events, and human archetypes. These astrological periods, often aligned with lunar cycles or seasonal changes, reveal not only personality traits but also life lessons, potential challenges, and spiritual gifts. The ultimate aim is holistic well-being – guiding individuals to live in harmony with themselves, their community, and the natural world, thereby fulfilling their pre-ordained destiny and contributing positively to the flow of life.

Traditional African Astrology serves as more than a predictive tool; it is a framework for self-understanding, spiritual guidance, and communal harmony. It's used to illuminate an individual's strengths and challenges, understand compatibility in relationships, and make informed life decisions. Guidance from diviners or elders, who interpret these signs, helps individuals align with their true purpose, connect with their ancestral lineage, and navigate life's complexities with wisdom and grace. It forms an integral part of holistic well-being, influencing rituals, ceremonies, and daily life.

In an increasingly globalised world, the oral traditions of African astrology face challenges. However, there is a growing movement, both within Africa and globally, to document, preserve, and share these intricate systems. This effort ensures that the profound wisdom embedded in these astrological traditions continues to guide future generations, bridging the ancient past with the modern present.

African astrology signs are read by the throwing of bones that form lines and arrows. The tracing made by these lines/arrows is organised by the diviner in three stories. The lower floor of the geomantic figures can be made by one to three vertical lines. For the two other levels (median and superior), the choice is binary, one or two lines. Thus, the total possible for the three levels of figures is twelve (3x2x2). Each of them has a name corresponding to the precise combination of figures as drawn on each individual profile.

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