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A S T R O L O G Y - Western

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Bianca
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« on: August 03, 2007, 07:08:28 am »

                                 
The core beliefs of Astrology were prevalent in most of the ancient world and are epitomized in the Hermetic maxim "as above, so below". Tycho Brahe used a similar phrase to summarize his studies in Astrology: suspiciendo despicio, "by looking up I see downward".  Although the principle that events in the heavens are mirrored by those on Earth was once generally held in most traditions of Astrology around the world, in the West there has historically been a debate among Astrologers over the nature of the mechanism behind Astrology. The debate also covers whether or not celestial bodies are only signs or portents of events, or if they are actual causes of events through some sort of force or mechanism.

Although the connection between celestial mechanics and terrestrial dynamics was explored first by Isaac Newton with his development of a universal theory of gravitation, claims that the gravitational effects of the celestial bodies are what accounts for Astrological generalizations are not substantiated by scientific research, nor are they advocated by most Astrologers.

A common belief held by Astrologers is that the positions of certain celestial bodies either influence or correlate with human affairs. A modern explanation is that the cosmos (and especially the solar system) acts as a single unit, so that any happening in any part of it inevitably is reflected in every other part, somewhat representing chaos theory. Skeptics dispute these claims, pointing to a lack of concrete evidence of significant influence of this sort.

Most Astrological traditions are based on the relative positions and movements of various real or construed celestial bodies and on the construction of celestial patterns as seen at the time and place of the event being studied.

These are chiefly the Sun, Moon, the planets, the stars and the lunar nodes. The frame of reference for such apparent positions is defined by the tropical or sidereal zodiacal signs on one hand, and by the local horizon (ascendant) and midheaven on the other. This latter (local) frame is typically further divided into the twelve astrological houses. Furthermore, the Astrological aspects are used to determine the geometric/angular relationship(s) between the various celestial bodies and angles in the horoscope.

The claim of Astrology to predict future trends and developments, or predictive astrology, is based on two main methods: Astrological transits and Astrological progressions. In Astrological transits the ongoing movements of the planets are interpreted for their significance as they transit through space and the horoscope. In Astrological progressions the horoscope is progressed forward in time according to set methods. Most modern Astrologers no longer try to forecast actual events, but focus instead on general trends and developments. Skeptics respond that this allows Astrologers to avoid making verifiable predictions, and gives them the ability to attach significance to arbitrary and unrelated events, in a way that suits their purpose.

In the past, Astrologers often relied on close observation of celestial objects and the charting of their movements. Modern Astrologers use data provided by astronomers which are transformed to a set of astrological tables called ephemerides, showing the changing zodiacal positions of the heavenly bodies through time.

« Last Edit: August 17, 2007, 08:16:24 am by Bianca2001 » Report Spam   Logged

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