Astrology History

The science & study of astrology can be found in records dating back to 3000 BC and appears to have its origin in Mesopotamia. The word, "astrology", originated from the Greek words, "astro", (star) and "logos", (meaning or reasoning). Through the ages, the human race has depended on the study of the earth in relation to the other planets of the solar system to understand many aspects of both communal and individual life. Some main areas of life affected by the study of the planets that still exist today are farming, fishing and the prediction of the tides. It has been said that the tides, here on earth, are determined, or at least greatly affected, by the gravitational pull of the moon. Throughout history, farmers have relied on the seasons and phases of the moon to help determine the type of crops to raise and most favorable times to plant and harvest them. Fishermen and hunters have learned to determine the feeding times and instinctive behavior of their game through the use of the seasons and positions of the moon.

Many of the great minds of history, such as Ptolemy, Pythagoras, Copernicus, Newton, Kepler, Brahe and Napier, aided in the development of astrology as a science through their studies of astronomical data and the phenomena of the universal laws of physics. On the more psychological plain, Carl G. Jung was credited for the further development of the phenomena of synchronicity and man's unconscious symbolism as a means of connecting with something greater than just physical existence. By definition, the phenomena of synchronicity implies that anything that originates or exists at a peticular moment in time carries with it the qualities of that moment in time. This belief gives understanding to how the planetary influences at play at the time of birth help to shape an individual's astrological personality or characteristics.

In the study of astrology, one cannot argue with the validity of the astrological data which determines the factual planetary positions, but one can debate the validity of the astrological interpretations or delineation of those positions. The debate seems to arise out of a lack of empirical or scientific evidence supporting the interpretations. In the early days of the development of astrology, the planet's positions and influences were considered all important in the living of daily life. Astrology and Astronomy grew hand in hand with the ongoing discoveries of the laws of physics. As time progressed, the mathematical facts that proved the laws of physics, and the positions of the planets began to take precedence over interpreting the meanings or influences of those positions.

Consider, for moment, the fact that the gravitational pull of the moon has been said to have a major effect on the incredibly large bodies of water known to us as oceans. In turn, consider the fact that the human body is composed of a greatest percentage of ... yes, water. Now, if the amount of water in the human body is considered to be significantly less than the amount of water in the tremendous bodies of water, known as oceans, it would logically follow that since the moon has such a tremendous effect on those incredibly large bodies of water it may also have an effect on the human body - however minute that effect may be considered to be. There are, of course, many variables to this view, but the basic statement still holds true - "however minute that effect is considered to be". Understand, we are not talking about the concepts of determinism, blind cause and effect or "fate". We are discussing energies and potential effects of those energies. Dropping an apple results in the display of the power of gravity, and although we cannot for a second see gravity, we continuously feel its effects.

The study of astrology is a fascinating approach and addition to the journey of self-discovery or self-awakening. There is a very powerful awareness of the "self (higher & lower)" that comes with the study of astrology. Through the study of the human condition, it has been said that a human being is much more than a physical extension interacting in an external environment, and that physical extention is, in fact, only a small part of the core of existence! The interesting thing about astrology is that it can be used as a tool in the journey of self-retrieval, or it can be used as a vehicle for just plain enjoyment and fun!

Astrology World