About ASTROLOGY

Astrology is the study of planetary position to determine the course of things ahead in life as well as event and details concerning past life or karma.  The earliest recording or sign of astrology was found in the 3rd millennium BC. Astrology has over the course of time, influenced culture, early astronomy and other disciplines.

Astrology

Astrology uses two ways of predicting the future – one is astrological transits and the other is astrological progressions. It is important to understand how both play, in the way a horoscope is read out and predications made. Astrological transits look into the movement of planets and the impact of such movements in space and n personal horoscope. Astrological progressions use a set of methods to determine how a horoscope ha s moved forward in time.  Now-a-days, astrologers no longer predict actual events.  Instead what they do is bring out various general astrological events in order to have better results and give importance to arbitrary and unrelated events.

There are three main astrological traditions. These are Vedic astrology, Western astrology and Chinese astrology. Vedic and western astrology make use of an astrological chart or horoscope and make their prediction using the position of the Sun, Moon, and planets. However, the point of difference between Vedic and Western astrology is in the linking of zodiac signs to their original constellations, which while is a feature not present in western astrology, but is considered of paramount importance in Vedic astrology.  The chief characteristic of Vedic astrology is in it’s use of nakshatras or lunar mansion and planetary periods known as dashas in future predictions.

Chinese astrology uses a means that is very different from Vedic and western astrology. Instead of diving zodiac signs according to the sky, they are divided according to the celestial equator. Every zodiac sign here stands for a year and the sign is combined with a system that uses the five elements of Chinese cosmology to give a 60 (12 x 5) year cycle. Chinese astrology is a method not just used in China, it is used in m many Asian countries.

Now, the question is – can the future be predicted by astrology? Yes to some extent. Astrology, though considered by many scientific thinkers as some sort of superstition, is actually a science because there is considerable study that goes into making each prediction. Reliable astrologers have been able to bring out future influences to accuracy, but accuracy also depends upon providing correct information and doing knowledgeable calculations. Of the many forms of astrological methods available nadi jyosiam is considered to be highly accurate as it is based on readings of past life taken from leave available in Videesvaran temple in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.

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Chinese elements - CHINESE ASTROLOGY

Five Chinese Elements -
Diurnal Cycle (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Chinese Astrology is said by some scholars to be the oldest horoscope system in the world. However if you trace Western Astrology back to its Middle East roots, both types are likely to have been born in their current recognizable form around 3000 years BC, however they stem from entirely different beginnings as well as traditions and parts of the world.

The 12 animals are further flavored by the pervading element of that particular year (elements also revolve as a separate cycle). It is said that Buddha is responsible for the 12 animals as they were the only ones who came to bid him farewell into the next life.

Chinese Astrology is concerned with nature and its traits, the signs progress year by year, whereas Western Astrology cycles monthly. The consideration of Yin and Yang is a very great influence upon this subject, Yin being passive, female and receptive while Yang is aggressive, male and exploratory. The various permutations of these 2 essential forces in nature, places, organizations, events and humanity and the quest to achieve balance so that both operate together in harmony rather than opposing or canceling each other out are an essentially Oriental viewpoint and quest, they form the basis of many Far Eastern traditions and other influences in Chinese Society such as Feng Shui.

The 12 Animal Signs are : Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit (or Cat), Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (or Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. The animal ruling year in which you were born has a profound influence on your life.

As the Chinese say, This is the animal that hides in your heart.

There are 5 elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water, each adding a nuance of almost tactile character to the animal sign.Chinese Astrology is based on the Chinese calendar year of your birth or the year of an event. There are also many more nuances involving the month and day.

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Cosmos & Psyche

According to Richard Tarnas, who also wrote of The Passion of the Western Mind, history is on the verge of a major shift, comparable to the one wrought by Copernicus and Galileo, but a seemingly antiscientific one: an astrological turn that can only be understood thorough chronicling planetary alignments as they correlate to the rise of the modern mind over the last 500 years. Understanding planetary alignments, for Tarnas, is crucial to the world's future and requires a genuine dialogue with the cosmos, by opening ourselves more fully to the other, to ancient and indigenous epistemologies, even to other forms of life, other modes of the universe's self-disclosure. 

Astronomer Copernicus, conversation with God. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The book is filled with philosophical, religious, literary and scientific thinking ranging from Luther and Kepler through Hemingway and even Hitchcock and Dylan. Reading it will require a strong background in the history of modern thought, an advanced knowledge of astrology, a willingness to withhold skepticism about the role of planetary alignments of the past in understanding life today and the avoidance of imminent world catastrophe. Tarnas's call to redefine what we consider as legitimate knowledge will resonate in some sectors, but it will be a tough sell with the more scientifically hardheaded. 

In terms of planetary cycles, our present condition in history is most comparable to the period five hundred years ago—that era of extraordinary turbulence and creativity, the High Renaissance. Not since Copernicus conceived the heliocentric theory has the human community faced such a profound realignment of the way we think. 

Perhaps it’s time for us to move back to the philosophy that man is part of the universe, not placed here to conquer it. Just as we’re finding some older medical procedures, such as the use of leeches, to have value today, perhaps we should open our minds to the distinct possibility that astrological forces can be a powerful influence on our lives.

Secret Language of BIRTHDAYS

If you’re a non-believer in astrology, spend a little time with the Secret Language of Birthdays by Gary Goldschneider and Joost Eiffers. We guarantee it’ll make a believer outta you.

It’s a weighty tome, to be sure. Each birthday gets two full pages of on-target information as well as the usual celebrity birthdates, etc. Now this is a good book to have. Even better is one of the companion books, the Secret Language of Relationships.

Describing 1,176 possibilities, The Secret Language of Relationships sheds light on the classic questions--the hows and whys of chemistry in relationships. Is there a prime ingredient for love at first sight, a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers of it all. An entertaining exploration of the very thing we cannot do without--each other--this wonderful volume explains why we feel the way we do about the people in our lives, and how--if necessary--to make it better.

You start with a matrix in the front with birthweeks across the top and side. You match your birthdate on one axis and find the birthdate of your new beloved. Every match-up by birthweek gets its own astrological prognosis. We used this book after many, many first dates, none of whom really worked out.

Both of them are fun books to take to work occasionally or have at parties because they’re great icebreakers and a lot of fun to watch people’s reactions when they hear their own profiles.

Other books in the series by Goldschneider and Effers include the Secret Language of Destiny and the Astrology of Time. If you become more involved with astrology, you might want to invest in these books. They’re well worth it. You may even want to take a class or seminar in astrology, or join a newsgroup online. There are so many of them, just do a few searches and you’re sure to find many like-minded spirits.

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The ASTROLOGY of Bad Habits

Astrology is a complex subject, and when it comes to bad habits it is no different. There are many details to consider about any person when discussing their astrological sign. Birth date is just one of them. However, it is fun to dabble in astrology and find out the general rules for the astrology of bad habits.

Photo by euthman 

Capricorns are said to be persistent, hard workers. Perhaps this is why they are thought to be workaholics. They are driven to get the job done no matter how long it takes.

In fact, they may not stop with the job at hand, but go on to other jobs instead of going home and relaxing at the end of the day. They can help curb these bad habits by keeping a gratitude journal.

Aquarius is a sign given to independent people. In many ways this is a good thing. However, they have the bad habits of shutting people out of their lives. They do like novelty, though. Close relationships that involve a creative aspect are for them.

Alcoholism is one of the major bad habits of people born under the Pisces sign. The usual treatments for alcoholism apply to them, just as they do for anyone else. Bad habits like this are hard to overcome.

Aries is a sign of selfish people. The best way for them to combat this is to care for another living being. Taurus people thrive on clutter. All they need is a little direction in how to get organized. These are both fairly innocuous bad habits.

If you live with a Gemini, then you probably find yourself talking to the air at times. A Gemini has bad habits when it comes to paying attention to people talking to them. If you do not talk to them, they will eventually beg you to do so.

Cancer peoples’ sugar addictions can only be aided by substituting sweets like dried fruits, for example. Their bad habits are based on oral gratification. Leos are all full of themselves. They will keep up their bad habits of bragging on themselves until they learn to be different. They can do this by practicing complimenting people.

Virgos have more habits that can be good or bad habits. It depends upon how you look at them. Virgos are bent on perfection. Nothing is ever good enough for them. If you encourage them to lighten up and have some fun, they can reduce these bad habits.

Libras love to look at pretty things. It would be nice if they would spend their time taking walks in the garden, or going to fine arts museums. However, many Libras go to another extreme. They become shopaholics to gratify the urge to be around beautiful things. These are costly bad habits to have.

Scorpio people can have the bad habits of getting very angry and holding onto that anger for a long time. Doing relaxing things like getting a massage will help them ease away their anger. Finally, there are the Sagittarians. These people have the bad habits of going overboard with honesty. They just need to learn a little compassion and tact.

While these descriptions might not apply to you, a detailed analysis of your horoscope may reveal something more telling. Or, you may not believe them at all. In any case, find your bad habits by whatever means it takes and eradicate them.

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The Importance of the Moon in ASTROLOGY

Full Moon view from earth In Belgium (Hamois). Français : Pleine Lune vue de la Terre en Belgique à Hamois. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Many people believe that astrology only concerns the sun. This is due to the Western world view of astrology, which has taken on the form of Zodiac horoscopes. However, in truth the study of astrology goes well beyond sun signs.

In the Eastern world, such as in China and India, the moon is actually the primary consideration in studies of astrology. The moon signs and cycles are used to determine the best time for activities, and is a part of daily life. This may seem backward to some, but actually results in more accurate predictions in many cases than Western astrology can ascertain.

The moon plays a large role in astrology and astrological phenomena. The position and phase of the moon influences the other aspects of astrology, including sun signs and planetary movements. In fact, the moon influences other aspects of astrology as a whole.

Envision that astrology is made up of the study of all of the planets and the sun. The astrological birth chart and the study of how planetary alignments affect sun signs are based on these aspects of astrology. The moon actually influences this overall picture, and can cause certain aspects of astrological phenomena to influence our lives differently than was otherwise predicted.

The moon, for the most part, influences our emotions. In certain phases of the moon, the predictions made through the study of astrological phenomena that would otherwise occur fail to happen, because our emotions do not produce the reactions to the astrological phenomena that would normally be expected. In other phases of the moon, astrological phenomena of planetary alignments and their effect on the Zodiac sun signs are not altered from their original reading.

The influence of the moon on the Zodiac is a study in and of itself. When you are aware of your sun sign, you can use information about the cycles of the moon and the moon signs to determine the best time to make decisions or avoid certain activities. The moon signs are named the same as the Zodiac, but do not coincide with them.

The signs of the moon cycle each month rather than each year. Each sign has three phases: ascending, true, and descending. Each sign influences our emotions differently, depending on our sun sign and natural tendencies. The phases of the moon also affect our emotions and other aspects of astrology.

When we learn these influences that the moon holds over us and astrological phenomena, we can use this information to our advantage. For example, during the new moon most people are not capable of rational thought. Knowing this can help you to avoid major decision making during the time of the full moon.

There are many books and websites that provide detailed explanations of the moon and its effects on the study of astrology. There are also many books that explain the signs of the moon and their effects on sun signs and our emotions. You can generally find these books by searching your local book store, new age shop, or Amazon.com.

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Astral Twins,- the Proof of ASTROLOGY

If you have ever had the slightest doubt as to whether or not Astrology works, consider the phenomenon of Astral-Twins. We know about identical twins (two individuals born of the same mother from the same egg) because they have identical physical features, their mannerisms are the same and so too are their attitudes. In fact, to exaggerate their sameness, many identical twins dress alike and try to fool  people as to their identity.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We also know about fraternal twins (two individuals born of the same mother, from two different eggs). Each of these twins have their own distinct physical characteristics, tend to be more independent than identical twins, and if not for the fact that they were born from the same parent, would sometimes be hardly recognizable as twins at all.

Astral-Twins is a phenomenon that belongs only to astrology. Here, we find that it is possible to call two individuals twins if they are born at the same time at the same degrees of latitude and longitude, regardless of the fact that they may have two different mothers and come from different eggs. Thus, identical twins and fraternal twins can both in a sense also be Astral-Twins, (if they are born close enough in time to each other), but most Astral-Twins are in fact neither identical or fraternal twins.

They are for the most part born of different parents who do not even know each other. The coincidence happens because within the same degree of latitude and longitude it is possible for two different mothers to give birth in two different hospitals or different rooms in the same hospital.

The exciting thing about Astral-Twins is that many go through life without realizing they have a twin brother or sister until some unlikely coincidence brings them together. Then the realization   is brought to light as they share the incredible coincidences that have occurred in their lives. Studies show that similar events occur at similar ages all through the lives of Astral-Twins.

In one instances the lives of Astral Twins (born of different parents) went to the same school, graduated school the same year. Then both of them got married in the same year and on the same day. They in fact, married each other!

What is even more interesting is that if Astral Twins are born almost the same minute in time, then they would also have the same Ascendant or Rising Sign, which influences physical appearance. As a result, there is a good likelihood that many Astral Twins resemble each other in physical characteristics.

The age old question then of whether heredity or environment plays a greater role in how one's life unfolds, may have a new twist. There is no question that identical twins having almost the same DNA would be very similar. But, what about two individuals, whose lives parallel each other in almost every way, including the same illnesses at the same ages, the same experiences at the same ages, similarities in appearance, as well as their making identical choices in life at almost identical points in time, even though their DNA is entirely different?

There is something worthwhile noting here and it may well be that the birth stamp of the heavens, as it creates the imprint for life to begin and to become, may well be the final proof that Astrology whether we believe it or not, is playing a much larger role in life than we have given it credit for!

Copyright ©2006 Martin Schulman All rights reserved. (You may use this article for your website, provided you keep the author information and live links intact).

About the Author: Martin Schulman is the published author of over 50 astrology best-sellers in many languages. He is especially known as the founder of Karmic Astrology,- the kind of astrology that sees this life as a continuation of the soul learning its evolutionary lessons that it began in past lives. Much more about this author and his recent works including new audio book editions, more articles, stories and the famous Martin Schulman Sign Allegory as well as many astrology features including photo gallarys of celebrities for each astrology sign and new transits and aspects for each days' planet positions can be found at Classic Legend Books- Official  Article Directory: Article Dashboard

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Origins, BABYLONIANS

The Babylonians are generally acknowledged to have originated the practice and science of astrology. Their astrological charts enabled them to predict the recurrence of seasons and certain celestial events. So, in the beginning and for more than 2,000 years, astrology and astronomy were the same science.

Babylonian astrology was introduced to the Greeks early in the 4th century BCE and, through the studies of Plato, Aristotle, and others, astrology came to be highly regarded as a science. It was soon embraced by the Romans (the Roman names for the zodiacal signs are still used today) and the Arabs and later spread throughout the entire world.

The Ishtar Gate refers to Ishtar previously known as Innana (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

While earliest astrology was used to bring a sense of order out of apparent chaos, it was soon employed to predict weather patterns, primarily for agricultural purposes. It was eventually widened to include forecasts of natural disasters, war and other events in the affecting the human condition. Once success in these fields was established, it was a natural evolution for astrology to be used as a means for advising for kings and emperors and, in time, the population at large.

The zodiac (which is derived from the Greek word meaning circle of animals) is believed to have developed in ancient Egypt and later adopted by the Babylonians. Early astrologers knew it took twelve lunar cycles (i.e., months) for the sun to return to its original position. They then identified twelve constellations that they observed were linked to the progression of the seasons and assigned them names of certain animals and persons (in Babylonia, for example, the rainy season was found to occur when the sun was in a particular constellation which was then named Aquarius, or water bearer).

Around the year 2000 BCE, Babylonian astrologers believed that the sun, moon, and the five planets known at that time (Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Saturn, and Venus) possessed distinct powers. Mars, for example, appeared to be red and was associated with aggression and war.

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Is ASTROLOGY A Overlap of Scientific Disciplines And Superstition?

Kitab al-Bulhan =
composite astrology/astronomy/geomancy
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Astronomy not to mention astrology seem to be 2 of the most wrongly grasped disciplines in the world today. Mistakenly, in the sense that both sciences tend to be commonly recognized by many as the same, when in actuality the two are generally different arenas of study. Astrology originates from the Greek, star and the word theory. In mixture, it would come about to the study of the stars. Astronomy quite simply includes the same area of learning, but has a different angle to it, in particular as to exactly how men and women view Astronomy as a body of education.

Astrology is typically defined by a large number of proponents as a symbolic language, and even a science. However the most often used theory behind astrology requires its becoming noticed as a method of divination, and is seen as a type of pseudoscience showing superstitious elements to its nature. In contrast to Astronomy, which can be seen by the majority as the more exact between both star-related studies, astrology is known to entail predictions of the future, and also the notion that everyone exists on the planett could possibly be mapped out in the stars.

Astrology is known to be categorised in a variety of methods, applied in a number of customs, and is also known to own a belief aspect credited to it. Information show that it has been around since the 2nd Millennium BCE, and historical past additionally notes that its prevalence then has had relevance to the shaping of history up to nowadays. Cultures have gone up in numbers, along with several other areas of disciplines, since the inception of astrology too.

For a period, both astrology and astronomy had been viewed as one body of knowledge. This however changed, when Astronomy, as we now know it to be, began to diverge from astrology. This split obviously didn't happen instantly, as it took time for it to take shape, starting from the Middle Ages until the 18th Century, where both bodies where clearly hailed as different studies of the stars.

Astronomy is viewed as the study of astronomical phenomena and items, without the astrological relationship that astrology boasts to possess.

Together with tarot cards, character themes largely according to the horoscope, predictions of getting rich or having lots of healthy children, astronomy is mostly heard out by those inquisitive of their accomplishments. Chinese astrology is one of the most seriously taken of astrology cultures, as the concepts behind wealth and fortune, as well as ideal marriage, are typically heard out by those who believe in it.

If you are shopping around for a very good site for tarot card meaning then do not forget to look at tarot online. Article Directory: Article Dashboard

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ASTROLOGY, medicine, astronomy

Sixteenth century engraving of Claudius Ptolemy (AD c100-170) being guided by the muse Astronomy - Margarita Philosophica by Gregor Reisch, published in 1508.

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There was a time when astrology was an accepted science and was a part of medical diagnoses, as much as were a patient’s physical symptoms. It’s hard to say whether we’ve e-volved or de-volved, as we no longer think about living in harmony with cosmos. We consider ourselves too advanced scientifically to think that movements in the stars and planets might have a serious impact on our daily lives and our health.

But are we right. Who is anyone to say that man, with his limited brain, can truly comprehend the workings of the universe, or how he fits within it. Western civilization is predicated on conquering, not understanding. But it wasn’t always so.

Astrology is one of the most important historical contexts in which astronomy developed. The Babylonians carefully assembled tablets of the position of Venus, as it was believed to denote omens for weather, war, famine, diseases, rulers and kingdoms.

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Claudius Ptolemy composed the Tetrabiblos, believing that astrology could be placed on a rational footing, despite being a conjectural art like medicine. In practice, belief in astrology meant that horoscopes were cast for new-born children, prospective spouses and political enemies, public buildings were opened and marriage and other ceremonies conducted on auspicious days. Numerous records of astrological practice can be found from the Roman times and physicians routinely consulted astrological charts as part of the diagnostic process.

For instance, every sign of the zodiac was considered to rule a part of the human body: the Sagittarius ruled the thighs, Pisces the feet, and so on. When the moon was in the zodiac ruling a particular part of the body, bloodletting from that part was to be avoided, since the attraction of the moon might cause excessive bleeding. Numerous medical manuscripts and almanacs include the figure of the 'zodiac man' as a reminder of the specific influence of the moon. In addition, the power of the moon's pulling power varied by its phases, and thus almanacs usually showed the phases of the moon.

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