Astrology

Astrology in Helerin focuses on interpreting the position and movements of stars, planets, and celestial events to reveal future events. In addition, the position of the stars at birth are regarded as important indicators of an individual's future personality and fate.
Astrology in Helerin is a blend of genuine skill in observation and interpretation, and a web of beliefs that may hold no true predictive power. Its role in shaping perceptions and decisions is profound, and astrologers can hold significant influence. Astrological lore is deeply entwined with Helerin’s culture.
Some rulers employ court astrologers to guide decisions, while common folk might consult a village seer to learn if their child is born under a "fortunate sign."
See also: Prophecy

Astrological birthsigns

Astrologers chart the heavens, assigning meanings to constellations, and offer predictions about newborn children. Each of the 13 birthsigns belongs to one of Helerin's gods, and is associated to personality traits, talents, flaws, and destinies.

The Fish

The Fish is the sign of Mavani, goddess of rivers and healing, and embodies the flow of life and adaptability.
Those born under this sign are thought to possess fluid natures: gentle, empathetic, and resourceful. They are seen as natural healers, diplomats, or survivors, able to navigate changing circumstances with grace. However, their adaptability can also be seen as indecisiveness, and they may struggle with commitment or holding to a chosen path.
Destiny will bring shifting fortunes or roles.

The Mountain

The Mountain belongs to Piatok, god of stone and fire. It represents endurance, strength, and an unyielding nature.
People born under the sign of the Mountain are said to be dependable and steadfast, capable of withstanding hardship and bearing responsibility. They may become community pillars or defenders of tradition. Yet, their very strength can become a flaw: resistance to change, stubbornness, and difficulty in adapting to new ideas or environments.
Their lives are often tied to legacy, burden, or guardianship.

The Warrior

The Warrior is claimed by Jarkash, goddess of blood. This sign is associated with courage, conflict, and a relentless drive for action.
Those born under the sign of the Warrior are seen as natural leaders, fighters, and passionate souls, destined to stand against adversity, whether on battlefields, in politics, or in personal challenges. However, their strength may also make them impulsive, confrontational, or prone to hubris. The destiny of these individuals is often one of struggle: seeking victory, but risking self-destruction.

The Ulmathren

The Ulmathren, a seabird symbol linked to Treca, goddess of storms and luck, represents freedom, risk, and daring.
Individuals born under this sign are thought to possess adventurous spirits, drawn to travel, danger, or the unknown. They may become explorers, innovators, or mercenaries, often seeking independence and breaking free of constraints. Yet, their need for freedom can make them unreliable, rootless, or resistant to forming deep bonds. Their fate is one of movement and change, never content with the familiar.

The Tree

The Tree is the sign of Girys, goddess of fertility and the home, and embodies growth, nurturing, and connection.
Those born under the sigil of the Tree are believed to be patient, generous, and deeply tied to family and community. They are seen as stabilisers—whether in domestic life, craft, or caretaking. However, their attachment to roots and routine may make them slow to act or adapt, and they may sacrifice ambition for stability. Their fate is often woven into cycles of family, land, and legacy.

The Snake

The Snake is the symbol of Pirogane, god of discord and subtlety. It signifies cunning, charm, and transformation.
Individuals born under this sign are thought to possess quick minds and persuasive natures, often adept at navigating complex social situations or exploiting opportunities. They may rise to influence through cleverness, but their talents can also lead to deceit, betrayal, or inner conflict.
Their destiny often involves navigating webs of intrigue, secrecy, and dangerous alliances.

The Wheel

The Wheel is tied to Dassantarra, the lost goddess of change and discovery, and represents cycles, motion, and evolution.
Those born under the sign of the Wheel are seen as restless souls, driven by curiosity, innovation, or wanderlust. They may become inventors, seekers, or reformers, constantly pushing boundaries. However, their restless natures may make them unreliable or prone to leaving things unfinished.
Their fate is often one of perpetual change, embracing the unknown while never fully settling.

The Jackal

The Jackal belongs to Kulomar, god of wilderness and the wild. It represents survival, cunning, and resilience in harsh conditions.
Individuals born under this sign are seen as resourceful, adaptable, and sometimes mischievous, often able to thrive where others fail. They may be viewed as outsiders, tricksters, or unconventional thinkers. Yet, their talents may also isolate them, and they may struggle to find acceptance.
The destiny of such individuals often involves living on society’s margins, turning disadvantage into opportunity.

The Child

The Child is the symbol of Lessada, goddess of the moon and dreams. It embodies innocence, creativity, and potential.
People born under the sign of the Child are believed to be imaginative, idealistic, and full of promise, often pursuing artistic, spiritual, or visionary paths. They may inspire others with their dreams, but their naivety may leave them vulnerable to disappointment or manipulation. T
heir fate is one of beginnings: sometimes fulfilled, sometimes forever yearning.

The Ship

The Ship is the sign of Jires, god of the seas, symbolising journey, commerce, and fortune.
People born under this sign are seen as travellers, traders, or entrepreneurs, drawn to distant horizons and the allure of new experiences. They are adaptable and opportunistic but may struggle with loyalty, stability, or deep commitments. Their destiny often involves voyages - whether literal or metaphorical - marked by changing fortunes and shifting allegiances.

The Priest

The Priest belongs to Balcosh, chief of the gods and ruler of the sun. It represents clarity, judgement, and moral authority.
Those born under the sign of the Priest are seen as strong-willed, principled, and drawn to truth or justice. They may become leaders, judges, or visionaries, but risk rigidity, pride, or harshness. Their fate is often tied to guiding others, or to being consumed by their own ideals.

The King

The King is claimed by Tirax, god of despair, and represents power, ambition, and decay. This sign foretells a life entangled with authority, wealth, or ambition.
Individuals born under the sign of the King are believed to be natural rulers or schemers, drawn to control and influence. Yet, their ambition may lead to downfall, corruption, or isolation. Their destiny often mirrors the cycle of rise and fall, fortune and ruin.

The Temple

The Temple is the sign of Frenar, god of the stars, time, and death. It signifies wisdom, reflection, and eternity.
Those born under this sign are thought to possess deep insight, patience, and a connection to the mysteries of existence. They may be drawn to study, faith, or history, often serving as lorekeepers or contemplatives. However, they may also become detached, fatalistic, or burdened by secrets.
Their destiny is often one of endings, whether as chroniclers, priests, or quiet witnesses to the passage of time.

Predicting the future

Astrologers often attempt to make predictions about future events, and many are engaged by rulers and leaders to advise them on how their plans may be shaped by fate. Predictions about the future are often broad - such as foretelling a year of strife - but may also be specific, such as advising on a child’s name or a merchant’s journey.
Astrologers observe the movement of celestial bodies, and will typically consult a codex or other ancient tome to interpret what they see. There is generally a great deal of inference and assumption applied; many astrologers believe true insights stem from their enhanced intuition and understanding, rather than following any kind of science or prescribed method.

Notable astrologers

Ambis Herinvall

Ambis Herinvall dwells in a tower near Olnath's South Gate. A flamboyant and larger-than-life character, he actively plays on his persona as a mystic.

Deela Tarnfell

Deela Tarnfell is an astrologer in the town of Kunkana where she makes use of the vast skies above the Naylin Desert.
Insightful and pragmatic, Tarnfell is very aware of her clients' desires for dramatic revelation.

Bosa-Shen Rafitt

Bosa-Shen Rafitt is the personal astrologer to Trybon Fane at the Court of the Golden King in Holdras.
Despite having some gifts of insight and interpretation, Rafitt is manipulative fraud, only interested in strengthening his own position.

Bara Balrees

Bara Malgin Balrees is an advisor to Mistress Bantheen in the city of Gathansin. He has a reputation for his agitated manner and crazed demeanour, leading some to suppose him a madman.