What Is Astrology?

Astrology is the study of man and his relationship with the cosmos, from the time-space perspective of the individual. There are a million things we can say about astrology. The first idea that comes to mind is that it is a sacred science. It is considered the ancient psychology, and it provides us with an understanding of different types of personalities.

Astrology is a body of knowledge that works with a symbolic language, and the elusive forces of nature and the cosmos. It is a science that cannot follow the steps of the scientific method—but it can give accurate statistical evidence in many areas of interpretation.

Astrology has four main branches:

a) Nature of physical action of the sun, the moon, and the planets upon the tides of the ocean and other terrestrial phenomena, the atmosphere, the climate, season, weather, earthquakes, and volcano eruptions.

b) Mundane or political prosperity and adversity of countries.

c) Natal or Geniathlical astrology is what most people are familiar with. It is based on the day, time, year, and place of birth of the individual; and studies one’s native tendencies, character, personality, and potential.

d) Horary astrology is an astrological approach that is only concerned with answering a specific question, taking the time (hour) in which the question was formulated. Embedded here is the belief that the heavens answer the individual’s question.

e) Elective astrology works hand in hand with horary astrology. It is the astrological approach that uses astrology to elect the best auspicious date for different types of events. For example, weddings, engagements, business decisions, or buying a property.

Historical Background

Astrology is as old as man’s ability to contemplate the sky, to be in awe after discerning its immensity. Astrology and astronomy were originally studied as the same discipline—observation of the movement of the visible cosmos (the sun, the moon, fixed stars, and the five visible planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn).

The first astrologers were the farmers that needed to check the phases of the moon in order to plant and prune the crops. They needed to be in constant communication with the messages of nature to have a successful harvest.

Many cultures practice astrology. The Chinese and Maya developed an elaborate system for predicting events, based on celestial observations. The astrology that we know in the Western world today originated in Mesopotamia, circa 1800 BCE, and spread to India. Thanks to the Greeks it was developed in the Western world during the Hellenistic period. Astrology also entered into the Islamic culture as part of the Greek tradition. Later it returned to Europe through Arabic learning during the Middle Ages.

It is important to know that in the beginning of history, astrology was only available to the noble class, aristocrats and kings who had access to natal astrology. Most people did not have records of when they were born and were limited to only benefit from the wisdom of horary astrology.

One important development in the history of astrology was its contribution to medicine. Before the 18th century, no doctor could practice without also being an astrologer. Hippocrates mentioned that many times in his statements. Thanks to the Greeks, astrology became available to the common man through its use in medicine and the new practice of recording dates of birth (natal dates). And astrology was taught as part of the curriculum of the most prestigious universities in Europe.

From the time of early Christianity until the Renaissance, a mixture of religious, mystical, and natural scientific beliefs dominated the general thought and direction of knowledge. Copernicus is well known to have shifted the zeitgeist from an earth-centric to a solar-centric understanding of the universe through his mathematical theories and mapping of what we now know to be the solar system. What is not commonly known is that the inspiration for this concept came directly from the gnostic beliefs that the earth must move around the sun because of the magical concept that the sun was the source of life and all matter subservient to it, as demonstrated in the Egyptian’s mythology of the sun god Ra.

Johannes Kepler is another significant historical figure known for his contributions to accurately mapping the movements of the planets as an astronomer, but many do not know that he made an equally significant contribution as an astrologer. His meticulous and disciplined observations of the planetary orbits revealed to him with unshakable certainty that planetary positions indicated the character of individuals, and that traits common in family lines could be seen in natal charts depicting planetary positions at birth. In this way, he is credited as the first psychological astrologer and anticipated the direction astrology would take in the modern era.

To understand the decline astrology suffered by the 18th century, we need to return to its roots in the Hellenistic period of Greek Antiquity. Astrology has always been a pivotal part of human thought, combining belief systems, observation, and logic

Astrology has significant roots in the ancient Greek Hellenistic period, as many of the ideas that shaped western thought came from that time. Man’s search for meaning began with our ability to observe the intelligent design of nature and the universe, and to wonder about its creation and our ability to understand and control our circumstances and future. The challenging problem of free will and pre-determination continues to this day and has been a major factor in the development—and favor or rejection—of astrology.

Ptolemy lived during the Hellenistic period circa 150 CE, and did a major service to ancient astrology with his mathematical genius and surprisingly modern liberal humanistic ability to bring reason, logic, and a cross-disciplinary approach to the use of astrology. He systematized the earth-centric fixed star system practiced by the Greeks for 3000 years (possibly dating back to the Atlanteans), and clarified the idea of a moving circular zodiac base on the cyclical understanding of life and nature. He was aware that knowledge was a tool to be used to navigate the challenges of what at the time was thought to be “divine destiny" and “mutable fate.” He saw that in the pursuit of knowledge, one is eliminating error through a process of discovery—a distinctly modern scientific idea that would eventually form the basis of the scientific method.

The beginning of the decline of astrology was brought on by shifting beliefs in Christianity, placing more emphasis on a belief only in God, and the demonizing of pre-Christian mystical beliefs, as well as any scientific beliefs that opposed Biblical scripture. Although Saint Augustine’s early life included astrology and scientific curiosity, his eventual shift to a fear-based and ardent devotion to God solidified this new version of Christian severity. This placed God and astrology in direct opposition for many people.

By the 18th century, dominant thinking swung drastically in the opposite direction with Newton’s mechanical-based universe, significant developments in science, and the rise of individualism and self-determination. Rather than welcoming astrology back into popularity with its origins in mathematics, observation, and logic—more scrutiny was placed on the fortune-telling aspects that had themselves strayed from the original scientific basis of the discipline. In this new age of certainty, the generalities of character and overarching patterns that astrology uses as a guide to navigate the themes of life, seemed flimsy and unsubstantial compared to the latest technology produced by the growing industrial age. Thus from this time forward, astrology was banished to the margins of society and deemed to be a pseudoscience.

Astrology Today

Presently we are at a point of the resurrection of astrology as a respected science and art, in part because of the movement of the planet Pluto to the sign of Aquarius, which assists us in expanding our consciousness. In addition, Pluto will work hand in hand with the energies of the planets Uranus and Neptune, which are the transpersonal planets—and provide the support humanity needs to finally reconcile the responsible use of our free will, in harmony with the intelligent design of the universe, and the harmonic future of the human race.

Astrology helps us realize that there is a divine order in the universe and that we can choose to resonate with that order. The planets follow specific cycles, creating opportunities for our own continued evolution and growth. Everything is coordinated like a perfect orchestra.

The explosion of technology, connectivity, and the openness of current generations—as well as the large scale explosion of information sharing—is evidence of this shift. Pluto’s work across the Zodiac will continue for the next 21 years, making this a very interesting time to live and observe how this influence will continue to shape and affect humanity. General awareness, knowledge and curiosity about astrology is already on the rise .

Why Do I Need Astrology?

Astrology is the scientific study of how the shifting quantum fields of energy in the universe influence you. Quantum dynamics are not separated by distance the way physical matter is—but operate in time and space on the level of thought, and move at the speed of light, like email.

When you have a clear understanding of how these energies influence you: You have a powerful and practical tool for making decisions in the important areas of your life—from your health to your relationships, finances, home, and purpose.

“Astrology is the only system that can successfully predict both the content and the timing of experiences.”

—Stanislav Grof, MD