How-To & Education
Astrology Clarified: What it Is and What it Isn't
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Astrology: Language of the Stars
An apt subtitle for this lens would be "A Basic Primer on Esoteric Practices".
After defining Astrology, we'll introduce in brief the many practices that are often confused with Astrology.
Astrology
From the Greek roots Astron for 'star' or 'of the stars' and logos for 'word'. The language of the stars and the study of the stars as the pertain to human experience.
I can't tell you how many times after having told someone that I am an Astrologer a common response is a curious outstretched hand, palm-up, with "Oh, can you read my palm?", or a wide-eyed "Do you see Auras?" etc. It is commonly assumed that if one practices Astrology that all esoteric arts are included as well. This is simply not true.
It is time to clear things up as to what astrology is, and mostly, what it isn't. Here I will target the most common and not so common practices, techniques and phenomena that are often confused with, or believed to be under the umbrella of "Astrology".
Hollywood and the Media have done a grand job of buggering things up into a big messy muddle. How many times have we seen the Gyspsy Fortune Teller gazing in the crystal ball and surrounded by a hodge-podge of esoteric symbols and props? The "Death Card" is a good example, too. It has been much maligned and mistakenly so. In Tarot, the Death card is often a positive indicator. In the quest to up the drama and mystery volume, as is typical, Hollywood has done a poor job of research and a fine job of perpetuating confusion!
True, there is some interesting stuff here, and the point is neither to validate nor dismiss any of these disciplines, but simply to raise awareness of the disitinction bewteen them and astrology. It is up to the reader to use their own judgement.
A key question to ask is:
"Does it use the movement or position of celestial objects to make a determination?"
If the answer is no, then it is NOT Astrology!
Now to untangle this mess and dispel the misconceptions!
(Check back soon. More links will be added as this lens "grows as it goes"!
You can help improve this lens by sharing you opinions and suggestions in the Guestbook below. Thanks!)
A Little Clarification
Image: Woodcut by Jörg Breu from the Book of Emblems (Latin: Emblematum liber) by Andrea Alciato, 1531
People become confused about what Astrology actually is because many of these things commony fall under the "Esoteric", "Occult" or "New Age" heading and often there is a degree of crossover. Those that study one discipline often explore or incorporate others into what they do. Some disciplines have a similar name, sharing the prefix "Astro" (from the Greek 'Astron' for "stars" or "of a star") as Astronomy, Astrodynamics or Astrophysics. These disciplines study the physical properites and motion of celestial objects and phenomena, but are not concerened with how they may affect or reflect the human psyche or condition.
Some of theses may share symbols or associations with astrology, and some Astrologers might employ other methods, but they still are not astrology. Example: An Astrologer MIGHT use Tarot Cards, or a Tarot Reader MIGHT use Astrology, but these are two different discplines. Some Astrologers MIGHT be Psychic and some Psychics MIGHT be Astrologers, but they are NOT one and the same.
Just as a Violinist MIGHT learn how to install a faucet, it does not mean all violinists can do that, nor does that make the violinist a plumber! It also does NOT make plumbers violininsts!
How's that for logic? Clear as mud, right?
Here we will look at practices, techniques and phenomena that are commonly confused with or believed to fall under the auspices of, but are NOT, Astrology.
Sprinkled in are links to relavent websites and books that I've hand-picked from Amazon if you want to go deeper into a subject.
Astrology Info Links
- Why don't I seem like my Sun Sign?
- WE ARE MORE THAN A SUN SIGN
Can't relate to your daily horoscope? Here I go into:
1. Why some people don't seem at all like their Sun Sign
2. Why you might not relate to your daily/ weekly/ monthly Horoscope
3. How astrology is a holistic system reveals a whole person, much more than "just a Sun Sign"
Get it straight from the "Astrologer's mouth"! - My Personal Website
- Off the beaten path astrology.
~Check out my writing: Astrology, Astronomy and related current events.
~Book a phone consultation.
~Find more links to great resources and places on the web! - Astrology - Definition
- From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Star of Bethelehem
- Biblical Astrology:
The Magi & the Star of Bethlehem
Where to Begin?
Great Basic Astrology Books
A Beginners Guide to Astrological Interpretation
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Amazon Price: $11.95 (as of 10/11/2008)
The Inner Sky: The Dynamic New Astrology for Everyone
Steven Forrest's insightful, thoughtfully written, easy to read yet soulful classic. He's a dear one.
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Choice Centered Astrology: The Basics
One of my all-time favorite books on astrology. Beginner and beyond.
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Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 10/11/2008)
The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need, New Edition
Classic book for the beginner. Newly revised and updated!
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Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)
Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook: Making Astrology Work for You
A updated edition of an old favorite. Brilliantly written with wit and wisdom. This book will be enjoyed by the novice or the professional.
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Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 10/11/2008)
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Astrology Calendars, Horoscopes, Planners, Magazines and More
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The world of Astrology issues many publications. Books, periodicals, newsletters, ezines, calendars and planners. Some are available to the public in bookstores, on newstands or by subscription, while others are only available to members of org...
The Following Practices Do NOT Qualify as Astrology
But sometimes they are confused with it.
Though an Astrologer may do, believe or practice any one or more of these things, and some may share some of the same symbolism, they are not in and of themselves Astrology.
Alchemy
A PHILOSOPHY
Alchemy gave birth to modern Chemistry. This is very similar to what happened with Astrology and Astronomy: both tend to disown the tradition from which they sprang. Alchemical manuscripts are known that date as far back as ancient Egypt.The philosophy and practice of chemical and physical transmutation.
Goals of alchemy
1. The transmutation of metals
2. The creation of an elixir that would prolong life indefinitely
3. The transmutation of human life
Here again, you will see names and symbols shared such as the four elements of fire, earth, air and water and metals bearing the same name and/or symbol as a planet:
Planet/ Elemental Metal
Sun/ Sun
Moon/ Silver
Mercury/ Mercury or "Quicksilver"
Venus/ Copper
Mars/ Iron
Jupiter/ Tin
Saturn/ Lead
The ancient association of metals with planets shows a common link with astrology. These associations are still applied in modern astrology. In its highest form, astrology seeks the same objective as alchemy in that of the transfomation of the human condition.
There are many connections between these two disciplines, more than there is time to go into here, but they are still distinctly different practices.
Books on Alchemy, of Matter and Mind
Astronomy
a "HARD" SCIENCE (Photo: P. Durrell, 1999/ U of BC)
The scientific study of the physical properties and movement of celestial objects (stars, planets, etc.).Obviously many of the same symbols and terms are shared, but this is where it can get downright ugly.
There are some wonderful Astronomers out there who do not pass judgement, but most Astronomers won't even aknowledge astrology as having any kind of scientific basis. If you confuse the two, Astronomers typically will glare and grit their teeth with indignation as they auto-launch into a scornful diatribe about how astrology is total bunk, or at the least roll their eyes in exasperated disdain. An interesting reaction considering that (a) a scientist by definition is one who deeply studies and weighs all evidence without prejudice before making a conclusion and (b) most modern Astronomers have never bothered to study the matter and (c) Ironically, it was not until after the discovery of Uranus (a planet viewed by many astrologers to be associated with astrology) about 200 years ago that a schism began to develop. Until that time, the two disciplines were one and the same.
A few Astronomers do practice astrology, but fewer yet will admit to it for fear of ridicule among their peers in the world of "hard sciences".
There is hope of a reconciliation, though. With the advent of Quantum Physics, it seems to bridge the gap between the "hard sciences" and the "soft sciences" or arts and religion and spirituality as well. Quantum Physics is beginning to reveal and explain the mechanics of many phenomena that the "hard sciences" have previously dismissed.
Chiromancy (Hand-Analysis, Palmistry or Palm-Reading)
DIVINATION
PalmistryDIVINATION
Divination from studying the hand. Again, there will be some associations with planets (Mound of Venus, etc.), but this is NOT Astrology!
Occasionally a Palmist will toss in a bit of very basic astrology, but it is VERY UNUSUAL for an Astrologer to also do Palmistry.
Books on Chiromancy/ Palmistry
Palm Reading for Beginners: Find Your Future in the Palm of Your Hand (For Beginners (Llewellyn's))
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Amazon Price: $10.36 (as of 10/11/2008)
The Benham Book of Palmistry: A Practical Treatise on the Laws of Scientific Hand Reading (Newcastle Metaphysical Classic)
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The Palmistry Workbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Art of Palm Reading (Divination and Energy Workbooks)
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Feng Shui
The Ancient Chinese art of placement.
Again, there are some shared similarities- as in the arrangement or position of objects within one's environment having an effect upon the subject. Like Astrology, Fenq Shui utilizes directions, elements, mathematics and geography. Some Astrology is incorporated within the discipline, as in using the subject's date of birth to determine the most auspicious directions and elements for that person's environment, but Feng Shui itself is not Astrology. I Ching: Book of Changes (also Yi Jing or Yi King)
DIVINATION/ ORACLE/ PHILOSOPHY
Out of a Chinese Philosophy tradition comes the Book of Changes. Some use it for divination or advice and others for reflection and something to meditate upon or to stretch the mind. It is known to have been in use for at least 5,000 years.The 64 Hexagrams reflect the ever-changing, yet ever repeating patterns in life that appear to be so random. Hexagrams consist of two sets of trigrams- upper and lower. The trigram is three lines, which may be either solid or broken. (Much like the dashes and dots of Morse Code)
Each Hexagram has meaning, as does each trigram and each line contained within the trigram. Then there is further meaning to those lines which are indicated as "changing".
Common items used for divination are coins or sticks, three in number.
Online Free I Ching Oracles:
I Ching Oracle by Canta Forda Computer Lab
I Ching Oracle by Chris
Great books on Feng Shui & I Ching
Spirit of the Home: How to Make Your Home a Sanctuary
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Numerology
DIVINATION / PERSONALITY PROFILE
Again there will be some crossover, and certianly Astrology and Numerology can be used together, but they are two distinctly different disciplines.Both will use a person's date of birth to ascertain personality, areas of strength, challenge and potential, but Numerology does not utilize the movement or placement of celestial objects. Numerology correlates numbers to the subject's name as well.
It is much more likely that an Astrologer might incorporate some numeroloy than for a Numerologist to use Astrology.
Great Stuff on CafePress
A Religion
This is a little fuzzier than most as people can and do worship anything and, sure, there are those that worship the Sun or the Moon or a cluster of stars.This is deification of celestial objects and must not be confused with the practice of Astrology.
Some religions incorporate the practice of various forms of Astrology, while others will accept it, ignore it or even condemn it.
Then you have your various sects, schools and branches within a larger religion which have varying views on the use of astrology.
All things considered, Astrology comes the closest to being like the practice of Meteorology or Medicine:
Astrology is an ART that is based upon a measure of scientific knowledge.
It can predict tendencies, likelihoods and probabilities, but is is not an "exact" or "hard" science. It is not absolute, as we live in a "free-will zone".
Runes / Rune Stones/ Runic Divination/ Runecasting
DIVINATION/ ORACLE
"Runes" are clay or wood pieces, stones or cards upon which symbols from the ancient Nordic alphabet have been etched, engraved or printed. They are used for divination of answers to questions and work much like Tarot cards, but are much simpler. A typical "Rune reading" for a specific question uses only a 3-rune draw to represent past, present/ reccomended action to take and future outcome should the reccomended action be taken.Vaguely similar to the Chinese I Ching.
Scrying (Crystal Ball or Mirror Gazing)
DIVINATION
The art of divination by gazing into a reflective surface or clear object such as a basin or pool of water, a mirror, a crystal ball or polished or cut stones.The mirror method was one favored by Nostradamus.
It is extremely rare that an astrologer would also use scrying.
Books on Crystal Gazing (Scrying) and Runes
The Book of Runes: A Handbook for the Use of an Ancient Oracle: The Viking Runes with Stones: 10th Anniversary Edition
This one includes a set of rune stones.
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The Rune Cards: Ancient Wisdom For the New Millennium
Runes in illustrated card form.
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The Complete Illustrated Guide to Runes (Complete Illustrated Guide)
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Crystal Ball Gazing: The Complete Guide to Choosing and Reading Your Crystal Ball
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Amazon Price: $11.20 (as of 10/11/2008)
Crystal Gazing: A Study in the History, Distribution, Theory and Practice of Scrying
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Amazon Price: $17.90 (as of 10/11/2008)
Tarot
DIVINATION
Tarot is a system of divination using a deck of cards, most commonly numbering 74 in count.The image to the right shows the popular "Celtic Cross" spread.
There are probably hundreds of different Tarot, or Tarot-based decks in use and on the market. Many have beautiful designs or unusual themes.
Our modern playing cards share the same roots. Today's deck of 52 playing cards is basically the Tarot minus the 22 Major Arcana cards.
Suit Equivalents
Hearts = Cups
Spades = Swords
Clubs = Staves or Rods
Diamonds = Coins or Pentacles
The King and Queen are the same, with the Jack or Knave being the Page in Tarot.
The 2 Jokers (High & Low) equate to the Fool, which can appear as Alpha (Low) or Omega (High).
Though some of the same symbols and symbolism is shared with Astrology (Sun, Moon & Star cards, etc.) as well as associations made with signs of the Zodiac, Tarot is NOT Astrology.
Astrologers are often familiar with Tarot, but it is a completely seperate discipline and only a small fraction actually use it in their practice.
Tarot Cards and Books
Psychic Tarot: Illustrated With the Aquarian Tarot Deck
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Giant Rider-Waite Tarot Deck: Complete 78-Card Deck
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Amazon Price: $23.52 (as of 10/11/2008)
Universal Waite Tarot Deck and Book Set
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Amazon Price: $22.74 (as of 10/11/2008)
Wicca
RELIGION/ SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
Wicca is also known as Neo-Paganism.You can find Astrologers that practice about any from of religion (or none at all), and Wicca is just one of them. Since Wicca represents only a small population, you'll find far more Astrologers are from other faiths.
Not all Wiccans (practitioners of Wicca) use astrology, but some do. The biggest mis-perception about Wiccans, also known as Witches, is the belief that they practice Satanism.
Reverence for nature is a far cry from Worshiping Satan. Many have been unfairly persecuted due to ignorance of the difference by the community at large.
Yes, there are those that practice the "dark arts" or "black magic" that also call themselves "Witches".
Just like people in any religion, there are those on the path of light and those on the dark path. I think of the Wizard of Oz, where Dorothy is asked "Are you a Good Witch, or are you a Bad Witch?"
Alt Religion's Wicca FAQ page
Books on Wicca & Neo-Pagan Religion
from Amazon.com
The Pagan Stone: The Sign of Seven Trilogy
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Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 10/11/2008)
Pagan Christianity?: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices
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Amazon Price: $12.23 (as of 10/11/2008)
Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner (Includes Author's Book of Shadows)
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Amazon Price: $10.36 (as of 10/11/2008)
Astrology is NOT Any of These Things, and These Things are NOT Astrology
Find out More About What Does NOT Qualify as Astrology
- Alchemy
- This is a beautiful and exhaustively well-researched website.
- Astronomy
- Read further about Astronomy here.
- Chiromancy (Hand-Analysis, Palmistry / Palm-Reading)
- Read more about Chiromancy/ Palmistry here.
- Feng Shui
- The Ancient Chinese art of placement.
- I Ching: Book of Changes
- Also known as Yi Jing or Yi King.
- Numerology
- Numbers from the date of birth and/or converted from the full name (birth or current) are used to determine life-path, talents, challenges and personality.
- A Religion
- Just what constitutes a religion?
- Runes
- Runes / Rune Stones/ Runic Divination/ Runecasting
DIVINATION/ ORACLE - Scrying / Crystal Ball Gazing
- DIVINATION through gazing into a reflective surface such as a mirror, crystal ball, polished or cut stone or container of water.
- Tarot
- DIVINATION with cards
- Wicca/ Neo-Paganism
- WICCA religion at Wikipedia
- WICCA - Skeptic's Dictionary
- Article on Wicca
Would love to hear what you think!
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transformed
Great lens! I studied astrology for 14 years and in my studies I learned that no matter what you learned about this subject there was always so much more to know!! You have compilied here so great information to help people understand more clearly what 'is" astrology and what "isn't". I gave you a high 5*, added you to my favorites and lens rolled you! Posted May 16, 2008 |
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spirituality
I would think it's obvious that astrology and i-ching aren't the same thing - they are both methods of divination, but that's where it ends. Great lens though - I would have used a more general title myself, but that's about all that's wrong with it. Posted May 11, 2008 |
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ENTHEOS
GREAT LENS! - brevity resources for inquiring minds. Posted August 12, 2007 |
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swagen
KC, great lens! You really cover a lot here. Posted July 02, 2007 |
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Shar
Hi KC, I loved this lens! I am so into most all of it... You have put a ton of work in here, and it shows. Posted January 26, 2007 |
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moreWhat's here
- A Little Clarification
- Astrology Info Links
- Where to Begin?
- The Following Practices Do NOT Qualify as Astrology
- More...
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