Foundations of Western Astrology:
– Originated in the 2nd century CE from Babylonian and Hellenistic traditions
– Horoscopic in nature, constructing a horoscope at birth
– Views the cosmos as an integrated system with Earth and individuals
– Principle of symmetry between microcosm and macrocosm
Zodiac and Signs in Western Astrology:
– Represents the belt of constellations where celestial bodies move
– Twelve signs based on Earth’s relationship to fixed positions or constellations
– Signs influence personality traits and modes of expression
– Divided into elements and qualities
– Sun-sign astrology simplifies zodiac interpretations
Planetary Influences in Western Astrology:
– Planets represent basic drives in human psyche
– Each planet rules one or two zodiac signs
– Traditional rulership of signs based on seasonal derivations
– Essential dignity assesses a planet’s strength based on its zodiac position
– Interpretation considers planets’ positions in signs and houses
Horoscope Construction and Interpretation:
– Horoscopes are maps of the heavens at a specific moment
– Natal charts are the most common type of horoscope
– Interpretation involves planets’ positions in signs and houses
– Primary angles like ascendant and midheaven are crucial
– Aspects formed by planets relative to each other are considered
Astrology and Science:
– Majority of astrologers rely on personality tests and predictions
– Astrology lacks scientific validity
– No proposed mechanism for stars’ impact on Earth
– Falsifiable predictions of astrology have been disproven
– Test results show natal astrology no better than chance
Western astrology is the system of astrology most popular in Western countries. Western astrology is historically based on Ptolemy's Tetrabiblos (2nd century CE), which in turn was a continuation of Hellenistic and ultimately Babylonian traditions.
Western astrology is largely horoscopic, that is, it is a form of divination based on the construction of a horoscope for an exact moment, such as a person's birth as well as location (since time zones may or may not affect a person's birth chart), in which various cosmic bodies are said to have an influence. Astrology in western popular culture is often reduced to sun sign astrology, which considers only the individual's date of birth (i.e. the "position of the Sun" at that date).
Astrology is a pseudoscience and has consistently failed experimental and theoretical verification.
Astrology was widely considered a respectable academic and scientific field before the Enlightenment, but modern research has found no consistent empirical basis to it.
