What is Astrology
My recent blog posts have focused on astrology basics and how they apply to moonology. In this week’s blog, I’m going to answer the question, “What is astrology?” I hope you find the answer as fascinating as I do!!
A brief history…
Astrology is a complex art and science which applies symbolic meaning to astronomical information as it existed over two thousand years ago when the practice of astrology was first documented in writing by ancient astronomers and astrologers.
Some well-known ancient civilisations used astrology extensively. The Greek astronomer Ptolemy is credited as being the first ever person to write a book on Astrology. He organised the sun sign astrology that we know today. Ptolemy tried to predict the positions of celestial bodies relative to each other and the earth through knowledge of their orbital motions. During his time, astrology was a part of astronomy. Later, astronomy became an exact science and Astrology remained a part of Theology.
The Babylonians are thought to be the first to name the days of the week after the Sun, Moon, and planets. They were also the first to set out the twelve houses in a birth chart. Egypt is also one of the most important places in the development of astrology. It is thought that some of the astrological signs of the zodiac originated in Egypt.
Astrology was also practised in the Vedic Period of India. Astrology is one of the six disciplines of Vedanga. The Hindus believe that human fortune or misfortune in life is due to karma, and karma is believed to be influenced by the movements of the planets. The planet Saturn is often referred to as the planet of Karma. In Modern India, astrology is still extensively used to determine the future and improve life. It is used to make decisions about marriage, starting a new business, or moving into a new house.
There is also Chinese astrology which emphasises the four elements of fire, earth, air, and water. The zodiac signs used by Chinese Astrology are different from other forms of astrology. China was isolated from Western Civilisations for a long time and for hundreds of years Chinese astrology was unknown to the Western world.
How astrology is used…
Astrology is also a type of divination that is based on the idea that information about the future or, about a person's personality, can be discovered through examining the alignment of the stars, planets, moons and comets. Astrology attempts to interpret the influence of these celestial bodies on human affairs.
Western (Tropical) astrologers use the ancient positions of the constellations and Sidereal (Vedic or Hindu) astrologers use current astronomical positions. The two systems are very different but work equally well.
Astrologers begin by casting a natal chart, (also known as a birth chart or horoscope), based on the date, time, and place you were born. Today, most charts are done on a computer which makes them very accurate. When I first learned astrology as a teenager, I learned to draw natal charts by hand. But, they are only as accurate as the information you provide. If you do not know your exact birth time then it is advisable to have your chart rectified. This process involves looking at your major life events and working backwards to find your birth time.
When most of us think of astrology, we think about our sun signs (commonly known as your star sign) and not much else. In reality, there are many layers to your natal chart. Astrologers interpret everything in your chart individually and then integrate it all for you into a picture of who you are and your life. Interpretations come in many forms and most astrologers will have a general practice which incorporates a variety of these services, such as;
A basic insight into your personality
Examining specific challenges in your life
Comparing and contrasting your chart with that of a loved one, friend, co-worker, etc.
Looking at career options and financial indications
Finding the best place to live
Forecasting future opportunities
Selecting the best time for a wedding, to start a business, etc.
Spiritual growth
Answering questions
They may also have some areas in which they specialise such as relationships or careers. I personally specialise in moonology and planning your life with the moon.
The best way to use astrology is to start by evaluating the problem on your own, examine the choices you have to make in order to fix the problem, and then to consult your astrologer to see in which ways the possible solutions will work for you and when the best time is to make changes, take risks, be patient and wait, plan, etc. With all that information in hand, you will possess a powerful knowledge with which to solve your problems, change your life, and be the person you always wanted to be.
Final thoughts…
Astrology can be extremely accurate. But, it is only as accurate as your birth time, because this is used to calculate your Ascendant (Rising Sign), to the exact degree and minute. This then determines the degree for your Midheaven and all of the house cusps. The cusps then determine in which house your planets will fall. Without an accurate birth time, interpretations and forecasts are not going to be entirely accurate.
There are many different house systems that astrologers use. Moonology uses the Whole House system so that each house is assigned one zodiac sign. This allows you to work on each area of your life with each New and Full Moon. If you don’t know your exact time of birth, then your Sun Sign can be used to assign the houses rather than your Rising Sign.
I hope you have found this week's blog interesting, and if you would like to examine your birth chart through Moonology then book a Moon Reading with me using the button below!!
