What is Astrology?

Discover the origins of astrology

Would you like to find out about this ancient art?  Several thousand years old, astrology originated in Mesopotamia and India.  The ancient Greeks, the Hellenes, Romans and the later Muslim civilisations developed the art of astrology and cosmology further. What did the Muslim civilisations have to do with astrology?  Their contribution was huge.  It was via astrologers working in the Muslim empires, that the art came came back into Europe during the early Renaissance.  In the west, astrology went into decline from about the late 17th century, during the Age of Enlightenment.  It revived again, in popularity, during the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

How do astrologers work?

We look at the cycles of the Sun, Moon and planets in relation to human affairs.  This is what you learn when you study astrology.   Astrology can be used to understand ourselves and others; to help make the most of our potential at any time; and to gain a unique insight into not only our personal lives, but also into global and political events.

Be aware that many cultures only accept a mechanical materialist view of the world.  Yes, this is useful and helpful for our survival; but it cannot explain why astrology appears to work.  We have a long way to go in answering this question, and you can contribute to our understanding using your experience and enquiring mind.

Horoscopes in the media and the real art

For many, an introduction to astrology is the daily or monthly horoscope column in newspapers, magazines and on social media.  These represent the entertainment side of astrology.  Some writers of horoscope columns are self-taught, while others are  qualified astrologers from recognised schools.  Unfortunately, others are neither self-taught nor qualified.  The ones who know their subject matter do their best within the boundaries imposed on them by the media.

Find out how the real art of astrology does not have much to do with these horoscope columns.  They serve their purpose, encouraging some to investigate it further. The birth, or event chart, is what is important. This is a chart showing the positions of the Sun, Moon and planets at the time, date and place of birth as seen from the Earth, and it is what astrologers use for interpretation.

Astrology and its applications

The revival of astrology in the 20th century encouraged  personal development of the individual.   Our roots come from what might loosely  be called traditional astrology, which was practised in various forms until the 18th century – the Age of Enlightenment.  One of the most popular forms of traditional astrology’s applications is Horary Astrology (the art of answering specific questions).

Since the mid 1980s, there have been huge developments in our understanding of our astrologyical past, as old texts have been found and translated by astrologers.  We introduce you to some of traditional astrology’s concepts, teachings and techniques.  We are also learning about the past as astrologers.  Astrology also covers politics, world affairs, business and medicine.  Out of these astrologycollege.com teaches mundane astrology (politics and world affairs).

The Eastern and Central American traditions

There are probably about three eastern traditions – Chinese, Tibetan and Vedic (the astrology of India).  Many westerners are drawn to Vedic astrology.  While the roots are similar to those of western astrology, Vedic astrology is essentially spiritual.  There is also Mayan astrology and cosmology originating in Central America.  We do not teach these, but they are fascinating areas in themselves.