Astrology
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Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/Pink!Teen|Pink!Teen]] ([[User talk:Pink!Teen|talk]]) to last version by Aiko
{{Hermetism}}
[[Image:Universum.jpg||left|thumb|[[Hand-colouring|Hand-coloured]] version of the anonymous [[Flammarion woodcut]] (1888).]]
'''Astrology''' (from Greek: ἄστρον, ἄστρου{ástron, ástrou}, "star"; and λόγος, λόγου{lógos, lógou}, "word" or "speech") is a group of [[system]]s, [[tradition]]s, and [[belief]]s in which knowledge of the apparent relative positions of [[astronomical object|celestial bodies]] and related details is held to be useful in understanding, interpreting, and organizing information about personality, human affairs, and other terrestrial matters. A practitioner of astrology is called an [[astrologer]], or, rarely, an astrologist. Numerous traditions and applications employing astrological concepts have arisen since its earliest recorded beginnings in the [[3rd millennium BC]].<ref>{{cite web| author=Robert Hand| title=The History of Astrology — Another View| url=http://www.zodiacal.com/articles/hand/history.htm| accessdate=2007-06-19}}</ref><ref name=eysenck-nias>Eysenck, H.J., Nias, D.K.B., Astrology: Science or Superstition? (Penhuin Books, 1982)</ref> It has played a role in the shaping of culture, early astronomy, and other disciplines throughout history.
[[Astrology and astronomy]] were often indistinguishable before the [[modern era]], with the desire for predictive and divinatory knowledge one of the primary motivating factors for astronomical observation. Astronomy began to diverge from astrology after a period of gradual separation from the [[Renaissance]] up until the 18th century. Eventually, astronomy distinguished itself as the [[Science|scientific]] study of astronomical objects and phenomena without regard to the astrological speculation of these phenomena.
Astrology can be defined as the study of the positions of celestial bodies in the belief that their movements either directly influence life on Earth or correspond somehow to events experienced on a human scale.<ref>{{cite web| title=The Dictionary of the History of Ideas, Astrology| author=David Pingree| url=http://etext.virginia.edu/cgi-local/DHI/dhi.cgi?id=dv1-20| accessdate=2007-12-18}} </ref> Modern [[astrologer]]s define astrology as a [[symbolism|symbolic language]],<ref>{{cite book| title=Combination of Stellar Influences | author= Reinhold Ebertin | isbn=978-0866900874}} </ref><ref>{{cite web| title=Astrology FAQ, Basics for Beginners and Students of Astrology| author=Michael Star| url=http://home.istar.ca/~starman/astrofaq.shtml| accessdate=2006-07-17}} </ref><ref name="Oken">{{cite book| title=Alan Oken’s As Above So Below | author=Alan Oken | isbn=978-0553027761}}</ref> an [[art]] form,<ref name="Campion">{{cite web| title=Nick Campion's Online Astrology Resource: Science & Astrology| author=Nick Campion | url=http://www.nickcampion.com/nc/science/science.htm| accessdate=2006-07-17}}</ref> and a form of [[divination]].<ref>{{cite web| title=Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary| publisher=Meriam-Webster| url=http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/astrology| accessdate=2006-07-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title="astrology" Encyclopædia Britannica. 2006 | publisher=Britannica Concise Encyclopedia | url=http://concise.britannica.com/ebc/article-9356010/astrology | accessdate=2006-07-17}}</ref> Despite differences of definitions, a common assumption of astrology is the use of celestial placements in order to explain past and present events and [[prediction|predict]] the future. Generally, the scientific community considers astrology a [[pseudoscience]] or [[superstition]].<ref name="WordNet">{{cite web | title=WordNet 2.1 | publisher=Princeton | url=http://wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=astrology | accessdate=2006-07-05}}</ref><ref name="asotp">{{cite web | title=Activities With Astrology | publisher=Astronomical society of the Pacific | url=http://www.astrosociety.org/education/astro/act3/astrology3.html#defense}}</ref><ref name="humanist">{{cite web | title=Objections to Astrology: A Statement by 186 Leading Scientists | publisher=The Humanist, September/October 1975|url=http://www.americanhumanist.org/about/astrology.html}}</ref> Despite its rejection by scientists, 31% of Americans polled expressed a belief in astrology and 39% considered it scientific according to another study.<ref name="taylor">{{cite web | title=The Religious and Other Beliefs of Americans 2003 | author=Humphrey Taylor | url=http://www.harrisinteractive.com/harris_poll/index.asp?PID=359 | accessdate=2007-01-05}}</ref><ref name="nsa1">{{cite web | title= Science and Technology: Public Attitudes and Understanding | publisher=National Science Foundation | url=http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/seind06/c7/c7s2.htm#c7s2l3 | accessdate=2007-01-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia
|encyclopedia=Encarta
|year=2008
|title=Astrology
|publisher=Microsoft
|url=http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761552380/Astrology.html
|quote=Scientists have long rejected the principles of astrology, but millions of people continue to believe in or practice it.
|accessdate=2007-08-28
}}</ref><ref>Astrology: Fraud or Superstition? by Chaz Bufe {{cite web | title= Astrology Fraud or Superstition | url=http://www.seesharppress.com/astro.html | publisher= See Sharp Press</ref>
{{Astrology}}
==Core beliefs==
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:275px-Astrological_Glyphs_svg_copia.jpg|thumb|left|[[Astrological symbols|Astrological glyphs]] for some of the [[planets in astrology|planets of astrology]], including the [[Sun]], the [[Earth]], the [[Moon]], and [[Pluto]].]] -->
The core beliefs of astrology were prevalent in most of the ancient world and are epitomized in the [[Hermeticism|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".<ref>{{cite web| title=Tycho Brahe and Astrology| author=Adam Mosley| url=http://www.hps.cam.ac.uk/starry/tychoastrol.html | accessdate=2007-06-19}}</ref> 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.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}
Although the connection between [[celestial mechanics]] and terrestrial [[Dynamics (mechanics)|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.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}
Most astrological traditions are based on the relative positions and movements of various real or construed celestial bodies and on the construction of implied or calculated celestial patterns as seen at the time and place of the event being studied. These are chiefly the [[Planets in astrology|astrological planets]], [[dwarf planets]], the [[asteroids]], the [[star]]s, the [[lunar node]]s, [[Arabic parts]] and [[Hypothetical planetary object (non-scientific)|hypothetical planets]]. The frame of reference for such apparent positions is defined by the [[tropical astrology|tropical]] or [[sidereal astrology|sidereal]] [[zodiac]] of twelve [[astrological sign|signs]] on one hand, and by the local [[horizon]] ([[ascendant]]-[[Descendant (astrology)|descendant]] axis) and [[midheaven]]-[[imum coeli]] axis on the other. This latter (local) frame is typically further divided into the twelve [[House (astrology)|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 transit]]s and [[astrological progression]]s. 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.<ref>About.com: [http://atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/skepticism/blfaq_astro_sci_pseudo.htm Is Astrology a Pseudoscience? Examining the Basis and Nature of Astrology]</ref>
In the past, astrologers often relied on close observation of celestial objects and the charting of their movements. Modern astrologers use data provided by [[astronomer]]s which are transformed to a set of astrological tables called [[ephemeris|ephemerides]], showing the changing zodiacal positions of the heavenly bodies through time.
==Traditions==
[[Image:zodiac woodcut.png|thumb|right|[[Zodiac]] signs, 16th century [[Europe]]an woodcut]]
There are many traditions of astrology, some of which share similar features due to the transmission of astrological doctrines between cultures. Other traditions developed in isolation and hold different doctrines, though they too share some features due to drawing on similar astronomical sources.
===Current traditions===
The main traditions used by modern astrologers are:
*[[Jyotiṣa|Vedic astrology]]
*[[Western astrology]]
*[[Chinese astrology]]
Vedic and Western astrology share a common ancestry as [[Horoscopic astrology|horoscopic systems]] of astrology, in that both traditions focus on the casting of an astrological chart or [[horoscope]], a representation of celestial entities, for an event based on the position of the Sun, Moon, and planets at the moment of the event. However, Vedic astrology uses the [[sidereal zodiac]], linking the signs of the zodiac to their original [[constellation]]s, while Western astrology uses the [[tropical zodiac]]. Because of the [[precession of the equinoxes]], over the centuries the twelve zodiacal signs in Western astrology no longer correspond to the same part of the sky as their original constellations. In effect, in Western astrology the link between sign and constellation has been broken, whereas in Vedic astrology it remains of paramount importance. Other differences between the two traditions include the use of 27 (or 28) [[nakshatra]]s or lunar mansions, which have been used in India since [[Veda|Vedic]] times, and the system of planetary periods known as [[Dasha (astrology)|dashas]].
In Chinese astrology a quite different tradition has evolved. By contrast to Western and Indian astrology, the twelve signs of the zodiac do not divide the sky, but rather the celestial equator. The Chinese evolved a system where each sign corresponds to one of twelve 'double-hours' that govern the day, and to one of the twelve months. Each sign of the zodiac governs a different year, and combines with a system based on the five elements of Chinese cosmology to give a 60 (12 x 5) year cycle. The term ''Chinese astrology'' is used here for convenience, but it must be recognised that versions of the same tradition exist in [[Korea]], [[Japan]], [[Vietnam]], [[Thailand]] and other Asian countries.
In modern times, these traditions have come into greater contact with each other, notably with Indian and Chinese astrology having spread to the West, while awareness of Western astrology is still fairly limited in Asia.
Astrology in the Western world has diversified greatly in modern times. New movements have appeared, which have jettisoned much of traditional astrology to concentrate on different approaches, such as a greater emphasis on midpoints, or a more psychological approach. Some recent Western developments include:
*Modern tropical and sidereal horoscopic astrology
*[[Cosmobiology]]
*[[Psychological astrology]]
*[[Sun sign astrology]]
*[[Hamburg School of Astrology]]
**[[Uranian astrology]], subset of the Hamburg School
===Historical traditions===
Throughout its long history, astrology has come to prominence in many regions and undergone developments and change. There are many astrological traditions that are historically important, but which have largely fallen out of use today. Astrologers still retain an interest in them and regard them as an important resource. Historically significant traditions of astrology include:
*[[Arab and Persian astrology]] (Medieval, near East)
*[[Babylonian astrology]] (Ancient, near East)
*[[Egyptian astrology]]
*[[Hellenistic astrology]] (Classical antiquity)
*[[Mayan astrology]]
The history of Western, Chinese, and Indian astrology is discussed in the main article [[history of astrology]].
===Esoteric traditions ===
[[Image:Alchemy-Digby-RareSecrets.png|thumb|right|Extract and symbol key from 17th century alchemy text.]]
Many mystic or esoteric traditions have links to astrology. In some cases, like [[Kabbalah]], this involves participants incorporating elements of astrology into their own traditions. In other cases, like divinatory tarot, many astrologers themselves have incorporated the tradition into their own practice of astrology. Esoteric traditions include, but are not limited to:
*[[Classical planets in Western alchemy|Alchemy]]
*[[Chiromancy]]
*[[Kabbalistic astrology]]
*[[Medical astrology]]
*[[Astrology and numerology|Numerology]]
*[[Rosicrucian]] or "Rose Cross"
*[[Tarot reading|Tarot divination]]
Historically, alchemy in the [[Western World]] was particularly allied and intertwined with traditional Babylonian-Greek style astrology; in numerous ways they were built to complement each other in the search for [[occult]] or hidden knowledge.<ref>Weor, Samael Aun ''Astrotheurgy'', The Esoteric Treatise of Hermetic Astrology, pp. 60-117, Glorian Publishing 2006, ISBN 978-1-934206-06-5</ref> Astrology has used the concept of the four [[astrology and the classical elements|classical elements]] of alchemy from antiquity up until the present day. Traditionally, each of the seven planets in the solar system known to the ancients was associated with, held dominion over, and "ruled" a certain metal.<ref>Weor, Samael Aun ''Astrotheurgy'', The Zodiacal Course, pp.3-58, Glorian Publishing, 2006, ISBN 978-1-934206-06-5</ref>
==The zodiac==
[[Image:Beit Alpha.jpg|thumb|right|[[Zodiac]] in a 6th century [[synagogue]] at Beit Alpha, [[Israel]].]]
{{main|Zodiac}}
The zodiac is the belt or band of constellations through which the Sun, Moon, and planets transit across the sky. Astrologers noted these constellations and so attached a particular significance to them. Over time they developed the system of twelve [[Astrological sign|signs]] of the zodiac ([[Aries (astrology)|Aries]], [[Taurus (astrology)|Taurus]], [[Gemini (astrology)|Gemini]], [[Cancer (astrology)|Cancer]], [[Leo (astrology)|Leo]], [[Virgo (astrology)|Virgo]], [[Libra (astrology)|Libra]], [[Scorpio (astrology)|Scorpio]], [[Sagittarius (astrology)|Sagittarius]], [[Capricorn (astrology)|Capricorn]], [[Aquarius (astrology)|Aquarius]], and [[Pisces (astrology)|Pisces]]), based on twelve of the constellations they considered to be particularly important. The Western and Vedic zodiac signs have a common origin in the tradition of horoscopic astrology, and so are very similar in meaning. In China on the other hand, the development of the zodiac was different. Although the Chinese too have a system of twelve signs (named after animals), the Chinese zodiac refers to a pure calendrical cycle, as there are no equivalent constellations linked to it like the Western or Indian zodiacs. The common choice of twelve zodiac signs is understandable considering the interaction of the Sun and Moon was central to all forms of astrology.
The majority of Western astrologers base their work on the tropical zodiac which divides the sky into twelve equal segments of 30 degrees each, beginning with the first point of Aries, the point where the line of the earth's [[celestial equator]] and the [[ecliptic]] (the Sun's path through the sky) meet at the northern hemisphere spring [[equinox]]. Due to the [[precession of the equinoxes]], the slow changing of the way Earth rotates in space, the zodiacal signs in this system bear no relation to the [[constellation]]s of the same name but stay aligned to the months and seasons.
Practitioners of the Vedic astrological tradition and a minority of Western astrologers use the sidereal zodiac. This zodiac uses the same evenly divided ecliptic but approximately stays aligned to the positions of the observable constellations with the same name as the zodiacal signs. The sidereal zodiac differs from the tropical zodiac by an offset called the [[ayanamsa]], which steadily increases as the equinoxes drift further. Furthermore, some siderealists (i.e. astrologers employing sidereal techniques) use the actual, unequal constellations of the zodiac in their work.
==Horoscopic astrology==
[[Image:12 houses of heaven.jpg|left|thumb|18th century [[Iceland]]ic manuscript showing astrological houses and glyphs for planets and signs.]]
{{main|Horoscopic astrology}}
[[Horoscopic astrology]] is a system that was developed in the [[Mediterranean Basin|Mediterranean]] region and specifically [[Hellenistic Egypt]] around the late 2nd or early 1st century BCE.<ref> David Pingree - ''From Astral Omens to Astrology from Babylon to Bikaner'', Roma: Istituto Italiano per L'Africa e L'Oriente, 1997. Pg. 26. </ref> The tradition deals with two-dimensional diagrams of the heavens, or horoscopes, created for specific moments in time. The diagram is then used to interpret the inherent meaning underlying the alignment of celestial bodies at that moment based on a specific set of rules and guidelines. A horoscope was calculated normally for the moment of an individual's birth, or at the beginning of an enterprise or event, because the alignments of the heavens at that moment were thought to determine the nature of the subject in question. One of the defining characteristics of this form of astrology that makes it distinct from other traditions is the computation of the degree of the Eastern horizon rising against the backdrop of the [[ecliptic]] at the specific moment under examination, otherwise known as the ascendant. Horoscopic astrology has been the most influential and widespread form of astrology across the world, especially in [[Africa]], [[India]], [[Europe]], and the [[Middle East]], and there are several major traditions of horoscopic astrology whose origins are Hellenistic, including [[Jyotish|Indian]], Medieval, and most other modern Western traditions of astrology.
===The horoscope===
[[Image:Horoscope-handdrawn.jpg|thumb|right|A hand-drawn [[horoscope]].]]
Central to horoscopic astrology and its branches is the calculation of the horoscope or astrological chart. This two-dimensional diagrammatic representation shows the celestial bodies' apparent positions in the heavens from the vantage of a location on Earth at a given time and place. The horoscope is also divided into twelve different celestial [[Astrological houses|houses]] which govern different areas of life. Calculations performed in casting a horoscope involve [[arithmetic]] and simple [[geometry]] which serve to locate the apparent position of heavenly bodies on desired dates and times based on astronomical tables. In ancient Hellenistic astrology the ascendant demarcated the first celestial house of a horoscope. The word for the ascendant in Greek was ''horoskopos'' from which ''horoscope'' derives. In modern times, the word has come to refer to the astrological chart as a whole.
===Branches of horoscopic astrology===
Traditions of horoscopic astrology can be divided into four branches which are directed towards specific subjects or purposes. Often these branches use a unique set of techniques or a different application of the core principles of the system to a different area. Many other subsets and applications of astrology are derived from these four fundamental branches.
*[[Natal astrology]], the study of a person's natal chart to gain information about the individual and his/her life experience.
*[[Katarchic astrology]], which includes both [[Electional astrology|electional]] and event astrology. The former uses astrology to determine the most auspicious moment to begin an enterprise or undertaking, and the latter to understand everything about an event from the time at which it took place.
*[[Horary astrology]], used to answer a specific question by studying the chart of the moment the question is posed to an astrologer.
*[[Mundane astrology|Mundane or world astrology]], the application of astrology to world events, including weather, earthquakes, and the rise and fall of empires or religions. This includes the [[Astrological Ages]], such as the [[Age of Aquarius]], Age of Pisces and so on. Each age is about 2,150 years in length and many people believe these massive ages correspond to major historical events and current developments in the world
==History of astrology==
{{main|History of astrology}}
[[Image:Anatomical Man.jpg|thumb|right|15th century image from the ''[[Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry]]'' showing believed relations between areas of the body and the zodiacal signs.]]
===Origins===
The origins of much of the astrological doctrine and method that would later develop in [[Asia]], [[Europe]], and the [[Middle East]] are found among the ancient [[Babylonians]] and their system of celestial omens that began to be compiled around the middle of the 2nd millennium BCE. This system of celestial omens later spread either directly or indirectly through the Babylonians and Assyrians to other areas such as [[India]], [[Middle East]], and [[Greece]] where it merged with pre-existing indigenous forms of astrology.{{Fact|date=April 2007}}. This Babylonian astrology came to Greece initially as early as the middle of the 4th century BCE, and then around the late 2nd or early 1st century BCE after the [[Alexander the Great#Period of conquests|Alexandrian conquests]], this Babylonian astrology was mixed with the Egyptian tradition of decanic astrology to create [[horoscopic astrology]]. This new form of astrology, which appears to have originated in [[Alexandria|Alexandrian Egypt]], quickly spread across the ancient world into Europe, the Middle East and India.
===Before the scientific revolution===
From the classical period through the [[scientific revolution]], astrological training played a critical role in advancing astronomical, mathematical, medical and psychological knowledge. Astrological influences included the observation and long-term tracking of celestial objects. It was astrologers who provided the first systematic documentation of the movements of the Sun, the Moon, the planets, and the stars. The differentiation between astronomy and astrology varied from place to place; they were indistinguishable in ancient Babylonia and for most of the [[Middle Ages]], but separated to a greater degree in Ancient Greece (see [[astrology and astronomy]]). Astrology was not always uncritically accepted before the modern era; it was often challenged by Hellenistic skeptics, church authorities, and medieval [[Islamic astronomy|Muslim astronomers]].{{Fact|date=January 2008}}
The pattern of astronomical knowledge gained from astrological endeavours has been historically repeated across numerous cultures, from [[History of India|ancient India]] through the classical [[Maya civilization]] to medieval Europe. Given this historical contribution, astrology has been called a [[protoscience]] along with [[pseudoscience]]s such as [[alchemy]] (see "Western astrology and alchemy" below).
Many prominent thinkers, philosophers and scientists, such as [[Pythagoras]], [[Plato]], [[Aristotle]], [[Galen]], [[Paracelsus]], [[Girolamo Cardan]], [[Nicholas Copernicus]], [[Galileo Galilei]], [[Tycho Brahe]], [[Johannes Kepler]], [[Carl Jung]] and others, practiced or significantly contributed to astrology.<ref>{{cite web | title=Were They Astrologers? — Big League Scientists and Astrology | author=Bruce Scofield | publisher=The Mountain Astrologer magazine | url=http://www.mountainastrologer.com/standards/editor's%20choice/articles/science_ast.html | accessdate=2007-08-16}}</ref><ref name=eysenck-nias/>
==Effects on world culture==
{{main|Cultural influence of astrology}}
Astrology has had a profound influence over the past few thousand years on Western and Eastern cultures. In the Middle Ages, when the educated of the time believed in astrology, the system of heavenly spheres and bodies was believed to reflect on the system of knowledge and the world itself below.
Astrology has had an influence on both language and literature. For example, [[influenza]], from medieval Latin ''influentia'' meaning influence, was so named because doctors once believed epidemics to be caused by unfavorable planetary and stellar influences<ref>http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=influenza Online Etymology Dictionary</ref>. The word "disaster" comes from the Italian ''disastro'', derived from the negative prefix ''dis-'' and from Latin ''aster'' "star", thus meaning "ill-starred"<ref>Ibid.</ref>. Adjectives "lunatic" (Luna/[[Moon]]), "mercurial" ([[Mercury (planet)|Mercury]]), "venereal" ([[Venus]]), "martial" ([[Mars]]), "jovial" ([[Jupiter]]/Jove), and "saturnine" ([[Saturn]]) are all old words used to describe personal qualities said to resemble or be highly influenced by the astrological characteristics of the planet, some of which are derived from the attributes of the ancient Roman gods they are named after. In literature, many writers, notably [[Geoffrey Chaucer]]<ref>{{cite web | title=Astrology and English literature'' | author=A. Kitson | publisher= Contemporary Review, October 1996 |url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2242/is_n1569_v269/ai_18920172 | accessdate=2006-07-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=''Essential Chaucer: Science, including astrology'' | author=M. Allen, J.H. Fisher | publisher=University of Texas, San Antonio |url=http://colfa.utsa.edu/chaucer/ec22.html | accessdate=2006-07-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=''Astronomy and Astrology in the Works of Chaucer'' | author=A.B.P. Mattar et al | publisher=University of Singapore | url=http://www.math.nus.edu.sg/aslaksen/gem-projects/hm/astronomy_and_astrology_in_the_works_of_chaucer.pdf | accessdate=2006-07-17}}</ref> and [[William Shakespeare]],<ref>{{cite web | title=''Shakespeare, Astrology, and Alchemy: A Critical and Historical Perspective'' | author=P. Brown | publisher= The Mountain Astrologer, February/March 2004 | url=http://www.astrofuturetrends.com/id19.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Shakespeare's Astrology | author=F. Piechoski|url=http://starcats.com/anima/shakespeare.html}}</ref> used astrological symbolism to add subtlety and nuance to the description of their characters' motivation(s). More recently, Michael Ward has proposed that [[C.S. Lewis]] imbued his [[Chronicles of Narnia]] with the characteristics and symbols of the seven heavens. Often, an understanding of astrological symbolism is needed to fully appreciate such literature.
Some modern thinkers, notably Carl Jung,<ref name="Jung">Carl G. Jung, "Archetypes of the Collective Unconscious," excerpted in ''The Basic Writings of C.G. Jung'' (Modern Library, repr. 1993), 362-363.</ref> believe in astrology's descriptive powers regarding the mind without necessarily subscribing to its predictive claims. In education astrology is reflected in the [[university education]] of [[medieval Europe]], which was divided into seven distinct areas, each represented by a particular planet and known as the seven [[liberal arts]]. [[Dante|Dante Alighieri]] speculated that these arts, which grew into the sciences we know today, fitted the same structure as the planets.
In music the best known example of astrology's influence is in the orchestral suite called "[[The Planets]]" by the British composer [[Gustav Holst]], the framework of which is based upon the astrological symbolism of the planets.
==Astrology and science==
{{Infobox Pseudoscience
|topics=[[Astronomy]], [[Psychology]]
|claims=Position of the planets determines personality and human events.
|origyear=antiquity
|origprop= ancient priests and astrologers
|currentprop= [[Philip Berg]], [[Rob Brezsny]], [[Michel Gauquelin]], [[Linda Goodman]], [[Sydney Omarr]], [[Joan Quigley]], [[Jackie Stallone]], [[Athena Starwoman]], [[Shelley von Strunckel]], [[Richard Tarnas]]
}}
[[Image:Cellarius ptolemaic system.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Ptolemaic system]] depicted by [[Andreas Cellarius]], 1660/61]]
By the time of [[Francis Bacon]] and the scientific revolution, newly emerging scientific disciplines acquired a method of systematic empirical induction validated by experimental observations, which led to the scientific revolution.<ref>{{cite web | title= The scientific revolution | url=http://www.wsu.edu:8001/~dee/ENLIGHT/SCIREV.HTM | author=Hooker, Richard}}</ref> At this point, astrology and astronomy began to diverge; astronomy became one of the central sciences while astrology was increasingly viewed as an occult science or superstition by natural scientists. This separation accelerated through the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.<ref name="Tester">Jim Tester, ''A History of Western Astrology'' (Ballantine Books, 1989), 240ff.</ref>
Astrology is now regarded as unscientific both by scientific bodies and by individual scientists<ref>{{cite web | title=''The Real Romance in the Stars'' | author=Richard Dawkins | publisher= The Independent, December 1995 | url=http://www.simonyi.ox.ac.uk/dawkins/WorldOfDawkins-archive/Dawkins/Work/Articles/1995-12romance_in_stars.shtml}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=British Physicist Debunks Astrology in Indian Lecture | publisher=Associated Press | url=http://www.beliefnet.com/story/63/story_6346_1.html}}</ref> and has been labeled as a [[pseudoscience]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Astronomical Pseudo-Science: A Skeptic's Resource List | publisher=Astronomical Society of the Pacific | url=http://www.astrosociety.org/education/resources/pseudobib.html}}</ref> In 1975, the [[American Humanist Association]] published one of the most widely known modern criticisms of astrology, characterizing those who continue to have faith in the subject as doing so "in spite of the fact that there is no verified scientific basis for their beliefs, and indeed that there is strong evidence to the contrary".<ref name="humanist">{{cite web | title=<nowiki>Objections to Astrology: A Statement by 186 Leading Scientists</nowiki> | publisher=<nowiki>The Humanist, September/October 1975</nowiki>|url=http://www.americanhumanist.org/about/astrology.html}}</ref> Astronomer [[Carl Sagan]] found himself unable to sign the statement, not because he felt astrology had any validity at all, but because he found the statement's tone [[authoritarian]].<ref name="Sagan">Sagan, Carl. "Letter." The Humanist 36 (1976): 2</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Astrology: What it is and what it isn't, | author=Mariapaula Karadimas | publisher=The Peak Publications Society | url=http://www.peak.sfu.ca/the-peak/2006-1/issue7/fe-astro.html}}</ref> Sagan stated that he would instead have been willing to sign a statement describing and refuting the principal tenets of astrological belief, which he believed would have been far more persuasive and would have produced much less controversy than the circulated statement.<ref>Sagan, Carl. ''The Demon Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark.'' (New York: Ballantine Books, 1996), 303.</ref>
Although astrology has had no scientific standing for some time, it has been the subject of much research among astrologers since the beginning of the twentieth century. In their landmark study of twentieth-century research into natal astrology, astrology critics Geoffrey Dean and coauthors documented this burgeoning research activity, primarily within the astrological community.<ref name="Dean">G. Dean et al, ''Recent Advances in Natal Astrology: A Critical Review 1900-1976''. The Astrological Association (England 1977)</ref>
=== Claims about obstacles to research ===
Astrologers have argued that there are significant obstacles in carrying out scientific research into astrology today, including lack of funding,<ref name="Eysenck">H.J. Eysenck & D.K.B. Nias, ''Astrology: Science or Superstition?'' Penguin Books (1982) ISBN 0-14-022397-5</ref><ref name="Phillipson">G. Phillipson, ''Astrology in the Year Zero''. Flare Publications (London, 2000) ISBN 0-9530261-9-1</ref> lack of background in science and statistics by astrologers,<ref name="avalon">{{cite web | title=School History | publisher=The Avalon School of Astrology | url=http://www.avalonastrology.com/History.htm}}</ref> and insufficient expertise in astrology by research scientists and skeptics.<ref name="Harding">{{cite web | title=Prejudice in Astrological Research | author=M. Harding | publisher=Correlation, Vol 19(1) | url=http://www.astrozero.co.uk/astroscience/harding.htm}}</ref><ref name="Eysenck"/><ref name="Phillipson"/> There are only a handful of journals dealing with [[scientific research]] into astrology (i.e. astrological journals directed towards scientific research or [[scientific journal]]s publishing astrological research). Some astrologers have argued that few practitioners today pursue scientific testing of astrology because they feel that working with clients on a daily basis provides a personal validation for them.<ref name="Phillipson"/><ref name="Irving">{{cite web | title=Science, Astrology and the Gauquelin Planetary Effects | author=K. Irving | url=http://www.planetos.info/sciast1.html}}</ref>
Another argument made by astrologers is that most studies of astrology do not reflect the nature of astrological practice and that the [[scientific method]] does not apply to astrology.<ref name="MUL-MVA">M. Urban-Lurain, ''Introduction to Multivariate Analysis'', Astrological Research Methods, Volume 1: An ISAR Anthology. International Society for Astrological Research (Los Angeles 1995) ISBN 0-9646366-0-3</ref><ref name="Perry">G. Perry, ''How do we Know What we Think we Know? From Paradigm to Method in Astrological Research'', Astrological Research Methods, Volume 1: An ISAR Anthology. International Society for Astrological Research (Los Angeles 1995) ISBN 0-9646366-0-3</ref> Some astrology proponents claim that the prevailing attitudes and motives of many opponents of astrology introduce conscious or unconscious bias in the formulation of hypotheses to be tested, the conduct of the tests, and the reporting of results.<ref name="Harding"/><ref name="asotp"/><ref name="humanist"/><ref>{{cite web | title=Astrology for Skeptics | author=Bob Marks | url=http://www.bobmarksastrologer.com/skeptics.htm}}</ref><ref name=eysenck-nias/>
[[Image:God the Geometer.jpg|thumb|Early science, particularly geometry and astronomy/astrology, was connected to the divine for most [[History of science in the Middle Ages|medieval scholars]]. The [[compass]] in this 13th century manuscript is a symbol of God's act of [[Creation myth|creation]], as many believed that there was something intrinsically divine or perfect that could be found in [[circle]]s.]]
===Mechanism===
As astrologers have been consistently unable to present physical mechanisms for astrology,<ref name="Seymour">Dr. P. Seymour, ''Astrology: The evidence of Science.'' Penguin Group (London, 1988) ISBN 0-14-019226-3</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=The Pineal Gland and the Ancient Art of Iatromathematica | author=Frank McGillion | url=http://www.astrology-research.net/researchlibrary/Iatr/pineal.htm}}</ref> few modern astrologers believe in a direct causal relationship between heavenly bodies and earthly events.<ref name="Phillipson"/> An editorial published by the [[Astronomical Society of the Pacific]] reports that they can find no evidence for a scientifically defined mechanism by which celestial objects can influence terrestrial affairs.<ref name="asotp"/> Some researchers have posited [[acausal]], purely [[correlative]], relationships between astrological observations and events, such as the theory of [[synchronicity]] proposed by Carl Jung.<ref>Maggie Hyde, Jung and Astrology. The Aquarian Press (London, 1992) p. 24-26.</ref> Others have posited a basis in [[divination]].<ref name="Cornelius">Geoffrey Cornelius, The Moment of Astrology. Utsav Arora, another meditation research specialist and astrologer, argues, "if 100% accuracy were to be the benchmark, we should be closing down and shutting all hospitals, medical labs. Scientific medical equipment and drugs have a long history of errors and miscalculations. Same is the case with computers and electronic. We don't refute electronic gadgets and equipment just because it fails but we work towards finding cures for the errors." The Wessex Astrologer (Bournemouth, 2003.)</ref> Still others have argued that empirical correlations can stand on their own [[epistemology|epistemologically]], and do not need the support of any theory or mechanism.<ref name="Harding"/> To some observers, these non-mechanistic concepts raise serious questions about the feasibility of validating astrology through scientific testing, and some have gone so far as to reject the applicability of the scientific method to astrology almost entirely.<ref name="Harding"/> Some astrologers, on the other hand, believe that astrology is amenable to the scientific method, given sufficiently sophisticated analytical methods, and they cite pilot studies they claim support this view.<ref name="HARASTRES">D. Cochrane, ''Towards a Proof of Astrology: An AstroSignature for Mathematical Ability'' International Astrologer ISAR Journal Winter-Spring 2005, Vol 33, #2</ref> Consequently, several astrologers have called for or advocated continuing studies of astrology based on statistical validation.<ref>M. Pottenger (ed), ''Astrological Research Methods, Volume 1: An ISAR Anthology.'' International Society for Astrological Research (Los Angeles 1995) ISBN 0-9646366-0-3</ref>
===Research===
[[Image:Marseffect.svg|thumb|left|The [[Mars effect]]: relative frequency of the [[diurnal motion|diurnal position]] of Mars in the birth chart of eminent athletes.]]
Astrology has repeatedly failed to demonstrate its effectiveness in numerous controlled studies.<ref name=WordNet /><ref name=asotp /> [[Effect size]] studies in astrology conclude that the mean accuracy of astrological predictions is no greater than what is expected by chance, and astrology's perceived performance has disappeared on critical inspection.<ref name="Psi">{{cite web | title=Is Astrology Relevant to Consciousness and Psi? | author=Dean and Kelly | url=http://64.233.183.104/search?q=cache:mXtoOvmpSHMJ:www.imprint.co.uk}}</ref> When testing for [[cognitive]], [[behavioral]], physical and other variables, one study of astrological "[[Astro-twin|time twins]]" showed that human characteristics are not molded by the influence of the Sun, Moon and planets at the time of birth.<ref name="Psi"/><ref name="wimtes">{{cite news |author = Robert Matthews |url = http://www.washtimes.com/world/20030817-105449-9384r.htm |title = Comprehensive study of 'time twins' debunks astrology|publisher = London Daily Telegraph |date = 2003-08-17 | archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070522093713/http://www.washtimes.com/world/20030817-105449-9384r.htm | archivedate=2007-05-22}}</ref> Skeptics of astrology also suggest that the perceived accuracy of astrological interpretations and descriptions of one's personality can be accounted for by the [[Confirmation bias|fact]] that people tend to exaggerate positive 'hits' and overlook whatever does not fit, especially when [[Forer effect|vague language is used]].<ref name="Psi"/> They also argue that statistical research is often wrongly seen as evidence for astrology due to uncontrolled artifacts.<ref>{{cite web | title=Artifacts in data often wrongly seen as evidence for astrology | url=http://www.rudolfhsmit.nl/d-arti2.htm | first=Geoffery | last=Dean}}</ref> A large-scale study, with a sample size of about 15,000 "astro-twins", was published in 2006. It examined the relationship between date of birth and individual differences in personality and general intelligence, and found no evidence that a connection existed.<ref name="hartmann1">{{cite journal
|title=The relationship between date of birth and individual differences in personality and intelligence: A large-scale study
|journal=Personality and Individual Differences
|year=2006
|volume=40
|pages=1349–1362
|first=Hartmann
|last=Peter
|coauthors=Reuter, Martin; Nyborg, Helmut
|doi=10.1016/j.paid.2005.11.017
|laysummary=http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/stories/s1623400.htm
|laysource=Discovery News
|laydate=2006-04-25
|issn=0191-8869
}}</ref> It also found no relationship between the zodiacal signs and participants' personal traits.<ref name="hartmann1"/>
French psychologist and statistician [[Michel Gauquelin]] claimed to have found correlations between some planetary positions and certain human traits such as vocations.<ref>Gauquelin M., Cosmic Influences on Human Behavior, Aurora Press, Santa Fe NM (1994)</ref> Gauquelin's most widely known claim is known as the [[Mars effect]], which is said to demonstrate a correlation between the planet Mars occupying certain positions in the sky more often at the birth of eminent sports champions than at the birth of ordinary people. A similar claim is made by [[Richard Tarnas]] in his work ''Cosmos and Psyche'', in which he explores correspondences between planetary alignments and historically significant events and individuals.
Since its original publication in 1955, the Mars effect has been the subject of critical studies and [[scientific skepticism|skeptical]] publications which refute it,<ref>Benski, C. et al. 1996. The "Mars Effect": A French Test of Over 1000 Sports Champions.</ref><ref>Zelen, M., P. Kurtz, and G. Abell. 1977. Is there a Mars effect? The Humanist 37 (6): 36-39.</ref><ref>Herbert Neisler in ''Skeptical — a Handbook of Pseudoscience and the Paranormal'', ed [[Donald Laycock]], [[David Vernon (writer)|David Vernon]], [[Colin Groves]], [[Simon Brown (author)|Simon Brown]], Imagecraft, Canberra, 1989, ISBN 0731657942, p3</ref> and studies in [[fringe science|fringe journals]] claiming to support or expand the original claims.<ref>{{cite web | title=Raising the Hurdle for the Athletes' Mars Effect: Association Co-Varies With Eminence | url=http://www.scientificexploration.org/jse/abstracts/v2n1a4.php | author=Suitbert Ertel | publisher=Journal of Scientific Exploration}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Discussion of Mars eminence effect | url=http://www.planetos.info/mmf.html | author=Ken Irving | publisher=Planetos}}</ref> Gauquelin's research has not received mainstream scientific notice.
The [[Forer effect]] is seen in astrology when most people simply accept their horoscopes as custom even if, by logic, it would mean that 1/12 of the world would have the exact same day or week.
==See also==
{{portal|Astrology|Astrology Project.gif}}
*[[List of astrologers|Astrologers (list of)]]
*[[List of astrological traditions, types, and systems]]
*[[Astrology and astronomy]]
*[[Astrology and computers]]
*[[Astrological aspect]]s
*[[House (astrology)|Astrological houses]]
*[[Astrological sign]]
**[[Zodiac]]
*[[Astrological symbols]]
* [[Astrological age]]
==References==
*[http://www.besttime-election.com] "Hindu Electional Astrology" - a compendium on Vedic / Hindu system of electional (''Muhurt'') astrology detailing their principles, prescriptions & database of over 250 elections of important life activities. ISBN 81-901413-0-9
<references/>
==External links==
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{{commonscat|Astrology}}
*{{dmoz|Society/Religion_and_Spirituality/Divination/Astrology/}}
;Astrology and science
*[http://www.astrology-and-science.com/ Astrology and Science], a critical look at astrology and science.
*[http://www.skepsis.nl/astrot.html The Astrotest], an account of a test of the [[predictive power]] of astrology, with references to other experiments.
*[http://www.world-of-dawkins.com/Dawkins/Work/Articles/1995-12romance_in_stars.htm The Real Romance in the Stars], a critical view of astrology by [[Richard Dawkins]].
*[http://www.astrofaces.com/ Astrofaces], a research project seeking to provide statistical correlations of astrology for modern science with photographs grouped by the sun, moon and ascendant signs of the subjects.
;Astrology and religion
*[http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503544140 Astrology in Islam]
*[http://www.geocities.com/kkhaan/horoscope.html Astrology Haram in Islam]
*[http://www.freeread.com/archives/short_subjects.php#astrolgy_bible Astrology in the Old and New Testament], by [[Joseph John Dewey]].
*[http://www.esoteric.msu.edu/VolumeIV/astrology.htm Astrology: Between Religion and the Empirical], a treatise on astrology by Dr. Gustav-Adolf Schoener, translated by Shane Denson.
*[http://www.bl.uk/learning/artimages/bodies/astrology/astrologyhome.html Medieval Astrology], a learning resource from the British Library.
*[http://www.ou.org/chagim/astrology.htm Astrology in Judaism]
*[http://www.astrologer.20m.com/ Astrology Research Center Belgrade], by prof. Joanna Lucic Gajic
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