Reddot: Is Astrology A Science?

Astrology, a scientific pursuit based on understanding the positions of stars, is not a perfect science. It does not employ the scientific method and is not based on empiricism. Astrology has evolved from ancient astronomy and some people still believe in its power today. Astrology is generally considered a pseudoscience versus being a science, as there are no scientific and peer-reviewed studies that validate its premises and promises.

The debate surrounding astrology is a captivating intersection of ancient beliefs and modern skepticism. Astrology is not based in the logic of cause and effect, and it is almost entirely time-based. Without time as a factor, astrology does not exist. Astrology will never be considered science. Most astrology people claim to have real backed up scientific evidence that astrology is real. Astrology is a tool within spirituality meant to offer guidance and assistance on one’s life path and in interpersonal relationships.

NASA recently posted a scathing debunking of astrology as not science, causing panic among the Astrology community. Percy Seymour has written two startling books on Astrology explaining the possible scientific mechanism behind Astrology, but he was ostracized and ostracized. Astrology is not really a science, and it is not testable in a scientific sense. Some scientists do consider it a valid thing that works, but it relies on taking advantage of human cognitive biases such as confirmation bias and the Barnum effect.

In conclusion, astrology is not a perfect science, but it has a fascinating history behind humans attaching meaning to the stars.

Is astrology haram in Islam?

The Hadith, a collection of Islamic religious teachings, is a significant part of the Islamic faith. It outlines the instructions and practices of Muhammad, who criticized the legality and illegality of astrology. According to Abu Dawud, seeking knowledge from the stars is considered witchcraft, which is inherently forbidden in Islam. The Hadith also emphasizes that rain is a blessing bestowed only by Allah, and any belief that rain is a result of other beings is considered disbelief.

The Hadith also mentions the stars, stating that those who suggest rain originates from a star are considered disbelievers in Allah. This concept of astrology and the belief in celestial beings’ influence on anything other than what is enshrined in the Quran and Hadith constitutes shirk (blasphemy) and leads one to leave the fold of the religion.

Second-century Islamic scholar Imam Ali, the fourth caliph of Islam and cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad, views astrology as fundamentally forbidden in the Islamic religion. He warns followers not to learn the science of stars except for guidance on land or sea, as it leads to divining and an astrologer is a diviner. This aligns with the Quran, which points to stars and astrology as only a means of navigation.

However, prominent scholars like Ibn Arabi and Ikhwan argue that planets are not considered God but do suggest each prophet with a specific planet/celestial being. Prophet Idris, also known as Enoch, was gifted with great knowledge of the stars and used his gift to meditate upon God’s grandeur and teach others. He believed that the stars and moon contributed to mankind and founded the study of the stars.

Different sects of Islam offer varying perspectives on the concept of astrology.

What does the Quran say about astrology?

The Quran, the primary Islamic text, has been interpreted to disprove the idea that astrology goes against the fundamental principles of the Islamic religious tradition. Astrology is believed to be a means of providing physical guidance and navigation for individuals, with the primary purpose being to determine the time of the year and compass bearings. However, Islam gives rise to the use of astronomy, as distinct from astrology, in determining the Lunar and Solar Calendars and compass bearings.

The Hadith, a reference to the instructions and practices of Muhammad, also makes various claims regarding the legality or illegality of astrology within the Islamic religious tradition. According to Abu Dawud, seeking knowledge from the stars is considered one of the branches of witchcraft, which is inherently forbidden in Islam. The Hadith also points to the concept of rain as a bounty bestowed only by Allah (God) and suggests that any adherent who believes that rain is a result of the doings of any other being falls into disbelief.

Various scholars have differing opinions on astrology and its permissibility in Islam. Imam Ali, the fourth caliph of Islam and the cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad, saw astrology as fundamentally forbidden in the Islamic religion. He warned his followers not to learn the science of stars except for guidance sought on land or sea, as it leads to divining and an astrologer is a diviner. This belief in celestial beings having a greater influence than God constitutes disbelief in Islam.

On the other hand, prominent individuals like Ibn Arabi provide a limited scope of agreement with the principles of astrology. They emphasize that the planets are not considered God but do suggest that each prophet is intrinsically influenced by celestial beings. Prophet Idris, also known as Enoch, was gifted with great knowledge of the stars and used his gift to meditate upon God’s grandeur and teach others. With his complex understanding of astrology, Idris taught people how the universe impacted their lives and founded the study of the stars.

In conclusion, the Quran and Hadith offer different interpretations of astrology and its permissibility in Islam. While some scholars argue that astrology is fundamentally forbidden, others believe that it is a means of providing guidance and navigation for Muslims. The Quran and Hadith serve as a guideline for those seeking to understand and appreciate the role of celestial beings in the Islamic faith.

Does the Bible recognize other planets?

Saturn is represented by the star Kaiwan, worshipped by the Israelites in the desert. The word Kaiwan, interpreted to mean “steadfast”, often designates the slowest-moving planet in Babylonian inscriptions. The Babylonian god Ninurta was merged with Saturn, and the ancient Syrians and Arabs also called Saturn Kaiwan. The Zoroastrian Bundahish equates Saturn to Kevan, while in Mandaeism, it is referred to as Kiwan. The other planets are individualized in the Bible by implication, and the worship of gods connected to them is denounced without any explicit intention to refer to heavenly bodies.

The best-warranted interpretations of biblical star names include Kimah, the Pleiades, Kesil, Ash, Mezarim, Mazzaroth, Hadretheman, Canopus, and Nachash. These star names are based on Schiaparelli’s authority and provide a comprehensive understanding of the celestial bodies in the Bible.

What does the Bible say about 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.

Is astrology scientifically proven?

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 astronomy or astrology a natural science?

Astronomy and astrology are often confused, but they are distinct fields. Astronomy is a scientific discipline that studies celestial objects and phenomena, using physics, mathematics, and chemistry to explain their origins and behaviors. Astrology, on the other hand, is a divinatory practice based on the belief that celestial bodies, particularly the Moon, Sun, and planets of the Solar System, can influence people and events.

Although astrology involves celestial objects, constellations, and phenomena like apparent retrograde motion, it has no scientific basis and is considered a pseudoscience. The term “Mercury in retrograde” refers to the phenomenon of apparent retrograde motion, which is related to orbital speeds and observer perspectives.

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.

What is the placebo effect in astrology?

Horoscopes can help people feel better due to the placebo effect, a psychological effect where the belief in a useless method actually makes a person feel better. This effect has been scientifically verified, and a new drug must be proven to perform better than a placebo. In accurate medical experiments, the control group is not a collection of untreated patients, but a collection of patients receiving a placebo.

The placebo effect is also present in astrology, where many people believe in astrology and follow its advice, leading to improved health. However, the belief in a treatment that does not actually work is even better. Sticking to scientifically proven treatments gives the benefit of the belief and the benefit of the treatment’s action. For example, instead of reading a horoscope, going for a walk is a better alternative, as exercise is proven to be good for body and mind, and the belief in its effect will also help.

Is astrology a science career?

Astrology, a field of study that uses scientific knowledge about heavenly bodies and tools like star charts, may seem scientific. It is often used to generate expectations about future events and people’s personalities, similar to scientific ideas. Some argue that astrology is supported by evidence, such as the experiences of those who believe it has worked for them. However, it is important to evaluate whether astrology truly qualifies as a scientific way to answer questions about the natural world and its influence on or correlation with earthly events.

Are astrology predictions true or false?

Astrology, a long-standing scientific field, has been criticized for lacking clear evidence that stars and planets affect us. Astrology relies on stories and ideas that are difficult to prove with science, as it relies on guessing about patterns in the sky rather than conducting experiments. Additionally, astrology’s workings are based on old ideas about the universe, which have evolved over time. This has led to some astrologers’ predictions not aligning with current knowledge.

For example, the zodiac sign may not be accurate due to precession, which has caused stars to move since the first invention of astrology. Furthermore, astrology lacks a clear explanation for how stars and planets could affect us, with some astrologers suggesting it is due to the stars, but scientists argue these theories are too weak to have a significant impact on us.

What is the psychology behind believing in astrology?

It is frequently observed that individuals facing significant life challenges may turn to astrology as a means of coping with these difficulties. During periods of significant historical upheaval, such as the Great Depression of the 1930s and the interwar period in Germany, astrology has gained considerable popularity. However, the advent of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has given rise to a resurgence of interest in astrology, as it offers a means of making sense of one’s life and providing solace during challenging times.