Astrology VS Astronomy
Astrology and Astronomy share common roots, however,
their definitions and meanings are different. Astronomy refers to the study of
the universe; the contents of the world outside the earth’s atmosphere.
Astrology on the other hand, is the study of positions, the properties and the
motions of celestial objects. It is an attempt to understand how the various
positions and motions of these celestial objects can affect people and events
on earth. Astrology can be used to predict future behaviours, patterns and
events. Astrologers have attempted to study and understand astronomy and its
theories more accurately to increase the accuracy of their predictions.
The origin of Astrology
Astrology continued to be studied as part of a mainstream
science for centuries. It was only around the 1600’s when Isaac Newton was able
to demonstrate that celestial bodies had a physical process by which they could
affect each other.
He concluded that the same laws of gravity which caused
an apple to fall from a tree also had similar effects to the motions of the
celestial spheres. Since his theories were tested and proven, astrology began
to be studied as a separate subject completely. Using several scientific
methods, predictions started being made about celestial phenomenon.
The differences between
Astrology and Astronomy:
1. Astronomy is a science, while Astrology is a
pseudo-science.
Astronomy is a natural science. It deals with
physics, chemistry and the study of the evolution of celestial bodies.
Astronomy has been studied by great scientists for centuries. It is a
scientific study of the moon, the stars and the planets.
Astrology on the other hand is considered a
pseudo-science. Astrologist study the movements and positions of the stars in
order to try and determine if there is any correlation between their motions
and positions and events on earth. Astrology is studied under the belief that
the positioning of these celestial bodies have an influence on the earth, on
human behavior and on future events.
2. Astrology and culture:
Astrology plays a huge part in several
cultures, such as Chinese, Indian, and the Mayans. Several details charts have
been developed over centuries by these cultures in order to plan and chart the
different planetary positions. These charts were then used to predict future
events from celestial bodies and observations of them.
Astronomy on the other hand, dates back to
centuries before Astrology became an independent study. Astronomy dates back to
almost the 3rdmillennium BC. It was widely used in the Indo-European
culture to predict seasonal shifts and also to interpret celestial cycles.
3. Theories of Astronomy and Astrology:
Astrology uses scientific facts and evidence
to study and observe the various planetary positions. Astronomy studies the
motions and positions of these celestial bodies which are situated beyond the
earth’s hemisphere.
Astronomy on the other hand, follows the
theory that everything and everyone in this world is interconnected. It follows
a belief system that everything has an influence upon one another, including
human life, events on earth, and the planets and their positioning. It believes
that the different positions of the planets can have a direct influence upon
various human behaviours and events happening on earth. Astrology thus studies
these various positions to try and predict future events which will happen on
earth.
4. The study of astrology and astronomy:
Astrology is studied using computer programs
to ascertain the various planetary positions. This is done by using the real
work done by scientists and astronomers.
Astronomy is studied by using telescopes to
learn about plants, stars and galaxies. Astronomers can directly view the
planets, stars and galaxies by using their equipment. Astrologers however, have
no requirement to view the actual stars and planets, unless they want to do it
as a hobby! Astrologers use the positioning of the stars and planets to make
their predictions.
5. Science and belief:
Astronomy is a real science, and can be
studied as a subject. There is adequate proof and evidence to back up the
theories of astronomy.
Astrology, on the other hand, is a system of
belief. There is no evidence or proof to back up the theories or predictions made by astrologers. In the Western World, astrology is based on the 12 houses
and the division of each person into the 12 different signs. It can determine a
person’s characteristics and behaviour to a great extent. It can even use this
information to predict a person’s future. However, this is a generalized
prediction, and can be accepted by any individual belonging to a certain sun
sign, birth date or birth month.
Indian and south Asian astrology is based
more on charting of the date, day, time and the planetary position to determine
a person’s future. This is a more specific prediction which can apply to any
individual himself.
Astrology and astronomy originate from the same roots,
and it was only in modern times that it started to be studied as two separate
fields. People can often get confused between them, however, they are two
different fields of study.
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