Astrology has been around for thousands of years and some swear by its insights, while others dismiss it as a wacky pseudoscience. So can astrology and the scientific community co-exist? By Rujula Photo by Nastya Dulhiier on Unsplash Astrology refers to the observation of the movements of stars and celestial bodies and the use of these to interpret common human affairs and the natural world. The experts in this area are called astrologers. They observe and interpret star, planetary and constellation movements in order to foretell the future of each respective zodiac sign. Many of the instruments used by astrologers are astronomical and some methods more astrological, such as large sundials of zodiac signs. Such instruments exist and are in use in, for example, India. Astrology originated in Mesopotamia and traveled to India. At the time when there was no distracting light pollution, skies were clear and people began to see patterns and shapes among the stars and then to predict what those movements might mean. So astrology is thousands of years old, not just the latest internet fad. It developed its western form in Egypt and In India the skill was named Vedic Astrology. It might be seen as a middle point between mythology and astronomy. It was seen as kind of science, although when science developed more, many started to increasingly question astrology. The history of science is filled with many intense debates. For example, when Galileo Galilei, a famous Italian scientist, brought scientific concepts to the church, people were enraged. They thought he was advocating against the central role of God. Throughout history people have longed for something to hold on to, something to believe in. And science is definitely not that. It always changes with new evidence and is uncertain. Many people, especially in countries like India, believe in God and mythology along with science, so they can potentially experience the benefits of both. Whereas they feel that science can’t always explain all things and how they work, mythology has an explanation, a narrative, for everything. It gives humans a dream, a possibility to hold on to meaning. Scientists are often totally against astrology, arguing that it offers no logical explanations. They believe that astronomers can use reason to work through their misunderstandings but astrologers can’t. Another argument used it that astrologers claim to know the position of planets but historically failed to find the positions of Uranus and Neptune, which were later found by scientists. In the end, astrology gives no clear evidence that stars and planets actually affect our futures and behaviors. Instead, it uses mythology, stories and ideas which are hard to prove with science. Science doesn’t have any explanation for this. Another reason is false predictions. Jeane Dixon is an example of a famous astrologer who made many false predictions. She predicted that Richard Nixon would win the 1960 elections but he did not win. Now there are a lot of reasons for why astrological predictions are fake 90% of the time. This is because 90% of those astrologers are not actually astrologers. In ancient times only sages used to have and this knowledge. whereas nowadays people state they are astrologers just by watching YouTube videos. There are many apps and websites that claim to teach you astrology. For example:- The Pattern. Astrology is not an easy art but a very easy way to gain money. Many people pretend to be fortune tellers just to get money out of people. More causes of false prediction are:-
Now let’s see through the astrological point of view. Many astrologers don’t agree with the criticisms. They are not interested in defending astrology on the grounds of science. They say that they never said it was a science. The thing that makes astrology interesting is the way the story is told, the way the astrologer tells you your own data. Astrology is a mysterious kind of skill. It is supposed to be the pleasure of interpretation that counts. So trying to prove it with logic kind of misses the point of it. Also, the systems are thousands of years old and were developed by spiritual gurus and saints. It is pretty hard to cross-question a system that has been around for so long and prove it. It would mean that you are questioning the work of all those people who spiritual communities are devoted to. Plus, there have been many failures but also astrologers who have made accurate predictions. Photo by Greg Rakozy on Unsplash In the end, having these perspectives really is an interesting facet of our lives. The debate between astrology and science has been here for a long time, but that’s the fun of it. It gives you a choice to make. They each have their own scope and space in our lives. Science is young, has achieved amazing things and can do wonders in the future. Astrology, meanwhile, speaks to our past and can keep us pushing for meanings in the future. Maybe in the future there will be a way of explaining astrology, especially considering the neuroscience research being carried out now on things like meditation to explore what power there is beyond our conscious minds. We have come a long way and will continue to search for more. Maybe in the future science and astrology will finally be at peace. In the meantime, let’s celebrate having these different perspectives and choices.
Works Cited An, et al. “Why Astrological Predictions Fail at Times? - Times of India.” The Times of India, timesofindia.indiatimes.com/astrology/horoscope/why-astrological-predictions-fail-at-times/articleshow/68205126.cms. “Astrology Fails the Test of Science (2).” Www.truthmagazine.com, www.truthmagazine.com/archives/volume34/GOT034263.html. Accessed 11 Apr. 2024. “Development of Astrology from Ancient to Modern Times | Britannica.” Www.britannica.com, www.britannica.com/summary/astrology#:~:text=It%20originated%20in%20Mesopotamia%20(c. Dufrin, Moriah. “Astrology & Christianity: What Does the Bible Say about the Zodiac and Horoscopes?” Journey Homeschool Academy, 8 Aug. 2022, journeyhomeschoolacademy.com/astrology-christianity-what-does-bible-say-zodiac-horoscopes/#:~:text=Believing%20in%20the%20power%20and. “Exploring Astrology: Is It Science?” The Times of India, 4 Mar. 2024, timesofindia.indiatimes.com/astrology/others/exploring-astrology-is-it-science/articleshow/108212192.cms. “How Astrology Evolved, from Mesopotamia to Instagram | the Backstory | the New Yorker.” Www.youtube.com, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dpk5QFt8h2w. “How Does Astrology Work? Here’s Everything You Should Know!” AstroTalk Blog - Online Astrology Consultation with Astrologer, 23 July 2023, astrotalk.com/astrology-blog/how-does-astrology-work-insideastro-iakc7/. “Jantar Mantar Jaipur- Tourism, Facts, History, Jantar Mantar.” Www.indiaeasytrip.com, www.indiaeasytrip.com/jantar-mantar-jaipur.html. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024. “Why Is It That 90% of Astrological Predictions Are Inaccurate?” Quora, 2019, www.quora.com/Why-is-it-that-90-of-astrological-predictions-are-inaccurate. Accessed 11 Apr. 2024.
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