The Science of Astrology

Developed from necessity by ancient peoples, the science of Astrology is today a respected field of study. Encompassing several areas of interest, including the astrology Horoscope, the Zodiac, and Signs. Astrology is the area of science which studies heavenly bodies. The Greek root for this word literally means the “study of stars”. Disputed by some to be a pseudoscience rather than an actual science Astrology follows a system of beliefs that certain celestial body positioning can be useful for interpreting various occurrences in personal lives and world events.

A person who practices the science of astrology is an astrologer, or astrologist. In ancient days, the science of astrology was wrapped up with the science of astronomy, but in modern times has separated into its own realm. The difference between the two sciences is that astrology deals with making predictions of current or past behavior or events based on positions of the heavenly bodies. Astronomy considers itself to be the science that studies heavenly bodies and events without speculation or prediction involved.

The science of Astrology focuses on relating celestial positions with predicting or explaining events, so it was only natural that the astrology horoscope evolved from it. Horoscopes are readings of star patterns based on a birth event, as influenced by the person’s time of birth within the Zodiac calendar. The Zodiac is a carefully constructed division of yearly time into twelve segments; each segment is associated with a constellation and named for it. For example, the astrology sign Aries, Cancer, Aquarius, or Libra. Divisions of the Zodiac calendar correspond to the seasonal equinoxes. Knowing a person’s exact time of birth, day, date and year allows the Astrologist to formulate a personal astrology horoscope reading for that individual. Readings can be done for events also, and many think historical events are predictors of future events based on time and date readings.

The science of Astrology developed over centuries in many different cultures, prior to modern learning and the written word. Ancient men discovered in star gazing that certain patterns of objects in the sky, sun, moon, and stars, reoccurred regularly and the movements of these patterns began to be charted. From that came the first astrological calendars for planting crops. Some religions have incorporated concepts from the science of Astrology into their rituals and traditions as well.

Whether it is the science of Astrology or the art of Astrology is still under question. Because it does not use standard scientific method for research and because it involves belief, many still question the claim that it is science. Still, over a third of scientists state their belief that Astrology is science. Research money to conduct scientific studies is lacking because of the questionability. Some psychologists have done studies that do show correlation between birth signs and occupations. Correlation of events does not necessarily mean causation of those events. In some studies, the astrological predictions have been found to be accurate in a rate above that of chance.

There is scientific fact that the moon and sun movements affect tides and other events. This lends weight to the argument for the science of Astrology. If celestial occurrences affect the earth and nature and plant life, why then would it not also affect human life? But then comes the argument of exactly when does the moment of birth occur? The debate continues, but for believers Astrology is a science, something that can affect their lives and that they can obtain knowledge of future and past events from.