Astrology
From ArticleWorld
The word Astrology is a fusion of 2 Greek words, namely astron meaning ‘star’ and logos meaning ‘word’. It literally means ‘the message of the stars’. Astrology refers to study of celestial bodies and the influence of their positions on an individual’s future or the world at large. A practitioner of this form of divination is called an astrologer or sometimes, an astrologist.
Astrology is usually done on the basis of a horoscope made with reference to a person’s time and place of birth. The positions of the Sun, Moon, lunar nodes, planets, ascendant and midheaven axes are vital considerations. They play an influential role in the physicality, personality and overall fate of a person. Astrology relies heavily on the correct observation of planetary movements and hence may be called a protoscience.
The authenticity of astrology is a sensationally controversial subject. Scientists do not accept its veracity and tend to label it as an art form or even a pseudoscience. Christianity and Islam reject it on principle. Hindus and Buddhists continue to have faith in its ideology.
Nevertheless, astrology has had a profound influence on the world culture in general, especially languages. The word disaster is a Latin word (dis-aster) which means ‘bad star’. Some words are derived from celestial names and indicate the very characteristic attributed to it under astrology. Some examples : ‘Jovial’ (Jupiter / Jove), lunatic (Moon), martial (Mars) and mercuric (Mercury).
Branches
Based on their methodology, several branches of astrology exist :
- Natal astrology – Studying the horoscope or natal chart.
- Judicial astrology – Divining the fate of not only individuals, but also nations as a whole.
- Horary astrology – Answering specific queries by casting a chart.
- Electional astrology – Determining the most favorable time to begin new venture by drawing up a chart in advance.
- Medical astrology – Consulting the natal / horary chart to detect and treat diseases.
- Political astrology – Predicting about politics and the government.
- Meteorological astrology – Predicting the weather.
- Mundane astrology – Correlating astronomical and ecological phenomena.
History
Astrology is said to have emerged during the Babylonian era. It spread its roots to Greece around 4th century B.C. The existence of several Greek Gods and Goddesses bear testimony to this fact. In Rome, it existed before the advent of Christianity. In medieval Europe, astrology was linked to the seven liberal arts.
Days of the Week
The names of the 7 days of the week are dedicated to different celestial bodies, which are
- Sunday – Sun
- Monday – Moon
- Tuesday – Mars
- Wednesday – Mercury
- Thursday – Jupiter
- Friday – Venus
- Saturday – Saturn.