Introduction to Astrology
Astrology, from the Greek words astra, a star, and logos, logic, is the study of the influence of celestial bodies upon animate and inanimate objects. It is also the parent of astronomy.
Originally, everyone who studied the stars were known as astrologers. It’s history reaches so far back into antiquity so as to place it among the first earliest recorded areas of study within the different cultures. Eventually astronomy, the study of the celestial objects to describe what is happening in the universe based on what is currently observed, split from its parent and is known today as an "objective" or "hard" science, adhering to the standards of the scientific method.
Astrology, on the other hand, can be termed as "subjective science." It seeks to define, understand, and explain life’s reaction to the various planetary vibrations. It has long sought validation by the scientific community but has not yet received it. Lack of evidence utilizing the scientific method is often stated, but the effects of celestial bodies upon the earth and ourselves are well documented. For example, the moon’s magnetic force has direct influence over our ocean’s tides; the sun, moon, and climatic changes discern the seasons as well as plant and animal fertility. A woman’s natural rhythm is with the moon’s influence; an effect so long recognized that the old term for menstruation was "moontime" or "moonflow."
Astrology works on an "as above, so below" principle. The universe (macrocosm) is reflected within the earth (microcosm). At birth, a chart can be cast for the new child which will then give him/her a life "blueprint." This chart is based upon the position of the planets and other celestials bodies at the time of birth. Some believe that these bodies exert a magnetic pull and thus explain why astrology works in that form; others believe that the celestial bodies create vibrational patterns as they resonate with earth and each other. The hypothesis then becomes that we respond to these patterns on an instinctual level.
While the natal sky mapping is said to give a blueprint for life, it is important to understand that this does not mean that these effects are inviolable. Our fates are not predetermined by the stars; rather, they simply inform us of particular tendencies based on the celestial vibrations present when we were born. How we respond to these vibrations is up to us. We can either be guided by them to set our own course, or we can be buffeted by the celestial winds. "Forewarned is forearmed."
Beyond becoming aware of our central tendencies towards action and reaction, astrology can also assist us in timing major and minor events, such as scheduling surgery for the best chance for the least complications, planting a garden, marrying well, and seeing financial trends. It can help when choosing a career path and map political, social, and cultural trends. Each of these is a separate form of study from the Natal (birth) Astrology with which most people are best acquainted, and include Horary, Vocational, Medical, and mundane astrology.
It is important to remember that the twelve signs of the zodiac are not a perfect fit for any one person. We are all a combination of some or all twelve signs and their interactions with each other. Further, each of these interactions separately effect various aspects of our life, multidimensional beings that we are! Even twins will have minor differences in their charts, and thus display distinct and separate personalities from the other. The natal horoscope, or birth skymap, is as unique an individual identifier as is a thumbprint.
Astrology determines actions and reactions within individuals and events by noting where the planets were at a certain moment. These are then placed within an "astrological wheel" that is divided into twelve sections, or houses. Each house governs a part of life, such as personality, family, career, etc. These houses, in turn, are then "ruled" by various astrological signs. The sign in each house gives the dominate influence for that house, and the personal planet(s) that reside there signify how that influence will manifest itself.
The twelves signs of the zodiac are divided into three categories, or "quadrants." These represent the cardinal, fixed, and mutable signs. They signify the general influence of the sign. For example, a fixed sign is resistant to change; a cardinal sign seems to adapt to anything, and mutable signs have the attributes of both fixed and cardinal, with the manifestation of each being determined by the zodiacal layout.
The twelves signs are also divided into four groups, called "Triplicities." Each triplicity of signs is ruled by a different element, and will generally take on the basic characteristics of that element. The four triplicities are Earth, Air, Fire, Water.
In addition, the twelves signs also rule twelve aspects of our bodies. For example, Aquarians are notorious for weak ankles; ice skating is usually not among their outstanding sports accomplishments! This is because Aquarius rules the ankles and calves, and thus predicts the predisposition of medical problems in that part of the body, dependent upon the interaction with other planets. Notice I said "predisposition." Again, nothing is "cast in the stars." Astrology gives us predispositions and tendencies, not absolutes.
The twelves signs are also divided into different classifications. Some of these classifications include the triplicity of "fruitful, barren, and semi-fruitful. Another classification triplicity is masculine (positive energy), feminine (negative energy), and bi-corporeal (double-bodied energy). This latter classification includes only Gemini, Pisces, and the first half of Sagittarius. They’re called bi-corporeal because each of these signs is pictured as two distinct parts: Gemini, the twins; Sagittarius, the horse and archer; and Pisces, the two fish. These signs then, obviously, include towards duality.
Each sign also has an ascendency measurement, as well. The degree of ascendency (declination or inclination) denotes how strongly that particular sign will be manifested through that planet.
Astrology, then, is the measurement of the planets at the time of birth of a person, place, or idea. This measurement is cast against a zodiacal chart, all other aspects and rulings are then taken into consideration and interpreted with respect to the other eleven, and a final interpretation is made. In addition, the study of Astrology can further be divided into separate and distinct categories, such as Natal, Medical, Mundane, and Horary.
Although Astrology has often been criticized through the ages, it has never been disproved by its own tenets. It is not a doctrine of fatalism that circumscribes free will, but rather it gives us the tools by which we can make informed decisions within our lives, and an awareness that helps us to understand the confusion life often dishes up to us as individuals.