When I was 25 years of age, an astrologer personally known to me insisted on checking my future. Being a disbeliever in astrology, I surrendered my palms for his perusal and investigation with a dreadful forecast about my death to materialize in my turning 40. Now, at the age of 67 years, I become compassionate about that astrologer who left for heaven.
If you’re like me, you should check your horoscope daily, hoping for good news or guidance. But have you ever wondered how accurate and reliable these predictions are? How do astrologers come up with them? And what do they mean for you?
In this blog post, I will explore the history and evolution of astrology, from its origins in ancient civilizations to its modern forms and applications.
What is astrology?
It is the study of the influence of celestial bodies on human affairs and natural events. The history of horoscopy can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, India, China, and Rome. Here are some critical points in the history of astrology:
The Sumerians and Babylonians in Mesopotamia (around 3000 BC) were the first to observe and record the movements of the planets and stars and to associate them with myths and gods. They also developed the zodiac concept, a 12-part division of the sky based on the constellations along the ecliptic.
The Egyptians (around 2000 BC) refined the Babylonian system of astrology and introduced the decals, a 36-part division of the zodiac based on the rising of stars every ten days. They also used it for religious and medical purposes.
The Greeks (around 600 BC) shaped horoscopy into its modern form by incorporating elements from Babylonian, Egyptian, and Indian astrology. They also introduced the four elements (fire, Earth, air, and water), the planets, the houses, and the aspects. They named the zodiac signs after Greek myths and gods and used astrology for philosophy, politics, and personal guidance.
The Indians (around 500 BC) developed their system of horoscopy, called Jyotisha, which means “the science of light.” They used a sidereal zodiac, which is based on the actual positions of the constellations, rather than the tropical zodiac, which is based on the seasons. They also used a 27-part division of the zodiac, called the nakshatras, based on the lunar mansions. They used horoscopy for spirituality, karma, and reincarnation12.
The Chinese (around 400 BC) developed their system of horoscopy, called Zi Wei Dou Shu, which means “the purple star calculation.” They used a complex system of stars, constellations, and palaces related to the five elements (wood, fire, Earth, metal, and water), the yin and yang, and the eight trigrams. They used horoscopy for fate, fortune, and destiny.
The Romans (around 100 BC) adopted the Greek system of astrology and spread it throughout their empire. They renamed the zodiac signs and planets after Roman gods and used Them for imperial propaganda, military strategy, and social status. They also produced many influential astrologers, such as Ptolemy, who wrote the Tetrabiblos, a comprehensive treatise on astrology.
Why do people believe in astrology?
People believe in astrology for various psychological and social reasons.
It provides control over one’s life by offering guidance and predictions based on the stars and planets. This can be especially appealing in times of uncertainty or crisis. It helps people to validate their self-concept and personality traits by giving them labels and descriptions based on their zodiac signs. This can increase their confidence and certainty about themselves. Astrology fosters a connection to the cosmos and others with the same sign or compatibility. This can satisfy the human need for belonging and meaning.
Horoscope appeals to the curiosity and wonder of people fascinated by the mysteries of the universe and the patterns of nature. It also stimulates the imagination and creativity of people who enjoy interpreting symbols and stories.
Influence of astrology over culture
World-views: Astrology has shaped how people understand themselves and the world by providing a framework of meaning and purpose based on the stars and planets. It has also influenced the development of various religions, philosophies, and sciences, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, and astronomy.
Language: Astrology has enriched the vocabulary and expressions of many languages by introducing terms and concepts related to the zodiac, the planets, and the elements. For example, the words “lunatic,” “mercurial,” “jovial,” and “saturnine” are derived from the names of the Moon, Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn, respectively.
Social culture: Astrology has influenced the customs and practices of many societies by offering guidance and predictions for various aspects of life, such as marriage, career, health, and politics. It has also inspired the creation of art, literature, music, and entertainment, such as paintings, poems, songs, and horoscopes.
Horoscope is a cultural astronomy reflecting human fascination with the sky and its connection to the Earth.
Is there any scientific evidence for astrology?
Astrology is the belief that the positions and movements of celestial bodies have influence over or are correlated with earthly events and human personality traits. However, scientific testing has found no effect of astrological factors on human affairs. It also fails to meet the criteria of science, such as using testable ideas, relying on evidence, and involving the scientific community. Astrology is not a scientific way to answer questions or predict the natural world. Astrology is not a scientific way to understand the world, but it is a popular and influential cultural phenomenon that reflects the human desire for knowledge and direction.
Reasons for it’s failure in gaining momentum
Lack of scientific evidence: Astrology claims that the positions and movements of celestial bodies have influence over or are correlated with earthly events and human personality traits. However, scientific testing has found no effect of astrological factors on human affairs. It also fails to meet the criteria of science, such as using testable ideas, relying on evidence, and involving the scientific community.
Inconsistency and vagueness: Astrology has many different systems and traditions, such as Western, Vedic, and Chinese, which often contradict each other or give different interpretations of the same phenomena. It also uses vague and general statements that can apply to anyone or any situation, making it hard to verify or falsify.
Confirmation bias and self-fulfilling prophecy: Astrology can influence people’s beliefs and behaviors by making them selectively notice or remember things that confirm their expectations or predictions and ignore or forget things that disconfirm them. It can also make people act in ways that bring about the outcomes they anticipate or desire, regardless of the actual influence of the stars and planets.
Some adverse effects of astrology:
It can undermine the scientific literacy of people who believe that astrology is a science and make them less critical of pseudoscience and misinformation.
It can lead to spiritual bypassing, which is the use of astrology to avoid dealing with unresolved emotional issues, traumas, and challenges and to escape from reality.
It can cause people to make irrational decisions or actions based on astrological predictions or advice, which can have negative consequences for themselves or others.
It can create false expectations or self-fulfilling prophecies, which can influence people’s beliefs and behaviors in ways that confirm their horoscopes, regardless of the actual influence of the stars and planets.
Conclusions
Astrology continued to evolve and flourish in different cultures and regions, such as the Arab world, Europe, and the Americas, until the 17th century, when the scientific revolution challenged its validity and credibility. However, horoscopy regained popularity in the 20th century, thanks to the mass media, the New Age movement, and the psychological approach. Astrology is a diverse and global phenomenon reflecting the human desire for meaning and connection.
