Summary: Astrology is considered to be a pseudo-science that explains and predicts the course of earthly affairs from observation of the sun, moon, and planets.

Astrology

By: Elaine Murray

Astrology is considered to be a pseudo-science that explains and predicts the course of earthly affairs from observation of the sun, moon, and planets.

According to astrology, the temperament and destiny of each person depends on the sign of the zodiac under which he/she was born, and on the continuing aspects of the heavenly bodies.

Astrology was studied among the ancient Egyptians, Hindus, Chinese, Etruscans, and the Chaldeans of Babylon.

Observing the influence of the heavenly bodies, especially that of the sun in ruling the seasons and determining the crops, men came to suppose that the power ordering the apparent chance of human life resided in the heavens, and that its influence might be read there. For this purpose, the celestial sphere is divided into 12 sectors, the so-called houses of heaven.

The influence of each house depends upon the position of the bodies within it, with the one containing the stars about to rise being the most powerful. The houses differ in their subject matter, each influencing one aspect of the subject's life, such as his/her longevity, prosperity, marriage, friends, or enemies. Certain houses belong to certain planets, the moon, or the sun, which, when occupying their houses, have particular powers.

Each planet has its own character and influence, good or bad, which determines the personality of the subject. (See horoscope; zodiac.)

Characteristics of the sun & planets:

Sun
The sun is the driving force of the universe and giver of life. Its influence is energy and leadership.

Moon
The moon is the female sun and ruler of psychic senses. It is changeable and magnetic. The moon is thought of as the mother goddess, probably from the fact that it takes 28 days to complete its three stages, and this is the length of the menstrual cycle.

Mercury
Mercury is the messenger, bringing reasoning power and perception, restlessness and mental agility.

Venus
Venus is the planet of love and happiness. Artistic talent and passion are associated with Venus.

Mars
Mars is the planet of war and courage, initiative, energy, and resourcefulness.

Jupiter
Jupiter is the noble planet. Its influences are faithfulness and generosity.

Saturn
Saturn is the slow planet. Its influences are selfishness and deceit.

Uranus
Uranus is the impatient planet. Its influences are originality and rashness.

Neptune
Neptune is the fluid planet. It influences spiritual and psychic consciousness.

Pluto
Pluto is the planet of death and rebirth. It transmits an influence that is forceful and compelling. Pluto expresses Universal Warfare in human thought.

Astrology... although considered only a pseudo-science, has certainly fascinated students and subjects alike. Maybe our fate really can be predicted in the heavens.

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Elaine Murray, B.A., teaches spiritual development classes with an emphasis on meditation. She has been a student of metaphysics and parapsychology for over 20 years, culminating in the publishing of "A Layman's Guide to New Age & Spiritual Terms." To contact Elaine write em@newagefast.com.

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