in Astrology, the degree or point of the heavens rising above the eastern point of the horizon at any given time when a prediction is to be made of a future event: as, the fortune of a person then born, the success of a design then laid, the weather, &c. The word is composed of ἀρχα, hora, "hour," and the verb ἐκποιεῖν, video, "I behold."

Such was at one time the infatuation concerning horoscopes, that Albertus Magnus, Cardan, and others, are said to have had the temerity to draw that of Jesus Christ.

Horoscope is also used for a scheme or figure of the twelve houses, i.e. the twelve signs of the zodiac, wherein is marked the disposition of the heavens for any given time. Thus we say, to draw a horoscope, construct a horoscope, &c. We call it, more peculiarly, calculating a nativity, when the life and fortune of a person are the subject of the prediction; for they draw horoscopes of cities, great enterprises, &c. See HOUSE.