Does Astrology Resemble The Occult?

Astrology, a form of divinatory practice, has its roots in the occult and was practiced openly in biblical times. Evidence shows that it was a tool used by ancient civilizations starting in Babylonia. Astrology was not created as an occult science because it was never hidden or secret on its own. Despite its differences, astrology and occult practices share similarities in spiritual experiences, the influence of the New Age Movement, the perception of fate, and the use of symbolic practices. Astrology is considered one of many occult modalities associated with New Age spirituality and is often used in tandem with other methods.

Astrology deals with celestial influences and is recognized as pseudoscientific since the 18th century. An astrologer believes that the arrangement of stars, planets, and constellations at the time of one’s birth sets a determined pattern in their life. Astrology is one of the core studies of Western esotericism and has influenced systems of magical belief not only among the right wing but also among the left.

The origins of our modern scientific method have some of their roots in the irrational-seeming world of the occult: alchemy, astrology, and magic. Throughout history, astrology has been closely intertwined with the occult, serving as a cornerstone of mystical pursuits and esoteric customs.

Did God believe in astrology?

In Matthew 28:18, Jesus asserts that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. This contradicts biblical wisdom, as chasing after false gods is a sin. There is no biblical evidence that God has given authority to stars or astrologists. Pursuing predictions about our destiny or personality is biblically sinful, as it takes power from God and gives it to something other than God. A horoscope cannot change what God has already ordained before we were even created.

What mythology is astrology from?

The Hellenistic zodiac constellations are based on Greek mythology, and astrology is based on the stars visible from Earth. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to improve user experience, deliver services, and maintain the site. By accepting all cookies, users agree to the use of cookies to deliver and maintain services, improve content quality, personalize advertising, and measure advertising effectiveness. Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure platform functionality by rejecting non-essential cookies.

Is there any truth behind astrology?

Astrology is a belief system that suggests a connection between astronomical phenomena and human events or personality descriptions. However, it has been criticized by the scientific community for lacking explanatory power and lack of scientific validity. Scientific testing has found no evidence to support the premises or effects outlined in astrological traditions. The most famous test, led by Shawn Carlson, concluded that natal astrology performed no better than chance.

Astrology has not demonstrated its effectiveness in controlled studies and has no scientific validity, making it regarded as pseudoscience. There is no proposed mechanism by which stars and planets affect people and events on Earth in the way astrologers claim, which contradicts well-understood aspects of biology and physics.

Is astrology a form of divination?

Astrology is a range of divinatory practices, recognized as pseudoscientific since the 18th century, that proposes that information about human affairs and terrestrial events can be discerned by studying the apparent positions of celestial objects. Different cultures have employed forms of astrology since at least the 2nd millennium BCE, with most attaching importance to what they observed in the sky. Some cultures, such as the Hindus, Chinese, and Maya, developed elaborate systems for predicting terrestrial events from celestial observations.

Western astrology, one of the oldest astrological systems still in use, can trace its roots to 19th–17th century BCE Mesopotamia, spreading to Ancient Greece, Rome, the Islamic world, and eventually Central and Western Europe. Contemporary Western astrology is often associated with systems of horoscopes that purport to explain aspects of a person’s personality and predict significant events in their lives based on the positions of celestial objects.

Throughout its history, astrology has had its detractors, competitors, and skeptics who opposed it for moral, religious, political, and empirical reasons. Prior to the Enlightenment, astrology was generally considered a scholarly tradition and common in learned circles, often in close relation with astronomy, meteorology, medicine, and alchemy.

After the end of the 19th century and the wide-scale adoption of the scientific method, researchers have successfully challenged astrology on both theoretical and experimental grounds, showing it to have no scientific validity or explanatory power. Astrology lost its academic and theoretical standing in the western world, and common belief in it largely declined until a continuing resurgence starting in the 1960s.

Is astrology paganism?

In contrast to the cyclical observances of the pagan sun festival, astrology is not directly linked to the annual sun cycle. This is because in earlier forms of astrology, the positions of the planets were not considered.

Who created astrology?

Astrology, a branch of divination, originated in Mesopotamia around the 3rd millennium BC and spread to India. It developed its Western form in Greek civilization during the Hellenistic period. Astrology entered Islamic culture as part of the Greek tradition and was returned to European culture through Arabic learning during the Middle Ages. According to the Greek tradition, the heavens are divided according to the 12 constellations of the zodiac, with bright stars casting spiritual influences on human affairs.

Astrology was also important in ancient China, with horoscopes being cast for newborns and life-changing events. Despite the Copernican system eradicating the geocentric worldview required for astrology, interest in astrology has continued into modern times, with astrological signs believed to influence personality.

Is astrology pagan?

In contrast to the cyclical observances of the pagan sun festival, astrology is not directly linked to the annual sun cycle. This is because in earlier forms of astrology, the positions of the planets were not considered.

Why do people believe in astrology?

Astrology is a tool for understanding one’s self-identity and self-conception. According to Jennifer Freed, PhD, it serves as a validation for one’s unique gifts and provides confirmation and encouragement. Astrology is likened to a beautiful staircase, where one must walk mindfully and hold onto a solid foundation. Humans tend to remember positive feedback that validates their self-conception over negative feedback, making it easy to accept the ambiguous and positive aspects of astrology. This approach helps individuals develop their unique gifts and take mindful steps towards self-discovery.

Can Christians use astrology?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that divination, including predictive astrology, is incompatible with modern Catholic beliefs, such as free will. It rejects all forms of divination, including horoscopes, palm reading, omen interpretation, clairvoyance, and mediums, which conceal a desire for power over time, history, and other human beings. These practices contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear owed to God alone.

Astrology and science, Christian mysticism, Christianity and paganism, Esoteric Christianity, Jesus Christ in comparative mythology, Jewish views on astrology, Muslim views on astrology, and William Lilly’s book Christian Astrology are all considered incompatible with modern Catholic beliefs.

Why is astrology considered witchcraft?

The conviction in malevolent spiritual entities gave rise to a dual condemnation of magical practices that sought to benefit humanity rather than cause harm, as well as divination techniques of all kinds. This was largely due to the fact that the ability to foresee and predict future events was often perceived as being closely associated with witchcraft.

What religion is astrology based on?

In Egypt, stars were believed to be divine and controlled Earth’s events. In major religions like Vedic astrology, it is significant for customs and decisions. The ‘Wheel of Life’ symbol in Vedic religions also incorporates astrology. However, in other religions like Islam, astrology has mixed feelings. Early Christian thinkers were supportive, but later the Church questioned its compatibility with free will. Scholars in Islam also debated the alignment of astrology with their teachings.