subject: What Is Astrology And How Does It Affect Our Lives? [print this page] Astrology is just another world in the English dictionary, but to those who believe in it, it could mean difference between a good life and a bad life, and sometimes between life and death.
What Is Astrology?
Astrology is one of the so-called Sacred Sciences that man has known for centuries. It is centered around the structures in the cosmic universe, their positions and how these affect peoples lives. The zodiac, a thin band in the sky on both sides of the ecliptic, is one of such structures that has a profound effect, not only on humans but also on a wide range of earthly phenomena, from economic events to natural catastrophes. The Zodiac forms the basis for one of the most popular faces of astrology where horoscopes, or Zodiac interpretations of peoples personality and life events by virtue of their birth dates, take root.
How does Astrology work?
There are eight planets in the solar system, plus the sun and the moon, and each of their positions correspond to certain days and months of the year, with 12 divisions that also match each of the months. This 12-month division is known as the Zodiac, where there are 12 constellations that the sun and the moon travel through within a period of one year. On each of these constellations are the 12 Zodiac signs - Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces - are based. Astrologers believe that people develop certain attributes and life habits with the influence of their Zodiac signs.
Astrology and the Tarot
Tarot card readings are some of the more popular ways that people seek to look into the possibilities in their lives. Of course, tarot reading is also significantly connected with astrology. In fact, the relationship between the two has existed for six centuries and very powerfully at that. What is probably surprising is that these tarot cards arent really for making predictions. Rather, they are aids that people can use to connect with their higher self. Tarot cards originated at least five centuries ago in Italy and come with archetypal symbols and imagery that form the basis for the readings. Their symbolism can be traced from Medieval and Renaissance Europe, and grew over hundreds of years to welcome the influences of other mystic sciences such as astrology, Kabbalah and Runes.
Astrology can serve many purposes, but one of the most important is the way it helps people connect better with others. For example, by taking a look at their Zodiac signs, understanding each other can become easier, and there is a greater chance for them to achieve harmony. As such, astrology may well be considered a life science.
