Astrology is the study of stars and has a history dating thousands of years across multiple cultures. While there is no definitive point of where Astrology started, there is a consensus that it first emerged with the sages of ancient India in the Vedas. Some also consider astrology the basis of scientific studies that occurred later on the timeline with the Persians and Greeks. Mayans also studied the stars and have the Mayan calendar. Other cultures that focussed on the stars were the Persians and Egyptians. The study of stars was a way to correlate heavenly (celestial events) events on earth. Vedic Astrology (Sidereal Astrology) is the result of a Hindu sage Parasara whose work was translated in 1984. For those interested in studying Vedic Astrology, Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra is considered a classic work and essential required reading for anyone who wishes to learn astrology. The Chaldeans (famed for their studies in Numerology) have been credited with building the earliest observatories used for 'star gazing'. Other credits to the Chaldeans include the construction of the 12-star signs as we know them today. The knowledge they accumulated has been expanded upon over the centuries by the Babylonians and even Greece. The Chaldeans made their way to Greece in the 5th century BC and are said to have profoundly impacted Plato. Plato refers to the Moon and Sun as "visible Gods'.
Why Refer to Astrology?
Astrology is often called the daily horoscopes or weekly/monthly and annual forecasts. Still, Astrology is far more complex and profound than a superficial read for those who wish to create greater self-awareness as part of finding meaning in life and purpose. Astrology can provide the key to unlocking these answers and answers to questions about karma and destiny. The position of Astrology is that the psychological (Mind and thoughts) and the emotions (feelings and temperament) of an individual predetermine the future and destiny of a person. This position, as stated – was made many thousands of years ago – and modern psychologists and mental health physicians would agree to this day – even if they are not believers or followers of Astrological science, which modern-day star gazers the Astronomers refer to as "pseudo-science' because it includes faith and 'religion' in its basis.
Astrological Divisions
Medical/Pathology deals with diagnosing disease and health conditions and healing treatments. Within the modern context, this area becomes problematic as 'treatments often refer to 'appeasing the planets' through charity work and ritual to 'neutralise any influence from the planetary forces', which is not supported by any scientific evidence, and practitioners at least in the western context would likely find themselves sued as 'charlatans'. Horary astrology is the division of horoscope preparation, providing answers to precise questions at any moment by a person (individual) or a group of people (e.g. by their zodiac sign). Political and mundane astrology works on a larger scale than individual horoscopes. Instead, it deals with the horoscopes of countries, political leaders, and environmental events such as earthquakes, floods, wars, treaties, and economic and financial cycles and trends which seem to follow astronomical cycles (such as eclipses and alignment of the planets). Karma and Astrology: Astrology is also said to give insight into the age of an individual soul and soul development and where specific lessons must be experienced as part of soul evolution and development.
Benefits of Astrology
It is possible to gain insight and foresight and support reaching the highest potential (and self-empowerment) through knowing self and understanding self. To reach our highest potential, we must know our strengths and weaknesses to bring them to balance. Human destiny is directly related to the "Law of Karma' – for every action, there is a reaction. How we think and act will determine the outcomes in our relationships with others and throughout our lives. Loving relationships can support us in reaching higher understanding and knowledge. Part of this understanding is gleaned from insight into the individual STAR SIGN, which becomes an empowerment strategy for each person.
Other Study Topics
It would not be possible to do justice to the deep level of support that Astrology can provide you in this simple introduction. Instead, look at your specific star sign information here by clicking on the relevant image and include the content on your path of self-discovery. You may research topics such as "north Nodes" and the "houses" to find out how they influence your life and character. The point of interest here is the ancient cultures only relied partially on Astrology as a means of self-discovery and also included Numerology to provide specific insight into the life path.