|
In its traditional form, Astrology believes
that the positions and movements of celestial bodies like the stars,
moon, sun and planets at the time of birth has significant impact on
one’s life. In its psychological form, Astrotherapy is a type of
New-Age science used for self-understanding and personality
analysis. While believers would like to afford Astrology the status
of a science, the lack of empirical evidence has at most resulted in
Astrology being labeled an alternate science. There are many
arguments for and against Astrology and only by knowing facts as
they are, can one choose to be a believer or not.
Astrology: A believer’s view
Astrology is believed by millions of people and
has survived for centuries. From the ancient Chaldeans and Assyrians
engaged in astrological predictions some 3,000 years ago, to Nancy &
Ronald Reagan more recently, Astrology has found support amongst the
people. The belief that, humans as a race are somehow connected to
the wider cosmos is reassuring at some instinctive level. Being
connected to the totality of things instills a feeling of being
closer to God and this feeling may be the basis of many a believer.
Also, Astrology generally uses basic, archetypal qualities found
throughout humanity so people find it a useful intuitive tool with
which to describe themselves, others and the relationship between
them.
Since Astrology is not an exact science it is
vulnerable to con artists. However, serious Astrologers scorn
trivial horoscope predictions the like of which we find in popular
newspapers and magazines. All popular astrology in which people are
labeled as of a certain type on the basis of their sun sign alone is
seen by serious astrologers as frivolous and not worthy of defense.
An individual astrological reading by a skilled astrologer instead
gives a way for the individual to divine his or her own feelings
about the present. This can give them the opportunity to understand
those feelings which may be barriers to possible futures and so
better act in the present to bring about a desired future.
While most people tend to think Astrology is
popular only with people who have an external locus of control, that
is not so. In fact, Astrology believes that every individual is
given sufficient will and purpose to overcome the most adverse
astrological circumstances. What will differ however is the degree
of struggle required to attain their desired goals.
Also, some Astrologer’s argue that there is a
link between the length of a woman’s menstrual cycle and the length
of the phases of the moon. The idea is that if the gravitational
forces of the Earth and the moon can affect tides and aquatic life
like oysters, then why not humans? Humans too are made of 70% water
after all.
Additionally, most Astrologers don’t aim to
achieve the status of an exact science for Astrology. They measure
their success in terms of their client’s happiness and general well
being. Thus, in that Astrology brings desired changes in the life of
an individual, it can be considered similar to other exact sciences
that have a similar purpose – betterment of human life.
Astrology: Cynics Speak
Cynics are not quite so convinced of the
accuracy of Astrology. They believe that Astrology has no relevance
to understanding human behavior or the cosmos and our place in it.
Just because an individual believes in Astrology does not suggest
evidence enough to call it a science.
Also, just because the length of the moon’s
phases and that of the female menstrual cycle is similar, it does
not suggest anything. At most even if a co-relation can be affected,
co-relation does not prove causality. Astrologers further emphasize
the importance of the position of celestial bodies at the time of
birth. However, there really is no single ‘time of birth’ – it is
indeed an entire ‘birthing process’ that takes place. What would one
consider the time of birth? Do you pick the moment when the water
breaks? When the woman goes into labor? When the crown appears? When
the baby is pulled out? When the umbilical cord is cut? Or when the
midwife or physician looks at the clock and makes a note?
Astrology also has its basis in the position of
the sun and moon at the time of birth. Cynics argue that if one
wants to know about the tide tomorrow, then it is the position of
the sun and moon today that would be important, not the position 20
or 200 years earlier. Why then, does Astrology base its predictions
for the present and future on events that have occurred in the
past?
The argument will continue indefinitely.
Whatever be the case, the fact of the matter is that there are many
people who believe that Astrology works and their beliefs clearly
help them down their life’s path. Evidently for some it’s nice to
know what the stars have in store for you! |
