An answer to the recent question:

The daily horoscope information does indeed refer to the current actual position of the Moon (or the other planets). As each planet moves through the zodiac signs, it assimilates the symbolic meaning associated with the particular sign. When the Moon is in Scorpio, for example, it is often associated with an intensity (Scorpio) of emotions (the Moon). Because the Moon moves through the entire zodiac in a little less than 28 days, it spends roughly two days in each sign before moving into the next. Because the other planets move more slowly, they spend longer in each sign.

While each of us is exposed to the same influences, we react differently based on the specific configuration of our individual birth charts. Also known as our natal chart, the birth chart represents the positions of all the planets at the precise moment of birth—and from the perspective of the birth place. Another way to describe the natal chart is a snapshot of the skies at the time and place of birth. All ten planets (including the Sun and the Moon which are technically luminaries but are referred to here as planets) are represented in the natal chart, even if they are hidden below the horizon at the time of birth. 

Each planet is associated with a particular energy. For example, Mercury is associated with thoughts, communication, and ideas. Mercury’s position in the birth chart is further modified by its location in the zodiac  and many other factors. While an individual’s birth chart never changes, the current actual position of each planet interacts with each component of our natal charts. The cyclic nature of astrology allows us to anticipate particular influences and our likely responses to them.  

The horoscope is a tool that can be used to help us better understand our past and present situations and to formulate a meaningful strategy for the future. Fortunately, each of us can determine the specifics of how each influence is incorporated into our lives. Astrology is no longer fatalistic.  

The daily, weekly, or monthly horoscopes are necessarily general, and are based on the current positions of the planets as they relate to the Sun’s position zodiac sign in the birth chart. The Sun's position reflects how we respond when someone asks, “What’s your sign?” With the exception of individuals born “on the cusp¹”, the Sun sign is determined by the date of our birth, regardless of the year. Therefore, using only the birthday, one can refer to the corresponding information in the daily horoscopes. For more information about Sun sign based horoscopes, please refer to Should My Daily/Weekly Horoscope Be Accurate? 

For a personalized, detailed analysis, the astrologer incorporates the complete birth data. For a more detailed look at what an astrologer does, it may be helpful to refer to my article What you should (and shouldn't) expect from an astrologer on this Web site.

¹For more information about cusp births, please refer to What does it mean to be born "on the cusp"? on this Web site.