QA Astrology
Mankind has long had a fascination with the stars in the sky. The
orbiting bodies of the planets aligning with Earth in a way to
influence our very behavior have long been a topic of debate. Is
there a way to divine what is going to happen in our lives by
studying the cosmos? The viewpoints on astrology are as diverse as
the readings themselves are and it ultimately comes down to knowing
the history of astrology. In this article we will cover some of the
fundamental questions that concern astrology.
What is astrology?
Astrology is literally the "study of the stars." Astrologists are
individuals that practice and study astronomy. Astrologists study
the planets and stars, along with their positioning, to understand
how they influence human thought, behavior and action. Astrology has
played a very fundamental role in human development and our culture
as a whole.
Why were earlier astronomers interested in astrology?
The fundamentals of astronomy and astrology are the same. Both
require a study of planets, gravitational fields and stars in
relation to Earth. As each branch discovered new patterns, stars or
planets, they would publish their findings. It was through the
combined intellectual talent of both groups that real progress was
able to be made.
What is the zodiac?
The zodiac is twelve signs made up from constellations. Early
astrologists would put a meaning behind each of the shapes that were
formed in the night sky. Each sign of the zodiac has a special
significance. On the day a person was born, that celestial sign
present at night would dictate which of the zodiac would govern his
or her life. The zodiac appellations vary with different branches of
astrology. Indian and Chinese zodiacs are different in names and how
they are dated than those found in the Western zodiac.
What is the relationship between astrology and tarot cards?
It is not so much that tarot cards affect astrology as it is
astrology affecting tarot cards. A tarot deck usually has 78 cards.
Some are made up of the 12 signs of the zodiac. Others are a mixture
of what is known as Major and Minor Arcana cards. The cards take
from a variety of different cultures ranging from India to Egypt.
What impact has religion played in the role of astrology?
In Eastern religions and philosophies astrology is more widely
accepted. Western religions have a tendency to frown upon astrology
stating that it is occult practices. Many astrologists have suffered
persecution and even execution in the past due to their practicing
and study of astrology. Thankfully that type of persecution is no
longer tolerated but there are still religious figures who adamantly
protest the use of astrology as the Devil's tool.
