What is Astrology?

I could attempt to answer that question in many different ways, but I shall choose here to focus on what is most brief and clear.

Astrology is a system of analysis of planetary cycles and their interactions, not just the cycles of the Sun, or the Sun and Moon, but also the other planets of the solar system. It began (to the best of our reckoning) as Man discovered the usefulness of written language, and found it a great help to be able to write down how many cycles of the moon preceded the next harvest, or how many days preceded the next change of the seasons. It is known to have emerged in a form recognizable as similar to the astrology of today about 2,100-2,500 years ago.

It is a common misunderstanding that "the stars" are the heart of astrology, and not the planets, but the use of the phrase "the stars" in astrology is mostly an old-fashioned romantic metaphor. There is some small part for "the fixed stars" in astrology, but it is minor. The fixed stars (i.e., not orbiting nearby and "traveling" as the planets do) are ignored entirely by many astrologers, and only given an occasional glance by many more.

Astrology is a systematized look at natural cycles, such as the changing seasons, the phases of the moon, and the tides. It seeks to give us another point of view of some natural cycles in particular that may be of special concern to us: our own lives, and our own world. Creation itself, the entire universe and everything in it could be seen in terms of natural cycles too, so we're talking about a topic that is potentially very sweeping indeed!

Then is astrology a religion?

No. It does not require an acceptance of a specific author of the universe, or try to say how He should be worshipped - or why he must be "He", necessarily. It is possible to combine astrology with virtually any religion, or with none. The main point in common between astrology and religion is that both generally point the way to something bigger, something sublime, a majestic and intelligent order in the universe that regulates the natural cycles that seem to flow through everything. In both, there is no random, senseless universe, careening toward meaninglessly babbling chaos and cataclysm. In both, there's at least a hope that we may be able to understand some small part of this order, and gather some of the meaning to ourselves. Ultimately, there's a hope that this order will carry us on to some kind of destiny, spiritual evolution or salvation, so both imply some sense of deeper purpose.

[One great astrologer and author who saw a happy kinship between God and astrology was William Lilly. In his Christian Astrology (1647), he describes astrology as "this heavenly knowledge of the stars, wherein the great and admirable works of the invisible and alglorious God are so manifestly apparent." While Mr. Lilly was at times under some pressure to promote harmony with the church, I believe that he was sincere regarding his belief and love of God. Many other astrologers have expressed similar views.]

Beyond this, the two have little in common. The chart of an atheist seems to be equally valid to that of the saint, although those charts may read very differently. Astrology is utterly non-denominational, so for example, it does not usually discriminate between those who quest alone, and those who find their meaning in Krishna, Allah, Jehovah or Jesus. The charts of ardent seekers read very much alike, whatever their sect, church or faith might or might not be.

Is astrology "magick"?

In my opinion, no. Any practitioners of magick who may employ astrology may have different ideas on the subject. Just on principal, it could be argued that if magick is nothing more than exploiting natural cycles to one's advantage, then in theory, astrology could be very helpful. I have never tried to mix the two, and have no information on such an attempt upon which to base any opinion.

Is astrology Satanic?

No. Even the possibility would require a sufficiently structured theology to provide that Satan exists. Astrology favors no sectarian deity (or anti-deity) of any description. Of course, in the distant past, the planets themselves were regarded by some as gods, not by astrologers but by entire cultures. They are not now literally considered gods: nowadays, we might use a much more humble term like the "archetypes" of psychological pioneer Carl Jung, as used by archeological and philosphical explorers like Joseph Campbell. The planets are not all-powerful - they are symbolic.

Is astrology a scam?

No! Unfortunately, this has not kept scam artists from using it as a disguise, probably from the beginning. But this is true of any specialized or technical field: auto repair, for example, accounting, pop evangelism, or running a multinational corporation, or a young, unstable government. Caveat emptor applies here just as it does there. Snake oil salesmen respect no field so much as to leave it utterly pure of con artists.

I take my astrological studies very seriously. I've found a lot of meaning there. I hope you can, too. I will try to help.

Neptune Bob

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