Astrology

Marcantonio Raimondi - Two Women with the Signs of Libra and Scorpio

P. 26 'The Zodiac Man' a diagram of a human body and astrological symbols with instructions explaining the importance of astrology from a medical perspective

Cicero - Musei Capitolini

Quadritpartitum

Translation of Albumasar Venice 1515 De Magnis Coniunctionibus

Astrology is a pseudoscience that claims to discern information about human affairs and terrestrial events by studying the movements and relative positions of celestial objects. Astrology has been dated to at least the 2nd millennium BCE, and it has its roots in calendrical systems used to predict seasonal shifts and to interpret celestial cycles as signs of divine communications. Throughout most of its history, astrology was considered a scholarly tradition and was common in academic circles, often in close relation with astronomy, alchemy, meteorology, and medicine. It was not until the late 17th century that astrology began to fall out of favor with the emergence of scientific methods, although it continues to hold cultural significance in many parts of the world.

History

The history of astrology can be traced back to ancient Babylon, where it originated. From there, it spread to other cultures including the ancient Greeks, who shaped it into its modern form. Astrology played an important role in the shaping of culture, early astronomy, and other disciplines. The Zodiac, a belt of the heavens within about 8° on either side of the ecliptic, including all apparent positions of the sun, moon, and most familiar planets, is central to astrology and divides the celestial sphere into twelve parts, each named after the nearest constellation.

Branches of Astrology

There are several branches of astrology, including:

• Natal Astrology: Focuses on an individual's personality and life path, based on the positions of celestial bodies at the time of birth.
• Mundane Astrology: Concerned with the prediction of world events and the fate of nations.
• Electional Astrology: Determines the most auspicious times to undertake actions or events.
• Horary Astrology: Answers specific questions by studying the chart of the moment the question is posed.

Scientific Reception

The scientific community rejects astrology as having no explanatory power for describing the universe, and considers it a pseudoscience. Scientific testing of astrology has found no evidence to support any of the premises or purported effects outlined in astrological traditions. Critics cite astrology's reliance on confirmation bias and the Forer effect.

Cultural Impact

Despite the scientific rejection of astrology, it remains popular in many cultures and continues to attract followers. Astrology columns in newspapers, personal horoscope readings, and the use of astrology in online dating profiles exemplify its enduring presence in popular culture.

See Also

• Astronomy
• Pseudoscience
• Zodiac
• Horoscope