What is Astrology?

From the time man first looked at the stars, sitting in front of his cave at night, the questions have been: Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going? How am I going to get there? What will I find when I arrive? Based on these deep yearnings in the heart of every human, prophets of all kinds have arisen to fill the void.

And as these ancestors of ours began to examine their environment for clues to these questions, they turned to the skies. Sooner or later those who were astute tried to bring the sky down to earth - to look for the practical applications of the night-time observations. For example, someone first noticed that when the sunset location began to fall back toward the south, then the long summer days would soon give way to long cold winter nights.

They began to observe patterns of correlations between the position of celestial bodies above and the events and circumstances on earth below. Astrology is the study of these correlations and the art of interpreting their meaning.

In Medieval times many scholars were also astrologers. In the 13th century Thomas Aquinas wrote about correlations between planetary positions and human nature, during times when astrology was interwoven in the fabric of Christianity. Kepler and Galileo were both astrological advisers at court. Despite the ebb and flow of popular opinion, astrology has always enjoyed a most illustrious following. We have refined our methods of observation and measurement since the early days

Today’s astrologers have the legacy of empirical data collected by all major cultures of the world. This provides a foundation or a springboard for continuing research along modern lines. As we carry on studying the correlations between planetary positions above and events and circumstances on the earth below, we gravitate towards the kinds of events which most interest us.

Thus various branches of Astrology have emerged to cater for our ever diversifying society.

Mundane Astrology - Mundane astrology explores cycles in areas of life such as politics, governments, countries, belief systems or the arts.

Natural or Meteorological Astrology - This is the study of planetary cycles as they relate to earthquakes, severe storms or forecasting weather.

Sunsign Astrology - Sunsign columns, as appear in newspaper’s and magazines, are commercial astrological forecasts. These began in 1934 and serve mainly as light entertainment or conversation pieces.

Natal Astrology (person centred) - Begun about 400 BC, this is the most commonly practiced branch of astrology today. It involves the preparation and interpretation of a natal chart or horoscope, a precise mapping of the position of sun, moon and planets centred around the location of birth at the time of birth. As the moment of beginning contains the seed potential of full development for all entitles born (or begun) on earth, the natal chart contains in symbolic language all the potential of maturity. The natal chart is exceptionally specific for every individual, accurately detailing personal qualities such as talents and capabilities, fears, likes and dislikes, emotional and intellectual functions. Elements of the chart reveal indications for career, health, relationships and more.

Electional Astrology - This branch of astrology applies knowledge of planetary position to well chosen start-up times for businesses, meetings, contracts, and any venture which could benefit from the most auspicious beginning. It is easier to launch your boat when the tide is in rather than dragging it over long stretches of deep sand to find the water’s edge. Electional astrology also has an astoundingly long history. Hesiod in his “Works and Days”, written before 750 BC, lists best days to pursue various activities from harvesting the grapes to getting married.

Horary Astrology - Horary astrology uses the imprint of energy from the exact moment at which a question is asked as a tool to answer that same question.

The uses of astrology outlined above are just as valid today. Modern astrologers rarely advise on the likely outcome of a joust or battle but then our ancient counterparts were never consulted about stock trading trends. Astrologers today can apply the extensive body of empirical knowledge to support any field in which the understanding of human qualities and make up is beneficial or necessary: human resource development, management training, education, psychology and counselling, health and healing fields, personal growth and career guidance.