An astrologist, more commonly known as an astrologer, is a person who practices astrology, which is a belief system and a discipline that suggests a relationship between the positions and movements of celestial bodies (such as planets and stars) and events that occur on Earth, as well as human characteristics and behaviors.

Here’s a full explanation of what an astrologer does, including their methods, beliefs, and practices:

1. Core Beliefs: Astrologers believe that the positions and movements of celestial bodies at the time of a person’s birth can provide insights into their personality, behavior, relationships, and even their future. They view the cosmos as a kind of vast clockwork mechanism, where the positions of planets and stars at any given moment can influence or reflect events on Earth.

2. Astrological Charts: The primary tool of an astrologer is the astrological chart, also known as a horoscope or birth chart. This chart is a map of the heavens at the exact moment of a person’s birth, showing the positions of the sun, moon, planets, and other celestial bodies relative to the Earth and to each other. Astrologers interpret these positions and relationships to derive insights into the individual’s life and personality.

3. Interpretation: Astrologers use various methods to interpret the information contained in a birth chart. They analyze the positions of the planets in the different signs of the zodiac, as well as their relationships to each other and to the houses of the chart. They also consider other factors such as aspects (the angles between planets) and planetary movements over time.

4. Predictions: While not all astrologers make predictions, many do use astrology to forecast future events or trends. They may look at upcoming planetary transits and alignments to predict periods of opportunity or challenge in a person’s life, as well as broader trends affecting society as a whole.

5. Consultations: Astrologers often work with clients in one-on-one consultations, where they analyze the client’s birth chart and provide personalized insights and advice. These consultations may focus on specific areas of the client’s life, such as relationships, career, or health, depending on the client’s interests and concerns.

6. Specializations: Some astrologers specialize in particular areas of astrology, such as horary astrology (which focuses on answering specific questions), electional astrology (which helps people choose auspicious times for important events), or mundane astrology (which looks at broader social and political trends). Others may specialize in particular techniques or traditions, such as Vedic astrology or Western astrology.

7. Ethical Considerations: Ethical issues can arise in astrology, particularly when it comes to making predictions or offering advice based on astrological insights. Responsible astrologers strive to provide guidance that is helpful and empowering to their clients, while also recognizing the limitations of astrology and respecting the individual’s free will and agency.