they can be read coldly mathematical, archetypal--and there are many astrologers who are also channelers and clairvoyants. They read people along with their natal charts and transits. This is why these arts can be so confusing, because a complex art/philosophy such as Astrology is more like a hologram than a two-dimensional question-answer mechanism, and in the mix are the charlatans who are faking the whole thing.
I think I am more comfortable with Astrological readings that clarify the mathematical aspects and probabilities, (and perhaps the personal observations of people they've read before)--separate from the person's clairvoyant instincts and impressions. That way I can decide what is resonating or not within my own being, as a person receiving the information. Because predictions are a dynamic system between the receiver and the reader--I think I am touching on the ethics of reading here, because without it, a lot of damage can be done in creating illusions out of nothing...and isn't that the bane of these arts?
Even clairvoyants can pick up on another timeline and be inaccurate, so I think it is important for this to be clarified too.
Wishing everyone peace~~ 
Edit history
= new reply since forum marked as read