Astrology: Ancient Philosophy that Addresses 21st Century Questions
Astrology spans the millennia as an acceptable method to understanding the human condition. For more than 5,000 years, people have used astrology to interpret matters concerning human behavior and to determine just how to manage human affairs and other terrestrial concerns. Even in our modern world, though our societies and technologies have developed to impressive complexities, people still turn to the stars to understand themselves, their world, and to seek answers for their lives.
Astrology is the study of the positions of celestial bodies in the belief that their movements directly influence life on earth. Astrology uses this understanding to explain past and present events and to predict the future. This loose definition aptly describes all astrology, regardless of the culture of origin of one tradition or another.
While astrology is found in every culture across the earth, it can generally be categorized into three main traditions: Chinese, Indian, and Western astrology. Chinese astrology is probably the oldest known horoscope in the world with origins tracing back as far as 2,600 years BC, but the others are not far behind.
Although these three primary traditions vary with distinctively unique perspectives, it is uncanny how similar they are on many levels. For example, all three traditions identify 12 signs in their zodiacs that are divided into four basic types. Western and Indian astrology both place the four types under the headings of natural elements, but in Chinese astrology, the four types are assigned numbers (though Chinese astrology does consider the influence of natural elements in its divination). The qualities of the four types in all three traditions are strikingly similar.
Likewise, the 12 signs are assigned a specific time period to represent, and these time periods are the same in all three traditions. For the time period between May 21 and June 21, for example, Western astrology assigns "Gemini"; Chinese astrology labels it the sign of the "Horse;" in Indian astrology, it is called "Mithuna". In all three traditions, this sign is characterized by physical agility, intelligence, flexibility, playfulness, and open-mindedness. This correlation can be made between the twelve signs in all three traditions.
It is quite interesting to consider that in all these cultures, scientific discoveries have led to great advancements in technology and quality of life. We access to more studies and research than ever before, yet the use of astrology to divine queries about the every day concerns of our lives is as prevalent today as it was thousands of years ago, if not more so.
Regardless of the different origins of astrology, the primary aspect in which the world's traditions of astrology are similar is that star-gazing divination has a long history and tradition in the evolution of human life. Astrology is where humans have often turned to find the answers to the greatest philosophical questions of life for thousands of years and we are showing no signs of letting up on this ancient tool for self-discovery.
Copyright 2008, InfiniteAdvice.com
