WHAT IS ASTROLOGY?
In this article I will discuss the various ways Astrology is explained. I feel that it is a topic and belief system that is factual but also personal to the individual. Based on that individual’s cultural, spiritual and religious beliefs and experiences.
I try to look at both sides of a story or thought process. I will then give my thoughts and opinions on a topic. Then you as the reader, can make your own conclusions.
Astrology is defined by Cambridge Dictionary as: [^1] The study of the movements and positions of the sun, moon, planets, and stars in the belief that they affect the character and lives of people.
A few other websites/ online dictionaries described Astrology as “supposed”, “pseudoscience”, “mundane” and “assumption”. I feel that is wrong as a description to add those persuading words. Because Astrology can’t be described as an exact science, people don’t understand the spiritual meaning behind it.
Astronomy on Cambridge Dictionary is defined as: [^2]The scientific study of the universe and of objects that exist naturally in space, such as the moon, the sun, planets, and stars.
In my research I found an article by Andreas Sommer. He writes about how Astronomy and Astrology are like Siamese Twins that eventually separated and evolved into what we have today. He also describes the history of these topics. [^3]
“Like the chicken and the egg it’s impossible to say which came first, astrology or astronomy (though I recently read that evolutionary biologists have determined that the egg came first). I think that what first happened is that people looked up at the night sky – don’t forget that there was no light pollution –, and went wow! Continuing to observe over a longer period, they noticed that the stars revolved in regular circles and a handful of special ones, the planets, weaved a sort of regular path through the others. Awed by this majestic display of dancing lights, they began to wonder if they in some way influenced or controlled life on the earth down below. However, to determine that influence the observers had to track the patterns of those celestial objects and so astronomy was born.” – Andreas Sommer.
In a separate section he says: “What led to the separation of astronomy and astrology was the change in the philosophical basis of scientific knowledge in the seventeenth century.” – Andreas Sommer
He describes the evolution and paths of Astronomy and Astrology. The people and thought processes that molded our current understanding and utilization today.
TIMELINE of the history of Astrology : [^4]
• Babylonian
1200 BCE – 1800 BCE
• Chinese
1050 BCE – present
• Hellenistic
2nd century BCE – 7th century CE
• Hindu and Western
2nd century CE – present
• Jewish
350 CE – present
• Early Irish
7th – 11th century CE
• Islamic
7th century CE – ???
• Heliocentric
1640 – present
THE Timeline of Astronomy’s Origins was written by Space for Space. It is a description of the evolution of Astronomy. [^5] I feel it is a good description.
I also liked this explanation as well by starwalk.space called A Brief History of Astrology. [^6]
Astrology is used in different cultures and religions. They each have their own unique characteristic, system and divination they follow.
THIS article by The Times of India [^7] explains this in more detail.
EXAMPLES For Astrology:
NOT an exclusive list of divination tools:
• Astrocartography
• Palm Reading
• Tarot
• Scribing
• Numerology
• Human Design
• Matrix of Destiny
• Rituals
NOT an exclusive list of the different types of astrology systems are:
• Horoscopic
• Natal
• Sun Sign or Western
• Vedic
• Chinese
• Mayan
• Sidereal
• Horary
Spiritual Astrology is a general term for several types of natal astrology that use the horoscope as a means to develop the individual’s awareness of the soul or enlightenment, as opposed to a focus on the physical or material aspects of life.
According to Astro.com
The movements and positions of the planets can help us to understand our path and place in the universe. These celestial objects can show human behavior, traits and personalities linked to the planets on the day you were born. Your birth chart will show you the exact placements of the planets at time of birth.
There are many branches of Astrology:
– Predictive
– Counseling
– Medical
– Karmic
– Horary
– Electional
– Mundane
– Business
The birth chart has many facets:
– Zodiac Signs
– Elements
– Qualities
– Angles
– Houses
– Aapects
The Astrolgy Bible – Judy Hall
I’m not gunna lie and say it all can’t be confusing. I am learning as I go. You can always fine a person to give you a reading on your birth chart.
Come along with me as we navigate this world of Astrology.
I wish you love and light – Alana
[^1]: [https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/astrology](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/astrology)
[^2]: [https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/astronomy?q=astronomy+](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/astronomy?q=astronomy+)
[^3]: [https://www.forbiddenhistories.com/2018/05/astronomy-and-astrology/#google\_vignette](https://www.forbiddenhistories.com/2018/05/astronomy-and-astrology/#google_vignette)
[^4]: [https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List\_of\_astrological\_traditions,\_types,\_and\_systems#:~:text=Across%20different%20cultures%2C%20astrology%20has,the%20cosmos%20and%20human%20affairs.](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_astrological_traditions,_types,_and_systems#:~:text=Across%20different%20cultures%2C%20astrology%20has,the%20cosmos%20and%20human%20affairs.)
[^5]: [https://www.spaceforspace.org/astronomy-timeline](https://www.spaceforspace.org/astronomy-timeline)
[^6]: [https://starwalk.space/en/infographics/astronomy-history](https://starwalk.space/en/infographics/astronomy-history)
[^7]: [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/astrology/others/exploring-astrology-and-divination-in-different-religions/amp\_articleshow/108849529.cms](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/astrology/others/exploring-astrology-and-divination-in-different-religions/amp_articleshow/108849529.cms)
