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The basic definition of astrology can be quite simple or quite complicated
depending on how one chooses to look at it. However, the fact that it is quite
complex is undeniable but to begin with let’s take a look at one of its
simplest definitions. Regardless of whether it’s Indian, Chinese or Western
astrology, the underlying or basic tenet is the link that is between celestial
phenomena and terrestrial or human events. The word astrology hails from early
Greek and Latin origins and the most succinct definition can be summed up as,
the study of how astronomical bodies like the sun, moon, comets and planets
affect human being and their lives.
What is the basis of
this description?
Historically, many
cultures all over the world have always attached immense importance to
celestial events. Temples were built to correspond to astronomical events,
special traditions were started after these events and in more modern times
even national politics have been based on the services of astrologers and their
guidance. The basic model of any astrological stream is that the entire
universe is all connected and viewed as one entity. The principle of “as above,
so below” and vice versa has guided many in the astrology world and still does.
In fact, the individuals also consider themselves to be intricately linked to
the universe.
Ancient philosophical basics
have also played a part in defining astrology. For instance, Chinese astrology
has a deep link to Chinese philosophy. Indian astrology, also known as Vedic
astrology is also deeply connected to the astrological world. Almost every
culture in the world has sought out the definition of astrology and established traditions based on astrology in one form or
the other.
Astrology has also been
used to create birth charts or horoscopes. This essentially looks at the planetary
position at the time an individual is born and then goes on to predict the
person’s life. In India for instance, the horoscope is used to determine many
key functions such as weddings, the start of businesses and even the names of
newborn babies. The culture has many events based on the astrological
happenings and even gods believed to control them.
The zodiac wheel is
another way in which astrology has been defined or detailed. Almost all the
branches of astrology utilize the twelve signs of the zodiac to define an individual’s
life. In the western world, it may be Pisces, Gemini, Taurus, Scorpio and so on
but it is the Rat, Dragon and Pig in the Chinese version. All the astrological
signs represent twelve segments of equal length in the universe.
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On the flip side: Can
astrology be defined as a science?
As you may well be
aware of, different people answer this question very differently. Many of their
answers are always influenced by their personal experience in astrology and
what they think the definition of
astrology is. Astrologers themselves claim that it is a body of knowledge
that is derived from higher powers and is thus absolute in terms of validity
and truth. There are certainly many variations in this knowledge but the basis
of it all in many parts of the world is still the same.
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Starry sky photo credit: j-dub1980(THANK YOU FOR 100k+ Views) via photopin ccScorpio photo credit: pareeerica via photopin cc