To take astrology one step further, specialized fields of study, called applications, are entire books and web sites unto themselves. Examples of applied astrology include:
Horary Astrology–Casting a chart for the exact time a question is asked. Based on the idea that the positions of the planets at the moment of asking can help answer the question because there is a sympathy between the cosmos and the human mind.
Astro-Psychology–The counseling aspects of astrology used to help with the challenging, or troublesome, areas of life. Much like psychotherapy or psychology. Using astrological information as a tool for psychological insight.
Medical Astrology–Using the birth chart to obtain information about health, illness and wellness. Especially looks at diseases and their causes through horoscope pattern, psychic imbalances and probable timing through planetary transits.
Mundane Astrology–Assesses and forecasts world events, political movements, national occurrences and cultural trends according to the planetary cycles.
Vocational Astrology–Applies the information in a birth chart to the study of career. It reveals the nature of a person’s vocational needs and loves. Because vocational astrology explores an individual’s “inner calling”, it can produce a better vision of career direction and decrease job frustration.
Synastry–The astrology of relationships. Learning how the birth charts of specific people interact to better understand the dynamics of their relationship.
Electional Astrology–The timing of events. Studying transits to learn favorable times to initiate certain events or take action. By its nature, electional astrology also pinpoints the times to wait for a better day.
Karmic Astrology–Emphasizes spiritual evolution in this life, and lives yet to come, based on past life information. Explores karmic history, values and beliefs brought into this life, and life lessons to improve the quality of life now. Some astrologers refer to this application as Esoteric Astrology.
And the above list is only a sampling. There are other applications! As I wrote earlier, the study of astrology is the pursuit of a lifetime–or two.